MBB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

[scottiedawg]

I think a lot of Knights had an off day shooting.

Still, a great rebounding edge for Calvin and poor defense for Hope.  Not good catalysts for Hope fans.

Great game for Krombeen, flirting with a triple double. 

[almcguirejr]

I am upset

It was tough to watch.  Calvin did not play very smart today.  I thought there was way too much dribbling and one on one play that left Calvin players standing around watching.   The last 3-4 minutes of each half were killers.  I think they gave up 3 offensive rebounds off missed free throws in the last few minutes.  Prepolec scores 5 points and Calvin lost.  I didn't think that would be the case.

Kalamazoo deserved to win today.  They spread Calvin out on defense and Clark didn't miss.  He had a great game.

This was very poorly officiated game.  Kalamazoo had 7 team fouls in the first 3:59 of the second half.  They called a number of ticky-tack fouls. 

[Knight2Day]

I am upset

It was tough to watch.  Calvin did not play very smart today.  I thought there was way too much dribbling and one on one play that left Calvin players standing around watching.   The last 3-4 minutes of each half were killers.  I think they gave up 3 offensive rebounds off missed free throws in the last few minutes.  Prepolec scores 5 points and Calvin lost.  I didn't think that would be the case.

Kalamazoo deserved to win today.  They spread Calvin out on defense and Clark didn't miss.  He had a great game.

This was very poorly officiated game.  Kalamazoo had 7 team fouls in the first 3:59 of the second half.  They called a number of ticky-tack fouls. 

Have to say, a lot of things about this game left me upset and partially bewildered....I tip my hat to Clark who had the game of his life, but the Knights should never have lost this game at home.

[sac]

Kalamazoo 73 Calvin 68

giggity!



Albion 72 Alma 57

Looks from the boxscore like this was a fairly close game until about midway through the second half when Albion took control.  Albion outshot Alma at the line by 13.




Hope 91 Trine 86

I don't know much about it, Hope had 6 guys in double figures.  Looks to be a close game throughout, Hope actually trailed significantly early in the game.



Just remember according to coaching legend Bosko Djurickovic, Hope and Calvin won't be challenged in the MIAA.

I'm less inclined to believe the league is a whole lot better than in past years, there sure doesn't seem to be a top tier, but it should be evident that anyone can play with anyone on any given night by now.  Whether that lends itself to a larger pool of mediocrity more than a strong league, I don't know....but it should provide lots of interesting games.


Standings  +1 for road win/-1 for home loss
Albion   2-0     +1
Adrian  1-1     0
Alma    1-1     0
Calvin   1-1    0
Hope    1-1    0
Kzoo    1-1    +1
Olivet   1-1    -1
Trine    0-2    -1


Wednesday, January 12
Trine at Kalamazoo, 7:30 p.m.
Alma at Hope, 7:30 p.m.
Adrian at Albion, 7:30 p.m.
Olivet at Calvin, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 15
Calvin at Adrian, 3 p.m.
Trine at Albion, 3 p.m.
Alma at Kalamazoo, 3 p.m.
Hope at Olivet, 3 p.m.

Big weeks for Olivet and Adrian, and boy is Trine up against the wall already.

[sflzman]

This upcoming week will definately show more of what we can expect this season.

Here are my projected standings after the upcoming week...I can see the Olivet/Hope game going either way and the Alma/Kzoo game going either way.

Albion   4-0
Calvin   3-1 
Alma    2-2 
Hope    2-2
Olivet   2-2
Adrian  1-3
Kzoo    1-3   
Trine    1-3   

[oldknight]

Schuster hit the first 3 Calvin attempted on the Knight's first possession and Brink hit the final triple on Calvin's last possession. In between Calvin went 1-17 and most of them were open looks. There's your ballgame in a nutshell. Bet our friends in Holland are wondering where that shooting touch was Wednesday night.

[arena]

I am upset

I'm more than upset. 

[sac]

I had a much grander D3 adventure in mind today, but instead of a trip to Crawfordsville, IN to see Wabash/Wooster I opted for the shorter day of seeing Adrian/Olivet.

When I make last minute decisions like this it never ceases to amaze me the weird things that either happen, odd people I meet, or random meetings with things you don't expect to see.

Like......Reed Timmer and the TVN "Dominator" coming at you on Old-27 just south of Charlotte.



What are those odds.


So anyway on to the game........

Olivet 53 Adrian 51

First, I've made the mistake of calling Adrian's offense a slow down, that is simply not the case at all.  I would call it deliberate, constantly probing the defense for the best looks, and matchups they want.  They will make you defend for the majority of the shot clock, and they will defend you for the majority of the shot clock.  Its pretty enjoyable to watch, and is much closer to a D1 offense than anything I've seen in this league.

Make no mistake Mark White is in charge of everything for Adrian, and his kids listen and listen well.  His hand print is on everything Adrian does at both ends of the floor and he never stops coaching, or instructing his players throughout the game.  The Bulldogs take a lot of pride in playing tough defense and making it hard for their opponents to score, and also are very happy to make the little plays to make their team better.  I don't think I've ever seen so many congrats back and forth with players for plays that happened away from the ball.  Some great team spirit.

Michael McClary didn't look like himself today, just didn't seem to have much jump in his game.  At times Adrian did a really nice job denying him the ball, and when he finally did get it, they swarmed all over him and wouldn't allow any easy shots.  A big part of his tough day shooting, 3-13, was Adrian's defense.  McClary and Olivet's biggest problem was not enough touches for him in the first half, many times he never even touched the ball on offense, and he didn't get his first real good look and basket until about 6 minutes were left in the half, and he had just 2 points.

Fortunately Andre Evans was having himself a great first half, he scored the first 8 of the game and whenever Olivet needed a point to stem momentum, he stepped up and would nail a shot.  He had a great game, but kind of disappeared a little late in the day.

Adrian forced Olivet to play their style, their way the whole game.  Despite the low score it was very enjoyable basketball to watch.  There was a definite premium on each trip down the floor.

As it happened, Olivet ended up with the ball and a tie game and 27 seconds.  They ran the clock down and I was really unsure they were going to get the shot they wanted, suddenly Nathan Jennings popped free at the top of the key and his rainbow jumper swished through just before the buzzer.  An outstanding finish.


Olivet could have made things a little easier on themselves by making some FT's, they missed the front of at least one 1-1, and missed several others that could have given them better leads.  But even if that happened, I'd probably still put money on the Bulldogs finding a way to make it close at the end.


Michael McClary ended up with his double-double, 11 points, 13 rebounds.....the points part of that was in doubt for the longest time, but he finally got free a couple times late in the game for baskets and made some ft's.  For sure not his best night though.

boxscore http://www.miaa.org/mbb/stats/1011/0108olad.htm

Big win for Olivet, and Adrian is just going to be a battle for anyone this year.

[Adrian Hoops Fan]

So anyway on to the game........

Olivet 53 Adrian 51

First, I've made the mistake of calling Adrian's offense a slow down, that is simply not the case at all.  I would call it deliberate, constantly probing the defense for the best looks, and matchups they want.  They will make you defend for the majority of the shot clock, and they will defend you for the majority of the shot clock.  Its pretty enjoyable to watch, and is much closer to a D1 offense than anything I've seen in this league.

Make no mistake Mark White is in charge of everything for Adrian, and his kids listen and listen well.  His hand print is on everything Adrian does at both ends of the floor and he never stops coaching, or instructing his players throughout the game.  The Bulldogs take a lot of pride in playing tough defense and making it hard for their opponents to score, and also are very happy to make the little plays to make their team better.  I don't think I've ever seen so many congrats back and forth with players for plays that happened away from the ball.  Some great team spirit.

Michael McClary didn't look like himself today, just didn't seem to have much jump in his game.  At times Adrian did a really nice job denying him the ball, and when he finally did get it, they swarmed all over him and wouldn't allow any easy shots.  A big part of his tough day shooting, 3-13, was Adrian's defense.  McClary and Olivet's biggest problem was not enough touches for him in the first half, many times he never even touched the ball on offense, and he didn't get his first real good look and basket until about 6 minutes were left in the half, and he had just 2 points.

Fortunately Andre Evans was having himself a great first half, he scored the first 8 of the game and whenever Olivet needed a point to stem momentum, he stepped up and would nail a shot.  He had a great game, but kind of disappeared a little late in the day.

Adrian forced Olivet to play their style, their way the whole game.  Despite the low score it was very enjoyable basketball to watch.  There was a definite premium on each trip down the floor.

As it happened, Olivet ended up with the ball and a tie game and 27 seconds.  They ran the clock down and I was really unsure they were going to get the shot they wanted, suddenly Nathan Jennings popped free at the top of the key and his rainbow jumper swished through just before the buzzer.  An outstanding finish.


Olivet could have made things a little easier on themselves by making some FT's, they missed the front of at least one 1-1, and missed several others that could have given them better leads.  But even if that happened, I'd probably still put money on the Bulldogs finding a way to make it close at the end.


Michael McClary ended up with his double-double, 11 points, 13 rebounds.....the points part of that was in doubt for the longest time, but he finally got free a couple times late in the game for baskets and made some ft's.  For sure not his best night though.

boxscore http://www.miaa.org/mbb/stats/1011/0108olad.htm

Big win for Olivet, and Adrian is just going to be a battle for anyone this year.

Sac, thanks for the recap on the game.  Adrian has a emphasis on their defense and it will keep them into many games.  The biggest thng that they are lacking at this time in having consistent scoring.  They have a nice offense but when it comes to taking the shot they don't have the guy that will give them 17+ points a night that is their go to guy when they need a score.  If you put that consistent scorer on this team like a Hollis Edwards, Mike Riley, Dan Walter, Steve Brooks, Brian Schaefer, Billy Collins, or Desmond Young on this team for those times I would put my money on them for the title.  This team does defend and makes every team work for every basket (BGSU only scored 51 on them in exhibition) and therefore will be in every game and I am hoping to see that the old saying holds true that offense wins games but defense wins championships.

[thealmascots]

SAC,

Thanks for the great recap of the Adrian/Olivet game.  With Calvin hosting Olivet on Wednesday and going to Adrian on Saturday, I foresee a very tough week for the Knights.  The last couple years Olivet doesn't seem disciplined enough to bring it every night, but they sure have against Calvin and Hope.  Calvin's interior defense is never very good so McClary should get plenty and as Kazoo showed today, even the hot 3 point shooter will find plenty of open looks from behind the arc against the Knights.

As for Adrian, if their defense is as good as you describe, it will be very difficult for Calvin.  Calvin doesn't run a very efficient half court offense (understatement).  This past week was a perfect case-in-point of Calvin's offense.  If they shoot the 3 well they look good (Hope game).  If they don't shoot the 3 well they look pathetic (Kazoo game).  They have no ability to run a solid offensive set to get a quality look in the half court game if they are struggling with their outside shooting.  If Adrian can do an adequate job of finding the open shooter and hit a few of those against Calvin, I predict an Adrian win on their home court over the Knights.

One other thing...kudos to Rob Passage and his staff on their approach today.  They did a near perfect job of attacking Calvin's defense.  Back door cuts for short jumpers and layups and plenty of skip passes for open 3's.  They outplayed Calvin in every phasse of the game, including from the sidelines, and deserved the win.

[ziggy]

Rex Ryan and his coattails riding QB beat the Colts. A bad day gets worse...

[Mr. Ypsi]

Rex Ryan and his coattails riding QB beat the Colts. A bad day gets worse...

But no fault of Pierre Garcon, who had 112 (of the Colt's 225) receiving yards, including their only TD, a 57-yarder.  Unlike many d3 guys, he has no need to be nervous during the off-season - he's gonna be around for a while!

[hope1]

way the league race in going i think it will take 2 or losses to win the league

[HopeConvert]

Hope has begun its MIAA season by giving up at least 85 points in its first two games.  The Dutchmen have already given up more than 80 on six occasions this year (nearly half its games). Curious, I went through the archives to see how often they've given at least 80 points in a game, by season. Since 1996, they've never started an MIAA season by giving up 85+ in the first two games.

Since 1996, Hope's worst two seasons defensively (in terms of number of games giving up 80+ points) were 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 (teams which went 15-11 and 16-10). In the former season, the Dutchmen gave up 80+ on nine occasions, including an OT loss to Calvin. Seven of those games occurred in MIAA play. The latter season saw the Dutchmen give up 80+ eight times, four times in MIAA, which included two overtime games.

To chart (where the first number indicates number of games in which they gave up more than 80, the second number those that occurred in MIAA play, and the asterisks indicate number of OT games):

2010-2011: 6(2)
2009-2010: 3(1)
2008-2009: 3(0)
2007-2008: 2(0) Note: both came in NCAA final four games
2006-2007: 0
2005-2006: 0
2004-2005: 3(2)
2003-2004: 4(4)*
2002-2003: 4(2)*
2001-2002: 3(1)**
2000-2001: 8(4)**
1999-2000: 9(7)
1998-1999: 5(2)** (one of the games was 86 to Albion in double-OT)
1997-1998: 5(2)*

If we raised the threshold to 85, only the disastrous 1999-2000 campaign compares. It would eliminate all but two games from the almost-as-bad 2000-2001 season. In fact, since 2000 (including the 2000-2001 season), the Dutchmen have given up 85 in an MIAA game on only eight occasions - twice to TriState in 2003-2004.

It looks to me as if this Hope squad is historically bad, defensively speaking. The team currently sits at 8-5 and, frankly, 16-10 sounds pretty realistic to me.

[hoopdreams]

Hope won yesterday didn't they?  I'm sure no one on the hope sideline was happy giving up 86 points but they did score 91, beat a very good team in their gym, rebounded (literally or figuratively?) from a big defeat at home earlier in the week.

I'm guessing that Trine could not have played any better than they did in the first half, debatable, and I believe hope was still up 1 at halftime.

What this team is doing is pretty amazing.  It has 2 players with significant varsity experience. I do not put Tanis in that group because he might as well have gone on a 2 year mission trip after his freshman season.  They are heavy in sophomores, most were not "good enough" to play varsity last year and played JV (There is a reason they play JV).  Nearly everyone who has ever played or coached college basketball will attest that the 2 year is almost always the most challenging, frustrating and humbling season for a variety of reasons.

They lack size in the post, they are injured- you can tell that Neil and Tanis have been playing injured, now Krombeen too?, they lack experienced depth overall, and something more telling....these other teams, from top to bottom, have become a lot more athletic.  This is an advantage Hope no longer has over the rest of the MIAA.

They are 4 points away from being 10-3 and, after a huge win yesterday, right back in the thick of it.

What Hope did back in 2004, 2000 or 1986 is irrelevant. Fun to look at I suppose but meaningless.