MBB: NEWMAC

WPI89 · February 13, 2014, 09:09:32 AM

VERY big win yesterday for WPI. Thanks MASSD3 for giving me the confidence on the bounce back.

Not really bothered by the regional rankings. Next 3 weeks will take care of early anomalies.

mass_d3fan · February 14, 2014, 05:29:48 PM

The best thing for the team now is to focus on winning out and build toward the post-season. Win the Automatic bid and things will take care of themselves - most likely in the form of another hosting on the opening weekend.

The regional rankings may or may not be an issue if they lose in the semis of the NEWMAC tournment though. IF things hold true to form the remiander of the season, it is likely they will have to go through Springfield & Babson to get that Pool A slot. They really need to tighten things up and blow out the opposition in the these last 3 regular season games and be hitting on all cylinders going into that tournament. The last few games it has looked like they are just doing enough to get by - and that has bitten them twice already.

mass_d3fan · February 17, 2014, 10:38:41 AM

Congratulations to WPI for winning 20 or more games for the 11th consecutive season with their 56-45 win over Coast Guard. The team is still struggling though. Hopefully with senior day and the regular season wrap up with Clark this week, they can get thing back on track. I did not see the game online, but curious if anyone did. I was very curious to see Kolb's stat line. Only 3 minutes in the 2nd half of a contested game. Hopefully is was nothing more that something like the flu that limited his playing time.

Upon further review, my original assessment has been overturned.

The Engineers will NOT have to face Springfield & Babson in the NEWMAC tournament. If the current standings hold, WPI will play the winner of the MIT-Emerson 1st round game and Springfield & Babson will face each other in the semis.

WPI89 · February 19, 2014, 09:15:06 AM

The way I have it figured is WPI's magic number is 1. 1 combo win or Babson loss in the 2 games this week and WPI wins and hosts, I think?

Split H-2-H.
No common opponent non-conference losses.
Both teams 2-0 vs MIT (if Babson wins Saturday).
Then you follow it down and the loss by Babson to Springfield, which should be the difference.

I have tried to look at everything - including the fact that Emerson could still tie Springfield - but Springfield beat them twice and holds that tiebreaker. If Emerson got ahead of Springfield the tie-breaker would switch.

Be a lot easier if WPI just wins out but I think they clinch tonight with a win at home vs. Wheaton.

WPI89 · February 19, 2014, 09:17:33 AM

PS - if you have the type of job that could can put video streaming up in the background - I highly recommend putting on the Russia-Finland hockey game. Finland up 3-1, early 3rd - Russia is throwing everything the Kremlin can provide at Tuukka Rask (who is standing on his head)!

WPI89 · February 20, 2014, 09:53:45 AM

I think WPI wrapped up hosting rights last night - but I still can not confirm. All articles talk about a "share of the title" and "in a position to host".

Anyone see anything definitive?

mass_d3fan · February 20, 2014, 12:10:13 PM

WPI89

I would not worry. In 2002-03 Clark beat WPI twice, since then they have only won 4 other times. The last time was the 2009-10 NEWMAC Championship game. I expect WPI to win walking away.

Any predictions on All-conference and the other awards?

1st Team
J. Flannery (Babson)
S. Longwell (WPI)
J. Wickey (Babson)
R. Burke (Springfield)
M. Thorpe (Emerson)

2nd team
R. Kolb (WPI)
M. RedField (MIT)
N. Deprato (Clark)
A. Gregory (Wheaton)
A. Musler (Clark)

POY – J. Flanney (Babson)
COY – S. Brennan (Babson)
ROY - J. Flanney (Babson)

NEHoopsFan99 · February 20, 2014, 12:23:07 PM

You're missing Kenny Ross whose leading all 3 divisions in assist to turnover ratio, he's the captain and arguably the reason why they're doing so well (he and Flannery). By far the best PG in the conference

WPI89 · February 22, 2014, 05:12:26 PM

WPI to host - I will be in Worcester next Saturday!

Only saw last minute of Clark game - another really low scoring game.

Anyone out there watch?

WPI89 · February 24, 2014, 01:11:59 PM

Here is where SOS can be dangerous when it has such weight for the regional rankings.

WPI had 11 non-NEWMAC games to start the season. The teams combined this year to go 112-158. However - the record of those same 11 teams for 2012-13 was 174-127. This includes anomalies like Curry going from 21-8 to 5-20. Fitchburg St going from 16-11 to 2-22. Newbury going from 14-12 to 3-22. Keene going from 16-11 to 8-16. RPI going from 17-10 to 8-17.

So yes WPI's schedule turned out to be weak but other than scheduling one (or more) of the NESCAC big 3 - I am not sure it was their fault.

I would love to see WPI vs Amherst, Williams, Midd on a rotating basis every 3 years - no idea why it has been so long since they got together. I would think at this point there should be no worries by either side as to a "nothing to gain, everything to lose" concern. While Amherst has been above the fray for a bit now - I would think either Williams or Midd would love to have a December win against WPI on their resume and certainly WPI would in reverse.

Seems like all will take care of itself - but it would be tough to punish schools strictly on strength of schedule when it can be so out of their control.

WPI89 · February 25, 2014, 11:51:02 AM

If a tree falls on the NEWMAC Board, would anybody hear it?

middhoops · February 25, 2014, 12:02:38 PM

Quote from: WPI89 on February 25, 2014, 11:51:02 AM
If a tree falls on the NEWMAC Board, would anybody hear it?

Yes. More of us are following you than you might guess.

amh63 · February 25, 2014, 12:15:32 PM

So true...midhoops!

WPI89....So you will be at WPI for the game. Need to check the time. I'm up for the weekend games in LeFrak.
If the timing is ok....I may drop over. Hope the ticket is not too steep and parking is available

In any case...good luck to your "engineers"?

pjunito · February 25, 2014, 04:30:22 PM

I read everyday WPI... I just don't post because I don't have enough knowledge... Sorry..

But, I am all over your post. You do a great job setting up the season (not just for WPI) but the entire conference.

7express · February 25, 2014, 04:40:48 PM

Quote from: amh63 on February 25, 2014, 12:15:32 PM
So true...midhoops!

WPI89....So you will be at WPI for the game. Need to check the time. I'm up for the weekend games in LeFrak.
If the timing is ok....I may drop over. Hope the ticket is not too steep and parking is available In any case...good luck to your "engineers"?

Amh, not entirely sure, but I'm pretty sure the games are 1 & 3 on Saturday, while the NESCAC games are 2/4, so you might be out of luck. Sorry