MBB: Commonwealth Conference

[Pat Coleman]

Should Stevenson win today... I think both teams are ranked. Stevenson just needs to follow up a big win like that with a victory, especially on the road. They followed up their win over then-ranked Middlebury at the beginning of the season with their only home loss against Birmingham-Southern. I know the coaching staff has been reminding the team that they have to be ready for every game, so today they should be ready.

I just don't see how the voters don't put Stevenson in their Top 25 should they win today. Their resume will include a great win against Messiah who is clearly a Top 25 team, a win over an always tough (though not their record) Middlebury squad, a dominating win against Alvernia, a scant one-point loss to Oglethorpe (currently ranked), and other notable games. Their only blemish is the loss on the road to Albright, though we all know that is a team improving and well coached.

As for Messiah, even if Stevenson doesn't win today, I think they stay ranked. However, how far they fall will depend on Stevenson. Stevenson wins and Messiah's drop should be tempered; Stevenson loss and Messiah's drop will be more significant.

A win over a Top 25 team (even if it is overtime at home) is enough to balance out a loss to a non-ranked team. However, when you start using terms like "always tough" then you're starting to sound like a coach. I prefer to stick in the realm of what Middlebury is actually doing (10-5, losses to Stevenson, St. Mary's, Salve Regina, Plattsburgh and Bates) rather than generic adjectives.

Beating Middlebury, in short, is not particularly unique this year.

As to how some voters might not put Stevenson in -- I could easily find 25 other teams I felt I needed to vote for. If Stevenson had beaten Messiah on the road, or beaten Messiah handily at home, I'd be more inclined. But of course, Stevenson will get that shot in a few weeks, so I'm not worried. We'll find out soon enough.

[CCHoopster]

I was surprised at both:

1- Messiah only dropping 2 spots
2- Stevenson not cracking the top 25

Probably good enough reasons in both cases. Messiah heads to Widener and Hood this week- tough road games for sure. Widener a tough place to play and some real talent on an underperforming team in league and Hood has figured some things out winning 3 straight and sitting in 3rd place in the MACC.

Stevenson will be at Etown and then home to an Arcadia team who took them to OT previously. Seems like a much more favorable week for the Mustangs than the Falcons.

Hope with the weather games are still on!

[CCHoopster]

Wish there were more MAC Commonwealth followers on hear. The playoff race is getting really exciting. If the season ended today:

1-Messiah
2-Alvernia
3-Hood
4-Stevenson
5-LVC (own tiebreaker of Albright by beating them twice)

Crazy to think LVC is in a playoff spot right now. There are a few really big games tonight.

Stevenson at Messiah- A rematch of an instant classis that got comparisons in "Around the Region" to Ali v Frazier. Stevenson pulled out the victory 103-99 in double OT. This may be an absolute war with strong playoff implications.

Hood at Albright- Hood edged out Albright on a game winner 61-60 earlier this year at Hood. Hood is in a tie for 3rd and Albright is tied for 5th the final playoff spot with LVC at 7-7 with LVC owning the tie breaker via head to head. An Albright win could send Hood in a late season tail spin and would be their 3rd in a row with the first 2 both being at home. A win for Albright keeps them alive and with an LVC loss would give them the #5 seed. Big game for both teams.

Arcadia at Alvernia- Alvernia must win vs the last place Arcadia team to keep with in a game of Messiah. A Messiah loss and Alvernia win gives Alvernia a tie for first by record although Messiah owns the tiebreaker via head to head with an earlier season win vs Alvernia. Those two teams meet the last game of the year. Talk about the implications that game could have. Don't sleep on Arcadia, their record doesn't tell the talent and ability to win. Seem to play everyone tough for 35 minutes. Capable of the upset but I doubt it happens.

Etown vs Widener- Etown playing for pride (no pun) and Widener 2 games out looking for a miracle.

LVC at Lycoming- Lyco just beat Messiah and is capable of beating anyone in conference especially at home. Weather could postpone this game. Must win for LVC to hold the final playoff spot. They host Messiah on Saturday so LVC must come out with a W vs Lycoming tonight.

Still thinking two teams can get in the NCAA's from this conference. Messiah and Alvernia look to be the team to beat; crazy to think Stevenson would be in a MACC play in game if the season were to end today.

I will be tuning into the Messiah vs Stevenson game online (great new HD feed I finally saw 2 Saturdays ago, it was really good) and the Hood Albright game!

Travel safe and good luck to all. Excited to see how the MACC finishes.

[mailsy]

Wish there were more MAC Commonwealth followers on hear. The playoff race is getting really exciting. If the season ended today:

1-Messiah
2-Alvernia
3-Hood
4-Stevenson
5-LVC (own tiebreaker of Albright by beating them twice)

Crazy to think LVC is in a playoff spot right now. There are a few really big games tonight.

Stevenson at Messiah- A rematch of an instant classis that got comparisons in "Around the Region" to Ali v Frazier. Stevenson pulled out the victory 103-99 in double OT. This may be an absolute war with strong playoff implications.

Hood at Albright- Hood edged out Albright on a game winner 61-60 earlier this year at Hood. Hood is in a tie for 3rd and Albright is tied for 5th the final playoff spot with LVC at 7-7 with LVC owning the tie breaker via head to head. An Albright win could send Hood in a late season tail spin and would be their 3rd in a row with the first 2 both being at home. A win for Albright keeps them alive and with an LVC loss would give them the #5 seed. Big game for both teams.

Arcadia at Alvernia- Alvernia must win vs the last place Arcadia team to keep with in a game of Messiah. A Messiah loss and Alvernia win gives Alvernia a tie for first by record although Messiah owns the tiebreaker via head to head with an earlier season win vs Alvernia. Those two teams meet the last game of the year. Talk about the implications that game could have. Don't sleep on Arcadia, their record doesn't tell the talent and ability to win. Seem to play everyone tough for 35 minutes. Capable of the upset but I doubt it happens.

Etown vs Widener- Etown playing for pride (no pun) and Widener 2 games out looking for a miracle.

LVC at Lycoming- Lyco just beat Messiah and is capable of beating anyone in conference especially at home. Weather could postpone this game. Must win for LVC to hold the final playoff spot. They host Messiah on Saturday so LVC must come out with a W vs Lycoming tonight.

Still thinking two teams can get in the NCAA's from this conference. Messiah and Alvernia look to be the team to beat; crazy to think Stevenson would be in a MACC play in game if the season were to end today.

I will be tuning into the Messiah vs Stevenson game online (great new HD feed I finally saw 2 Saturdays ago, it was really good) and the Hood Albright game!

Travel safe and good luck to all. Excited to see how the MACC finishes.

You are right. I saw this during the Hoopsville Classic. They've done a fantastic job. Wish teams in the CSAC would do this. 

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

Actually... the Stevenson-Messiah game is at Messiah this time around... though, that is now an HD feed.

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

Another episode of Hoopsville is slated for tonight and here is the guest list we have lined up:

- Pomona-Pitzer MBB coach Charles Katsiaficas
- #15 Wittenberg MBB coach Bill Brown
- #2 Hope WBB coach Brian Morehouse
- Stevenson WBB coach Jackie Boswell (plus a surprise guest from Stevenson)
- Maryville WBB coach Darrin Travillian
- Trinity (TX) WBB coach Cameron Hill
- Nazareth MBB coach Kevin Broderick
- St. Mary's (Md.) MBB coach Chris Harney

Show starts at 7 PM EST and will run at least 2:30 tonight.

You can tune in here: www.d3hoops.com/hoopsville/archives/2013-14/feb13

You can also follow us on social media
- Twitter (@d3hoopsville and #Hoopsville)
- Facebook (www.facebook.com/Hoopsville)
- Email (hoopsville@d3hoops.com)

Thanks and enjoy the show!

[CCHoopster]

Big week on deck for the MAC Commonwealth. Looks like the 5 playoff teams are all but set to include Messiah, Stevenson, Alvernia, Hood, Albright. (I believe only Albright could be bumped but unlikely)..... I think these are the 5 teams but order is far from set.

Tonight:

Messiah vs Widener: Falcons won in January at Widener. IT's a must win to keep the #1 seed. Messiah can finish 1st-3rd still with a 1 game lead on Stevenson and Alvernia (Stevenson owns tie breakers over Messiah and Alvernia). A win tonight squares them off with at Alvernia on Saturday which could very well be for 1st place.

Stevenson vs Etown: Etown stole a victory vs Stevenson at home earlier this year. Really don't see a way Stevenson loses at home to Etown. A Stevenson win and Messiah loss tonight gives the Mustangs sole possession of first place since they own the tie breaker over Alvernia and Messiah.

Alvernia at Hood: An Alvernia win gives them a shot to play Messiah for first place next week (Stevenson would need to lose 1 game) or at the very least get themselves a home play off game finishing 1st or 2nd. Hood needs this win more than Alvernia.... A loss garauntees Hood to be a part of the dangerous 4-5 play in game vs Albright. They should be in shape to at least host that play in game. But a win moves them into a tie for third place. This game has serious implications on how the conference can shake up. A Hood win with a Messiah and Stevenson win would put Alvernia 2 games back from Messiah and 1 game back from Stevenson.

LYCO at Albright: Flat out Albright (8-8) has to win to. They have a one game lead on Widener, Lyco and LVC who are all 7-9. A loss puts them in a tie with LYCO and if Widener and LVC win could be a 3 way tie for 5th

LVC at Arcadia: LVC must win. Could get a share of 5th place tie and own a tie breaker over Albright.

My guess to finish:

Messiah
Stevenson
Alvernia
Hood
Albright

Rd 1: Albright at Hood: Hood wins
Rd 2: Hood at Messiah: Messiah and Alvernia at Stevenson: Stevenson
Championship: Falcons avenge two regular season losses to Stevenson

[CCHoopster]

Also starting to think this is now a 1 team league with regards to NCAA's. Not sure anyone but Messiah could get a pool C and if they go 1-1 this week finishing at 19-5 and don't win the league, doubt they get their name called. If they get to the championship of the MAC maybe but not sure them, Stevenson or Alvernia get a pool C anymore.

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

The latest regional rankings will give us a better sense, but I don't see the MAC in a situation where two-bids wouldn't be a surprise. Five or six losses now-a-days is not that big a deal considering all-games count. Certainly a lot has to happen, but I see teams with eight-losses getting at-large bids this season.

[Jon]

My room attendance has been slacking recently, I apologize.  Here's some information that may be useful heading into Saturday.

Commonwealth Men's Basketball MATRIX

Saturday's scenarios (unofficial until confirmed by MAC Office)

Top Seed Options:
Messiah #1 with a win
Stevenson #1 with a win and Messiah loss
Alvernia #1 with a win and Stevenson loss

#2 Seed Options:
Stevenson #2 if Messiah wins
Alvernia #2 with win and Stevenson win
Messiah #2 with loss and Stevenson loss

#3 Seed Options:
Alvernia #3 with loss
Messiah #3 with loss and Stevenson win
Stevenson #3 with loss and Alvernia win

#4 Seed Options:
Hood and Hood only

#5 Seed Options:
Albright #5 with win (9-9) and Messiah (13-5) or Lycoming (8-10) loss
Lycoming #5 with win (9-9) and Messiah (14-4) win or Albright (8-10) loss

Albright #5 in tie with Lycoming at (8-10 or 9-9) if Messiah (13-5) loses
Lycoming #5 in tie with Albright at (8-10 or 9-9) if Messiah (14-4) wins

Albright #5 in 3-way tie at (8-10) with Lycoming and Widener
Lycoming #5 in 3-way tie at (8-10) with Albright and Lebanon Valley

Lycoming #5 in 4-way tie at (8-10)

[Jon]

Commonwealth Championships:

Monday, Feb. 24 | First Round Game
7:00 p.m. - #5 Albright (9-9) @ #4 Hood (10-8)

Wednesday, Feb. 26 | Semifinals
7:00 p.m. - 4/5 Winner @ #1 Stevenson (13-5)
7:00 p.m. - #3 Messiah (13-5) @ #2 Alvernia (13-5)

Saturday, Mar. 1 | Final
TBA - Semifinal winners @ higher remaining seed

Live stats and video will be available for all games.

[Jon]

Anybody want to take a crack at All-Commonwealth.

Five each for First and Second Team and an honorable mention that is basically the list of the others who are worthy.

Individual awards for Player, Rookie, and Coach of the Year.

[CCHoopster]

Anybody want to take a crack at All-Commonwealth.

Five each for First and Second Team and an honorable mention that is basically the list of the others who are worthy.

Individual awards for Player, Rookie, and Coach of the Year.

POY: Bolen Messiah
COY: Stewart Stevenson
ROY: Swint Albright

1st Team: Agnew (LVC), Bolen (MES), Parker (ALV), Bennett (ALV), Fernandez (MES)
2nd Team: Roberts (STE) , Hawkins (STE), Davis (ALV), Cam Cook (HOOD), McPherson (WID)
Hon Mention: Joe Brown (ARC), Anthony (LYC), Rudy (Lyco), Perez (ALB), Lawson (WID), Clark (ALV), Chris Cook (HOOD), Bowens (HOOD),


Hood
vs                  Albright
Albright


Albright
at                  Stevenosn
Stevenson

                          vs                 Messiah
Messiah
at                  Messiah
Alvernia

I think Alrbright wins at Hood, just a gut feeling and then their season ends with a loss at Stevenson. My mind tells me Alvernia at home but these two teams split this year. Hard to beat a team twice in 5 days. Just think Messiah gets a well earned one. Then Messiah vs Stevenson rd 3!!! I saw the first two, one live and one on line. Messiah kind of blew both games in the final seconds and to stay with my logic its hard to beat a team 3 teams. Mind again tells me Stevenson but I am going with Messiah.

I think the upset that could happen could be Albright vs Stevenson (assuming my thought of them beating Hood holds true); these two teams are 1-1 vs each other.

Could be way off.... Just going gut here. The All Conf selections were an absolute crab shoot...... Great week on deck

[ronk]

 Which Bolen-Brad or Scott?

[CCHoopster]

Which Bolen-Brad or Scott?

Brad Bolen, sorry. POY I had between Agnew, Parker and Bolen.