MBB: Old Dominion Athletic Conference

[Macon]

Agreed,  I thought RMC would have a more dominating game, but it looks like almost 50% of the second half minutes went to freshmen.   Looks like coach was trying to give game experience to the freshmen in a game with a consistent 20 point lead.

[y_jack_lok]

Agreed,  I thought RMC would have a more dominating game, but it looks like almost 50% of the second half minutes went to freshmen.   Looks like coach was trying to give game experience to the freshmen in a game with a consistent 20 point lead.

Yes, freshmen logged twice as many minutes in the second half as they did in the first. Also looks like they might be looking for Mbangue to contribute more to the scoring this season.

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

We all know RMC has to figure out how to win without Buzz, but we may be underestimating how difficult it'll be to replace the consistent, if unsung, performance of the other seniors.

[y_jack_lok]

We all know RMC has to figure out how to win without Buzz, but we may be underestimating how difficult it'll be to replace the consistent, if unsung, performance of the other seniors.

Totally. Robertson and Funderburg added height as well as experience and poise, and DaQuan Morris was a hard worker who had a number of clutch performances last season. I'm surprised at the extensive use of freshmen over several reasonably experienced upperclassmen in the first two games so far.

Jackets were fortunate to pull out the 3OT win today. I agree with the announcers about the quality of the officiating, especially to the extent that it benefitted R-MC.

[Macon]

Agreed, those RMC seniors were often time starters in their careers and consistently made huge contributions off the bench.  This years team will struggle early to find those bench points.  RMC will have to depend on freshmen this year, unlike the last several years.  If a freshman or two does become a significant contributor, RMC will be fine.

[Seatfiller]

^^^ Yesterday was a better day for ODAC teams, going 5-2. I watched some of the Roanoke/Maryville game. RC just couldn't quite keep up.

R-MC looked good in the first half vs Mary Baldwin, scoring 46 points. Had a tougher 2nd half, only putting up 25. It did appear that Mary Baldwin toughened up its defense after halftime. Still a good win, holding MB to only 45 points.

I actually didn't get to see the RC/Maryville game but we lost by 13.  Kind of what I would've expected.  RC got a big win on Saturday against a good Whitworth team 89-86.   Whitworth got up as much as 9 twice but RC found a way to keep up and pulled it out.  RC seems to be more of a offensive team this year as they had many lapses on defense I usually don't see from them. It could also be this was a early game and they're trying to find their footing, either way good win against a team that will finish high in their conference I think.

[y_jack_lok]

Saturday and Sunday were good for the ODAC, going 10-3 over the two days. One of the losses was Guilford by 6 to pre-season #15 UW-LaCrosse. Roanoke picked up a 3 point win over Whitworth, both teams receiving votes in the pre-season poll.

So far ODAC teams are 18-13 to start the season.

[rmc1982]

Jackets lack consistent point guard play and fall to Mary Washington 58-52. I've said all year I didn't think we were a #1 team without Buzz.....he was the cream that stirred the coffee, so to speak. He made everyone around him a better player. This team needs a consistent point guard play  and needs to develop its own identity. Josh Talbert is an awesome player but he's not a point guard and has looked uncomfortable the last two games. These problems are correctable and just a product of a team trying to find itself- I think we are a top 10 team but not a #1 team right now. I have confidence that Josh Merkel will correct these problems- he's a helluva coach! But right now they just look a little lost at times....

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

My take is that Talbert's too tense. Seems like he's taking too much weight on his shoulders. Natural for someone in his position, but he's gotta play freer to give his best to the team.

[y_jack_lok]

I agree with both Ryan and rmc1982. Gotta credit Mary Washington's defense, too. Talbert likes to go to the hoop but was consistently shut off from doing so. There were a lot of poor pass attempts by several Jackets, a couple of which were tightly guarded and literally taken out of the passer's hands before the ball was released.

Next up, six conference games in a row. We'll learn a lot about how R-MC measures up in the ODAC.

[rmc1982]

I agree that Josh looks tense and maybe hes pushing too hard. The errant passes were also glaringly UNLIKE a RMC team that prides itself on tough defense and minimizes mistakes and turnovers and they had alot of BOTH! I DO think its correctable but they need consistent play at the point and that may take a little time. I'm gonna be on campus Saturday for both the Football playoff and the HSC game and lets hope Josh gets them moving in the right direction. They're playing a lot of kids who are new to the system or who didn't get tons of PT last year and it will take a little time to get the sloppiness out! Can't wait to be in the COTU Saturday and especially the crazy friendly confines that is Crenshaw Gym!! GO JACKETS!! We can straighten this up!

[nescac1]

One note on Mary Washington, Greg Rowson is a REALLY good player who for some reason, not sure if injured or what, did not play last year (so it's been two seasons he missed, with the COVID year).  But I saw him back when he was a sophomore and came away very impressed - a very versatile two-way wing who can do it all on both ends of the floor.  Pair him with Da'Shawn Cook (another guy who is a real baller and feels like he's been playing in college forever) and that is a really solid duo for Mary Washington to build around. 

[rmc1982]

They said last night he was injured and had surgery last year. I wasn't trying to take anything from the Eagles! They played a great game last night and they are both great players!!

[VAhoopsfan]

Not a great start for the ODAC. Looks like everyone has 1 or more losses except W and L. Should be an interesting year

[y_jack_lok]

ODAC teams are 21-16 so far against non-conference opponents. This does not include a couple of games that are exhibitions vs D1 schools, but does include several games against non-D3 schools.