MBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[AndOne]

Whoa! Hold on a minute there fellas.
Last year the Illinois Wesleyan Titans went 23-6 overall, 13-1 in conference, and finished ranked #9 in the nation.
This year, after losing only 1 starter and adding a DI transfer, they have reached even greater heights and have evolved into The World's Best DIII Team Ever Assembled (to again borrow from Mr. Sager), and currently sit at #3 nationally with a 9-1 record. 

Accordingly, how can a prediction of anything less than last season's 13-1 conference record be made? 
Shouldn't we be seeing a prediction of 14-0 in conference? What's this 11-3 or 10-4 nonsense?       

Anything positive to contribute at any point, Mark?

Well, I'd say pointing out a 9-1 record, and a national #3 ranking is pretty positive. Wouldn't you? 
Other than that, no. 

[AndOne]

AndOne: It appears you may be turning green with envy and I know you would hate that. Or maybe a better color would be red for angry. I don't recall very many non-NCC supporters on this site bashing your very talented and well-coached NCC powerhouse last year. Happy New Year, and I emphasize happy!

Sorry, veterancciwfan, but all the green blood in my family belongs to my 100% Irish much better half.   

I suggest you might want to look up the meaning of "bashing." Pointing out IWU is improved over last year, and is playing very well with a 9-1 record and a national #3 ranking is not exactly what most people would consider "bashing."

In fact, it was just somewhat surprising to me that any Wesleyan fan would predict that this season's conference record might not be as good as last year's given the roll the Green Team seems to be on.

And, since you brought it up, as a self described veteran CCIW fan, how do you think the Titans will do in conference this year?

[NCF]

Whoa! Hold on a minute there fellas.
Last year the Illinois Wesleyan Titans went 23-6 overall, 13-1 in conference, and finished ranked #9 in the nation.
This year, after losing only 1 starter and adding a DI transfer, they have reached even greater heights and have evolved into The World's Best DIII Team Ever Assembled (to again borrow from Mr. Sager), and currently sit at #3 nationally with a 9-1 record. 

Accordingly, how can a prediction of anything less than last season's 13-1 conference record be made? 
Shouldn't we be seeing a prediction of 14-0 in conference? What's this 11-3 or 10-4 nonsense?       

Anything positive to contribute at any point, Mark?

Well, I'd say pointing out a 9-1 record, and a national #3 ranking is pretty positive. Wouldn't you? 
Other than that, no. 

I thought your original comments were rather tongue-in-cheek and somewhat humorous but this one is even better. Ah, AndOne, making friends everywhere you go

Happy New Year to the all the CCIW posters!! The fun part of the basketball season is around the corner!! Looking forward to seeing some games in the new and improved Merner starting with North Park next Saturday!!

[Titan Q]

For anyone who wants to get a look at #1 UW-Stevens Point...

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/ncaa-division-iii-basketball-channel-1

vs Whitworth at 4:00pm (Central).

[Titan Q]

Millikin 68
UW-Stout 56

(at Daytona, FL)

http://athletics.millikin.edu/news/2013/12/28/MBB_1228133341.aspx

UW-Stout was 7-2 with a win over UW-Whitewater coming into this game...and picked 4th in the WIAC.

Really good win for the Big Blue.

[Mr. Ypsi]

AndOne, AndOne, my friend, come to your senses dear boy.  Be realistic about how tough the CCIW is, even for the superteam, IWU.  Of course, we'll gladly take 12-2, 13-1, even more gladly take 14-0 -- though that hasn't happened for anyone for 4+ decades, and not for IWU since my days as a student -- yes, that's my dear 1970 team, my graduating class, undefeated in CCIW play.  IWU, no doubt, is strong, but even I don't have such deeply green glasses as that.  If we get to 13-1 or 14-0, I shall be coming to you, thanking you for your smart prediction and glorious support for my Titans.  (Probably only Ypsi would predict 14-0).   

AndOne, lay of the bubbly, OK?

IWU'70

WHOA, Mark - Mr. Ypsi's days of 'irrational exuberance' are long gone!  In 2012 they made the FF; I doubted they would even make the tourney, then thought they were dead meat in round two.  It was only after I personally saw them down #1 Hope (IN Holland) that I dared even dream the of FF or beyond.

Though I admit some old urges are re-surfacing this year.  It is only past errors and CCIW history (and that inexplicable loss to Loras) that are keeping me grounded!  Otherwise, looking at their roster DOES conjure up some 'impure' thoughts of 13-1 or even 14-0, but there is NO WAY anyone will get me to predict that!   (And AndOne, even I knew they went 13-0 only because NCC was sorely impaired in their first meeting; I would have been shocked if they had completed a 14-0 season (or won the conference tourney) - a healthy NCC was clearly the class of the conference last season.

[Hardwood]

Augie beats UW Lacrosse tonight 71-58

[iwu70]

AndOne, I'd love to see my Titans go 14-0 in CCIW play this year, just think that rather unlikely given history and the high level of the conference competition this year and most years.  To get tough wins on the road at AC, WC or NCC, well, that's asking alot.   I'd think 12-2 would win the conference for IWU or about anyone this year.  We'll see soon enough.

Some good wins for the CCIW tonight -- AC and MU wins. 

IWU women got a good one in OT in Texas too -- over Howard Payne, a pretty good team.  They play Trinity of Texas next, an even better team.  Lexi Baltes had the first triple double in IWU women's program history = 14 pts., 16 REBs, and 13 assists.  Now that is excellent PG play.  Shelby Jackson 24 and 9. 

Happy New Year to all -- the bubbly looks slightly green to me!

IWU70

[Viking Mike]

FINAL:  Augie 71  UW-Lacrosse 58............... Keep it rolling Vikings

Another WIAC school tomorrow in Osh-Kosh!

[veterancciwfan]

After looking at Augie's website summary of the LaCross game and the box, several observations: I don't how good or bad or average LaCross is, but Augie is a very good team. They shot 50% from the field and held LaCross to only 40%. The game was never in doubt as the Vikings bolted to 8-0 lead and led 35-21 at half. Augie had 10 players who had at least 10 minutes, typical for a Grey Giovanine team. Defense and rebounding (Augie won the RB battle 34-24) propelled them. Augie held UWL to 8 1st half FGs. This team is a better shooting team than in the recent past as they shot .667 (10/15) from the field in the 2nd half. As a generalization, in many Augie games in the past 5-6 years, they struggled to score points and often scored in the 60s, especially on the road (just from my memory, which isn't what it used to be). But the13/14 version Vikings have put up very solid FG stats to compliment their always exceptional defensive efforts ( last year's dominance of IWU in the CCIW tournament at Shirk as an example). Ryan led Augie with 13 points and 8 RBs. He's a great talent and he will only get better. Those Washington b'ball players can be very special. Maybe the Jan. 8 IWU game at Rock Island will draw 2000 or more (a Wed. game-probably not).

[Titan Q]

After looking at Augie's website summary of the LaCross game and the box, several observations: I don't how good or bad or average LaCross is, but Augie is a very good team. They shot 50% from the field and held LaCross to only 40%. The game was never in doubt as the Vikings bolted to 8-0 lead and led 35-21 at half. Augie had 10 players who had at least 10 minutes, typical for a Grey Giovanine team. Defense and rebounding (Augie won the RB battle 34-24) propelled them. Augie held UWL to 8 1st half FGs. This team is a better shooting team than in the recent past as they shot .667 (10/15) from the field in the 2nd half. As a generalization, in many Augie games in the past 5-6 years, they struggled to score points and often scored in the 60s, especially on the road (just from my memory, which isn't what it used to be). But the13/14 version Vikings have put up very solid FG stats to compliment their always exceptional defensive efforts ( last year's dominance of IWU in the CCIW tournament at Shirk as an example). Ryan led Augie with 13 points and 8 RBs. He's a great talent and he will only get better. Those Washington b'ball players can be very special. Maybe the Jan. 8 IWU game at Rock Island will draw 2000 or more (a Wed. game-probably not).

It seems like the big development for Augustana so far this season is how well starting PG Hunter Hill and reserve SG Mark Roth are shooting it from 3:

- Hill: 13-25 (.520)
- Roth: 20-35 (.570)

Hill is actually leading the Vikings in scoring and is really having a great year - 11.4 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2.2 apg, .565 FG, .520 3-point, .886 FT.

The last couple years it seems like Augie has been short a couple perimeter shooters.  That isn't the case this year...and it makes the Vikings an extremely difficult team to defend because of how good they are at the 3/4/5 spots.  6-8/282 center Kevin Schlitter (9.2 ppg, 6.8 rpg, .554 FG) is a big presence who has to be accounted for.  6-5 PF Ben Ryan (10.0 ppg 5.6 rpg, .582 FG), the D3hoops.com national Rookie of the Year in 2012-13, is just really effective around the basket with both hands and is hard to defend one-on-one.  And 6-6 SF Tayvian Johnson (10.5 ppg, 4.8 rpg, .556 FG), who was incredibly raw last year as a FR, is becoming a player - he brings incredible athleticism to the floor.

On paper, I give IWU an edge over Augie over the course of 14 CCIW games...but it is not a big edge.  I like IWU's starting lineup just a little more, and I also like IWU's bench just a little more.  The matchups between these two teams are really very close:

Starters
PG - Dylan Overstreet, 6-3 Jr (9.6 ppg, 3.0 ppg, 4.3 apg)  vs  Hunter Hill, 5-9 So (11.4 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2.2 apg)
SG - Pat Sodemann, 6-3 Jr (10.5 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 1.6 apg)  vs  Danielius Jurgutis, 6-0 Jr (9.8 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 1.1 apg)
SF - Andrew Ziemnik, 6-5 Sr (13.5 ppg, 6.4 rpg)  vs  Tayvian Johnson, 6-6 So (10.5 ppg, 4.8 rpg)
PF - Victor Davis, 6-5 Sr (12.3 ppg, 6.4 rpg)  vs  Ben Ryan, 6-5 So (10.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg)
C - Nick Anderson, 6-10 Sr (7.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg)  vs  Kevin Schlitter, 6-8 Sr (9.2 ppg, 6.8 rpg)

Bench
(SG) Jordan Nelson, 6-1 Jr (8.6 ppg)  vs  (SG) Mark Roth, 6-1 Jr (8.2 ppg)
(F) Mike Mayberger, 6-6 Sr (8.3 ppg)  vs  (F) Nic Hoepfner, 6-6 Jr (7.5 ppg, 4.2 rpg)
(G) Bryce Dolan, 6-0 So (7.0 ppg)  vs  (G) Griffin Pils, 6-4 So (3.3 ppg)
(G) Brady Zimmer, 6-4 Sr (3.3 ppg)  vs  (G) Jawan Straughter, 6-1 So (2.9 ppg)
(F) Eric Dortch, 6-4 Sr (4.5 ppg, 3.9 rpg)  vs  (F) Brandon Motzel, 6-7 So (1.6 ppg, 3.1 rpg)


Augie is bigger than IWU in the low post over the course of 40 minutes - the Vikings bring 6-6 Nic Hoepfer and 6-7 Brandon Motzel off the bench.  IWU really only brings perimeter players off the bench right now (sliding Ziemnik to the 4 and Davis to the 5 for stretches) -- Eric Dortch plays the 4, but isn't really a true 4.  If IWU gets 6-8 C Mike Marietti into the rotation it would change things quite a bit.

Looking forward to the IWU/Augie games.  I think the home team will be favored in these matchups.

[madzillagd]

6-5 PF Ben Ryan (10.0 ppg 5.6 rpg, .582 FG), the D3hoops.com national Rookie of the Year in 2013-14, is just really effective around the basket with both hands and is hard to defend one-on-one. 

Trying to pull off the ultra-rare Back to Back Rookie of the Year awards? 

[AppletonRocks]

After looking at Augie's website summary of the LaCross game and the box, several observations: I don't how good or bad or average LaCross is, but Augie is a very good team. They shot 50% from the field and held LaCross to only 40%. The game was never in doubt as the Vikings bolted to 8-0 lead and led 35-21 at half. Augie had 10 players who had at least 10 minutes, typical for a Grey Giovanine team. Defense and rebounding (Augie won the RB battle 34-24) propelled them. Augie held UWL to 8 1st half FGs. This team is a better shooting team than in the recent past as they shot .667 (10/15) from the field in the 2nd half. As a generalization, in many Augie games in the past 5-6 years, they struggled to score points and often scored in the 60s, especially on the road (just from my memory, which isn't what it used to be). But the13/14 version Vikings have put up very solid FG stats to compliment their always exceptional defensive efforts ( last year's dominance of IWU in the CCIW tournament at Shirk as an example). Ryan led Augie with 13 points and 8 RBs. He's a great talent and he will only get better. Those Washington b'ball players can be very special. Maybe the Jan. 8 IWU game at Rock Island will draw 2000 or more (a Wed. game-probably not).

I wouldn't get too excited, LaCrosse is reeling from the loss of their point guard (Coenen) who had season ending ACL surgery on Friday.  Sot of like the Lions fans excitement beating the Packers without Aaron Rodgers.

[Titan Q]

FINAL:  Augie 71  UW-Lacrosse 58............... Keep it rolling Vikings

Another WIAC school tomorrow in Osh-Kosh!

UW-Oshkosh is picked last in the WIAC.  Probably won't be much of a game.

[Titan Q]

In fact, it was just somewhat surprising to me that any Wesleyan fan would predict that this season's conference record might not be as good as last year's given the roll the Green Team seems to be on.

Important to recognize the obvious though, which is that 2013 and 2014 are different seasons, with different teams.  Last year the league finished:

1. IWU 13-1
2. North Central, 11-3
3. Wheaton, 10-4
4. Augustana, 8-6
5. Carthage, 7-7
6. Millikin, 4-10
7. Elmhurst, 2-12
8. North Park, 1-13

The CCIW was strong at the top, with NCC making the Final 4, IWU the Sweet 16, and Wheaton the 2nd round of the NCAA tournament.  Augustana was a solid #4.  But the bottom half of the league was very weak.  The top 4 went 30-2 against the bottom 4, with the only losses being Wheaton @ Carthage and North Central @ Carthage.

Heading into 2014 league play, the CCIW probably stacks up something like:

1. IWU
2. Augustana
3. Wheaton
4. North Central
5. Carthage
6. Elmhurst
7. Millikin
8. North Park

In addition to the top of the league being every bit as strong again, I believe spots 5-7 are a lot better and much more dangerous this year...making the CCIW, in general, a tougher league this season.

* Carthage is 7-4 with three wins over ranked teams - Wash U, Calvin, and Eastern Connecticut.  They just got Malcom Kelley back and 6-7 Mike Kastel has been a really nice addition.  The Red Men look to be significantly improved from last year.

* Elmhurst is 7-3, and while their D3 schedule has been weak, the Bluejays have a lot of talent (including a D2 transfer big man).  In the games I have watched, Elmhurst looks to be a lot better this year.

* Millikin is 6-4 and just knocked off UW-Stout, the team picked 4th in the WIAC, and with a win over UW-Whitewater.  Same players, one year older and more experienced - you'd expect the Big Blue to be improved.

These 3 teams are just my guesses for spots 5-7, but whatever teams end up filling those 5-7 spots, I believe collectively they will be much better than last year's 5-7 teams.

So I think when you start predicting how teams might finish, you have to look at current season (not the prior one).

Also regarding how IWU might finish, last year the Titans got through the games vs the other top 4 teams at 5-1 (just the OT loss @ North Central).  That was a pretty special accomplishment and one that doesn't happen often.  As a fan who has watched the CCIW a long time, it's just really hard to count on that happening again.