MBB: Landmark Conference

[CardsFan]

Has Catholic played a No. 1 team since Rowan in 1996? Not in the 2001 tournament ...

It's been 14 years so I may be a bit hazy, but wasn't Ohio Northern #1 going into the Final Four? If they weren't then CUA hasn't played #1 since Rowan.

No, I specifically checked, hence the "not in the 2001 tournament."

I mean, ONU might have been No. 1 in the coaches' poll or something but that poll was so bad they
gave up doing it.

I checked as soon as I posted, and ONU was #6. So I guess you're right with Rowan.

[NEPAFAN]

Babson vs Scranton at 7. Babson is a big team, and it looks like a great match up b/w their two stars and Boken and Danzig. The good news is Scranton has been rebounding a lot better since that MMA when we got all over them.

Westfield State had Babson on the ropes a bit, but faded with about 5 minutes left. Looked like a bit of team infighting from my observation of the live stream.

I am wondering if Scranton's 3 point shooting is the x factor here.

What is the scouting report on RM-CUA?

[CardsFan]

Macon is strong in areas that CUA is weak. They will have a decided height advantage across the board. My major concern is that Macon will wear CUA down as they play 10 guys at least 13 minutes per game, making them seemingly immune to foul trouble.

Macon has only 2 guys averaging 10+ ppg, but everyone who plays is capable of a big game. I seem to remember from the Hoopsville Tournament early in the season that Macon wasn't setting the world on fire offensively, but their defense was very intense and they make it a physical game.

3 big keys for CUA today: hit 7-10 threes, get to the foul line, and keep the rebounding battle close.

[Matt Letourneau]

Well, thus ends the Landmark season.

R-MC vs Catholic was an entertaining game.  Obviously, you want to win, but Catholic played them extremely tough the whole game and wouldn't let R-MC run away with it despite some obvious disadvantages.  What really stands out to me is that CUA actually outrebounded R-MC despite a massive size disadvantage.  R-MC has a whole bunch of D1 bodies and some of them have D1 skills.  Its a bit jarring to see 7 feet centers draining 3's.  But Catholic actually played a very smart game and only turned the ball over 5 times.  They couldn't get anything going from outside and that ultimately was the difference.  On the other hand, I thought R-MC wasn't particularly smart with their shot selection--they were settling for a lot of outside shots when I thought they could have been more productive down low.

Corey Stanford played an extremely good game for the Cardinals--he was aggressive and did everything he needed to win.  Ultimately, Catholic got worn down and just couldn't catch up.

Now, there was ugliness with about 1:00 left in the game.  For some reason, rather than holding the ball, an R-MC player made a hard drive to the basket and got fouled by Kyle Phanord.  It was a hard foul, and probably late.  The refs I believe called a flagrant foul, and that's fine.  But R-MC coach has a complete meltdown and starts screaming at the player and then at Steve Howes.  You can see for yourself here, the fun starts at about 2:22  https://www.boxcast.com/show/#/r-mc-mbb-ncaa-tourn-2nd-round

Now, I was close enough to actually hear him, and Coach Davis is literally screaming f-bombs at the Catholic bench and the court.  I understand that he's upset and wants to protect his player, but...really?  It was a hard foul, I get it.  But it had not been a dirty game to that point whatsoever.  I don't understand the overreaction.  Somehow, out of that the Catholic bench gets a technical, I guess for coming out of their seats when Davis was marching down the sideline wagging his finger and screaming at Howes.  Obviously, Howes took exception to the f-bombs but nothing physical happened.

So, a little extra excitement. 

But overall, tough to be too disappointed consider the level of opponent.  There's a lot to build on for Catholic--next year obviously they'd like to be in R-MC's position, and its not out of the question considering the talent they are bringing back.

[CardsFan]

Well, thus ends the Landmark season.

R-MC vs Catholic was an entertaining game.  Obviously, you want to win, but Catholic played them extremely tough the whole game and wouldn't let R-MC run away with it despite some obvious disadvantages.  What really stands out to me is that CUA actually outrebounded R-MC despite a massive size disadvantage.  R-MC has a whole bunch of D1 bodies and some of them have D1 skills.  Its a bit jarring to see 7 feet centers draining 3's.  But Catholic actually played a very smart game and only turned the ball over 5 times.  They couldn't get anything going from outside and that ultimately was the difference.  On the other hand, I thought R-MC wasn't particularly smart with their shot selection--they were settling for a lot of outside shots when I thought they could have been more productive down low.

Corey Stanford played an extremely good game for the Cardinals--he was aggressive and did everything he needed to win.  Ultimately, Catholic got worn down and just couldn't catch up.

Now, there was ugliness with about 1:00 left in the game.  For some reason, rather than holding the ball, an R-MC player made a hard drive to the basket and got fouled by Kyle Phanord.  It was a hard foul, and probably late.  The refs I believe called a flagrant foul, and that's fine.  But R-MC coach has a complete meltdown and starts screaming at the player and then at Steve Howes.  You can see for yourself here, the fun starts at about 2:22  https://www.boxcast.com/show/#/r-mc-mbb-ncaa-tourn-2nd-round

Now, I was close enough to actually hear him, and Coach Davis is literally screaming f-bombs at the Catholic bench and the court.  I understand that he's upset and wants to protect his player, but...really?  It was a hard foul, I get it.  But it had not been a dirty game to that point whatsoever.  I don't understand the overreaction.  Somehow, out of that the Catholic bench gets a technical, I guess for coming out of their seats when Davis was marching down the sideline wagging his finger and screaming at Howes.  Obviously, Howes took exception to the f-bombs but nothing physical happened.

So, a little extra excitement. 

But overall, tough to be too disappointed consider the level of opponent.  There's a lot to build on for Catholic--next year obviously they'd like to be in R-MC's position, and its not out of the question considering the talent they are bringing back.

Corey Stanford was fantastic. 22 points and 13 rebounds against several guys bigger and taller than him. I don't think the Cards could've done anything differently today with the team put together as it currently is (lack of height and consistent outside shooting.) The height difference between Macon's guards and CUA's was a real problem today. Still, very glad I made the trip today.

Lot of praise for CUA this season. To finish 23-6, win 15 conference games, play for a conference title, make the 2nd Round of the NCAA Tournament and give the #1 team in the country a decent game was far more than what even the most optimistic fan could've imagined for this season. As long as it's a quiet summer and this group returns in its entirety, hopefully adding some talented freshman, next season should be fun.

The end of game shenanigans gave me CAC flashbacks. Matt, I don't know what else Macon's coach wanted at that point. He was comfortably winning the game and the refs made the appropriate call of a Flagrant 1. It wasn't close to the level of a Flagrant 2. No one really covered themselves in glory at the end, as numerous players and coaches from both sides needed restraining, but I completely understand Coach Howes' reaction.

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

I only saw it in the corner of my eye on the cell phone as I drove to Dickinson, but from reports there were some things building including some extra curricular activities from some CUA players in plays prior... and apparently some of the players headed towards the RMC bench after the play. RMC's coach is one of the coolest, calmest guys you will ever see in a game. For him to be fired up takes a lot... and to be honest, I have never seen it happen in all my years watching him coach. That was something to listen to and hear about.

Now... I am not trying to blame anyone, so please don't take it that way. Emotions were high for everyone. I don't have a problem with RMC trying to score there. CUA is still within striking distance and had shown they could get some quick baskets there in the closing minutes. You have to make sure to get another point if you have the chance. From what I heard (again heard and not from RMC people), the foul was a bit of a tackle and late in a game that isn't needed and clearly the RMC coach and some players didn't appreciate the tactic. I personally was surprised a CUA player would be that aggressive as well... but I also understand the emotions of it all. It was a well fought game that I wish had a better ending.

Lesson learned I hope for both parties... it should be noted the play happened right at the feet of the national committee chair who is as critical of his team (when needed) as others... so his take is more important than anyone elses.

[Matt Letourneau]

Dave,
I know you are super busy right now and I'm sure haven't had a chance to really look at the video, but I posted it so people could see for themselves what we're talking about. 

I don't have a problem with trying to score either and I don't think it had anything to do with the play one way or the other, other than maybe catching the defense by surprise a little bit.  With 1:00 to go up, up 13, that would not have been my strategy, but I'm not coaching.   I'm not aware of any extracurricular activities whatsoever leading up to that, unless you count one of the Catholic players tipping the ball from a Macon players hand after a whistle (for which the ref told him not to, handled well).  But this was not a game when bodies were getting knocked to the floor after the whistle or anything like that.

It was a hard foul, and the refs were on top of it.  (You can see for yourself).  I personally think it was one of those that probably looked worse than it was, but I understand the call and I'm not arguing with it.  But quite honestly, I've seen plenty worse and so have you.  It wasn't especially unique.

But...what in the world is the R-MC coach carrying on about, and why is he going over to the Catholic bench screaming?  Why is he using that kind of language?  The refs made the call he wanted--right away (look at the baseline ref).  Several different times Davis starts walking away from his bench, toward the Catholic bench, and he's screaming expletives.  Is that really necessary?  Ever?

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

Considering a former Catholic coach was infamous for yelling down at the opposing bench and using some very colorful language (one of the reasons I invested in a microphone with a mute button)... why do you ask? LOL

I wasn't there... I don't know what got Nate Davis so angry... but I can tell you there must have been something because that is not his style in any way, shape, or form. I also believe the tech on CUA was for leaving the bench (players, not coach) - but that is a guess.

[CardsFan]

I have no problem with the Macon player trying to score there. As to the foul, it's a solid Flagrant 1 100%. it wasn't a smart play on CUA's part, but I understand the frustration. The player was absolutely not trying to hurt the Macon player, but it did occur in front of their bench so that raises the tension level.

As to any extracurriculars, it was a very physical (not dirty) game, now if Macon feels they were receiving some cheap shots, that door certainly swings both ways. Macon seems to take pride in playing a physical style of ball and that's fine...it is a contact sport after all, but they have to expect some physicality in return.

I'm all for coaches protecting their players, but that was the first really hard foul in a physical game and Coach Davis overreacted. Just punishment was handed out immediately and the Macon player wasn't hurt. D-Mac I believe you that Davis is a mild-mannered man as I've seen him coach several times and never seen him explode, but he did yesterday, and if your gonna attack another coach then expect a response. As I said earlier, no one ended up looking real good (Howes included).

[Charles]

a real unfortunate play. that's how kids get hurt. just a sad way for CUA to end a nice season. Coach Howes needs to explain his  behavior. bad moment for CUA.

[NEPAFAN]

I just watched the video, I don't see how you get on the RMC coach for that. No reason for that foul and risking injury to a kid for the rest of the Tournament. He tackled him.

Another observation from Babson is the behavior of their bench. Not on the level of what happened at RMC but Babson bench players act like they are in the student section jumping up and down and gyrating like crazy on every play. I would think players would be held up to a higher standard.

How great is it that we get all these games in HD right on our computer? Unreal weekend of hoops.

[kate]

Love your posts 95% of the time, NEPA FAN, but I Love it when the bench players get all involved!  Nothing worse for me as a fan to look over & see our bench sulking or looking downright catatonic.

[NEPAFAN]

Love your posts 95% of the time, NEPA FAN, but I Love it when the bench players get all involved!  Nothing worse for me as a fan to look over & see our bench sulking or looking downright catatonic.

Only 95% of the time?

I agree to a certain extent  but I think at a certain point it becomes too much.

[kate]

I bet if you were an opposing fan of Scrantons' that you'd be happy, too if your team was winning  . Seriously, I think the entire MAC Freedom still misses you guys and Drew!  Perhaps I should just speak for myself, though!  Who knows, maybe next year!

[CardsFan]

Babson vs Scranton at 7. Babson is a big team, and it looks like a great match up b/w their two stars and Boken and Danzig. The good news is Scranton has been rebounding a lot better since that MMA when we got all over them.

Westfield State had Babson on the ropes a bit, but faded with about 5 minutes left. Looked like a bit of team infighting from my observation of the live stream.

I am wondering if Scranton's 3 point shooting is the x factor here.

What is the scouting report on RM-CUA?

So what kind of game was Scranton-Babson? Was it really just a matter of Scranton shooting poorly? I would have liked at least 1 Landmark team to make the 2nd weekend, but it wasn't to be. I'm certainly not going to miss Ross Danzig tearing CUA up twice a season, but he was a fantastic player (probably the best this conference has ever had) and I am going to miss watching him play.