MBB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

[sac]

Will not be surprised if Hope takes the league crown this year.

I too am not impressed with Hope this year.

Full reversal with a pike inverted twist.

[HollandKnight]

Will not be surprised if Hope takes the league crown this year.

I too am not impressed with Hope this year.

Full reversal with a pike inverted twist.

Is there a like button or something?

[wiz]

Will not be surprised if Hope takes the league crown this year.

I too am not impressed with Hope this year.

Full reversal with a pike inverted twist.

Yup! The one thing I have in common with the Flying Dutchmen.  We both did a full reversal this week.

[Mr. Ypsi]

Will not be surprised if Hope takes the league crown this year.

I too am not impressed with Hope this year.

Full reversal with a pike inverted twist.

Is there a like button or something?

When you reach 200 posts, 'applaud' and 'smite' buttons will magically appear.  Until then, you'll just have to do the more helpful and civilized procedure of telling someone you like a post!

sac, wiz was not necessarily doing a 'full reversal'.  His earlier post was dated 2014 - Hope arguably was the league 'champ' for THAT year's portion of the season (e.g., beating Wheaton soundly when Calvin lost to them, etc.)  For the first ten days of 2015, I doubt anyone is particularly impressed with Hope!   (wiz, you owe me, big time! )

[sac]

Will not be surprised if Hope takes the league crown this year.

I too am not impressed with Hope this year.

Full reversal with a pike inverted twist.

Is there a like button or something?

When you reach 200 posts, 'applaud' and 'smite' buttons will magically appear.  Until then, you'll just have to do the more helpful and civilized procedure of telling someone you like a post!

sac, wiz was not necessarily doing a 'full reversal'.  His earlier post was dated 2014 - Hope arguably was the league 'champ' for THAT year's portion of the season (e.g., beating Wheaton soundly when Calvin lost to them, etc.)  For the first ten days of 2015, I doubt anyone is particularly impressed with Hope!   (wiz, you owe me, big time! )

It was from about 12 days ago.  Ya know, 2014!

[sac]

Couldn't help notice Hope's week was almost identical to last springs MIAA Tournament.
http://miaa.org/mbb/stats/1314/0225trin.htm  65-62 win
http://miaa.org/mbb/stats/1314/0301calv.htm  78-53 loss


Only 2 of the last 10 Hope/Calvin games have been decided by single-digits.  Not really very Hope/Calvin.

[Mr. Ypsi]

Will not be surprised if Hope takes the league crown this year.

I too am not impressed with Hope this year.

Full reversal with a pike inverted twist.

Is there a like button or something?

When you reach 200 posts, 'applaud' and 'smite' buttons will magically appear.  Until then, you'll just have to do the more helpful and civilized procedure of telling someone you like a post!

sac, wiz was not necessarily doing a 'full reversal'.  His earlier post was dated 2014 - Hope arguably was the league 'champ' for THAT year's portion of the season (e.g., beating Wheaton soundly when Calvin lost to them, etc.)  For the first ten days of 2015, I doubt anyone is particularly impressed with Hope!   (wiz, you owe me, big time! )

It was from about 12 days ago.  Ya know, 2014!

Yeah, yeah - I know I was going on a technicality!  His posts WERE from two different calendar years!

(And a slight modification of my post about Hope this calendar year - until I checked, I didn't realize that the utter destruction of OWU came in 2015 - felt like 'way last year'! )

[kzoo99]

62 Fouls and 81 freethrows in the Kalamazoo - Olivet game last night.  The officials had very quick whistles.  The game took a very long time (About 2 hrs and 20 minutes).  I tried to see if these officials worked the first conference games but only found one of them in the Calvin - Alma game.  The fouls didn't seem too far out of line.  It was strange to me that the officials were not listed on the MIAA site for the Hope - Trine game but 46 fouls were called in that game.

[sac]

62 Fouls and 81 freethrows in the Kalamazoo - Olivet game last night.  The officials had very quick whistles.  The game took a very long time (About 2 hrs and 20 minutes).  I tried to see if these officials worked the first conference games but only found one of them in the Calvin - Alma game.  The fouls didn't seem too far out of line. It was strange to me that the officials were not listed on the MIAA site for the Hope - Trine game but 46 fouls were called in that game.

Merlin Nice was one of them, the other I recognize but can't recall his name, the third is in the witness protection program.

[knightvision]

Didn't get to watch on DVR til late last night and didn't know the result going in.  Some thoughts/reactions:

1) Jordan Brink:  WOW!  Especially because I thought that Hope defended him pretty well--he hit some tough shots.
2) Harrison Blackledge:  Very Impressive!
3) Parks, Stout, and Huizenga:  Don't overlook their contributions--really solid.
4) Why doesn't Sam Otto play 25 minutes a game?  Every time I've seen this kid play I've been impressed with his stroke and floor game.  Went to look at the season stats and he shoots it at a high percentage and doesn't seem to force shots.  I'd have a hard time not playing this kid--a lot.
5) Mitchell's half time comments coming out of the half time locker room were telling.  Pretty clear he didn't think his guys had stuck to the game plan of pushing tempo (saw him in the background windmilling his arm more than once cajoling them to push it), attacking and looking inside (even if to go inside then out), and felt they "settled" far too often. I'll attribute some of Hope's difficulties to Calvin's defense, but also to the fact that Mitchell is still sorting out the pieces and figuring out how to put them all together.  What goes along with this dynamic is guys trying to prove they should be one of the pieces, which can lead to some of what it seemed like we saw--some forced shots and not sticking to the game plan.  I have little doubt that Hope/Mitchell will get this figured out...
6) Had to smile when Tom Cleary noted he was going to send it down to Ryan Terpstra for the halftime interview with Tim VanDyke--and then was surprised to see that KVS was joining Terp!  I noted on here last year that for a variety of reasons I thought KVS should be doing this, and I was glad to see him do it.

[oldknight]

Didn't get to watch on DVR til late last night and didn't know the result going in.  Some thoughts/reactions:

1) Jordan Brink:  WOW!  Especially because I thought that Hope defended him pretty well--he hit some tough shots.
2) Harrison Blackledge:  Very Impressive!
3) Parks, Stout, and Huizenga:  Don't overlook their contributions--really solid.
4) Why doesn't Sam Otto play 25 minutes a game?  Every time I've seen this kid play I've been impressed with his stroke and floor game.  Went to look at the season stats and he shoots it at a high percentage and doesn't seem to force shots.  I'd have a hard time not playing this kid--a lot.
5) Mitchell's half time comments coming out of the half time locker room were telling.  Pretty clear he didn't think his guys had stuck to the game plan of pushing tempo (saw him in the background windmilling his arm more than once cajoling them to push it), attacking and looking inside (even if to go inside then out), and felt they "settled" far too often. I'll attribute some of Hope's difficulties to Calvin's defense, but also to the fact that Mitchell is still sorting out the pieces and figuring out how to put them all together.  What goes along with this dynamic is guys trying to prove they should be one of the pieces, which can lead to some of what it seemed like we saw--some forced shots and not sticking to the game plan.  I have little doubt that Hope/Mitchell will get this figured out...
6) Had to smile when Tom Cleary noted he was going to send it down to Ryan Terpstra for the halftime interview with Tim VanDyke--and then was surprised to see that KVS was joining Terp!  I noted on here last year that for a variety of reasons I thought KVS should be doing this, and I was glad to see him do it.

Thanks to KV for not adding number 7) "Who was the doofus in the third row who mangled the catch of that first half blocked shot?" I was texting during the game when a Calvin defender--I think Tyler Dykstra--swatted the ball into the endzone seats. If I hadn't looked up the ball would have hit me in the face but I reached up with both hands. Quite honestly it was an easy grab (I have visions of taking game ball home). Unfortunately, my cell phone was still in my left hand and I couldn't close my fingers around the ball, causing the sphereoid to drop directly on top of the head of the lady seated right in front of me. My first fear was not for her wellbeing but for a slew of texts from "friends." Apparently it didn't make instant replay because no one bothered to let me know I seemed destined for Sportscenter. A clear example of why one should never text and spectate at the same time.

[goodknight]

Didn't get to watch on DVR til late last night and didn't know the result going in.  Some thoughts/reactions:

1) Jordan Brink:  WOW!  Especially because I thought that Hope defended him pretty well--he hit some tough shots.
2) Harrison Blackledge:  Very Impressive!
3) Parks, Stout, and Huizenga:  Don't overlook their contributions--really solid.
4) Why doesn't Sam Otto play 25 minutes a game?  Every time I've seen this kid play I've been impressed with his stroke and floor game.  Went to look at the season stats and he shoots it at a high percentage and doesn't seem to force shots.  I'd have a hard time not playing this kid--a lot.
5) Mitchell's half time comments coming out of the half time locker room were telling.  Pretty clear he didn't think his guys had stuck to the game plan of pushing tempo (saw him in the background windmilling his arm more than once cajoling them to push it), attacking and looking inside (even if to go inside then out), and felt they "settled" far too often. I'll attribute some of Hope's difficulties to Calvin's defense, but also to the fact that Mitchell is still sorting out the pieces and figuring out how to put them all together.  What goes along with this dynamic is guys trying to prove they should be one of the pieces, which can lead to some of what it seemed like we saw--some forced shots and not sticking to the game plan.  I have little doubt that Hope/Mitchell will get this figured out...
6) Had to smile when Tom Cleary noted he was going to send it down to Ryan Terpstra for the halftime interview with Tim VanDyke--and then was surprised to see that KVS was joining Terp!  I noted on here last year that for a variety of reasons I thought KVS should be doing this, and I was glad to see him do it.

Good thing we didn't text you from the site of our post-game Saturnalia. I'd be up for watching that one again -- and maybe even a third time. The Knights specialized in a groovy kind of brinkmanship yesterday.

Yes, Stout was pretty solid against Hope and Benson, and knocked down his mid-range jumpers, but I can't help but wonder when VanderBrug will be getting more minutes, if not the starting role. On the other hand, I really like seeing VanderBrug and Denney as a tandem on the floor. As someone (likely the technologically advanced and butterfingered OK) noted, when those two get more comfy with each other, it will make for some very uncomfortable moments for Calvin's foes.

[sac]

If you were wondering about Pool C stuff....

Hope's OWP for SOS calculations will probably hit its season peak this Wednesday when they play Albion.  I have them at .671 right now including the Albion game (result won't change the win% Hope will use).  It will slide from there and probably settle in the .520 range if Hope's non-conference opponents continue their current win%.

.520 is less than last year and would probably be really sketchy for selection with 7 D3 losses.  Hope has 5 D3 losses now, being that Pool C is defined as losing in your conference tournament that means Hope really has no margin the rest of the way.  Hope needs to run the table or win the MIAA tournament to get in I think.  Pretty tall task.

The Great Lakes looks like a pretty tough region to get a ranking, so when the rankings come out in a couple weeks, 5 D3 losses probably won't get a look.   Lots of games to be played and a lot of crazy things can happen but its not looking very good right now if you're realistic.


I haven't calculated it but Hope's OOWP should be pretty solid with 6 games against WIAC, CCIW and NCAC competition, that won't be a problem.

[ziggy]

If you were wondering about Pool C stuff....

Hope's OWP for SOS calculations will probably hit its season peak this Wednesday when they play Albion.  I have them at .671 right now including the Albion game (result won't change the win% Hope will use).  It will slide from there and probably settle in the .520 range if Hope's non-conference opponents continue their current win%.

.520 is less than last year and would probably be really sketchy for selection with 7 D3 losses.  Hope has 5 D3 losses now, being that Pool C is defined as losing in your conference tournament that means Hope really has no margin the rest of the way.  Hope needs to run the table or win the MIAA tournament to get in I think.  Pretty tall task.

The Great Lakes looks like a pretty tough region to get a ranking, so when the rankings come out in a couple weeks, 5 D3 losses probably won't get a look.   Lots of games to be played and a lot of crazy things can happen but its not looking very good right now if you're realistic.


I haven't calculated it but Hope's OOWP should be pretty solid with 6 games against WIAC, CCIW and NCAC competition, that won't be a problem.

Updated WP and SOS numbers: http://tomaroonandgold.blogspot.com/p/division-iii-mens-regional-rankings.html
Interesting that Calvin and Hope now have nearly identical RPI numbers. Hope with a sizable SOS advantage, Calvin with the big WP advantage.

[KnightSlappy]

Didn't get to watch on DVR til late last night and didn't know the result going in.  Some thoughts/reactions:

1) Jordan Brink:  WOW!  Especially because I thought that Hope defended him pretty well--he hit some tough shots.
2) Harrison Blackledge:  Very Impressive!
3) Parks, Stout, and Huizenga:  Don't overlook their contributions--really solid.
4) Why doesn't Sam Otto play 25 minutes a game?  Every time I've seen this kid play I've been impressed with his stroke and floor game.  Went to look at the season stats and he shoots it at a high percentage and doesn't seem to force shots.  I'd have a hard time not playing this kid--a lot.
5) Mitchell's half time comments coming out of the half time locker room were telling.  Pretty clear he didn't think his guys had stuck to the game plan of pushing tempo (saw him in the background windmilling his arm more than once cajoling them to push it), attacking and looking inside (even if to go inside then out), and felt they "settled" far too often. I'll attribute some of Hope's difficulties to Calvin's defense, but also to the fact that Mitchell is still sorting out the pieces and figuring out how to put them all together.  What goes along with this dynamic is guys trying to prove they should be one of the pieces, which can lead to some of what it seemed like we saw--some forced shots and not sticking to the game plan.  I have little doubt that Hope/Mitchell will get this figured out...
6) Had to smile when Tom Cleary noted he was going to send it down to Ryan Terpstra for the halftime interview with Tim VanDyke--and then was surprised to see that KVS was joining Terp!  I noted on here last year that for a variety of reasons I thought KVS should be doing this, and I was glad to see him do it.

Thanks to KV for not adding number 7) "Who was the doofus in the third row who mangled the catch of that first half blocked shot?" I was texting during the game when a Calvin defender--I think Tyler Dykstra--swatted the ball into the endzone seats. If I hadn't looked up the ball would have hit me in the face but I reached up with both hands. Quite honestly it was an easy grab (I have visions of taking game ball home). Unfortunately, my cell phone was still in my left hand and I couldn't close my fingers around the ball, causing the sphereoid to drop directly on top of the head of the lady seated right in front of me. My first fear was not for her wellbeing but for a slew of texts from "friends." Apparently it didn't make instant replay because no one bothered to let me know I seemed destined for Sportscenter. A clear example of why one should never text and spectate at the same time.

An enterprising weblogger took it upon himself to investigate the existence of a replay.