MBB: NESCAC

[formerbant10]

5 point differential between #1 and #3.  I really wouldn't worry too much about that.  The Jeffs also have 9 1st place votes, this is nothing to be upset about.  If they keep winning, it won't be an issue.

[Pat Coleman]

Indeed.

[The Historian]

So, the question remains, who makes the best cup of coffee?

Saint's Rest?

Can't say I've ever had the pleasure.  Iowa, right?

And for the Amherst faithful: http://www.masseyratings.com/rate.php?lg=cb&sub=III&mid=6

Watch out, Babson.

[pbyron]

Williams is way behind the top NESCAC teams as far as talent . Good game day coach but lacking in evaluating talent. Ephs should be enjoying the recruiting harvest from national championship and it just is not there !

[Friar T]

Ah Pat, if only I had the time, energy and desire to drive between Illinois and Ohio to catch all that great D3 basketball. Not to mention the salary to afford the $2+ gas prices. However, the Boilers keep me plenty busy. I was however able to see UW Plattsville play an exhibition game here in Mackey and they weren't too bad.

I agree wholeheartedly that the midwest features some incredibly talented teams. I've seen enough teams throughout my work in collegiate athletics and my schooling at a midwest d3 institution to know that it's probably the toughest region. However, I've also seen enough ball and enough of the Amherst program to know that this year's group is deeper and maybe more versatile than any I've ever seen. The definitely belong in the top 10 and have a solid arguement for the top spot.

My earlier comments about "offense and hurt" at them not getting the No. 1 ranking were made mostly in jest. I expected what happened and should have been more clear about that.

The Jeffs will play the hand that's been dealt to them, and should do so with great amounts of success. I don't envy Babson or Williams this week...

[mrmike88]

Enough of the "no respect."  Amherst got as many first-place votes as UWSP and more than ONU.  They're five points behind first.  They gained points in the voting from the previous poll.

With all due respect to the great job the d3hoops guys do on a daily basis, their poll is an opinion that has zero bearing on the postseason.  The tourney spots come from the QOWI ratings.  If Amherst keeps winning, they'll be rewarded for being the best in the region, regardless of where they're actually ranked on this website.

Maybe I am wrong, as I am a lowly non-playing student, but I would still put last year's squad as better than this year's to this (early) point in the season.  I think the Jeffs are still trying to find an identity in the half court game.  I do, however, believe that this year's edition is more talented from top to bottom, so it's only a matter of time before they really come together.

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

So, the question remains, who makes the best cup of coffee?

Saint's Rest?

Can't say I've ever had the pleasure.  Iowa, right?

Thanks to some dumb luck on the MWC board over the holidays, I should have some waiting in the mailbox for me when I get home today.  Their cinnamon buns are fantastic as well, sadly I did not win any of those.

[walzy31]

Me gusta the analogies.
For a minute I thought I was taking the LSATs though: "Amherst is taller than Babson who is taller than Conn who is taller than Daniel Webster who is the shortest of the four. Blah blah blah how tasty is Ohio Northen's coffee?
Damn.

TOMORROW:
Amherst 89
Babson 68

Wooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh Woooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh

My two karma losses were worthwhile sacrifices for me to back the 'herst. It's like I got tapped back playing twenty-one.

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

It's alright, Walzy.  I've lost 22 karma points in the last month because there was nothing else to talk about besides that Lincoln game.  Just remember, true enlightenment comes when your karma is balanced, so zero is right where you want to be.

[feces monkey]

Bummer...

[Titan Q]

With all due respect to the great job the d3hoops guys do on a daily basis, their poll is an opinion that has zero bearing on the postseason.  The tourney spots come from the QOWI ratings.  If Amherst keeps winning, they'll be rewarded for being the best in the region, regardless of where they're actually ranked on this website.

You are absolutely correct.  Amherst has a great chance to be at the top of the QOWI and in-region winning % - the two numbers that count - just like last year...

(numbers heading into last year's tournament)

Amherst     12.160     24-1
Lawrence    11.682    22-0
Worcester Polytech    11.250    20-3
Mississippi College    11.154    25-1
Tufts    11.000    20-5 Pool C
St. John Fisher    11.000    22-1
Lincoln    10.688    12-4  Pool B
Wittenberg    10.652    20-3
Gordon    10.560    22-3 Pool C
Carnegie Mellon    10.550    16-4
Virginia Wesleyan    10.481    24-3
Augustana    10.478    19-4 Pool C
Cortland State    10.440    22-3 Pool C
York (Pa.)    10.400    22-3 Pool C
Transylvania    10.370    23-4
Trinity (Texas)    10.316    16-3 Pool C
UW-Whitewater    10.304    18-5
William Paterson    10.240    19-6
Hope    10.211    17-2
North Central    10.095    16-5         
Bates    10.091    16-6 (not selected)
Carroll    10.087    19-4 Pool C
Ursinus    10.080    20-5
Baldwin-Wallace    10.077    22-4
Washington U.    10.050    14-6 (not selected)
Wooster    10.042    21-3 Pool C
Carleton    10.000    18-5 Pool C
St. Thomas    9.960    20-5
Baruch    9.958    21-3 Pool C
Alvernia    9.958    21-3
Illinois Wesleyan    9.952    15-6 Pool C

[heythere]

How can amherst move down in the top 25, there is no one too play in NE. the already play in the nescac and beat brandies, i mean you can only play whats around you and there is no one that can compete with them.

[formerbant10]

As stated before, Amherst gained 7 first place votes and garnered 7 more points.  It's not that they went down in the minds of the voters, but rather UWSP and Ohio Northern jumped a little further after having great weeks.

[blacklordjeff]

What's happening with the rest of the NESCAC?  We can argue about Amherst being number one, but I've been convinced that everyone is right, they are getting respect, it doesnt really matter, etc etc.  So whats up with the other teams?

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

Bates is undefeated and have all the toughest remaining games at home.  They could be a team to watch.  That little trip to the British Isles may have helped them get a jump on the season.