MBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[Viking Blue]

Last, and certainly least ...

Augie 70, NPU 48

Brett Wessels, 15 pts
Jordan Delp, 14 pts
Kyle Nelson, 7 rebs

Nick Williams, 15 pts, 6 rebs
Ro Russell, 10 pts
Phil Schniedermeier, 8 rebs
Kendall Greer, 8 rebs

AC: 52% FG (26-50), 50% trey (8-16), 77% FT (10-13)
NPU: 35% FG (19-55), 36% trey (5-14), 39% FT (5-13)

AC 35 rebs, NPU 31 rebs / AC 13 to's, NPU 12 to's

(NPU had 14 offensive rebounds to Augie's 10, which explains why the eastern Vikings had more shot attempts than did the western Vikings.)

Clayton Cahill was still out for NPU, as was Justin Bertrand for Augustana.

Looks like this was a game of runs. Augie roared out to a 15-point lead in the first half, and it looked as though NPU was on its way to an epic home-gym loss. But the host Vikings went on a 13-2 run from 6:50 to 2:16 late in the first half to cut the lead to four, and Augie only went into the locker room with a 33-25 advantage.

It was still competitive when Joel Benson made a jumper at 16:30 of the second half to cut the Augie lead to three. But the Park went into the deep freeze at that point, going scoreless for over four minutes as Augie built the lead back up to 13. NPU made one final push to get the lead back down to seven on an Emmanuel Crosby jumper with 11:10 left, but at that point Augie took over and steadily pulled away. The lowlight down the stretch for the Park was the six consecutive free throws that the hosts missed.

Doesn't look like anyone played particularly well for NPU. Williams, Schniedermeier, and Russell all had poor shooting nights, and Russell turned the ball over an uncharacteristic five times. I'm sure that Augie's defense had a lot to do with that, but you can't say that NPU didn't have its chances. When you take five more shots than your opponent, and an equal number of free throws, and you still manage to lose by 22 points, you'd better do a lot of soul-searching in the locker room later.

This season is a nightmare.

I think the time has come to ask the inevitable question:

Should North Park tank the rest of the season and hope to get a high lottery pick?  I've heard there's an 8th grader at Albany Park Multicultural Academy who's thinking of coming out early... could be a game changer right away. (I will NOT reveal my sources on this, Sager.)

[iwumichigander]

A general question...

How does 57 fouls in a CCIW game (NCC Wheaton) play out?

It plays out for a very long ball game!  NCC scored 12 of their last 14 points from the charity stripe in the last 4:22 of the contest!

[ecdubb420]

Dominating performance by the Jays tonight at Carthage.  Ruch took over in the first five minutes and despite two very quick fouls by Burks, the Bluejays looked great.
Steve D and Fendley struggled all night and EC played great team defense, playing a supub 10 man rotation.
Boyd and McCurdy started for the Jays, yes both freshman, but Childs and Bainter came off the bench and played inspired ball, again the guards looked fantastic.  The struggles breaking the press (which always doomed EC) seem to be a thing of the past.
Aaron Hintzsche looked fantastic and with Ruch did a wonderful job preventing Steve from getting to the basket and more importantly the line.
Simply put, EC looks as good or better than the team on 06-07, things are clicking and this is the deepest team I've seen out of Elmhurst.  They have 9 guys who contribute and average more than 12 minutes a game.
On another note, EC racked up their 5th straight victory in Kenosha.
The only concern I have out of the Bluejays is that they do not force many turnovers.

Watch out for Brent Ruch to gain some support for MOP if Carthage fades and Raymond doesn't return to well, Raymond.

[iwumichigander]

Dominating performance by the Jays tonight at Carthage.  Ruch took over in the first five minutes and despite two very quick fouls by Burks, the Bluejays looked great.
Steve D and Fendley struggled all night and EC played great team defense, playing a supub 10 man rotation.
Boyd and McCurdy started for the Jays, yes both freshman, but Childs and Bainter came off the bench and played inspired ball, again the guards looked fantastic.  The struggles breaking the press (which always doomed EC) seem to be a thing of the past.
Aaron Hintzsche looked fantastic and with Ruch did a wonderful job preventing Steve from getting to the basket and more importantly the line.
Simply put, EC looks as good or better than the team on 06-07, things are clicking and this is the deepest team I've seen out of Elmhurst.  They have 9 guys who contribute and average more than 12 minutes a game.
On another note, EC racked up their 5th straight victory in Kenosha.
The only concern I have out of the Bluejays is that they do not force many turnovers.

Watch out for Brent Ruch to gain some support for MOP if Carthage fades and Raymond doesn't return to well, Raymond.

Two positives that jump off the stat sheet for Elmhurst 1) 2.71 A/T ratio.  I get more concerned when a team makes turnovers than a team forces turnovers. and 2) Minimized Steve D's trips to the charity stripe (2-4 FT).  Keeping a good shooter off the charity stripe key any time you play against good FT shooters.  Without seeing the game, it is hard to determine whether the Elmhurst defense was disciplined; or, maybe got a little luck with the officiating.  But on balance, the stats indicate the calls went both ways. 
All in all a big improvement for the Bluejays. 

[Mr. Ypsi]

What does it take (historically) to make the conference tourney?

Well, the tourney is only 3 years old (the 4th seed has been 8-6 twice, 9-5 once), and that's WAY too small a sample, so I checked the 16 years that the CCIW has had its current eight teams to see the record of #4:

Twice (1995 and 2002) a team would have gotten in at 6-8 (though both would have had to win tie-breakers).

Four times 7-7 would have done it (though only in 2004 was that a given; the other three needed tie-breakers).

Six times 8-6 was enough (five times outright; only once did an 8-6 team NOT make it because of a tie-breaker).

Four times the '4th seed' was 9-5 (no 9-5 team has NOT made it).

[BTW, I'd forgotten the 75% parity of 1997: IWU was 13-1 on the way to their only Walnut-and-Bronze; NPU was 0-14; EVERYONE else was between 6-8 and 8-6!]

[AndOne]

I witnessed the foul parade and I for one thought it was perhaps one of the worst games by a group of refs I have ever seen, for both sides.  5 Technicals all in the second half.  There seemed to be a whistle almost every 15 seconds at some points.  I don't know what was said by the coaches to deserve the technicals, but two on the players was a double technical on McCrary and Rogers for being a little too aggressive on a rebound after the whistle.  Wiele's was a head scratcher to me, and seemed more like a make up call (coming right after NCC Technical).  He was called for a travel, and flipped the ball back over his head toward the ref and started running the other way, yelling something (which seemed more like a frustration yell then anything else).  I guess next time he should make sure to hand the ball to the ref.  
I am not saying Wheaton lost because of the refs, but it became such a different game with the flow so disruptive.  Several of the calls, both ways, were ticky tack calls, or wrong, like a call on Carwell for boxing out Drennan.  NCC made the shot, and got the ball on the baseline.  This game was really no more physical than other CCIW games I have seen.
Raymond is not himself, but isn't far.  Towards the end he started to force some shots up as time was running down.  For the most part, he didn't look for his shot or looked to take over.  Wiele needed to be more of a force on offense.  Too many turnovers and not enough shots.

Man! Do NOT even attempt to go there!   

[AndOne]

I wonder which zebra set off Bill? Bracco, Olson, or Larsen? Or some sort of combination of the three? They're three of the most veteran referees in the league, so it's not as though there's no familiarity there for Harris.

OK--You all want some plain talk regarding the refs in tonight's NCC-Wheaton game?
Well, the pleasure is mine.

*49 freakin' fouls. The refs whistles were stuck on automatic.
* I have always considered Fritz Larson one of the best refs in the CCIW. Tonight he was pulled down in the cesspool of stench created by officials Dennis Bracco and Donald Olson.
* I thought Ronnie Jones was about the worst ref I've seen in the CCIW. During the recent NCC at Augie game, he made a phantom call against a player who was jarred in the collision. When that player exhibited some degree of pain, Jones mocked him.
Despite that, both Bracco and Olson are worse!
*Donald Olson is an egomaniac. Flat out, he should not be officiating! He openly displays the fact he feels the game is about him, not the players and coaches. Mr Olson, I'm almost sure, called ALL FIVE technical fouls tonight. He didn't call a foul on NCC when a WC player was pushed in the chest, or when NCC's Chris Drennan was tacked along the sideline after picking up a lose ball.
The double T on McCrary and Rogers was laughable. Both were guilty of minor jostling while contesting a rebound. When both had the audacity to show the slightest question/displeasure at the call, he hit each with a T in a feeble attempt to show he was in charge. Coach Harris went nuts and, according to sound bites transmitted over the Wheaton radio station, used language which surely sent shock waves flooding over the WC campus. NCC Coach Raridon rec'd a T for language so mild that it probably isn't Augie Coach Giovanine's vocabulary. This was after it almost looked like he was trying to get a T earlier to fire up his troops, and one wasn't called despite the much more major transgressions. Andy Wiele of Wheaton got one for flipping the ball gently to Olson rather than walking over and handing it to him. Amazing. 
*When an NCC supporter stood up to protest when Drennan was tackled right in front of him and no foul was called, Olson told security to remove the fan if he stood up from his chair again.
*Despite the utterly inept officiating, it didn't really effect the game outcome as the fouls were 25-24  The 15 point NCC win was indicative of their dominance.

[iwu70]

Got to see the Titans in person at Shirk last night.  Great to be back.  As many have been, I was impressed with Doug Sexauer.  He's a really nice, "back to the basket" player with great moves and footwork.  His 20 pts. were impressive and he could have had much more without foul trouble.  I was also impressed with Dwyer -- strong hands, good D, good finisher, sees the court well.  Zimmer is a player, hasn't seen a shot he doesn't love.  Titans had a slow start, poor 1st half D.  The other pieces are not all there yet.   JV ran away with their game easily -- so some good players there for next year to be sure. 

Also saw the IWU women play Tuesday -- wow, they are good.  Christina Solari is one of the best DIII women's players I've seen -- total game, court sense, assists, scoring, great nose for the ball, top rebounder, taking charges, dishing out, just a wonderful total game.  Can't really see the Titan women losing a game in CCIW play.  They have all the pieces with many shooters, great speed, ball handling, depth, and team play.  A joy to watch.  Only worry would be running up against a big bruiser team who would dominate them on the boards, in the paint, when the treys are not going down.  But, 17-0 and #1 in both DIII polls speaks for itself.  You go girls!

Great to see many old and good friends around the Shirk promenade. 

[cardinalfanrochelle]

Let's not turn this into a "how bad the refs" or "Kent Raymond was not himself tonight" but look at what happened.... NCC came to play last night.Chris Drennan had 16 pts in the first half, Matt Rogers had 20 pts for the game, Mitch Raridon hit some nice shots at the right time, Dean Prince ran the floor like he was in charge, DJ opened the game with a very nice dunk. The Cardinals played like a team and earned the win don't take away from that. Why is it easier to give excuses than to give credit.

[74impala]

*When an NCC supporter stood up to protest when Drennan was tackled right in front of him and no foul was called, Olson told security to remove the fan if he stood up from his chair again.

You failed to mention that when the fan stood up, he took a step onto the court.  I saw you on it too.

[Dennis_Prikkel]

GS posts sounded like to me that he wasn't at the North Park / Augie game ?!

I didn't see him, but then again, my eyes aren't the greatest at picking out one individual in a near empty gym.

I thought Ro Russell played the first half, like someone had shot his pet dog, he looked mentally not in the game at all and played without any enthusiasm at all.

North Park's 13-2 first half run was fun to watch - but came at the expense of Augie's 2nd unit offense - and almost no one in that Augie five took a shot during that span.

After seeing how little emotion and enthusiasm North Park showed in the first half (except for that 13-2) run I wasn't surprised by the final score.  Playing in front of a near-empty gym - with no student support at a home game - has to be very disheartening.

dgp

[74impala]

Coach Harris went nuts and, according to sound bites transmitted over the Wheaton radio station, used language which surely sent shock waves flooding over the WC campus.

So what are you accusing Coach Harris of saying?  I've spoken to several people who listened to the game on WETN and they heard no such language. 

[Dennis_Prikkel]

Coach Harris went nuts and, according to sound bites transmitted over the Wheaton radio station, used language which surely sent shock waves flooding over the WC campus.

So what are you accusing Coach Harris of saying?  I've spoken to several people who listened to the game on WETN and they heard no such language. 

ooh ?

[usee]

I wonder which zebra set off Bill? Bracco, Olson, or Larsen? Or some sort of combination of the three? They're three of the most veteran referees in the league, so it's not as though there's no familiarity there for Harris.

OK--You all want some plain talk regarding the refs in tonight's NCC-Wheaton game?
Well, the pleasure is mine.

*49 freakin' fouls. The refs whistles were stuck on automatic.
* I have always considered Fritz Larson one of the best refs in the CCIW. Tonight he was pulled down in the cesspool of stench created by officials Dennis Bracco and Donald Olson.
* I thought Ronnie Jones was about the worst ref I've seen in the CCIW. During the recent NCC at Augie game, he made a phantom call against a player who was jarred in the collision. When that player exhibited some degree of pain, Jones mocked him.
Despite that, both Bracco and Olson are worse!
*Donald Olson is an egomaniac. Flat out, he should not be officiating! He openly displays the fact he feels the game is about him, not the players and coaches. Mr Olson, I'm almost sure, called ALL FIVE technical fouls tonight. He didn't call a foul on NCC when a WC player was pushed in the chest, or when NCC's Chris Drennan was tacked along the sideline after picking up a lose ball.
The double T on McCrary and Rogers was laughable. Both were guilty of minor jostling while contesting a rebound. When both had the audacity to show the slightest question/displeasure at the call, he hit each with a T in a feeble attempt to show he was in charge. Coach Harris went nuts and, according to sound bites transmitted over the Wheaton radio station, used language which surely sent shock waves flooding over the WC campus. NCC Coach Raridon rec'd a T for language so mild that it probably isn't Augie Coach Giovanine's vocabulary. This was after it almost looked like he was trying to get a T earlier to fire up his troops, and one wasn't called despite the much more major transgressions. Andy Wiele of Wheaton got one for flipping the ball gently to Olson rather than walking over and handing it to him. Amazing. 
*When an NCC supporter stood up to protest when Drennan was tackled right in front of him and no foul was called, Olson told security to remove the fan if he stood up from his chair again.
*Despite the utterly inept officiating, it didn't really effect the game outcome as the fouls were 25-24  The 15 point NCC win was indicative of their dominance.

Good summary AO. Thanks for the color. I listened on WETN and, while I could hear Coach Harris and Coach Frank, I didn't hear any bad language. But I also missed part of the technical foul parade.

-Matt Rogers is making a career out of dominating Andy Wiele/Wheaton bigs.
-Chris Drennan appears to have had his usual productive outing against the Thunder.
-Raymond played about half the game and got about half his averages.
-Where in the world has the Wheaton defense gone? after holding Carthgae to 16 1st half points they have given up and average of 38 pts a half in the next 5 halves.

Congratulations to the Cardinals for a dominating performance against the Thunder last night. After NCC took back what was a Wheaton 6 point lead early in the first half it doesn't appear they were ever threatened.  NCC has done what they need to do to remain a leader in the conference race.

Wheaton, with its remaining schedule, will have its hands full to simply make the conference tournament in my opinion.

[andrewmp]

I am not saying Wheaton lost because of the refs, but it became such a different game with the flow so disruptive.  Several of the calls, both ways, were ticky tack calls, or wrong, like a call on Carwell for boxing out Drennan.  NCC made the shot, and got the ball on the baseline.  This game was really no more physical than other CCIW games I have seen.
Raymond is not himself, but isn't far.  Towards the end he started to force some shots up as time was running down.  For the most part, he didn't look for his shot or looked to take over.  Wiele needed to be more of a force on offense.  Too many turnovers and not enough shots.

Man! Do NOT even attempt to go there!   

I am not trying to go there.  All I am saying is that the game became a different game because the refs decided, as you alluded to, to make it more about themselves than the players.  Drennan spent almost the entire second half on the bench, which I thought was good news for Wheaton.  They couldn't capitalize on it.
I pointed out a few things that I thought Wheaton failed to do, as to some of the reasons why they lost.  One of the big reasons was their inability to stop Rogers in the second half.  It showed some good depth for NCC to be able to win this game with Drennan on the bench for so long.

Let's not turn this into a "how bad the refs" or "Kent Raymond was not himself tonight" but look at what happened.... NCC came to play last night.Chris Drennan had 16 pts in the first half, Matt Rogers had 20 pts for the game, Mitch Raridon hit some nice shots at the right time, Dean Prince ran the floor like he was in charge, DJ opened the game with a very nice dunk. The Cardinals played like a team and earned the win don't take away from that. Why is it easier to give excuses than to give credit.

My comments on Raymond was not trying to give excuses as to why Wheaton lost, but a report on how one of the best players in the country looked in his first game back after an injury.  I hope I have made myself clear that I have not been making excuses.  The refs changed the game, an NCC played much better through it than Wheaton did, and they deserved to win.