MBB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

[Erm Schmigget]

Can anybody tell me about the status for tickets for tonight's game?  All they already sold out? If not, how early should one arrive to just get into the arena?  Thanks!

Ticket office opens at 12 noon today.  In the past there has been a line forming before the ticket windows open, so you might want to get there a little before noon.  I don't know even a ballpark number of tickets that may be available, but even last night's game was not completely sold out.  You should have no problem getting a seat.

[Titan Q]

Can anybody tell me about the status for tickets for tonight's game?  All they already sold out? If not, how early should one arrive to just get into the arena?  Thanks!

From IWU's site...

TICKET ALERT: Tickets for Saturday's game are available either in person at the Hope College box office from 10 a.m. to noon (ET) or by calling 616-395-7890 between those hours and paying with a credit card. Tickets may then be picked up at Will Call.

http://www.iwusports.com/news/2012/3/2/MBB_0302120446.aspx

[Mr. Ypsi]

I was at NHBC from about 8:45 to 11 last night, but couldn't find any posters.  I wandered around several times looking as forlorn as possible (in my black IWU baseball cap), but got no responses.  I even approached a guy in a Hope hoodie and asked if he was Hope Convert, but only got a very funny look!

I plan to be at NHBC about 5 or so this afternoon if anyone is planning to be there.

(I'm currently at the Holland library; I'll probably check the boards again before heading to NHBC.)

[HopeConvert]

At this point of the season every team is going to be good, and every team will have a player or two who can really play the game. Vardis Lee carved up the inside of Hope's defense in the second half, but in part that was made possible by the way Westminster played the first half, where they ran lots of baseline screens, reversed the ball effectively with skip passes, and played a perimeter game. This, as sac noted, made NVA and Holwerda largely superfluous on the floor. In the second half, when Hope adjusted their defense and went smaller, Westminster took the ball inside, using Lee's quickness to slip by Hope's defenders. Westminster looks to me like a well-coached team that understands how to take what the defense gives them. NVA's foul trouble kept him largely ineffective against this adjustment, and he has to avoid stupid fouls like the ones he had last night.

I was also surprised Hope wasn't pounding the ball inside more in the first half. Part of it, I think, is NVA's learning curve about the game. He hustles and sets a lot of screens, but often isn't in place to receive an entry pass. It really isn't proper or fitting that he never once made it to the free throw line when he has such a size advantage.

Billy Seiler was great last night. Big three-pointer and terrific hustle. I thought he was the not-obvious hero of the game. Krombeen and Bunn never seemed to get untracked, but that was in part Westminster's defense. They got back in transition very quickly and posted a couple of defenders at the top of the circle to limit DK's penetration.

And then there is this sequence:

REBOUND (OFF) by (TEAM)                         16:15
                                                15:55              FOUL by Lee, Verdis (P3T2)
TIMEOUT MEDIA                                   15:55
GOOD! 3 PTR by Nate Snuggerud                   15:50  52-41  H 11
ASSIST by Billy Seiler                          15:50
REBOUND (DEF) by David Krombeen                 15:38              MISSED 3 PTR by Tolson, Skylar
GOOD! FT SHOT by David Krombeen                 15:23  53-41  H 12 FOUL by Tolson, Skylar (P1T3)
GOOD! FT SHOT by David Krombeen                 15:23  54-41  H 13
                                                15:23              SUB IN : Valandra, Mookie
                                                15:23              SUB OUT: Lee, Verdis
                                                15:18  54-43  H 11 GOOD! JUMPER by James, Joe [PNT]
GOOD! 3 PTR by Nate Snuggerud                   15:08  57-43  H 14
ASSIST by David Krombeen                        15:08
REBOUND (DEF) by Peter Bunn                     14:50              MISSED JUMPER by Weymuth, Kelsey
                               

When Nate launched the first one I was yelling "No, no ,no" as the ball was in the air. After it went through I said the dutch-man "That's where the coach says 'Nice shot. Don't do it again.'" And then he does it again, and I say to dutch-man as the ball is in the air "This is the problem when a guy hits one" only to see the ball go through again. Um, ok. They really opened up the game, but my goodness.

AlwaysHope: nice to meet you as well.

The game starts at 7 tonight, so I assume the doors open at 6. It's possible, just possible, I'll be having my pregame Dragon's Milk, as Hope is undefeated this year when I have a Dragon's Milk before the game. I've convinced my wife the team needs me to drink Dragon's Milk.

[Erm Schmigget]

Can anybody tell me about the status for tickets for tonight's game?  All they already sold out? If not, how early should one arrive to just get into the arena?  Thanks!

From IWU's site...

TICKET ALERT: Tickets for Saturday's game are available either in person at the Hope College box office from 10 a.m. to noon (ET) or by calling 616-395-7890 between those hours and paying with a credit card. Tickets may then be picked up at Will Call.

http://www.iwusports.com/news/2012/3/2/MBB_0302120446.aspx

I hope for the sake of those who need tickets that they are getting the correct info.  From the Hope sports update email:  "Tickets on sale at DeVos Ticket Office beginning at 12 noon.  616-395-7890"  Perhaps different tickets (IWU fan sections v. general admission) are becoming available at different times.  Thankfully the phone number is provided, and people like Titan Q are on top of other information outlets.  Either way, I still feel that the Hope ticket manager and staff have done an excellent job of making tickets available, accomodating everyone's wishes as much as possible, and ensuring a positive tournament experience for all fans.  Kudos to them.

[TitanPride]

Thanks Erm and Q for the info!

[Dutchmen 4 Life]

A fun new thing for the students is the interlude dance, which SAAC has brought to campus this year:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdMsMz6k8ao

Thanks for these.  I can tell you with 100% certainty the dance is ripped off from your arch rival.

Northern Iowa is Alma's arch rival?

I think this might be what sac is talking about...

http://www.twitvid.com/1GDQS

As for the game last night, I don't have a lot to add that hasn't been said.  As I've said before it has been a pleasure to watch Snuggs develop into the player he has become. Last night again left me speechless as to his performance.  They will definitely need a better team effort of prevail tonight but it should be a great game! Go Hope!

[Erm Schmigget]

I love DIII basketball more than any other level played, even more so when we get to this time of year.  The passion and effort that goes into it is just that much more a part of the game, and the same goes for the emphasis on team play, IMHO.  Last night's games were a great display of those things, from all 4 teams.

In the past, I've been known to say that a team that has superior talent, size, etc. "played down to the level of their opponent" when the score was closer than we fans might have expected.  Those days are gone, whether by maturity or simply being set straight by those whose opinions I respect.  I now look at a game like last night's Hope v. Westminster match-up and can give credit to an underdog putting forth the kind of passion-filled, team-focused effort that I mentioned earlier. 

Both teams played hard.  (    )  But to quote Westminster's coach Matt Mitchell, "Our guys played about as hard as they could.  The guys were focused and didn't lack confidence."  I should say so!  This did not look like a 10-loss team from a weak conference that had no prayer of getting the SLIAC's first NCAA tourney win.  "We did things we've never done as long as I've been here defensively," Coach Mitchell said, "trying to get Hope out of their rhythm."  They came to play, and left it all on the floor.  They just happened to be playing the #1 team, in the opinion polls, on their home floor.  Tough draw, as it would have been for anyone to play Hope in the first round.

The fun thing for me about watching Hope men's basketball this year has been their ability to find a way to win.  I'm sure they approach every game with a plan, but what happens when that plan doesn't seem to be working is what impresses me most.  Someone said last week in a conversation at halftime in the stands, that if the first half hasn't gone like we as Hope fans would like, we don't need to worry as much as we sometimes do, because Hope has "the best coach in DIII at making halftime adjustments"...or something like that.  Hyperbole to some extent, but there's some truth in that as well.  Look at the first Hope/Calvin matchup.  Down by 8, come out and win the second half 49-25 to get a 16-point victory.  Adjustment.  Effective.

The IWU Titans will be a tougher opponent for Hope than last night's Blue Jays.  They have more size, depth and weapons, and at this point you have to expect that everyone's going to have as much heart as Westminster showed.  The biggest question mark for them will be Zimmer.  Remember that he was playing hurt last night, and still chalked up 10 points in a short amount of time in the first half.  IWU won by 8.  Will he be able to hit the floor tonight and make a similar impact on the game tonight?  Last night IWU and UWSP played a tough, defensive game.  Will last Saturday's OT game v. Adrian be as important as we imagined in preparing Hope for a tourney run?

I HOPE that tonight's game will be close throughout, that the officials will be as transparent as they were in the 1st game last night, and that I get to see a prime example of what I consider some of the best basketball played anywhere.  I HOPE that everyone who wants to see tonight's game gets in, or gets to watch or listen to a clear, high quality broadcast (for those who can't be in Holland).  I HOPE the Flying Dutchmen play with passion, give full effort, play as a team, and find a way to win.  I HOPE to leave the fieldhouse a happy HOPE fan, HOPE-ing for another weekend hosting more great teams from around the country.  I guess what I'm saying is, GO HOPE !!!

[hoopdreams]

Kvision= my last obsevation pertained to one of the most successful coaches in D3 history, who by all accounts was incredibly animated (fans say passionate), highly talkative to officials during games ( non fans can insert their own adjectives) and always made people cheer, gasp or laugh at his antics- foot stomping, bench kicks with his heel ( in the Civic of course), coat tail flapping or just plain coaching 5 feet on the floor during game play ( I've actaully witnessed kids in transition have to change their path to avoid contact).

Really had nothing do do with a Hope player, simply a Hope fan with the nerve to question an opposing players reaction to a foul.

So with the focus now squarely on Snuggs, who benefits?  NVA if he can avoid foul trouble or the guards, who should see some pretty clean looks.  Maybe IWU will dare them to shoot three's.  Haven't we already seen that show? 

I see another highly physical game ahead with foul trouble and FT's having a huge impact. Hopefully the right people get to the line early, knock a few down and get the mo-jo flowing.

HOPE PLAYS, HOPE WINS!!!!!   Cannot wait to watch the boys cut down another net!!!  Who pays for all those?

[section7]

Kvision= my last obsevation pertained to one of the most successful coaches in D3 history, who by all accounts was incredibly animated (fans say passionate), highly talkative to officials during games ( non fans can insert their own adjectives) and always made people cheer, gasp or laugh at his antics- foot stomping, bench kicks with his heel ( in the Civic of course), coat tail flapping or just plain coaching 5 feet on the floor during game play ( I've actaully witnessed kids in transition have to change their path to avoid contact).

Really had nothing do do with a Hope player, simply a Hope fan with the nerve to question an opposing players reaction to a foul.

So with the focus now squarely on Snuggs, who benefits?  NVA if he can avoid foul trouble or the guards, who should see some pretty clean looks.  Maybe IWU will dare them to shoot three's.  Haven't we already seen that show? 

I see another highly physical game ahead with foul trouble and FT's having a huge impact. Hopefully the right people get to the line early, knock a few down and get the mo-jo flowing.

HOPE PLAYS, HOPE WINS!!!!!   Cannot wait to watch the boys cut down another net!!!  Who pays for all those?

Wow, hoopdreams, appreciate the cheap shot.  I would expect more from you, but guess I was mistaken.

I agree however, GVW deserved many more "T"'s for his antics, but officials view coaches and players differently IMHO

If you return to last Saturday, Adrian player does a similar thing in MIAA Championship game and gets T'd up immediately.

Last night's reaction was more demonstrative and no T.  Maybe it is MIAA officials vs Tourney officials.

However, if a player reacted to an official like that over a call, it is definitely a "T".

I think your comparison of GVW vs last night is bogus.  But you are entitled to your opinion.  As am I.

In regards to Snugs, "antics" I agree.  Want to wager if Snuggs has a similar reaction tonight to an IWU player that the Westminister had to him, I'll take the "T" route, you can have the no-call route.  Deal?

Finally, great article and opportunity for Ty Tanis.  One of my favorite players of Hope's past.  Go get'em Ty!

[hoopdreams]

I don't know if you can call someone who has been head coach for two years "the best at anything" yet, but he's pretty damn good.  Yes they have the versatility on their roster but you have to be willing to do so.  Hate to be former coach bashing but in-game adjustments are not everyone's strong suit.

I was impressed with all the quotes prior to the game by Coach Mitchell, was almost overwhelmingly impressed with him and his team for 40 minutes last night, and he said all the right things following the loss.  He has another fan.

Section 7, there was no cheapshot intended!  "simply a Hope fan with the nerve"  was a blanket statement to most Hope fans who think anyone affiliated with the  Blue/orange can do no wrong...ever.

[knightvision]

I don't know if you can call someone who has been head coach for two years "the best at anything" yet, but he's pretty damn good.  Yes they have the versatility on their roster but you have to be willing to do so.  Hate to be former coach bashing but in-game adjustments are not everyone's strong suit.

I was impressed with all the quotes prior to the game by Coach Mitchell, was almost overwhelmingly impressed with him and his team for 40 minutes last night, and he said all the right things following the loss.  He has another fan.

Section 7, there was no cheapshot intended!  "simply a Hope fan with the nerve"  was a blanket statement to most Hope fans who think anyone affiliated with the  Blue/orange can do no wrong...ever.

I loved the description in your earlier post of the various descriptors of GVW (especially his "run-in's with players-- I had my share of close calls with him as a Calvin player and could never figure out if I had nearly run him over--or vice versa ).  As a Calvin fan, I will never forget the technical he got at Knollcrest when he actually grabbed a Calvin player during action--one of the weirdest things I've seen in a Hope/Calvin game! 
What I was really after in my question was that you seemed to be alluding to the relationship between two different Hope coaches and their sideline behavior-- and how their respective players behave/perform.  I've shared my opinion in an earlier post after the second Hope/Calvin game that I really liked MN's calmer and steadier sideline presence and my belief that it affects his players positively--in contrast to GVW's nervous and histrionic behavior (Calvin perspective ) or "incredibly animated" style (Hope perspective  ) and my sense that it negatively impacted performance, particularly in big games.  MN exudes far more confidence and steadiness to me, which can do nothing but help calm nerves and inspire confidence in the pressure cooker that is tournament basketball.  I'm genuinely interested in whether you and other Hope fans would agree or disagree with this...

[hoopdreams]

I could not agree with you more about your assessment.  You nailed it!  A team is molded by their leader and takes on his/her personality.  It's easy to remain calm when you're up by 20-30 but a whole different story within tight quarters.  Your team and your fans feed off of how you handle yourself.  No one can ever question MN's confidence level but regardless of what it "looks" like from the stands, it really is a humble confidence.

[sac]

I love DIII basketball more than any other level played, even more so when we get to this time of year.  The passion and effort that goes into it is just that much more a part of the game, and the same goes for the emphasis on team play, IMHO.  Last night's games were a great display of those things, from all 4 teams.

In the past, I've been known to say that a team that has superior talent, size, etc. "played down to the level of their opponent" when the score was closer than we fans might have expected.  Those days are gone, whether by maturity or simply being set straight by those whose opinions I respect.  I now look at a game like last night's Hope v. Westminster match-up and can give credit to an underdog putting forth the kind of passion-filled, team-focused effort that I mentioned earlier. 

Both teams played hard.  (    )  But to quote Westminster's coach Matt Mitchell, "Our guys played about as hard as they could.  The guys were focused and didn't lack confidence."  I should say so!  This did not look like a 10-loss team from a weak conference that had no prayer of getting the SLIAC's first NCAA tourney win.  "We did things we've never done as long as I've been here defensively," Coach Mitchell said, "trying to get Hope out of their rhythm."  They came to play, and left it all on the floor.  They just happened to be playing the #1 team, in the opinion polls, on their home floor.  Tough draw, as it would have been for anyone to play Hope in the first round.

The fun thing for me about watching Hope men's basketball this year has been their ability to find a way to win.  I'm sure they approach every game with a plan, but what happens when that plan doesn't seem to be working is what impresses me most.  Someone said last week in a conversation at halftime in the stands, that if the first half hasn't gone like we as Hope fans would like, we don't need to worry as much as we sometimes do, because Hope has "the best coach in DIII at making halftime adjustments"...or something like that.  Hyperbole to some extent, but there's some truth in that as well.  Look at the first Hope/Calvin matchup.  Down by 8, come out and win the second half 49-25 to get a 16-point victory.  Adjustment.  Effective.

The IWU Titans will be a tougher opponent for Hope than last night's Blue Jays.  They have more size, depth and weapons, and at this point you have to expect that everyone's going to have as much heart as Westminster showed.  The biggest question mark for them will be Zimmer.  Remember that he was playing hurt last night, and still chalked up 10 points in a short amount of time in the first half.  IWU won by 8.  Will he be able to hit the floor tonight and make a similar impact on the game tonight?  Last night IWU and UWSP played a tough, defensive game.  Will last Saturday's OT game v. Adrian be as important as we imagined in preparing Hope for a tourney run?

I HOPE that tonight's game will be close throughout, that the officials will be as transparent as they were in the 1st game last night, and that I get to see a prime example of what I consider some of the best basketball played anywhere.  I HOPE that everyone who wants to see tonight's game gets in, or gets to watch or listen to a clear, high quality broadcast (for those who can't be in Holland).  I HOPE the Flying Dutchmen play with passion, give full effort, play as a team, and find a way to win.  I HOPE to leave the fieldhouse a happy HOPE fan, HOPE-ing for another weekend hosting more great teams from around the country.  I guess what I'm saying is, GO HOPE !!!

Well said Erm.

[sflzman]

Taking a quick break from the Hope talk:

Alma snags Brandon Trefil, one of the stars of the D Fulton-Middleton, who according to the website of his AAU team, committed to come to Alma next season. http://www.centralallstars.com/index.html

With the games listed on mlive.com it shows Trefil averaging about 11 points per game...