MBB: NESCAC

[ECSUalum]

Nice win for ECSU over Amherst 95-92 tonight away at LeFrak!  Sr. Tarchee Brown, who was knocked around all night and played hurt was, top scorer with 31pts followed by sophs. Carlos Gonzalez and Jake Collegan with 18 and 16 resp.!  Tops scorers for Amherst were MacCarthy, Riopell, and Sellew with 25, 22, and 14. Amherst out rebounded the Warriors bigtime but had 20 TOs of which 11 were steals.  The Warriors should have iced the game down the stretch but couldn't execute all their FTs.  Excellent, (relatively close for 40 min), game to watch with J MacCarthy showing he is one of the best players in D-III!  Eastern begins LEC play Sat at UMass Boston. Amherst starts NESCAC Fri at Trinity College.

[nescac1]

And Bates goes down.  Rough 0-3 night for NESCAC, which is collectively only 12-10 since Christmas.   A lot of young and/or banged up teams experiencing some serious growing pains.  Should make for a lot of angry, motivated teams in what is likely to be a wildly unpredictable opening weekend of league play.

In addition to Robinson, Amherst was missing Tim McCarthy, who only played one minute in his last game; presumably he suffered some sort of injury? And anyone know the deal on Robinson?? McCarthy and Riopel were both awesome vs Eastern Conn, but it's an awful lot to ask them to be the primary ball-handlers, scorers and perimeter defenders, with the guys currently missing from the rotation. 

[Old Guy]

Big win by Swarthmore 91-75 at over-ranked Middlebury on a night when Swat, a well-coached team, played with passion and intelligence. Mid hasn't come together yet, yet to be determined how good they will prove to be, especially on the road.

We wuz robbed! The refs cheated us. Swarthmore's just a bunch of dirty players.

Not true. We wuz licked by a pretty good team, came into our gym after a long trip and took control early and never gave it up. Midd got within seven in the second half but couldn't get any closer, though we had some chances. At the end of the game, we fouled and the Garnet made their shots and we didn't.

Swarthmore's impressive. Good, quick guards, led by All-American Cam Wiley, a versatile, patient player with a variety of skills (8-11 for 22 points with 5 assists); their front court pretty much took us to school, especially in the first half (6'6" sophomore Nate Shaffer has terrific post moves and presence; 6'8" Robbie Walsh guards the rim); frosh Conor Harkins came off the bench and gave the Garnet a dynamic outside threat (he hit his first 3 threes). Very well-rounded team. They like to push it as much as we do and play very effective D. You won't hear Midd people saying the outcome was a fluke.

Swarthmore will be a team to reckon with for a while. They have veteran leadership but also formidable young players. Wiley has another year leading the team. 6'7" wingman Zack O'Dell (19 points on 8-14 shooting with 14 rebounds) is just a sophomore. Size, quickness, shooting, young players, veteran leadership. Senior Zack Yonda, a 1000 point scorer, only played ten minutes as he is compromised by injury.

Middlebury led the country in rebounding margin coming into the game. No longer. Swarthmore decisively won the rebounding battle 50-37; they were relentless on the offensive glass with 16 boards. Midd had it to within 7 when Swarthmore on one possession had three cracks at the hoop before scoring.

For Midd, Matt Folger had a fine game — 21 points (9-17) with 8 rebounds and 8 blocks. Jack Daly had 12 points and 11 assists but was often thwarted at the hoop in traffic where he normally thrives. Eric McCord came off the bench and had 12 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks.

It was nice to see Matt St. Amour at the game with his parents (they still come to all the Midd home games), home for the holidays from his sojourn in Ireland playing basketball and earning an M.A..

Big games in CT this weekend.

[ronk]

Big win by Swarthmore 91-75 at over-ranked Middlebury on a night when Swat, a well-coached team, played with passion and intelligence. Mid hasn't come together yet, yet to be determined how good they will prove to be, especially on the road.

We wuz robbed! The refs cheated us. Swarthmore's just a bunch of dirty players.

Not true. We wuz licked by a pretty good team, came into our gym after a long trip and took control early and never gave it up. Midd got within seven in the second half but couldn't get any closer, though we had some chances. At the end of the game, we fouled and the Garnet made their shots and we didn't.

Swarthmore's impressive. Good, quick guards, led by All-American Cam Wiley, a versatile, patient player with a variety of skills (8-11 for 22 points with 5 assists); their front court pretty much took us to school, especially in the first half (6'6" sophomore Nate Shaffer has terrific post moves and presence; 6'8" Robbie Walsh guards the rim); frosh Conor Harkins came off the bench and gave the Garnet a dynamic outside threat (he hit his first 3 threes). Very well-rounded team. They like to push it as much as we do and play very effective D. You won't hear Midd people saying the outcome was a fluke.

Swarthmore will be a team to reckon with for a while. They have veteran leadership but also formidable young players. Wiley has another year leading the team. 6'7" wingman Zack O'Dell (19 points on 8-14 shooting with 14 rebounds) is just a sophomore. Size, quickness, shooting, young players, veteran leadership. Senior Zack Yonda, a 1000 point scorer, only played ten minutes as he is compromised by injury.

Middlebury led the country in rebounding margin coming into the game. No longer. Swarthmore decisively won the rebounding battle 50-37; they were relentless on the offensive glass with 16 boards. Midd had it to within 7 when Swarthmore on one possession had three cracks at the hoop before scoring.

For Midd, Matt Folger had a fine game — 21 points (9-17) with 8 rebounds and 8 blocks. Jack Daly had 12 points and 11 assists but was often thwarted at the hoop in traffic where he normally thrives. Eric McCord came off the bench and had 12 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks.

It was nice to see Matt St. Amour at the game with his parents (they still come to all the Midd home games), home for the holidays from his sojourn in Ireland playing basketball and earning an M.A..

Big games in CT this weekend.

In the 12 mins of action that I watched in the Swarthmore-York game 3 weeks ago. Shafer really impressed with his paint moves and his offensive aggressiveness; no deference shown by this frosh to letting older teammates handle the load.

[amh63]

Nice summary of the game ECSU!
One point you missed was the ineffective defense of the young outside "gunners" by Amherst.   Nescac1 pointed out the lack of an effective Amherst PG...distributor.  FY Grant Robinson was wearing a "boot" and  Jr. Vic Sinopoli is no longer listed on the roster.  FY G. Day appeared to be overwhelmed on offense and lost on defense.  He got caught several times underneath the basket and/or in the corner resulting in a TO.
The Seniors...JMAC and Riopel...both found their outside shots and scored well on drives.  However, the fast pace by both teams saw break away baskets by both teams.  Mobley came in for his outside shooting...ineffective and even got a shot blocked late in the game.  Not effective on defense. 
A bit hash here...but Amherst needs a PG soon and more effective scoring inside by their front court players.  Congrats to a fine game by the Warriors!

[P'bearfan]

Big win by Swarthmore 91-75 at over-ranked Middlebury on a night when Swat, a well-coached team, played with passion and intelligence. Mid hasn't come together yet, yet to be determined how good they will prove to be, especially on the road.

We wuz robbed! The refs cheated us. Swarthmore's just a bunch of dirty players.

Not true. We wuz licked by a pretty good team, came into our gym after a long trip and took control early and never gave it up. Midd got within seven in the second half but couldn't get any closer, though we had some chances. At the end of the game, we fouled and the Garnet made their shots and we didn't.

Swarthmore's impressive. Good, quick guards, led by All-American Cam Wiley, a versatile, patient player with a variety of skills (8-11 for 22 points with 5 assists); their front court pretty much took us to school, especially in the first half (6'6" sophomore Nate Shaffer has terrific post moves and presence; 6'8" Robbie Walsh guards the rim); frosh Conor Harkins came off the bench and gave the Garnet a dynamic outside threat (he hit his first 3 threes). Very well-rounded team. They like to push it as much as we do and play very effective D. You won't hear Midd people saying the outcome was a fluke.

Swarthmore will be a team to reckon with for a while. They have veteran leadership but also formidable young players. Wiley has another year leading the team. 6'7" wingman Zack O'Dell (19 points on 8-14 shooting with 14 rebounds) is just a sophomore. Size, quickness, shooting, young players, veteran leadership. Senior Zack Yonda, a 1000 point scorer, only played ten minutes as he is compromised by injury.

Middlebury led the country in rebounding margin coming into the game. No longer. Swarthmore decisively won the rebounding battle 50-37; they were relentless on the offensive glass with 16 boards. Midd had it to within 7 when Swarthmore on one possession had three cracks at the hoop before scoring.

For Midd, Matt Folger had a fine game — 21 points (9-17) with 8 rebounds and 8 blocks. Jack Daly had 12 points and 11 assists but was often thwarted at the hoop in traffic where he normally thrives. Eric McCord came off the bench and had 12 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks.

It was nice to see Matt St. Amour at the game with his parents (they still come to all the Midd home games), home for the holidays from his sojourn in Ireland playing basketball and earning an M.A..

Big games in CT this weekend.

Wiley was my son's HS teammate in Atlanta.  His skills and athleticism make him a potent offensive threat; glad to hear that he is playing well.  Props to Coach K who has turned Swarthmore into a powerhouse in a very short time.

[ECSUalum]

Nice summary of the game ECSU!
One point you missed was the ineffective defense of the young outside "gunners" by Amherst.   Nescac1 pointed out the lack of an effective Amherst PG...distributor.  FY Grant Robinson was wearing a "boot" and  Jr. Vic Sinopoli is no longer listed on the roster.  FY G. Day appeared to be overwhelmed on offense and lost on defense.  He got caught several times underneath the basket and/or in the corner resulting in a TO.
The Seniors...JMAC and Riopel...both found their outside shots and scored well on drives.  However, the fast pace by both teams saw break away baskets by both teams.  Mobley came in for his outside shooting...ineffective and even got a shot blocked late in the game.  Not effective on defense. 
A bit hash here...but Amherst needs a PG soon and more effective scoring inside by their front court players.  Congrats to a fine game by the Warriors!

Thanks amh63, I am sure Coach Geitner was not happy with Eastern's defense either as they averaged 68 opposition ppg prior to the Amherst contest, however, the Lord Jeffs are always such a good offensive team with great outside shooting, its is very difficult to track the player who is often open for the 3 pointer.  One thing about Eastern this year is that they have very good depth off the bench with some pretty good 3 point shooters as well, which offsets their loss of double double champion Hugh Lindo who averaged 13/13 rebounds/points/game last year.  Bottom line is that the Warriors will learn from playing top teams like Amherst and will be well prepared to take on LEC foes Keene St and UMass Dartmouth down the stretch!!
Hope you and the family had a wonderful Holiday Season!!

[Old Guy]

Big win by Swarthmore 91-75 at over-ranked Middlebury on a night when Swat, a well-coached team, played with passion and intelligence. Mid hasn't come together yet, yet to be determined how good they will prove to be, especially on the road.

For Midd, Matt Folger had a fine game — 21 points (9-17) with 8 rebounds and 8 blocks.

It was nice to see Matt St. Amour at the game with his parents (they still come to all the Midd home games), home for the holidays from his sojourn in Ireland playing basketball and earning an M.A..

Folger had three blocks, not eight. Proofread, son. I was not the only one who wished we could have put Matt St.A in a game jersey at the half.

[grabtherim]

No excuses.  Midd ran into a well coached talented team last night.  Every time Midd made even a minor run, it was answered.  The key point in the game for me was 7 minutes or so to go, Midd down 7 with some momentum, made a great stop, but lost the rebound which was converted quickly into 2 points for Swarthmore.  It seemed to take the air out of the Panthers balloon, and their series of runs and momentum ended right there.  It will be interesting to see how they play on the road after a what I'm sure will be a few intense practices.  Let the season begin. 

[nescac1]

Landry Kosmalski has done an incredible job at Swarthmore.  Unless things have changed, its academic standards for recruits are even tougher than the NESCAC schools.  Plus, there isn't really much of a hoops tradition or any sort of athletic culture on campus.  And yet, through a combination of strong recruiting and coaching guys up, he's turned that program very quickly from perpetual doormat into a national contender.  A high-academic D1 school like a Patriot League or Ivy team in need of a coaching change would be smart to poach him away.  He also has the right sort of D1 assistant experience (several years at his alma mater, Davidson) that those sort of programs would be looking for. 

[Bucket]

Echoing what everyone else says about the Midd-Swarthmore game last night. Midd dug itself too big a hole, falling way behind to a really good team. When the Panthers made a run in the second half to trim an 18-point-defeicit to 7 with a little more that 8 minutes to play, there was hope, but the margin for error was slim against a disciplined, well-coached, talented Garnet squad. And Swarthmore efficiently closed out the game.

Guard Cam Wiley is a stud. Super quick, can finish at the rim or stop on a dime and pull up and knock down shots. The big, Zac O'Dell, has very nice post moves and is relentless on the boards. And very nice complementary parts coming off the bench in sharp-shooter Conor Harkins and wing Nate Shafer. I can see the Garnet making some noise this year.

[toad22]

I am looking forward to the Williams-Wesleyan game tomorrow night. Wesleyan is really good, so I am expecting a very tough game for Williams. The hope I have is based on how the team has begun to play since Kyle Scadlock went down. The team shooting has improved a lot since Kyle got hurt. Their defense seems to me to be improving. Sometimes, when stars go down, everybody else pulls together and gets a lot better as a unit. I'm feeling that from the Williams squad. Time will tell, but the talent is there to be a top team, even without Kyle Scadlock.

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

Landry Kosmalski has done an incredible job at Swarthmore.  Unless things have changed, its academic standards for recruits are even tougher than the NESCAC schools.  Plus, there isn't really much of a hoops tradition or any sort of athletic culture on campus.  And yet, through a combination of strong recruiting and coaching guys up, he's turned that program very quickly from perpetual doormat into a national contender.  A high-academic D1 school like a Patriot League or Ivy team in need of a coaching change would be smart to poach him away.  He also has the right sort of D1 assistant experience (several years at his alma mater, Davidson) that those sort of programs would be looking for.

He was actually one of the finalists for the Washington & Lee job this season. Not sure if he got ask if he wanted the job (the only part I am not sure of in the search process), but I learned he may have turned that into a nice bump in things at Swarthmore. Not that he couldn't be poached, but it showed Swarthmore may be serious about this not being a flash in the pan.

[nescac1]

Big first night of NESCAC action tonight! 

The biggest game is obviously the battle between top-15 national squads Williams and Wesleyan.  Williams is out looking for payback, and Wesleyan is looking to prove that they are a legit top-10 team.  We know Scadlock is out for the year for Williams and it seems like the Cards may be missing a key guy (Hutcherson) from their rotation to injury as well.  These two teams have over the last few years had mostly very tight battles going down to the wire, and I would expect tonight to be no different.  The Ephs haven't had a good offensive performance vs. Wesleyan since 2014 ... hopefully tonight is the night that the Ephs actually figure out Wesleyan's D and also start hitting some outside shots vs. the Cards, but more than likely, it's going to be another ugly, low-scoring battle.

Other NESCAC action tonight includes:

Midd at Conn: Midd should cruise in this one based on Conn's struggles to date, but the Panthers' haven't brought their A game against Conn for a number of years, so anything is possible.

Bowdoin at Bates: seems like anything is possible in ANY CBB game this year so this one looks up for grabs even though Bowdoin appears the stronger team on paper.  Winning a rivalry game in Bates' gym is never easy in all events.

Amherst at Trinity: this one should be very interesting and looks like yet another toss-up game ... Trinity has been on a roll of late with five straight wins, four by large margins, and Amherst has been struggling a bit, with three losses in their last five games.  A fourth loss for the Jeffs this early in the season, before any Little 3 games, would put Amherst on precarious footing, so the Jeffs should come out with some desparation. 

Trinity is looking to prove that they are for real despite the lack of a single star player.   Although then again, quick soph PG Christian Porydzy, who saw little time as a frosh, has been playing like one during the last six games: 15 ppg, 4 rpg, 3 apg, 1.5 spg, with tremendous shooting (over 45 percent from 3 and over 90 percent from the line).  Porydzy (try saying that three times fast) has picked up his game in the absence of another talented soph guard who has picked things up from last year, Joe Bell, who has missed the last four games (presumably with an injury?). 

Colby at Tufts: Tufts seems to be getting it together after a tough start, thanks in part to much-improved team health.  This figures to be a tough match-up for Colby, athletically, but the Mules look feisty enough to pull an upset or two in league play this year.  I'd be surprised if that happened tonight, however, unless they absolutely shoot the lights out from deep. 

[Cards Fan]

2 big games for Wesleyan this weekend, starting with Williams.

Not much for me to say. I would be ecstatic 2-0, content 1-1, or disappointed at 0-2. We will see how real the Cardinals are this weekend.