MBB: St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[y_jack_lok]

This reminds me of the discussion I had on this site a few years ago with the Blackburn faithful when they were about to host the SLIAC tourney and I commented that their gym was dark and that gave them an advantage because they practiced in it every day and other teams only played there once or twice a season. They gave me tons of grief about that, but two things happened: (1) they improved the lighting for the tournament (I assume because the conference looked into it and agreed with me), and (2) then Westminster came along and blew them out by 25 points in the semi-final of the tournament which just happened to be the first game Blackburn played in the improved lighting. I have no idea what the outcome of the Blackburn Westminster game might have been had the lighting not been improved, but I certainly think the outcome was interesting under the circumstances.

So, yes, familiarity with the environment I believe is a part of home court advantage. On the other hand, it can't be the main factor in the outcome of a game otherwise visiting teams would lose even more often than is normal.

[fcnews]

Great observation YJak. +1K

I remember sitting with a couple of the SLIAC faithful last year at the Sectional @ Wash U. I beleive I made the comment then that the other teams were having trouble shooting. And, it wasn't just the Wash U. game.

It's not the sole reason, but it is a factor.

[fcnews]

I guess you will be at this weekends WU games? Keep us posted. I hope the Gorlok's get off to a good start. It would be great for the SLIAC.

I'm looking to drive up to BC tomorrow nite to watch them play RHIT. Anyone want to ride along?

[fcnews]

From what I've read about Western Ill. I look for EC to make a very respectable showing tonite. Good Luck EC.

[BLA]

Well I guess I was just different then and I'm not saying I was a good shooter but I played a lot at Wash U and once the game or practice started gettig in full swing you don't notice those types of things. The only time you notice that the backboards are a nice distance from the walls is when you have to chase down a loose ball rolling out of bounds.

If you ask a shooter if the atmosphere of a gym had anything to do with a sub par shooting night and they answer "yes" then you are talking to a guy that just had a rough night shooting and looking for excuses.  Ask the same kid another night when the ball was going in, you probably won't hear many complaints about the size of the gym.  

Wash U makes you run your sets and execute your offense to get open shots.  What happens is that since open shots are hard to come by because they are so tough defensivley is that you are taking shots deep in the shot clock and you rush shots.  Also when an open shot does present itself against the Bears some guys will again rush their shot because they are too excited that they are open. Add these couple factors along with that they are always tough down low on the post defensively and the fact that they rarely give up easy transition buckets has more to do with the rough shooting nights rather than the gym.  

I understand that the home team is used to shooting in their own gyms. I do understand the home court advantage. But that stuff is very minor.

[fcnews]

I'll give you the benifit of the doubt BLA. You probably were a great shooter. But, if you think shooting background doesnot effect a shooter, then we'll agree to disagree. I just know I've heard from many visiting players, that they shoot well at FU because of the same. Just ask Bunchtime.

[BLA]

Well I know that when Webster gives up a big night to an opponent from 3 it's because their close outs were slow to shooters and other times because they are just asleep defensively.

People like playing at Fontbonne because around here it's the best atmosphere and nicest gym in the SLIAC.  And let's be honest, the Griffins have never been known for their defensive intensity. Guys get open looks against Fontbonne. But that's their game.  FU tries to outscore you which is fine. I like the games that Webster and Fontbonne play. Very entertaining.

And by no means am I nor ever was a good shooter. Especially at Wash U.  they used to use these different basketballs that had hardly any grip and it made shooting impossible. haha.

[fcnews]

Just as a note: FU ranked nationally last year in points allowed and Defensive fg%.
But, yes it was a different kind of year. You have the Griffin's philosophy nailed.

[BLA]

FC, I didn't know that FU had those numbers defensively.  That's a nice accomplishment. I should have done my homework.  Sorry.

But on the other hand, strength of schedule has definitely been discussed on this board before and I don't want to bring that up again. 

But I guess I just did. Oops.

Go Moody Bible!!!!

[fcnews]

Although it doesn't quite meet the Hope v. Calvin games. I think that the Fontbonne / Webster rivalry is as good as you'll find in small college basketball. The 2 or 3 games I enjoy moist each year.

[fcnews]

I think this years schedule speaks for itself. Yep, you have a couple cupcakes, but the Elmhursts and Wash U's make up for it. Just a different philosophy of scheduling I guess.

[BunchTime]

As for as the shooting topic is concerned, I agree with several opinions that have been presented.  I believe that a gym can effect a shooter -- depth perception, lighting, etc.  However, the great shooters typically have no problem overcoming these nuances.  That said, an average shooter like myself liked having something else to blame on a 1-7 shooting night such as the wall behind the basketball being 50 feet deep.

One thing that we can all agree on in this room is FU has the nicest facility of any SLIAC team. 

Finally, FC, as for as the rivalry is concerned, I agree that there is nothing better in local college hoops as the Fontbonne-Webster rivalry.  Two schools who are typically among the top teams in the conference seperated by roughly 5 miles of Big Bend Avenue.  I cannot wait for their first matchup against one another.

Just MHO on the lastest SLIAC posts!

[Titan Q]

I was in a work meeting today in the St. Louis area.  At some point I looked out the window and saw what looked to be a college campus...a closer looked revealed "Maryville University" on a baseball dugout.  After the meeting I felt compelled to take a little drive through campus!

My D3/SLIAC story for the day.

[sully309]

Red Devils on fire from the outside thus far. 8-10 from long range and they lead late in the first half at Western Ill. 38-35.

[sully309]

Both teams shot very well from the outside in the 1st half. EC 9-12 an WIU 6-11. Western was actually 62 % overall...a far cry from the 39% Eureka allowed last season, but EC is still in this one only down 43-38.