MBB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

[sac]

Alex Eidson went into last night's game just 3 points shy of reaching 1000. He went 0-4 from 3. We tried to will a few of those shots in from the baseline, obviously to no avail. That has to be tough, but hopefully people will remember him more for games like his fantastic shooting performance at Calvin two years ago. This senior class will be missed as much as any, as they were not only one of the most talented Hope has ever seen, but some of the most genuine men you'll meet, as well. Eddy, Ben, Whit, Ottomatic, and Brock: it's been fun.

While Hope loses some talent, they've got plenty coming back and coming in. I suppose it's a similar scenario for Alma. I look forward to next year's MIAA match ups. Until then, good luck to the Scots from here on out!

I agree they were one of the most talented teams.  As a basketball fan I was always left with the feeling they never quite achieved an elite level of play.

Hope were only really elite in  turnover margin/steals and getting to the FT line.   I guess maybe it depends on what you consider elite, they were top 10% of D3 in those categories.  Good to very good in a number of others.

By contrast Alma is top 10% in......

FG%
FG% defense
3pt made
3pt %
FT%
Assists
Assist/Turnover
Blocked Shots

[sac]

Really hope Alma fans take advantage of the Sectional Round and go watch their Scots play at Benedictine.  The Sectional round is really the life blood of the D3 tournament, there really is no more exciting evening than Friday and no more game of greater anticipation than if you win and play for a chance to go to Salem on Saturday.

It really is a great experience, enjoy it.

[Winifred Durfee]

Alex Eidson went into last night's game just 3 points shy of reaching 1000. He went 0-4 from 3. We tried to will a few of those shots in from the baseline, obviously to no avail. That has to be tough, but hopefully people will remember him more for games like his fantastic shooting performance at Calvin two years ago. This senior class will be missed as much as any, as they were not only one of the most talented Hope has ever seen, but some of the most genuine men you'll meet, as well. Eddy, Ben, Whit, Ottomatic, and Brock: it's been fun.

While Hope loses some talent, they've got plenty coming back and coming in. I suppose it's a similar scenario for Alma. I look forward to next year's MIAA match ups. Until then, good luck to the Scots from here on out!

I agree they were one of the most talented teams.  As a basketball fan I was always left with the feeling they never quite achieved an elite level of play.

Hope were only really elite in  turnover margin/steals and getting to the FT line.   I guess maybe it depends on what you consider elite, they were top 10% of D3 in those categories.  Good to very good in a number of others.

By contrast Alma is top 10% in......

FG%
FG% defense
3pt made
3pt %
FT%
Assists
Assist/Turnover
Blocked Shots

I had a feeling I would have at least someone question that. 3 seniors that combined for... what... 3,400 points? A solid junior supporting class. Dante showing a lot of upside. I don't believe this team ever reached its full potential. It's simply my opinion that they were more talented than most people realize. They just couldn't seem to get everyone on the same page at the same time. Oh well- that's the way it goes sometimes. Obviously, the lack of depth with the bigs, which led to foul trouble, was Hope's demise (that and playing Augie).

As for Alma... I doubt many are debating whether or not this is their best team of all time...

[wiz]

Alex Eidson went into last night's game just 3 points shy of reaching 1000. He went 0-4 from 3. We tried to will a few of those shots in from the baseline, obviously to no avail. That has to be tough, but hopefully people will remember him more for games like his fantastic shooting performance at Calvin two years ago. This senior class will be missed as much as any, as they were not only one of the most talented Hope has ever seen, but some of the most genuine men you'll meet, as well. Eddy, Ben, Whit, Ottomatic, and Brock: it's been fun.

While Hope loses some talent, they've got plenty coming back and coming in. I suppose it's a similar scenario for Alma. I look forward to next year's MIAA match ups. Until then, good luck to the Scots from here on out!

I agree they were one of the most talented teams.  As a basketball fan I was always left with the feeling they never quite achieved an elite level of play.

Hope were only really elite in  turnover margin/steals and getting to the FT line.   I guess maybe it depends on what you consider elite, they were top 10% of D3 in those categories.  Good to very good in a number of others.

By contrast Alma is top 10% in......

FG%
FG% defense
3pt made
3pt %
FT%
Assists
Assist/Turnover
Blocked Shots

I had a feeling I would have at least someone question that. 3 seniors that combined for... what... 3,400 points? A solid junior supporting class. Dante showing a lot of upside. I don't believe this team ever reached its full potential. It's simply my opinion that they were more talented than most people realize. They just couldn't seem to get everyone on the same page at the same time. Oh well- that's the way it goes sometimes. Obviously, the lack of depth with the bigs, which led to foul trouble, was Hope's demise (that and playing Augie).

As for Alma... I doubt many are debating whether or not this is their best team of all time...

Would you say Alma has more talent than Hope or just better coached?

[almcguirejr]

Here is the link to the video from the Alma/ JCU game: The kerfuffle involving Jason Beckmann happens at approx. 45:30.  Sam Hargraves was ready to defend his player!

https://www.boxcast.com/show/#/ncaa-division-iii-men-s-basketball-championship-2nd-round

[Winifred Durfee]

Alex Eidson went into last night's game just 3 points shy of reaching 1000. He went 0-4 from 3. We tried to will a few of those shots in from the baseline, obviously to no avail. That has to be tough, but hopefully people will remember him more for games like his fantastic shooting performance at Calvin two years ago. This senior class will be missed as much as any, as they were not only one of the most talented Hope has ever seen, but some of the most genuine men you'll meet, as well. Eddy, Ben, Whit, Ottomatic, and Brock: it's been fun.

While Hope loses some talent, they've got plenty coming back and coming in. I suppose it's a similar scenario for Alma. I look forward to next year's MIAA match ups. Until then, good luck to the Scots from here on out!

I agree they were one of the most talented teams.  As a basketball fan I was always left with the feeling they never quite achieved an elite level of play.

Hope were only really elite in  turnover margin/steals and getting to the FT line.   I guess maybe it depends on what you consider elite, they were top 10% of D3 in those categories.  Good to very good in a number of others.

By contrast Alma is top 10% in......

FG%
FG% defense
3pt made
3pt %
FT%
Assists
Assist/Turnover
Blocked Shots

I had a feeling I would have at least someone question that. 3 seniors that combined for... what... 3,400 points? A solid junior supporting class. Dante showing a lot of upside. I don't believe this team ever reached its full potential. It's simply my opinion that they were more talented than most people realize. They just couldn't seem to get everyone on the same page at the same time. Oh well- that's the way it goes sometimes. Obviously, the lack of depth with the bigs, which led to foul trouble, was Hope's demise (that and playing Augie).

As for Alma... I doubt many are debating whether or not this is their best team of all time...

Would you say Alma has more talent than Hope or just better coached?

Tough to say looking at a lot of different factors (games seen in person, Massey, etc.). I've had the pleasure of seeing both teams play quite a bit, and what I will say is that I've seen few teams shoot the ball as well as Alma. I suppose the numbers make that less of my opinion and just fact. It would have been fun to see the two play at a neutral site. Hargreaves and Mitchell should see some games come down to the wire over the next couple of years. It will be very exciting.

[sac]

For MIAA officials

Travis Plain, Greg VanDyken and Jimmy Jarret worked the Hardin-Simmons-Benedictine game.
Pat Stegeman worked the OWU-Lynchburg game with two guys I don't recognize,  Shane Staggs, Chris Fuller

Most of the familiar officiating names like Kooiker, Whitfield, Wegenke, Kavulich, Geerlings other Wegenke and K. Smith can be found working the GLIAC Quarter-Finals,  Semi-Finals and Finals.

[Dutch_Man]

First of all, congratulations Alma! Really hope to see you see cut down the nets this weekend! My only hesitation for cheering for you is that your coach is from calvin... I will move past that... Keep those on dancing!

I will start by saying Augustana is an extremely talented team and if I were a betting man, I would bet on Augustana winning this thing... They were simply the better team on Saturday night. Hope would have had to play 40 minutes of their best ball to walk away with a win and most of us know, this team struggled to put it all together most of the year...

With that being said, I believe it needs to be mentioned how pathetic the refs were on Saturday night. The NCAA should be embarrassed by what they put on the floor for a significant second round match up... Apparently, between the two crews on Friday night, there were 100 games of NCAA tourney experience combined... Saturday night... ZERO. IF this is true... the NCAA has some explaining to do... I absolutely believe in giving new refs an opportunity to grow and flourish but I am not sure if this was the time or place. The Augie/Westminster game might have been a good starting point... These refs from the M.I.A.C looked like deer in head lights. Their inconsistency and misses on blatant should be calls was incredible (please see definition of travel ***), especially for the time and place. I believe both Augie and Hope fans would agree with all of this...

Even with this being said, I am not convinced Hope would have pulled off the upset... But I do believe this game would have been closer to a 6 point game than a 12 point game... If this were the case, the last 5 minutes could have looked and felt a lot different.

All in all, whether this crew truly had no NCAA tournament experience or 100 games of experience, they were pathetic and Augie was stinking good. Augie best of luck in the next round. I enjoyed your enormous "all beef" hot dogs, enthusiastic student section and friendly fans. I do hope your ticket office is a little more gracious to your next guests though...

Cheers to a fun season!



***Traveling - In basketball, traveling (travelling in Commonwealth English) is a violation of the rules that occurs when a player holding the ball moves one or both of their feet illegally. Most commonly, a player travels by illegally moving his or her pivot foot or taking two or more steps without dribbling the ball.

[arena]

Alex Eidson went into last night's game just 3 points shy of reaching 1000. He went 0-4 from 3. We tried to will a few of those shots in from the baseline, obviously to no avail. That has to be tough, but hopefully people will remember him more for games like his fantastic shooting performance at Calvin two years ago. This senior class will be missed as much as any, as they were not only one of the most talented Hope has ever seen, but some of the most genuine men you'll meet, as well. Eddy, Ben, Whit, Ottomatic, and Brock: it's been fun.

While Hope loses some talent, they've got plenty coming back and coming in. I suppose it's a similar scenario for Alma. I look forward to next year's MIAA match ups. Until then, good luck to the Scots from here on out!

I agree they were one of the most talented teams.  As a basketball fan I was always left with the feeling they never quite achieved an elite level of play.

Hope were only really elite in  turnover margin/steals and getting to the FT line.   I guess maybe it depends on what you consider elite, they were top 10% of D3 in those categories.  Good to very good in a number of others.

By contrast Alma is top 10% in......

FG%
FG% defense
3pt made
3pt %
FT%
Assists
Assist/Turnover
Blocked Shots

I had a feeling I would have at least someone question that. 3 seniors that combined for... what... 3,400 points? A solid junior supporting class. Dante showing a lot of upside. I don't believe this team ever reached its full potential. It's simply my opinion that they were more talented than most people realize. They just couldn't seem to get everyone on the same page at the same time. Oh well- that's the way it goes sometimes. Obviously, the lack of depth with the bigs, which led to foul trouble, was Hope's demise (that and playing Augie).

As for Alma... I doubt many are debating whether or not this is their best team of all time...

Would you say Alma has more talent than Hope or just better coached?

Better coach and a group of tanlented kids who totally bought in 

[pointlem]

Better coach and a group of tanlented kids who totally bought in

Taking nothing from Alma--they've excelled for all the reasons mentioned, and more power to them--let's not forget that Hope did win the league championship.

[monsoon]

Bummed the schedule was such that I never got the chance to watch this year's Hope team live. Special group of seniors who will be missed. Time with the extended Hope bball family was also missed. Hopefully I'll be back a little next year.

[John Gleich]

For MIAA officials

Travis Plain, Greg VanDyken and Jimmy Jarret worked the Hardin-Simmons-Benedictine game.

They really let them bang... which played to Benedictine's strengths.

[oldknight]

First of all, congratulations Alma! Really hope to see you see cut down the nets this weekend! My only hesitation for cheering for you is that your coach is from calvin... I will move past that... Keep those on dancing!

I will start by saying Augustana is an extremely talented team and if I were a betting man, I would bet on Augustana winning this thing... They were simply the better team on Saturday night. Hope would have had to play 40 minutes of their best ball to walk away with a win and most of us know, this team struggled to put it all together most of the year...

With that being said, I believe it needs to be mentioned how pathetic the refs were on Saturday night. The NCAA should be embarrassed by what they put on the floor for a significant second round match up... Apparently, between the two crews on Friday night, there were 100 games of NCAA tourney experience combined... Saturday night... ZERO. IF this is true... the NCAA has some explaining to do... I absolutely believe in giving new refs an opportunity to grow and flourish but I am not sure if this was the time or place. The Augie/Westminster game might have been a good starting point... These refs from the M.I.A.C looked like deer in head lights. Their inconsistency and misses on blatant should be calls was incredible (please see definition of travel ***), especially for the time and place. I believe both Augie and Hope fans would agree with all of this...

Even with this being said, I am not convinced Hope would have pulled off the upset... But I do believe this game would have been closer to a 6 point game than a 12 point game... If this were the case, the last 5 minutes could have looked and felt a lot different.

All in all, whether this crew truly had no NCAA tournament experience or 100 games of experience, they were pathetic and Augie was stinking good. Augie best of luck in the next round. I enjoyed your enormous "all beef" hot dogs, enthusiastic student section and friendly fans. I do hope your ticket office is a little more gracious to your next guests though...

Cheers to a fun season!



***Traveling - In basketball, traveling (travelling in Commonwealth English) is a violation of the rules that occurs when a player holding the ball moves one or both of their feet illegally. Most commonly, a player travels by illegally moving his or her pivot foot or taking two or more steps without dribbling the ball.

The not-so-hidden assumption here is that the officials' deficiencies were mostly one-sided. I watched the entire second half and while I admit there were some curious, mostly non-calls, I can't say they disadvantaged Hope more than Augustana. We all are prone to take more notice when our own team is getting the shaft while mostly ignoring missed calls that go our way. I thought other issues were at play to distinguish the two teams. To use soccer terminology, there were an awful lot of 50/50 balls that mostly wound up in the hands of Augustana. To me, that was the biggest difference between the two teams.

[Flying Dutch Fan]

First of all, congratulations Alma! Really hope to see you see cut down the nets this weekend! My only hesitation for cheering for you is that your coach is from calvin... I will move past that... Keep those on dancing!

I will start by saying Augustana is an extremely talented team and if I were a betting man, I would bet on Augustana winning this thing... They were simply the better team on Saturday night. Hope would have had to play 40 minutes of their best ball to walk away with a win and most of us know, this team struggled to put it all together most of the year...

With that being said, I believe it needs to be mentioned how pathetic the refs were on Saturday night. The NCAA should be embarrassed by what they put on the floor for a significant second round match up... Apparently, between the two crews on Friday night, there were 100 games of NCAA tourney experience combined... Saturday night... ZERO. IF this is true... the NCAA has some explaining to do... I absolutely believe in giving new refs an opportunity to grow and flourish but I am not sure if this was the time or place. The Augie/Westminster game might have been a good starting point... These refs from the M.I.A.C looked like deer in head lights. Their inconsistency and misses on blatant should be calls was incredible (please see definition of travel ***), especially for the time and place. I believe both Augie and Hope fans would agree with all of this...

Even with this being said, I am not convinced Hope would have pulled off the upset... But I do believe this game would have been closer to a 6 point game than a 12 point game... If this were the case, the last 5 minutes could have looked and felt a lot different.

All in all, whether this crew truly had no NCAA tournament experience or 100 games of experience, they were pathetic and Augie was stinking good. Augie best of luck in the next round. I enjoyed your enormous "all beef" hot dogs, enthusiastic student section and friendly fans. I do hope your ticket office is a little more gracious to your next guests though...

Cheers to a fun season!



***Traveling - In basketball, traveling (travelling in Commonwealth English) is a violation of the rules that occurs when a player holding the ball moves one or both of their feet illegally. Most commonly, a player travels by illegally moving his or her pivot foot or taking two or more steps without dribbling the ball.

The not-so-hidden assumption here is that the officials' deficiencies were mostly one-sided. I watched the entire second half and while I admit there were some curious, mostly non-calls, I can't say they disadvantaged Hope more than Augustana. We all are prone to take more notice when our own team is getting the shaft while mostly ignoring missed calls that go our way. I thought other issues were at play to distinguish the two teams. To use soccer terminology, there were an awful lot of 50/50 balls that mostly wound up in the hands of Augustana. To me, that was the biggest difference between the two teams.

Totally agree that our perception is that the non-calls that were against us affected the outcome, but I can tell you that the Augie fans were just as upset about the extremely poor officiating and from their perspective they should have won by more.  Personally I doubt it would have made any difference in the outcome if we had different officials.

That does not excuse that a second round game had officials with a total of ZERO tournament experience.  Totally get that officials have to start getting experience sometime, but all 3 of them?  That just puts them in a totally bad place and makes no sense.  It was very obvious that they were uncomfortable on several occasions, and with none of them having any experience they had no "go to" person.  Seems like you would at least have a lead official with some experience to assist the newbies.  Certainly there could have been a better choice for a 2nd round game.

[sac]

Box score from the St. Norbert/Alma game in December.  I was able to watch the 2nd half of that one, the Scots went a little crazy from behind the arc in the 2nd half and were an offensive machine of efficiency.   St. Norbert's two losses this year are to Alma and Stevens Point.

http://www.snc.edu/athletics/teamfiles/basketballm/2015-16/2016-11.pdf

Most interesting is Jason Beckman having 0 points, he's been a really important off the bench player for them lately.  This was kind of a watershed game for them, their first really good road win against a strong opponent.  Don't know if Alma can have that same kind of day shooting the ball.  I would expect this rematch to be closer but I still like the Scots to pull it out.