MBB: Conference of New England

[number1chargerfan]

I'm doing my best to rally the troops hopefully the snow that will be blanketing the region for the next couple days won't deter the efforts but I will walk there if I have to

[scout]

If Gordon is to beat down another ghost of the past and come away with a win against CSC, they're going to have to shut down Chaloux. The impact he has on the Chargers is ridiculous. Brady Bajema will have to play the same type of defense against Chaloux that he did last night against Graham Whitelaw.

[number1chargerfan]

As well..I think that Bajema and Trigg will need to show up..last game against CSC they had somewhere in the range of 10-12 points combined

[scout]

As well..I think that Bajema and Trigg will need to show up..last game against CSC they had somewhere in the range of 10-12 points combined

That is quite true. As has been mentioned, CSC always finds a way to stymie the Gordon offense. However, I feel that the Scots are more versatile this campaign compared to previous years. Greg Walker and David Dempsey will make their mark on this game one way or another.

Additionally, I think it's pertinent to mention the ability for first-year Head Coach Todd Murphy to adapt. He makes quality adjustments during games. Last night, Gordon and Endicott were battling their way to a stale-mate heading into the break (despite the 10-12 point lead). Coming out of halftime, Gordon went on a 13 point run. He finds ways to break a gameplan of an opposing team down. I think he'll find a way to get his players looks at the basket on Thursday night against a team that really shut them down in New London a few weeks ago.

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

You're looking at the two best perimeter defensive teams in the conference going head to head in the playoffs.  It's going to be an interesting matchup.  Conceivably we could see a final score below 100 combined points.

[Maq Diesel]

They won't have a live feed Saturday if they can't beat the Chargers Thursday!

All this talk about a CSC upset is nice.  I realize CSC dealt the Scots their only conference loss of the year, and that back in 2006 the Chargers upset the then 15-1 Scots in the semi-finals, but to borrow a phrase from Rick Pitino, "can you leave me the keys to the restaurant I'll lock it up."  Wait wrong quote, the one I was looking for is "Andrew St. Clair aint walking through that door." (At least not as a player).  That 2006 game might as well have ended when he dunked in the lane 2 minutes in.

I have to give the edge to GC based entirely on their vastly improved rebounding over years past.  I have watched 90% of their home games via the web-cast.  There was a point in this season when I was nervous about the number of turnovers they were making (they were averaging 20+ for while, including 21 at CSC) but that seems to be cured.  Foti is obviously a good coach and will make this game close, but this GC team seems to know what it takes to win games, I like GC by 6.

[whiteplainshoops]

As someone who played against St. Clair I can attest that he was nasty.  A double double machine who could intimidate.  Im not so sure Colby Sawyer has anyone quite like that this year. 

If this game was played at The Colby Sawyer mosoleum of a gym I could understand all the upset talk.  Just dont think it can happen at home against a Gordon team who statistically stands out (Thanks Scout, sorry I havent seen any webcasts).  Assuming Gordon wins the Conference, what are everyones thoughts on their chances of winning a couple in the NCAA, they are ranked rather high in the NCAAs Northeast Regional ranks.

[backboard]

We all have our alliances when it comes to certain teams in TCCC, but I think we can all agree that we support the conference champion going forward into the tournament.  That being said, I can't imagine any CCC team winning 2 games in the NCAA tournament.  I don't know when the last time a team from our conference won a game (perhaps HoopsFan or Bill Gorman can enlighten us), but I don't see it happening this year.  1 game maybe, but not 2

[backboard]

You're looking at the two best perimeter defensive teams in the conference going head to head in the playoffs.  It's going to be an interesting matchup.  Conceivably we could see a final score below 100 combined points.

Is this based on Tuesday's performance, or the overall conference stats?  Just took a look at the conference stats and CSC gives up a pretty good pecentage



3-POINT FG PCT DEFENSE
## Team                            G          FG        FGA        Pct
---------------------------------------------
1.U. of New England...      13        58        208        .279
2.Anna Maria..........          13        70        248        .282
3.Wentworth...........         13        68        239        .285
4.Eastern Nazarene....     13        77        258        .298
5.Curry...............              13       105       340        .309
6.New England College.   13        74        239        .310
7.Regis...............              13        80        251        .319
8.Gordon..............            13        83        255        .325
9.WNEC                           13       103       310         .332
10.Nichols.............            13        93        275         .338
11.Colby-Sawyer........      13        87        254         .343
12.Roger Williams......       13        72        208         .346
13.Endicott............           13       100       281         .356
14.Salve Regina........        13       89        249  .       .357

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

You're looking at the two best perimeter defensive teams in the conference going head to head in the playoffs.  It's going to be an interesting matchup.  Conceivably we could see a final score below 100 combined points.

Is this based on Tuesday's performance, or the overall conference stats?  Just took a look at the conference stats and CSC gives up a pretty good pecentage.

It's more based on reputation and a little hyperbole.  Foti has a reputation for lock down perimeter defense, forcing the ball inside where he usually has an advantage.  This CSC team is clearly not at the level of others in previous year, but they've shown flashes when they're on - I expect them to be on tomorrow.

For Gordon it's been more of a match-up issue.  I haven't seen too many of their games, but from last night it certainly appeared that they'd rather dent the entry pass and force the ball handler to create a shot on his own.  Either way, they were really focused on the perimeter (and effectively as EC's 21 first half points attests).

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

We all have our alliances when it comes to certain teams in TCCC, but I think we can all agree that we support the conference champion going forward into the tournament.  That being said, I can't imagine any CCC team winning 2 games in the NCAA tournament.  I don't know when the last time a team from our conference won a game (perhaps HoopsFan or Bill Gorman can enlighten us), but I don't see it happening this year.  1 game maybe, but not 2

Anna Maria won two games in 1996, defeating Babson in the first round 111-90 and defeating Salem State in the second round 74-67.  They lost to Richard Stockton in the sweet sixteen 95-88.  If you ever go to a game at AMC, nearly every record they have was set by someone on that team.

Back then the CCC didn't have an automatic bid and bids in general were pretty hard to come by for teams from small conferences.  Most of the time the CCC champ was happy to end up in the ECAC tournament.  AMC had to really impress to get into the NCAA tournament that year and they did the conference proud.

The CCC ladies have done better in the national tournament in recent years.

[scout]

You're looking at the two best perimeter defensive teams in the conference going head to head in the playoffs.  It's going to be an interesting matchup.  Conceivably we could see a final score below 100 combined points.

Is this based on Tuesday's performance, or the overall conference stats?  Just took a look at the conference stats and CSC gives up a pretty good pecentage.

It's more based on reputation and a little hyperbole.  Foti has a reputation for lock down perimeter defense, forcing the ball inside where he usually has an advantage.  This CSC team is clearly not at the level of others in previous year, but they've shown flashes when they're on - I expect them to be on tomorrow.

For Gordon it's been more of a match-up issue.  I haven't seen too many of their games, but from last night it certainly appeared that they'd rather dent the entry pass and force the ball handler to create a shot on his own.  Either way, they were really focused on the perimeter (and effectively as EC's 21 first half points attests).

So, if both teams have a solid inside presence and the ability to shut down, or effectively slow, the perimeter game... what happens when the unstoppable force meets the immovable object?

i.e. What's your take on who wins tomorrow night?

[backboard]

You're looking at the two best perimeter defensive teams in the conference going head to head in the playoffs.  It's going to be an interesting matchup.  Conceivably we could see a final score below 100 combined points.

Is this based on Tuesday's performance, or the overall conference stats?  Just took a look at the conference stats and CSC gives up a pretty good pecentage.

It's more based on reputation and a little hyperbole.  Foti has a reputation for lock down perimeter defense, forcing the ball inside where he usually has an advantage.  This CSC team is clearly not at the level of others in previous year, but they've shown flashes when they're on - I expect them to be on tomorrow.

For Gordon it's been more of a match-up issue.  I haven't seen too many of their games, but from last night it certainly appeared that they'd rather dent the entry pass and force the ball handler to create a shot on his own.  Either way, they were really focused on the perimeter (and effectively as EC's 21 first half points attests).

So, if both teams have a solid inside presence and the ability to shut down, or effectively slow, the perimeter game... what happens when the unstoppable force meets the immovable object?

i.e. What's your take on who wins tomorrow night?

Aaron Trigg happens.  Gordon by 4

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

Gordon is the better team.  They're playing at home.  I pick GC.  Even if the game is close, which it may be, it's tough pick against GC if you're looking at it rationally.  That being said, an upset wouldn't really surprise me.  The only thing that would be a surprise is a 15+ point CSC victory.

[number1chargerfan]

I take CSC..and not just because that is where my allegiances lie..I saw Aaron Trigg play a little part and Brady Bajema play no part (in the first 38 minutes) in the last game between the two..and those players defending them haven't changed..and those two players haven't gained any superpowers..doubt my Chargers but the Gordon curse is present no matter what..if they can overcome it and go to the Championship for the first time ever..good for them..if not..the Chargers will have played their hearts out to make a second straight Championship game.