MBB: Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[Greek Tragedy]

Oshkosh goes down.

[Greek Tragedy]

Well, it's not even January and I'm already thinking Pool C bids!  What the heck.

With tonight's loss, Oshkosh doesn't look too good, giving them FOUR in-region losses already, including two nonconference losses to Lawrence and now Wartburg.  They have 13 conference games left and only Edgewood as their only nonconference in-region game.  Not looking good. 

Platteville also could be out of the loop.  They only have 3 in-region losses.  They also have 13 conference games to go.  Both Oshkosh and Platteville are both 1-2 in conference.  The bad news for Platteville is that they don't have any in-region nonconference games left.  They play two south region teams in Mary Hardin-Baylor and Concordia Austin, so neither will count when it comes to the NCAA selection for the tourney. 

On top of those losses, both will have at least one more loss in the conference tourney.  Even with the expansion of the NCAA tourney, I still think six losses might be too much or maybe be the maximum to get in.  With that said, Oshkosh has one loss to spare, while Platteville has two.  Platteville's winning % will also take a hit because they basically have two potential wins not included in their record.

[frankiet]

Old School,

I think UWRF is out of NCAA Pool C Bid too, huh?

[laxeagles1]

. Lastly, I will respectfully suggest that Lax Eagles #1 and I have different opinions on coach K's substitution philosophy. I feel that the two losses may be partly explained by the perceived reduction in free substitution during those games. Depth is a real asset to this team. Thanks again for your interest. I hope you all have a safe and happy holiday season. Stay warm and enjoy the games.

I think you read into that the wrong way on that.  Depth is a great asset to Lax's squad this year.  Yet, in years the 10 guys that played, well you could choose 3-4 of them out of a hat and chances are you would get 2 right for who played that evening.  Now with a sound 4-5 guys playing off the bench getting into a feel of the game should be easier.......when i played nothing ticked me off more than 1-2 minute substitution patterns, hard to get into the flow of the game............

This team has surprised me this year, though I would like to see them stronger in WIAC games...........Dare I say the Coach is moving over his most harsh critic?

[laxeagles1]

Allow me to enter the La Crosse fray if you will. I know it takes hard work and dedication to earn the respect of the "regulars" but I'd like to take a stab at analyzing the game at Mitchell last night.

You mean "regulars" as in posters?

If that's what you mean, it doesn't.  You already have it when you post.  It just takes those special posters to lose respect! 

you knocking me old school!  what do you mean!  come on man, i thought this was the holiday season!  even I am in a good mood!

[badgerwarhawk]

This team has surprised me this year, though I would like to see them stronger in WIAC games...........Dare I say the Coach is moving over his most harsh critic?

That's the Christmas spirit, eagle. 

[Pat Coleman]

Well, it's not even January and I'm already thinking Pool C bids!  What the heck.

That's alright -- I heard a broadcast recently where the home announcers were already talking about how a game would be good for NCAA Tournament seeding, before any conference games were played.

[Greek Tragedy]

you knocking me old school!  what do you mean!  come on man, i thought this was the holiday season!  even I am in a good mood!

No.  I'll leave it at that! 

[Greek Tragedy]

That's alright -- I heard a broadcast recently where the home announcers were already talking about how a game would be good for NCAA Tournament seeding, before any conference games were played.

Tournament seeding?  I'm just talking about getting in!

Old School,
I think UWRF is out of NCAA Pool C Bid too, huh?

I think River Falls might have already popped that proverbial bubble with that 0-4 start! 

This team has surprised me this year, though I would like to see them stronger in WIAC games...........Dare I say the Coach is moving over his most harsh critic?

Winning over?  Also, they are a respectable 2-2 in the conference, and for La Crosse, that's saying something.  Granted they are 0-2 at home, but Whitewater is undefeated in conference and Point is 3-1.  Platteville is a hard place to play, so getting the win down there was real nice.  Considering the schedule on paper when the season began, being 2-2 after playing Whitewater, Point and Platteville...and Eau Claire, I don't think you can complain much.  Believe me, I wasn't sure what Point was going to offer and after hearing that La Crosse was much improved and considered a sleeper pick along with Stout, I'm definitely happy to be 3-1 after games against Oshkosh, Whitewater, La Crosse...and River Falls (though we should be 4-0 after blowing that lead down in Whitewater.  I think badger had something to do with that.  )

[frodotwo]

I see Oshkosh losing 2-3 more games in conference the rest of the way based on their play thus far. I don't think they get a bid based on that. SP, PL, LX, WW, and ST are the quality teams they have to play and they are 0-2 against this bunch so far. Four conference losses would not be that large of a detriment, but those in-region NC losses will kill htem.

[Greek Tragedy]

Stevens Point heads to Dubuque this week for the Clarke College Holiday Tournament.  They start off against Buena Vista, one of only two other D3 teams in the tourney (Clarke College, of course, being the other one).  So, Not much Point can do in terms of the NCAA tourney's eyes with only one D3 game scheduled here and possibly two, if Clarke and Point match up.  Both are in region, so I guess that helps. 

They could meet Robert Morris-Chicago in the championship game (or earlier), a team that won the Platteville tip-off tourney. 

I hope to make it down on Wednesday and hopefully Friday (if the win their opener). 

For the record, Point plays Viterbo (another meaningless nonconference game) on Monday and then has one other nonconference game, an in-region D3 game at Edgewood.  I know it's probably tough to schedule in-region D3 games, but they could play four meaningless (vs. NAIA opponents) games this year. 

I only wish the women's teams represented in the Clarke tourney also included the mens.  Hanover and Augustana on the men's side would be a huge plus! 

[BDB]

The Wendy's Holiday Tournament starts in Menomonie Wednesday Dec. 28 when Augustana plays Marian and Stout plays St.Scholastica.

The championship game on Thursday may well feature the #13 rated Auggies vs #11 rated BlueDevils.  8)

[Titan Q]

Just a heads up on NAIA D1 #6 Robert Morris-Chicago...they're unbelievably talented.  Their best players are...

* Reggie George (6-10, Jr) - transfer from D1 Iowa State.

* Freeman Taylor (6-6, Jr)

* Jerome Harper (6-5, Jr) - McDonald's All-American...transfer from JUCO, D1 Cincinnati

http://www.hoopscooponline.com/visitors/mcdonalds.html

* James Parker (6-1, Sr) - transfer from D1 Butler

* Aaron Wellington (5-11, Sr) - transfer from D1 Maryland Eastern Shore

* Melvin Council (6-3, Jr)


Any D3 team that hangs with Robert Morris-Chicago, as Wash U (lost by 3), Platteville (lost by 6), and Hanover (lost by 7) did, should be commended.


http://www.robertmorris.edu/athletics/mensbasketball/chicago/

[Titan Q]

Robert Morris defeated Cardinal Stritch 102-55 this afternoon...

http://www.clarke.edu/athletics/holidaytournament/mens/meng1.htm

Stevens Point beat Cardinal Stritch 69-54 on 11/18.

[Mr. Downtown]

well thats awesome...Just when you think Oshkosh might catch a break and get back to the norm, Robert Morris comes into town on next Saturday. 

Well...I guess the Titans will just have to win the conference tourney this year to make into the dance