MBB: NESCAC

[toad22]

This could be a wild year in the NESCAC. With the possible exception of Middlebury, there are no great teams, at least through the first 1/3 of the season. There is, obviously, a lot of regional talent in other leagues. Maybe this is the year when only 2 NESCAC teams go to the NCAAs. I'm aware it's early, but the early indications are not very strong for the league. I like my Williams team, and think they will have a strong season, but the game at Springfield this Saturday obviously has large regional implications down the line. I'm hopeful, but by no means confident.

[nescac1]

New England is looking less and less predictable.  MIT loses to Salem tonight, a team Williams handled by 30.  MIT and Amherst should both drop from the Top 25 this week.  I assume they will be replaced in the poll by WPI (almost certainly) and the winner of the Springfield-Williams game.  Right now, the top 10 in N.E. looks something like Midd, Albertus Magnus, WPI, Williams/Springfield winner, RIC, and then a group including MIT, Amherst, the Williams-Springfield loser, and Brandeis closely bunched.  I don't think many folks would have thought that both MIT and Amherst would drop outside the top five in the region less than a month in the season, but MIT has been done in by the two major injuries, and Amherst by (as predicted) struggles in shooting from long range (after a strong shooting start to the season vs. weak competition, 17 for their last 67, a brutal 25 percent from 3 over the last three games, two of which were losses). 

[TheHerst2and4]

To me, as an admitted outside observer, Amherst's problem extends beyond missed shots. They have had a lot of talent the last couple years, but something has been lacking. They need an attitude change. It shows up in the one on one mindset on offense, a softness on defense,  and overall lack of an edge. Its snowballed the last couple years and if something doesn't change in the locker room the struggles will likely continue.

[Old Guy]

Midd dominates Johnson State tonight 103-67. Johnson State a little stronger than in the past. Skidmore at Midd on Saturday. Lynch was 10-14 with 11 boards. He's #7 nationally in fg% at 70%+ (Kaasila close behind). Merryman had six 3s, 19 points. Wolfin played 16 minutes, had 11 points. He had a deep calf bruise, took a charge in the SoVermont game. Good sign: Brierly was 3-4 from the arc. Taking care of business.

[Old Guy]

To me, as an admitted outside observer, Amherst's problem extends beyond missed shots. They have had a lot of talent the last couple years, but something has been lacking. They need an attitude change. It shows up in the one on one mindset on offense, a softness on defense,  and overall lack of an edge. Its snowballed the last couple years and if something doesn't change in the locker room the struggles will likely continue. TheHerst2and4

"The last couple years"? Could have fooled me - didn't look this way to me in the two Midd-Amherst games last year.

[Panthernation]

Maybe this is the year when only 2 NESCAC teams go to the NCAAs.

Last year, only 2 NESCAC teams went to the NCAAs.

[7express]

12/6/12 Spreads

Amherst -10.0 Vs. Babson
O/U: 136.5

I wou;d've been 1-2 again (Amherst & Over) had I looked at my phone and picked this.

[magicman]

Maineman.....thanks for the correction.  Whatever....it was the D3hoops schedule section spot...just before the W & L game.  First time, I thought I hit the wrong line....the second time, I carefully hit the proper line and still got the broadcast company video site and looked for the proper broadcast line.....and still could not find the button to hit.   Did see that the broadcast vender is used by the Colby program.

amh63,
It wasn't you hitting the wrong line. A number of times in the past week or so I've hit the video or live stat links on the D3hoops scoreboard and completely different schools have popped up. I don't think it's a D3hoops problem as I've gotten the same thing when I went to a school's website and used the video or live stat link there. Does make one wonder if they're having a "senior moment" though.

[ECSUalum]

Since the Amherst teams are preparing for their games tonight, I had some time to surf the web last night to look at some "CAC" games on tap and maybe other games of interest.  Here are the results of my efforts.
Went to the early start game of Hamilton vs. Rochester.  Was impressed with the Rochester team coached by a former Amherst assistant.  Hamilton was not in the game...at home...from the start.  It maybe a lo..ong season for Hamilton.  Did not see Lin in the game....but only watched for a short time.  Rochester could be a "gate keeper" in the NCAA.
Tried several times to get to the Wes.vs WNEC game but kept getting the Wash.& Lee site!....I know, I'm not too tech savy.
Went several times to the Williams' site and could not get on.  Finally there was a note that stated the game would be shown 5-10 minutes after the start of the event!  Changed game site.
Spent some time watching the F & M game against rival Gettysburg.   It was a video feed in HD....maybe that is what Wes. has....with...get this...REPLAY capacity.  It seems to be a school production vice some outside group.  Anyway, it was F & M that knocked out Amherst in the quarter-finals and they are presently ranked 9th.  They have their two big front line players back...one a scorer and the other a rebounder.  More impressed with the shorter Gettysburg team that had the game tied at the half at 31 to 31, I believe.  Gettysburg was playing a zone defense and it gave the F & M players trouble.  The game was very close even towards the end of the game....still do not know the outcome of the game.  Went back to try the Williams website again.
Finally got the video feed of the game....it was poor, IMHO....though the announcers are good and at times somewhat bias.  Did not watch the game when it became clear that it would become a blow-out.  Did see Hoffman miss a dunk and make a two handed dunk over someone.  Do not think he will be able to do that against Amherst anytime soon.  Went back to the F & M game.
Have to relate a story here after my experience with the chaotic video feed from Williams.
Several years ago at the Amherst graduation event, the newly installed Williams President was there to accept a honorary degree from Amherst.  Other than the Amherst President (Marx at the time), there are no other speakers except for a graduating senior.  The senior spoke to the audience and remarked that parts of his speech may bother some Williams people if it found its way to the internet.  His concerns arose while writing his speech....but then remember that the internet has NOT reached Williams college yet.
The audience including both college presidents laughed and smiled. 
It seems that getting the internet to Williams is still a work in progress...

amh63,
Isn't it strange that some of these schools with outstanding academic/athletic programs, situated in a world of lightning fast HD internet, cannot fiqure out how to provide a reasonable live stream of reasonable quality, especially with someone behind the camera that can point it toward the game
I find it really frustrating!!! +1k for your editorial comment on various attempts to access live "video streams" .

[maineman]

Maineman.....thanks for the correction.  Whatever....it was the D3hoops schedule section spot...just before the W & L game.  First time, I thought I hit the wrong line....the second time, I carefully hit the proper line and still got the broadcast company video site and looked for the proper broadcast line.....and still could not find the button to hit.   Did see that the broadcast vender is used by the Colby program.

amh63,
It wasn't you hitting the wrong line. A number of times in the past week or so I've hit the video or live stat links on the D3hoops scoreboard and completely different schools have popped up. I don't think it's a D3hoops problem as I've gotten the same thing when I went to a school's website and used the video or live stat link there. Does make one wonder if they're having a "senior moment" though.

Or try the links on the NESCAC scoreboard:

http://www.nescac.com/scoreboard/index

[amh63]

After last night's Amherst LOST, and the other surprising scores around the NE area....there has been some good chatter on this board today.  I decided to reform my thinking a bit and decided to take the "half full" outlook.....a little like changing one's stripes?
Anyway, the video feed for the WBB game was good but started to give me trouble for the MBB game.  Good news as mentioned by the Amherst announcer last night is that NEW HD equipment maybe on its way in '13!  If it does arrive, I'm sure the Williams crowd will follow.
Babson had a good plan against Amherst last night....again pointed out by one of the announcers.  Fall back around the basket and dare Amherst to shoot the outside shot.  On offense, take the outside shot against Amherst.  Other teams could follow it but I do not expect they will hit Babson's percentage last night.  It is interesting that Springfield's win against RIC was helped by its torrid 3-point shooting against RIC...even better than Babson's.
Babson prevented Amherst's players to drive to the basket last night and also out rebounded the Jeffs.  Amherst has work ahead.  It does have the talent and Coach Hixon will make the necessary changes.  Still there are bright spots from last night.  Kalema has raised his game and even flushed one down on the end of a fast break.  Allen Williamson even hit a 3-point shot.  Conner Green also has a outside shot and his play is steadily improving.  FY Ben Pollack has shown he is a fine rebounding front line player.  Toomey's shooting is off but not his overall play...he got 9 rebounds last night.  Workman had an off day in points but had 3 blocks!
When Tom Killian, Logan Bucher and others on the bench return to the floor....I think Amherst will be ready for the conference games.

[WPI89]

New England is looking less and less predictable.  MIT loses to Salem tonight, a team Williams handled by 30.  MIT and Amherst should both drop from the Top 25 this week.  I assume they will be replaced in the poll by WPI (almost certainly) and the winner of the Springfield-Williams game.  Right now, the top 10 in N.E. looks something like Midd, Albertus Magnus, WPI, Williams/Springfield winner, RIC, and then a group including MIT, Amherst, the Williams-Springfield loser, and Brandeis closely bunched.  I don't think many folks would have thought that both MIT and Amherst would drop outside the top five in the region less than a month in the season, but MIT has been done in by the two major injuries, and Amherst by (as predicted) struggles in shooting from long range (after a strong shooting start to the season vs. weak competition, 17 for their last 67, a brutal 25 percent from 3 over the last three games, two of which were losses).

Agree completely with your top 10.....will be tough to move Magnus also - I do not see a loss in their near future.  Babson just outside the top 10.

[WPI89]

After last night's Amherst LOST, and the other surprising scores around the NE area....there has been some good chatter on this board today.  I decided to reform my thinking a bit and decided to take the "half full" outlook.....a little like changing one's stripes?
Anyway, the video feed for the WBB game was good but started to give me trouble for the MBB game.  Good news as mentioned by the Amherst announcer last night is that NEW HD equipment maybe on its way in '13!  If it does arrive, I'm sure the Williams crowd will follow.
Babson had a good plan against Amherst last night....again pointed out by one of the announcers.  Fall back around the basket and dare Amherst to shoot the outside shot.  On offense, take the outside shot against Amherst.  Other teams could follow it but I do not expect they will hit Babson's percentage last night.  It is interesting that Springfield's win against RIC was helped by its torrid 3-point shooting against RIC...even better than Babson's.
Babson prevented Amherst's players to drive to the basket last night and also out rebounded the Jeffs.  Amherst has work ahead.  It does have the talent and Coach Hixon will make the necessary changes.  Still there are bright spots from last night.  Kalema has raised his game and even flushed one down on the end of a fast break.  Allen Williamson even hit a 3-point shot.  Conner Green also has a outside shot and his play is steadily improving.  FY Pollack has shown he is a fine rebounding front line player.  Toomey's shooting is off but not his overall play...he got 9 rebounds last night.  Workman had an off day in points but had 3 blocks!
When Killian, Logan B. and others on the bench return to the floor....I think Amherst will be ready for the conference games.

WPI's win over RIC - and yes they shot 13-19 from 3!

[7express]

New England is looking less and less predictable.  MIT loses to Salem tonight, a team Williams handled by 30.  MIT and Amherst should both drop from the Top 25 this week.  I assume they will be replaced in the poll by WPI (almost certainly) and the winner of the Springfield-Williams game.  Right now, the top 10 in N.E. looks something like Midd, Albertus Magnus, WPI, Williams/Springfield winner, RIC, and then a group including MIT, Amherst, the Williams-Springfield loser, and Brandeis closely bunched. 

Agree completely with your top 10.....will be tough to move Magnus also - I do not see a loss in their near future.  Babson just outside the top 10.

Magnus may not lose until sometime in March.

[amh63]

Oh yes.....Did any watchers of the game on-line like me or at court side find an unusual situation in last night's game....in the number of foul calls.  There were NO foul calls in the first half!  The first foul call came around the five minute mark in the 2nd half.  Guess the refs decided to let them play.  Amherst piled up the fouls in the last few minutes as they traded fouls for the ball.  It was down to 6 with about 30 seconds to go and after an almost steal and many bodies on the floor to get the ball, Babson got a time-out call by a player on the floor with several Amherst players grabbing for the ball.  Amherst did get a last second chance for a shot by Aaron but it was not to be.  I thought Aaron got fouled......yet a foul was called by the refs with no time left on Amherst that added to the final score. 
Amherst's home streak wins stopped at 35.  Yes, it was a game that I do not expect to be repeated.