MBB: NESCAC

[Jacketfan2011]

No way U of R fits 2,000, but it's a little bit bigger than 'herst.  And Fisher has to squeeze to get 1,000.  So small that they had to empty the gym between Sweet 16 games last year.

I've been there (UR) when they have had 1800 and I don't know where they could have put anymore people.  2000 may be the max for events that use the floor for seating

[deputy dog]

Cardinals host sectional playoffs
Cardinals host sectionals with berth in Final Four on line

By CLIFF CONNERS
Staff Writer


PLATTSBURGH -- Tom Curle has led Plattsburgh State to a 97-46 record in his five seasons at the helm of the men's basketball program and an amazing 66-22 showing the past three years.

It's obvious Curle has the program heading in the right direction. But, he couldn't have done it without the likes of Anthony Williams and Travis Gorham leading the way.

Tonight, Williams and Gorham look to keep their careers and national title hopes alive when the Cardinals, ranked seventh in the final D3hoops.com poll, take on Brandeis University, ranked fifth, in the sectional round (Sweet 16) of the NCAA Div. III tournament at Memorial Hall. Tip-off is set for 8:15 p.m.

Defending national champion Amherst College, ranked No. 3 nationally, and unranked Richard Stockton College will lock horns in the first contest at 5:30 p.m.

It has been a long journey for Williams, Gorham and the rest of the Cardinals who have participated in four NCAA tournament games over the past three years.

In 2006, the Cardinals lost an overtime heartbreaker to Hamilton in the first round. After an unbelievable win over Rochester (a Wiliams buzzer-beating three from just inside half court) in last year's first round, the Cardinals fell to St. John Fisher the following day.

This year, Gorham, Williams and Plattsburgh State's four other seniors have taken it a step further, earning a trip to the Sweet 16.

And, to top it off, they get to play at home.

But, he would not be the player he has been over the past three seasons if it weren't for Gorham, Khlyan Hunt, Ricky Rider and Antwane Miller running the floor with him.

Gorham is a two-time SUNYAC all-conference selection. He was last year's SUNYAC tournament MVP, was named to the SUNYAC tournament team once again this year, joined Williams as a SUNYAC First Team member this year and was the only player in the conference to average a double-double.

Hunt (a SUNYAC Second-Team choice), Miller and Rider have flown underneath the radar throughout their successful careers.

That said, this team has a legitimate chance at a national title. They have the right coach and the perfect assortment of players. More importantly, though, their attitude and focus is where it needs to be. And, that's because they are an experienced and confident group.

"Personally, the rankings and records look good on paper, but they mean nothing to me," Gorham said. "All that matters is what happens at the end of this season. We want to put a ring on our fingers and hold up a national title next weekend, but we know we have to take care of things one game at a time.

"When all is over, we want Plattsburgh State be next to the No. 1 in the national rankings. To do that, we need to win the national championship."

In order to even reach the Final Four, though, the Cardinals will have to get through two games this weekend. First on the list, Brandeis.

Brandeis is 22-5 this season, but three of its losses came in a row during the middle stage of its season. Since then, the Judges have won 10 of their last 11 contests to ascend to No. 5 in the national rankings.

They are a hard-nosed, well-coached group that knows how to win. Like the Cardinals, the Judges are in the midst of back-to-back 20-win seasons.

"They get in your face on the defensive end," said Curle. "We have got to take care of the ball if we want to win this game. They are quick, athletic and will get into your space.

"We can't let them make us uncomfortable and rush things," he continued. "We need to be physical with them and take care of the ball. If we can take care of the ball and get good shots, we will be right where we want to be.

"We have reached a goal we set when the tournament started, but it's not a bad thing to dream big. Now that we are close to a Final Four we are going to take this one game at a time. That's the only way to handle it."

For Gorham and Williams, their senior year couldn't have played out any better. It's not over yet, however. They want four more wins, but they want two more at home, especially.

"It's a big advantage for us to play at home," Gorham said. "We have fed off the crowd so much that having homecourt makes us even better. We also can keep our regular routines, relax and get ready to play.

"This is what it's all about. Let's do this, man."



"It's a beautiful feeling to move one step further in the NCAA tournament, but it makes it even more special that we are playing these games at home," Williams said. "We felt confident we could get to this point right from the beginning of the season.

"We thought we were good last year, but the chemistry and talent that we have with the new guys we brought in this season has made us a special team. This was one of our main goals, but from here it is one step at a time."

Not enough can be said about this year's team. The Cardinals have done just about everything right, and their only two losses came in succession. One at the end of the first semester (the second game of a tournament in California), and the other to begin the second semester.

Other than that, the Cardinals have been perfect, including a 13-0 home record and wins over Clarkson and Middlebury, who were both NCAA tournament teams.

"This year showed how fast the program is moving forward, and that's a testament to the coaching staff, players and the school," said Gorham, a six-foot-six rebounding machine. "Since the first day I got here, I wanted this program to become more successful. And, it has.

"Now, it's a matter of taking care of business and keeping this thing going. If we don't produce now then nothing else matters. This is what we have been working so hard for over the past three years."

Williams is averaging 24.1 points a game. He has set two school records (single-season and career points), was named a pre-season All-American (along with Gorham) and was named SUNYAC Player of the Year for the second straight season. Oh ya, he was also SUNYAC tournament MVP.

[deputy dog]

Sorry about that last post! The story is a little out of order. To read todays edition of the Plattsburgh Press Republican go to www.pressrepublican.com. Look on the left hand side of the page and you will see the article "Cardinals to host Sectional"

Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!

[nescac1]

Having Williams as its nemesis is nothing new for Amherst, should it come down to those two teams ...

Can't see how Richard Stockton with one guy 6'5 and no one else over 6'3 can possibly contend with all Amherst's size.  Yes, they will be quicker and the press may bother Amherst, but having the best point guard in the country largely negates that.  RS's best strategy is to get Olson in foul trouble early as he is the only really experienced primary ball handler in the rotation.  I'd also, were I them, do as much possible to make other guys on the Jeffs handle the ball against the press.  Still, Hixon will undoubtedly foresee and have a counter for such a strategy.  Once they get past half court, how can they possibly stop Amherst when they are giving up an average of 5-6 inches per guy?  Sure, RIC had a size advantage as well, but their bigs are nowhere NEAR as skilled as Amherst's, and Amherst is a much more disciplined / experienced team.  I'd be surprised if RS kept it within 20. 

Brandeis / Plattsburgh should be a war, should Brandeis lose a close one they will surely be wondering what might have been with a healthy Deluca ...

Surprised to hear that Wesleyan is possibly not retaining its interim coach.  He took a team with very limited talent, in a very tough / deep year for the NESCAC, and avoided finishing last and actually made many of the games very competitive.  He deserves a shot at a full time gig. 

[thebear]

How big is Amherst gym? I have heard everything from 1,700 to 600. Anyone out there have the "real" capacity?

When I was there, I figure it out this way.  I think I counted 10 rows on each side.

Figure 94 feet per side, (6 foot end lines make up for aisles).  Assume we do the old Maxcy Hall move to the center, and pack everyone in cheek to cheek, 18" per person.  That gives you 1250 in the bleachers.
(Deputy - neither you or I will fit in 18", but there's lots of slender coeds to make up for us.)

94 (feet) * (12/18) [butts/foot] * 10 rows * 2 sides = 1253.

Then they put a platform at one end with about four rows of 40, (not great seats) so I figure another 150-160 - 1400 tops.

Maxcy for example has 21 rows per side, plus the camera galleries.  Their bleachers also extend into the out of bounds areas at both ends.

For Welsh gym in Maxcy I figure

100 feet * .67 (people/feet) * 21 rows * 2 sides = 2800, Maxcy has a deep out of bounds area on the side opposite the bench that can easily hold 150-200 sitting on the floor, and the camera stands have held another 100-150.  They've had 3200 in the building for Elite 8 games in the past, and routinely have 2500 plus for sectionals.


Both places probably count the benches, scorers table, cheerleaders etc. in the capacity,

[deputy dog]

After searching my vast archives I found the following information:

Amherst played in the 1996 Cardinal Classic. (@ Plattsburgh State's old Memorial Hall - aka before renovations) The Lord Jeffs squared off with Plymouth State in the first round and Plattsburgh took on York. Amherst beat Plymouth and Plattsburgh fell to York in overtime. Amherst went on to beat York for the title!

[La Verdad]

Getting my mind right for the roadie to Plattsburgh. 

Things I'm worried about:

1. Richard Stockton
2. Will I actually have a ticket?  The Jones clan rolls deep, lets hope my man hooked it up for both games.
3.  Where will I sleep?  (which is not a problem if the Jeffs lose, but I'm hoping for the best)

Directions...check.  Gas...check.  Finished my paper on slavery in Africa...oops

I think I'll be one of maybe 6 Amherst students there (6 is bold, probably closer to 2).  I'm sure all the parents will make the trip so the Amherst contingent shouldn't be too small.  Ok, done procrastinating.  One more page on the social psych of stereotypes is the only think between me and the sweet 16.

[BuzzBurgh]

We are Amherst fans here in P'Burgh. Need info....email

[mrmike88]

Lefrak's capacity varies because you can add and subtract seats behind one of the baskets.  I'm pretty sure "official" capacity is closer to 1600, but that would include some sort of bleachers set up behind that basket.

[deputy dog]

quote author=BuzzBurgh link=topic=4491.msg890727#msg890727 date=1205511498]
We are Amherst fans here in P'Burgh. Need info....email
[/quote]

Amherst fans, what do you need?

[thebear]

Lefrak's capacity varies because you can add and subtract seats behind one of the baskets.  I'm pretty sure "official" capacity is closer to 1600, but that would include some sort of bleachers set up behind that basket.

I included those, there's a platform with built in risers, and about 4 rows of folding chairs at the end of the court.   About 4 rows of 40 seats each.  The way it's built, looks like a safety hazard to me, would hate to be going full bore towards that basket and get hammered on the layup.

I'll be interested in the outcome.  Amherst's losses were either when the other team was able to penetrate and get to the FT line, or where Amherst was having trouble rebounding.  If you look at Florida Memorial, their team resembles both Plattsburgh and Richard Stockton in size and athleticism.

With all due respect to Amherst,  their size may not be the advantage people think against Stockton's quickness.

[Hugenerd]

No way U of R fits 2,000, but it's a little bit bigger than 'herst.  And Fisher has to squeeze to get 1,000.  So small that they had to empty the gym between Sweet 16 games last year.

U of R's capacity is listed as 1889 on the UAA info page on wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_Athletic_Association), along with the other UAA schools.  Although 2500 seems high for Brandeis's gym, they only have seeting on one side of the court, so I dont know how accurate those figures are.

[eclinchy]

Things I'm worried about:

1. Richard Stockton

Hixon's not looking past them either.  He's got some interesting thoughts on those Ospreys.

Two hours to go...

[heart4rose]

Brandeis does pull out the other side for the big games so they do have seats on both sides - very nice gym.

[theBroadcaster]

Brandeis does pull out the other side for the big games so they do have seats on both sides - very nice gym.

Right! When Brandeis, needs to, they pull in up to 4 sections of bleachers on the other side of the court (as they did for the tourney last week).  There were 2000ppl there last friday for lasell and there were still a few seats on the other side, plus if Brandeis really needed to they could pull out even more bleachers to put behind the baskets.