MBB: Midwest Conference

[scottie]

Don't make me Smite you, jeffdc!   

[Maverick]

Whoa whoa whoa, you guys need to be careful.  That's alot of chatter going on this board compared to the way it's gone so far this season!

And good job, scottie...way to break out the "Mathematically Alive In 2012" line!

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

FYI - if anyone wants to learn more about the interim status at Grinnell... check out Hoopsville from January 15th's show. The link is here: http://www.d3hoops.com/hoopsville/archives/2011-12/jan15. Segment starts around the 1:45 or 1:50 spot in the show (based on memory).

[jeffdc]

Interesting reading from a GC math prof who has played a key role in helping Coach A develop the ''math' behind the madness: http://www.grinnell.edu/academic/mathstats/oore_paper

The takeaway: "The main improvement we made to Coach Arseneault's keys to success was in replacing
opponent turnovers with turnover differential.  This change should fit nicely in The
System's style of play since its full court defensive pressure strives to create opponent
turnovers and its desire to shoot quickly allows little time for committing turnovers of its
own."

[Maverick]

Just got home and turned on the Monmouth vs. Grinnell webcast, so I don't know any details on the game thus far...but Monmouth leads Grinnell 47-45 at the half.

[gcfan33]

This comment has no real feeling behind it in a positive or negative fashion:

Monmouth coach Skrivseth might be the loudest person I have ever witnessed on one of these webcasts.  Could be the lack of cheering (or number of empty seats) in the Monmouth gym, but basically he hasn't stopped yelling since the game began.

[Maverick]

This comment has no real feeling behind it in a positive or negative fashion:

Monmouth coach Skrivseth might be the loudest person I have ever witnessed on one of these webcasts.  Could be the lack of cheering (or number of empty seats) in the Monmouth gym, but basically he hasn't stopped yelling since the game began.

Well can you blame him?  You Grinnell guys only get whistled for about half of the fouls that you actually commit.

[Maverick]

Final score ends up with Grinnell winning 102-90.  Monmouth hung around in the 2nd half, but Grinnell seemed to get loose a couple times on those runs that they're capable of and that seemed to be the difference maker.

[scottie]

Interesting reading from a GC math prof who has played a key role in helping Coach A develop the ''math' behind the madness: http://www.grinnell.edu/academic/mathstats/oore_paper

The takeaway: "The main improvement we made to Coach Arseneault's keys to success was in replacing
opponent turnovers with turnover differential.  This change should fit nicely in The
System's style of play since its full court defensive pressure strives to create opponent
turnovers and its desire to shoot quickly allows little time for committing turnovers of its
own."

(more fouls....much more)

[OBC]

Whom do you think will win tomorrow's matchup in Lake Forest; Grinnell or the Foresters? Why?

[jeffdc]

Well, OBC, I have to say GC, right? But actually:

- if the GC team that's shown up most of the season shows up tomorrow, it will be GC...
- unless the LFC team (whose coach has always known how to handle the System) is effective at consistently breaking the press AND GC has a poor shooting game - then it's LFC

I think it has the potential to be an awesome game, either way. But GC's shooting depth is quite good this year and as Coach A Jr pointed out on Hoopsville, they are defending the basket more aggressively than past teams. so my money's on GC.

I bet you're surprised.

[OBC]

Personally, I think this game, played in Lake Forest is too close to call. This is the classic case of the irresistible force meeting the immovable object. In Darby gym, I'd say go with the Pioneers. Actually, I'll say the Pioneers anyway, but I believe there are certain keys for each team.

Lake Forest plays great "D" and defends the 3 particularly well. They will play a one man zone in the middle, so it will be hard to slip to the basket also. It will be tough to get off uncontested 3's working against the Foresters in the half court after they have made a basket. I think it will be even more critical than usual to get turnovers. When Grinnell forces turnovers it will be critical to find the open man early with a GOOD pass for an open look at 3. Same on defensive rebounds, but they may be hard to come by.

Next, Lake Forest shoots the 3 well, and they have been smart enough to take the wide open 3 when they beat the press. Grinnell has to challenge the 3 and rebound better than their size would indicate.

Bottom line for the offensive juggernaut will be how well they play defense.

Lake Forest can't win this game playing defense on offense. They have to score with the first open look, otherwise they will open themselves up to more turnovers. I believe that there will be lots of opportunities for "and 1" situations. So if LFC can make contested layups, get fouled and make their free throws, it will be along day for Grinnell. And 1s have the effect of slowing the game down as well as adding points to the scoreboard. Grinnell must keep the Foresters running. Also Lake Forest has to knock down open 3's.

So, my critical key for the defense minded LFC is their offensive efficiency.

I wish I could be there. Also hope the game lives up to its promise.

[jeffdc]

OBC, as always, an insightful post. Question: I haven't seen LFC play this year. How is their 3 game? In my memory, it varies considerably from year to year.

I will be watching, if the MWCTV gods allow....

[Greek Tragedy]

Grinnell beats Lake Forest 98-92

[jeffdc]

Grinnell beats Lake Forest 98-92

Great effort by both teams. LFC went on a 3 pt tear late in the 2nd half, slicing the GC lead. But props to the GC team for holding fast, playing smart ball, and getting the win. Solid play across the board by Maher, Lentsch, McManamy, Yeager, and Adams. A game worthy of the buildup.

Next time these guys meet each other? Last game of the season, at Grinnell. Can't wait!