Empire 8

[FROMAFAR]

Fisher is right again........ A lot can and probably will happen.......back to work

[gobombers15]

Big slate of games this weekend. Utica and Stevens are each hosting two huge games. This weekend may reveal with a fair amount of certainty the four teams in the E8 Tourney. Here's my best guess:

FRIDAY

Fisher (65) at Hartwick (58)
Nazareth (83) at Stevens (87)
RIT (64) at Utica (67)
Elmira (76) at Ithaca (107)

Hartwick's play has dropped off a bit since the start of the season while Fisher's has taken off. I think the Cards play a good road game and win somewhat comfortably. Naz crushed Stevens on East Ave. the first time around, but things should be different in Hoboken. Stevens blew consecutive second half double-digit leads to RIT and Ithaca last week; I think they pull this one out. Ithaca will steamroll Elmira. Finally, I like Utica in a tight one against RIT. The Tigers made harrowing escapes from both of their games last weekend. Utica, winners of seven straight, are playing their best ball of the season. I'm giving this one to the home team.

SATURDAY

RIT (76) at Elmira (62)
Ithaca (76) at Utica (81)

RIT earns a weekend split by handling Elmira. Utica scares me in this one. They're hot and they're always good at home. Ithaca has historically struggled in Utica. The result in Ithaca means little to me since Ithaca almost always handles Utica on the South Hill, even going back to when Utica would challenge Fisher at the top of the league, but would rip Ithaca in Utica. The Utica defense will make Burton work. Ithaca really needs Bostic and Leahy to come up big in this one. I see Utica leading by about 10 with 5 mins left, followed by a furious Ithaca rally that comes up just short as Utica makes their FT's down the stretch. This will be Ithaca's first legitimate loss in regulation 

SUNDAY

Nazareth (74) at Hartwick (82)
Fisher (70) at Stevens (73)

Hartwick owns Nazareth, not much needs to be said about that one. I think Stevens pulls the upset on Sunday afternoon against a young Fisher team. Stevens has been better of late and this will be the end of a long weekend for the Cardinals. I think Fisher is due for a slip and it happens in Hoboken on Sunday.

[Bombers798891]

Big slate of games this weekend. Utica and Stevens are each hosting two huge games. This weekend may reveal with a fair amount of certainty the four teams in the E8 Tourney. Here's my best guess:
inners of seven straight, are playing their best ball of the season. I'm giving this one to the home team.

SATURDAY

Ithaca (76) at Utica (81)

Utica scares me in this one. They're hot and they're always good at home. Ithaca has historically struggled in Utica. The result in Ithaca means little to me since Ithaca almost always handles Utica on the South Hill, even going back to when Utica would challenge Fisher at the top of the league, but would rip Ithaca in Utica. The Utica defense will make Burton work. Ithaca really needs Bostic and Leahy to come up big in this one. I see Utica leading by about 10 with 5 mins left, followed by a furious Ithaca rally that comes up just short as Utica makes their FT's down the stretch. This will be Ithaca's first legitimate loss in regulation 

Utica is playing very well right now, however, I was at the IC-UC game earlier this year and UC looked very slow and not quick.

Utica's been a place where Ithaca has struggles, yes, but this team is not like those other teams. I think the Pioneers keep it close, but lose 81-71

[TheNextLevel]

Hartwick has played well but just can't get over the hump...but I look for them to pull the upset tonight. Fisher slips, but bounces back at Stevens.

my picks:

Friday:
Hartwick over Fisher
RIT over Utica
Ithaca blows out Elmira
Stevens does the same to Naz

Saturday

RIT and Ithaca both win comfortably

Sunday

Hartwick beats Naz
Fisher tops Stevens


I won't be so bold as to predict scores, my neck doesn't strecth that far!

Big slate of games this weekend. Utica and Stevens are each hosting two huge games. This weekend may reveal with a fair amount of certainty the four teams in the E8 Tourney. Here's my best guess:

FRIDAY

Fisher (65) at Hartwick (58)
Nazareth (83) at Stevens (87)
RIT (64) at Utica (67)
Elmira (76) at Ithaca (107)

Hartwick's play has dropped off a bit since the start of the season while Fisher's has taken off. I think the Cards play a good road game and win somewhat comfortably. Naz crushed Stevens on East Ave. the first time around, but things should be different in Hoboken. Stevens blew consecutive second half double-digit leads to RIT and Ithaca last week; I think they pull this one out. Ithaca will steamroll Elmira. Finally, I like Utica in a tight one against RIT. The Tigers made harrowing escapes from both of their games last weekend. Utica, winners of seven straight, are playing their best ball of the season. I'm giving this one to the home team.

SATURDAY

RIT (76) at Elmira (62)
Ithaca (76) at Utica (81)

RIT earns a weekend split by handling Elmira. Utica scares me in this one. They're hot and they're always good at home. Ithaca has historically struggled in Utica. The result in Ithaca means little to me since Ithaca almost always handles Utica on the South Hill, even going back to when Utica would challenge Fisher at the top of the league, but would rip Ithaca in Utica. The Utica defense will make Burton work. Ithaca really needs Bostic and Leahy to come up big in this one. I see Utica leading by about 10 with 5 mins left, followed by a furious Ithaca rally that comes up just short as Utica makes their FT's down the stretch. This will be Ithaca's first legitimate loss in regulation 

SUNDAY

Nazareth (74) at Hartwick (82)
Fisher (70) at Stevens (73)

Hartwick owns Nazareth, not much needs to be said about that one. I think Stevens pulls the upset on Sunday afternoon against a young Fisher team. Stevens has been better of late and this will be the end of a long weekend for the Cardinals. I think Fisher is due for a slip and it happens in Hoboken on Sunday.

[gobombers15]

Big slate of games this weekend. Utica and Stevens are each hosting two huge games. This weekend may reveal with a fair amount of certainty the four teams in the E8 Tourney. Here's my best guess:
inners of seven straight, are playing their best ball of the season. I'm giving this one to the home team.

SATURDAY

Ithaca (76) at Utica (81)

Utica scares me in this one. They're hot and they're always good at home. Ithaca has historically struggled in Utica. The result in Ithaca means little to me since Ithaca almost always handles Utica on the South Hill, even going back to when Utica would challenge Fisher at the top of the league, but would rip Ithaca in Utica. The Utica defense will make Burton work. Ithaca really needs Bostic and Leahy to come up big in this one. I see Utica leading by about 10 with 5 mins left, followed by a furious Ithaca rally that comes up just short as Utica makes their FT's down the stretch. This will be Ithaca's first legitimate loss in regulation 

Utica is playing very well right now, however, I was at the IC-UC game earlier this year and UC looked very slow and not quick.Utica's been a place where Ithaca has struggles, yes, but this team is not like those other teams. I think the Pioneers keep it close, but lose 81-71

That's what I'm talking about, Bombers, when I say that the result in Ithaca is not at all indicative of what happens in Utica when these two teams met. Often, Ithaca would handle Utica in the bulb only to have the pasting reciprocated when the two teams met at Utica. I'd find myself thinking "were these the same two teams that played in Ithaca four weeks ago." Historically, these are two teams that defend their home courts very well, but are sub-par on the road. I hope the Bombers win, but if history is a guide, Ithaca may be in trouble.

[magicman]

Fisher's ranking just took a tumble with the loss to Hartwick. This could come back and haunt them big time if they're looking for a pool C bid.

[Bombers798891]

Big slate of games this weekend. Utica and Stevens are each hosting two huge games. This weekend may reveal with a fair amount of certainty the four teams in the E8 Tourney. Here's my best guess:
inners of seven straight, are playing their best ball of the season. I'm giving this one to the home team.

SATURDAY

Ithaca (76) at Utica (81)

Utica scares me in this one. They're hot and they're always good at home. Ithaca has historically struggled in Utica. The result in Ithaca means little to me since Ithaca almost always handles Utica on the South Hill, even going back to when Utica would challenge Fisher at the top of the league, but would rip Ithaca in Utica. The Utica defense will make Burton work. Ithaca really needs Bostic and Leahy to come up big in this one. I see Utica leading by about 10 with 5 mins left, followed by a furious Ithaca rally that comes up just short as Utica makes their FT's down the stretch. This will be Ithaca's first legitimate loss in regulation 

Utica is playing very well right now, however, I was at the IC-UC game earlier this year and UC looked very slow and not quick.Utica's been a place where Ithaca has struggles, yes, but this team is not like those other teams. I think the Pioneers keep it close, but lose 81-71

That's what I'm talking about, Bombers, when I say that the result in Ithaca is not at all indicative of what happens in Utica when these two teams met. Often, Ithaca would handle Utica in the bulb only to have the pasting reciprocated when the two teams met at Utica. I'd find myself thinking "were these the same two teams that played in Ithaca four weeks ago." Historically, these are two teams that defend their home courts very well, but are sub-par on the road. I hope the Bombers win, but if history is a guide, Ithaca may be in trouble.

I understand your logic, and frankly, if the Bombers play like they did tonight, they WILL lose.

The issue I have is that we can't use history as a guide for the Bombers because they've never been this good. They're 16-1 and that one loss was dicey. Comparing this squad to any other, even last year's, is comparing apples to oranges

As for tonight's game, boy was Ithaca fortunate to be playing Elmira. Team looked awful in stretches, especially with interior defense and perimeter shooting. Outscored 45-35 over a 20 minute stretch spanning the halves and only led 56-55 with 14 minutes left. Amazingly, team scored 41 points in the next 11 minutes to make the score look more impressive than it was.

On a side note, Ithaca's crowd, while numerous, was a disgrace. Chanting venereal diseases out when players are shooting free throws is not witty. It's classless and the school should be embarrassed that this passes for fan support. I've been going to IC basketball games for 15 years, and I've never seen something like that.

Rant over. Go Bombers!

[sjfcards]

Fisher's ranking just took a tumble with the loss to Hartwick. This could come back and haunt them big time if they're looking for a pool C bid.

Word...

That loss really hurts Fisher going forward this season. This is a really tough stretch for Fisher the next 2 weeks, and to start it with a flat performance losing to Hartwick is really not good. Especially when they were able to build a 9 point lead half way through the 2nd half, and give to give it back.

[gobombers15]

Bombers, the problem is that this IS the same Ithaca team as last year. Join that with fact that Utica is essentially the same team, as well, and that's why I think we're headed for trouble. We beat them by 11 at home last year and lost by 12 at their place (and it probably wasn't even that close). I'm really not putting a lot of stock in a big win at home over Utica when we were playing a lot better than we are right now. I hope I'm wrong, though.

[gobombers15]

Bombers up by 13 at the half, 45-32, on the shoulders of 15 first half pts from Chris Cruz on 5-7 from distance. As a team, IC shoots 7-15 from deep, while Utica is just 2-10. There's the difference.

No Jeff Bostic for the Bombers today. I hope it isn't anything serious. Phil Barera makes me want to pull my hair out.

[Bombers798891]

Bombers, the problem is that this IS the same Ithaca team as last year. Join that with fact that Utica is essentially the same team, as well, and that's why I think we're headed for trouble. We beat them by 11 at home last year and lost by 12 at their place (and it probably wasn't even that close). I'm really not putting a lot of stock in a big win at home over Utica when we were playing a lot better than we are right now. I hope I'm wrong, though.

How is it the same team when you have guys like Cruz and Marcus are added into a team that hasn't lost anyone significant?

Today's game is a perfect example. No Bostic and Leahy and Rogers have an off game. And Ithaca's playing a tough road game. When a guy like Cruz can step in and give you 24 and 6, that's the difference. Last year, Burton would have needed to jack up 25 shots. But today, Burton can create shots for Cruz, and Ithaca guts out a win that they wouldn't have gotten the year before

When IC lost in the E8 Tournament, Leahy was 0-7 from the floor, which gave them one true perimeter threat in Burton. A guy like Scanlon wasn't going to get them back in a game like that. So IC was really going to struggle to make up a defecit. But this season, guys like Marcus and Cruz allow them to keep the floor spread and not let teams key on Burton when Leahy's shot isn't falling..

[tigerfan2]

RIT moved to 10-0 in the Empire 8 this weekend after sweeping their road trip.

Close win over Utica Friday night, 58-55 and handled Elmira with ease, 87-42 today. Carson with a career high 29 pts today go to with 12 rebounds. Nice bounceback game for him after only scoring 9 pts. Friday to go with 13 boards.

RIT plays Alfred at home this Tuesday before taking next weekend off. 4 of the last 6 conference games are at home for RIT but their 2 toughest road games are left, @SJF 2/10 and closing out the season @IC.

Regardless of what happens I don't think anyone would have had RIT in this position when the season started, including all of the RIT fans out there.

[gobombers15]

Bombers, for the most part, this is the same team as last year. They're better now more because of continuity than an infusion of new talent. Third year in the same system with most of the same players and we're seeing the result. Marcus is a nice player and good outside shooter, but I think he merely offsets the loss of Kail who was fantastic down the stretch last season. Cruz was here last season, but he wasn't playing because he hadn't earned it. You make it sound like we're this brand new team; we were 11-2 over our last 13 regular season games last year, and we're 17-1 to start this year. We're the same team, albeit a year older. In college basketball, continuity is a GOOD thing.

Now, in terms of your assessment that Utica is "too slow," I have to disagree with that. They're as athletic as they ever were. Though Bostic was out, UC looked the more athletic team and had some nice finishes off lobs. The big difference with this Utica team, relative to years past, is quite clearly the coaching. I have never seen a Utica team so poorly coached. Ithaca was practically trying to let them back in the game in the 2nd half, but Utica wouldn't accept the gift. They'd get within 7 or so and then start hiking ill-advised 3's or off-balanced fadeaways, and all of a sudden the lead was 11 or 12 again. Then repeat. One of the best things I can say about Goodemote was that he kept that team in control. This Utica team seems undisciplined and out of control. I think they had about 7 defensive fouls when Ithaca wasn't within 50 feet of their hoop. A lot of that is coaching.

[UCgrad45]

Utica really did shoot themselves in the foot yesterday. If they had simply made their FT's, they would have had the lead with a minute left. They actually outscored IC from the floor by 2 overall and by 12 in the second half. They are having a tough time adjusting to a new system. They work hard, but are making a lot of errors.

Ithaca was hitting everything in the first half, well, Cruz was hitting everything. 7-15 beyond the arc. They looked good. The only thing they have to worry about is hosting the tournament, because back to back games against tough teams could be a problem. The legs just weren't there for IC in the second half last night. It was their first experience with back to back games since November. That could come back to haunt them while playing two good teams back to back. Defensively, IC had great pressure for the entire first half and to start the second, but that slowed as the game went on. IC only scored 3 FG's in the last 8 plus minutes of the game last night. The rest was from the line. The officials were pretty good for the most part. It was disappointing that when it was a 6 point game with 42 seconds left, the ref called a technical on Trahms when he didn't do or say anything except a slight reach in to save clock. That officially ended the game and made it look a lot worse than it was.

You can tell that IC has earned some respect. That was the first time I ever saw Mullins whine and moan for some calls and then get 3 consecutive garbage calls in reply. They used to just look at him and laugh or T him up in those situations. With their record, you can see why they would start to get that treatment.

[Bombers798891]

Bombers, for the most part, this is the same team as last year. They're better now more because of continuity than an infusion of new talent. Third year in the same system with most of the same players and we're seeing the result. Marcus is a nice player and good outside shooter, but I think he merely offsets the loss of Kail who was fantastic down the stretch last season. Cruz was here last season, but he wasn't playing because he hadn't earned it. You make it sound like we're this brand new team; we were 11-2 over our last 13 regular season games last year, and we're 17-1 to start this year. We're the same team, albeit a year older. In college basketball, continuity is a GOOD thing.

Now, in terms of your assessment that Utica is "too slow," I have to disagree with that. They're as athletic as they ever were. Though Bostic was out, UC looked the more athletic team and had some nice finishes off lobs. The big difference with this Utica team, relative to years past, is quite clearly the coaching. I have never seen a Utica team so poorly coached. Ithaca was practically trying to let them back in the game in the 2nd half, but Utica wouldn't accept the gift. They'd get within 7 or so and then start hiking ill-advised 3's or off-balanced fadeaways, and all of a sudden the lead was 11 or 12 again. Then repeat. One of the best things I can say about Goodemote was that he kept that team in control. This Utica team seems undisciplined and out of control. I think they had about 7 defensive fouls when Ithaca wasn't within 50 feet of their hoop. A lot of that is coaching.

I never said they were a "brand new" team. Obviously, the core of this team is the same, (Bostic, Burton, Leahy, Rogers, Ruffrage) and that's the main reason for success. And yes, I'm aware that continuity is a good thing. But again, I don't think the Bombers win a game without one of those first three guys last season. Who's scraping together the 24 Cruz scored from last year's squad?

What about the Stevens game? Marcus hits five three's and is the team's second leading scorer. Who's doing that last year? Scanlon?

In St. Lawrence, the two of them had 28 points in the first half.

Yes, the team is still centered on the big three, and I think the key guy is actually Leahy, because when his shot is falling, the entire team is a threat from the perimeter.

Yes, Cruz was on the team last season, but he wasn't playing much, so it's almost like he's a new addition. But Cruz and Marcus are the difference makers that have pushed the team over the top. The added speed and athleticism they give is huge, in allowing Ithaca to push the ball consistently. Cruz also can drive to the basket and finish down low. Cruz has five 20+ point games this season. Kail was never going to give you production like that.

Check this out:

Shots per game by Ithaca

06-07: 60.1
07-08: 64
08-09: 70.6

That's a pretty big increase two years in a row, and even from last season. When you replace a guy like Kail with a guy like Cruz and can bring Jordan off the bench, you're able to push the offense at a faster pace, which is what plays to Ithaca's strengths, especially with a PG like Burton. Not to harp on the guy, because he was solid, but if you're giving Kail, Cruz's minutes, it's not going to be as fast paced an offense.

If you look at the numbers, both Leahy and Burton have seen significant drops in their three point shooting the past few years. Leahy has gone from .348 to .284 and Burton has gone from .383 to .341. Because the Bombers have always relied heavily on the three point shot--with the exception of the year where Tyler Schultz was inside--that's a significant drop from two key players. The ability to offset that has been huge. One in every three shots the Bombers take is from three, and you need to have multiple guys who can hit shots from there if you're going to use it so much. Marcus and Cruz are the team's two best three-point shooters--and Cruz is actually their 2nd best shooter overall.

Again, I'm not saying the guys and system they've had for awhile aren't responsible for a large chunk of this season. They are. But the two big additions to this year's team have them poised for a run like we've never seen at Ithaca (Not that there's a lot of competition)