MBB: NESCAC

[middhoops]

Better, I think, to let Bucket and PN give you the intellectual rundown of a very exciting afternoon in Saratoga Springs, NY.  My thought on Middlebury's hard fought win against Skidmore was simply this:
Skidmore is a very, very good basketball team.  They will win at least 20 games.  Aldin Medunjinan is the single strongest, toughest D3 point guard I ever hope to see.  I am very happy he didn't go to Amherst or Williams.
In a second half where the Panthers never gave up the lead which got as high as 14 point with a few minutes to go; Skidmore came roaring back time after time.
Connor Merrill was saddled with fouls early and thus was unable to be much of a factor.
Joey Kizel had a monster stat line.  8-10/4-5/6 boards and 5 assists for 24 pts.  Matt St. Amour continued to improve with 27 points, at least 20 of them being back breakers for Skidmore.   He was pure money at the line as the game wound down.
Finally, Middlebury played defense and rebounded like a Jeff Brown coached team.  That was SO nice to see in the last game of 2013. 
Tell ya what, NESCAC guys, be thankful if Skidmore isn't on your schedule.  No one can accuse the Panthers of not having a challenging out of conference schedule this year.  Glad it's mostly over.

[Bucket]

The key, to me, will be how Midd handles adversity. I expect Skidmore to go on runs and for the gym to be loud, rocking. How Midd handles these moments should determine who emerges with the W.

First, let me acknowledge how incredibly self-absorbed it is to quote oneself. That said, there seemed to be some truth to my prognostication. Skidmore had several runs in them, runs that got the wonderful crowd in a frenzy, yet Midd was never fazed. An 8-point halftime lead is cut to one, and then the Panthers score 8 straight. Skidmore makes another run to within two, Panthers push the lead up over ten. And then, in the final two minutes, Skidmore makes one last desperate push, double-digit lead is cut to 3 on back-to-back NBA range 3s. No problem. Midd is perfect from the stripe during this time and then the Panthers break the press for an easy Roberts dunk. Game over.

To echo middhoops: Skidmore is very good. Medunjinan is just as described, and the D2 transfer, Erik Sanders, has game. All five starters have three-point range. James Jensen's stat line may look quiet, but he took Connor Merrill out of the game by consistently drawing fouls against the offensively skilled forward. (And then did the rest of his damage at the free throw line.)

Joey, despite being the focus of the Thoroughbred D, played like the All-American he is—drawing the defense and then finding the open man (5 assists), creating his own offense (an eye-popping 8-10 from the floor) or knocking down the open three (4-5). 24 points, all of them seeming to come just when Skidmore was building momentum.

But the human momentum buster was Matt St. Amour. He had back-to-back-to-back 3s that seemed to totally suck the life out of the crowd and, for several minutes, the Thoroughbreds. And as deadly as his long-range shooting was, he was getting to the rim just as effectively. 27 points on 8-14 shooting (4-8 from 3) and a perfect 7-7 from the line. Someone tell me again how we're supposed to be worried about this kid keeping up?

[old_hooper]

TEAM STATISTICS.          AMHERST              EMERSON
Field Goal %.                 42.2% (27-64 )      51.5% (34-66 )
Rebounds.                           26                      40
Assists.                               18                      27
Turnovers.                            8                       13
Pts off Turnovers.                20                       10
2nd Chance Pts.                    2                       16
Pts in the Paint.                   24                       46
Fastbreak Pts.                       2                         6
Bench Pts.                            5                        21

[Vandy74]

The insomnia that has plagued me forever is at it again.  Gotta do something while vodka #4 hopefully works it's magic.   Hey, you can always ding me.  It's happened many times before thanks to my Midwestern little buddy.   A few things.

  Amh63...Yes that's the BC/Ohio State Jim O'Brien coaching at Skidmore but it gets worse.  His top assistant is Bill Curley.  He played for O'Brien at BC in '94 when they went to the Elite Eight.  A head coach in waiting perhaps?

Bucket....Glad you brought up the defensive job Jensen did on Merrill, which was noted by the on line announcers, btw.  Also his marksmanship from the stripe.  I'm not looking to rehash an old argument but it is a point of reference.  Since that night when Coach Hixon gave certain instructions to his players Jensen has shot 82% from the line.  At the time of the incident, he was a 70% FT shooter on the season.  The year before when he played in all 30 games averaging over 17 minutes per contest he shot a mere 51%.

Grabtherim...totally agree with your observation regarding the difference between D3 players and NBA.  I'm old enough to remember Russell, Cousy and a couple of guys named Jones.  I haven't gone out of my way to watch an NBA game since Bird was still flying.

[middhoops]

Vandy, I know you were just laying a dark morning trap for us, but I know you meant Emerson, not Skidmore, when referring to Coach O'Brien.
The parents asked where you were when I showed up with your (sorta) namesake.

[grabtherim]

Note to our friend from Lefrak.  Just as his 1st seven games didnt give reason for concern on St. Amor, yesterdays performance doesn't mean we should be planning his ROY speech yet.  We are lucky that so many kids come to the league with amazing skills and great expectations.  I think we are all guilty of expecting some like Sabety and St. Amor to act like upperclassman on the court right away.  Some do and some dont.  Most take time to develop.  I love what I have seen from Sabety and St. Amor so far.  Both have plenty of growing up to do at this level, but I think they will.  Look forward to seeing some of the other new comers to the league. especially those from Williams and Amherst. 

With regard to Midd, happy to see a nice bounce back since a tough weekend in Baltimore a few weeks ago.  Jensen is really rounding into shape and showing that he can get to the hoop and the line.  Keeping my fingers crossed that Sinnickson and Daley are part of the rotation come January.  I think with them, better focus on keeping other teams off the offensive glass, making sure Kizel does not have to struggle for every open look and the defense that has been the Panthers trademark, Midd should be in the league mix again.

[jayhawk]

A few comments about Emerson-Amherst game. Was at game. Killian in street clothes, neither Pollack or Nabatoff traveled with the team. I am not comfortable discussing what the health issues are in a public forum regardless of their nature. Killian may be back later this week or next week.

With Killian out that means Amherst was playing without four of their starters from last year. Because Pollack and Nabatoff were unable to play David George had to play almost the entire game with limited rest. David George is a freshman and will continue to develop. He played well but when he helped out on defense his man was able to rebound and score. Killian is an excellent weak side rebounder and sorely missed.

You were right that the game was in general not close, Emerson jumped out to a lead and held it. Emerson is well coached and their players did fine job playing with patience and rebounding as a team. Amherst did not lose because of the referees or the tight physical space of the gym. However it was clear Amherst was not going to get many calls, I suspect if the game was played at Amherst, several of Kalema's drives to the hoop would have drawn foul calls.

There were some bright spots in that as noted need to develop some back up to Kilian. I thought in the second half of the game Mussachia began to hit his open shot and came to understand more of the physicality of the game.  David George got to play a lot and gained experience. Sometimes I think he is too tough on himself but clearly has significant athleticism, most dunks by any player in Amherst uniform in a single game that I have seen. He will continue to get better

Connor Green is a true scorer better than I thought, He is an excellent outside shooter but is better than I had realized in driving to the hoop and using his physical strength and body to score inside.

[toad22]

As an Eph fan, I am very happy that Williams was able to escape from the first semester of action with a 7-1 record. Mayer missed 5 games, and, due to various injuries, most of the rest of the rotation players weren't doing much practicing in between games. In some ways, it was a lost semester, because very little effective teaching time was available. The brightest surprises are the emergence of Ryan Kilcullen as a major contributor, the successful return of Hayden Rooke-Ley, after a year+ of injury, and the great play of freshman Duncan Robinson, certainly the best Eph freshman since Michael Nogelo, almost 20 years ago.

Amherst's loss on Saturday isn't surprising at all, give the loss of Killian and Pollack. Bad things tend to happen when starters go down. I recall last year at this time, Amherst lost to both Babson and Springfield. In both games a starter was missing, I believe.

From a NESCAC perspective, the most significant event of the first semester has been the emergence of Bowdoin as a major power. With Swords' emergence as a top big man, it looks like Bowdoin is a serious threat to win the league title. It has been a while since that has happened! If Hurley can make it back from injury this year, Bowdoin could be a national power.   

[ECSUalum]

Amherst loses to Emerson 90-79 at Emerson and their 29 winning streak ends hard.  To put this game in perspective, the Emerson pre game announcers thought it would be a blow out of at least 30 pts of THEIR team.  The final score according to the after game announcers was the highest score of the year by Emerson and the lowest score by Amherst. 
Amherst simply got beat by a team that out played them throughout the game.  George, Toomey and Green were in double figures.  Toomey led all scorers with 24, but his outside shot was off.  Green hardly touched the ball in the last 3-4 minutes on offense.  As previous posters pointed out, Emerson got too many defensive boards and offensive tap ins after misses....Amherst front court players did not box out well and was out hustled by a determined Lions' team.  Amherst should be worried with it's depth unless someone steps up.  Gach was put in but lost his man too often and provided no defensive boards.  IMO, the weakness today was Kalema who made too many questionable decisions throughout the game.  Missed at least 3 layups.  Late in the second half on a break away and Amherst was within 5-6 points, he drives to the basket covered by two defenders and misses the layup.....should have pulled up for Amherst to set up after a hard earned TO.  Near the end of the game, when Amherst was fouling in order to stop the clock and get the ball back, the Emerson player missed...a rarety... foul shot.  Instead of Amherst getting the ball, Kalema grabs the ball with NO defenders around and then loses the possession.  Costly mistake when your team down at least 5 and time running out.  TO resulted in Emerson going up by 7.
Forgot....Congrats to Emerson's players.....they were the better team today! 
Hope Amherst learned something about themselves.  Time to start another win streak!

I love it when a poster makes honest commentary on his team, without excuses, and congrats the opposing team.  +k
That's right amh63...time for the Jeffs to start another long winning streak

[amh63]

It is snowing here on a quiet Sunday morning and I have my fill of football for now.  Yes, am quite the football fan...college wise..and this year's last BCS title game has a loose family connection.  Want a FSU vs Auburn matchup.  For posters not on the football board.....my older brother is a Crimison Tide fan living in that football crazy state.  I support his two sons' alma mater...Auburn.  go WarEagles!
Have settle down this morning on Amherst's dismal loss.  I do not take loses well, but did delete/ modify some posts that had some unnecessary vitriol in them.  Old ..Hoppers' post reminded me why I was upset.  It was the way Amherst lost.  Rebounds and pts in the paint stats jump out to me.  Interior defense...the lack of.
Vandy, thanks for the coach info.  It brings back good memories of another favorite coach of mine Gary W. at UMd. which brings me to the the first topic open for board discussion...importance of the coach to a program's success.  Coach O'Brien followed Gary W. at BC and then to Ohio State where he had a Final Four team.  Now at Emerson, he has moved his school from the GNAC to now the NEWMAC.  His team was picked last in the conference to now beating both Tufts and Amherst at home with his recruits...yes Emerson lost badly to Wesleyan  in an early Boston tourney.
Anyway, some poster pointed out that the Skidmore's coach is building a strong program quickly.  The present HBC at the U. Of Rochester was an assistant at Amherst that went to Skidmore as HBC and then to Rochester.  Williams has had quite a series of fine coaches lately that has done well against Amherst.  When has Conn. college had a good season.  The Camels not so long ago won the conference title and when their HBC went to Brown U., the program has gone nowhere.  Trinity's program is still struggling along,IMO, as is Wesleyan under young coaches.
Meanwhile Coach Hixon is adjusting well to recent changes to his support crew.  Several years ago, his long time wise lead assistant retired.  This year, he has a new trainer for the team.  The head Amherst Trainer who was the MBB's trainer for  decades it seems ..is retiring in Jan.  The Trainer's son  holds the scoring record at Amherst that Aaron T. is on schedule to break...barring injury.
Why do I mention these things...it is because I have a tendency to watch the bench activities during games..especially during time outs late in tight games.  Especially when changes are made in players during games.  I do that in Div.1 games.  Does the HBC or an assistant talk to players going in and out, etc.  Williams HBC has his unique routine/methods...conferring with his Asst. before sitting on a chair in front of his players.  In short, I watch good coaches' routines.  Changes in them interest me.
Anyway, I was surprised to see Coach Hixon spend time with certain players as they came out while the game was going on recently.  Yes he is down an assistant this year..it just seems to me that he is working harder with this team in games...at least more openly.  I know,  I'm in the doghouse again.

[lumbercat]

Toad-

Agree that Bowdoin is the early season story in the NESCAC. Swords is an impressive force which gives the Polar Bears dominant potential in the pivot.

However lets reserve judgement on them as a potential national power, that might be a reach. At this point the jury is still out on projecting them as a NESCAC power until we can see them against some the NESCAC iron.

Many in the gym Friday night felt that Bates outplayed them before The PBears won it on a "Wally Jones-like"  last second second 35 footer. Bates was also without their PG and captain Matarazzo.

However if they continue their 50% 3 point shooting as they did this weekend against Colby and Bates they will certainly be a NESCAC power.

[Charles]

As an Eph fan, I am very happy that Williams was able to escape from the first semester of action with a 7-1 record. Mayer missed 5 games, and, due to various injuries, most of the rest of the rotation players weren't doing much practicing in between games. In some ways, it was a lost semester, because very little effective teaching time was available. The brightest surprises are the emergence of Ryan Kilcullen as a major contributor, the successful return of Hayden Rooke-Ley, after a year+ of injury, and the great play of freshman Duncan Robinson, certainly the best Eph freshman since Michael Nogelo, almost 20 years ago.

Amherst's loss on Saturday isn't surprising at all, give the loss of Killian and Pollack. Bad things tend to happen when starters go down. I recall last year at this time, Amherst lost to both Babson and Springfield. In both games a starter was missing, I believe.

From a NESCAC perspective, the most significant event of the first semester has been the emergence of Bowdoin as a major power. With Swords' emergence as a top big man, it looks like Bowdoin is a serious threat to win the league title. It has been a while since that has happened! If Hurley can make it back from injury this year, Bowdoin could be a national power.   

Yes, Colby, Regis and St. Joes are legitimate tests for any program....

[AmherstStudent05]

As an Eph fan, I am very happy that Williams was able to escape from the first semester of action with a 7-1 record. Mayer missed 5 games, and, due to various injuries, most of the rest of the rotation players weren't doing much practicing in between games. In some ways, it was a lost semester, because very little effective teaching time was available. The brightest surprises are the emergence of Ryan Kilcullen as a major contributor, the successful return of Hayden Rooke-Ley, after a year+ of injury, and the great play of freshman Duncan Robinson, certainly the best Eph freshman since Michael Nogelo, almost 20 years ago.

Amherst's loss on Saturday isn't surprising at all, give the loss of Killian and Pollack. Bad things tend to happen when starters go down. I recall last year at this time, Amherst lost to both Babson and Springfield. In both games a starter was missing, I believe.

From a NESCAC perspective, the most significant event of the first semester has been the emergence of Bowdoin as a major power. With Swords' emergence as a top big man, it looks like Bowdoin is a serious threat to win the league title. It has been a while since that has happened! If Hurley can make it back from injury this year, Bowdoin could be a national power.   

Great post, Toad.  However, I must confess that even knowing before tipoff that Killian and Pollack were out -- I didn't even have an inkling that Nabatoff was unavailable until I saw Levine come in for George late in the first half -- I was still (very) surprised that Amherst lost to Emerson.  As Chris Berman would say, that is why they play the games.

You are right that Amherst was undefeated last year when its preferred starting 5 were all available, but I think it is fair to say that Amherst was fairly lucky on the injury front last year.  Our preferred starting 5 played every conference and postseason game last year -- a streak I am not sure we can rely on continuing.

Of course, it is very difficult to know what to say about injuries.  There are so many complicating factors.  As one small example, while it is true, as I said above, that none of Amherst's starters missed a conference game due to injury last year, Toomey barely played against Conn due to a lingering illness, and there was another game (Hamilton, I believe) where Williamson was significantly limited by an injury.  Obviously, even an amateur like me can spot when someone isn't listed on a box score, but who knows how many nicks and dings our NESCAC athletes quietly fought through last year.  So by saying we were "fairly lucky" on the injury front last year, I don't mean to diminish what some players may have gone through unnoticed by me.  My main point is just that last year our talent distribution strongly suggested an 8-man rotation.  During the critical months of conference and postseason play, we were fortunate not to have to go beyond that rotation.  At the moment it would appear that our talent distribution suggests perhaps a 7 man rotation, with Berman and Nabatoff knocking on the door (though it could be hard to find space for Nabatoff if Pollack and George are both healthy).

Finally, Toad, you raise an excellent point about "teaching time" -- a point that I know is near and dear to Coach Hixon's heart (as I am sure it is to coaches everywhere).  Any team that does not make significant improvements between now and February is unlikely to have much success in February or March.  Amh63, let there be no doubt, I have complete confidence that, barring significant injury, Coach Hixon will oversee substantial improvements in our Amherst team (as I expect all NESCAC teams to improve  -- as Coach Belichick often says, if you are not improving after every practice, you are doing something wrong).  I am sure he is aware of/concerned about depth at the wing spot, defensive rebounding, and a whole host of issues I couldn't possibly diagnose.  As always, I can't wait to watch how the maturation process will unfold.

Sorry for (another) long post.  Now I need to spend the rest of the day focusing on the San Diego Chargers.

[Bucket]

As an Eph fan, I am very happy that Williams was able to escape from the first semester of action with a 7-1 record. Mayer missed 5 games, and, due to various injuries, most of the rest of the rotation players weren't doing much practicing in between games. In some ways, it was a lost semester, because very little effective teaching time was available. The brightest surprises are the emergence of Ryan Kilcullen as a major contributor, the successful return of Hayden Rooke-Ley, after a year+ of injury, and the great play of freshman Duncan Robinson, certainly the best Eph freshman since Michael Nogelo, almost 20 years ago.

Amherst's loss on Saturday isn't surprising at all, give the loss of Killian and Pollack. Bad things tend to happen when starters go down. I recall last year at this time, Amherst lost to both Babson and Springfield. In both games a starter was missing, I believe.

From a NESCAC perspective, the most significant event of the first semester has been the emergence of Bowdoin as a major power. With Swords' emergence as a top big man, it looks like Bowdoin is a serious threat to win the league title. It has been a while since that has happened! If Hurley can make it back from injury this year, Bowdoin could be a national power.   

Yes, Colby, Regis and St. Joes are legitimate tests for any program....

For the first (and perhaps only) time, I find myself agreeing with Charles.

[toad22]

I'll admit that my confidence in Bowdoin's team this year is partially due to how good I thought they were last year. Williams escaped with a win in Brunswick but the smallest of margins. I thought that their personnel was very good, except for some softness at the center position. If Swords emerges as a true threat inside and Hurley comes back from his injury, they should be good enough to make a strong run for the NESCAC title.