MBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[Gregory Sager]

Looks like Millikin can still rouse itself when the Titans come to town.

My sense is that the rivalry has cooled considerably in B'town sometime after I left, but still lives hot as ever in Decatur.

I'm not sure that I agree, Chuck. As Bob said, there were 850 in attendance at the Griz tonight. That's not bad, but that's not a white-hot rivalry number for MU, either, especially since I'm guessing that a large percentage of that 850 was wearing green. Given the almost total lack of a Millikin presence here in CCIW Chat over the decade-plus that it has been in existence, and the poor records and lackluster attendance that the Big Blue have logged throughout the '00s, my sense is that nothing connected to Millikin men's basketball can be described as "lives hot as ever" -- the rivalry with IWU included. I think it's more likely that the Big Blue and its remaining fans get more revved up than normal for the Titans, but that that's not saying much.

Of course, the 750 figure from the airplane hangar is the real shame, given how much importance was riding on the Battle of the Birds for both teams.

[dansand]

Is it possible that, in terms of making it into the NCAA tournament, Augustana is better off not making the CCIW tournament?  Would the Vikings have a better shot by beating IWU Saturday, finishing at 17-7 in-region, having Carthage win out to claim the #4 seed, and hoping for the best on selection day?  Augie certainly would have a chance to win the conference tournament, and every team wants to control its own destiny, but the odds are that the Vikings would go 0-1 or 1-1 in the league tourney...that loss might be the final blow.

Just a thought.

No way does a 5th place finish help Augie make the NCAA tourney. 0-1 in the CCIW tourney will not do it either. A loss to Wheaton or Elmhurst in the CCIW championship game might do the trick though. The Vikings have to beat IWU first. Tonight's results did give Augie some hope of getting the third spot in the CCIW with a win Saturday and NCC having a tough final game on the road.

Although the point is now moot, was Q possibly speculating on a five-way first place tie? In that case Augie would have been the odd team out of the league tournament and the NCAA selection process isn't tied to the CCIW tie-breaker. It's an interesting theory, but like I said, it's moot now.

[voxelmhurst]

Elmhurst comes out with a very gritty late-season road win at North Central.

The themes of this one, for me, were a classic performance from Ryan Burks and Chris Childs returning to his mid season form.  These two really came up huge down the stretch as Elmhurst pulled away.  I believe Burks may have played the entire second half.  Ruch was relatively quiet with only 10 points, but Zach Boyd pitched in a key 10 points for Elmhurst, to go along nicely with some good rebounds and assists.  As he has done many times this season, Aaron Hintzsche worked his wonders (6 boards, 5pts,  3 assists and a huge steal) while Ruch rested on the bench.

Very satisfying performance from the Jays on a night when many were picking against them.

[pistol]

Is someone working on the www.fireronrose.com website?

[ecdubb420]

Brent Ruch was fairly well contained by the smaller Cardinals; he had 10 points as well, but on only 5-11 shooting from the field, and he didn't get to the line even once.

Ruch had a silent night, but I must say much to the help of the officials.  Drennan was mauling him all night, it was just awful.   The calls were just horrible, I'm shocked that Coach Scherer did not get T'd up.  It was at times very hard to watch.    

Boyd helped carry the load in the first half with 8 huge points and then Childs and Burks carried EC in the 2nd half.  Burks hit two quick threes and then went to the line for three more, you could tell he was feeling it, but that was really all he got from the outside, making his output even more impressive.  Childs really provided a huge burst down the stretch and appears to be regaining his midseason form.
Despite the great play from those two, the real turning point was a stunning three point play by Aaron Hintzsche, followed by his great steal that led to two Childs free-throws.  
It must also be noted that Mike McCurdy has basically disappeared from the rotation, he is really struggling on the offensive end and his minutes continue to decrease.  
Congrats to the men of Elmhurst on qualifying for the CCIW tournament 4 straight years.  Lets hope that Augie joins them on Saturday.

Ben Panner 10 3's.  Unbelievable.

[Mr. Ypsi]

Looks like Millikin can still rouse itself when the Titans come to town.

My sense is that the rivalry has cooled considerably in B'town sometime after I left, but still lives hot as ever in Decatur.

I'm not sure that I agree, Chuck. As Bob said, there were 850 in attendance at the Griz tonight. That's not bad, but that's not a white-hot rivalry number for MU, either, especially since I'm guessing that a large percentage of that 850 was wearing green. Given the almost total lack of a Millikin presence here in CCIW Chat over the decade-plus that it has been in existence, and the poor records and lackluster attendance that the Big Blue have logged throughout the '00s, my sense is that nothing connected to Millikin men's basketball can be described as "lives hot as ever" -- the rivalry with IWU included. I think it's more likely that the Big Blue and its remaining fans get more revved up than normal for the Titans, but that that's not saying much.

Of course, the 750 figure from the airplane hangar is the real shame, given how much importance was riding on the Battle of the Birds for both teams.

At least as far as fans in the seats, you appear to be right - Decatur may have nearly died for ALL opponents.

In my era, there would have been nearly 850 IWU fans for that game.  Of course, in my era IWU/Millikin was often for the title.  Sad.

[AndOne]

Elmhurst 74, North Central 63

Not too many tears shed in Naperville, I would imagine, as the Cards backed into the CCIW tourney field, anyway. Elmhurst, which led most of the game, got a fantastic night out of Ryan Burks: 28 points on 9-13 shooting (4-6 from beyond the arc) and 6-8 from the line. Chris Childs had 15 off the bench for EC, and Zach Boyd added 10. Brent Ruch was fairly well contained by the smaller Cardinals; he had 10 points as well, but on only 5-11 shooting from the field, and he didn't get to the line even once. Aaron Hintzsche led the 'jays with six boards.

North Central was led by Matt Rogers, who had 27 points, and Chris Drennan's 17 and 10 double-double. Shooting from the field and the line was very close: EC 49%, NCC 48% from the field, and both teams shot 75% from the charity stripe. The difference in the game was long-range shooting (EC 7-12 for 58%, NCC 1-7 for 18%) and rebounding (EC won there, 33-25, including 14-9 on the offensive glass).

BACKED into the tournament?  I don't think so!

The North Central Cards were picked to finish 6th by the powers that supposedly know whats what. They have gone into almost every game this season undersized, and without anywhere near the bench strength of their opponents (exacerbated by the recent loss of Dominique King). Yet, through good coaching, team chemistry, desire, and usually improved defense over last year, not to mention talent, they have battled their way to 8 conference wins to date. Its highly doubtful that the predicted 6th place conference finisher would be expected to garner an 8-6 record (at worst) in conference play in a conference as highly touted, including by most of us, as the CCIW. Among those 8 wins are victories over the current #7 team in the country and projected conference winner, the conference champion for the last 3 years and projected 2nd place team this year, and wins over two other teams projected to finish ahead of them, including two wins against Carthage, the team who evidently could neither back into the tournament nor even walk in through the front door despite having the conference's leading scorer because they are not the team North Central is. 
The North Central Cardinals have no more backed into the CCIW tournament than the North Park Vikings have backed into last place! Rather, they're in the tournament because they got there the old fashioned way, they EARNED it!     

[AndOne]

Through Wednesday:

Wheaton 10-3
Elmhurst 9-4
Augustana 8-5
North Central 8-5
Carthage 7-6
IWU 5-8
Millikin 5-8
North Park 0-14

Does North Central clinch a bid?

Yes, the Cards did, although they backed into it tonight. If both NCC and Carthage end up 8-6, NCC gets the #4 seed by virtue of having swept the Red Men. In fact, if NCC ties Augie for third, NCC gets the third seed -- the Cards and the Doggies split this season, but NCC has a win over Wheaton and Augie doesn't.

Exhibit two entered into evidence that North Central didn't back into anything. Case closed!  

[AndOne]

Brent Ruch was fairly well contained by the smaller Cardinals; he had 10 points as well, but on only 5-11 shooting from the field, and he didn't get to the line even once.

Ruch had a silent night, but I must say much to the help of the officials.  Drennan was mauling him all night, it was just awful.   The calls were just horrible, I'm shocked that Coach Scherer did not get T'd up.  It was at times very hard to watch.    

Yep, that 6'5" 215 pound Drennan thug just absolutely mauled poor little defenseless 6'9" 260 pound Brett Ruch all night long. That makes absolutely perfect sense! 
It WAS just awful.    I almost couldn't watch! 

And to top it off those cheatin' refs made every questionable call in favor of North Central all night long!   
Right.

[AndOne]

Ryan Burks' scoring had been down a bit heading into tonight - 14.8 ppg in CCIW play (17.4 ppg last year and exactly the same his soph year, 17.4 ppg).  He came to play tonight in a huge game - 28 points on 9-13 FG (4-6 3-pt) and 5 rebounds.

After tonight, Burks is now averaging 15.8 ppg in CCIW play with one big game to play.

He's on a roll, though: 53 points in his last two games.

I would imagine that Cody Hilton will have the dubious duty of guarding him on Saturday night.

Who knows who will guard Burks. A couple of games ago, against NCC, Hilton didn't even start. Steve Ideran made only his 3rd start of the season and his 1st in conference play. When Hilton did come in, he hit two threes, and Bosko promptly took him out, replacing him with someone who would pass the ball to his son.   

Hilton is a 5'11" shooter. Ever since high school at Glenbard East in Lombard, IL thats what he has been known for.  I'd be surprised to see this 5'11" slower than average player defending the much quicker, taller, Burks.

[cardinalpride]

Elmhurst 74, North Central 63

Not too many tears shed in Naperville, I would imagine, as the Cards backed into the CCIW tourney field, anyway. Elmhurst, which led most of the game, got a fantastic night out of Ryan Burks: 28 points on 9-13 shooting (4-6 from beyond the arc) and 6-8 from the line. Chris Childs had 15 off the bench for EC, and Zach Boyd added 10. Brent Ruch was fairly well contained by the smaller Cardinals; he had 10 points as well, but on only 5-11 shooting from the field, and he didn't get to the line even once. Aaron Hintzsche led the 'jays with six boards.

North Central was led by Matt Rogers, who had 27 points, and Chris Drennan's 17 and 10 double-double. Shooting from the field and the line was very close: EC 49%, NCC 48% from the field, and both teams shot 75% from the charity stripe. The difference in the game was long-range shooting (EC 7-12 for 58%, NCC 1-7 for 18%) and rebounding (EC won there, 33-25, including 14-9 on the offensive glass).

What?  Greg, you sound stupid! How does a team back into a conference tournament when they've beaten everyone in the league less Elmhurst!  The fact of the matter remains, while NCC can't win the regular season title, they still have something to play for!  Conference tournament title and NCAA tourny birth!  THE SEASON IS NOT OVER!  We have an important game against Wheaton on Saturday!  Do we need to play better in order to win?  Of course we do!  Can we win at Wheaton on saturday?  Of course we can!  NCC stay focused on the next game and don't listen to naysayers who don't give you a chance to win on saturday!  The fact of the matter is NCC would rather BACK into a 8-6 or 9-5 CCIW season rather than make excuses for a 1-13 or 0-14 season!  The latter would be the second of its kind in four years!  

[voxelmhurst]

Brent Ruch was fairly well contained by the smaller Cardinals; he had 10 points as well, but on only 5-11 shooting from the field, and he didn't get to the line even once.

Ruch had a silent night, but I must say much to the help of the officials.  Drennan was mauling him all night, it was just awful.   The calls were just horrible, I'm shocked that Coach Scherer did not get T'd up.  It was at times very hard to watch.    

Yep, that 6'5" 215 pound Drennan thug just absolutely mauled poor little defenseless 6'9" 260 pound Brett Ruch all night long. That makes absolutely perfect sense! 
It WAS just awful.    I almost couldn't watch! 

"Mauling" is probably too strong of a word, but it seemed Drennan was stuck on two fouls for a dubious amount of time.  Being smaller does automatically make you immune to fouling a bigger guy.  I feel Drennan may have been fortunate not to pick up a third foul in the first half, or even early in the second half, but I wouldn't say he was "mauling" Ruch either.

I do feel the game had substandard officiating.  Inconsistent calls for jump balls all night, and the refs never seemed to decide what they were and were not going to let the players get away with.

[almcguirejr]

Here is the Kenosha News report of the Carthage-Wheaton game:

http://www.kenoshanews.com/sports/thunderstruck_4404090.html

[petemcb]

Elmhurst 74, North Central 63

Not too many tears shed in Naperville, I would imagine, as the Cards backed into the CCIW tourney field, anyway. Elmhurst, which led most of the game, got a fantastic night out of Ryan Burks: 28 points on 9-13 shooting (4-6 from beyond the arc) and 6-8 from the line. Chris Childs had 15 off the bench for EC, and Zach Boyd added 10. Brent Ruch was fairly well contained by the smaller Cardinals; he had 10 points as well, but on only 5-11 shooting from the field, and he didn't get to the line even once. Aaron Hintzsche led the 'jays with six boards.

North Central was led by Matt Rogers, who had 27 points, and Chris Drennan's 17 and 10 double-double. Shooting from the field and the line was very close: EC 49%, NCC 48% from the field, and both teams shot 75% from the charity stripe. The difference in the game was long-range shooting (EC 7-12 for 58%, NCC 1-7 for 18%) and rebounding (EC won there, 33-25, including 14-9 on the offensive glass).

BACKED into the tournament?  I don't think so!

The North Central Cards were picked to finish 6th by the powers that supposedly know whats what. They have gone into almost every game this season undersized, and without anywhere near the bench strength of their opponents (exacerbated by the recent loss of Dominique King). Yet, through good coaching, team chemistry, desire, and usually improved defense over last year, not to mention talent, they have battled their way to 8 conference wins to date. Its highly doubtful that the predicted 6th place conference finisher would be expected to garner an 8-6 record (at worst) in conference play in a conference as highly touted, including by most of us, as the CCIW. Among those 8 wins are victories over the current #7 team in the country and projected conference winner, the conference champion for the last 3 years and projected 2nd place team this year, and wins over two other teams projected to finish ahead of them, including two wins against Carthage, the team who evidently could neither back into the tournament nor even walk in through the front door despite having the conference's leading scorer because they are not the team North Central is. 
The North Central Cardinals have no more backed into the CCIW tournament than the North Park Vikings have backed into last place! Rather, they're in the tournament because they got there the old fashioned way, they EARNED it!     

Greg, let me try this one.  AndOne and CardinalPride, my understanding of the usage of "backed in" is that it is typically used when a team makes the playoffs or tournament on a night where it lost the game it played.  It is not a comment or a slam on NCC's season.  They've had a great season, but on the night they clinched their appearance in the CCIW tournament, they happened to lose.  That's all. 

[petemcb]

Ryan Burks' scoring had been down a bit heading into tonight - 14.8 ppg in CCIW play (17.4 ppg last year and exactly the same his soph year, 17.4 ppg).  He came to play tonight in a huge game - 28 points on 9-13 FG (4-6 3-pt) and 5 rebounds.

After tonight, Burks is now averaging 15.8 ppg in CCIW play with one big game to play.

He's on a roll, though: 53 points in his last two games.

I would imagine that Cody Hilton will have the dubious duty of guarding him on Saturday night.

Who knows who will guard Burks. A couple of games ago, against NCC, Hilton didn't even start. Steve Ideran made only his 3rd start of the season and his 1st in conference play. When Hilton did come in, he hit two threes, and Bosko promptly took him out, replacing him with someone who would pass the ball to his son.   

Hilton is a 5'11" shooter. Ever since high school at Glenbard East in Lombard, IL thats what he has been known for.  I'd be surprised to see this 5'11" slower than average player defending the much quicker, taller, Burks.

If it helps you to believe, AndOne, then I'll mention that Cody Hilton started last night with the assignment of guarding Kent Raymond.  He was fast enough that Raymond really didn't have his typical influence on the game.  Fifteen points, many of which were from the free throw line resulting from fouls that were not Hilton's, is a sub-par game for Raymond.  What I heard was that Raymond was Hilton's assignment for the night.  Apparently, the Carthage staff felt Hilton was quick enough and athletic enough to guard the 6'3" All-American.  It appeared that the plan was to let Panner have his shots and try to take Raymond out of the flow of the game as much as possible.  I'd say Carthage succeeded at that.  Carthage led for much of this game and I don't think anyone would have bet on a 4 point game up in Kenosha last night.  "Slower than average"?  You might need a larger body of work on which to evaluate him.  Hilton is one of the better athletes on the Red Men.  Last night, it looked like Bosko recognized that with his defensive assignments.