MBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[jschreur]

I'm hoping Raymond has a better game today... Does Loras have any good perimeter defenders that would be capable of containing Raymond if he is on his game?

[duhawkdanran]

the first time these two teams played raymond was held in check, but after his performance at the end of tonight's game i don't know if anyone in D3 can stop him. He took over the overtime.

Loras will be looking for a rematch and both teams will be tired after two incredibly tough games.

Best of luck to Wheaton!

[izzy stradlin]

Haven't posted in a few years since leaving Wheaton for Wisconsin, but I was able to make my way over to Whitewater to catch the Wheaton game tonight.  It was the fifth time if have seen Wheaton play this year (other than that it has been four years since I have been able to get to any games).  Couple of points from my perspective at the game since it seems like most of you here were listening over the internet:

1.) Wiele looked like a manchild tonight and Lawrence didn't have an answer for him.  In the second half they began to bring help immediately when he got the ball which led to some good looks two or three passes out of the double for guys like Panner.  His stats alone don't show the impact he had on the game.

2.) Raymond was really struggling offensively for most of the game but came up huge in other areas of the game even before he hit the shot to send it to OT. First, with his jumper not falling he did a good job of not forcing things in the second half and instead making an effort to get the ball to Wiele in position to score.  Second and most importantly was his defense on Ryan Kroeger.  Kroeger was killing Wheaton and had 21 points by around the 9 minute mark in the second half.  After a brief rest, Harris put Raymond in with around 8 minutes left and switched him over to guard Kroeger.  Kent proceeded to hold him scoreless the rest of the game and had two incredible blocks while staying in front of Kroeger on drives to the basket.

3.) Harris went with Young and Bernsten over his starters Carwell and Jahns down the stretch and to start overtime. Carwell and Jahns are both in their first year playing for the Thunder and I think will be good CCIW players, but Harris went with defense and possibly experience against a team with a lot of offensive weapons.

I also want to mention that I was impressed by Lawrence.  Remembering this was just one game, you could see that they had quite a few guys with talent, especially to shoot the ball.   As others have mentioned, though, they are lacking a bit in low post muscle

[LCfan]

As a former CCIW graduate (IWU) I love to see the conference do well but tonight I cant root for them as I have a brother at Loras.  Should be a great game.  Raymond and Wiele are great players as I have seen them three time this year.  I dont think  you can say Raymond was held in check the first meeting (27 pts/ 7asst/ 8 rbs).  Now it was on 10-28 from the field that is a lot of shots to get 27 pts. 

Loras does have the size and the strength (weight) at guard to frustrate Raymond (not saying he wont get his points).  Wheaton would be in trouble if Wiele has to guard White and gets in foul trouble because after him and Carwell or Denham there is no size.  Should be a great game and a great rematch.  Loras wins by 5, 82-77.

[Titan Q]

the first time these two teams played raymond was held in check,

On 11/20/07, Raymond had 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists at Loras.

http://athletics.wheaton.edu/Sports/mbball/mbbstats/mwhe3.htm

[Titan Q]

Here is 2/17/08 interview with Loras head coach Greg Gorton from Hoopsville.  He talks about his program and, among other things, that early season game vs Kent Raymond and the Thunder...

http://www.d3hoops.com/audio/08/gorton021708.mp3

[matblake]

Here is 2/17/08 interview with Loras head coach Greg Gorton from Hoopsville.  He talks about his program and, among other things, that early season game vs Kent Raymond and the Thunder...

http://www.d3hoops.com/audio/08/gorton021708.mp3

Good interview.  Sounds like the Loras coach has a good perspective of his league, his region, and the national scene. Thanks for the link, Q!

I'll have to admit I'm a bit concerned about tonights match up. Wiele must stay out of foul trouble otherwise I fear the Thunder will get eaten up inside.  I also think that Raymond must shoot the ball well early.  That will open up things for Panner and Wiele.  Loras will then have to pick their poison of letting Raymond get his shots or letting Panner and Wiele get their shots.  Having played earlier in the season it will be interesting to see the coaching adjustments as the game continues. Should be an interesting match up. 

[Mugsy]

Tomorrow night you guys will use your CCIW in-game updates board for CCIW in-game updates, right?

Yes... it just snowballed last night.  A few other posted updates here, then I did too.  I was trying to get the kids to bed while listening to the game, while excitedly posting a few updates in between.  Apologies... I'll use the correct board tonight.

[keith45]

Tomorrow night you guys will use your CCIW in-game updates board for CCIW in-game updates, right?

Yes... it just snowballed last night.  A few other posted updates here, then I did too.  I was trying to get the kids to bed while listening to the game, while excitedly posting a few updates in between.  Apologies... I'll use the correct board tonight.

My bad..I'm an IIAC and NAC board regular, so I just kinda ran amok! I have mixed emotions on this Loras/Wheaton game, I went to U of Dubuque, so I hate all things Loras, but the IIAC is making a good showing so far (finally) in the tourney...

[Titan Q]

Dave Kunka, a former CCIW player (IWU '93) and former D3 head coach (Kenyon), went to the games at Whitewater last night.  I talked to him on his way home and he was extremely impressed with Loras - both their personnel and the way they play.  He feels like Loras is the favorite tonight.  Just an interesting observation from a totally neutral D3 fan.

[Titan Q]

My concern with Wheaton moving forward in the tournament is their extreme lack of depth.  Wheaton has possibly the best perimeter player in Division III, and they have two very good complementary players at key spots in center Andy Wiele and guard Ben Panner, but the Thunder just have too many guys who can't consistently score when left open (Carwell, Young, Bersten, Denham).  Not to mention freshman guard Andrew Jahns, who had just 3 points last night -- I actually think Jahns can score, but he only took 2 shots last night. 

It sounds like Lawrence was able to double Raymond all night long, using the man assigned to Wheaton's 4 providing the help.  Remember, Raymond had just 8 points until that shot he hit with :05 left to tie the game at the end of regulation.  While the double teams led to opportunities for Wiele and Panner (who had big games), it also put Lawrence in position to win the game.

Wheaton will go as far as their big 3 - and their big 1 - will take them.  I just have never seen a team with this lack of depth do much in the tournament.

Really interesting matchup at Whitewater tonight - good luck to the Thunder.

 

[Titan Q]

And how bout the incredible matchup in Rock Island.  Augustana vs Wash U....in Round 2??  That is a Sectional final type of matchup.  Having seen both teams play, that one is a complete toss-up.  Completely contrasting styles.  I'd give the slight edge to Augie based on the homecourt advantage.  The Vikings rarely lose at home.

The tough matchup for Augustana is going to be 6-7 wing Tyler Nading.  Can 6-3 Alex Washington contain Nading??  Augie is probably going to have to use Chandlor Collins on him a lot.

[Jim Matson]

Wheaton and Loras also met earlier this year in the second round of NCAA post-season play - in men's soccer.  As with tonight, it was also the second meeting of these two teams.  Loras won that meeting and advanced to the final four.  I'm trusting that Raymond and Company will avenge that loss and make their way to the final four.

[Titan Q]

From the Appleton Post-Crescent...

http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080308/APC0201/803080520/-1/APCsports

[birds of prey]

Wheaton and Loras also met earlier this year in the second round of NCAA post-season play - in men's soccer.  As with tonight, it was also the second meeting of these two teams.  Loras won that meeting and advanced to the final four.  I'm trusting that Raymond and Company will avenge that loss and make their way to the final four.

Actually, that meeting between the two in the National Tourney was in the first round and it went into overtime (Mike Richter goal in the 96th minute). I don't know about that game being any indication of the winner advancing to the final four in this situation, but you never know. I do know this...this game does have a good chance of going into overtime...and as a Loras fan I hope it doesn't after seeing what Kent Raymond did to Lawrence last night. Looking forward to another great game tonight!!!