MBB: NESCAC

[magicman]

Magicman....the Big Doorstop!  Never heard that " term " in that context!  Plus K.   I was there in Salem for that Title run....there was a runner up game in those days.  Amherst was led by a point guard from San Diego, Ca.  Also like Toomey,  a two time D3 POY and  1st team  All- American.

I have borrowed the use of that term from my favorite poster, Greg Sager. I believe he originated it some years ago.

And the point guard was Andrew Olsen I believe. 

[nescac1]

Hell of a first half for the Ephs, who are using SCORCHING hot outside shooting to build a 17 point lead despite falling behind 11-3 at the outset.  Ephs are 11-19 from 3 with Aronowitz, Teal, and Greenman combining for 10 of those.  Teal in particular hit several LONG range bombs that as a defender you just shrug your shoulders and say, what you can do?  Scranton has actually played pretty well on defense, keeping the Ephs out of the lane for the most part, and yet Williams still has 48 points because they simply can't miss. 

On the other end, Scranton plays a deliberate, precise offense with lots of screen and pick and roll action, very tricky to guard.  When it works, it gets great shots -- they are at 62 percent from the field themselves! -- but they have been plagued by turnovers by trying to be too perfect on offense (13 already) and thanks to some great defensive pressure from the Ephs.  Scranton's big guy is very tough.

Kudos to Michael Kempton who had the best half I've ever seen him play.  He did a GREAT job defensively on Scranton's tough interior players and also controlled the boards and hit some really tough finishes.  He's playing with a ferocity tonight which is a VERY welcome sight.

We know from last night that Scranton does not quit and come come back from a bit deficit so the Ephs can not relax.  Ephs just gotta keep doing what they are doing and hopefully keep shooting well. 

[jumpshot]

Great win tonight by the Ephs over a good Scranton team to advance to the Sweet Sixteen. The Ephs' performance the past month reflects quite well on Coach App, his assistants, the team captains, and the players individually and collectively. An admirable creation of teamwork, energy, defensive effort, and simply relaxing and having fun! Of course, outstanding shooting helps!

Just shows the importance, reality, and potential of culture, tone, and mental toughness ----quite a contrast with the plague's discontent and disarray identified early on and frequently on this board resulting in an 8-7 record in the two months of 2017, a first round loss, and according to amH63, a "lost season".

Oh well, they all are young works in progress....

[JustAFan]

Great win for Tufts on the road over the host St. John Fisher Empire 8 champs.  The Jumbos back to back road victories are quite an accomplishment.

Fisher led for most of the first half until about 7 minutes to go in the half, when Tufts took the lead for good. The Jumbos clung to a narrow margin from that point forward but it was always in doubt for most of the game. Tufts would go up by 8, SJF would immediately come back within 2-4, or even tie it several times in the second half, including with about 9 minutes left, but Tufts would always respond with another spurt.

Vinny Pace was the Pace of last year, absolutely immense, with 37 points on 12-17 from the floor, 5-6 from the arc, 8-9 from the line and 6 boards.  Tom Palleschi did a great job against SJF's very talented 6-8, 235 big man, Keegan Ryan, who had 33 points on a variety of great, old-school down-low post moves but, if you can say it, Palleschi more than held his own and stayed out of foul trouble for most of the game. Palleschi played most of the game (29 minutes, 12 points) and looks like he is quickly getting himself back into game shape. SJF was a typical big, strong  and disciplined upstate New York team that had a real advantage down low on Tufts but Tufts boxed out well and pushed the pace on misses and this led to a bunch of fast break points. 

The refs called an incredibly tight game, with tons of touch fouls--both teams were shooting 2 with about 10 minutes left-- but that benefitted Tufts since it allowed their guards, especially Pace and Smith (17 points and 7 assists), to attack the basket and get to the line. Eric Savage, the Tufts freshman, also had a strong performance, scoring 16 points on 6-10 from the field to go with 9 boards and 2 assists.

Congrats to all 3 NESCAC teams for advancing.  This tournament really boils down to 3 separate weekend tournaments, and now Tufts, Middlebury and Williams each have won their first weekend tournament and get to play another 2-game, winner-takes-all tournament next weekend.

[nescac1]

Congrats to the Ephs, and all three NESCAC teams, for huge wins tonight!

Williams played a spectacular weekend of team two-way basketball.  The Ephs finally cooled off in the second half after three straight halves of scorching hot shooting, but part of the reason was that Scranton was overplaying on the perimeter, opening up driving lanes which Scadlock in particular and other exploited.  After a quiet first half Scadlock showed his recent all-American level form in the second, dominating the floor with tremendous energy on both ends.  He finished with 15 points including two big treys in the second half and also had two monstrous blocks in that stanza.  Tremendous defensive effort by him.

Williams was once again led by its veterans, Aronowitz and Greenman.  Aronowitz shot the ball beautifully all weekend and also was slashing to the rim whenever there was a hint of an opening.  22-5-3 plus 2 steals, great game for him.  Greenman is playing the best ball of his career right now and played brilliantly tonight, finishing with a double double 11 points and 11 assists, against only one turnover.  He's really steadied the ship at point guard over the Ephs' recent strong run.

Michael Kempton played all things considered the best game of his career.  He was fighting really hard all game on defense and on the glass and also finishing strong: 10-9-3 in only 18 minutes plus excellent defense on Scranton's star center.  Great night for him and hopefully a sign of more to come as the competition keeps getting tougher.

After a leaky start to the game, the Eph D really tightened up holding Scranton to 30 percent shooting in the second half.  Williams did a tremendous job forcing turnovers, 19 in total.  Marcos Soto and Chris Galvin both were very strong on the defensive end all weekend ... Soto in particular was all over the court tonight with four steals. 

At halftime of the Hamilton game, Williams looked like a team that was overmatched this year.  Coming off four listless performances (three of which were losses) Williams played as poorly as they are capable of playing in the first half of Hamilton.  Kyle Scadlock came alive in at halftime and had a monstrous second half.  Although Williams did not pull out the win, that was the turning point of the season.  Since that time, the Ephs have gotten better and better, going 9-3 against an extremely tough schedule.  There have been a few hiccups along the way, but Williams has earned a place in the Sweet 16 and are capable of beating anyone when they play their best ball.  Can they continue to do so when they return to the road next weekend and against increasingly difficult competition?  That remains to be seen.  But the last few weeks have been really fun to watch. 

[ECSUalum]

Congrats to Williams and Middlebury on their sweet 16 runs!!

[JustAFan]

ECSU, congrats on a great run by your team this year, but Keene State's win over #5 Ramapo tonight might be one of the Little East's best basketball wins ever!

It's great to see five (5)(!!) New England teams in the Sweet 16.  Hopefully many of them will continue to advance next weekend.

[JustAFan]

Next weekend's match-ups, with 2 winners advancing to Salem:

Tufts vs. Babson
Keene State vs. Christopher Newport (corrected!)

I assume Babson will be the host?

Williams vs. Susquehanna (which knocked out Eastern CT)
Middlebury vs. Endicott

I assume Middlebury will be the host?

The pairings offer two interesting rematches, with Middlebury and Williams each trying to avenge December losses to their opponents. Endicott beat Middlebury 93-89 and and Babson beat Tufts 91-78 earlier in the season.

Six New England teams out of 8 fighting for 2 spots in the Final Four.

[7express]

I thought Newport beat Swarthmore??  In that case I think Newport hosts as I believe all 3 NE schools check in at under 500 miles; if indeed Swathmore won than Babson hosts.

Edit: Whoops turns out NONE of the 3 NE schools checks in at under 500 miles, so forget about Newport hosting.  Boy, they got totally screwed!  Should've hosted the first round but couldn't because the women's team got priority first and now this.  I doubt they would have gotten it over Babson anyways, but still.

[Old Guy]

A lot of fun at Middlebury tonight. The Panthers played great, from the opening tip to the final buzzer! Midd went up 20 at the half, 52-32, on a highlight film hoop, a long pass to a flying Bryan Jones, streaking from the left across the lane for a lay-up just before the lights went on. Place went wild.

Another sellout crowd had a lot to cheer about. Great atmosphere. Lots of students, really into it. I'm told it's likely we get another crack at Endicott, a chance to avenge one of our three losses, the only one at home - we were up 17 in that early season game at one point. I think Williams may come our way too, is that right? We would enjoy another crack at them, after splitting with them, losing by 24 in Williamstown and winning by 22 at Tufts for the NESCAC title.

Matt St. Amour lit it up tonight, with 30 points (11-21, 6 threes; 5 rebounds, 4 steals), often bringing the crowd to its feet. Matt Folger had 18 points in 16 minutes - he's a force. Adisa Majors - 12 points, 11 rebounds. Jack Daly 14 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists. Jake Brown came back from an off game last night with 10 assists tonight.

Lycoming is undersized but very fast, strong, aggressive going to the basket. They don't shoot much from the outside (6-13), so Middlebury played a lot of zone defense - not their usual game, but to great effect. Midd won the rebound battle 48-32 - and had 26 assists as a team.



Like I said, we played great.

[warriorcat]

I thought Newport beat Swarthmore??  In that case I think Newport hosts as I believe all 3 NE schools check in at under 500 miles; if indeed Swathmore won than Babson hosts.

Edit: Whoops turns out NONE of the 3 NE schools checks in at under 500 miles, so forget about Newport hosting.  Boy, they got totally screwed!  Should've hosted the first round but couldn't because the women's team got priority first and now this.  I doubt they would have gotten it over Babson anyways, but still.

The bracket was set up for Ramapo to host so that everyone could drive. Keene screwed that up with their thrilling OT victory. I would shocked if Anyone but Babson hosts next weekend.

[Vandy74]

The bracket was set up for Ramapo to host so that everyone could drive. Keene screwed that up with their thrilling OT victory. I would shocked if Anyone but Babson hosts next weekend.

Last year at this time Middlebury fans were feeling like Ramapo fans do now.  Congratulations to the Keene State Owls on reaching the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive season.

[grabtherim]

Susquehanna has been "exposed" on film.

Now that I'm guessing they will be heading to Middlebury to tangle with Williams after two wins, and I have never seen them play, I'm looking forward to being enlightened with what you found when you broke them down in the film room. 

Inquiring minds from their conference below have asked for the same:

Hooper 42:
Big Mike, Landmark Conference fan here. I agree Susquehanna did not finish the season as they would have liked. Ended in a 3 way tie for first in the conference, and because of tie breakers ended up as the 3 seed, and went on the road for the first round of conf playoffs.
Curious as to what you saw on tape that has "exposed" SU. I am not saying you are wrong, I am just interested to hear what someone from outside the conference sees as major flaws in the River Hawks squad.

and
NEPAFAN:
Can you expand on why Susquehanna has been exposed on film?

Great win for the Panthers yesterday.  I had said yesterday that with a team that tries to pressure the ball like Lycoming does Midd may well find Folger and Majors for significant points, they did for 30 between them.  St Amour was his dominating self, Brown is penetrating and dishing really well with the ankle looking fine.  To me Daly is the high octane fuel which pushes the engine.  Watch how he breaks any little bit of pressure a guard puts on him with a quick burst, blow by, or makes a big hoop in traffic when it's needed.  He's tough, a gamer.  In my view, given his value, this kid should have made 2nd team all league this season.  The Panthers now have to plan for Endicott.  The last game versus them means nothing, both are different teams now.  Good luck to everyone next weekend.  If you made it this far, it's a heck of an accomplishment; keep on dreaming, four more wins to go.   

[nescac1]

Thanks, ECSU alum!  Congrats to Eastern Conn on a great season.  What is your take on Susquehanna?  I see their star is Steven Weidlich, who is at least well-known to Vinny Pace as they starred for rival Central NJ schools (in and adjacent to my hometown, so I've at least heard his name before).

Susquehanna lost twice to Scranton, which should be encouraging for Williams.  Then again, they beat Trinity, who beat Williams at Williams, so who knows! 

It sure would be fun to see a Williams-Midd sectional final.  In this year's tourney, it seems like nearly any team left is capable of winning it all or losing its next game, so who knows what will happen!   

[ECSUalum]

Thanks, ECSU alum!  Congrats to Eastern Conn on a great season.  What is your take on Susquehanna?  I see their star is Steven Weidlich, who is at least well-known to Vinny Pace as they starred for rival Central NJ schools (in and adjacent to my hometown, so I've at least heard his name before).

Susquehanna lost twice to Scranton, which should be encouraging for Williams.  Then again, they beat Trinity, who beat Williams at Williams, so who knows! 

It sure would be fun to see a Williams-Midd sectional final.  In this year's tourney, it seems like nearly any team left is capable of winning it all or losing its next game, so who knows what will happen!

nescac1,
Susquehana reminds me a lot of Williams, with the Ephs taking the edge on size.  6-7 Traub and 6-7 Scadlock are a good matchup re ppg/rbg, but I would give Scadlock the edge in quickness. 6-5 Arnowitz  vs 6-1 Weidlich, I take Arnowitz for his size, rebounding, and play making, however re scoring power/ppg, last night the commentators mentioned Weidlich can get red hot, (Brown guarded him closely and he was only 2-7on 3pters), and his coach gives him the option to shoot the 3 when he has the open look. So, if Williams can limit Weidlich to say 15 points, they should be able to handle Susquehanna!!
Reichard and Deitrick are a match up with similar size and scoring power!  As well the Hoagland/Greenman and Hoagland/Casey pairings should be interesting and will be great to watch!  Lastly, I think Williams may have a deeper bench, (not sure) but I do know overall Coach App will have his players mindset ready for deep NCAA runs!  Best of Luck to the Ephs!! 
PS Oh I forgot Susquehanna is an excellent Free Throw Shooting team (almost 77%), and the starters even better, so if it gets close down the stretch and you have to foul, keep this in mind!