MBB: NEWMAC

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

Ross also went over 2500 career points tonight.  He's just 110 away from Joey Flannery.  Very possible.

[BaboNation]

 Babson  92   Emerson  77

Babson went on a 15-0 run from the 10 minute mark of the 2nd half to increase a 58-55 lead to 73-55 with 7 minutes to play. 
Just a tremendous game for all of the core 8 rotation.  Best of all, Coolahan (who poured in 26 for game high honors) is the only one graduating from this group.

Early in this game Babson seemed to be rushing shots in the paint.  Perhaps Houston's 6'10" presence was in their heads.  He's certainly someone you must be aware of.

The only thing to spoil this one was Jaworski turning his ankle landing on Houston's foot in rebounding action with 3 minutes to play.  Needless to say, Jaworski is invaluable to this team.  He had back-to-back 20-foot bounce pass assists through traffic to driving teammates.  Highlight stuff.

Now it's on to Springfield for the regular season finale.  With The Pride already locked into the #1 seed I think it would be advisable for coach Brock to rest Ross & Post. 

[WPI89]

Babo - I only saw last 10 minutes (and without volume) - Wisniewski did not play - which was too bad given it was senior night.  I do not have any info - hope it is something short term (sickness?).  Will let you know if I find out anything.

NEWMAC close to set - what color uniforms Babson/WPI wear in first round up for grabs and perhaps MIT can still play their way into 5th if they beat WPI and Emerson beats Coast Guard.  Would be second or third tiebreaker as they split their games.

[BaboNation]

Springfield  84   Babson  78  (OT)

Just a great NEWMAC basketball game that played like a NEWMAC Final, rather than the regular season finale.  Babson nearly spoiled the 2nd Senior Night of the week, but in the end The Pride prevailed.

This was a close game throughout.  So many clutch plays.  Coolahan was on fire in the 1st half (19; 31 for the game)  for Babson and would have been POG, but, as with the game at Babson, they were one stop away from closing this one out.

Play of the game, end of regulation, Babson up 3 with under 10 seconds on the clock.  Ross is double-teamed at the 3-point line and is forced to give it up to Witter, who misses a trey.  The ball is loose and gets knocked out to Ross, who drains an open 3-pointer with 4.1 seconds left.

Ross (35) had 16 in the second half, and 8 in OT.  That's what great players do.

Even after all that both Ainge and Jaworski had 2-shot FTs in the last 20 seconds that would have tied the game, but uncharacteristically missed all 4.

Round 3 next week?

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

The Week 3 men's regional rankings are out: https://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2020/02/men-regional-rankings-third

[BaboNation]

Coast Guard wins at Emerson in the 4/5 play-in game, 80-78, overcoming a 10-point halftime deficit that was culminated in a 14-0 Emerson run with a buzzer-beating 60-footer.

This will be Coast Guard's first appearance in the NEWMAC semis in 9 years.  While they will have a mountain to climb in getting past Springfield, the Bears are on a 5 game winning streak, are healthy, and are getting into a good rhythm led by their senior trio of Baldez, Kane, and Witkowski.  Sophomore Drummond continues to impress with his shooting. 

Their problems center around team defense and rebounding.  While they are 0-6 against the 3 remaining teams, they'll play for 40 minutes and won't be intimidated by the situation.  Now if they can hold Ross under 30 ...

[WPI89]

Babo - any preview of WPI/Babson III?  I have no info on Wiesnewski - last game WPI beat Babson he was a huge factor - he has missed both recent losses - not sure if he is back tonight?

[BaboNation]

Babo - any preview of WPI/Babson III?  I have no info on Wiesnewski - last game WPI beat Babson he was a huge factor - he has missed both recent losses - not sure if he is back tonight?

Well, one thing I'm pretty sure of ... Coach Bartley will control tempo and he'll play the players who are prepared to lock down on defense for however long they're on the court.  WPI is so deep they can continually rotate fresh bodies and wear you down.

Wisniewski in/out is a big deal to me.  I consider him WPI's best all-around player, certainly their best defender, strong rebounder, and will clean up offensive rebounds when Stephenson draws doubles on the low block.  Stephenson has a size/strength advantage over Babson's big men, so he'll see 2 defenders on every touch in the paint.  He's got very good post moves if he's established position.

The other two players that concern me from a Babson perspective are Downing and Lowther.  Downing is an excellent perimeter defender, which is key with Babson's deadly 3-point shooters.  And Lowther, who I've been high on as a FY NEWMAC player is averaging 10.5/6.2 in conference play, making him the team's 2nd leading rebounder and 4th highest scorer.

Babson is going to need big games (50 points or more) from their top 3 (Jaworski, Coolahan, and Ainge).  Jaworski is coming off an uncharacteristic horrid game shooting against Springfield.  I expect him to bounce back.  Coolahan is going to need to have the 3-point stroke going.  Bradanese/Smith are going to need to try to deny/front Stephenson.  FY Players Kirkpatrick and Gao will both see 15+ minutes on the court so they'll need to be productive and contribute - they are both capable.

Ultimately I think for Babson to win their A/TO needs to be around 2.0.  Gotta keep turnovers under 10.

I think if Wisniewski is healthy and plays WPI has the edge.  If he's not ready flip a coin.  The projections I've seen say WPI may be in the tournament win or lose.  Babson may be in precarious shape if they lose.

I'm glad to see the Springfield-Coast Guard game is @ 5pm, so I'll watch some of that too.

[WPI89]

Awesome. Game 1 was incredible. I could only get live stats but Springfield goes down!!  Jake 44 and still had to commit the last 3 team fouls!  Not a true bubble buRSTER unless CG wins again Sunday. NEWMAC.  AMAZING.

[BaboNation]

Coast Guard takes down Springfield!

No fluke!  Playing without their best big man, Justin Kane, the quick guards, Baldez and Drummond kept getting to the rim for their own buckets, or kicking out to Witkowski (29).  Really, despite Ross (44), the story of the game was the speed and quick hands on defense of Drummond and Baldez.

Can't take The Guard lightly!  Could be deja vu, ala Emerson 2019!

[BaboNation]

Babson should consider themselves fortunate to be down only 6 at the half with their 12 TOs.

[WPI89]

WPI most assuredly played thier way in tonight. Looked the better team most of the way. Gave the Beavers a few chances to shoot their way back in but depth and size proved too much. I would think Babson becomes WPI fans now as I would be hard pressed to imagine 4 from the NEWMAC if CG pulls the upset Sunday.

[BaboNation]

WPI most assuredly played thier way in tonight. Looked the better team most of the way. Gave the Beavers a few chances to shoot their way back in but depth and size proved too much. I would think Babson becomes WPI fans now as I would be hard pressed to imagine 4 from the NEWMAC if CG pulls the upset Sunday.

Wish it was a better game, but the best team definitely won.  You said it ... depth and size.  Congrats!

It will be a clash of styles in the championship.  CG likes the wide open game, but I don't think your coach will allow much of that.

[D3 Junkie]

I'm sorry..don't want to be that guy. But if we have frank oftring we win that game no problem (see game 1). Bradanese got torn up inside. Too young to make a big enough impact. Frank, not only with his interior defense, but also offense presence wins that game. Good luck WPI - I hate to say it but I'm an engineer fan on Sunday. I think babo will get the bid with an engineer win. But I hate saying engineer win 🤢

[WPI89]

Wow congrats Coast Guard. WPI and the video feed had a rough second half. CGA storms back from 25 down. I could not get video to work in 2nd half. I guess I am glad!  Nothing really to say. Now we wait. 2, 3, or 4 from the NEWMAC. GOOD LUCK TO ALL.