MBB: NESCAC

GoWesYoungMan · February 21, 2015, 06:37:15 PM

Great gutty performance by the Cards on the road in front of another loud fun Bates crowd. It was a typical Wes win with no real standout and a commitment to rebounding and challenging every possession. Wes had a 33-20 advantage before Bates went on a 18-2 running spanning halftime to go up 38-35. The Cardinals maintained composure, hit a few open shots to take the lead and eventually started making free throws to seal the win. Bates couldn't buy a three and that may be just good luck but it has become a common theme for Wesleyan's NESCAC wins and at this point some credit needs to go to the Wes perimeter defense. On the road again to Hartford to take on the Bantams.

pinseeking1 · February 21, 2015, 06:44:18 PM

Very disappointing day for the Bates Bobcats today. A full Alumni gym couldn't make up for 4 for 26 shooting from outside the arc and 9 for 18 shooting from the FT line and the Wesleyan Cardinals now advance to the semifinals. Unfortunately, 3 point shooting of under 30% for the season (including 26% for league games) just makes it too hard to win games against quality competition.

It was great fun to watch the Bobcats this season and losing Safford to graduation will make the point guard position the biggest question mark for next year, but most of the key ingredients (the twins, Boornazian) will be back and hopefully the Bobcats can continue to improve on this year's success. From a 1 win NESCAC season last year to a 7 win NESCAC season this year, the Bobcats provided some great entertainment!

warriorcat · February 21, 2015, 06:55:04 PM

I just returned from my first game in Alumni Gym in Lewiston. Although the students were not all back from their break the gym was pretty full. What a great home court advantage. The students who stand on the stage (many football players I think) are a loud and proud. What I was impressed with was the fact that the they spend most of their time cheering for the Bobcats and singing their songs. They were not foul and abusive to the opposing team as I have seen in many Division 1 buildings. The big difference in this game was three point shooting Bates was 4-26 and Wesleyan was 11-26 . The Cards were the better team today and they deserved to go on to the semi finals next week.

Bucket · February 21, 2015, 07:30:24 PM

Quote from: pinseeking1 on February 21, 2015, 06:44:18 PM
Very disappointing day for the Bates Bobcats today. A full Alumni gym couldn't make up for 4 for 26 shooting from outside the arc and 9 for 18 shooting from the FT line and the Wesleyan Cardinals now advance to the semifinals. Unfortunately, 3 point shooting of under 30% for the season (including 26% for league games) just makes it too hard to win games against quality competition.

It was great fun to watch the Bobcats this season and losing Safford to graduation will make the point guard position the biggest question mark for next year, but most of the key ingredients (the twins, Boornazian) will be back and hopefully the Bobcats can continue to improve on this year's success. From a 1 win NESCAC season last year to a 7 win NESCAC season this year, the Bobcats provided some great entertainment!

Disappointing loss, but don't close the books on the season just yet. Bates squarely on the bubble for a Pool C selection.

Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) · February 21, 2015, 07:37:02 PM

Quote from: Bucket on February 21, 2015, 07:30:24 PM
Quote from: pinseeking1 on February 21, 2015, 06:44:18 PM
Very disappointing day for the Bates Bobcats today. A full Alumni gym couldn't make up for 4 for 26 shooting from outside the arc and 9 for 18 shooting from the FT line and the Wesleyan Cardinals now advance to the semifinals. Unfortunately, 3 point shooting of under 30% for the season (including 26% for league games) just makes it too hard to win games against quality competition.

It was great fun to watch the Bobcats this season and losing Safford to graduation will make the point guard position the biggest question mark for next year, but most of the key ingredients (the twins, Boornazian) will be back and hopefully the Bobcats can continue to improve on this year's success. From a 1 win NESCAC season last year to a 7 win NESCAC season this year, the Bobcats provided some great entertainment!

Disappointing loss, but don't close the books on the season just yet. Bates squarely on the bubble for a Pool C selection.

I think that SOS number gets them in - a la Bowdoin last year. Unless we have a slew of major upsets across the country, they've got a real good chance.

MENESCACFAN · February 21, 2015, 08:35:05 PM

Was also at Bates game. Fantastic cows and tai to say winter break had zero impact on attendance.

Game was tied as late as the last five minutes, but Edmonds from Wes going 5 of 6 from three pointers was frankly insane and likely the deciding factor in a good game.

Safford has a great career but in my opinion was outplayed by Boornazian multiple times down the stretch of the season. Freshman Strickland who is a flashy ball handler will likely step in at point and I expect Bates to be very strong again next year. The twins are a joy to watch, particularly on defense.

I think there is slim to no chance of Pool C, so home state pride has me switching to Bowdoin for the remainder of the season. They are getting hot at the right time, and could go a long way.

polbear73 · February 22, 2015, 07:30:08 AM

Nothing But NESCAC was 4-0 in their predictions for the weekend and they were only a point or two off the Wesleyan-Bates actual score. I'm not sure how predictable the semis will be, however.

amh63 · February 22, 2015, 10:28:46 AM

polbear73.....thanks for the NothingButNescac blog note. The writers do a fine job and try to fair and balance in their blog, imo.
While watching the limited webcast out of Tufts, reading the above cited blog and finally the stats of the Amherst vs Tufts game as well as the Tufts provided writeup, I need to point out several under reported items. First....the Jeffs out rebounded the Jumbos significantly. Green's shooting has been praised but he has been adding big rebounding numbers, along with George and the other guards.
Actually, Amherst's front court players out rebounted the Tufts Twin Towers. Also it should be noted that Amherst had 14 blocks!...spread around. This time, Tufts' backcourt/ball handlers were shut down.....period....thank goodness. Amherst's defense was not noted much in the posting.
Jayhawk...you did note the fine rebounding effort....plus K for your post.
Sorry...the 14 blocks were by the Lady Jeffs! My Bad. Tufts had more blocks....6-4..than Amherst.

P'bearfan · February 22, 2015, 11:20:15 AM

Interesting stat from yesterday's Bowdoin - Williams game. Bowdoin out rebounded Williams 46 -29 which isn't too surprising given the P'bears size advantage. However, at the end of the first half the teams were even at 16 rebounds a piece.

The Ephs very hot shooting in the first half had a lot to do with that parity on the boards. Williams shot 52% from the floor including 53% from behind the arc. There simply weren't many free balls to get.

Congrats to Williams on their season - especially their seniors. Clearly a talented group.

P'bearfan · February 22, 2015, 11:21:08 AM

http://athletics.bowdoin.edu/sports/mbkb/2014-15/releases/20150222xfqeh6

Sad news today for the Bowdoin basketball community....a truly inspiring story.

polbear73 · February 22, 2015, 11:37:30 AM

Quote from: P'bearfan on February 22, 2015, 11:21:08 AM
http://athletics.bowdoin.edu/sports/mbkb/2014-15/releases/20150222xfqeh6

Sad news today for the Bowdoin basketball community....a truly inspiring story.
[/quote
My son graduated with Wil and I had the honor of meeting him. A very unique and inspiring individual and he will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched.

nescac1 · February 22, 2015, 11:44:00 AM

Very sad news re: Wil Smith, he was a very tough competitor on (and apparently off) the court. Sorry to hear that.

quicksilver · February 22, 2015, 12:15:11 PM

Heart breaking to hear of the all-too-young death of Bowdoin's extraordinary Wil Smith

GoWesYoungMan · February 22, 2015, 02:33:29 PM

Condolences to Coach Gilbride and the Bowdoin basketball community and thanks for sharing the extraordinary story of Wil Smith.

GoWesYoungMan · February 22, 2015, 04:47:49 PM

Best play of the season for Wes, at a time when we held a slim lead with three minutes to play:

http://youtu.be/1hnyGQ1B7eE

A nice feed from Mackey to Kuo yesterday...credit to the Bates fans for recognizing a nice play even from the opposition. Credit to the Bates fans in general who show up, get loud and create a great atmosphere for both teams. It may be a little intimidating but it's still a lot more fun to play in front of a passionate audience.