MBB: Midwest Conference

systemfan86 · January 21, 2006, 10:11:34 PM

Congrats to Larry on their solo status.

I was going to post that Tuesday's game was big for GC because a win puts them in great shape to make the tournament since it would mean all the other MWC teams would be 3 games behind in the loss column.

Then I looked at what Knox has done recently. Their last 5 games have been on the road and they are 4-1 over that stretch. WOW! I don't care who you are playing, that's impressive. That's going to be a tough game for Grinnell to win.

jeffp, I was thinking of Malinowski's injury. Anyway you look at it, that's a tough loss. But Chamberlain's numbers were VERY impressive. Speaking of impressive numbers, Hinz was pretty special in a losing effort. I think the press release said 20 points and 17 rebounds.

Gregory Sager · January 21, 2006, 11:33:27 PM

Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 21, 2006, 10:02:51 PMHey, now - Ypsilanti High School is still undefeated!

Yeah, but if it's not lacrosse, who cares?

(Sorry, Chuck. That one was just too easy to pass up.)

What happened to Nordlund for Grinnell? I don't think anyone posted anything about him being out, or did I somehow miss it?

Mr. Ypsi · January 21, 2006, 11:48:53 PM

Greg,

Alas, it will probably not be in my lifetime that the Ypsi LAX team is undefeated!

I just wanted to do a riff on the obvious overstatement by thevicar in his exuberance over LU being the only remaining undefeated COLLEGE team. And I DO give an sincere salute to LU for that!

The Roop · January 22, 2006, 12:19:19 AM

Does that status translate into any #1 votes though

carlsandburg · January 22, 2006, 12:35:16 AM

Another road win for Knox today in jacksonville..

interesting match-up coming on wednesday when grinnell heads to G'burg..

Ice · January 22, 2006, 12:46:35 AM

Congrats to Lawrence on being the last unbeaten team in the nation. Got a nice mention on College GameNight.

Mr. Ypsi · January 22, 2006, 01:20:07 AM

Quote from: "The Roop" on January 22, 2006, 12:19:19 AM
Does that status translate into any #1 votes though

Well, with Albion going down, and Witt needing a late comeback against a team with a losing record, I'd predict AT LEAST one first place vote is likely. But, then, I'm not a voter!

jeffdc · January 22, 2006, 01:55:29 AM

Hey, I'll just say JeffP in his usual understated way laid out the LF/GC game accurately - except....uhmmm....LF really did have a nice game plan. Line changes to match GC, very strong defense, and #40. Enough to make the GC fans worry! LF deserves some serious

for what they brought to Darby. Very impressive! I have to wonder what happens next year, as their major activity was driven by the seniors. But man! What a game! Their record--at least tonight--doesn't represent what they're bringing to the court.

So...GC takes it to KC. I'm guessing Nordlund's back in soon -- some sort of strain. But this team is going full court anyway! Next weekend will be a blast!

Greek Tragedy · January 22, 2006, 02:33:53 AM

I'm guessing Larry U might get A 1st place vote. But, there was a pretty big gap (nearly 90 points) between 3rd place Albion and 5th place Lawrence. With Albion going down, those votes will more likely go to Wittenberg, Wooster and Hope, though Hope was just 20 points or so ahead of Lawrence.

In my opinion, the voters don't have much faith in Lawrence's perfect record since the only significant win was the 1st of the year vs. preseason #2 Oshkosh. I don't think the MWC still has much "street cred" for the voters to say, "hey, their undefeated and rolling through their conference!"

Carroll is the only other team in the conference even getting votes and they aren't even ranked. I think they might get a few more votes this week, despite losing to LU, but probably not enough to crack the top 25.

scottie · January 22, 2006, 03:02:02 AM

Quote from: Old School on January 22, 2006, 02:33:53 AM
"hey, their undefeated and rolling through their conference!"

You probably meant "they're", but I'll let it slide...

Actually, I'm just counting the seconds before Gregory S. gets back onto OUR board and chastises me again... one thousand one, one thousand two...

hjmphelp · January 22, 2006, 10:02:32 AM

Gregory Sager-
Paul Nordlund tore his ACL and miniscus in practice on Tuesday. Appparently he was all alone on the wing. got the dish and put up a shot, then came down funny on his right leg. He is without question the best big man Grinnell has ever had (Yeah, we've had some great ones over the years) and was having his best season as well. He is the team leader, mentor and all around spirit for this team. His presence on the bench last night was huge! He will continue to have a tremendous impact on this team-even from the bench.
Best of luck to you Mr Nordlund! You are a true gem!

The Roop · January 22, 2006, 01:56:31 PM

I think Carroll may actually lose a few votes this week. The Lawrence game certainly didn't hurt them but having to hold off Beloit by 5 at home will. Not sure if any voters were there as I didn't bother asking but many of them will only look at Beloits record and assume Carroll struggled against a bad team. Talent wise this was a dead heat. Carroll simply shot better so they won. The officials while missing a few calls went largely unnoticed and the game was decided on the court. Should be a great rematch in Beloit. The only difference between the two teams is that Carroll has won the games they should have. Beloit has 5 coming in which to do the same and get back in the race before they have to go to Lawrence.

Too bad to hear about Paul "Spartan" Nordlund. When you shake "The Roops" hand you get a nickname. Jeffs right though, he's a super guy (I'm not old enough to call him a kid yet; like some people I know) and I'm sure he will be fine. He'll put his Grinnell Education Diploma to good use in the future. Perhaps the "President" will now pick up his slack on the court.

ccfan69 · January 22, 2006, 02:23:55 PM

I was unable to make it to the Carroll/Beloit game but have been watching Carroll for the past 4 years the thing that I have noticed with them is that them seem to play down to their opponents, but they do step it up when they need to. If you look at their records the past couple of years they have lost games they shouldn't have. They need to start playing every game the same and not look at their opponent's record before the game.

Greek Tragedy · January 22, 2006, 02:42:30 PM

Quote from: scottie on January 22, 2006, 03:02:02 AM
Quote from: Old School on January 22, 2006, 02:33:53 AM
"hey, their undefeated and rolling through their conference!"

You probably meant "they're", but I'll let it slide...

Actually, I'm just counting the seconds before Gregory S. gets back onto OUR board and chastises me again... one thousand one, one thousand two...

To guarantee a Greg Sager sighting, I guess I could've said they're undefeated and rolling through their preseason schedule AND their conference opponents...

Dolph Stanley · January 22, 2006, 02:54:09 PM

"Talent wise this was a dead heat. The only difference between the two teams is that Carroll has won the games they should have."

Why do you think this is (you know my opinion on the matter)?

If the talent level is about even then how is it that Carroll is 12-2 (6-1 MWC) with a victory over a ranked Whitewater team and a 1 point loss to a ranked Oshkosh team to go along with their road loss to #5 Lawrence while Beloit is 6-8 (2-5 MWC) with no big wins to speak of?

MBB: Midwest Conference

hjmphelp