MBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[iwu70]

sac, may be so.  I've said for some weeks that 11-3 will likely do it.  Perhaps you are right at 10-4.

CC played well tonight, esp 1st half, overall shooting percentage.  Sure hope there was no racist heckling of anyone and I sure hope the CC authorities didn't let it pass.

Titans have to suck it up now and get on a good run of home games, including the re-matches with Augie and CC at The Shirk.  All the Titans need a greater sense of urgency and better sense of ball protection.  Good to see Zimmer back tonight and making a good contribution in very limited minutes.  Perhaps we'll see more of him in some situations. 

Loved Bosko's red pants.  He did a great job of coaching vs. my Titans. 

Still, lot of basketball to be played.

IWU70

[iwu70]

Malcom, the problem wasn't so much Bosko's red pants tonight, but that we couldn't slow you down!  Nice game.

Congrats to NPU on a CCIW win tonight too.

Looks to be a very crowded race for the CCIW championship now, clogged at 5-2 at the top.  Really a lost opportunity for the Titans tonight, with Augie losing.

IWU70

[Titan Q]

Augustana    5-2
Carthage      5-2
Ill. Wes.        5-2
Wheaton      5-2


Does 10-4 earn you a piece of the CCIW Championship?

I don't think so.  I'm pretty confident it will take 11-3.

[Titan Q]

Updated standings, through 1/25
Augustana, 5-2
Illinois Wesleyan, 5-2
Carthage, 5-2
Wheaton, 5-2
Elmhurst, 4-3
North Central, 2-5
Millikin, 1-6
North Park, 1-6


+/- standings, through 1/25
Illinois Wesleyan, +3
Carthage, +2
Augustana, +1
Wheaton, +1
Elmhurst, +0
Millikin, -2
North Central, -2
North Park, -3

+1 for road win, -1 for home loss

[Titan Q]

Second half schedules for the 5 conference tournament candidates...


* Augustana (5-2) - 3 home/4 road (vs NCC, vs Wheaton, @ IWU, @ Carthage, @ Millikin, vs Elmhurst, @ NPU)

* Illinois Wesleyan (5-2) - 5 home/2 road (vs Millikin, vs NPU, vs Augustana, vs Elmhurst, @ NCC, vs Carthage, @ Wheaton

* Carthage (5-2) - 4 home/3 road (vs NPU, @ NCC, @ Wheaton, vs Augustana, vs Elmhurst, @ IWU, vs Millikin

* Wheaton (5-2) - 3 home/4 road (@ Elmhurst, @ Augustana, vs Carthage, vs Millikin, @ NPU, @ NCC, vs IWU)

* Elmhurst (4-3) - 3 home/4 road (vs Wheaton, @ Millikin, vs NPU, @ IWU, @ Carthage, @ Augustana, vs NCC)

[AppletonRocks]

Augustana    5-2
Carthage      5-2
Ill. Wes.        5-2
Wheaton      5-2


Does 10-4 earn you a piece of the CCIW Championship?

In case of a tie, does alphabetical order have any standings impact in the CCIW?  Is that why Aurora wants in?

[A Lover of the Game]

Basketball aside; I most say that I have never been more offended at a basketball game then I was tonight. I was even more offended by Carthage's Assistant A.D. Several students, in the student section that I was sitting next to, made offensive and borderline racist chants at Victor Davis. When it was brought the Assistant A.D's attention he looked me in my face and laughed while saying he didn't hear it because he was on the other end of the gym. Then he asked me if I was a parent of one of IWU's players. What relevance does that have? An apology on behalf of the students and school would have been appreciated. There's nothing wrong with student fans heckling the other team, but they crossed the line.

What did they say and where were you sitting?  That upsets me.  Every basketball player should bring the energy Victor Davis brings to the game.  Besides, he ticked off Coach G in Augie land.  That makes him a legend in my camp.

I replied to you via private message.

IWU70, unfortunately the remarks were offensive. I am a coach. If a fan brought something like this to my attention, I would apologize on behalf of the students and the school; I certainly wouldn’t laugh.  Another spectator, who couldn't hear what the students were chanting, said she felt it was offensive and that she saw the Ass. AD laugh while talking to me.

[mwunder]

Basketball aside; I most say that I have never been more offended at a basketball game then I was tonight. I was even more offended by Carthage's Assistant A.D. Several students, in the student section that I was sitting next to, made offensive and borderline racist chants at Victor Davis. When it was brought the Assistant A.D's attention he looked me in my face and laughed while saying he didn't hear it because he was on the other end of the gym. Then he asked me if I was a parent of one of IWU's players. What relevance does that have? An apology on behalf of the students and school would have been appreciated. There's nothing wrong with student fans heckling the other team, but they crossed the line.

What did they say and where were you sitting?  That upsets me.  Every basketball player should bring the energy Victor Davis brings to the game.  Besides, he ticked off Coach G in Augie land.  That makes him a legend in my camp.

I replied to you via private message.

IWU70, unfortunately the remarks were offensive. I am a coach. If a fan brought something like this to my attention, I would apologize on behalf of the students and the school; I certainly wouldn't laugh.  Another spectator, who couldn't hear what the students were chanting, said she felt it was offensive and that she saw the Ass. AD laugh while talking to me.

Robert Bonn   Director of Athletics   262-551-5931
Bosko Djurickovic   Head Men's Basketball Coach   262-551-6627


Those are the two numbers to call and lodge complaints with.  I sat on the opposite side of the gym and didn't hear any racisits chants, but I won't say that you didn't.  The point of my post is that instead of taking a nice victory away from the Carthage men's basketball team, you've decided to focus on something that had nothing to do with the game itself and what this board is supposed to be about.  He said, she said...

[A Lover of the Game]

Basketball aside; I most say that I have never been more offended at a basketball game then I was tonight. I was even more offended by Carthage's Assistant A.D. Several students, in the student section that I was sitting next to, made offensive and borderline racist chants at Victor Davis. When it was brought the Assistant A.D's attention he looked me in my face and laughed while saying he didn't hear it because he was on the other end of the gym. Then he asked me if I was a parent of one of IWU's players. What relevance does that have? An apology on behalf of the students and school would have been appreciated. There's nothing wrong with student fans heckling the other team, but they crossed the line.

What did they say and where were you sitting?  That upsets me.  Every basketball player should bring the energy Victor Davis brings to the game.  Besides, he ticked off Coach G in Augie land.  That makes him a legend in my camp.

I replied to you via private message.

IWU70, unfortunately the remarks were offensive. I am a coach. If a fan brought something like this to my attention, I would apologize on behalf of the students and the school; I certainly wouldn’t laugh.  Another spectator, who couldn't hear what the students were chanting, said she felt it was offensive and that she saw the Ass. AD laugh while talking to me.

Robert Bonn   Director of Athletics   262-551-5931
Bosko Djurickovic   Head Men's Basketball Coach   262-551-6627


Those are the two numbers to call and lodge complaints with.  I sat on the opposite side of the gym and didn't hear any racisits chants, but I won't say that you didn't.  The point of my post is that instead of taking a nice victory away from the Carthage men's basketball team, you've decided to focus on something that had nothing to do with the game itself and what this board is supposed to be about.  He said, she said...

Take note of my opening, it said basketball aside. I am not taking anything from Carthage. I think they did a good job.  Let’s be clear on that. I have read posts on this board regarding the atmosphere of games so I think my post is befitting. If you don't like it, ignore it. He said, she said refers to when the information is second hand. I heard it and was involved in the conversations; therefore, your statement does not apply. I will not entertain anymore post from you so there really is no need for you to reply.  Moving on…

[Iwufan]

Basketball aside; I most say that I have never been more offended at a basketball game then I was tonight. I was even more offended by Carthage's Assistant A.D. Several students, in the student section that I was sitting next to, made offensive and borderline racist chants at Victor Davis. When it was brought the Assistant A.D's attention he looked me in my face and laughed while saying he didn't hear it because he was on the other end of the gym. Then he asked me if I was a parent of one of IWU's players. What relevance does that have? An apology on behalf of the students and school would have been appreciated. There's nothing wrong with student fans heckling the other team, but they crossed the line.

What did they say and where were you sitting?  That upsets me.  Every basketball player should bring the energy Victor Davis brings to the game.  Besides, he ticked off Coach G in Augie land.  That makes him a legend in my camp.

I replied to you via private message.

IWU70, unfortunately the remarks were offensive. I am a coach. If a fan brought something like this to my attention, I would apologize on behalf of the students and the school; I certainly wouldn't laugh.  Another spectator, who couldn't hear what the students were chanting, said she felt it was offensive and that she saw the Ass. AD laugh while talking to me.

Robert Bonn   Director of Athletics   262-551-5931
Bosko Djurickovic   Head Men's Basketball Coach   262-551-6627


Those are the two numbers to call and lodge complaints with.  I sat on the opposite side of the gym and didn't hear any racisits chants, but I won't say that you didn't.  The point of my post is that instead of taking a nice victory away from the Carthage men's basketball team, you've decided to focus on something that had nothing to do with the game itself and what this board is supposed to be about.  He said, she said...

I don't think she is taking anything away from what a great game by Carthage and big win for them.  I think she is talking about something that is a lot bigger than the game on the court...the attitude that the Ass. AD took and I was there and saw her talking to him and his attitude was just smiling and to tell her that she is a parent...what difference does that make?  she felt the comments were very offensive and all he would have had to say was that he was sorry for anything that was said, she knew he could not punish anyone, but to smile and dismiss her was wrong.

and yes this is a basketball board and some of the items posted on here have nothing to do with basketball and to label her concerns as "he said, she said" and this is not the place....kinda hard to follow that logic when what she is talking about is why the country celebrates the life of Dr. Martin Luther King last Monday.

[Hoosier Titan]

mwunder,

Thank you for providing phone numbers for ALOTG and anyone else who witnessed the alleged behaviors. 

That said, she did not in any way detract from a great performance by the Carthage team.  And surely calling out poor sportsmanship is not out of place on this board.  Chanting or calling out things that could even be interpreted as racist goes way beyond poor sportsmanship, anyway.  The CCIW feels strongly enough about such behaviors to have a statement read at each game.

"he said, she said..."?  Please, just leave this.

[carthage guy]

Bob Bonn was out of town... it sounds as if some stuff went on that would normally not be allowed.  That is unfortunate because it was a great atmosphere and college basketball game...

Is malcom kelly going to be the MOP of the league with only playing second half of the season?  Only peters has numbers that would compare....
I dont see anyone else in the discussion really? thoughts?

[mwunder]

mwunder,

Thank you for providing phone numbers for ALOTG and anyone else who witnessed the alleged behaviors. 

That said, she did not in any way detract from a great performance by the Carthage team.  And surely calling out poor sportsmanship is not out of place on this board.  Chanting or calling out things that could even be interpreted as racist goes way beyond poor sportsmanship, anyway.  The CCIW feels strongly enough about such behaviors to have a statement read at each game.

"he said, she said..."?  Please, just leave this.

She made NO MENTION of the game played ON THE COURT.  Here was her contribution to the board regarding the game.  "That shoulder dip by Kelly was blatant and add in that push off a few minutes ago."  Thanks for that wonderful insight!

As for the "He said, she said."  She states in a post that, "Another spectator, who couldn't hear what the students were chanting, said she felt it was offensive and that she saw the Ass. AD laugh while talking to me. "  Once again, an incoherent post that seemingly contradicts itself.  So we're to believe that the person who couldn't hear felt that it was offensive even though she couldn't hear it?  I mean, come on....make sense anyway.

If the Assistant AD did indeed laugh at her for her objections, then shame on him and the kids who were chanting it.  You're right Hoosier Titan, the NCAA does promote good sportsmanship before all athletic events.  And, if indeed the allegations are true, certain members of the Carthage student section should have been escorted out of the game and possibly suspended for their actions.  I'm sure if certain members of this board actually follow through (instead of just posting behind a keyboard) with Robert Bonn and Bosko, that actions will be taken against the Assistant AD and possibly the students.


As for the game itself....
--IWU needs to defend better around the perimeter. 
--Andrew Ziemnik is a beast.  Love his game.  Does all the little things, some teachable and some not, that make him a complete DIII ball player. 
--IWU has a ton of depth.  When you can go 9 deep and not see a whole lot of drop-off in play, you're a lucky fan base. 
--I don't know why other teams can't stop the IWU in-bounds plays under the basket, but darn they are affective there.  They have always been able to get bunnies from there.  And, when they don't get a bunny, they get a wide open look at a 3 (which AZ buried) in the second half.
--There were a few possessions in the second half during the IWU run where AZ and Overstreet (I believe) had a very nice two-man, inside, outside, game going.  Tough to defend that.

--For Carthage, I think Marlon stepping up and getting 15 in the first half was key.  It's a lot easier to defend one scorer.  And Marlon made sure that Kelly wasn't the only IWU worry.
--Shooting 9 of 13 from behind the arc in the first half certainly helped.  See point 1 for IWU.

Very chippy ball game.  A number of times, Kelly and Soderman had stare downs.  Davis was chirping at Kelly after a foul in the lane in the second half as well.  To say both teams wanted this game, is an understatement.

Going by the TitanQ math however, all Carthage did was win a home game.  That's what you HAVE to do to be a contender in this league.

[Gregory Sager]

North Park 76
Millikin 72

Juwan Henry: 20 pts, 6 rebs, 4 stls, 5:5 a:to
Ryan Hyrn: 17 pts (5-7 trey)
Aaron Weaver: 10 pts, 9 rebs, 3 stls, 7:6 a:to
Nate Rummel: 6 rebs

Jacob Kueker: 20 pts (3-6 trey), 6:1 a:to
Elijah Kinmon: 18 pts
Deavis Johnson: 15 pts, 7 rebs, 3 blks
Tives Gardner: 7:2 a:to
Parker Day: 3 stls

Well, it took until the last Saturday of January, and it required surviving a blown 18-point lead, but the Vikings finally won a home game this season.

NPU was absolutely electric coming out of the gate. Millikin scored the game's first three points on a Tives Gardner trey, but the Vikings went on a 27-6 run over the next nine minutes that constituted the best basketball that they've played over the past three and a half years -- faint praise, I know, but certainly worth mentioning. At the heart of it all was Juwan Henry. Whether he was picking somebody's pocket and scoring an easy fast-break layup, or penetrating past four Millikin defenders -- yes, he actually did that -- to get to the hole for a bucket, he owned the game. But even when he was forced to sit for the rest of the half after eight minutes played with two fouls, the Vikings continued to maintain a big lead in his absence, in large part because Garrett Gatz, Ryan Hyrn, and Joe Biko kept knocking down treys. The Vikings went into the locker room up, 41-26.

It was too good to last, though. Millikin came roaring back with a 24-7 run to start the second stanza, and it was beginning to look like a reprise of Wednesday night's debacle at Wheaton. But the Vikings eventually righted the ship and never let MU get ahead by more than four points. Remarkably, over the final seven minutes of the game, the score was either tied or within one possession either way.

Although the Vikings shot poorly from the FT line as a whole, they made big ones down the stretch. Aaron Weaver hit a pair with 1:11 left to give NPU a one-point lead at 72-71, then stole the ball from Parker Day with :55 left. Deavis Johnson fouled Juwan Henry on a layup attempt with :25 left, and Henry made both FTs to extend the lead to 74-71. It seemed logical that Millikin would play for a last-shot trey attempt, but instead the Big Blue dumped it into the low post to Johnson. Joe Biko wisely wrapped up Johnson with :14 left on the game clock -- even though it was Biko's fifth foul, sending Johnson to the line for two free throws in a three-point game was the logical thing to do -- and Johnson missed the first and made the second. NPU ran a great inbounds play that resulted in a Weaver dunk at the buzzer that led to the students rushing the floor in jubilation and relief.

Millikin clearly missed T.J. Griffin tonight, but NPU was handicapped as well by the absence of Michael Hutchinson, who missed his third straight game due to a sprained ankle. Hutch is not the dynamic scorer that Griffin is, of course, but he's a solid and athletic defender down low, and once Deavis Johnson stopped sulking and started playing (0 points first half, 15 points second half), he was unstoppable. NPU simply doesn't have any other bigs who are capable of checking an athletic big man. Some unexpected people stepped up for both teams -- Jacob Kueker and Elijah Kinmon were very impressive for MU, and Ryan Hyrn, who has been practically invisible all season, was on fire from behind the arc for NPU.

As I told Matt Nadelhoffer after the game, I tip my cap to the Big Blue. They didn't have an ounce of quit in them, and I think that they really deserved to win the game. NPU's not giving it back, though. The Vikings did what they needed to do, and this emotional boost was sorely needed. Too many times this season they've given a good effort only to see it go unrewarded.

Speaking of Griffin, I am very impressed by Matt Nadelhoffer for holding him out for disciplinary reasons. Some coaches might be tempted to keep playing their best player for short-term gain, but I think that in the long run Nadelhoffer's insistence upon doing things his way will make them better players and better people. There's more to coaching than wins and losses, although I think that the wins will come for Millikin down the road. He coaches his team the right way.

The crackerbox was festooned with orange for Leukemia Awareness Night yesterday, and 2-year-old Zeke Dixon (whose dad attends North Park Theological Seminary), who suffers from that horrible disease, was the honorary captain for both the NPU women's and men's teams. A lot of students were wearing orange t-shirts or body paint. It's a little jarring to see so much orange in North Park's home gym, and I doubt that anyone is surprised that it's among my least-favorite colors, for obvious reasons. But they can paint the whole gym orange for all I care if it means that the Vikings end up on the fat end of the scoreboard every night.

[Gregory Sager]

At the point of freeze-up, Augie's Hunter Hill and Elmhurst's Pat Coleman(!) were the co-scoring leaders at 21 apiece - did that change?  (Amazing how Pat Coleman grew several inches, changed his race, and somehow got eligibility back!   Of course, several years ago EMU's best women's player was Ryan Coleman, who had to do all that AND change his gender!   Those Coleman boys are nothing if not competitive! )

You're a little late to the party on the Pat Coleman jokes, Chuck:

Sure enough, he took the ball down the floor himself -- but I think that everyone on the 'jays knew that he wasn't even going to think about giving it up to a teammate, so when Sanford and Pat "the Administrator" Coleman saw him coming down the lane in transition, they simply stuck out their arms and knocked the ball out of his hands.