MBB: Landmark Conference

[NEPAFAN]

Scranton losses again. Farrell back after the holiday break most likely.


However, bigger things to think about than Basketball today. God Bless everyone affected by the tragedy in Conn.

[saratoga]

I gave the benefit of the doubt to the Royals last week when they lost at home against MMA.
They lost arguably one of their top players to an ankle injury with about 5 minutes to go in the first half & he never came back.
In addition, they were already playing without probably their best all-around performer since the start of the season due to another injury.
However.......last night's loss has nothing to do with players out etc. etc.
It has everything to do with terrible foul shooting down the stretch, pathetic perimeter defense, the continuation of unforced turnovers, questionable shot selection & the lack of defensive changes in coverage.
In many respects, the Royals were once again out-hustled & certainly out-coached.
Losing one game at home, that will happen...losing back to back (when both were winnable), there's a problem.
The bright spots for the Royals was the inside play of freshman B. Bokan (absolutely wanted the ball at the end) & the play of T. Morgan in his first game back.
Losing two at home vs. very average teams will almost certainly cost the Royals at the end of the year if they were thinking home court in the NCAA's.
Then again, if the Royal's coach doesn't get his house in order, last years magical run through the tournament will be nothing more than a fleeting memory which, more than likely, won't be replayed again this season.

[saratoga]

NEPA:
Great point...at least the kids are playing.
We really should have a national day of mourning for those little children & their families.
This nonsense is truly out of control.

[cold_case]

I gave the benefit of the doubt to the Royals last week when they lost at home against MMA.
They lost arguably one of their top players to an ankle injury with about 5 minutes to go in the first half & he never came back.
In addition, they were already playing without probably their best all-around performer since the start of the season due to another injury.
However.......last night's loss has nothing to do with players out etc. etc.
It has everything to do with terrible foul shooting down the stretch, pathetic perimeter defense, the continuation of unforced turnovers, questionable shot selection & the lack of defensive changes in coverage.
In many respects, the Royals were once again out-hustled & certainly out-coached.
Losing one game at home, that will happen...losing back to back (when both were winnable), there's a problem.
The bright spots for the Royals was the inside play of freshman B. Bokan (absolutely wanted the ball at the end) & the play of T. Morgan in his first game back.
Losing two at home vs. very average teams will almost certainly cost the Royals at the end of the year if they were thinking home court in the NCAA's.
Then again, if the Royal's coach doesn't get his house in order, last years magical run through the tournament will be nothing more than a fleeting memory which, more than likely, won't be replayed again this season.

What did Danzig say when you told him all this in person???

[TheGrove]

Hate to say it buy Marywood might be your best bet.

Nope, no luck there either. They do have a jogging track but their facilities are not open to the public. Checked Baptist Bible too, no indoor track. Guess I just have to shiver, or go to the mall. Thanks all for the help, though!

[saratoga]

He said not to worry...he had a lock on a point guard from Parkland.
Also said something about asking Canio to come out of retirement to work on their defense. 

[NEPAFAN]

Down 14 at the half to the other St. Joes

[TheGrove]

Off-topic again, but I wanted to share these thoughts on the Newtown tragedy from the Times-Tribune's Mike Iorfino, who grew up there: http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/commentary-shooting-shatters-hometown-memories-1.1418060

[NEPAFAN]

Cold Case,

Who had more turnover last night Mark Sanchez or the Royals?

[saratoga]

Amazing how the loss of the Royals best defensive player has had such an immediate impact on their fortunes...or lack thereof.
They simply do not put any pressure on the ball.
It certainly looks like they are so afraid of getting beat on drives to the basket that they are willing to allow room on the perimeter & its been killing them.
That and virtually no assists, minimal second chance shots, turnovers of all varieties, pretty lousy shooting up till today etc. etc. etc.
Perhaps Maple tapping season is over & the big kid from Vermont will head on down from the Adirondack's.
By the way...what is up with this tournament at Scranton with the consolation & championship games, on a work day, with the students out for semester break, being played at 2:00 & 4:00???
So much for a Fan Friendly environment.

[ronk]

 At least we now know that the rest of the freshman class are alive and well enough to play 1 minute.

[cold_case]

He said not to worry...he had a lock on a point guard from Parkland.
Also said something about asking Canio to come out of retirement to work on their defense. 

I don't know what idiot told you Scranton was getting a kid from Parkland. I did say they were pursuing a Parkland player. Show me one coach that gets everyone he recruits. And since you want to be a wise ass, you can wait for the school to put out their July press release on recruits. Actually, you were all going to wait from this point anyway...

[saratoga]

"July" press release???
So they've moved it up three months?
I guess this means we were all bad this year...CC is taking the ball & going home.
A little defensive...I was just giving a wise ass answer to a wise ass response.
Where's Augie, the judge of reason and introspection when we need him?
Probably relaxing poolside at his California retreat & working the phones to bring in another Calif. kid like BB.

[NEPAFAN]

Merry Christmas to all even the Grinch that is Cold Case!!!!!


For Christmas the Royals get a trip out to Juniata , should be fun!


Grove- Thank you for sharing that article. Much appreciated and not forgotten.

[cold_case]

Chris Shovlin is back at Wilkes? I thought you had five years to complete four? No?