MBB: Midwest Conference

[jeffdc]

Lake Forest 89 Grinnell 55... enough said.

I watched bits and pieces of this game online, and it was not as close as the final score indicates.  Lake Forest seemed to pick apart the system systematically on offense and completely shut down the Grinnell offense.  Lake Forest starters were pulled around the 10 minute mark, which was about the same time that Grinnell pulled out of the traditional system and dropped back into a 2-3 zone.  Very weird to see.  Kudos go out to Lake Forest's Travis Clark who was 13-15 from the field, after missing his first 2 he made his final 13.  Patrick Hanley had 15 assists and 16 rebounds, impressive numbers even against the system.  It seems like Lake Forest is peaking at the right time.

I think the real story on this game, having been at the first matchup as well, is that LF figured out a way to squelch GC's attempts at setting up 3s - and GC had no response for this. The GC squad looked tired and demoralized. Also, it's not unusual (this season, at least) to see them go to the 2-3 zone if they're flaming out. And this game was a flame out.

On more cheerful news, GC won in their non-conf game against Fontbonne yesterday. 

[The Roop]

In non-System news...................................

The 4 teams directly ahead of St. Norbert in last weeks poll have lost this past weekend so look for the Green Knights to crack the top 10.

[PC]

SNC is good this year, but having seen this team online a few times I don't think they are as good as DeNoble's team that ran the table a few years back.  Hoffman was pretty dominant that year and they had a wing-- I forget his name, that was about 6'5" and extreemly athletic, not to mention very solid guard play. 

Conference is interesting this year as I would say the bottom is a little better than other years and the top a little down.

[fightintitan2006]

It seems like by this point in the past four or five years, three teams had all but clinched conference tourney spots and the fourth wasn't in much doubt. This year is a real smorgasbord, which will make for a fun couple of weeks.

After looking like an early contender for the conference crown, IC got upset by Knox tonight and will likely have its postseason destiny determined this weekend with trips to LU and CC.

Every game is big from here out and Beloit, Grinnell, Knox and Monmouth will all have a say in who makes it, as there are certainly more upsets to come.

[theg]

Ripon over Beloit by 6.   Gillespie/Wurtz 27 each.

[The Roop]

Bucs missed a couple gimmies in the final minute which did them in. Looked like the "waiting for contact that never came" type of shots. Next time when in doubt, dunk.

[jeffdc]

Good luck to GC tonight in their matchup w/RC. I'm hoping the 'good' team shows up!

[SNCOLDAD]

GO GREEN KNIGHTS

[theg]

Ripon 127-107
Wasn't really ever close.

[TurtleHead]

Next time when in doubt, dunk.

Apparently easier said than done when it comes to the Bucs.  Especially at the end of the game.

[System Error]

What happened to Tanner Carlson last night for Knox? Why didn't he play? Great win for Beloit last night.

Also Ripon shoots over 80% from the floor last night. WOW!

[jeffdc]

Great game by both BC and GC today. Neck and neck the 2nd half, and if Chalupa had shot a tenth of a second earlier, well....  But the officiating was a little wacky, favoring GC somewhat. Dylan Seilman had an incredible game, draining 3 after 3 from way out, Chalupa doing a fine job as well. Kudos to BC for a patient, careful game plan that won out in the end.

[The Roop]

Next time when in doubt, dunk.

Apparently easier said than done when it comes to the Bucs.  Especially at the end of the game.

I meant to update that rule yesterday but never got around to it; so I'll do it today. "When in doubt, dunk; unless you're too far under the basket".

As for todays game I recognized two of the oafs so I was expecting what we got out of them. Everything is a foul for 5 minutes, then nothing is a foul for the next 5. I think Chalupa needed more than an extra 10th of a second but why the ref signaled the 3 and then waved it off after it went in is beyond me. You're supposed to blow the whistle and wave off the shot right away. Then again the bank isn't open that late on Saturday 

I talked to Coach A before the game and it sounds like Grinnell is having another good recruiting year. So don't worry system fans it will get better.

[augiefan]

Roop, more important than Grinnell's recruiting is Beloit's recruiting. Is the Buc's solid sophomore class going to get some help next year? It seems Beloit is playing well enough and is young enough this year to again be a college choice for talented DIII players ifrom Wisconsin and Illinois.  Any insight on who is considering Beloit? A tough rebounding 6'6" or 6'7"inside player would be a great addition.

[The Roop]

Ask me in September. I'm not getting excited about potential recruits any more until they appear on campus.