MBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[magicman]

Benedictine 70   North Central 61  Here's the box score and play by play.

http://athletics.ben.edu/custompages/MEN'S%20BASKETBALL/2010-11/bumb09.htm

[Titan Q]

CCIW in-region report (through 12/22)...

(records below are in-region only...not overall)

Augustana (7-0) - 10 scheduled
11/16, @ Simpson  W
11/22, vs Washington U W
11/27, vs Anderson  W
12/1, @ Monmouth  W
12/11, vs Buena Vista  W
12/15, vs UW-Whitewater  W
12/20, @ MacMurray  W
12/29, vs UW-Stout, at St. Norbert
12/30, @ St. Norbert or vs Lakeland, at St. Norbert
1/2, vs Chicago

Out of region:
12/8, vs St. Ambrose  W

Carthage (2-1) - 4 scheduled
11/19, vs Bethany Lutheran  W
11/24, vs Whitworth (in Hawaii) L
11/26, vs Pacific (in Hawaii)  W
1/2, @ Transylvania

Out of region:
11/16, vs Calumet-St. Joseph  W  
11/20, vs John Carroll  L
12/3 vs Hope  W
12/4, vs Calvin  W
12/7, vs Silver Lake  W
12/11, vs Albion  L
12/12, vs Cardinal Stritch  W

Elmhurst (4-5) - 11 scheduled
11/16, @ Cornell  L
11/20, vs Hamline L
11/23, @ St. Norbert  L
12/1, @ Olivet  L
12/5, @ Westminster (Mo)  W
12/9, vs Kalamazoo  W
12/11, vs Loras  W
12/20, vs Aurora, in Las Vegas  L
12/21, vs UW-Oshkosh, in Las Vegas  W
12/29, vs DePauw
12/30, vs Calvin or Benedictine

Illinois Wesleyan (7-2) -  9 or 10 scheduled
11/15, @ Benedictine  W
11/19, vs Aurora  W
11/20, vs Ripon  W
11/23, @ Monmouth  W
11/27, vs Dominican W
11/29, @ Webster  W
12/4, vs Chicago L
12/11, vs MacMurray  W
12/18, @ Washington U L
(12/30, @ Cal Lutheran)

Out of region:

12/29, vs Gettysburg, at Cal Lutheran
(12/30, vs Hobart, at Cal Lutheran)

Millikin (0-5) -  6 or 7 scheduled
11/19, vs Nebraska Wesleyan  L
11/23, vs Franklin L
11/28, @ Rose-Hulman L
12/4, @ Aurora  L
12/20, @ Transyvania L
12/29, vs St. Mary's (MN), at Ill College
(12/30, @ Illinois College)

Out of region:
12/1, vs Robert Morris-Springfield  W
12/18, @ Adrian  L
12/21, vs Piedmont (GA),  L
(12/30, vs Clarke at Illinois College)

North Central (2-5) - 8 scheduled
11/19, vs Bluffton L
11/20 vs Edgewood  L
11/23, vs Aurora  L
11/27, @ Illinois College  L
11/28, @ Manchester W
12/7, vs Lake Forest  W
12/22, @ Benedictine L
12/27, @ Rockford

Out of region:
12/1, vs Albion  W
12/17, @ Hawaii-Hilo  L
12/30, @ Adrian

North Park (5-4) - 9 scheduled
11/17, vs Concordia  L
11/23, vs Edgewood  W
11/27, @ Fontbonne  W
11/30, @ Carroll W
12/4, vs Trine L
12/11, @ Spalding  W
12/13, vs Milwaukee Engineering  W
12/19, @ Coe  L
12/20, @ Loras  L

Out of region:
12/28, vs Williams, at Salem State
12/29, vs Regis, at Salem State

Wheaton (4-2) -  6 scheduled
11/16, @ Manchester  L
11/19, vs UW-Whitewater  W
11,23, vs Loras  W
12/1, @ Chicago  W
12/4, vs Hope L
12/11, vs Washington U  W

Out of region:
11/19, vs Covenant  W
12/3, vs Calvin  W
12/9, vs Trinity Intl  W
12/30, vs Messiah, in Phoenix
12/31, vs Husson, in Phoenix

CCIW non-conference totals (88 games)
In-region games: 64 (73%)
Out-of-region games: 24 (27%)

(Assumes 1 of the 2 TBD games end up in-region)

CCIW in-region, non-conference record (through 12/22)
31-24 (.564)

Q's Projected Final in-region, non-conference record
37-27 (.578)

Remaining in-region, non-conference games
12/27, North Central @ Rockford
12/29, Augustana vs UW-Stout (at St. Norbert)
12/29, Elmhurst vs DePauw
12/29, Millikin vs St. Mary's (MN), at IL College
12/30, Millikin vs Illinois College*
12/30, Elmhurst vs Calvin or Benedictine
12/30, Augustana @ St. Norbert or vs Lakeland (at St. Norbert)
12/30, Illinois Wesleyan @ Cal Lutheran*
1/2, Carthage @ Transylvania
1/2, Augustana @ Chicago

* depends on first round tournament results

[coebball70]

I attended the Benedictine vs North Central game last evening and was quite surprised at the futility both teams displayed.  To say the game was 'ugly' would be a compliment.  Neither team wanted to take control either offensively or defensively.  The difference was Benedictine's maturity and quickness.  Also, I believe, the "Battle of Maple Avenue" meant more to the team from Lisle.

North Central definitely has some young talent to develop. The best player on the floor was freshman Landon Gamble, a 6'6", 240 lbs post man for the Cardinals.  In only seventeen minutes of action due to foul trouble, Gamble scored 24 points and just dominated the inside game.
Another freshman, CJ Goldtree, showed signs of offensive capabilities but he clearly needs to adjust to the strength and speed of the college game.  One other observation is necessary.  Derek Raridon, North Central's Mr. Everything last year, is immersed deeply in what can only be described as a severe case of "Sophomore Slump."Even though he scored sixteen points, Raridon showed little of the confidence and composure he did last year.One major detriment to Raridon's game is his constant flopping on most shots in a desperate attempt to draw free throws.  North Central is going to have a tough year in the CCIW.  As a team, they shoot poorly both from the field and the line.

My view of the CCIW this year is there are four teams of above average strength that will compete for the top;  Illinois Wesleyan, Augustana, Wheaton and Carthage.  And there are three teams that will compete just as hard for the bottom;  Millikin, North Central and North Park.  It should be another good year to follow the championship race!

[Titan Q]

My view of the CCIW this year is there are four teams of above average strength that will compete for the top;  Illinois Wesleyan, Augustana, Wheaton and Carthage.  And there are three teams that will compete just as hard for the bottom;  Millikin, North Central and North Park.  It should be another good year to follow the championship race!

I also agree those 4 teams are the legitimate "contenders" for the championship, but at the bottom, I think there is an enormous gap between Millikin and whoever #7 ends up being.  I don't think it makes sense at all to put North Central and North Park in a discussion of the potential "bottom" based on how poor Millikin is.  Both teams just have so much more talent and depth than the Big Blue.

 

[Titan Q]

To me, based on non-conference play, Augustana has now emerged as the favorite.  Right now, I'd go...

1. Augustana
2. IWU/Wheaton/Carthage (not much separation)
5. North Park
6. Elmhurst
7. North Central
8. Millikin


If IWU can get Zimmer and Koschnitzky healthy and playing well, I'd say the Titans are right there with Augie.

[coebball70]

Yes, TQ, you are most likely correct in distinguishing the futility of Millikin from North Central, North Park and Elmhurst.  But last night, even Millikin would have had a chance against North Central.  Also, even though they are undefeated, I don't believe Augustana is that much better than Illinois Wesleyan, Carthage and Wheaton.  Buena Vista was up in their game against the Vikings with less than five minutes to go and MacMurray only lost by three!  I would have predicted Augustana to be a clear double-digit winner in both of those contests.

[augiefan]

As usual Titan is playing his cards close to the vest regarding his favorite team. IWU if reasonably healthy is still the top team in the league.

I think Wheaton has been the second most impressive team in nonconference action.  Augie looks the best right now, but anyone who has watched Augie closely has to have observed the Vikings' vulnerability against just about anyone they play due to uncertain guard play and horrible FT shooting. Carthage and NPU have been surprisingly unimpressive so far. In any event right now I see the final standins as follows::

1. IWU
2. Wheaton
3. Augie & Carthage (Tie)
5. NPU
6. NCC
7. Elmhurst
8. Millikin

[iwu70]

Merry Christmas to all CCIW Chatsters, from the Far Side.  Already Christmas in Hong Kong!

Having seen a number of IWU games earlier, I think IWU needs the injured players back and playing well to contend for the CCIW title.  Augie has played the best so far, all explanations and caveats notwithstanding.  IWU has not been consistent and Doug Sexauer is just not playing as well as he played in previous years.  Not sure why -- look at the scoring, shooting percentage and rebounding . . .all down.   If he can step it up, and the Titans get back a full and healthy roster, then we can be more exciting and confident.  So far, we've only seen very brief flashes of what this team could and should be.  I hope the Titans live up to expectations.

In seeing all the others play, watching the JVs etc., I'm very excited about what is coming in the next year of two -- just think of it:  Connelly, Davis, Schouten, K-man, Zimmer and Zimmer . . .key is finding another good point guard to replace Travis, but the Titans are going to be really tough in the next 1-2 years.  This second line of players have actually played better than most of the starters to date, save for Sean Johnson. 

Let the conference race begin.  (Millikin is really bad!  What can one say?).  My picks:

IWU
Augie
Carthage
NCC
NPU
Elmhurst

so far down, Millikin

Looks like a 2 team year for the DIII dance, come March. 

Merry Christmas to all and a New Year filled with happiness and good health.

[Mr. Ypsi]

Mark, let a fellow Titan note it before Mugsy, USee, et. al., notice - you left Billy Graham's school out of the list!

I agree with your prediction, with Wheaton slipped in in 4th.

And Merry Christmas to all!

[Mr. Ypsi]

Here's hoping Santa was good to all my fellow CCIW posters!

I also hope Santa brought good health to all CCIW bballers!  Being partisan, that wish is especially strong for theTitans - I honestly think they have a legitimate chance for Salem if all are healthy.  I'd be more (or less ) certain of that if they had EVER all been healthy this season!

[iwu70]

Ypsi, you are so right.  It did seem my list was a bit short somehow.  No wonder.  I agree that Wheaton should be included, at #4 or tied with Carthage at #3. 

Let's hope the Titans have a good West Coast trip, rainstorms and major flooding notwithstanding, and come back to snowy Illinois at 9-2 entering the CCIW race.  With Zimmer and K-man back, they should certainly be stronger, and in contention for the title. 

Looks like the women have a tougher hill to climb on their holiday trip to the NYC area -- as a major blizzard storms up the East Coast right on top of them.  Baruch and Kean will be a stiff challenge to be sure, esp. Kean.  Plus, who wants to play basketball in Union, NJ anyway?!  Playing Baruch in Manhattan on a snowy day should be fun.  They can take the subway to the game -- F train to 23rd Street, my old stomping grounds when I worked for the Methodist Office at the UN.  Let's hope they have a snowily successful trip too, coming home to Shirk with an 8-3 mark, having defeated the #4 team in the nation along the New Jersey Turnpike. 

Let the CCIW race begin . . .

Happy New Year to all!

mls

[AndOne]

I attended the Benedictine vs North Central game last evening and was quite surprised at the futility both teams displayed.  To say the game was 'ugly' would be a compliment.  Neither team wanted to take control either offensively or defensively.  The difference was Benedictine's maturity and quickness.  Also, I believe, the "Battle of Maple Avenue" meant more to the team from Lisle.

North Central definitely has some young talent to develop. The best player on the floor was freshman Landon Gamble, a 6'6", 240 lbs post man for the Cardinals.  In only seventeen minutes of action due to foul trouble, Gamble scored 24 points and just dominated the inside game.

Another freshman, CJ Goldtree, showed signs of offensive capabilities but he clearly needs to adjust to the strength and speed of the college game.  One other observation is necessary.  Derek Raridon, North Central's Mr. Everything last year, is immersed deeply in what can only be described as a severe case of "Sophomore Slump."Even though he scored sixteen points, Raridon showed little of the confidence and composure he did last year.One major detriment to Raridon's game is his constant flopping on most shots in a desperate attempt to draw free throws.  North Central is going to have a tough year in the CCIW.  As a team, they shoot poorly both from the field and the line.

My view of the CCIW this year is there are four teams of above average strength that will compete for the top;  Illinois Wesleyan, Augustana, Wheaton and Carthage.  And there are three teams that will compete just as hard for the bottom;  Millikin, North Central and North Park.  It should be another good year to follow the championship race!

As a close NCC observer, I'm in agreement with the majority of the above post.
However, there are some points I feel need a bit more clarification, and one that I must express at least some disagreement with.

*I'm  not sure the "Battle Of Chicago/Maple Ave" meant more to BU than to NCC. Heck, so many members of the NCC squad are freshmen that many likely never heard of the "Battle" until they saw the annual trophy displayed on the scorer's table prior to the game. Rather, coebball's statement that "the difference was Benedictine's maturity and quickness" is a more accurate description of the major factors responsible for the BU victory. And yes, the game was ugly.
*The best player on the floor WAS NCC"s Landon Gamble who was virtually unstoppable inside. For the game Landon was 10 for 11 for 90.9 percent, matching the 3rd best single game effort in NCC history. He also hit 4/5 FTs for his total of 24 points. While Gamble was not a starter in this contest, look for that to change and sooner rather than later. I expect big things from Landon as the season progresses.
*CJ Goldthree, like Gamble, is another rapidly developing talent with future all-conference potential. As coebball indicated, he needs to adjust to both the strength and speed of the college game. However, his adjustment needs to take two different directions. He definitely needs to add strength. Time in the weight room should aid in this portion of his development. As far as the speed portion of his game, CJ is one of those rare players transitioning from high school to college who actually has to slow down a bit. As the phrase goes, "he needs to let the game come to him." CJ's errors are more often than not the result of trying to go to fast and/or trying to do too much on his own rather than to "go with the flow" and involve his teammates. When CJ adds these two elements to his game, he will be well on his way to realizing his full potential.
*NCC's shooting percentages ARE low. However, they are not that much lower than their opponents. To date the Cardinals are shooting .431 as compared to their opponents .439. On threes, the Cards are at .330 while opponents are hitting .341. Its from the FT line where the Cardinals really suck. They are shooting a reprehensible .625 as a team compared to .705 by the opposition.
*With regard to coebball's claim Derek Raridon is "flopping on most shots." I would take some exception. While at times, he may be embellishing the degree of contact he is experiencing, I have not observed him doing so on "most" shots. Specifically, I hope coeball is not referring to to the play on which Derek was driving across the lane and was rear-ended hard by a BU player and knocked to the ground face first, following which Derek was called for traveling. While this was the most forceful/noticeable of his times hitting the deck, it was definitely NOT a flop in an attempt to draw a foul, but rather a blown call by a referee who has a history with NCC, and who I believe was fired from the CCIW a few years ago after his incompetence and unprofessionalism was duly noted by head coaches throughout the league.
Additionally, keep in mind that some current and recent past stars of both the CCIW, and I'm sure other conferences, have incorporated the "flop" as an important part of their offensive arsenal.
*Look for a couple of changes in the NCC starting lineup soon.

[AndOne]

Wouldn't think the above post was worth a smite, but apparently someone disagrees. A hater, an a-hole, or someone who just can't handle power? Perhaps D--All of the above.
I think the number of posts needed to smite/applaud needs to be raised to 1000. Well, whatever makes you happy.  You're the "man."   

[Pat Coleman]

*With regard to coebball's claim Derek Raridon is "flopping on most shots." I would take some exception. While at times, he may be embellishing the degree of contact he is experiencing, I have not observed him doing so on "most" shots.

I smited you for your nit-pickiness. Hope that helps. I have a few more posts than 1000.

[Titan Q]

As usual Titan is playing his cards close to the vest regarding his favorite team. IWU if reasonably healthy is still the top team in the league.

When you say this, note that IWU did not win the league last year.  The Titans (10-4) finished 2 games behind Carthage (12-2) in 2010.  And IWU was not the 2011 preseason pick to win the CCIW -- Carthage was.  So not sure what your point of reference is when you state that IWU is "still the top team in the league."  

Before the season started I picked IWU and Carthage to finish at the top of the standings -- said it was basically a coin flip between them for the title "favorite."  And I made it clear here that I thought the Titans were a national preseason Top 5 team.  So I'm not sure that it's accurate to say I've "played by cards close to the vest."  

Me picking Augustana as the CCIW favorite at the present time is simply due to Augustana playing the best basketball in the CCIW during the non-conference.  IWU has lost two games a CCIW champion-caliber team should not lose, and has had dicey moments in every win except vs MacMurray.  As I've stated, if IWU can get healthy I think they're as good as any CCIW team (maybe the best).  But the fact is the Titans will not be 100% healthy for a while...even when both forwards are back in the starting lineup, it will take a while for them to get back in shape and in the flow.  

As I posted after the Wash U game, I absolutely expect IWU to be right in the middle of the conference title race.  But at this point, I certainly have not seen anything that would make me call the Titans the "favorite."  Just being realistic.