MBB: Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[Mr_Downtown]

Anybody from Oshkosh:  what was your impression of the RF/Osh game?

River Falls has some very nice pieces to the puzzle with Willie Wright, Courtney Davis, and Nate Robertson.

Sorry, not impressed by Scott Kelly, and their is a major hole at the PG position. DiJon Reese is too careless with the ball to run the offense, and Elling, well...you barely noticed he was on the court.

This team NEEDS to find someone who can run the offense, or they will finish 7th or maybe 8th in this conference. No joke.

Oshkosh - Wright can play some D, and he did a good job slowing down DJ Marsh. However, when you allow a 5'9" PG drive to the hoop like Matt Miller did, and allow him to get wide open, then you will have a problem. DSA had a hard time defending Robertson at times, but it was a better job then against Elmhurst's Ruch. Like I said before, Jordan Johnson pretty much shut down anybody he guarded, and Ryan Johnsen did a great job with team defense.

River Falls did have a WIDE margin in rebounds, which is kinda scary, but they couldn't do anything about it.

If River Falls had Koonkaw, this would be easily a top 4 team in the WIAC.

[Greek Tragedy]

I myself was impressed with UWW defense. Watching them hold Beamish to 6 pts inside and El-Amin to 0-4 on 3's was key. 

I may be mistaken, but 9 total points from Beamish may be a season high! lol...seriously.  There was talk that he's still a little gun-shy and coach wants him to become more involved in the offense.  El-Amin is basically the 4th scorer on the team, so it was more important to keep Rortvedt from going off on your guys.

As Mr. DT stated, Point hasn't been an "inside" team since Kalsow left and that's no disrespect to Krull.  The last two years our individual, as well as our team, defense hasn't been real great.  We've had times when we play well on the other end of the court, but too many times in the recent past we've basically been swapping baskets.  That can't happen in the WIAC.

Whitewater will be tough with a healthy Rob Perry and strong play by Josh King.  Both guards are quick and athletic.  I've seen Oshkosh play twice and their starters are real good.  Like I said before, if Jordan and/or DSA get into foul trouble, it changes everything for Oshkosh.

It's a long season and a close loss at Whitewater to open the season is not the end of the world.

[uwm/uww]

Kevin Kolonski's effort on both ends gets my MVP for the game

Kevin Koski or Billy Kolinske?     Koski had six assists and  and did a good job defensively against a much quicker El-Amin.  Koski is doing a solid job as the point guard which was a position last year that was a turnover waiting to happen.  Kolinske also had a solid defensive effort, scored 9 points and got 3 rebounds in 18 minutes in what I felt was his best game as a WARHAWK.  He's finally healthy and is going to help us off the bench this season. 

My bad.....Kevin Koski was who I was talking about as game MVP. Although Billy played very well also. King seems to always be in the right place at the right time and I like the way he plays defense, always fronting his man preventing him fron getting the ball.
I was happy to see our new guards come to life, but there were times when we could have used a pass rather than a shot and turnover.
I thought (and was happy/surprised) that Rob is playing like he did 2 years ago. Good for him and the team. UWW's bubble may be burst as soon as Wed against UWO, but that's why they play the games and UWW played well last night.

[BDshotblocker]

What a crazy opening night for the conference, WW beats Point (Point 0-1 in the WIAC, I know it's the first game but when was the last time Point was under .500 in conference??)

SupTown didn't get crushed by PVille, are they going to be a much more competitive team this year??

Oshkosh over RF, Old School was right in the fact that I didn't give enough credit to Titans returners

And last but not least, why oh why, EC over Stout for the first time in 8 meetings.  I believe Eddie will "right the ship". But congrats to EC.........finally

[frodotwo]

Made the Point-WW game about 2 minutes after the opening tip due more to a couple of idiot semi drivers (two semi trucks jackknifed right at the I39-CTH V exit north of Madison and it took me 1 hour to drive 1 mile) after leaving Point at 1:30pm (4 hr drive). Semi's apparently don't have to slow down in winter weather as I was passed numerous times by the big rigs that were going 55 or better thru the snow/sleet/rain/slush.

Point just could not defend the inside game of Perry and the outside game of McKay. Perry scored at will against Beamish, and McKay always seemed to get open for a quick jumper. Koski did a good job, but the real MVP for WW was Perry as he played well on both ends.

I don't understand how a team can go from leading the country last year in FT pct  (82%) to an abysmal 67% this year. Those 5 consecutive missed free throws near the end of the game changed the whole complexion of the game, forcing Point to foul in the last couple of minutes. 4 made FT shots and catch-up fouls wouldn't be needed. Not sure what the coach said to get T'd up, but that certainly didn't help. He wasn't really that animated, but whatever he said must have touched a nerve. Point needs to be tougher on the defensive end to be an elite team this year. Beamish needs a shot of confidence from somewhere. Wotachek could develop into a good inside presence if he gets a chance.

[Greek Tragedy]

My sources told me that there was a technical foul called because El-Amin spiked the ball...more later.  I knew Rob Perry would be the difference.  He killed us last year in Quandt and missed the return encounter in Whitewater.  He's like the Aubry Lewis-Byers type guy.  Short, but wide. 

Beamish needs a shot of confidence from somewhere.

For the record, that was Beamish's best all-around game too.  Not sure how much more confidence he needs...most shot taken this year for him, highest point total, led the team in rebounds and assists for the game and only coughed the ball over twice.  I'll take his stat line anyday.  Beamish has never been a great defender. 

[badgerwarhawk]

Your sources are wrong, OS.  The technical foul was on Semling for jumping up and down while he complained about the call.    It was a very intense moment and bench decorum is a point of emphasis with the league officials this season.  El-Amin probably could have gotten one for spiking the ball like he did but he didn't.

Nothing wrong with the game Beamish played.  He played pretty well and it didn't help Point when he fouled out down the stretch.

[voice]

The major rule change (and/or modifacation) this year in D3 basketball is the bench decorum rule for coaches.  No swearing and no running up and down the sideline waving one's arms.  Coaches know the new rule, as do the media and SIDs.  The rule was throroughly explained at WIAC Media Day prior to the season.  Be prepared because you are going to see more such T's called as the WIAC season goes on.

[Pioneer Hoops Fan]

P-ville vs UW-Soup: What happened to Roeder? I don't think I saw his name in the stats.

I'd like to know as well!!!!!  Looking back at their stats from Tuesday against Bemidji State, he didn't play in that game either.  (I know he started the first two games this season.)  One would probably be right in assuming he is injured, however it would be nice to see something "concrete."

It must have been Roeder that was in the shirt and tie at the end of the bench.  I'm very impressed Superiors you core of guys.  UWP had many brain farts on defense which is unusual for them, but I give total credit to Superior for taking advantage.  Offensively this team is and can be very good.  For a stretch in the second half, Dwight Hill was virtually unstopable.  Smith has got an inside and outside game, which will make him a force in this league.  Culy hit most of his threes sitting in the corner and getting fed by Hill's penetration.

UWP played pretty well offensively, especially down the stretch.  For those of you haven't read the recap on UWP's website, Platteville makes 9 or 10 shots in the last 10 minutes of the game.  The only miss was Lohoff's that was sent into the sixth row by Manor on a fast break.  Platteville hit the free throws when it mattered as well.  Hanson played very well, Charlie seemed to regain his game after not shooting well to start the season.  Jeff played well and consistent basketball.  last two games he is 17/19 from the floor.  He is getting the ball in some good positions on the floor, but I would like to see him face up more and see the defense before committing to a move.  Best stat of the night for UWP was 20 assists on 29 baskets to only 9 turnovers.

[badgerwarhawk]

I knew Rob Perry would be the difference.    Short, but wide. 

In the past I'd wished that Perry was 6'5"- 6'" but then I realized that if he was he wouldn't be playing in WHITEWATER.  Three years ago I said he was a POY in training and I stand by that assessment.  He may or may not win it but, barring the unforeseen, his name will be in the discussion imo. 

[Greek Tragedy]

HAHAHAHAHA...He pretty much throws Lithuania under the bus!  Not one to be politically correct.  I sure hope no one over there translates and sees this article.  He'll get booed from everyone there.  A good and entertaining read.

[uwm/uww]

HAHAHAHAHA...He pretty much throws Lithuania under the bus!  Not one to be politically correct.  I sure hope no one over there translates and sees this article.  He'll get booed from everyone there.  A good and entertaining read.

I know one of the other american players on the same team, the former UWM player. According to what I have heard, this team and the living conditions are a lot better than the one that the UWM player was on last year. Kerry is lucky to have this oppertunity right off the bat. The UWM player had to work his butt off and make an all star team in order to move up. Maybe that's the difference in being 7'1" vs 5"9". Good luck to Kerry and I really hope he knows how lucky he is to actually get paid to do something he loves. How many don't get that chance?

[Greek Tragedy]

Week 3 Results
Tue 11/27/07
Bemidji State (MN) 76, UW-Superior 71   
             
Wed 11/28/07
UW-Eau Claire 73, St. Scholastica (MN) 57     
UW-La Crosse 66, Augustana (IL) 64   
UW-Oshkosh 88, Elmhurst (IL) 86   
Finlandia (MI) 84, UW-River Falls 79     
             
Sat 12/1/07
UW-Eau Claire 72, UW-Stout 63   
St. Thomas (MN) 73, UW-La Crosse 59     
UW-Oshkosh 71, UW-River Falls 62     
UW-Platteville 89, UW-Superior 78   
UW-Whitewater 83, UW-Stevens Point 77 


Old School Week 3 Rankings

1.  Whitewater (4-0) LW-2: Knocks off Point, Rob Perry could carry Whitewater to the WIAC title.
2.  Oshkosh (5-0) LW-5:  Huge win over Elmurst gets Oshkosh the jump.  Matt Miller is asking, "D.J. who?"  O.K., not really.
3.  Platteville (4-1) LW-3:  Skemp's line:  13 pts, 8 rebs, 3 asts, 3 stls, 4 blks.  You think the Pioneers miss him.
4.  Stevens Point (3-1) LW-1:  Tough loss in Whitewater.  The inside game continues to kill Point.  Beamish back on track?
5.  Eau Claire (4-2) LW-6:  Two road wins are impressive no matter who they are against.
6.  La Crosse (4-1) LW-4:  Loss only game of week at St. Thomas.  Now hosts Point and Stout this week. 
7.  Stout (3-3) LW-7:  Losses backyard brawl at home to Eau Claire.
8.  Superior (1-3) LW-9:  Two close road losses to St. Bemidji State and Platteville.
9.  River Falls (2-4) LW-8:  When you lose to Finlandia, that's not good.  You think the Falcons miss Koonkaew?

[BDshotblocker]

Gibson was one of my favorites in the WIAC, but he does need to learn how to give an interview!!

I'm glad he found a place to play.  He's in a pretty good situation but the money probably isn't that good right now.  If he can get up to the 10pts/10rbs average he'll have a much higher chance next year of moving onto Germany or Spain.

Both John and I LOVED Germany and I'm sure Gibson would to, the beer there is GREAT!!
Any word on Big Joe after Packer Camp??

[Greek Tragedy]

Jacob,

You say you'll be in Oshkosh on Wed?  I think I'm coming over as well...and I assume you'll be back in Oshkosh on Sat. because they play some guys you may know! lol...