MBB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[Dr. Acula]

I like how many different players stepped up for Mount at different points in the game. They were all key moments as well. Big 3s, steals, rebounds, defensive stands, but my favorite was when Newsom airballed a 3, Gurley hustled and jumped out of bounds to save it for a 3 pointer (can't remember who made it) and it put Mount up by 6 points to really maintain that gap when LBC was pushing. This was the intensity that you need to win these games and put teams away. Even the 'bad' fouls were aggressive plays that a coach is usually okay with. Every game from here on out is TOUGH, and you better treat it that way or your done.

That was a great play by Gurley recognizing he could get there, chasing it down and one-hand baseball passing it to Newsom while he was airborne out of bounds.  It was either Mansfield or Parker who missed the initial 3 but Newsom was the one that hit it right in front of the visitors bench off the Gurley save.

[BillyRayJimBob]

Just dawned on me, following a comment by the UMU announcer...  I wonder, how common is it to have three 1,000 point scorers on the same team, on the floor at the same time? ... Gurley, Parker, and Poole.  (I wasn't aware of Poole reaching the mark, but checked the UMU web page stats.)

It's not unheard of. Probably 2-3 schools in any given year do and I've even seen four 1,000-point scorers.

Wow!  Would not have thought it!!
Guess that I need to get out more ... LOL!
Thanks, Pat!

[D3fanboy]

Just dawned on me, following a comment by the UMU announcer...  I wonder, how common is it to have three 1,000 point scorers on the same team, on the floor at the same time? ... Gurley, Parker, and Poole.  (I wasn't aware of Poole reaching the mark, but checked the UMU web page stats.)

It's not unheard of. Probably 2-3 schools in any given year do and I've even seen four 1,000-point scorers.

Jeff Mansfield has over 1500 points if you count his outstanding career at Wilma.  1...2...3...4

[RaidersRGr8t]

I like how many different players stepped up for Mount at different points in the game. They were all key moments as well. Big 3s, steals, rebounds, defensive stands, but my favorite was when Newsom airballed a 3, Gurley hustled and jumped out of bounds to save it for a 3 pointer (can't remember who made it) and it put Mount up by 6 points to really maintain that gap when LBC was pushing. This was the intensity that you need to win these games and put teams away. Even the 'bad' fouls were aggressive plays that a coach is usually okay with. Every game from here on out is TOUGH, and you better treat it that way or your done.

That was a great play by Gurley recognizing he could get there, chasing it down and one-hand baseball passing it to Newsom while he was airborne out of bounds.  It was either Mansfield or Parker who missed the initial 3 but Newsom was the one that hit it right in front of the visitors bench off the Gurley save.

That was a fine play, no doubt, but Gurley's better play, IMO, came with just under 13 minutes left in the game. LBC was down 12 and rebounded a missed shot. Gurley knocked down the outlet, ran down the ball in the corner and swished a 3 in front of the MtU bench. That put us ahead by 15, started an 11-2 run and LBC never got closer than 16 the rest of the way.

[BillyRayJimBob]

Just dawned on me, following a comment by the UMU announcer...  I wonder, how common is it to have three 1,000 point scorers on the same team, on the floor at the same time? ... Gurley, Parker, and Poole.  (I wasn't aware of Poole reaching the mark, but checked the UMU web page stats.)

It's not unheard of. Probably 2-3 schools in any given year do and I've even seen four 1,000-point scorers.

Jeff Mansfield has over 1500 points if you count his outstanding career at Wilma.  1...2...3...4

[Dr. Acula]

North Park has a PhD program in "launch yourself into the defender when you get cut off and have no shot".

[Dr. Acula]

Congrats to Coach Fuline and the guys on Mount's first ever trip to the elite 8!  North Park came out swinging and played a helluva first half.  Mount settled in and took a lead going into half and pulled away in the 2nd half.  Opened it up and cruised to a 102-85 win.  UW-O tomorrow.  LFG.

[Gregory Sager]

Congrats to the Raiders. That's one heckuva team you've got. As I said on Twitter, I'd wish you guys the best of luck, but you clearly don't need it.

[Dr. Acula]

Congrats to the Raiders. That's one heckuva team you've got. As I said on Twitter, I'd wish you guys the best of luck, but you clearly don't need it.

North Park's guards were the best I've seen Mount face this year.  They're so explosive off the bounce that it seemed like it took Mount a while to adjust to that quickness.  I was confident Mount would battle back, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little concerned when NP took a double digit lead thanks to a lot of dribble penetration leading to either finishes at the rim or kick outs to wide open shooters.  Thankfully (for us) Mount settled in and played well. 

[D3fanboy]

the Raiders will be tough to beat when they are shooting 78% at the line

[Dr. Acula]

Watching this early on my thought on UWO is animal house-ish.  Slow and unatheltic is no way to go thru life son. 

[Dr. Acula]

Mount marches onto to the final 4!  78-67 over UW-O.  As happy as I am for this bar setting team it makes me a little sad for the COVID team.  The Bower-Malone led team that got derailed was so good.  Can't help but think this would be the 2nd final 4 team but the results are what they are.  This group has again gone to new levels!  Let's go guys!!!

[raiderpa]

i agree the COVID team was final four material, and I believe they would have made it, but I am a homer.  Oshkosh presented a lot of problems with their ball movement and great shooting, but the Mount D took away many of the three opportunities that they had against Rowan.  Mount has great balance, depth and superb coaching.  They have the stuff to win it all, but you have to play the game and it will be exciting for the team and the fans.  Congratulation Coach Fuline and the Raiders, and good luck in Fort Wayne. Also was great to see Pat, MR. D3, at the sessions. 

[BillyRayJimBob]

Random thoughts from an old guy ... back when a jump ball meant a "jump ball" and travel was one step after picking up the dribble:
- First, top of my lungs shout-out yell for the Purple Raiders Men's Basketball Team ... First ever Final Four!!!  The football nemesis, UW-Whitewater, awaits!
- So happy to have CPJ back (the MJ flying dunk from the foul line last night was incredible).
- Jeff Mansfield is such an impressive, stabilizing force for the team.
- What is the over/under as to how many seconds after Logan Hill enters the game that he has his first foul?  And then, his third?
- Braedon Poole, when he gets his moment, looks like he is the guy to stop.  Unfortunately, those moments get interrupted.  Coming from Sebring, in the 70's, I can remember when it was offensive to say (for a tournament game), "Make Hamburger out of McDonald!' ... LOL! ... My, how times have changed!!!  Braedon has been my favorite player the last couple of years.  I believe that he can be "the Man" that, when it is needed, put Mount Union on the "win' line.
- Oh ... With respect to the UW-Oshkosh game ... Has ever a Mount Union announcer said "Borchert scores" [I took some liberties there] and it wasn't a bad thing?

[D3fanboy]

whats the FT% that Mount needs to shoot in Ft Wayne to bring home the title? +/- 75%?  or is it more of a +/- points thing?  I can see UWW trying to muck it up on Thursday, slow down the Raiders' athleticism and make it a free throw contest to get some cheap points and make Mount work at their biggest flaw.  Parker and Poole will need extreme discipline down low.