MBB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

[oldknight]

I have no idea why, but Hope picks up two number 1 votes in the latest poll. Hope does drop down to 4 as Elmhurst jumps us.

At some point, they have to realize we aren't a top 10 team right? (At some point we may get there, but not with how we have been playing so far).

To be honest... it is such a wide open year that a team may not look like a Top 10 squad, but are a Top 10 squad this season. I have many teams who don't seem like they deserve where they are on my ballot in a "normal" year, but this season is so full of parity and so many good, but not great, squads that voters are going to slot teams into places that may seem high - including handing out first place votes. I am not voting Whitworth number one because I still think Augustana is the best team in the country. I have had Whitworth number two in a season where they might fit better at number seven, but there aren't many teams I think better than Whitworth. It's just one of those seasons.

And to echo some one's point, Hope when they are on ... are a very good squad. But to say they are inconsistent is to also point at the rest of the Division and I can't find another team that can avoid the inconsistencies game in and game out. It is going to be an incredible second half of the season and tournament run.

And whatever their inconsistencies, they keep winning their games. They've proven they can play their best ball with the game on the line (other than the Cornerstone game, which is an unfortunate anomaly). It's easy to imagine a squad, some past Hope squads, squandering at least a couple of those games.

A fair point and well stated. Right now I'm wondering if something else is at play here. Early in the season I mentioned that Hope's then no. 3 ranking was well deserved. I also noted that as good as they seemed at the time, they would need to improve because other teams don't just stand still between November and March. Is Hope improving or are they just pretty much the same team I saw playing in November?

That's not a statement disguised as a question, it's a genuine inquiry, and I don't have the answer.

[Mr. Ypsi]

I have no idea why, but Hope picks up two number 1 votes in the latest poll. Hope does drop down to 4 as Elmhurst jumps us.

At some point, they have to realize we aren't a top 10 team right? (At some point we may get there, but not with how we have been playing so far).

To be honest... it is such a wide open year that a team may not look like a Top 10 squad, but are a Top 10 squad this season. I have many teams who don't seem like they deserve where they are on my ballot in a "normal" year, but this season is so full of parity and so many good, but not great, squads that voters are going to slot teams into places that may seem high - including handing out first place votes. I am not voting Whitworth number one because I still think Augustana is the best team in the country. I have had Whitworth number two in a season where they might fit better at number seven, but there aren't many teams I think better than Whitworth. It's just one of those seasons.

And to echo some one's point, Hope when they are on ... are a very good squad. But to say they are inconsistent is to also point at the rest of the Division and I can't find another team that can avoid the inconsistencies game in and game out. It is going to be an incredible second half of the season and tournament run.

And whatever their inconsistencies, they keep winning their games. They've proven they can play their best ball with the game on the line (other than the Cornerstone game, which is an unfortunate anomaly). It's easy to imagine a squad, some past Hope squads, squandering at least a couple of those games.

A fair point and well stated. Right now I'm wondering if something else is at play here. Early in the season I mentioned that Hope's then no. 3 ranking was well deserved. I also noted that as good as they seemed at the time, they would need to improve because other teams don't just stand still between November and March. Is Hope improving or are they just pretty much the same team I saw playing in November?

That's not a statement disguised as a question, it's a genuine inquiry, and I don't have the answer.

We may get some of the answer tomorrow, when Hope plays at red-hot Alma.  (Alma??! )

[sac]

The Alma Morning Sun weighs in:
http://www.themorningsun.com/sports/20160112/alma-college-men-host-hope-college-in-massively-important-miaa-game

...and yes, everyone in Alma please show up Saturday night at 7:30pm. 

[HopeConvert]

The Alma Morning Sun weighs in:
http://www.themorningsun.com/sports/20160112/alma-college-men-host-hope-college-in-massively-important-miaa-game

...and yes, everyone in Alma please show up Saturday night at 7:30pm.

I expect a great deal of foot-stomping tomorrow.

Er ... I mean ... Saturday.

[wiz]

...and yes, everyone in Alma please show up Saturday night at 7:30pm.

Yes, 7:30.  Please

[HOPEful]

And whatever their inconsistencies, they keep winning their games. They've proven they can play their best ball with the game on the line (other than the Cornerstone game, which is an unfortunate anomaly)...

Although it is their only loss of the season, I would argue that the Cornerstone game was actually one of Hope's best played games this season, if not THE best. If you were asking me to defend their #4 ranking, I'd use tape from that game to show why they can compete with anyone this season.

Is Hope improving or are they just pretty much the same team I saw playing in November?

That's not a statement disguised as a question, it's a genuine inquiry, and I don't have the answer.

They are improving. I would say they started the season as below average to average defensively and continue to improve on that end of the court. Their inconsistencies tend to happen on the offensive end. For some stretches, their ball movement and shot selection is fluid and they show their depth and ability to stretch defenses and beat them inside or from the perimeter. At other times they seem perfectly content driving to the basket and throwing up an off balanced, well defended, low percentage shot...

[sac]

Whoever notified the home office of the MIAA's HTML stats page needing updating, please pass on my thanks for updating.

[KnightSlappy]

I am looking to purchase (2) tickets to the Calvin-Hope game on Wednesday, January 27 in Holland. If you have an extra pair you're looking to sell, send me a PM or email (address in profile). Thank you for your consideration in this matter.

[iwumichigander]

I am looking to purchase (2) tickets to the Calvin-Hope game on Wednesday, January 27 in Holland. If you have an extra pair you're looking to sell, send me a PM or email (address in profile). Thank you for your consideration in this matter.

If you could find a way to squeeze another .100 into the Hope SOS you might get them for free😋😦😄

[KnightSlappy]

I am looking to purchase (2) tickets to the Calvin-Hope game on Wednesday, January 27 in Holland. If you have an extra pair you're looking to sell, send me a PM or email (address in profile). Thank you for your consideration in this matter.

Looks like I am taken care of. Thank you.

[wiz]

Anyone having difficulty with Olivet livestream tonight?

[calvinite]

yes -- can't get the Olivet game. Watching Hope-Alma and listening to Calvin.

[calvinite]

Hope in trouble despite Alma missing their first 5 free throws (I think of the game, but certainly of the 2nd half). Probably too early for Doug's "Hay is in the barn" (which the Calvin commentators just mentioned), but Alma is close to taking over sole possession of first place.

Alma 86, Hope 75. Bradford with 20; Nikodemski with 16, but Beckman is held to 7. Strong performance by Alma which had a decent lead most of the game.

Alma is tough to beat at home. Wonder if they can carry that success on the road this year.

[almcguirejr]

Hope in trouble despite Alma missing their first 5 free throws (I think of the game, but certainly of the 2nd half). Probably too early for Doug's "Hay is in the barn" (which the Calvin commentators just mentioned), but Alma is close to taking over sole possession of first place (I think).

Harrison Blackledge not playing tonight.

[almcguirejr]

Alma 86
Hope 75
Final