WBB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletics Association

[wwjjdd]

Kind of a grind-it-out sort of a win for the Dutch.  Shots weren't falling, except for Berry, but Hope did it's usual pounding of the offensive boards and creating a big turnover margin, resulting in Hope having 22 more shots than the Comets.  Olivet played really well, but depth is a problem with only 4 players scoring, two starters playing the entire game and two others playing 36 minutes.  They are just a role player or two from being possible league champs.

Berry had once of those games where she was really going off, making beautiful passes and hitting step back threes.  She went down with an injury with a few minutes left, but the Dutch were able to shake it off and hold off the Comets.  Another huge blow to the Dutch if she is seriously injured.

I was sitting quite close to where Berry went down and it appeared to be a cramp in her calf.  Hopefully that is all it was.  We certainly can't afford to lose her points, but perhaps even more so, her leadership and command of the game and her coaching contributions while on the court.

[Roundball999]

Kind of a grind-it-out sort of a win for the Dutch.  Shots weren't falling, except for Berry, but Hope did it's usual pounding of the offensive boards and creating a big turnover margin, resulting in Hope having 22 more shots than the Comets.  Olivet played really well, but depth is a problem with only 4 players scoring, two starters playing the entire game and two others playing 36 minutes.  They are just a role player or two from being possible league champs.

Berry had once of those games where she was really going off, making beautiful passes and hitting step back threes.  She went down with an injury with a few minutes left, but the Dutch were able to shake it off and hold off the Comets.  Another huge blow to the Dutch if she is seriously injured.

I was sitting quite close to where Berry went down and it appeared to be a cramp in her calf.  Hopefully that is all it was.  We certainly can't afford to lose her points, but perhaps even more so, her leadership and command of the game and her coaching contributions while on the court.

Very glad to hear it might just be a leg cramp, thanks.

[Flying Dutch Fan]

Kind of a grind-it-out sort of a win for the Dutch.  Shots weren't falling, except for Berry, but Hope did it's usual pounding of the offensive boards and creating a big turnover margin, resulting in Hope having 22 more shots than the Comets.  Olivet played really well, but depth is a problem with only 4 players scoring, two starters playing the entire game and two others playing 36 minutes.  They are just a role player or two from being possible league champs.

Berry had once of those games where she was really going off, making beautiful passes and hitting step back threes.  She went down with an injury with a few minutes left, but the Dutch were able to shake it off and hold off the Comets.  Another huge blow to the Dutch if she is seriously injured.

I was sitting quite close to where Berry went down and it appeared to be a cramp in her calf.  Hopefully that is all it was.  We certainly can't afford to lose her points, but perhaps even more so, her leadership and command of the game and her coaching contributions while on the court.

Very glad to hear it might just be a leg cramp, thanks.

In Berry's own words, it wa a calf cramp

[sac]

Hope 78  Calvin 47

Suspect, very suspect!    ...yes I'm going to ride that one hard.


With that win Hope has a 2 game lead over Olivet, 3 over Calvin with no more head to head games remaining.  Unless something incredible happens Hope's going to win a piece of its 12th MIAA Championship in the last 15 seasons.

Special thanks to Hope College for the live streaming of this game.  I enjoyed it from my bunker 90 miles away.

[Roundball999]

Hope 78  Calvin 47

Suspect, very suspect!    ...yes I'm going to ride that one hard.


With that win Hope has a 2 game lead over Olivet, 3 over Calvin with no more head to head games remaining.  Unless something incredible happens Hope's going to win a piece of its 12th MIAA Championship in the last 15 seasons.

Special thanks to Hope College for the live streaming of this game.  I enjoyed it from my bunker 90 miles away.

Yeah, there sure didn't seem to be anything wrong with the Dutch's defense. Admittedly the Knights never really got hot, but Hope's defense had something to do with that.  In the past, Calvin has hurt Hope with dribble penetration then a kick to the opposite wing for the open three; Calvin had a few looks but for the most part Hope was able to close quickly and contest those shots.

It seems that every game Hope is at least +10 in rebounds and turnover margin and it was the same yesterday.  Combine that with a strong defense and your not going to lose mcuh.  But perhaps Hope's greatest strength is offensive balance with every player in the rotation a legitimate threat. 

Despite the snow and video streaming, there were still 1977 in attendance.  Hope the videos continue, the theories about reduced attendance didn't pan out at least for a Rivalry game.

[pointlem]

Despite the snow and video streaming, there were still 1977 in attendance.  Hope the videos continue, the theories about reduced attendance didn't pan out at least for a Rivalry game.

Last year's Calvin at Hope game had a recorded 3443.  But snow, video streaming, and a different person now specifying the attendance may have had something to do with that.  There were, if I recall, noticeably fewer Calvin fans.  But it would take a research project to determine whether video streaming motivates some who are 50/50 about whether to come to a game to just stay home and watch.  If it's a small attendance cost, it's still a nice service for the many more who couldn't or wouldn't travel.

[Flying Dutch Fan]

Despite the snow and video streaming, there were still 1977 in attendance.  Hope the videos continue, the theories about reduced attendance didn't pan out at least for a Rivalry game.

Last year's Calvin at Hope game had a recorded 3443.  But snow, video streaming, and a different person now specifying the attendance may have had something to do with that.  There were, if I recall, noticeably fewer Calvin fans.  But it would take a research project to determine whether video streaming motivates some who are 50/50 about whether to come to a game to just stay home and watch.  If it's a small attendance cost, it's still a nice service for the many more who couldn't or wouldn't travel.

The three sections set aside for Calvin fans were nearly empty (at least of Calvin fans). I suspect the low turnout of those fans had a lot more to do with their teams overall performance this year and less to do with the weather.  Fair weather fans with a dual meaning in this case.

[sac]

Despite the snow and video streaming, there were still 1977 in attendance.  Hope the videos continue, the theories about reduced attendance didn't pan out at least for a Rivalry game.

Other video productions have a counter somewhere on the screen, Hope's does not.  I'd be curious to know how many tuned in.  Most of the biggest D3 games never have more than a 100, and I would say almost all videos have less than 50 watching at any given time.


For someone like me, having video was nice and made no difference in my decision to attend the game because I wouldn't have been able to go with or without it.   

[Roundball999]

For someone like me, having video was nice and made no difference in my decision to attend the game because I wouldn't have been able to go with or without it.   

Similarly, it makes no difference to me since if I am able I will always attend the games in person.  I enjoy being there, seeing the game live, and the social aspects of attending an event.  VERY happy to have the video for when I can't attend live.  I'm sure there will be a few that stay home to watch the video even if they could attend. 

With respect to Saturday's game, I agree with other comments about the snow and about the significance (or lack thereof) of the game probably being more responsible for keeping attendance down.  Nonetheless, 1977 is still a nice turnout all things considered.

[Flying Dutch Fan]

Nonetheless, 1977 is still a nice turnout all things considered.

Bit of perspective - The average attendance for DIII women's basketball last season was 232.  There are plenty of teams who don't play in front of 1977 people total in all their home games combined.  We are truly blessed.

[bballfan13]

The three sections set aside for Calvin fans were nearly empty (at least of Calvin fans). I suspect the low turnout of those fans had a lot more to do with their teams overall performance this year and less to do with the weather.  Fair weather fans with a dual meaning in this case.

I must say this is quite an ignorant statement and quite stupid. 

First off let's get to the weather (actual snow) statement.  How far did you have to drive to the game?  Did you take the highway and if so for very long?  I did make the trip from Grand Rapids and and spoke with the many parents that did as well for Calvin and the conclusion was obvious, the roads were horrible and it took much longer than normal.  I would not say the roads were the worst I've seen them but it definitely had a big factor into why fans weren't able to come.  Families, relatives and close friends ventured out and were able to come to the game but the more casual or less connected fan from Calvin (who don't have a daughter or relative playing) might not have come, and for good reason due to the roads.  I even had close friends get in an accident on the way and were not able to make it because of that. 

As for the students, where were they?  They were on interim break, so the large majority of students are off campus for the 5 days.

Obviously Calvin hasn't been as successful this year as they have been the past 4 years, but that was expected due to the graduating class from last year.  Calvin has a very young team this year and is learning a lot.  But coming into the game at 12-5 and tied for second in the league, is it really that bad?  I don't think so.  And do you really think that the lopsided result was expected coming in?  Hope only beat Calvin by 7 earlier this year.  Also if you look at the past 5 games for Calvin they had been on quite a good run.  Please show me someone who saw this result coming.

I'm sorry you felt the need to take a low blow at Calvin's for their fan turnout to the game.  And in my opinion the fan section from Calvin was not as small as you make it sound.  You might want to take off your blue and orange glasses next time.  And please don't blame the game's smaller attendance (which was still great as mentioned by others here) solely on Calvin fans not showing up.  I'm sure there were plently of Hope fans that didn't make it to the game due to the poor weather.

[Roundball999]

Nonetheless, 1977 is still a nice turnout all things considered.

Bit of perspective - The average attendance for DIII women's basketball last season was 232.  There are plenty of teams who don't play in front of 1977 people total in all their home games combined.  We are truly blessed.

Absolutely, well said.  Blessed, spoiled, all those things...

[Flying Dutch Fan]

The three sections set aside for Calvin fans were nearly empty (at least of Calvin fans). I suspect the low turnout of those fans had a lot more to do with their teams overall performance this year and less to do with the weather.  Fair weather fans with a dual meaning in this case.

I must say this is quite an ignorant statement and quite stupid. 

First off let's get to the weather (actual snow) statement.  How far did you have to drive to the game?  Did you take the highway and if so for very long?  I did make the trip from Grand Rapids and and spoke with the many parents that did as well for Calvin and the conclusion was obvious, the roads were horrible and it took much longer than normal.  I would not say the roads were the worst I've seen them but it definitely had a big factor into why fans weren't able to come.  Families, relatives and close friends ventured out and were able to come to the game but the more casual or less connected fan from Calvin (who don't have a daughter or relative playing) might not have come, and for good reason due to the roads.  I even had close friends get in an accident on the way and were not able to make it because of that. 

As for the students, where were they?  They were on interim break, so the large majority of students are off campus for the 5 days.

Obviously Calvin hasn't been as successful this year as they have been the past 4 years, but that was expected due to the graduating class from last year.  Calvin has a very young team this year and is learning a lot.  But coming into the game at 12-5 and tied for second in the league, is it really that bad?  I don't think so.  And do you really think that the lopsided result was expected coming in?  Hope only beat Calvin by 7 earlier this year.  Also if you look at the past 5 games for Calvin they had been on quite a good run.  Please show me someone who saw this result coming.

I'm sorry you felt the need to take a low blow at Calvin's for their fan turnout to the game.  And in my opinion the fan section from Calvin was not as small as you make it sound.  You might want to take off your blue and orange glasses next time.  And please don't blame the game's smaller attendance (which was still great as mentioned by others here) solely on Calvin fans not showing up.  I'm sure there were plently of Hope fans that didn't make it to the game due to the poor weather.

Call me names if it makes you feel better, I was simply sharing my opinion.  I know the roads were bad based on my drive to Hudsponville and back Saturday morning.  I also am aware of the attendance Calvin has had at home this year (average of 582, which includes the Hope Calvin game of 1124).  That's down from an average of 717 last year - so I will stand by my assertion that the Calvin fans are not attending at the same rate as they were. 

[bballfan13]

The three sections set aside for Calvin fans were nearly empty (at least of Calvin fans). I suspect the low turnout of those fans had a lot more to do with their teams overall performance this year and less to do with the weather.  Fair weather fans with a dual meaning in this case.

I must say this is quite an ignorant statement and quite stupid. 

First off let's get to the weather (actual snow) statement.  How far did you have to drive to the game?  Did you take the highway and if so for very long?  I did make the trip from Grand Rapids and and spoke with the many parents that did as well for Calvin and the conclusion was obvious, the roads were horrible and it took much longer than normal.  I would not say the roads were the worst I've seen them but it definitely had a big factor into why fans weren't able to come.  Families, relatives and close friends ventured out and were able to come to the game but the more casual or less connected fan from Calvin (who don't have a daughter or relative playing) might not have come, and for good reason due to the roads.  I even had close friends get in an accident on the way and were not able to make it because of that. 

As for the students, where were they?  They were on interim break, so the large majority of students are off campus for the 5 days.

Obviously Calvin hasn't been as successful this year as they have been the past 4 years, but that was expected due to the graduating class from last year.  Calvin has a very young team this year and is learning a lot.  But coming into the game at 12-5 and tied for second in the league, is it really that bad?  I don't think so.  And do you really think that the lopsided result was expected coming in?  Hope only beat Calvin by 7 earlier this year.  Also if you look at the past 5 games for Calvin they had been on quite a good run.  Please show me someone who saw this result coming.

I'm sorry you felt the need to take a low blow at Calvin's for their fan turnout to the game.  And in my opinion the fan section from Calvin was not as small as you make it sound.  You might want to take off your blue and orange glasses next time.  And please don't blame the game's smaller attendance (which was still great as mentioned by others here) solely on Calvin fans not showing up.  I'm sure there were plently of Hope fans that didn't make it to the game due to the poor weather.

Call me names if it makes you feel better, I was simply sharing my opinion.  I know the roads were bad based on my drive to Hudsponville and back Saturday morning.  I also am aware of the attendance Calvin has had at home this year (average of 582, which includes the Hope Calvin game of 1124).  That's down from an average of 717 last year - so I will stand by my assertion that the Calvin fans are not attending at the same rate as they were.

Let's be clear, you were not called any names, just your statement.  I'm sorry for coming off strong but criticizing a fan base based on the situation was wrong in my opinion.  I'm sure you would have felt the same way looking at it from the other side.  Hopefully you're not worried this will prevent you from hanging another "attendance" banner.

And the bolded statement above points out the obvious.  That is why they call it average, it includes all games, just as the 717 included the games last year.

[Flying Dutch Fan]

Call me names if it makes you feel better, I was simply sharing my opinion.  I know the roads were bad based on my drive to Hudsponville and back Saturday morning.  I also am aware of the attendance Calvin has had at home this year (average of 582, which includes the Hope Calvin game of 1124).  That's down from an average of 717 last year - so I will stand by my assertion that the Calvin fans are not attending at the same rate as they were.

Let's be clear, you were not called any names, just your statement.  I'm sorry for coming off strong but criticizing a fan base based on the situation was wrong in my opinion.  I'm sure you would have felt the same way looking at it from the other side.  Hopefully you're not worried this will prevent you from hanging another "attendance" banner.

And the bolded statement above points out the obvious.  That is why they call it average, it includes all games, just as the 717 included the games last year.

The point I was making is that Calvin's average is down 135 per game (nearly 20%).  I was also pointing out that for a home game against Hope in very good weather, there were only 1124 (yes I know that's both Hope and Calvin contributing to that total), but it is down significantly from last season.

I also know that the weather had some impact - no doubt about it - that affected attendance on both sides. 

Points of reference - there were two Hope Calvin games @ Calvin last year.  Regular season game had 2973, and the MIAA Championship game had 2754.  The one Hope Calvin game @ Hope last year had 3443.

Regarding banners - I'm good with the two national championship banners, thanks