MBB: NESCAC

[Bucket]

Match-ups are interesting. Thompson on Askew, giving up 3-4 inches? Lynch on Lora? Sharry on Watson? Glad i'm not making these calls.

Let me first acknowledge that what we say here has no impact whatsoever on the game tonight. But there's nervous energy to burn, and we might as well have some fun here.

So, here's a creative thought. Start Jensen in place of Lynch. Put him on Askew. Thompson on Watson. Sharry on the big fella. Lynch will obviously be a huge factor in this game, particularly on the offensive end of the floor. I see him getting a lot of good looks inside (based on the open looks Syed was getting last night). But there is something appealing about putting the athletic defender, Jensen, in the starting line-up. Jensen-Askew, Thompson-Watson, Sharry-Lora seem the most natural one-on-one assignments, and my guess is that we'll see that at points, no matter who starts. (I also see Nate Bullock being called on for valuable minutes guarding Watson. Bullock has established himself as a tremendous one-on-one defender the second half of the season, and he has the hops to challenge Watson, athletically.)

You can not overstate how valuable Thompson is as a one-on-one defender. He held WConn's Daquan Brooks to 11 pts (41 less than Brooks scored last night), in last year's 2nd round.

What we don't want is Sharry to be in a position where he is picking up early fouls. (And I think the likelihood increases if he's guarding a quicker player who slashes to the basket.)  And I imagine AM would say the same thing re: fouls about Askew. What I noticed about Askew last night is that he seems to get his blocks as an off-the-ball defender. It will be interesting to see how he is with a Lynch or Sharry coming right at him. He'll still get his blocks, but he's giving up bulk and strength to both guys. If he picks up some quick fouls, it could greatly impact what he can do defensively the rest of the way.

Is it 7:00 yet?

[amh63]

Amen to nervous energy.  Would love to catch the Midd vs AMC game.  Amherst's game with NYU starts at 6 PM!...Maybe will catch a little before the WBB game at 8PM.  Really messes up the dinner planning, etc. Wife not too happy....going to cost me a little.  Did buy her a nice necklace last week.

[falcons2010]

This is gonna be a good one! Very nervous right now. Loras Facebook status an hour ago was: "Albertus bball bout to shock the world." Can't say it did not get me snows up lol. Go falcons!

[falcons2010]

Amped* stupid autocorrect lol

[pjunito]

As a person who has watched the Albertus program since 2004; I can honestly say that the players on the team and Mitch Oliver are great people. New Haven gets a bad rap for many things; however, these kids bring positive news to the New Haven area. Which is why so many people associated with the College are excited about the opportunity to play agaisnt a great institution of higher learning like Middlebury. Coach Oliver is very competitive and is different on the court than off of it. He does "work" the officals. However, many coaches do. I dare you to sit in the front row of a Uconn/Pitt game and wonder if this is Division 1 basketball or a roast of Charlie Sheen with the words that are thrown around by the two coaches to the officials. (In no way am I trying to compare him to Jamie Dixon or Calhoun.) But, coaches do try to work officials.

While I was watching the game last night, I did feel like the team lost composure. Their play was sloppy and they were pointing the finger at each other and the officials. I hope the team woke up this morning and made the collective decision to play like they did the first 28 games this year. This team played with confidence, they played together, and they didn't complain.

If they do, then it will be a good basketball game. If not, Midd is too good and will win this easy.

On a side note, the two students who annouce the game last night should do a little more research on the teams they are covering. I understand that they are students and have other commitments; however, they should at least get the facts correct. Looking forward to a great game in about 45 minutes.

[walzy31]

Amherst rolls 80-56 in a statement win. Toomey with only 34...

[amh63]

Gosh Walzy....you beat me to the board....and I lost my post.   Oh well, surprisingly, all of the starters for Amherst hit from the 3-point line....even big Pete Kaasila!.. Toomey and the other guards started to drive and pick up fouls on NYU's front line players.  Both team scored well from outside with Amherst hitting more 3's, I believe.  Amherst led by 12 at the half with Toomey getting the last two points.
The bench finished the game and even scored well in the last 3 minutes.  Too many turnovers by NYU.

[pjunito]

Midd leads 46-32 with 15:46 left.

[pjunito]

Midd up 19; they are forcing Albertus into one on one basketball on defense. On offense, they are shooting 50%. They are just too good.

[pjunito]

Hats goes off to Midd. They were the much better team and played like it.  This reminded me of Michigan/Duke in the early 90's, Wolverines had 5 young players and were undefeated facing the defending national champs in Duke led by a veteran team. And Duke simply picked them apart. That is what Midd did today. They moved the ball very well, forced Albertus into predictable offensive possesions, and ran the floor. They deserved the win! Best of luck to them the rest of the way!

[jhetz02]

On a side note, the two students who annouce the game last night should do a little more research on the teams they are covering. I understand that they are students and have other commitments; however, they should at least get the facts correct. Looking forward to a great game in about 45 minutes.

I commentate some of the games--was wondering which broadcast you were listening to (WRMC or gomidd.tv) and what facts particularly they got wrong. Appreciate it.

[Old Guy]

Middlebury played great tonight at both ends in front of another sell out. Great guard play. Great front court play. Sharry was in POY form, going for 21 and 15, plus three big dunks, three blocks, three assists. Midd's fleet forwards, Jenson (11 points), Sinnickson, Bullock, played important roles helping to offset AM's speed. Lynch was very good, beating his man repeatedly on the baseline: 14 points in 19 minutes.

Lynch started on Askew and did a nice job blocking his path to the hoop. Askew had 26 on 8-22 shooting. Thompson bottled up Watson (5-16); Sharry's height gave Lora problems.

Midd shot 54%; had 20 assists (Wolfin 7; Kizel 6) and 12 turnovers.

AM's coach, Mike Oliver, was fine tonight, assume last night was the exception.

[ac08]

The NESCAC tournament is on Saturday and Sunday, however. To do that in the NCAA's means someone is playing at 1 p.m. on Friday. I don't think anyone really thinks that's the right way to go.

I think there are many who think hosting benefits for the school, town, and neighboring areas might be worth having early games.

[maineman]

Free throws were about the only problem tonight for Midd.  They need to get that corrected this week in practice or it will hurt them in the next round.

[magicman]

Amherst rolls 80-56 in a statement win. Toomey with only 34...

Great game by Amherst tonight as their 3 starting guards really took over the game. NYU had no answer for Toomey. I chose both Toomey and Workman for my team in the NCAA Tournament Fantasy League so I'll live or die with the Lord Jeffs. Tonight I was quite alive as Toomey gave me 40 points and Workman had 23. Joey Kizell from Middlebury is also on my team and had 19 fantasy points. I'm hoping for a Midd-Amherst final in Salem.