MBB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

[formerd3db]

First, this is for Mr. Ypsi.  Congratulations; after the our fb debacle vs. IWU this fall, your alma mater did it to us again, this time in bb.  A well played game by them.  All the best to them as they go on in the tourney.

Second, after this game, it brings me to the question that was discussed earlier this year and recently by some.  Although Hope had a fantastic season this year, as some believed, they still were not one of the better teams overall to progress in the tourney as compared in the past.  The DIII overall "pool" this year didn't seem, at least so far, to have any dominant powerhouse, and in that regard, I thought that our Hope team just might have a great chance of at least getting to the final four, although I admit that I really had my doubts/concerns, which were borne out by tonight's performance.  All that said, the question I'm alluding to is, once again...do any of you think that Hope needs to upgrade their early season non-conference schedule to play some upper tier NCAA tourney calibur teams, of which might help them later in the season when it comes to the tourney times?  Just curious as to everyone's thoughts on this now after tonight's game with the understanding, of course, that one game does not necessarily make that theory a viable one.

[sac]

Phenomenal game at DeVos Fieldhouse tonight last night.  I tried really hard to think of something to say about this one on the drive home but I don't really think any words in any sort of order I can put them would be worthy of such a contest.


All schools with great basketball tradition have moments or games their fans will always remember.  Some good memories, some bad.  Two of D3's best programs played a game against each other for the very first time last night and I can't imagine either side will ever forget it.


Somewhere inside Illinois Wesleyan's Shirk Center will sit the net from DeVos Fieldhouse's arch end basket.  I really didn't know what to think about IWU's request to cut down the net, I mean its round two and you just don't do that.  But I think its a sign of great respect for Hope's program and what it means to IWU to win such a game in such a brilliant setting.  Sometimes we as fans forget there are two sets of stories on the court, each with its own idea of what they value.   This was a valuable win to Illinois Wesleyan its players, coaches and fans.  You could see it on their faces and the way they celebrated this victory, this meant something to them.  I don't think we as fans should want it any different.

[section7]

In the NCAA tourney, a win is a win is a win, the goal is survive and advance..............

with that said, Hope will need to play their best game of the year tomorrow night to eliminate IWU.

Snuggs will not have 37 pts tomorrow, I guarantee #32 for IWU (Davis) will make sure of it.

NVA and LN need to be involved tomorrow night for a Hope plays, Hope wins game

Well, my guarantee was garbage.  Snuggs you were unreal this weekend.  Hard to believe he goes for 37 and 40 and they don't get to play next weekend.

Knights2000 - guess you missed this post

[hope52]

what a  great   game sat

hope   what a great year   thank you for a great seasson   27-2

[KnightSlappy]

the evidence is...Snuggs was hot as f this weekend, and he certaining didn't shoot like that all season.  Hence the overused and underappreciated use of the term " hot hand"- which is used all the time, during all levels of play by us common folk (also known as basketball fans who don't try to over analyze everything).  Maybe Nate should have touched his teammates with those magical hands or let them rub his head or something....

The evidence was certainly not that he was 'hot'. The evidence was that he made a lot of shot (at a high percentage).

[BUBeaverFan]

I really didn't know what to think about IWU's request to cut down the net, I mean its round two and you just don't do that.

I enjoyed watching the Hope/IWU game as well as many others that I could have going on my computer last night.  Hope/IWU obviously the best game by far. Thanks to both teams for a great game.  Watching other games there were at least a few other net cutting ceremonies.  They may not be universal but certainly not unheard of. Congrats to Hope on a great season.

[Roundball999]

Congrats to Hope on a fine season, though I'm sure it must sting right now.  Good luck to IWU going forward.

But how about the atmosphere at that game?  Equal to the best I've seen anywhere, at any level.  The Hope community should be commended for the support they give their team - and the IWU contingent did a great job as well.  That game was a shining example of the best of D3 basketball in many respects.

[pointlem]

apparently the Sentinel's Alan Babbitt is not a frequent visitor to this forum.  His #1 Key to Hope being successful was " feeding the hot hand".. EVERYBODY knows that theory doesn't really exist, although Snuggs would have had to go about 0 -30 the next game for his season average to come to fruition over a 3 game stretch....

No one disputes whether the theory exists. The dispute is whether the evidence supports the theory.

There's also no disputing that streaks happen--and are to be expected--in basketball, baseball, and other sports.  But no need to rehash that now.  Let's just marvel at Snuggs' amazing weekend.  Let's grieve the extremely difficult end to a spectacular and memorable game (March Madness, for sure).  Let's admire IWU's amazing record of facing six #1 ranked teams in NCAA tournament play and defeating them all on their opposition's home court.  Let's tip our hats to the esteemed four seniors who, sadly, saw their college basketball end last evening (how we will miss DK's leading fast breaks, PB's hang time on jump shots, LNs long-range shooting when it was on, and NK's supportive presence no matter his role).  Let's thank the team--and the coaches--who represented Hope College in such a classy way, right to and at the end last night.  And then, after a bit more "counterfactual thinking" as we mentally replay last evening (if only . . . ), let's begin thinking about the too-far-away next season.

[dutchwatcher]

Well said, Pointlem!  It's tough to see it end but they went out with class and both teams played well enough to win.  The seniors will be missed but there is a good nucleus of returning players to make next year a fun team to watch as well.  Congrats to both teams for a spectacular performance!

[NCF]

First, this is for Mr. Ypsi.  Congratulations; after the our fb debacle vs. IWU this fall, your alma mater did it to us again, this time in bb.  A well played game by them.  All the best to them as they go on in the tourney.

Second, after this game, it brings me to the question that was discussed earlier this year and recently by some.  Although Hope had a fantastic season this year, as some believed, they still were not one of the better teams overall to progress in the tourney as compared in the past.  The DIII overall "pool" this year didn't seem, at least so far, to have any dominant powerhouse, and in that regard, I thought that our Hope team just might have a great chance of at least getting to the final four, although I admit that I really had my doubts/concerns, which were borne out by tonight's performance.  All that said, the question I'm alluding to is, once again...do any of you think that Hope needs to upgrade their early season non-conference schedule to play some upper tier NCAA tourney calibur teams, of which might help them later in the season when it comes to the tourney times?  Just curious as to everyone's thoughts on this now after tonight's game with the understanding, of course, that one game does not necessarily make that theory a viable one.

This is a great post and it discissed on the fball board as well. I always wondered why North Central played weaker non-conf team? I don't see any point to putting up huge numbers on weak teams. Personally, I feel it is degrading to your opponent and only gives athletes a false sene of accomplishment. Playing tougher teams shows your weaknesses and gives you time to make corrections before conference play begins. In bball,teams can take some risks as your season is longer and a few losses against quality teams will help more than blow-outs against the weaker ones. That said, once your team becomes one of the top teir teams, it gets harder to schedule good teams. Former, you are one of the most gracious posters on the boards. You make no excuses and even when angered, you seem to show restraint.

[pointlem]

First, this is for Mr. Ypsi.  Congratulations; after the our fb debacle vs. IWU this fall, your alma mater did it to us again, this time in bb.  A well played game by them.  All the best to them as they go on in the tourney.

Second, after this game, it brings me to the question that was discussed earlier this year and recently by some.  Although Hope had a fantastic season this year, as some believed, they still were not one of the better teams overall to progress in the tourney as compared in the past.  The DIII overall "pool" this year didn't seem, at least so far, to have any dominant powerhouse, and in that regard, I thought that our Hope team just might have a great chance of at least getting to the final four, although I admit that I really had my doubts/concerns, which were borne out by tonight's performance.  All that said, the question I'm alluding to is, once again...do any of you think that Hope needs to upgrade their early season non-conference schedule to play some upper tier NCAA tourney calibur teams, of which might help them later in the season when it comes to the tourney times?  Just curious as to everyone's thoughts on this now after tonight's game with the understanding, of course, that one game does not necessarily make that theory a viable one.

This is a great post and it discissed on the fball board as well. I always wondered why North Central played weaker non-conf team? I don't see any point to putting up huge numbers on weak teams. Personally, I feel it is degrading to your opponent and only gives athletes a false sene of accomplishment. Playing tougher teams shows your weaknesses and gives you time to make corrections before conference play begins. In bball,teams can take some risks as your season is longer and a few losses against quality teams will help more than blow-outs against the weaker ones. That said, once your team becomes one of the top teir teams, it gets harder to schedule good teams. Former, you are one of the most gracious posters on the boards. You make no excuses and even when angered, you seem to show restraint.

This year, weren't many of Hope's toughest games actually in the pre-conference schedule--against the CCIW teams, against Marietta (a ranked DIII team from the prior year with all its starters back), against the scholarship-athlete NAIA teams, and against DI WMU?  Except perhaps for the first game against Rochester, this didn't seem like a list of teams that Hope could or did easily dominate.  Nevertheless, from the new DIII rule that KnightSlappy has told us about, it sounds like MIAA teams may need to find more DIII opponents during November and December . . . though geography--with water or Canada on three sides of Michigan--makes that more of a challenge than for the Ohio/Indiana/Illinois schools.

[NCF]

I don't follow MIAA bball closely so I can't comment. Why the new rule?

[Titan Q]

I was stuck watching the game last night in a hotel room in Phoenix.  I wish I could have been there.  Even online, it was obvious the atmosphere at DeVos was beyond words.

Ever since that 1996 Final Four, when Hope fans and IWU fans started rooting for each other against Rowan (something about that has always stuck with me), I've wanted the Titans and Flying Dutchmen to meet.  We finally got the matchup last night, and it certainly did not disappoint. 

As an IWU fan, part of what makes the win last night so special was that it was against one of the top programs in NCAA Division III, and at the crown jewel of facilities in D3.  Congratulations on an incredible season, Flying Dutchmen fans - I'm really looking forward to the IWU/Hope matchups the next 3 seasons.  It's an honor to compete against Hope College. 

[Titan Q]

Somewhere inside Illinois Wesleyan's Shirk Center will sit the net from DeVos Fieldhouse's arch end basket.  I really didn't know what to think about IWU's request to cut down the net, I mean its round two and you just don't do that. 

I don't really like it, Scott, but nets have been cut down at every regional (and sectional) I have been at for the last 6-7 years.  As far as I know, it has become kind of standard thing...and the NCAA rep at the game helps coordinate it.

I know it happened at other games last night across the country.

[hopefan]

I'm really looking forward to the IWU/Hope matchups the next 3 seasons.  It's an honor to compete against Hope College.

TQ  I'll be counting on you for a ticket!!

Ahhh those of us who have been Hope fans for a number of years, who remember Matt Neil the player... we gotta hang in there....   one of these years... but dang it, Hopesters, hurry up, the time is running out for some of us!!!!  ahhh win or lose, D3 hoops and particularly Hope hoops and SLIAC hoops are the  pleasure of my life second only to family....