MBB: NESCAC

[Old Guy]

I watched the Bates-Bowdoin game on the web - and followed Midd-Wes on live stats. Anybody see the Bates (6-6 coming in) dismantling of the Polar Bears (9-3, with one and two point losses) coming? The home court advantage at Bates is real (tiny gym, avid fans), but this was never a game.

I look forward to talking with Bucket to get a qualitative report on Midd-Wes. It certainly seemed like an exciting well-played game - relatively few turnovers, both teams shooting over 50%. Sharry was typically strong and efficient - 14 points (6-9), 11 rebounds; Kizell had 16 points and hit two foul shots with 8 seconds left that iced the game: he's shooting 90% from the line (53-59). That's a great skill to have in a ball handler at the end of a close game. Jake Wolfin had 5 assists; Jensen 13 points.

Shasha Brown had more assists (6) than field goals (5-9). A sign of Wesleyan's success? 

The other score that surprised me was Tufts-Colby (64-59). I had watched Colby twice on the web in one-sided games at home vs Bowdoin and Bates - and they looked really weak. Maybe they're coming together now under their 1st year coach.

Hamilton at Trinity today. What's the line on that one? Pick 'em?

Wes-Amherst should be fun.

-2 here today. What would we do without basketball?

[O-Boards10]

A poor showing from Bowdoin this weekend, particularly against Bates. Keep in mind the first time these teams met, Bates was without two starters (Christian and Bogdanovich). They proved to be an impact (23 points and 10 rebounds), especially since Bates's bench contributed little to nothing. Bowdoin has a lot of holes to fill; Hanley can't continue to do it alone.

Any thoughts on if Wesleyan will see some love in the next polls? Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe all their losses are vs. top 25 teams. Looking forward to seeing the Cardinals take on the Bobcats next weekend.

[Hugenerd]

Any thoughts on if Wesleyan will see some love in the next polls? Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe all their losses are vs. top 25 teams. Looking forward to seeing the Cardinals take on the Bobcats next weekend.

That's true as of this week, but Buffalo State is certain to fall out in next week's poll after losing 3 of 4.

With that said, with all the upsets of Northeast teams this week (Williams, RIC, West Conn, WPI), I am sure there are some votes that could be picked up by teams like Tufts or Wesleyan, but with each having 4 losses there is no guarantee.

[nescac1]

Great to see the Ephs bounce back from a brutal outing at Wesleyan, with a 22-0 run in the second half to put Conn College away.  Nate Robertson returned which was huge, he had his typically efficient game vs. Conn College and also really limited Conn's star player Matt Vadas.  Williams is a very different team when he is healthy (as evidenced by two losses when he was out), he is clearly the team MVP at this point.  Williams still seems to be struggling from deep, other than James Klemm.  Williams will really need guys other than Michael Mayer (who shockingly is still leading the team in scoring) and Klemm to step up on offense if they hope to build on this and compete the way they are capable of, with a very difficult stretch on the horizon vs. Skidmore (who nearly beat Middlebury), Amherst, and Midd.  Williams will need Wang and Robertson to penetrate and create open shots for the wings in order to win those games. 

On a happy note, at last, Williams finally now offers free webcasts, great news, yahoo!!  Middlebury, you're on deck . 

http://athletics.williams.edu/sports/General_News_Items/F-R-E-E_TEAMLINE

[magicman]

Trinity trails Hamilton by 2 points 28-26 at the half. Trinity held the lead throughout the period but Hamilton scores the final points of the period on a 3 pointer by Pat Sullivan.

[magicman]

Barnburner at Trinity as the Bantams lead Hamilton 55-54 with 1:25 left to play.

[magicman]

Trinity aided by several questionable calls in the final minute hangs on to defeat Hamilton 61-56.

[magicman]

Trinity 61 Hamilton 56

This game was a close contest throughout as neither team could gain much of an advantage. Trinity held the upper hand for much of the game as Hamilton managed to get the lead on only three occasions, twice in the 1st half and once early in the 2nd. Their largest lead was the 2 point edge of 28-26 at the break. Trinity's Mick Distasio opened the 2nd half with a three pointer to regain the lead and after Hamilton went back ahead on 2 free throws by Ken Click, the Bantams scored 5 straight points on a jumper by Chris Applegate and a triple by Varum Ram to go up 34-30. The Bantams never trailed again, but couldn't get much separation from the Continentals. Back and forth play over the next few minutes until Trinity, leading 37-36 with 15:37 to go opened up their largest lead of the game on back to back triples by Distastio and Carter Trent to make the score 43-36. Still up by 7 points, 48-41, with 9:09 left on the clock, the Bantams would fail to score for the next 3 minutes and Hamilton closed the gap to 48-46 with 6:09 remaining. Alex Conoway finally broke the drought with a layup and after a Hamilton free throw, Distastio nailed another 3 pointer to make it 53-47 with 5 minutes to go. A Pat Sullivan layup and 2 buckets by Matt Dean brought the Continentals within 1 point at 55-54 with 1:55 left. After a Trinity timeout the Bantams misfired and Hamilton's Han Schulte rebounded, drove the length of the court and made a layup but was called for on offensive foul that was questionable to say the least. On Trinity's ensuing possession Distastio drives the lane, collides with Hamilton's Pat Sullivan and the refs called a blocking foul that sent Distastio to the line. He made both shots with 34 ticks left to make it 57-54. Watching the video feed it was pretty clear that Sullivan was already in place when Distastio crashed into him. These back to back calls were the difference in this game. Hamilton missed on their next trip down the court and the Bantam's Eric Dean grabbed the rebound and was fouled. He made both foul shots and Hamilton's Joseph Lin went coast to coast for a layup to make it 59-56 with 6 seconds to go. Trinity's Varun Ram was fouled with 3 seconds left and made both shots to close out the scoring. Tough way for the Continentals to lose. Sure looked like a little home cooking.

Trinity placed 4 players in double figures led by Varun Ram with 14 pts (5x14 fg, 2x4 3's, 2x2 ft) and 4 assists. Eric Dean posted a double double with 10 pts (2x5 fg, 1x3 3's, 5x6 ft) and 10 rebounds. Alex Conaway scored 13 pts (3x8 fg, 7x10 ft) and Mick Distasio had 12 (3x7 fg, 3x6 3's, 3x4 ft) George Papadeas only scored 2 pts (0x7 fg, 2x4 ft) but led the Bantams with 11 rebounds. Trinity shot 17x52 fg (32.7%), 7x18 3's (38.9%) and 20x28 ft (71.4%). They had a big edge on the boards 43-33 and but had 18 turnovers to only 11 for Hamilton.

Hamilton placed 3 players in double digits with Pat Sullivan leading the way. Sullivan had 14 pts (4x12 fg, 1x3 3's, 5x7 ft) with 4 boards and 3 assists. Ken Click had 12 points (4x9 fg, 0x4 3's, 4x5 ft) with 5 rebounds while Matt Dean had 11 pts (5x9 fg, 0x2 3's, 1x2 ft) with 6 rebounds and 3 assists. Continentals didn't shoot very well, particularly from downtown. They were 18x53 fg (34.0%), 2x19 3's (10.5%) and 18x27 ft (66.7%).

Trinity improves to 10-5 overall and 2-1 in conference play. They will travel to Bridgewater State on Tuesday Jan. 17th to take on the Bears at 7 PM.

Hamilton drops to 11-6 overall, 1-3 in the NESCAC. They are off until Friday Jan. 20th when they host the #1 ranked Middlebury Panthers.       

[amh63]

Back home after a long trip on the train.  Been catching up on the board with the games in the NE area.  Just seems that when you think you have a team figured out, someone "upsets" someone.  Some observations/comments in general about the weekend games.
Mr. Klemm made me sound intelligent when he hit about 5 straight threes on Sat.  I pointed out to the Conn. parent that Klemm was the best outside shooter in the conference (bite my tongue) and Klemm finds his gloove....so to speak
Magicman.....really now...homecooking by our fine persons in the stripe outfits.  I agree that Div3 refs. could improve.  In my case, I always complain when calls go against Amherst....even when it is a home game.  I have been less vocal of late but I do enjoy sitting in the stands and listen to the intelligent fans around me quietly complain about calls.  I just smile.  Can't get that on-line.   Love live games.
Not trying to put down any player....just relating some of the floor plays that brought a smile to me.  A Hamilton player drives inside and tries to stop quickly when he encounters Peter Kaasila who is blocking his way.  The player sort of throws up a shot.  It looks like he bounced off of Kaasilla and Peter catches the ball in the air while the smaller player falls down.
Aaron Toomey gets a steal and starts a fast break. He drives to the basket and makes a drop pass to a streaking Amherst guard on his right. The soph. player from Delbarton school in N.J. takes the ball and makes a slam dunk.  The Amherst crowd is energized by the electrifying play as the end of the first half.  Great basketball in a flash.  Looking forward to Tuesday at Wes.

[Old Guy]

"Magicman.....really now...homecooking by our fine persons in the stripe outfits.  I agree that Div3 refs. could improve.  In my case, I always complain when calls go against Amherst....even when it is a home game.  I have been less vocal of late but I do enjoy sitting in the stands and listen to the intelligent fans around me quietly complain about calls."  am63

After painful experience, I have adopted over the years a personal "zero tolerance" approach to complaining about the officials, even when their incompetence is egregious and even criminally partisan. I tell people I am "in recovery," have been for decades: like an alcoholic who has one drink and can't stop, if I yell at a ref it is extremely difficult for me to desist once the tap is opened. So it's important not to have a single slip. Occasionally, I will spontaneously erupt with a "TRAVEL," or "THREE SECONDS," but that is involuntary and non-abusive. By dint of great effort at self-control, I have been successful for some time in moderating my game behavior. My wife will actually sit next to me at games, though I still find it necessary to watch the last five minutes of close games at home through the windows in the hallway behind the north stands. This ensures my good behavior and allows for anxious pacing as time runs out. Whatever gets you through the night.

[frank uible]

Is it unreasonable to expect NBA quality refs for DIII games?

[Colby Hoops]

Is it unreasonable to expect NBA quality refs for DIII games?

Unfortunately I think that's what we have.

[amh63]

Frank U.....I started to post a response to your question(?) when I lost my post.  ColbyHoops actually has a better response.
In any case, I will repost it here.  First, Frank, are you a serious student of Japanese poetry writing?  Your post are often very short and hard to understand.
I hope to leave this subject since it appears it has cost me a karma point.  I will just relate a story.
This weekend, before leaving for the Williams vs. Conn game on Sat., my host and I watched the UCONN WBB game on TV.  Big fans.  The fast paced game was being stopped by frequent whistles being blown.  This angered my host and he shouts out if a particular ref. was in the game .  Totally ignorant of the subject/topic, my host explains.  It seems that there is a woman ref. that has a rep. for making frequent calls during UCONN games.  The nickname she is given (forgot it)  in Big East games, arrived with her from the SEC conference. 
It seems that during fast paced games, she gets tired and needs a short break.....she whistles a violation...right or wrong...to get a rest.
The UCONN fans are tough.
I do not expect perfection Frank.....just a better quality of life.

[frank uible]

We have (1) unreasonableness, or (2) expectations, or (3) NBA quality refs, or (4) a combination of two of (1), (2) and (3), or all three of (1), (2) and (3)?

[OchoLoko41]

Any thoughts on if Wesleyan will see some love in the next polls? Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe all their losses are vs. top 25 teams. Looking forward to seeing the Cardinals take on the Bobcats next weekend.

That's true as of this week, but Buffalo State is certain to fall out in next week's poll after losing 3 of 4.

With that said, with all the upsets of Northeast teams this week (Williams, RIC, West Conn, WPI), I am sure there are some votes that could be picked up by teams like Tufts or Wesleyan, but with each having 4 losses there is no guarantee.

After their rather impressive showing this past weekend Wesleyan has impressed coaches enough to be considered a top 40 team in the latest coaches poll.  Things can only go up should the Cardinals play to their potential against Amherst tomorrow.  Its definitely worth noting that the game is going to be in Middletown where Wes only has one loss (against #1 Mid)