MBB: Old Dominion Athletic Conference

[mybleedinghands]

You are getting close in your closing paragraph to the point I have been trying to make. D3 teams don't scrimmage HMA or FUMA because they can't match the competition level seen in the year.

I wouldn't say that. The Hargrave's of the world are significantly different from any D3 team, regardless of rather its Guilford or Lynchburg. Team's like Hargrave have significantly more talent, depth, height, and athleticism than any other D3 team, so playing a Hargrave wouldn't replicate a typical D3 team. Rather Hargrave is better or worse than a D3 team is beside the fact when considering scheduling a team for a scrimmage.

[algernon]

I'm sure VW will fall out of the top 10; there's no justification for keeping them there.

The Marlins fell to #18.  I find it interesting that they are still in the Top 25, actually, because while the Marlins may very well be one of the top 25 teams in the country, their record to date does not justify a Top 25 ranking (4-2, with only 1 GOOD WIN in my mind).  Their being in the Top 25 at this point reflects, to some extent, what they achieved last year.

Among their next 7 games will be some real tough ones .... Averett, Methodist, Bridgewater, Guilford, and Hampden-Sydney.  If the Marlins can win 5 of the next 7 .... and finish that stretch with a record of 9-4, they might possibly remain in the Top 25.  Although winning 5 of the next 7 is doable for the Marlins, it won't be easy.  This is a tough league and Averett certainly has the potential to beat the Marlins or any other ODAC team.

[DeWayneCarter]

I couldn't have said it better... those games are going to show what type of team the Marlins will be this year.

[GP05]

It's early and the Marlins are still finding their way.  I doubt they're especially worried about keeping a top 25 ranking.  Getting better and being in stride come ODAC tournament time would be more relevant goals.  I agree though, they could go anywhere from 3-4 to 7-0 in the next 7; it's a big stretch of their schedule.

[ODACfan4life]

True that the next 7 games are important, but even if VW finishes 4th or 5th in the ODAC, they will be at the top of most lists as one of the teams you don't want to play in the ODAC tournament.  A poor overall season record will only hurt VW with an at large bid.

[jdubyadubya]

I have been reading your posts about the Marlins and your comments about whether or not they can win x number of games over x weeks to maintain their Top 25 status, etc., etc., It's not just a case of winning or losing, whether or not they have the killer instinct anymore, whether or not they have a replacement for #30. I think, rather, it's the intimidation factor. Over the last several years, the guys on the floor were an intimidating bunch. Other teams could sense it. I don't think it's there anymore. The intimidation torch has been passed to Guilford and rightly so....big Ben Strong is intimidating and if you don't think so, think again! Other teams see him clearly when they take the floor and know, just like #30 of the Marlins over the past four years, the kid is going to score a bunch of points.
And when you have an Adair or a Strong on your team, the other players on the team feel it too and a sense of invincibility comes over them. They take the floor and know they can win every game. I think that's what Guilford is feeling right now.

[hasanova]

I have been reading your posts about the Marlins and your comments about whether or not they can win x number of games over x weeks to maintain their Top 25 status, etc., etc., It's not just a case of winning or losing, whether or not they have the killer instinct anymore, whether or not they have a replacement for #30. I think, rather, it's the intimidation factor. Over the last several years, the guys on the floor were an intimidating bunch. Other teams could sense it. I don't think it's there anymore. The intimidation torch has been passed to Guilford and rightly so....big Ben Strong is intimidating and if you don't think so, think again! Other teams see him clearly when they take the floor and know, just like #30 of the Marlins over the past four years, the kid is going to score a bunch of points.
And when you have an Adair or a Strong on your team, the other players on the team feel it too and a sense of invincibility comes over them. They take the floor and know they can win every game. I think that's what Guilford is feeling right now.

Well said, JWW.   I saw it vididly in Guilford's games versus Greensboro and Methodist.  Opposing teams and fans clearly know the Quakers are ranked and they absolutely know who Ben Strong is.  The atmosphere for Guilford at Greensboro will not be the same when the Pride plays, oh, let's say, Ferrum.  In the Methodist game, the Monarchs were getting smoked, but one of their very athletic leapers got a block on Ben on an inside play.  He was rightfully and demonstrably pumped and so were his teammates, but Ben calmly went to the line, sank both FT's and MU lost by 26.  I'm going to enjoy every minute of this season, but it will be equally interesting to see what sort of team Guilford fields in 2008-09 sans Strong.

[hasanova]

You know, I realize this is intercollegiate sports, but I need a game ... now!  lol  What's up with a week off for exams?    Priorities!  lol  Only kidding.  Wish I could be at Shenandoah on Monday night!

[jdubyadubya]

I'm planning to be there Nova. I'll be rooting for the ODAC team

[hasanova]

I'm planning to be there Nova. I'll be rooting for the ODAC team

Great!  I'd appreciate an eyewitness report.  SU has a great record, but I'm not sure how good their competition's been so far.  I feel Guilford will be favored, but away games against good teams always make me a bit nervous.  I'm glad you can attend and thanks for supporting the Quakers.

[jdubyadubya]

Nova - SU vs. Guilford on Monday night should be a very good game. Both teams have been playing well and I look for a back and forth battle royal. There will domination of the boards at both ends. Just might be a real physical contest full of fouls. That may be what determines the winner!

[hasanova]

Nova - SU vs. Guilford on Monday night should be a very good game. Both teams have been playing well and I look for a back and forth battle royal. There will domination of the boards at both ends. Just might be a real physical contest full of fouls. That may be what determines the winner!

SU had some talent last season - I'm not sure who they've added.  Expect to see Guilford push it inside to you-know-who.  I won't be a bit surprised if he tops 30 again.  Ben is such a good FT shooter, he can score whether he gets fouled or not.  Watch Henson and Belkoski as well - if they get a few baskets, especially threes, it's usually a bellwether for a good game by the team.

[Rikki_Tikki_Tavi]

Anyone have some insight into Lynchburg this year? Im thinking about making the trip up because, well, I have nothing better to do on a Monday night!

[hasanova]

Anyone have some insight into Lynchburg this year? Im thinking about making the trip up because, well, I have nothing better to do on a Monday night!

Well, LC appears to be a team and a program in disarray.  Two members of the team were badly injured in a plane crash the day before Thanksgiving and the team's on-the-court performance hasn't been very good.  I've heard rumors about discord among the coaches and, frankly, I don't see the HC being retained after this season.  The 74-70 win over first year program Randolph may be one of few (if not the only) wins this year.  Great teams beat them by 40, good teams beat them by 20 and fair teams beat them by 10.  They were picked last of 10 in the ODAC preseason and, so far, that looks to be on target.  I don't mean to be too harsh, but that's the way I (and others) see it.

[sludge]

Anyone have some insight into Lynchburg this year? Im thinking about making the trip up because, well, I have nothing better to do on a Monday night!

Adding to what Hasanova said, Lynchburg does have some exciting players with fine potential.  And that plane crash could seriously dent any program.  I wonder whether the whole is as good as the sum of the parts, though.