MBB: NESCAC

NY Hoopster · February 19, 2009, 02:15:23 PM

Formerbant10

Hats off to trinity in their win at Colby. They played very aggressive defense from the openin bell and shot the lights out. With a full gym, and novelty of a home playoff game, I think the home court does give them the edge over Bowdoin. It doesn't hurt to have won the last time out under pressure (trying to get win 600 at home for the coach).

fpc85 · February 19, 2009, 08:03:24 PM

Quote from: CCsalive on February 19, 2009, 01:59:58 PM
I only meant to disrespect Amherst, great frontrunners that they have proven to be. We'll here from them after (and only if) they win on Saturday.

LOL...You sound like a some lapdog barking incessantly at a bigdog as he eats his meal...Leave the Jeff fans alone.. Let sleeping dogs lie.

CWM_42 · February 19, 2009, 09:08:46 PM

CCsalive,

I may be splitting hairs, but I think you are confusing two concepts: "mortal lock" and "must win".

Middlebury is a "mortal lock" over Conn College.

Colby and Bowdoin are both in "must win" situations because this is the NESCAC Tournament, they finished 4th and 5th in the conference, they have split in the regular season, the loser goes home and they are archrivals. Even in years where one is more talented than the other, this is always a tough game. This is also true of Williams-Amherst and Trinity-Wesleyan. In these situations, one cannot have a truly successful season, no matter how many wins are accumulated in total, without beating the other.

Come to think of it, who do the Camels consider to be their archrivals? Eastern Connecticut State? Coast Guard? Mitchell? Wellesley?

Seriously, I don't know.

PolarBear · February 19, 2009, 10:25:18 PM

Great posts by all. The enthusiasm is terrific.

Looking forward to Bowdoin/Colby this weekend. I saw them play each other in November at Bowdoin - so long ago that observations from the game are probably not entirely relevant. Also saw Bowdoin at Tufts and a half of Colby at Tufts about a month ago. Two similar, evenly matched teams. Both play very hard. Bowdoin seemed a bit bigger and deeper, but Colby's D seemed slightly better, mostly because of Choice. His D impressed me more than his offense, as he really shut down Pierce at Tufts who is a very talented scorer. Home court is indeed an advantage but not one that Bowdoin cannot overcome. I'd expect a good crew from Brunswick making the trip up to Colby. I'm biased, but I'll take the points.

Does anyone know if Colby simulcasts video of the game online?

CWM_42 · February 20, 2009, 06:56:36 AM

PolarBear,

I believe only Amherst, Bates and Tufts simulcast, but I may be wrong. As I have stated before, it should be mandatory. GameTracker is better than nothing, but can be painful.

nescac1 · February 20, 2009, 07:00:22 AM

Williams is simulcasting the Bates game tomorrow.

CCsalive · February 20, 2009, 09:21:40 AM

I've never heard of a "mortal lock," but I get the point.

I won't be in Middlebury tomorrow. Instead, I will take-in the Haverford v Swarthmore game, one of the better rivalrys between really bad teams!

danilogallinariisaballer · February 20, 2009, 10:26:57 AM

PolarBear,

Colby will not be webcasting for this game. I can't figure out how this is possible, especially in this day and age. Maybe the tough economic times? In addition to the GameTracker, they will have a radio broadcast here: http://www.colby.edu/campus_cs/clubs/wmhb/ ... although I'd be willing to bet that GameTracker will bring more to the table than whoever commentates this game.

As for your analysis, seems spot on to me. I have not seen Bowdoin play, but by looking at their roster, they seem to have Colby in size and possibly in depth. Regarding Choice, I couldn't agree more. As good as he is on offense, he is much better on defense. Cutrone is the key though for Colby.

Of course, I am partial to Colby, but I expect a good, physical game between two teams that hate eachother. Bowdoin is not a particularly good road team (5-7) and Colby is solid at home (11-2). I think that will make the difference and I like Colby by 6 in a back and forth game.

walzy31 · February 20, 2009, 01:25:59 PM

New lines reflecting recent betting activity:

Middlebury -14.5
Vs. Conn College
O/U: 123.5
Prop- Over/Under points scored by Middlebury's Ben Rudin: 22.5

Amherst - 9.5
Vs. Trinity
O/U: 129.0
Prop- Over/Under number of combined offensive fouls committed by Amherst & Trinity: 4.0

Williams -11.5
Vs. Bates
O/U: 140.5

Colby -5.5
Bowdoin
O/U: 129
Prop- Will there be a technical foul called in this game? Yes -115; No -105

nescac1 · February 20, 2009, 05:28:27 PM

I'd take all the unders, both spreads and prop bets, on those spreads. Especially the tech foul one -- how many NESCAC games feature technical fouls? I can't imagine it is that many ...

And since you are missing a prop bet for Williams v. Bates, how many more 3's will Williams ATTEMPT than Bates: 8.0

PolarBear · February 20, 2009, 06:25:44 PM

Danilo - thanks for the link for the audio for Bowdoin/Colby. Too long a ride to make it up, but I'd love to go. CMS42 is right - it would be great if all NESCAC schools had a video simulcast.

It's a great rivalry and has been for years. Growing up in Maine, as a young kid I recall watching Rich Boyages' teams play some pretty strong Colby teams. Things heated up again when Colby had Hancock, a homegrown Maine player whom we had all watched in high school. An added element to the rivalry is Whitmore, who is also a Bowdoin grad. Tomorrow may just add another chapter. Two teams evenly matched - I expect the final 2-3 minutes to decide the game.

And CCsalive, I certainly don't have a dog in the fight, but I'm rooting for CC because of you. Keeping you fired up for another 7 days would be great for this board. Your enthusiasm is appreciated in this corner.

Mr. Ypsi · February 20, 2009, 07:05:01 PM

Quote from: PolarBear on February 20, 2009, 06:25:44 PM
Danilo - thanks for the link for the audio for Bowdoin/Colby. Too long a ride to make it up, but I'd love to go. CMS42 is right - it would be great if all NESCAC schools had a video simulcast.

It's a great rivalry and has been for years. Growing up in Maine, as a young kid I recall watching Rich Boyages' teams play some pretty strong Colby teams. Things heated up again when Colby had Hancock, a homegrown Maine player whom we had all watched in high school. An added element to the rivalry is Whitmore, who is also a Bowdoin grad. Tomorrow may just add another chapter. Two teams evenly matched - I expect the final 2-3 minutes to decide the game.

And CCsalive, I certainly don't have a dog in the fight, but I'm rooting for CC because of you. Keeping you fired up for another 7 days would be great for this board. Your enthusiasm is appreciated in this corner.

Amen on all points. My dad is from Maine, and I've spent a couple of summer weeks (including my honeymoon) probably 35-40 of my 60 years in Maine. Just 'cause the family cabin is closer to Bowdoin than Colby, I'll root for them. (But, beware, the cabin is even closer to Bates!

)

I, too, love the passion without animosity of CCsalive.

Denton · February 21, 2009, 07:55:50 AM

Hey PolarBear - its video time!!! Wish I had your email.

Denton · February 21, 2009, 08:01:14 AM

I agree with the previous posts that the 3 way Maine rivalry is amazing. On those cold snowy nights seeing billowing steam clouds as you enter the Bates gym, you know you are in for a battle.

I have been lucky (or crazy) enough to attend every Bowdoin game this season. THey have definately been building to the post season.
* Strong against Midd
* Beating Williams on their Sr Day
* Taking care of business with Conn & Wes at home.

The team is in good physical shape, foul shooting is in the up swing, and the freshmen are kicking in. {Will Hanley has a real shot at ROY}

The Bigs are playing well

Bowdoin by 3

Chalk · February 21, 2009, 09:55:50 AM

First time post...long time reader. On way to Waterville to see the boys do battle. In second game of Bowdoin vs. Colby thought the story was Bowdoin PG Mike Hauser's inability to stay with Colby guards defensively.

For Colby to Win:
1. Want a game where they control the turnover margin while executing motion offense.
2. Quick Start at home with surely a great crowd. Get Choice going.
3. Take away Kyle Jackson, a real lynch pin for Bowdoin's success offensively this season.

For Bowdoin to Win:
1. PG Hauser and SG Defeo must contain Colby guards.
2. Mark Phillips C needs to be affective in post.
3. Kyle Jackson - When he scores Bowdoin has been tough to beat. (Williams)
When he doesn't Bowdoin is very beatable (Bates)