MBB: NEWMAC

GoTech73 · February 23, 2013, 04:52:13 PM

After leading for about 80% of the game, MIT simply could not get the ball in the hoop late in the second half, and Springfield made their clutch shots to win 68-60.

Hugenerd · February 23, 2013, 04:56:13 PM

Terrible finish for MIT, as they led by double digits on several occasions yet still could not convert down the stretch. They seemed to get away from the interior game that earned them their lead, which ended up not working out as well.

WPI vs. Springfield tomorrow for the NEWMAC AQ.

MIT has to sweat it out now to see if they will get an at-large bid. If WPI wins, it will be interesting to see how the committee ranks MIT and Springfield. MIT currently has 2 less losses (if Springfield loses tomorrow, it will be 3), will the 2-1 head to head advantage get Springfield ahead of MIT in the region? If it does, both teams could be sitting at home next week. If Springfield wins tomorrow, we could see 3 NEWMAC teams in the tourney.

WPI89 · February 23, 2013, 06:34:16 PM

Wow - just home - read the recapps etc.........was thinking MIT would take care of business. 4 very high quality teams - could have EASILY been a Babson/Springfield final.

Massd3 - you going tomorrow?

Anyone in the Worcester area? Is the snow an issue for tomorrow.

MIT supporters - how do you root tomorrow? I can't make up my mind what would be better for you? If Springfield wins, then you don't have to worry about them "blocking" you. If WPI were to win resoundingly - then you still may not have to worry about that and it takes away the "3 team concern"

Hugenerd · February 23, 2013, 08:07:41 PM

Quote from: WPI89 on February 23, 2013, 06:34:16 PM
Wow - just home - read the recapps etc.........was thinking MIT would take care of business. 4 very high quality teams - could have EASILY been a Babson/Springfield final.

Massd3 - you going tomorrow?

Anyone in the Worcester area? Is the snow an issue for tomorrow.

MIT supporters - how do you root tomorrow? I can't make up my mind what would be better for you? If Springfield wins, then you don't have to worry about them "blocking" you. If WPI were to win resoundingly - then you still may not have to worry about that and it takes away the "3 team concern"

I'd be less worried on Monday if Springfield wins tomorrow. RIC already won their AQ today, Amherst or Williams will get another tomorrow. Amherst/Williams, WPI, and Midd should all come off the board in the first 5-8 picks, leaving MIT in decent shape with about 10-12 spots remaining. If WPI wins tomorrow, MIT is still in good shape as long as their winning percentage (would be 0.800, 20-5, vs. 0.704, 19-8) outweighs Springfield's head to head advantage (2-1). I think the SOS (maybe 0.01-0.02 advantage to Springfield) and vRRO (MIT is now 4-4, Springfield would be 4-6 with a loss to WPI) are about a wash between the two teams. If the committee decides to rank Springfield ahead of MIT, then you probably see one less NE team in the tourney, so I really hope that they go with MIT ahead of Springfield. I'm just not confident that an 8 loss team will get an at-large bid.

Hugenerd · February 24, 2013, 06:12:10 PM

I've been looking more and more at the numbers, and I just can't see Springfield, and their 8 losses, jumping MIT in the regional rankings. I know they now have the 2-1 head-to-head edge, but I dont think that trumps MIT's WP. I think a 3 loss discrepency is significant. With that said, I don't think MIT will block Springfield's chances for a Pool C at all. Williams and Midd should be 2 of the top 5 Pool C selections, and I think MIT will get in in the next 2-3 spots after that. Therefore, Springfield should have about 12 spots left when they come to the table for consideration. Hopefully the NEWMAC gets 3 teams this year (and all 3 do well).

Charles · February 24, 2013, 06:21:03 PM

Quote from: Hugenerd on February 24, 2013, 06:12:10 PM
I've been looking more and more at the numbers, and I just can't see Springfield, and their 8 losses, jumping MIT in the regional rankings. I know they now have the 2-1 head-to-head edge, but I dont think that trumps MIT's WP. I think a 3 loss discrepency is significant. With that said, I don't think MIT will block Springfield's chances for a Pool C at all. Williams and Midd should be 2 of the top 5 Pool C selections, and I think MIT will get in in the next 2-3 spots after that. Therefore, Springfield should have about 12 spots left when they come to the table for consideration. Hopefully the NEWMAC gets 3 teams this year (and all 3 do well).

5 Pool C selections in New England?

Hugenerd · February 24, 2013, 07:19:06 PM

Very possible, almost everyone on the Multi-region Pool C board agrees also, including Titan Q and Knightslappy (who have been tracking this stuff a lot more closely than I).

Hugenerd · February 24, 2013, 07:47:18 PM

Conference honors are handed out on Tuesday, here are my predictions:

POY: Will Tashman, MIT
ROY: Zach Karalis, WPI
COY: Chris Bartley, WPI

First Team:
Alex Berthiaume, Springfield
Mitchell Kates, MIT
Marco Coppola, WPI
Will Tashman, MIT
Brian Vayda, Clark

2nd Team:
Ryan Kolb, WPI
Jordon Rote, Springfield
John Wickey, Babson
Matt Redfield, MIT
Greg Marshall, CGA

I'm probably biased with the 3 MIT picks, let me know if you think I missed anyone.

WPI89 · February 25, 2013, 09:53:15 AM

Have not seen nearly enough to comment on all NEWMAC teams.

Most every projection I have seen has all 3 in - however, a cautionary tale - most every projection had WPI in last year!

GoTech73 · February 25, 2013, 12:44:23 PM

Quote from: WPI89 on February 25, 2013, 09:53:15 AM
Have not seen nearly enough to comment on all NEWMAC teams.

Most every projection I have seen has all 3 in - however, a cautionary tale - most every projection had WPI in last year!

No worries this year! All 3 projected teams punched their ticket this year:

WPI will host SUNY Purchase
Springfield will host Ithaca
MIT will travel to St. Mary's (Md.)

7express · February 25, 2013, 12:47:01 PM

Springfield not only makes it, but they host Ithaca as well.

WPI89 · February 25, 2013, 12:48:58 PM

Thrilled about all 3 in!

My initial gut is that WPI does not have a favorable draw. Will be back with some comments after some research.

7express · February 25, 2013, 01:09:09 PM

Quote from: WPI89 on February 25, 2013, 12:48:58 PM
Thrilled about all 3 in!

My initial gut is that WPI does not have a favorable draw. Will be back with some comments after some research.

I can't comment either because I only saw the right side of the bracket, missed all the teams on the left. I do think they beat Purchase, not sure who the opponents are for round 2, however.

T990 · February 25, 2013, 01:11:56 PM

see:

http://www.d3hoops.com/playoffs/men/2013/bracket-released

and

http://www.d3hoops.com/playoffs/men/2013/2013-mbb-bracket

amh63 · February 25, 2013, 01:21:05 PM

WPI89.....you posted that you like the Middlebury vs. WPI possible matchup on the "CAC" board. It seems that there is a possible Amherst vs. WPI matchup ahead if both teams play well in games ahead. Your thoughts?