MBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[CCIWchamps]

Mike Schauer is blistering his team on the WETN postgame interview. He answered the first question, which was about Landon Gamble, with, "He's only going to get better. But I don't care about North Central. I've got guys who don't listen, who don't pay attention, and I'm going to do something about that, and they're not going to enjoy it." He ignored the next question by the WETN guys and repeated, "I'm going to do something, and they're not going to enjoy it." And then he put down the mic and walked away from the broadcast table.

That's never a good sign.  I wonder how this will play out. 

[CCIWchamps]

Did I read this right: NCC is only 9-9, but 5-2 in CCIW play?  Who exactly are they playing outside of conference??

It's not a case of who NCC played in November and December. It's more a case of who NCC is. The Cardinals are an extremely young team, with freshmen accounting for five of the eight players in the regular rotation (Landon Gamble, Jack Burchett, C.J. Goldthree, Chris Smith, and Brad Hallstein). Teams that devote that many minutes to multiple freshmen typically lose a bunch of games to teams with less talent, particularly early in the season.

If they played those eleven non-conference games over again now, I'd wager that the Cards would do a heckuva lot better than 4-7.

Greg - Completely agree with you on this point about the Cards.  It is just very tough to judge a team loaded with underclassmen in early season schedule whether non-conference or conference.  Such is the case with this Cards team.  What we do know is Coach Raridon has demonstrated the ability to put young teams together and make them into contenders.  I expect them to cause some trouble for the other teams in the conference the rest of way out.

What struck me the most about seeing NCC in person was how tall they were- they seem like a long team.  In looking at their roster, they have 5 guys over the height of 6'6".  Anyone have stats on notable "tall" teams from previous CCIW years?  I feel like that many tall guys on a CCIW roster is pretty rare, and impressive. 

[CCIWchamps]

Playing 5 freshmen and a sophomore transfer just back from the injured list among the 9 players who saw action for North Central in Wheaton last night, the predominately young Cardinals continued to fly among the CCIW league leaders following their 79-67 thumping of the Wheaton contingent. Their win completed a season sweep over the silenced Thunder.
The Cards were led by scintillating performances by freshman Landon Gamble and sophomore Derek Raridon who posted his best game of the year. Derek was the evening's point leader with 25 on 8/13 shooting, including 2/3 threes, and 7/9 from the line. He also pulled down 6 rebounds and dished out 3 assists. His off balance 3 pointer at 2:28 with the shot clock winding down was huge. Landon tallied 21 points on a brilliant 10 of 10 performance from the field. In a display of both power and finesse, he continually shredded the Thunder's interior "defense," using both his right and left hands, to complete his perfect evening. His perfection was largely responsible for the Cardinals whopping 36-16 advantage in points in the paint. Gamble's accuracy was the 2nd best single-game effort in North Central history, topped only by Anthony Simmons' magical 11 of 11 night, also against Wheaton, on 2/5/05. Additionally, Landon garnered a team high 9 rebounds and dished out 2 assists. Junior PG Kevin Gillespie directed the Cardinal attack that resulted in 19 assists. He added 12 points among which were his 4 of 4 FTs in the last 56 seconds to end any possibility of a Wheaton victory after a nice comeback earlier by the Thunder. Brian Evans chipped in with 7 points and a team high 5 assists.

While the North Central offense was rolling to the tune of shooting 60% for the evening, the Cards "Spider" defense threw an effective net over the home team's offerings, forcing the Thunder into several instances of both quick and poor shot shot selection. While the Thunder threw up 14 more shots that the visiting Cards (59 to 45), they hit only 21 (35.6%) baskets compared to NCC"s 27.   
North Central led by 11 at the half as Kevin Gillespie drained a 3 pointer as the shot clock expired with 6 seconds left. The Cards came out still hot and rather quickly built their lead to 19 with 16:46 remaining in the game. The Thunder then began a nice comeback over the course of the next approximately 12 minutes knocking the 19 point deficit down to 5 with 4:37 left. Chief architect of the comeback was Andrew Jahns who hit caught fire from 3 point land and threw a definite scare into the Cardinal fans.  Derek Raridon than scored the Cards next 6 points to push the lead back to 11, and the Cards hit 7 of 8 FTs, including 4 by Kevin Gillespie, down the stretch to seal the win.     
While Jahns hit on 6 of 11, including 4 of 7 on 3s, and totaled 22 points, the Cards effectively throttled the other 4 Thunder starters, forcing them into going a combined 9 for 37 for only a 24.3% success rate. Tyler Peters came off the bench for Wheaton to make all 3 of his shots, 2 of which came from beyond the arc. Despite Wheaton's Tim McCrary pulling down a game high 12 rebounds, the Cards also won the battle of the boards by a 35-30 margin.

One last thought on this game- it seems like the refs got very whistle-happy in the 2nd half of the game, with calls going both ways.  But just a lot of whistles.  Yes?  No? 

[WheatonFanChris]

On the whistles in the NCC@Wheaton game, it seems that whenever these two teams play, for one reason or another, there are an absolutely ridiculous amount of foul calls, so i expected it, and it wasn't too crazy on Saturday i didn't think.

Sure NCC hit a couple crazy threes at buzzers, but what did the Thunder in was during their comeback when they missed 3 wide open layups in the span of about 5 possessions (Spencer, Haynes, and Demoss). If those had fallen, as they should have, it would have been a one point game and surely led to a different contest down the stretch.

As noted by Andone, it was what has become the norm for the Thunder. Andrew Jahns was terrific, and the rest were not so terrific. Tyler Peters would be the exception, but he as well as Jahns were hampered by foul trouble the entire game. I'd give Jahns serious consideration for a first team spot if there is room for another guard.

While McCrary won the rebounding battle in numbers over Gamble, the Cards big man got all of them at big moments. I remember a couple times when it looked clear that a Wheaton player (probably not McCrary) had the board, Gamble would just come take it basically out of their hands. He was way too much for Wheaton to handle. Far too strong.

When Wheaton was getting the lead down to low single digits, it was Brian Evans composure that really helped the Cardinals relax and run offense.

I'd love for any way to see the Cardinals in the tournament if the Thunder can get there. While they certainly are able, I don't think they would beat us again.

[AndOne]

Playing 5 freshmen and a sophomore transfer just back from the injured list among the 9 players who saw action for North Central in Wheaton last night, the predominately young Cardinals continued to fly among the CCIW league leaders following their 79-67 thumping of the Wheaton contingent. Their win completed a season sweep over the silenced Thunder.
The Cards were led by scintillating performances by freshman Landon Gamble and sophomore Derek Raridon who posted his best game of the year. Derek was the evening's point leader with 25 on 8/13 shooting, including 2/3 threes, and 7/9 from the line. He also pulled down 6 rebounds and dished out 3 assists. His off balance 3 pointer at 2:28 with the shot clock winding down was huge. Landon tallied 21 points on a brilliant 10 of 10 performance from the field. In a display of both power and finesse, he continually shredded the Thunder's interior "defense," using both his right and left hands, to complete his perfect evening. His perfection was largely responsible for the Cardinals whopping 36-16 advantage in points in the paint. Gamble's accuracy was the 2nd best single-game effort in North Central history, topped only by Anthony Simmons' magical 11 of 11 night, also against Wheaton, on 2/5/05.

This has to be one of the most sickeningly-sweet homer recaps of a game that I've ever read.  If they gave a pulitzer for D3Board entries, this would win.

CCIW--

You didn't make the connection between the Cardinals (birds  ) and their being able to fly among the conference leaders after being picked to finish no higher than 6th in the conference? I'm sorry.

Perhaps you would chose another word beside "scintillating" to describe a 10 for 10 shooting performance or something other than "magical" to describe Anthony Simmons' 11 for 11 game. I'm open to your suggestions, but the truth is the words I used present at least a fairly accurate description of the two accomplishments. And did the Cardinals not sweep the Wheatonites this season and, in so doing, "silence" the Thunder? 

As far as the Pulitzer, I DO appreciate your vote!

[AndOne]

Did I read this right: NCC is only 9-9, but 5-2 in CCIW play?  Who exactly are they playing outside of conference??

It's not a case of who NCC played in November and December. It's more a case of who NCC is. The Cardinals are an extremely young team, with freshmen accounting for five of the eight players in the regular rotation (Landon Gamble, Jack Burchett, C.J. Goldthree, Chris Smith, and Brad Hallstein). Teams that devote that many minutes to multiple freshmen typically lose a bunch of games to teams with less talent, particularly early in the season.

If they played those eleven non-conference games over again now, I'd wager that the Cards would do a heckuva lot better than 4-7.

Greg - Completely agree with you on this point about the Cards.  It is just very tough to judge a team loaded with underclassmen in early season schedule whether non-conference or conference.  Such is the case with this Cards team.  What we do know is Coach Raridon has demonstrated the ability to put young teams together and make them into contenders.  I expect them to cause some trouble for the other teams in the conference the rest of way out.

What struck me the most about seeing NCC in person was how tall they were- they seem like a long team.  In looking at their roster, they have 5 guys over the height of 6'6".  Anyone have stats on notable "tall" teams from previous CCIW years?  I feel like that many tall guys on a CCIW roster is pretty rare, and impressive. 

CCIW---

I'm surprised that you evidently haven't heard of the mighty Augustana Vikings. The CCIW leaders who are 19-0 and currently ranked number 3 in the nation, and who feature a roster that contains not just 5, but EIGHT players who stand 6'6" or taller. Now THATS impressive!

[CCIWchamps]

On the whistles in the NCC@Wheaton game, it seems that whenever these two teams play, for one reason or another, there are an absolutely ridiculous amount of foul calls, so i expected it, and it wasn't too crazy on Saturday i didn't think.

Sure NCC hit a couple crazy threes at buzzers, but what did the Thunder in was during their comeback when they missed 3 wide open layups in the span of about 5 possessions (Spencer, Haynes, and Demoss). If those had fallen, as they should have, it would have been a one point game and surely led to a different contest down the stretch.

As noted by Andone, it was what has become the norm for the Thunder. Andrew Jahns was terrific, and the rest were not so terrific. Tyler Peters would be the exception, but he as well as Jahns were hampered by foul trouble the entire game. I'd give Jahns serious consideration for a first team spot if there is room for another guard.

While McCrary won the rebounding battle in numbers over Gamble, the Cards big man got all of them at big moments. I remember a couple times when it looked clear that a Wheaton player (probably not McCrary) had the board, Gamble would just come take it basically out of their hands. He was way too much for Wheaton to handle. Far too strong.

When Wheaton was getting the lead down to low single digits, it was Brian Evans composure that really helped the Cardinals relax and run offense.

I'd love for any way to see the Cardinals in the tournament if the Thunder can get there. While they certainly are able, I don't think they would beat us again.

Good point about the layups.  Two of those were on consecutive possessions.  Those are rally killers.

And yes, Jahns has really been playing well.  I keep thinking of when these guys played the 2008-2009 season and made a good run, and how much they are benefiting from that experience as underclassmen now that they are the leaders of the team.  Jahns has no fear in the 2nd half and really carries himself well.  It's too bad he can't transfer that to the other guys.

Speaking of being unable to transfer passion to other guys, as mentioned before, I'm curious what Schauer is going to do to these guys.  He looked ready to explode on Saturday.   

[CCIWchamps]

Playing 5 freshmen and a sophomore transfer just back from the injured list among the 9 players who saw action for North Central in Wheaton last night, the predominately young Cardinals continued to fly among the CCIW league leaders following their 79-67 thumping of the Wheaton contingent. Their win completed a season sweep over the silenced Thunder.
The Cards were led by scintillating performances by freshman Landon Gamble and sophomore Derek Raridon who posted his best game of the year. Derek was the evening's point leader with 25 on 8/13 shooting, including 2/3 threes, and 7/9 from the line. He also pulled down 6 rebounds and dished out 3 assists. His off balance 3 pointer at 2:28 with the shot clock winding down was huge. Landon tallied 21 points on a brilliant 10 of 10 performance from the field. In a display of both power and finesse, he continually shredded the Thunder's interior "defense," using both his right and left hands, to complete his perfect evening. His perfection was largely responsible for the Cardinals whopping 36-16 advantage in points in the paint. Gamble's accuracy was the 2nd best single-game effort in North Central history, topped only by Anthony Simmons' magical 11 of 11 night, also against Wheaton, on 2/5/05.

This has to be one of the most sickeningly-sweet homer recaps of a game that I've ever read.  If they gave a pulitzer for D3Board entries, this would win.

CCIW--

You didn't make the connection between the Cardinals (birds  ) and their being able to fly among the conference leaders after being picked to finish no higher than 6th in the conference? I'm sorry.

Perhaps you would chose another word beside "scintillating" to describe a 10 for 10 shooting performance or something other than "magical" to describe Anthony Simmons' 11 for 11 game. I'm open to your suggestions, but the truth is the words I used present at least a fairly accurate description of the two accomplishments. And did the Cardinals not sweep the Wheatonites this season and, in so doing, "silence" the Thunder?  

As far as the Pulitzer, I DO appreciate your vote!

True, I did not make the connection about Cardinals and flying.  And the content was accurate.  And many of your metaphors and analogies make sense.  Just put them all together, add in a dose of frustration (from my perspective) and the fact that the game appeared very mundane... and well, you see where I'm coming from.  

Interestingly, here is the ESPN write up from the Lakers' games in November.  Two recent nights where players when perfect from the field.   Here is the mention in those games:  

"Kobe Bryant had 23 points and eight rebounds, and Matt Barnes scored 24 on 7-of-7 shooting to lead the Lakers to a 112-95 victory over the Timberwolves on Friday night....  Bryant grabbed all the highlights, but it was Barnes' shot-making that made the difference. He scored the last 10 points of the third for the Lakers, hitting three 3-pointers and turning one into a four-point play to keep the Wolves from creeping back into it."

"Gasol scored 28 points without missing a shot, Kobe Bryant added 20 points and the Lakers took a 30-point lead in the first half of their fourth straight victory, 117-89 over the Golden State Warriors....  Gasol went 10 for 10 from the field, 8 for 8 from the free-throw line, and had nine rebounds and five assists. Until Gasol shredded Golden State's shoddy interior defense, Barkley and Barnes were the only players ever to produce games of at least 20 points, five rebounds and five assists without missing on at least five shots from the field and the line."

ESPN stayed pretty neutral on both recaps.  That's why I chalked it up to home-town passion, which is totally justifiable.  And again, my home-town passion is what led me to looking up ESPN articles to make a point  

The bottom line is NCC put themselves in a great spot for many reasons following this win.  Wheaton needs to step up and control the real estate in the lane to prevent any future "fantastic" shooting nights from the NCC program.  And winners write the history books. 

[CCIWchamps]

Did I read this right: NCC is only 9-9, but 5-2 in CCIW play?  Who exactly are they playing outside of conference??

It's not a case of who NCC played in November and December. It's more a case of who NCC is. The Cardinals are an extremely young team, with freshmen accounting for five of the eight players in the regular rotation (Landon Gamble, Jack Burchett, C.J. Goldthree, Chris Smith, and Brad Hallstein). Teams that devote that many minutes to multiple freshmen typically lose a bunch of games to teams with less talent, particularly early in the season.

If they played those eleven non-conference games over again now, I'd wager that the Cards would do a heckuva lot better than 4-7.

Greg - Completely agree with you on this point about the Cards.  It is just very tough to judge a team loaded with underclassmen in early season schedule whether non-conference or conference.  Such is the case with this Cards team.  What we do know is Coach Raridon has demonstrated the ability to put young teams together and make them into contenders.  I expect them to cause some trouble for the other teams in the conference the rest of way out.

What struck me the most about seeing NCC in person was how tall they were- they seem like a long team.  In looking at their roster, they have 5 guys over the height of 6'6".  Anyone have stats on notable "tall" teams from previous CCIW years?  I feel like that many tall guys on a CCIW roster is pretty rare, and impressive. 

CCIW---

I'm surprised that you evidently haven't heard of the mighty Augustana Vikings. The CCIW leaders who are 19-0 and currently ranked number 3 in the nation, and who feature a roster that contains not just 5, but EIGHT players who stand 6'6" or taller. Now THATS impressive!

Yikes!  Where do they grow these kids?

[sac]

Yikes!  Where do they grow these kids?

Take 3 parts water, and 1 part corn from Manito

[AndOne]

On the whistles in the NCC@Wheaton game, it seems that whenever these two teams play, for one reason or another, there are an absolutely ridiculous amount of foul calls, so i expected it, and it wasn't too crazy on Saturday i didn't think.

Sure NCC hit a couple crazy threes at buzzers, but what did the Thunder in was during their comeback when they missed 3 wide open layups in the span of about 5 possessions (Spencer, Haynes, and Demoss). If those had fallen, as they should have, it would have been a one point game and surely led to a different contest down the stretch.

As noted by Andone, it was what has become the norm for the Thunder. Andrew Jahns was terrific, and the rest were not so terrific. Tyler Peters would be the exception, but he as well as Jahns were hampered by foul trouble the entire game. I'd give Jahns serious consideration for a first team spot if there is room for another guard.

While McCrary won the rebounding battle in numbers over Gamble, the Cards big man got all of them at big moments. I remember a couple times when it looked clear that a Wheaton player (probably not McCrary) had the board, Gamble would just come take it basically out of their hands. He was way too much for Wheaton to handle. Far too strong.

When Wheaton was getting the lead down to low single digits, it was Brian Evans composure that really helped the Cardinals relax and run offense.

I'd love for any way to see the Cardinals in the tournament if the Thunder can get there. While they certainly are able, I don't think they would beat us again.

Chris---

I think you'll see Andrew be elected to the all conference team, but I doubt it will be as a member of the 1st team.
In light of the fact NCC has beaten WC both at home and away, what makes you think Wheaton would win if they played again? I will give you the fact that it is difficult to beat the same team 3 times in a given season unless there is a huge disparity in the level of talent between the 2 teams. 

[Pat Coleman]

Yikes!  Where do they grow these kids?

Take 3 parts water, and 1 part corn from Manito

+1

[cardinalpride]

Congrats to NCC's Landon Gamble on his first CCIW honor:

http://www.cciw.org/index.aspx?path=mbball&tab=basketball(m)

[AndOne]

Congrats to NCC's Landon Gamble on his first CCIW honor:

http://www.cciw.org/index.aspx?path=mbball&tab=basketball(m)

Very well deserved. Added congrats to Landon.
Gamble is the 2nd NCC freshman to win player of the week honors so far this season with CJ Goldthree winning for the week of 12/20.
Senior citizen Brian Evans has also been a weekly winner this year.

[AndOne]

Based on the forecast, things don't look good for either Bloomington or Naperville Wed. Won't be too surprised if the IWU @ NCC is postponed.
Wesleyan is supposed to play at EC on Fri so perhaps it will turn into a 2 day trip for the Titans with them playing in Naperville on Thurs night and in Elmhurst on Fri night.