MBB: NESCAC

[JeffRookie2]

Good point Sticks.

Mike, what was your impression of Widener?

[mrmike88]

Can't really say I was paying too much attention to the game...

It looks like Widener shot lights-out in the second half to win the game.  They're a relatively short team in comparison to Amherst (I counted three guys on the roster over 6'5", two of whom are freshmen).  They went 7-7 in the MAC, which historically isn't a great conference in terms of NCAA tournament success.

I'll have more info tomorrow when I get a chance to do some research.

[mrmike88]

This is a good wrap of the game over on the MACC boards:

As to the contest:

A super first half with both teams making shots.
36-36.
Keys were Ryan Nensteil, Kofi and Scalzo. They pretty much did all the scoring for Kings.
For Widener, M. Thomas, Essien Ford and Terry Smith were collectively a handful. PG Bobby Edmunds was very savvy for a freshman.

In the 2nd half, Widener continued to shoot well with Edmunds hitting some long range 3's. Douglas gave them a lot of energy and N. Miller some solid defense. Kings would only manage 20 pts. over the first 17:30 of 2nd half which was pretty much the story or maybe I shuld say 'ugly much' the story. . The Monarchs shooting touch deserted them. The ballhandling was a bit shaky and the defense broke down time after time.
Simply put, they got beat by a better team tonight.

As far as strategy, both teams opened man to man which surprised me from Kings end. Widener pressured the ball to halfcourt with a 'soft' press and then played a pretty lax man to man. When Kings went to zone (around 13 min. mark) Edmonds drained two quick jumpers. Probably the most exciting play was the Thomas baseline dunk over Sobocinski early first half.
Kobi and RN kept Kings in the game and actually leading 1st half. Again, despite his hot shooting, RN was replaced at the 6:26
mark?   Leo?

 
In the 2nd half, Widener started out with the same soft press and played some zone. Widener had some early fouls 2nd half and the game seemed to be setting up for Kings to make a run. The Monarchs were consistently trying to pound it in low with some success.

Then, it just kind of happened. Kings went cold from the field, turned it over once or twice etc. and Widener jumped out to a 55-47 lead with 10:23 to go. From there, they just slowly built on the lead: 58-48 @8:41, 62-48@7:39, 68-56 @ 2:49........
I don't think Kings got it under 10.

the bottome line:
Widener did an excellent job in the interior...quicker, knocking balls loose, blocking shots etc.
Widener was able to score iniside and out....
Sobo did not handle Smith.
Sobocinski could not stay with Thomas who literally had his choice of shots.
Edmonds played very smart for a frosh and has great range on his shot. Kept the Kings defense honest.
Ford could also create his shot at will....and boy he can shoot.

Speed kills so they say and Wideners overall team speed was just too much for the Monarchs.
Kofi had a terrific game for Kings and RN played well. Scalzo played tough inside.
The rest of team was pretty quiet. Cousart could get nothing done and picked up some garbage points in the last minute.
I'm not sure Bob N. or Jim Welsh or Vince S scored at all.... have to check a box score.

Anyway, a very nice season for the Monarchs. Just wasn't their night.
Widener looked impressive and I wish them luck in Taxachusetts......

Naismith

[diehardfan]

Hey all, we're collecting previews for each team in the tourney on one of the multiregional boards. If I get them by friday I may even be able to stick them in one document for people to peruse. A fun little fan generated tourney resource of sorts. We've gotten a Williams preview from one of your locals, but would someone here be willing to do one for Trinity and Amherst there too? Thanks!

http://www.d3sports.com/post/index.php?topic=5147.0

Got one from Williams and Trinity now, thanks, but we don't have one from Amherst! Anyone? Do you really want the Williams and Trinity fans to show you up?

[JeffRookie2]

There was a front page article on amherst a month back or so. Use that.

[nescac hoops]

rookie,
in that article they were ranked 1st in the nation and undefeated.

[diehardfan]

Let me point out here that I am compiling 50some previews... you want me to do the research the publicized information and update it and make it tournament relevant for all the teams too?

[mrmike88]

Problem solved.  I posted something.  But don't get angry if you disagree.   

I'm interested to see how Williams handles Brockport's alleged press tonight.

[mrmike88]

24-23 Brandeis at the half.

It's been a defensive struggle, with both teams running deliberate offensive sets.  Very few points in the open court, very few turnovers, and NO open looks.  2nd half should be a battle...

[nescac1]

Williams by 5 at the half.  They aren't shooting great from the field or the line -- Rose has three treys, but on a lot of attempts, and Nelson two.  Otherwise, all points off drives / back door cuts.  Schultz having a great all-around half.  Geoghegan two fouls and quiet.  Shalvoy relatively quiet.  Ephs' defense and rebounding has given them the edge, Brockport seems to turn the ball over a lot.  Ephs will need to shoot a little better as Brockport is bound to go on a run, but hopefully the Ephs can keep the rebounding up.

[nescac1]

Williams down 6 -- Brockport got hot from outside, and the Ephs can't buy a shot. 

[mrmike88]

Trinity up 46-44, about 10:00 to go.

Robert Taylor is having a good game, he's active on both ends of the court.  Both teams have opened it up a bit in the second.  Bants have held a tenuous lead for most of the half but the Judges won't go away.

[nescac1]

Looking ugly for Williams, down 10, one minute left, still can't buy a shot, Rose 6-23 (!). 

[BooBallsCasRay]

ha - NESCAC1 actually thought williams was good for a second - hope you enjoyed the nescac tourney, i will be singing my way to the Final Four...let me know when we get there though, the games til then will just be a bunch of laughers for Amherst...

DAISUKE MATSUZAKA!!

[JeffRookie2]

Well, it looks like this will go back to being an Amherst board as Williams and Trinity lose in the first round. Williams lost their hot shooting touch and the Bantams just rolled over defensively in OT. Granted Deluca was great, but the Judges had way too many open looks.