MBB: Midwest Conference

[Greek Tragedy]

I got home and did my email and checked some other scores on other sites and all, then came to this board.  Apparently, my computer didn't automatically translate this board.  I'll have to check back when my keyboard and computer upgrades to auto-translation.  I have no idea what was said today! 

[Sam Johnson]

So, I'm finally trying to bring to life an idea I've had for a while...a blog dedicated to MWC Men's B-ball.  I'm trying to make it a spot where you can find links to any media article about each team, game previews/recaps, a haiku of the week contest, and a central source for tempo free stats for the MWC (this last one will take the most work to set up).  While I'll offer many of the same links you can find in D3Hoops, I don't want to be purely a copycat (besides, I can't imaging taking on the workload that Pat must have!  ).  I know the content will be a little thin at first, but I'd expect it to improve as time passes; especially if I recieve comments/suggestions from those who visit!

Here's the link so everyone can check out whats there already if they'd like: http://mwchoops.blogspot.com/  Since I'm just starting out, I'd appreciate any suggestions on how to improve it, content people would like to see, ideas for features, etc.  I'm open to any idea, so long as it isn't too partisan (i.e. No Ripon bashing/trash talking/one sided reviews/etc...that's what the post up board is for!  )

[The Roop]

"PLUS an weekly haiku"

I like it.

[The Roop]

Roop

Wrong language to mess with.

I said I understand a little but not very well.

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

Does it strike anyone else as odd that multiple posters are functionally literate in Russian?

[systemfan86]

Does it strike anyone else as odd that multiple posters are functionally literate in Russian?

On a board that regularly communicates points about basketball through haiku and discusses the culinary benefits of kimchi and Spam...

...nothing surprises me anymore. 

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

I guess that will be the case with me from now on.  It's just amazing that Russian is the language of choice, with an appearance from the Guru as well; although Pat's post seems eerily similar to something in a Yakov Smirnov act.

[Early]

Titan,

I don't know why they didn't they didn't send in the box score.  It is up now today, but I couldn't find it yesterday either.  I checked the Lawrence website too, and they said there was a computer problem.

Having seen the box score.....

Ripon 12-21 free throws
Bo Johnson 19 points 0 free throws
Schmitting 10 boards, Bo 8 boards, no one else higher than 2 boards
Lawrence much more balanced on rebounding.

Ripon 12 assists, 11 TO's, 6 blocks, 8 steals, FG% 48%, 3-PT 53%, FT 57%
Larry  11 assists, 16 TO's, 1 block, 5 steals, FG% 44%, 3-PT 44%, FT 73%

Free throws lost the game for Ripon it "looks" like.  Larry beat Ripon in 2 categories, free throws and by 3 rebounds. 

Obviously stats don't tell the whole story, but sometimes they do.  Any help on this?

[mwc4life]

Like I said in my earlier post...not trying to take anything away from LU because when you're undefeated at this point, you are definitely a great team...but just look at the stats....it is mind boggling how LU won the game....they shot 25 3's   Ripon gave the game away with TERRIBLE FT shooting and missed layups...they even held Briaer in check (12 pts, 9 rbs, 6 TO's).  But again, stats don't always tell the whole story....LU just finds ways to win, which all great teams do.  I realize that the easy missed baskets and FT's probably had something to do with playing LU, but you have to make the gimmies.

But all in all, Ripon can take away with them that they can play with the best and if they clean up their defense and knock down the free bees, they are going to be a hard team to take down, down the stretch.

PS-

You know I have to make a comment that sturs things up in here so here it goes...

Does anyone think Beloit really has a chance to make the playoffs?  Is there anyone besides Beloit lovers that truly believes a team that has always underachieved is going to beat LU, CC, RC, and GC?  I just don't trust those guys at all.  In my opinion, the last two spots will be filled by GC and RC just by looking at the schedule and past history (oh yeah and talent).  I do believe Knox could sneak in there if they pull and upset somewhere along the line...especially having the tie-breaker over RC!

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

Isn't it also acceptible to say "by the numbers" that Ripon did more in other aspects of the game to make it close.  They shot 53% from three and 48% from the floor with only 11 turnovers.  It seems like they played well above average for any team, especially against my pick for #1 team in the nation.  Sure, if they had hit more free throws, they would have won, but to me, the more impressive story was how well they played against such quality competition.  I think this bodes well for the weekend.

[jeffdc]

Certainly sounds like a different Ripon team than the one that graced Darby earlier in the season.... Great numbers against LU.

[Sam Johnson]

"PLUS an weekly haiku"

I like it.

Yea, Scottie e-mailed me about that too.  Good thing I didn't drop in a line about being a better speller than WIAC bloggers or anything pretentious like that (I know what I'm capable of...including spelling errors  )

Seriously though, I'd like to make this a blog worth reading, so if you have ideas be sure to let me know.

[viking68]

In my opinion, the last two spots will be filled by GC and RC just by looking at the schedule and past history (oh yeah and talent).  I do believe Knox could sneak in there if they pull and upset somewhere along the line...especially having the tie-breaker over RC!

I have to disagree with one of your selections (and this is not just an LU fan hating on Ripon), but I think the last two teams in will be Grinnell and Knox. Here's why - Knox has both a 2 game lead over Ripon and the tie-breaker of head-to-head competition. Assuming both teams end by winning and losing when they are "supposed to" (which I think is likely), Knox gets in:

Ripon closes 4-1 (only loss to Carroll) for a conference record of 9-7.
Knox closes 2-3 (losing to Larry, Carroll, and Grinnell) for a record of 9-7 - gets in with the tie-breaker over Ripon.

Plus, they get all of their tough games at home (LU, CC, GC) with all three of them tough, but winable (I think they have a good chance of beating Grinnell).

Also, in the word of intangibles, I think Ripon put so much energy into their game against LU, I'm not sure how much they are going to have left for the rest of the year. I didn't see it, but based on the box score and everyone's posts, it sounds like a heartbreaking loss. That is bound to have some implications the rest of the way (for example - coming out flat against GC on Friday - Grinnell eats up people who don't come ready to play).

Despite their marked improvement since the beginning of the season, I think they dug themselves too deep a hole and won't be able to recover enough to get into the tourney. LU, CC, GC, and KC are the four this year.

And, yes, I eliminated BC because they just have too tough a road left and don't seem to have the team to make it happen. I don't see them doing it.

[Greek Tragedy]

Viking,

You make good points regarding the tie-breaker situation.  I don't know how all that works out and I picked Grinnell and Ripon based on the schedule with the "*" being I didn't know how that stuff worked out! 

[mwc4life]

Viking68~ I can't really argue your logic...good arguements...atleast we both know Beloit is out

As far as Ripon not having a lot left in their tank...I think the loss to LU is going to motivate them to play hard so they get another chance at LU...the players felt they let one slip away and as we all know, when a team is motivated together to form one goal, you can accomplish a lot.

Looking ahead at this weekend, Knox, Grinnell, and Ripon could all be tied by monday at 7-6.  Knox doesn't necessarily get the tie-breaker over Ripon if there is a 3-way tie...Also, Ripon plays CC at home, so assuming they lose that game isn't a sure thing.