MBB: NESCAC

[SpringSt7]

I would say that Christopher Newport is as bad of a matchup as Colby could have gotten relative to expectations. They are big, physical, play really good defense, and have a Final Four pedigree. They have 6 guys who score between 8-14 points, their bigs are big but move well, and teams shot 38.5% from the floor and 27.3% from three against them. This is a brutal draw, to be frank.

More thoughts on the other teams in the region, but I was shocked to see this matchup in the first round. Says a lot about how the committee felt about Colby's SOS and lack of key wins.

[Colby Hoops]

I would say that Christopher Newport is as bad of a matchup as Colby could have gotten relative to expectations. They are big, physical, play really good defense, and have a Final Four pedigree. They have 6 guys who score between 8-14 points, their bigs are big but move well, and teams shot 38.5% from the floor and 27.3% from three against them. This is a brutal draw, to be frank.

More thoughts on the other teams in the region, but I was shocked to see this matchup in the first round. Says a lot about how the committee felt about Colby's SOS and lack of key wins.

Yeah, I'm not overly pleased with the draw. When I saw Middlebury was on the road, I thought there was a chance that meant Colby might host. That double OT loss on Sunday made a huge difference in the draw it seems. Also getting to Hoboken on 4:30 on a Friday is just about impossible, so dashes any hopes of going to the games.

I was impressed by CNU last year in the tournament, although they no longer have All-American Marcus Carter at least.

[Colby Hoops]

Colby ranked ahead of Middlebury in the final regional rankings. I'd gladly trade draws with the Panthers though!

[Bucket]

Colby ranked ahead of Middlebury in the final regional rankings. I'd gladly trade draws with the Panthers though!

Middlebury already played at Stevens this year, which obviously was a factor in sending the Panthers to Brockport and the Mules to Hoboken. Two long trips for both this week.

[Colby Hoops]

Colby ranked ahead of Middlebury in the final regional rankings. I'd gladly trade draws with the Panthers though!

Middlebury already played at Stevens this year, which obviously was a factor in sending the Panthers to Brockport and the Mules to Hoboken. Two long trips for both this week.

Yeah, also Brockport is over the 500 mile drive range from Waterville. Both Stevens and Brockport loom as tough second round matchups, but Midd will be a heavy favorite over Westfield St., while Colby and CNU is a toss-up.

[Colby Hoops]

Colby ranked ahead of Middlebury in the final regional rankings. I'd gladly trade draws with the Panthers though!

Middlebury already played at Stevens this year, which obviously was a factor in sending the Panthers to Brockport and the Mules to Hoboken. Two long trips for both this week.

Also, is that a factor? New England College and Tufts are in the same pod and they've played this year. Is it something they just try to avoid when possible? Just curious, it wouldn't have impacted this situation because of the 500 mile thing anyway.

[Bucket]

Colby ranked ahead of Middlebury in the final regional rankings. I'd gladly trade draws with the Panthers though!

Middlebury already played at Stevens this year, which obviously was a factor in sending the Panthers to Brockport and the Mules to Hoboken. Two long trips for both this week.

Also, is that a factor? New England College and Tufts are in the same pod and they've played this year. Is it something they just try to avoid when possible? Just curious, it wouldn't have impacted this situation because of the 500 mile thing anyway.

Yeah, the 500-mile scenario is the overriding factor, though I do think the committee tries to avoid repeat head-to-head matchups, when possible. But maybe that's only entirely possible with first round matchups.

[NEhoops]

In some cases putting a NESCAC team in each of the different regions would be best for the competitive balance of the bracket, but based on travel concerns that doesn't happen. 

In the Tufts pod, if the favorites advance (Tufts/RPI), then the issue of a repeat match up is a non-issue.

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

Colby ranked ahead of Middlebury in the final regional rankings. I'd gladly trade draws with the Panthers though!

Middlebury already played at Stevens this year, which obviously was a factor in sending the Panthers to Brockport and the Mules to Hoboken. Two long trips for both this week.

Also, is that a factor? New England College and Tufts are in the same pod and they've played this year. Is it something they just try to avoid when possible? Just curious, it wouldn't have impacted this situation because of the 500 mile thing anyway.

Yeah, the 500-mile scenario is the overriding factor, though I do think the committee tries to avoid repeat head-to-head matchups, when possible. But maybe that's only entirely possible with first round matchups.

First round is really the only one where they try very hard not to do rematches.  They try to avoid conference opponents until the second weekend, usually - although sometimes those things are unavoidable.

[cacfan11]

With nescac play in the rearview mirror, here is my too early power rankings for next year:

1. Middlebury College - clear 1st choice, only lose 2 seniors, and have very capable players behind them. great group of rising seniors
2. Tufts - Lose savage but keep rogers and a good sophmore class.
3. Colby - Loose Jefferson, but will be able to continue their successful style of play
4. Amherst- Lose sellew, return che, robinson and day
5. Bates - sophmore class is very good.
6. Williams - Talented
7. Wesleyan - looses no one
8. Trinity - has been solid for past couple years, loses seniors
9. Hamilton- loses kena
10. Conn College- good coach, full year of recruits
11. bowdoin-

[Cards Fan]

6. Williams -Talented
11. bowdoin-

A solid in depth breakdown here. Great points.

[cacfan11]

What would you change?

[nescac1]

Regarding Christopher Newport, the star they lost was an absolute monster, so they will certainly be a different team without him.  They also graduated another very sound guard who was a defensive ace.  They seem based on results to be not quite the same level of team overall, but still really tough.  On the other hand, my main impression of them last year was that they were disciplined, tough and sound.  They do nothing to beat themselves: work the ball around well on offense even without a ton of dynamic individual playmakers, and play really sound defense, always in the right position without taking needless risks,  very physical 1-5. Very well-coached..  Aigner is the main offensive guy back from last year and like the Colby guys he can really light it up.  Cutch Ellis is tough and crafty too.   Chappel, who for some reason doesn't play more than a few minutes, killed the Ephs last year.  He's a beast, tossed the Eph big men around, he would be a tough matchup inside for Colby.   If Jefferson and Dorian can get going from outside (heck of the former can even move out there) it would sure help!

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

Newport is a true team - no real statistical leaders on any given night.  They play tough defense and run 10-12 guys at you all game.  Lots of depth.  Real talented freshmen in Anderson.  Jason Aigner, senior shooter: he's got 40 foot range, a quick release, and shoots close to 50%.  You don't want to lose him on defense.

[WPI89]

I am sure this is on this board somewhere already - but just in case - I always enjoy looking at the round by round odds.  Courtesy, Massey

https://www.masseyratings.com/tourn?t=1253