MBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[Gregory Sager]

Since GS is absent on here when Wheaton plays The Park (in theory because there hasn't been much to report)

... and in fact because he wasn't on a computer until 1 pm today.

So, it appears either there is no NCAA rule stating that if a player is ejected from a game after receiving 2 techs he must miss the next game, or North Park broke a NCAA rule by playing Juwan Henry last night. 

These are the applicable rules, from the NCAA men's basketball rulebook:

Rule 4, Section 26. Fighting
Art. 1.
A fight is a flagrant 2 foul.
Art. 2.
A fight is a confrontation involving one or more players, coaches or other team personnel wherein (but not limited to) a fist, hand, arm, foot, knee or leg is used to combatively strike the other individual.
Art. 3.
When during a confrontation, an individual attempts to strike another individual with any of the actions defined in Art. 2, whether there is contact is irrelevant. The perpetrator shall be deemed to have been involved in a fight.
Art. 4.
When during a confrontation, an individual uses unsportsmanlike acts or comments which, in the opinion of the official, provoke the other individual to retaliate by fighting, it shall be ruled that both individuals have been involved in the fight.
Art. 5.
When a physical confrontation has occurred, the officials shall determine the individuals who were involved in the fight or left the bench area to participate.
Art. 6.
A combative confrontation may occur when the ball is live, in which case, it is a flagrant 2 personal foul; or when the ball is dead, and a flagrant 2 technical foul shall be assessed.
Art. 7.
When during the course of play (live ball), an individual strikes an opponent with the hand, elbow, arm, foot, knee or leg in a nonconfrontational manner but the act is excessive or severe, it shall be ruled as a flagrant 2 personal foul and not a fighting action. When a defined body part is used to strike an opponent but the contact is not severe or excessive, a judgment shall be made by the official as to whether the contact is a flagrant 1 personal foul.
Art. 8.
Anytime an individual uses a closed fist in an unsportsmanlike manner, it shall be deemed that the individual has initiated a fighting act and shall be penalized accordingly.
Art. 9.
When any flagrant 2 foul is ruled to be a fight, the fighting penalty shall be invoked.

Rule 10, Section 7. Suspensions for Fighting
Art. 1.
Any team member or bench personnel who participates in a fight (regardless of whether he or she is a player at the time) shall be assessed a flagrant 2 technical foul. No free throws shall be attempted by either team when there are double flagrant fouls that are offsetting.
Art. 2.
The first time an individual participates in a fight during the season (including exhibition games), the individual shall be suspended from participating in the team's next regular-season game (not an exhibition contest), including tournament competition.
Art. 3.
When an individual participates in a second fight during the same season, that individual shall be suspended for the remainder of the season, including tournament competition.
Art. 4.
When an individual participates in a fight during his or her team's final game of the season, that individual shall be suspended from participating in the team's next regular-season game (not an exhibition contest) for which that member or team ersonnel would be eligible.
Art. 5.
When an individual with eligibility for the next season participates in a fight during his or her final game of the season and that fight is the individual's second fight of the season, that individual shall be suspended for the first three regular-season games (not exhibitions) of the next season.
Art. 6.
Any team member or other bench personnel under suspension for fighting shall not be in the team's bench area.
Art. 7.
The referee may declare a forfeit when any individual fails to comply with any part of the penalties of this rule.
Art. 8.
After a game, conference offices or the assigning authority may correct an error about who was involved in a fight but cannot change an official's ruling that a fight took place or lessen the severity of the penalty. The conference office or assigning authority may make those penalties more severe.

While a double tech doesn't result in a one-game suspension the way that a red card or double yellow would in soccer, I suspected that Henry might be suspended for a flagrant 2 tech, as defined in 4.26.2 and in 10.7.1 and 10.7.2. But, as it turns out, the official who made the call did not report a flagrant 2 tech for fighting to Ken Maziarka (the CCIW head of men's basketball officials), who then would've bounced it up to CCIW commish Chris Martin. Either he didn't assess Henry a flagrant 2 tech, or he did and then declined to report it as such. That doesn't surprise me in retrospect, since I've seen serious dead-ball shoving in the past that didn't result in a flagrant 2 tech. While the letter of the law seems to have warranted one being called, I sense that officials are not going to call a flagrant 2 tech unless an actual punch is thrown. Mike Schauer did tell me before the game that Chris Martin was aware of the situation.

I'm fine with the way that it was handled, and not simply because Juwan Henry plays for NPU. I think that there's an intrinsic difference between a shove and actual fighting, even if the NCAA ("a fist, hand, arm, foot, knee or leg is used to combatively strike the other individual") really doesn't seem to agree.

Henry did sit out the first five minutes of last night's game as punishment from Tom Slyder.

[Gregory Sager]

It was bad enough that NPU was outmanned at every position but one on the floor last night, and that a lopsided defeat was therefore inevitable. But the worst part was that the Vikings were outhustled for the most part, too. Wheaton took the game seriously, and for much of it (especially the beginning and the end) it appeared that North Park didn't. The Vikings had no energy, no desire, and didn't at all convey the sense that they wanted to be there. Wheaton got to all of the loose balls and the long rebounds, and the way that Caleb DeMoss threw his body around the floor in total disregard of his own personal safety spoke volumes about which team actually has something to play for and which team doesn't.

Once Juwan Henry got into the game the Vikes did seem to pick up the pace, and they actually had a mini-run in the second half that pared a 25-point Wheaton lead down to 15 with 11 and a half minutes to go, but it really didn't take much on Wheaton's part for them to take all of the fight out of the Vikings. Even a momentary spasm of pride doesn't seem to carry the Vikings very far ... not that it would've carried them too far last night, anyway, given the mismatch.

There were some bright spots for the Vikings. Without Aaron Weaver, NPU actually had some dishes off of drives, so we all got to watch North Park do something more than repeatedly play one-on-five. Michael Hutchinson, who is working hard to establish himself as a legitimate CCIW role player, was the recipient of most of those inside dishes, scoring a career-high 16 points. He was notable for being one of the few Vikings whose enthusiasm for the game never flagged; Juwan Henry (22 points in 32 minutes on 7-14 shooting, while displaying a solid a:to of 3:1) also gave it the ol' college try. But this wasn't much of a loss as far as silver linings are concerned for the Vikings.

I spent the pregame of last night's webcast talking up Tyler Peters as my choice for CCIW MOP, and then Caleb DeMoss (21 points, 19 of them in the first half, plus 5 boards and a 5:1 a:to) turned out to be the Wheaton player who looked as though he deserves the award. He was not only everywhere and anywhere on the floor last night, as I noted, but he was practically perfect as a shooter in the first half (7-9 FG, 5-7 trey). Tad Fisher took up where DeMoss left off in the second half. Nate Haynes did whatever he wanted whenever he wanted against NPU's lead-footed interior defense, and Michael Berg played a strong game as well. As for Peters, he didn't really provide anything more than his trademark smirk last night, although he really didn't have to. What was surprising about his 3-9 shooting, though, was the fact that he was posted up down low all night. You'd think that he would've shot much better spending that much time closer to the basket.

I just hope that the Vikings pack both their pride and some energy in their bags when they load the bus and head to Decatur on Saturday.

[AndOne]

Michael Berg played a strong game as well.

                             MIN FGM-A 3PM-AFTM-A OREB DREB  REB   AST   STL BLK TO   PF  PTS

35   Michael Berg - f   27   2-6   0-2    1-3       4       4        8       1     1    0    2    3       5

He did? Really?

[AndOne]

I spent the pregame of last night's webcast talking up Tyler Peters as my choice for CCIW MOP, and then Caleb DeMoss (21 points, 19 of them in the first half, plus 5 boards and a 5:1 a:to) turned out to be the Wheaton player who looked as though he deserves the award. He was not only everywhere and anywhere on the floor last night, as I noted, but he was practically perfect as a shooter in the first half (7-9 FG, 5-7 trey). Tad Fisher took up where DeMoss left off in the second half.  As for Peters, he didn't really provide anything more than his trademark smirk last night, although he really didn't have to. What was surprising about his 3-9 shooting, though, was the fact that he was posted up down low all night. You'd think that he would've shot much better spending that much time closer to the basket.

Peters has a smirk?          

[AndOne]

When IWU invades Wheaton for the last regular season game, the above mentioned Berg and Peters will both play major roles in the outcome. Wheaton will have a slight initial advantage due to the home court familiarity and crowd. I think that in Nate Haynes, Wheaton will have a nice advantage in the middle, and Teuscher has an edge over Sodemann. However, Berg (as well as Peter Smith) will have to play much bigger and stronger against IWU's Ziemnik & Davis than he often does, and Peters will have to outplay Overstreet for the Wheaties to have a chance to emerge victorious.

Another big question will be bench play, and whether WC's Caleb DeMoss can match the output of IWU's Mr. D1 transfer, Jordan Nelson, and what Wheatie can handle the Weenie's forceful Eric Dortch.   

[AndOne]

Normally like to see women's news reported on the women's side so I'm breaking my own unwritten rule here, but in a rather amazing circumstance last night, the NCC women hit twenty one 3s in a 121-113 victory over IWU in Bloomington. The combined 234 points breaks the CCIW record set by the same teams on 1/21 at NCC. 

[Gregory Sager]

Michael Berg played a strong game as well.

                             MIN FGM-A 3PM-AFTM-A OREB DREB  REB   AST   STL BLK TO   PF  PTS

35   Michael Berg - f   27   2-6   0-2    1-3       4       4        8       1     1    0    2    3       5

He did? Really?

Yes, he did. Played solid defense, got those eight rebounds, made a lot of nice passes that weren't necessarily assists but which led to assists, boxed out well. Sometimes a good night isn't apparent from a player's line score. But that doesn't mean that it wasn't a good night. Berg had a good night. Watch the archive if you don't believe me.

Peters has a smirk?          

Yes, he does. I'm not the only one who's noticed it. For all I know, he could be the nicest guy in the world, but he just seems to exude a sort of arrogance when he's on the floor. It may not even be a conscious thing on his part.

Normally like to see women's news reported on the women's side so I'm breaking my own unwritten rule here, but in a rather amazing circumstance last night, the NCC women hit twenty one 3s in a 121-113 victory over IWU in Bloomington. The combined 234 points breaks the CCIW record set by the same teams on 1/21 at NCC. 

Thank you for reporting that, iwu70 AndOne.

[AndOne]

Michael Berg played a strong game as well.

                             MIN FGM-A 3PM-AFTM-A OREB DREB  REB   AST   STL BLK TO   PF  PTS

35   Michael Berg - f   27   2-6   0-2    1-3       4       4        8       1     1    0    2    3       5

He did? Really?

Yes, he did. Played solid defense, got those eight rebounds, made a lot of nice passes that weren't necessarily assists but which led to assists, boxed out well. Sometimes a good night isn't apparent from a player's line score. But that doesn't mean that it wasn't a good night. Berg had a good night. Watch the archive if you don't believe me.

Peters has a smirk?          

Yes, he does. I'm not the only one who's noticed it. For all I know, he could be the nicest guy in the world, but he just seems to exude a sort of arrogance when he's on the floor. It may not even be a conscious thing on his part.

Normally like to see women's news reported on the women's side so I'm breaking my own unwritten rule here, but in a rather amazing circumstance last night, the NCC women hit twenty one 3s in a 121-113 victory over IWU in Bloomington. The combined 234 points breaks the CCIW record set by the same teams on 1/21 at NCC. 

Thank you for reporting that, iwu70 AndOne.

Re Berg----Concurrence deferred. 
Re Peters---A bit of sarcasm. I've heard several fans from various schools mention the smirk, and I personally saw it displayed recently at a game in Wheaton. 
Re women's news---I did it once and confessed in advance. 70 still has a big lead in the misplaced posting area derby. 

[Gregory Sager]

Re women's news---I did it once and confessed in advance. 70 still has a big lead in the misplaced posting area derby. 

Yes, in that particular race he's Richard Petty and you're Danica Patrick.

[iwu70]

And you guys will never catch me in that regard -- I'm just a misplaced person, been that way my entire life!  -- thanks AndOne for reporting that amazing score, 21 treys etc. in that NCC-IWU game.  It was a pretty amazing game to watch, back at forth, with a frenzy you rarely see in any CCIW game, let alone a women's game.  As I mentioned in the correct space on the women's site, you know the Titans are in trouble when they lose the TO battle, as they did in that game, 26-21.  NCC gave the Titans some of their own medicine with their version of "run and jump" full-court pressure throughout.  The Titans did not handle it so well and took a disappointing loss, even with the amazing point total for the two teams.  Seems the NCC "system" is starting to pay off more for them and they sure have lots of bombers who can shoot threes from all over, even from the rafters.  Godhardt is a big change for them too, giving them paint presence and better rebounding.  Titans have to suck it up now, as it does not get any easier with Carthage coming in with their undefeated record Saturday night for IWU Senior Night @The Shirk.   Titans now 15-7, 9-2 and still in the CCIW tourney.  But, I think now they have to win the AQ to keep playing after March 1st.  (Women's side).

Richard Petty

[kiko]

I'm mostly surprised that AndOne was able to beat 70 to the punch in reporting the news. 

[iwu70]

Kiko, I was surprised too.  I guess  AndOne just digs watching those girls run up and down in that high-point frenzy, loves reporting on the three ball barrage that NCC put on my Titans.

Let me report early on that I'm looking forward to IWU Senior night on Saturday, honoring the great group of men and women seniors IWU has this year -- and, of course, the two games vs. Carthage at The Shirk.

Warm congrats to this group of seniors -- great kids, and wonderful players all . . .  for the IWU basketball program.

IWU70

[veterancciwfan]

This weekend might be Wash. U's best chance of losing one of their 5 remaining games as they head east to face Brandies tonight and NYU on Sunday. Brandies has been one of the better UAA teams with 19 or more wins in 4 of their last 7 seasons. That said, they are only 11-9 this year and 3-6 in the league. They play in Auerbach Arena (useless trivia question). NYU is 15-5 and 5-4 in UAA play. Wash. U. finishes their season at Chicago on Mar. 1 and that could be close although Chicago hosted and lost to IWU by 19 in December.   

[AndOne]

I'm mostly surprised that AndOne was able to beat 70 to the punch in reporting the news. 

Kiko, I was surprised too.  I guess  AndOne just digs watching those girls run up and down in that high-point frenzy, loves reporting on the three ball barrage that NCC put on my Titans.

IWU70

First of all, I was not "watching those girls run up and down in that high point frenzy," but rather spent the late afternoon and early evening hours in the NCC "Hangar" partaking of a pre-game meal, attending to my pre-game duties, and confabulating with the likes of IWU fans Titan Q and D-3 Watcher over various basketball related topics. 

Secondly, the early and accurate reporting of a trained investigator with well placed sources (which can be confirmed by no less of an authority than Professor Sager) should not come as a surprise to any gentleman of sound mind and inquisitive nature. 
Said statement made under the assumption that the two of you are indeed "gentlemen of sound mind and inquisitive nature."

[USee]

Since GS is absent on here when Wheaton plays The Park (in theory because there hasn't been much to report)

... and in fact because he wasn't on a computer until 1 pm today.

My comment was in reference to your conspicuous absence after both games vs the Thunder, unless of course your first computer access since January 22nd was 1pm yesterday.