WBB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletics Association

[knights2000]

Can't believe I'm saying this really, but how about the energy at VanNoord tonight? Only 864 in attendance, but holy cow, it got loud and electric for the last 12 or so minutes of the game.

[ziggy]

Chicago has been announced as the sectional host. UW-Eau Claire took a brief lead with under two minutes to go last night but Chicago pulled it out by four.

[Happy Calvin Guy]

Time for payback on Chicago's home floor after what they did at Van Noord last year. 

In that game, Chicago came out very physical and aggressive, and by the time Calvin knew what hit them, we were facing a significant deficit.  If my memory serves me well, we outscored Chicago after the first 5 minutes of the game.  Besides most of our stars having an additional year of experience under their belt, I think two factors will lead to a Calvin victory this year over Chicago:

1.  We know the style of play of Chicago and won't be surprised by it.  We were able to adjust last year but it was too late.  I think Coach Ross will have the team prepared from the opening tip. 
2.  We have a tougher point guard this year in freshman Englehard.  To me, she is the key against Chicago.

Go Knights!

[wiz]

I believe the only common opponent for Chicago and Calvin this year was St. Mary's.

Chicago played them once and won 70-60.

Calvin played them three times and won by scores of 80-54, 73-52, and 78-50.

Doesn't mean a lot, but something to look at.

[bballfan13]

I believe the only common opponent for Chicago and Calvin this year was St. Mary's.

Chicago played them once and won 70-60.

Calvin played them three times and won by scores of 80-54, 73-52, and 78-50.

Doesn't mean a lot, but something to look at.

Actually they have had 2 common opponents this year.  And first off let me say that I agree with you that this doesn't necessarily mean a lot, but I guess it gives us something to look at and talk about this week before the big game.

The two common opponents were St. Mary's and Olivet.

Chicago beat Olivet 80-36, while Calvin beat them 72-33 and 67-44.

You mentioned the St. Mary's scores above so I won't mention them again.  One thing I noticed from the box score of the Chicago / St. Mary's game was that Morgan Herrick did not play.  Looks like she missed a few games this year.

As for the game on Friday, I anticipate a great game.  Both teams have had tremendous seasons so far and both have a great chance of advancing far in the tournament.  It is a shame they had to meet in the Sweet 16, but they were going to meet at some point anyway.

I believe the Knights defense will be the key to winning the game.  They have played great defense all year and they will need to do the same on Friday night.  I expect it to be a loud crowd at Chicago with a big crowd for the home team.  Their gym is half the size of VNA but holds the sound in pretty well from what I have heard.  Calvin's scheduling has allowed them to play most of their games on the road as they played only 8 regular season home games.  This should help them on Friday.  The Knights know Chicago's style of play from the game last year and will be ready for it this time around. 

I like Calvin's chances in this game and think they will win a close one.  Should be fun, can't wait!

[martin]

All ten starters for both teams from last year are back - the difference is that freshman Kayla Engelhard starts in place of Logan Marsh for Calvin.  Chicago's bench has changed.  The Chicago starting five is a known force.  The Maroons have five players off the bench who average ten minutes or more.  Maggie Ely is a transfer from NYU who has fit in better with the team as the season progressed.  Julie Muguira spent her freshman year at Penn.  She did not play hoops at Penn, decided she missed the game and transferred to Chicago.  She gives Chicago a potent backup to point guard Joann Torres.  Two freshmen, Hannah Ballard and Morgan Donovan,  and a sophomore, Christianne Murray, round out the second unit. 

To me, the big difference between Calvin and Chicago is that Calvin has a superstar in Carissa Verkaik.  Chicago is more balanced.  Verkaik has led Calvin in scoring in 22 of 28 games.  Chicago's leading scorer, Taylor Simpson, averages 12.6 ppg and has led the Maroons in scoring in 12 of 27 games.  Chicago has had seven different leading scorers this season.  Last year, Verkaik had 23 points and 17 rebounds in 36 minutes.  Chicago absorbed her monster game and won.

For those of you travelling to Hyde Park for the game, the campus will be a bit quiet.  Chicago is on quarters and final exams start on Monday.  There will probably be more students in Regenstein Library than at the Ratner Center.

A few things to know - the University of Chicago "C" is indeed that of the UofC.  They did not steal it from the Bears.  The Bears took the wishbone "C" from UofC and their colors (orange and blue) from the University of Illinois.  At one time, the NFL was not a big deal, an afterthought in the American sports scene.  George Halas tried to boost the popularity of the Chicago Bears by attaching the team to college football. 

The University of Chicago was at one time a big deal in college football.  A founding member of the Big Ten.  You can see the first ever Heisman Trophy (awarded to Jay Berwanger) on display at the Ratner Center.  The coolest thing to see at the Ratner Center is the ball used in a 1909 basketball game with Indiana, which Chicago won 18-12.  Astronaut and Chicago alumnus John Grunsfeld took it with him on the space shuttle Atlantis on the last Hubble telescope repair mission.  The space telescope is named after Chicago alumnus and Nobel laureate Edwin Hubble.  Hubble was a great athlete.  He was a starting forward on a team which won three Big Ten titles and two or three mythical National Championships.  Two of his teammates, Pat Page and John Schommer, are in the basketball Hall of Fame.

[wiz]

Big, big game Friday night between University of Chicago and Calvin College.  I would not be surprised to see the winner of this matchup run the table to a D3 championship.

[hope52]

good  luck  lady knights  fri 

[bballfan13]

Just had a Pat Coleman sighting at the U of Chicago

[wiz]

Just had a Pat Coleman siting at the U of Chicago

Pat probably can't even sleep tonight knowing that tomorrow he will be able to see, in action, Carissa Verkaik and company.

[wiz]

Some reading material before the game begins.
http://www.mlive.com/smallcolleges/grandrapids/index.ssf/2012/03/calvins_carissa_verkaik_will_g.html

[Mr. Ypsi]

I'm fascinated by the career of Carissa Verkaik.  Does anyone know if she has any interest in the WNBA, and whether she has any realistic chance at it if so?  And if so, would she be the first d3 player to play?

[wiz]

I'm fascinated by the career of Carissa Verkaik.  Does anyone know if she has any interest in the WNBA, and whether she has any realistic chance at it if so?  And if so, would she be the first d3 player to play?

I'm sure she has more purposeful things she would like to accomplish than that.

[bballfan13]

I'm fascinated by the career of Carissa Verkaik.  Does anyone know if she has any interest in the WNBA, and whether she has any realistic chance at it if so?  And if so, would she be the first d3 player to play?

I'm sure she has more purposeful things she would like to accomplish than that.

Carissa has plans to be an elementary school teacher when she graduates.

[Happy Calvin Guy]

I'm fascinated by the career of Carissa Verkaik.  Does anyone know if she has any interest in the WNBA, and whether she has any realistic chance at it if so?  And if so, would she be the first d3 player to play?

I'm sure she has more purposeful things she would like to accomplish than that.

I agree 100%, wiz.  But since the question was asked, I would say that Carissa would need to add significant strength and speed/quickness to compete at that level.  Skill-wise, I think she could at least enter the discussion. 

Go Knights tonight, huge game!