MBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[SevenTen]

A great game and atmosphere last night.  The game's most critical time came midway through the first half.  Gamble had been sitting for 8 or 9 minutes already and Raridon went to the bench as well with two fouls (though mainly for rest at that point).  The score was 22-21 Wesleyan and NCC took a time out with 9:07 on the clock.  Out of the timeout, the line-up on the floor consisted of Brandon Williams, Jack Merrithey, Jack Burchett, Vince Kmiec, and Aaron Tiknis. 

At the time, I mentioned to my friends, "I don't think these five have ever played together this year..." It really felt like Coach Raridon was trying to steal about 3 or 4 minutes with offensive threats Gamble, Raridon, and Rosenberg on the bench and I think if he could have gotten to the four minute mark with the score still within a possession or two, he would have been happy.

Instead "Little" Jack hit a quick 3, Vince had a huge steal out front for an easy lay in.  A couple of quick empty possessions followed for both teams before Zimenik was blocked by Tiknis which led to a run out and another 3 by Merrithey.  The patched together line up had went on an 8-0 run in less than a minute of time and save for having to stave off a Victor Davis comeback in the second half, NCC was pretty comfortable for most of the rest of the way.

A huge minute in the game for a "unique" combo of players.

6:30 PM CST Friday in Salem.  Good luck Cardinals!

[Naperick]

Great game and a great atmosphere last night!  The long range shooting for the Cardinals in the 1st half was the difference.  The Titans made a few strong pushes in the 2nd half but NCC always seemed to get a big basket when they needed it.  The CCIW deserves two teams in Salem but it's just not meant to be.  Congrats to IWU on a great season!  Best wishes to the Cardinals in Salem and hopefully Atlanta!

[ICUI4CU]

I was at the game last night and loved the atmosphere! There was great support from each team and im sure it was much appreciated.

Now, in terms of what I believe Wesleyan needs to improve on in recruiting for next years team would be finding a guard or two that can play compete with Overstreet and Sodermann. These two can both shoot but can't finish around the rim. Last night Wesleyan was kept in the game by their bigs play and lost the game because of the lack of scoring from the guards. 

Congrats to NCC on moving on and I believe they are the favorites to run the table. Represent CCIW!!

[AndOne]

A great atmosphere at North Central tonight - that really had the feel of a big-time ballgame.  I was really glad I made the trip even though the game didn't turn out well for my Titans.

I thought NCC did a great job hosting the game - everything seemed to run smoothly.

I am certainly a bit biased, but I must second this comment. While some visitors were no doubt at least a bit upset with NCC adhering to the NCAA's rules concerning a two thirds/one third split of seats, NCC AD Jim Miller and his helpers did everything possible to insure as smooth and enjoyable experience as possible. Extra bleacher  sections were added, including one for IWU fans at the east end, and 3 rows of chairs were added in front of the bleachers. Additionally, some extra seats were apportioned to IWU fans in the balcony which wound up with about a 55/45 split rather than the NCAA two thirds/one third guideline.   

[AndOne]

TitansIWU
iwu70
Titan Q
Mr. Ypsi

On behalf of the North Central Cardinals, many thanks to you guys for your gracious comments about the Cardinals win last night, and also for your best wishes for success in Salem/Atlanta.
The Cards will endeavor to represent the CCIW well.

[diehardfan]

My spellcheck apparently tried to correct "Prikkel" for me. No one has ever been able to correct the Man of a Thousand Chins

The manager at the Foster Avenue McDonald's still wants to know what happened to my brother. 

This coming from a man who has more chins than a Chinese phone book.

Phone book?!   Wow---you guys are old.

So funny! But true I guess 

Good to see joehakes on the boards!

Congrats to Wheaton and IWU on great seasons, and to Coach Schauer for the Midwest region COY award. 

Are there going to be a lot of NCCers traveling to Salem?

[markerickson]

Kudos to the Elmhurst wrestling team for its second place finish at nationals and to their two wrestlers who won national championships!

[markerickson]

Oops.  Congrats also to Elmhurst's wrestling coach, Steve Marianetti (former U of I national champ) for being named Coach of the Year.

[D-3 watcher]

Good win NCC.
If there was any questions who the better team was, it was clear Sat. night.  It was also clear why D. Raridon was chosen the POY in the CCIW.
Jack Burchett is and has been lately a great weapon off the bench, he will be a problem to all the teams, that NCC faces.

And One, you know how to reach me, if you or any other posters need a room, I have some. They are in downtown Salem. When it was just 4 teams, the teams stayed downtown, I don't know if that's the case now that there  are 8.
There are some good restaurants and bars within walking distance.
I don't really need the rooms now, so if some NCC fans need them, I'd like to help.

But that's all I can do. And even though, I can't say or find anything wrong about any of the NCC players, I can't bring myself to root for you. I won't be rooting against the boys, I will stay neutral.
The main reason, really the only reason is, IWU and NCC recruits against each other. As do most of the CCIW schools.
Sorry, just being honest.

[D-3 watcher]

One more thing, the hanger looked good filled to the brim

[havej]

D-3 Watcher

Watched the whole game on NCTV and really didn't see significant impact from the POY.  He hit a couple of shots in the flow of their offense which got him some good looks, and he made a few nice entries to Gamble for layups. 

Dortch had his way with him on the defensive end and at one point the broadcaster said he "looked silly" trying to guard him.  Wouldn't have reached double figures if not for 4 free throws drawn by "flailing" on some contact.

Maybe I missed something by not being in attendance.

Burchett was the difference with his scoring inside on only 10 FGAs.

[Mr. Ypsi]

Would have to agree with havej: Raridon (and Gamble) showed just enough to remind one that they are NOT overrated, but Burchett and Rourke were the one's that killed us (that, and Kmiec's FIVE steals).

[Kovo]

Good win NCC.
If there was any questions who the better team was, it was clear Sat. night.  It was also clear why D. Raridon was chosen the POY in the CCIW.
Jack Burchett is and has been lately a great weapon off the bench, he will be a problem to all the teams, that NCC faces.

And One, you know how to reach me, if you or any other posters need a room, I have some. They are in downtown Salem. When it was just 4 teams, the teams stayed downtown, I don't know if that's the case now that there  are 8.
There are some good restaurants and bars within walking distance.
I don't really need the rooms now, so if some NCC fans need them, I'd like to help.

But that's all I can do. And even though, I can't say or find anything wrong about any of the NCC players, I can't bring myself to root for you. I won't be rooting against the boys, I will stay neutral.
The main reason, really the only reason is, IWU and NCC recruits against each other. As do most of the CCIW schools.
Sorry, just being honest.

I appreciate the honesty, D3, as I would never root for the Titans.  With that said, I would love this to turn into a great rivalry for many years.  However, (if the broadcaster was correct) IWU now holds a 105-40 advantage in all time basketball games played.  While I can characterize that spread as many things----a rivalry isn't one of them.

[Naperick]

I want to bring this up even though it was not a surprise.  Great sportsmanship displayed by both teams after the game Saturday night.  It was nice to see. 

[Mr. Ypsi]

I will have no trouble whatsoever rooting for NCC, for two reasons:

1.  I always root for the team which knocked us out of the tournament - the farther they go, the better we look.   (Heck, if NCC brings home the 'big doorstop', we can fancy ourselves the #2 team in d3! )

2.  I always root for CCIW teams against 'infidels'!  (It wasn't always thus; I guess I've mellowed with the passage of time since student days.  It really surprised me how pleased I was when Millikin won the women's title a few years ago; back in the day I HATED Millikin!)