MBB: Centennial Conference

fritzdis · March 14, 2009, 11:39:21 PM

Quote from: Reserved Seat on March 14, 2009, 11:11:45 PM
Stockton looks like another Wesley with a little more height, and possibly more speed.

Except Stockton plays defense (63.8 opponents' ppg instead of 81.9, 41.6% opponents' FG% instead of 50.3%). I'm pretty sure they're a different caliber of opponent than the teams F&M has faced so far. The different styles should certainly make for an interesting match up.

D.B. Cooper · March 14, 2009, 11:58:31 PM

I saw Stockton handle Scranton & they looked mature, talented and balanced. At the time I thought the Dips would have considerable trouble if they ever played. But I think the margin may have narrowed as the F&M youngsters matured this year. Also I can only think Coach Robinson's record against previous NJAC schools in NCAA's (Jersey City in '79, Ramapo '91, Rowan '93, Rowan '00 with a 3:1 record) may give Dips a underdog fighting chance.

It's a shame my work schedule will keep my from the FF once again (Trip in '91 may have to suffice until at least next year). During the entire 130 minute drive home tonight I'm not sure the wheels of my car even touched the pavement. Go on to Salem to continue this miraculous run by this underclassmen dominated team.

I wonder if Dips will ever get the student support back like in the glory years. DeSales fervent student fans were tremendous, to show the way it should be. I hope next year the student body gets behind this team in a big way,

pizzashop · March 15, 2009, 12:37:45 AM

Early info on Salem from F&M: http://godiplomats.com/sports/m-baskbl/2008-09/NCAAtourney/saleminfo

crambam · March 15, 2009, 12:40:36 AM

That was awesome. I'm so glad I made the trip. It reminded me of beating Rochester in 1991. Ok, so this game wasn't AS exciting, but there was some personal humor. Before the game, I saw a display of pictures from that 1991 Final Four celebration at Mayser. I found myself in several pictures, and the funniest part is when I went tonight, I was wearing the same shirt! It was a 1991 NCAA Tourney shirt which was new then, and not so new now.

Of course, I made sure I sat in the same seat. Great game. Remember that prediction about the Dips being the most likely to blow it on their home court?

I guess that was wrong. Hope they kick butt in Salem. In 2000, they came within a hair of beating a heavily favored Calvin team. So never say never.

pizzashop · March 15, 2009, 07:24:46 AM

The Lancaster Sunday News remembered that prediction as well

:

http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/235112

r.w. mcnickels · March 15, 2009, 11:48:29 AM

Quote from: D.B. Cooper on March 14, 2009, 11:58:31 PM
During the entire 130 minute drive home tonight I'm not sure the wheels of my car even touched the pavement. Go on to Salem to continue this miraculous run by this underclassmen dominated team.

I was so stunned that I don't even remember the trip home. What an unpredictable, amazing season this team has had. The front page says F&M "ended DeSales' Cinderella run," but how about F&M's Cinderella run? The Dips were picked to finish 5th in the CC preseason poll; are loaded with underclassmen (including a freshman point guard); limped into the NCAA tournament, losing three of four; were picked as the team most likely to disappoint in this bracket; and are the only unranked team in the Final Four.

The Dips will be large underdogs in Salem. They did have a relatively "easy" bracket compared to the others, playing all home games against unranked teams. So, I'm not sure if the team is ready for the type of competition they'll face down there. But maybe they have another surprise left in the tank.

D.B., I agree with you that the CC prepared the Dips well. Two squads in Salem in two years isn't bad, considering the CC was written off three years ago as a national contender.

Have we heard from the diplomaniac lately? Anyone who is considering going to Salem should definitely do it. Even though F&M is 0-4 in that building (1996 and 2000), it's a great event.

crambam · March 15, 2009, 01:05:19 PM

What is the story on TV coverage? It would be incredible to watch this game in an NYC bar with other F&M alumni.

Reserved Seat · March 15, 2009, 01:28:28 PM

crambam,
Check this site for more info
http://www.odaconline.com/hoopchamp/

I and three of my former roommates(fummers classes of '70 and '72) have our room booked. This will make my fifth final four, and as D.B. said the trip is definitely worth it.

crambam · March 15, 2009, 02:43:25 PM

Is that video going to be free, or will you have to pay for it?

r.w. mcnickels · March 15, 2009, 03:21:41 PM

Last year the semifinals were free -- I remember watching Ursinus play Amherst. But I don't think the championship game is on free video.

Gabriel · March 15, 2009, 04:00:27 PM

Washington U has to be a huge favorite. They have tourney experience and return much of last year's championship team. Really a team of smart and good players.

crambam · March 15, 2009, 04:31:55 PM

Well this year, the finals are going to be on a real TV, CBSCollegeSports. Wow I hope F&M gets to play in that game and win in Salem.

hopefan · March 15, 2009, 04:36:09 PM

If you have access to Direct TV, the Championship game is on one of the sports channels - not a pay per view.... someone else just posted that as I was writing.

What is an estimate for F&M fans travelling down to Salem? lots of student support? Wondering what kind of crowds to expect.... Wash U last year travelled better than I expected - maybe 400 - .... Guilford is just 100 miles away, but has averaged only about 450/game at home.... Richard Stockton will likely be very light.....

Wash U Richard Stockton is the finals matchup that people will predict, BUT, it is the final FOUR ... have a great time down in Salem..... and GO if you can - it's the best time you could have....

Reserved Seat · March 15, 2009, 04:54:59 PM

I expect a large adult following for F&M. In the past, F&M had a decent fan base at the Final Four. As for the students, I don't know since they are on break scattered around the country.
I would think 400-500 fans should be possible.

Dave 'd-mac' McHugh · March 15, 2009, 05:41:17 PM

The Championship game has been on TV for as long as I can remember (and this will be my 9th Final Four). Though, I would argue that CBS College Sports Network (formerly CSTV) is NOT real TV. You can only get it if you pay for those higher-tiers of coverage (though, I don't know about DirecTV).

The semifinals and consolation game are always shown free on the internet... D3hoops.com will provide the audio for that video. D3hoops.com will also have the audio on the internet for the championship game. All broadcasts are thanks to NCAA.com.

Details to come on crews and such.