MBB: NESCAC

[Old Guy]

Where is the NbN write up on the semi final games?  With all due respect to the Conn College season wrap up, the Friday before two semi-final games needs a good write up from the excellent writers on NbN!!

They are coming we promise. The Amherst-Bowdoin one should be up soon while the Wesleyan-Trinity one will be out a little bit later in the day. Put in a lot of effort to them.

Great write up guys!!! Should be a great game.

GoUBears!!

Confirm excellent write-up by Adam Lamott (Bowdoin). Should be a great game between two worthy opponents.

I offer also this excellent analysis by Nothingbutnescac of the enigmatic Middlebury team, who defeated handily two of the four finalists in the NESCAC tourney, in part because it was written by Young Guy, who at 19 knows his hoop (and is turning into a formidable pick-up player, gym rat, plays every day): http://nothingbutnescac.com/2015/02/24/1613/

I have one of the senior Midd hoopers in class this spring and he has no favorite in this weekend's games. I asked him who he likes to go all the way, and he shrugged - he didn't even know who was playing. He knows only that he's not, and he's moving on. On the whole, healthy, I think. Rear-view mirror.

I have watched a couple of the Midd baseball intra-squad scrimmages in the new Midd field house - Sinnickson is playing and one hopes will lead a resurgence of Midd baseball after a down year last year (he didn't play). He's fun to watch, plays center, bats lead-off. I will get to Tucson for the Midd-Ephs triple-header there spring break. My wife's father lives in Tucson, so I get points for going, a great combination of incentives. I'm always in need of points.

We have a rule in our house of sports fans that a televised event never takes precedence over a live event at the College, but that rule predates the on-line presentation of NESCAC events, especially Midd hoop contests on the road. Consequently, I missed most of the Midd women's home basketball games this year, preferring to watch the men's road games on-line. Feel bad about that, but not enough not to watch.

So tomorrow Midd women host the NESCAC ice hockey tourney and I have two women pucksters in my class, but I really want to watch (with Young Guy, who is off at college, five minutes away) the NESCAC men' hoop tourney. I need to find a way to tape the NSN hoop telecasts. It's a dilemma.

[P'bearfan]

Re: NESCAC MBB
« Reply #20114 on: Yesterday at 04:05:07 pm »
Quote
P'bear, have the houndstooth ready!

I wouldn't watch the game without it!

[P'bearfan]

Here are my keys to the game for Bowdoin today:

1) Slow down Connor Green

Last time Bowdoin and Amherst met I recommended that we try to stop Green.  This simply may not be possible.  However slowing him down and making him less efficient could have a big impact.

A few years ago Micheal Lewis wrote an article for the NYT Sunday magazine on Shane Battier entitled "The No Stats All Star".  It's worth tracking down if you haven't read it.  In the article Lewis describes how Battier defended Kobe Bryant.  There were a few games where Battier actually stopped Bryant but more often Battier settled for making Bryant less efficient.  Force him to take low percentage shots; force him to run off multiple screens before shooting which ate up the clock. 

Bryant may still have scored more than 30 per game but his points per possession and points per minute were way down.  That meant the other Lakers were less involved in the offense and the Lakers as a whole were a less efficient team offensively.  This same approach could be a key in Bowdoin defeating Amherst as at times Green has carried the LJ's on his back.

The key questions for Bowdoin - What defense will they run?  As the guys at NbN rightly point out Green's range makes him tough to defend in a zone - even Bowdoin's very efficient match up zone.  Is the answer a box and one?  Green's size also makes him a tough match up for any individual Bowdoin defender.

It will be interesting to see what scheme HBC Gilbride and staff have planned and what adjustments they make throughout the game.

2) Limit David George under the glass.

Bowdoin has been a strong rebouding team and this has allowed them to have more possessions per game.  Bowdoin needs to be effective in boxing out Green and limiting his rebounds and points in the paint.  Again easier said than done - especially without getting into foul trouble.

3) Get Hurley and Palecki involved in the offense early

If there was any doubt as to who fuels the Bowdoin offense last week's game against Williams put that to rest.  It's Hausman and Swords.  However, Amherst has the athletes to really lock down on these guys or double them up. 

If Hurley is scoring from behind the arc and Palecki is getting points on passes from a doubled teamed Swords then Amherst will have to play Hausman and Swords straight up.  Once that happens Hausman and Swords can go to work and the LJ's will have their hands full.

Looking forward to a greart game.

GoUBears!

[amh63]

It is cold today in D.C.....as it is in the South.  While awaiting the games this afternoon, I shutter at the players playing Lacrosse today in New England.....Amherst men's team is up at Bates...good grief!
P'Bear....I suggested that WPI89 take a loan of your sports coat for the NEWMAC  game today.  Guess he did not take the hint and my effort to mess with your lucky charm .
To the subject of the game today from my perspective...yes, I am a fan of the former Duke player...
Connor Green will be Conner...if he is off today, he will contribute in other ways.  The key in today's game is how well Nabo plays...a long athletic forward who can shoot the 3 pointer.  He needs to rebound and prevent the lob to Swords inside.  Jeff Racy needs to have his shots to go today and also help on the boards, etc.  Finally, can Berman help shut down Hurley?
Believe that Amherst defense and bench will also play key roles today.
Had hoped that the WBB matchup with Bowdoin would be the early game....so I could concentrate on the individual games...hard to have two games on at the same time...double the stress and the enjoyment...for me

[lefrakenstein]

Where is the NbN write up on the semi final games?  With all due respect to the Conn College season wrap up, the Friday before two semi-final games needs a good write up from the excellent writers on NbN!!

They are coming we promise. The Amherst-Bowdoin one should be up soon while the Wesleyan-Trinity one will be out a little bit later in the day. Put in a lot of effort to them.

Great write up guys!!! Should be a great game.

GoUBears!!

Confirm excellent write-up by Adam Lamott (Bowdoin). Should be a great game between two worthy opponents.

I offer also this excellent analysis by Nothingbutnescac of the enigmatic Middlebury team, who defeated handily two of the four finalists in the NESCAC tourney, in part because it was written by Young Guy, who at 19 knows his hoop (and is turning into a formidable pick-up player, gym rat, plays every day): http://nothingbutnescac.com/2015/02/24/1613/

I have one of the senior Midd hoopers in class this spring and he has no favorite in this weekend's games. I asked him who he likes to go all the way, and he shrugged - he didn't even know who was playing. He knows only that he's not, and he's moving on. On the whole, healthy, I think. Rear-view mirror.

I have watched a couple of the Midd baseball intra-squad scrimmages in the new Midd field house - Sinnickson is playing and one hopes will lead a resurgence of Midd baseball after a down year last year (he didn't play). He's fun to watch, plays center, bats lead-off. I will get to Tucson for the Midd-Ephs triple-header there spring break. My wife's father lives in Tucson, so I get points for going, a great combination of incentives. I'm always in need of points.

We have a rule in our house of sports fans that a televised event never takes precedence over a live event at the College, but that rule predates the on-line presentation of NESCAC events, especially Midd hoop contests on the road. Consequently, I missed most of the Midd women's home basketball games this year, preferring to watch the men's road games on-line. Feel bad about that, but not enough not to watch.

So tomorrow Midd women host the NESCAC ice hockey tourney and I have two women pucksters in my class, but I really want to watch (with Young Guy, who is off at college, five minutes away) the NESCAC men' hoop tourney. I need to find a way to tape the NSN hoop telecasts. It's a dilemma.

Very nice article by Young Guy. Not only insightful, but also well written.

In general, big thanks to the NBN guys. I've really enjoyed all the content you've provided this year. Keep it coming.

[lefrakenstein]

Here are my keys to the game for Bowdoin today:

1) Slow down Connor Green

Last time Bowdoin and Amherst met I recommended that we try to stop Green.  This simply may not be possible.  However slowing him down and making him less efficient could have a big impact.

A few years ago Micheal Lewis wrote an article for the NYT Sunday magazine on Shane Battier entitled "The No Stats All Star".  It's worth tracking down if you haven't read it.  In the article Lewis describes how Battier defended Kobe Bryant.  There were a few games where Battier actually stopped Bryant but more often Battier settled for making Bryant less efficient.  Force him to take low percentage shots; force him to run off multiple screens before shooting which ate up the clock. 

Bryant may still have scored more than 30 per game but his points per possession and points per minute were way down.  That meant the other Lakers were less involved in the offense and the Lakers as a whole were a less efficient team offensively.  This same approach could be a key in Bowdoin defeating Amherst as at times Green has carried the LJ's on his back.

The key questions for Bowdoin - What defense will they run?  As the guys at NbN rightly point out Green's range makes him tough to defend in a zone - even Bowdoin's very efficient match up zone.  Is the answer a box and one?  Green's size also makes him a tough match up for any individual Bowdoin defender.

It will be interesting to see what scheme HBC Gilbride and staff have planned and what adjustments they make throughout the game.

2) Limit David George under the glass.

Bowdoin has been a strong rebouding team and this has allowed them to have more possessions per game.  Bowdoin needs to be effective in boxing out Green and limiting his rebounds and points in the paint.  Again easier said than done - especially without getting into foul trouble.

3) Get Hurley and Palecki involved in the offense early

If there was any doubt as to who fuels the Bowdoin offense last week's game against Williams put that to rest.  It's Hausman and Swords.  However, Amherst has the athletes to really lock down on these guys or double them up. 

If Hurley is scoring from behind the arc and Palecki is getting points on passes from a doubled teamed Swords then Amherst will have to play Hausman and Swords straight up.  Once that happens Hausman and Swords can go to work and the LJ's will have their hands full.

Looking forward to a greart game.

GoUBears!

Funny, I feel like the keys for Amherst are almost the exact inverse: 1) Slow down Hausman; 2) Limit Swords on the boards; 3) Get McCarthy, Nabatoff and Racy going early.

[CatCountry2013]

As a heartbroken Bates fan, I'm regardless super excited to be at Trinity watching these games this weekend. I'll be rocking my Bates colors of course, though! Should be a great weekend.

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

As a heartbroken Bates fan, I'm regardless super excited to be at Trinity watching these games this weekend. I'll be rocking my Bates colors of course, though! Should be a great weekend.

Your team's still gonna be playing next weekend.  Today's losers are going to have to sweat it out.  At least you have that.

[CatCountry2013]

As a heartbroken Bates fan, I'm regardless super excited to be at Trinity watching these games this weekend. I'll be rocking my Bates colors of course, though! Should be a great weekend.

Your team's still gonna be playing next weekend.  Today's losers are going to have to sweat it out.  At least you have that.

That's not a definite, though.

Very bizarre first half here in Hartford. Wesleyan looks like the better team but I feel it could go either way.

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

As a heartbroken Bates fan, I'm regardless super excited to be at Trinity watching these games this weekend. I'll be rocking my Bates colors of course, though! Should be a great weekend.

Your team's still gonna be playing next weekend.  Today's losers are going to have to sweat it out.  At least you have that.

That's not a definite, though.

Very bizarre first half here in Hartford. Wesleyan looks like the better team but I feel it could go either way.

It's as definite as things get.  I'm not sure there are enough teams ahead of Bates that could lose to knock them out.

[middhoops]

Here are my keys to the game for Bowdoin today:

1) Slow down Connor Green

Last time Bowdoin and Amherst met I recommended that we try to stop Green.  This simply may not be possible.  However slowing him down and making him less efficient could have a big impact.

A few years ago Micheal Lewis wrote an article for the NYT Sunday magazine on Shane Battier entitled "The No Stats All Star".  It's worth tracking down if you haven't read it.  In the article Lewis describes how Battier defended Kobe Bryant.  There were a few games where Battier actually stopped Bryant but more often Battier settled for making Bryant less efficient.  Force him to take low percentage shots; force him to run off multiple screens before shooting which ate up the clock. 

Bryant may still have scored more than 30 per game but his points per possession and points per minute were way down.  That meant the other Lakers were less involved in the offense and the Lakers as a whole were a less efficient team offensively.  This same approach could be a key in Bowdoin defeating Amherst as at times Green has carried the LJ's on his back.

The key questions for Bowdoin - What defense will they run?  As the guys at NbN rightly point out Green's range makes him tough to defend in a zone - even Bowdoin's very efficient match up zone.  Is the answer a box and one?  Green's size also makes him a tough match up for any individual Bowdoin defender.

It will be interesting to see what scheme HBC Gilbride and staff have planned and what adjustments they make throughout the game.

2) Limit David George under the glass.

Bowdoin has been a strong rebouding team and this has allowed them to have more possessions per game.  Bowdoin needs to be effective in boxing out Green and limiting his rebounds and points in the paint.  Again easier said than done - especially without getting into foul trouble.

3) Get Hurley and Palecki involved in the offense early

If there was any doubt as to who fuels the Bowdoin offense last week's game against Williams put that to rest.  It's Hausman and Swords.  However, Amherst has the athletes to really lock down on these guys or double them up. 

If Hurley is scoring from behind the arc and Palecki is getting points on passes from a doubled teamed Swords then Amherst will have to play Hausman and Swords straight up.  Once that happens Hausman and Swords can go to work and the LJ's will have their hands full.

Looking forward to a greart game.

GoUBears!

If Green goes off, and lately that's all he's done, Bowdoin can still prevail by containing George and defending the other perimeter players tightly.  Middlebury won fairly easily in spite of Green scoring 29 on shots that Shane Battier would have struggled to impede.  Really, some of Green's treys were from 26 feet with defenders all over him. 
If McCarthy, Racy and Riopel don't go wild from distance, it should be a close game, regardless how ridiculous Green plays.

[P'bearfan]

Just turned on the Trinity Wes game. Wow surprised to see Wes leading by 6.   Looks like a great crowd.

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

Just turned on the Trinity Wes game. Wow surprised to see Wes leading by 6.   Looks like a great crowd.

I've never been able to buy into Trinity and Wesleyan looked sneaky good early the in the season - they seem to have regained that form.

[lefrakenstein]

9-0 run by Wesleyan to lead by 12 with under 10 to play. Epps made a couple of huge shots in that run, including an and-one put back off the glass. It's gonna be tough for Trinity unless they find some offense that's been sorely lacking all game.

[P'bearfan]

Have to say I really like the announcer on the webcast. Assume he is an NSN announcer.