MBB: NEWMAC

[Hugenerd]

You may think that just allowing the shoving to go is no big deal, I assure you that when the officials refuse to control the game, the players do it on their own – and it often leads to things like that fight last year.

Mass makes a good point.  I was thinking about what restraint the MIT players had while I was at the game.  Even though they all shot up off their seats after Harkins hit Kates, not one MIT player on the bench came onto the court, even though it happened right in front of their bench.  Also, Tashman ran in to defend his teammate, but he simply put himself between Kates and the Springfield players, never raising a hand or trying to retaliate.  

[nescac1]

As someone with no rooting interest in either team, I watched the video, and the initial play from Kates looked totally fine to me, it didn't look even remotely intentional or even really a dangerous motion in normal circumstances, and if you get that close when you guard someone occasionally contact will be the natural consequence (and really, the contact didn't even seem that bad).   On the other hand, the shove from Harkins was totally bush league.  The two plays aren't remotely comparable.  Harkins should have been assessed with a T and tossed.  

Nice video quality by the way! 

[WPI89]

Nerd - you are awesome to have the video.  I like Janbike's passion - but he has clearly posted some of the most "biased" material on this board.  I am sure he is posting what he is "seeing" through the eyes of a fan - which is what makes this whole thing fun - but the video is clear and decisive.  Not sure the push should result in a suspension but it was clearly bush and deserved a T.

Only thing I will add to MassD3's post of the WPI/Clark game is that Carr's second dunk was the nastiest D3 dunk I have ever seen.  Elbow over the rim and with some "mean-ness" that I had never seen from him before!

Playoff time - boys!

[BBallers]

I agree that the Kates elbow was unintential and I am a little old school in my belief that an offensive player is allowed their space.  However, there was contact and the foul called was in accordance with the rules.  The Harkins push was bad, but is not uncommon in the heat of a battle.  I definitely believe it warranted a technical foul, but not a suspension from the next game.  The three stooges in stripes should have paid more attention.  The matchup between Harkins and Kates should be interesting this Saturday as neither player played up to their standards.  Here's hoping that the referees don't take their eyes off of Harkins.

Getting back to the game itself, it appeared that Springfield came out in a triangle-and-two defense with the man defense on Kates and Jamie.  Not a bad thought, but I was happy other MIT players stepped up and knocked down their open looks.  I was worried initially after Will got 2 quick fouls and MIT only lead because it appeared Springfield missed some easy shots.  MIT's 2-3 zone defense appeared to improve and I didn't see any Springfield player who could shoot consistently enough to break it (in both games against them).  I expect to see MIT's zone often in the next matchup.  Offensively, it was good to see MIT run its plays successfully with Kates on the bench.  I am a Kates fan and believe he is the best point guard in the conference, but often times it appears he doesn't follow through on the plays and does too much on his own.  On the other hand, I am a fan of beating opponents off the dribble and driving to the hole because it creates layups, openings for shooters and foul calls.  I hope MIT brings a similar effort on offense and defense on Saturday after their lopsided win.

[mass_d3fan]

So what's up with Coburn?

HN, was he at the game on Sat?  if so, in unifrom or in street clothes?

Jabnike, any insight on why he did not play?  Will he play this weekend?

[Hugenerd]

So what's up with Coburn?

HN, was he at the game on Sat?  if so, in unifrom or in street clothes?

Jabnike, any insight on why he did not play?  Will he play this weekend?

I didn't pay attention to whether he was there or not, maybe jab knows.

[Hugenerd]

Also, just as a final point of clarification, I do not think Harkins actions warrant a suspension taken by themselves.  If the referees had handled the situation properly and assessed a technical or flagrant foul (flagrants carry automatic ejection, which I have defined previously), this issue would be resolved.  However, with the emphasis the NEWMAC puts on sportsmanship and clean play, coupled with the fact that these two teams play eachother next week and Harkins has a bit of a reputation, I just cannot see such a blatantly unsportsmanlike and deliberate physical action aimed toward an opponent have absolutely no consequences.  That is the only reason I think that he may get some sort of punishment.

[mass_d3fan]

Hugenerd,

To change the subject a bit....

Am I wrong in assumng the voting for the conference honors takes place now?  I would think they would want to base it on the regular season, especially this year with 2 teams no longer playing.

[Hugenerd]

I believe they vote tomorrow.

[mass_d3fan]

LOL, should we start another round fireworks by taking a shot at predicting it?  or just wait for next week.

[Hugenerd]

Actually, on second thought, I am not sure if the vote is this week or next week.  I agree with you about the top 5 teams having an advantage if they wait until next week, but maybe they deserve it for being the top 5 teams?

To your second question, my opinions havent changed since we last spoke about it.  I do think Robinson likely wins POY.  I think it will definitely be him or Carr, I cant see anyone else winning it with the team records taken into account.

Who are the top rookie of the year candidates?

[mass_d3fan]

WPI89,

Yes, both of those dunks were great, both just beating the shot clock.  I agree the 2nd one was one of those you go to a game hoping to see.  That was the biggest crowd reaction to a dunk in that building that I have seen in the past few years.  I was hoping they would put those up on their youtube site, but they haven't posted anything there since the RIC game.

He needs to attack the rim with kind of aggresiveness more often.  When he does, WPI is a completely different team.

[mass_d3fan]

Rookie?  Well, off the top of my head without going back to look in depth at it yet - The first name out my mind would be Will Bayliss of Wheaton.  There may be someone else, but I would start with him.

[mass_d3fan]

After doing a little checking here at lunch, I would indeed change my ROY selection to Kevin Sowers of Goast Guard.  I forgot he was freshman.

Congratulations to Coast Guards Jevon James for his 2nd Player of the Week Award.

Also, nice to see WPI only falls 2 spots to #12 in this week's D3Hoops poll.

[WPI89]

Predictions everyone?

Babson/Coast Guard?

MIT/Springfield?

WPI/Babson-CG?