MBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[Viking Mike]

I think CCIW 2nd team is just right for Hunter Hill.  Clearly the force that made Augie run this year, but hard to put him in front of the 5 that Titan Q has on the team.  I would prob put Tavian Johnson/Augie on the 3rd team, however, in place of Marlon Senior or IWU's Nelson.  Could go with any 2 of the 3 however.

Great game for Augie last night in Chicago. Solid defensive effort created a lot of offense for the Vikes.  Too bad Henry lost his cool and ended up getting ejected.  Seems frustration set in after a long season.  After losing their way for 4 games, it seems like the Vikings have found their mojo again.  Good to see Jurgutis back in the lineup as well after a 3 wk absence.

So now it all comes down to this.... With IWU already a lock for the NCAA's, any ideas on what has to happen for Augustana and Wheaton to sweeten their resumes?  Who is sitting better right now..... the team with the better regional record/solid SOS(Aug), or the team with an equally solid SOS/lesser regional record, but 2 wins against the Vikings?  Fridays 5 pm game between the two will obviously hurt one of them.  Who can take the hit and still have a shot to get in the NCAA Tourney?  I think the winner punches their ticket to the big dance.

[toooldtohoop]

My fault Unanimous - mistakenly felt Hill should be on 1st team.  Only saw him outscore IWU's pg 41-11 in two games while forcing him into 8 turnovers.

At least that's an argument that is based on facts and data.

didn't realize that there was stat that keep track of who forced turnovers.  Hill had a great game vs IWU in Augie, not as much of a factor in Bloomington.

I like Hill's competitiveness, but I will take Overstreet every day and lace them up with you.  That being said, before last night I might not have had him on my first team.

I think Overstreet cemented his spot last night.  He showed an ability to shoot, penetrate, pass off, and post up.  Whatever the team needs. 

[unanimous22]

My fault Unanimous - mistakenly felt Hill should be on 1st team.  Only saw him outscore IWU's pg 41-11 in two games while forcing him into 8 turnovers.

At least that's an argument that is based on facts and data.

That's 14% of CCIW games, so pretty small sample size. Hunter Hill is a fine player, but there's clearly at least 6 other players more deserving of 1st team than him IMO (Q's list and Teuscher)

[havej]

Respect your opinions fellas, but as a former scorer, I'd rather play with Hill.  We're all entitled to an opinion.

[toooldtohoop]

Respect your opinions fellas, but as a former scorer, I'd rather play with Hill.  We're all entitled to an opinion.

Appreciate the respect, and back at you!

[unanimous22]

Respect your opinions fellas, but as a former scorer, I'd rather play with Hill.  We're all entitled to an opinion.

Are you secretly MJ?

[AndOne]

Last night in Elmhurst, the North Central Cardinals closed their season winning the "Consolation Championship" league title by virtue of an 80-76 win over the EC Bluejays. The season on the whole was somewhat of a downer, especially when compared to last year when the Cards marched to the Final Four, only to lose to the eventual national champion. However, somewhat of a letdown was to be expected after losing an All-American, a second player who was probably the league's best all around player, and the team's 6th man.

What I'm probably most proud about this year's team is the fact that once it became apparent that they wouldn't qualify for the conference tournament, they could have easily folded their tents and basically mailed in the remainder of the season. However, they instead rallied around each other, continued to play with pride, and won 4 of their last 5 games to overtake Elmhurst and finish at the top of the 2nd division.

In the game last night, the Cards seized the lead about halfway through the 1st half and maintained it throughout the remainder of the contest. In the closing few minutes Elmhurst hit some key shots and also brought tremendous defensive pressure to force the Cards into a series of misadventures while attempting to inbound the basketball. The final victory was not assured until Vince Kmiec broke free down the middle to convert and add the and one, and Brandon Williams hit 2 FTs to seal the win.

The Cardinals played a tight rotation last night. Besides the starters, only sophomore roommates Kevin Honn and Tyler Sutton saw action off the bench, each contributing 6 points. Kevin and Tyler will be counted on to be among the leaders on the team next season. Each showed good potential to do so this year, but both must increase their strength and intensity to reach their full potential in future campaigns.

* Senior Pat Rourke didn't score last night which was often the case this season. Pat was the Cardinals "steady Eddie" this year, and was often looked to as the guy to calm things down, right the ship, and get the Cards back on course when things started to unravel. An unquestioned leader and contributor without being a big scorer, "Mr. Unselfish" often passed up good shots that I wish he would have taken, especially considering on those occasions when he did take a shoot, he canned a very respectable 49%     

* Senior Brandon Williams hit for a career-high tying 17 points, and handed out 6 assists. Brandon, a junior college transfer last year, was a great addition to the team. He made several key contributions last season, especially including being the game's #1 star in the 2nd round national championship tourney win over defending champion Whitewater. Forced into more of a leadership role this year, Brandon greatly improved his game, and just got better and better. Last season he shot 31.7% overall, including only 14.3% from distance, and 62% from the FT line. This year, he improved those numbers to 49.6% overall, 45.5% from 3, and 71% from the line. In the last 3 games of his Cardinal career he scored 16, 16, and 17 points respectively.

* Senior Vince Kmiec scored 13 points, and added 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals. While I won't detail them all here, Vince appeared among the conference leaders in several categories this year. Among his superlatives is the fact that Vince, who finished sixth in the league in scoring this year, led the league in steals in both 2012-13, and 2013-14. In an era where all too frequently the focus is on offensive statistics, accomplishments on the defensive side are often overlooked. However, any coach will tell you its defense that really wins games.
SIMPLY PUT, GIVEN HIS STATISTICS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BALL, VINCE IS PROBABLY THE BEST COMBINATION OFFENSIVE-DEFENSIVE PLAYER IN THE CCIW. SURELY, HE IS #1 AMONG THE PERIMETER/WING PLAYERS IF NOT IN THE ENTIRE LEAGUE.

* Senior Landon Gamble finished his All-American career in All-American style. In his last college game, last year's 1st team All-American finished with a career high 33 points. Landon was double-teamed almost every time he touched the ball this year, and often triple-teamed. Those 33 points last night were scored despite usually being doubled by Elmhurst's Nick Sanford and Will Nixon. Least anyone think "so what" it should be pointed out that Mr. Nixon is the league leader in blocked shots, and Mr. Sanford is 2nd in blocked shots and 3rd in rebounding. Despite this formidable opposition, Landon was basically unstoppable. Adding a some cherries on top of his large piece of the pie, Landon hit 11 of 14 FT attempts, pulled down a game high 9 boards, and added 3 assists.

Lastly, on behalf of all Cardinal fans, and hopefully some opposing fans, I'd like to salute the above 4 seniors for their wonderful contributions throughout their careers. I spend a good amount of time around the team, and know each of the guys fairly well. I think the measure of Pat's, Brandon's, Vince's, and Landon's character can be summed up by saying they were fierce and respectful competitors on the court, and good quality people off the court who anyone who knew them would be both lucky and proud to call a friend.     

[bopol]

So now it all comes down to this.... With IWU already a lock for the NCAA's, any ideas on what has to happen for Augustana and Wheaton to sweeten their resumes?  Who is sitting better right now..... the team with the better regional record/solid SOS(Aug), or the team with an equally solid SOS/lesser regional record, but 2 wins against the Vikings?  Fridays 5 pm game between the two will obviously hurt one of them.  Who can take the hit and still have a shot to get in the NCAA Tourney?  I think the winner punches their ticket to the big dance.

Order will matter in the final regional rankings.  Augustana (when you look across the nation) is a no-brainer.  They have just 6 D3 losses, a very strong SOS, good RRO.  I'd say they are only behind Babson, Williams, SUNY-Geneseo, SUNY-Plattsburg and UWW at this moment (if you rank nationally).  But, will they pass Wheaton?  And whatever you say about Wheaton (5-5 vs RRO, incredibly high SOS), they have 8 losses and would have 9 for Pool C consideration.  In my opinion though, both will be in.  If Wheaton is ahead of Augie in the final regional rankings, they'll be a later pick and then Augie will immediately follow if Wheaton isn't the last picked.  If Augie is ahead of Wheaton, they'll go fast.

I also don't rule out a Carthage Pool C bid as I think they would get one right now, but I also know there will be upsets in conference tournaments that'll hurt Carthage's chances.

[unanimous22]

I know D3 is a tad different in terms of how they choose, but is IWU a near lock to host NCAA tournament games?

[AndOne]

Respect your opinions fellas, but as a former scorer, I'd rather play with Hill. We're all entitled to an opinion.

Appreciate the respect, and back at you!

Respect your opinions fellas, but as a former scorer, I'd rather play with Hill.  We're all entitled to an opinion.

+K to both you guys. Thats exactly how it should be in here. We all occasionally make stupid mistakes, and say dumb things. I think too often a strong opinion, even one that is well supported, is met with smite rather than respect.

[AndOne]

I know D3 is a tad different in terms of how they choose, but is IWU a near lock to host NCAA tournament games?

There are several posters who I'm sure are much more well versed on this subject, but I think the most important factor is the final NCAA regional rankings. Last year North Central ended the season ranked first in the region. This resulted in their hosting 1st, 2nd, and 3rd round games in the national tourney. Against exceedingly skilled opponents, especially Whitewater and Wesleyan, this was a significant advantage.

I think IWU is a lock to host at least a 1st round game. If they win the CCIW tourney, 2 games for sure. If they end up ranked 2nd in the region and both they and the #1 team are still alive after 2 rounds, I think IWU would be the visitor in round 3.

I know the guys who know more will provide the correct info if I'm off.

And speaking of the national tourney, here is something I need help with. Wheaton has 8 losses. If they lose their 1st CCIW tourney game, do they still go to the national tourney at 17-9?
What about Augie. A win and a loss would put them at 20-7 which I think would get them in. But, what about a loss to finish 19-7? Thanks.

[Titan Q]

So now it all comes down to this.... With IWU already a lock for the NCAA's, any ideas on what has to happen for Augustana and Wheaton to sweeten their resumes?  Who is sitting better right now..... the team with the better regional record/solid SOS(Aug), or the team with an equally solid SOS/lesser regional record, but 2 wins against the Vikings?  Fridays 5 pm game between the two will obviously hurt one of them.  Who can take the hit and still have a shot to get in the NCAA Tourney?  I think the winner punches their ticket to the big dance.

Order will matter in the final regional rankings.  Augustana (when you look across the nation) is a no-brainer.  They have just 6 D3 losses, a very strong SOS, good RRO.  I'd say they are only behind Babson, Williams, SUNY-Geneseo, SUNY-Plattsburg and UWW at this moment (if you rank nationally).  But, will they pass Wheaton?  And whatever you say about Wheaton (5-5 vs RRO, incredibly high SOS), they have 8 losses and would have 9 for Pool C consideration.  In my opinion though, both will be in.  If Wheaton is ahead of Augie in the final regional rankings, they'll be a later pick and then Augie will immediately follow if Wheaton isn't the last picked.  If Augie is ahead of Wheaton, they'll go fast.

I also don't rule out a Carthage Pool C bid as I think they would get one right now, but I also know there will be upsets in conference tournaments that'll hurt Carthage's chances.

The order is definitely big.  The most recent regional ranking had:

Midwest (data through Sun 2/16)
1   Washington U.   20-2 (.909)/.600/6-2   
2   Ill Wesleyan   20-3 (.870)/.558/5-2
3   Wheaton (Ill.)   17-7 (.708)/.587/5-4   
4   Augustana     18-6 (.750)/.568/4-3   
5   St. Norbert     19-1 (.950)/.498/0-1   
6   Carthage   14-8 (.636)/.598/4-6   
7   Rose-Hulman   19-4 (.826)/.509/0-1   
8   MSOE    20-4 (.833)/.493/0-0   

http://www.d3blogs.com/d3hoops/category/ncaa-stuff/regional-rankings/

http://web1.ncaa.org/champsel_new/exec/pdf/staticpdfrank?doWhat=publicrankings&sportCode=MBB&region=35&division=3


The Augie/Wheaton game Friday night in Bloomington is huge.  The winner should end up being the Midwest's top Pool C team (if they need a Pool C) and, I believe, pretty much a lock to make it.  (There is no way the Midwest gets shut out of Pool C.)  I see no selection process drama for the Augie/Wheaton game winner.

If Augie loses the Friday game (and ends up being the Midwest's 2nd Pool C), I think they are still in...but would have to sweat out conference tournament upsets Saturday and Sunday.  If Wheaton loses in the CCIW semifinal game, I think things get really dicey for the Thunder - I see them ending up near the end of the bubble and needing a very minimal number of conference tournament upsets.

In terms of Pool C, I think Carthage enters the conference tournament way at the end of the bubble (and not in a very realistic position to get a Pool C).  I believe the Red Men have to beat IWU Friday night to have a realistic chance at a Pool C bid.

The Titans are a Pool C lock if they lose this weekend - would be one of the first selected, and would probably still host 1st/2nd round games.

[Titan Q]

I think IWU is a lock to host at least a 1st round game. If they win the CCIW tourney, 2 games for sure. If they end up ranked 2nd in the region and both they and the #1 team are still alive after 2 rounds, I think IWU would be the visitor in round 3.

Remember, the 1st and 2nd round games are played together on a Friday/Saturday night - the "Regional" round.  So hosting a 1st round game is the same as hosting 1st and 2nd round games.

I believe IWU is a lock to host a Regional, regardless of what happens at the conference tournament.  If IWU wins the CCIW tournament, they would have a very realistic chance to host a Sectional.

[Titan Q]

I think IWU has a very realistic chance to move ahead of Wash U in the final regional ranking by winning the CCIW conference tournament. 

[bopol]

The order is definitely big.  The most recent regional ranking had:

Midwest (data through Sun 2/16)
1   Washington U.   20-2 (.909)/.600/6-2   
2   Ill Wesleyan   20-3 (.870)/.558/5-2
3   Wheaton (Ill.)   17-7 (.708)/.587/5-4   
4   Augustana     18-6 (.750)/.568/4-3   
5   St. Norbert     19-1 (.950)/.498/0-1   
6   Carthage   14-8 (.636)/.598/4-6   
7   Rose-Hulman   19-4 (.826)/.509/0-1   
8   MSOE    20-4 (.833)/.493/0-0   

http://www.d3blogs.com/d3hoops/category/ncaa-stuff/regional-rankings/

http://web1.ncaa.org/champsel_new/exec/pdf/staticpdfrank?doWhat=publicrankings&sportCode=MBB&region=35&division=3


The Augie/Wheaton game Friday night in Bloomington is huge.  The winner should end up being the Midwest's top Pool C team (if they need a Pool C) and, I believe, pretty much a lock to make it.  (There is no way the Midwest gets shut out of Pool C.)  I see no selection process drama for the Augie/Wheaton game winner.

If Augie loses the Friday game (and ends up being the Midwest's 2nd Pool C), I think they are still in...but would have to sweat out conference tournament upsets Saturday and Sunday.  If Wheaton loses in the CCIW semifinal game, I think things get really dicey for the Thunder - I see them ending up near the end of the bubble and needing a very minimal number of conference tournament upsets.

In terms of Pool C, I think Carthage enters the conference tournament way at the end of the bubble (and not in a very realistic position to get a Pool C).  I believe the Red Men have to beat IWU Friday night to have a realistic chance at a Pool C bid.

The Titans are a Pool C lock if they lose this weekend - would be one of the first selected, and would probably still host 1st/2nd round games.

It'll be interesting, but the committee will end up likely end up with Carthage (and their 9 losses and wins vs. IWU and Wash U) on the table against teams Mt. St. Mary's (good record; poor SOS), NYU (fewer losses, good SOS, no big wins) and such.  I don't know what the committee does then - it's uncharted territory this year.

I really have no doubt about Augustana though.  They'll be way ahead a lot of 7 loss teams and we'll be quickly getting to 7 loss teams in Pool C discussions.