MBB: NEWMAC

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

No, I mean it doesn't matter who UMass-Boston is playing, they could win or lose any game they get into, at least traditionally.  WPI can play their best possible game and UMass-B can win or WPI can play their worst game ever and UMass-B can lose.  They've been doing stuff like that for years.

[akirk]

the difference is that WPI wins the close games and UMASS-Boston has not.

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

I can't help but remember the Plymouth and Salem games last year.

[newmacnewcommer]

WPI should  win this game after all they are the #15 team in the country. That being said  many of there wins have been close. The games could have gone either way and yes they have been very lucky. If they let this game turn into a track meet they loose BIG. If they get beat tonight, it's going to be very tough with MIT and Wheaton up next  on the road not to mention Coast Guard at home. They could loose 4 of the next 5.

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

They could loose 4 of the next 5.

That's been true most of the year and they've come through ok.  I'm not saying this team isn't deserving of these wins, I'm just saying they aren't one of the 15 or even 25 best teams in the country.  They have good coaching and clutch players (as evidenced by the close wins), they will have to work hard the next few weeks, but they have been doing so all along.  I just wish they hadn't gotten so overrated by the voters early on.  To many this season may end up being a disappointment for WPI, when in reality they've had a great year.

[sixer]

WPI can play their best possible game and UMass-B can win or WPI can play their worst game ever and UMass-B can lose.

I disagree, I think when WPI brings their A game there's very few teams (especially in New England) that can beat them.  I just don't think they've had very many games yet this season where's it's all come together.  So far they've been able to squeak by because when someone's having an off night they have enough depth that another guy will step up and light it up.  For example, look at Ryan Flynn averaging 11.7 ppg off the bench. 

Now if only they could get everyone playing well at once....

[akirk]

sixer

You could probably say the same thing about every other team in the country.  Since when have we ever seen a team play to their full potential and make no mistakes.  It just doesn't happen in basketball.

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

I was commenting more on UMass-Boston's squad, but you can feel free to take anything I say mentioning WPI as an attack.  I'm used to it on the other boards.

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

MIT's got Springfield tonight and after the good showing on Saturday, who knows which Springfield team will show up.  It should be a good one.

[sixer]

hoops fan, What do you have against WPI?

[WPIgrad]

You guys honestly seriously underestimate WPI. Losing 4 of the next 5 - preposterous. The team has won the close games all year not because they've been lucky, but because they know how to win! Have you guys watched any of the WPI games? Have you seen the expression of control and confidence on the players' faces when they're in a close one? They know they can win and probably will! It doesn't just happen by luck, they've worked REALLY hard! This is a team that just revels in close situations.

I seriously doubt they'll lose tonight to UMass Boston, or for that matter even 1 game out of the next 5, let alone 4! I say WPI ends the year 22-1. The road game at MIT should be a good one sure, but I've watched MIT play and I think WPI has the edge. MIT simply has no player that can post up. That leads to a limited inside presence. The guard play of D'Auria and Kanamori can be nuetralized/answered by WPI's own quartet of guards Cain/Dickson/Flynn/Steele. Coleman, Borque, Ivey (and recently even Marois) will give WPI the edge.

Dont you worry, WPI's going to live up to its potential! They're deep, they're talented, they're hardworking, they know how to win close ones, and they're hungry!

GOOOOOOOOOOO TECH!

[WPIgrad]

I agree with sixer! Thanks for pointing out Flynn's performance this year. Flynnie scoring 11.7 off the bench isn't any kind of fluke. I think Bartley just plays him off the bench because he likes the dynamic that gives him. He averages a serious amount of minutes in most important games.

I think WPI wins at UMass Boston tonight, because from what I remember UMB plays an almost street-like style of basketball. They probably wont come in hard on defense (they allow opposition to score 84 points a game) and WPI sure will (allows 68 points per game).

Also, MIT just lost to Springfield. Sure is a testimony to MIT's supposed 'strong fundamentals'. I wish they tallied points in the paint for MIT, so people could see what I'm talking about. I'm so looking forward to this Saturday's game. I really hope WPI comes through strong and answers all doubters.

[sixer]

Called it.   Overtime, phew! I knew it'd be a good game (WPIgrad, I remeber the street-ball style too).  Looks like WPI was a bit outmatched under the boards - 22pts vs 44pts for UMB, but like I said before, they have enough depth (especially in their guards) to overcome something like that.

MIT is no intimidating venue, not to mention they're coming off a loss, so I think the guys should be OK @ MIT.

Anyone get to see the UMass Boston game?  Any highlights?  I hate not being able to get to these games!

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

OT was an interesting result.  WPI pulled out another close one.  Again, I have nothing against WPI, but I just feel like they have been overhyped.  They are the most talented team in the NEWMAC and one of the best in the region, but they just aren't on the same level as some of the national powers. 

On another note, Springfield is really playing well of late.  EC and MIT are no pushovers and they were dominated.  That last game of the season should be a great one.

[hugenerd]

How can you say MIT was dominated when they were down 3 with under 30 seconds left, with the ball, with a chance to tie the game.  It was a very close game and the score was tied a couple of times in the final 5-10 minutes although MIT never took the lead.