MBB: Centennial Conference

[Reserved Seat]

F&M dominated the first 10 minutes taking a 29-5 lead before Swarthmore found their game and trade baskets until the half.  F&M took a 24 point into the dressing room at half with Moune and Federici playing great ball.  Then the second half started and the Garnet came out with a dialed up intensity.  They scored the first 12 points before F&M got back on the board.  With this new found intensity, Swarthmore cut the lead to one with a chance to take the lead.  At that point F&M found a way to hang on and win by 11--75-64.  Swarthmore desired a lot of  respect for not packing in the second half.  Loeffler lead Swarthmore with 18 points.  Walsh grabbed 9 rebounds but not enough to beat the combination of Moune and Owona who had 9 each.  Moune added 21 points and Tate and Federici added 19 each.  The foul calls were interesting to say the least.  Federici couldn't get a foul call in the second half.  Swarthmore should be a force in the upcoming years.

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

F&M dominated the first 10 minutes taking a 29-5 lead before Swarthmore found their game and trade baskets until the half.  F&M took a 24 point into the dressing room at half with Moune and Federici playing great ball.  Then the second half started and the Garnet came out with a dialed up intensity.  They scored the first 12 points before F&M got back on the board.  With this new found intensity, Swarthmore cut the lead to one with a chance to take the lead.  At that point F&M found a way to hang on and win by 11--75-64.  Swarthmore desired a lot of  respect for not packing in the second half.  Loeffler lead Swarthmore with 18 points.  Walsh grabbed 9 rebounds but not enough to beat the combination of Moune and Owona who had 9 each.  Moune added 21 points and Tate and Federici added 19 each.  The foul calls were interesting to say the least.  Federici couldn't get a foul call in the second half.  Swarthmore should be a force in the upcoming years.

You got your travelling shoes?  I predict the Dips are headed to Ohio for opening weekend.

[Reserved Seat]

If I have to, I've gone further.    I've only missed 5 games in the last 11 years.  All with legit excuses.  Over 35 years since I've missed a home game.

[ronk]

If I have to, I've gone further.

Anywhere's better than MMA?

[ronk]

Reserved Seat,
It's become a moot point with F&M winning the AQ, but Here's a link to ECAC declared teams for this year's tourney, F&M among them.
http://www.ecacsports.com/sports/mbkb/Championships/Division_III/2015-16/DIII_Men-s_Basketball_Declared_Teams.pdf

[Reserved Seat]

F&M was sent to MMA several years ago. I had a hotel room near the airport.

[ronk]

F&M was sent to MMA several years ago. I had a hotel room near the airport.

I was referring to the F&M fans' experience with the game site supervisor.

[D.B. Cooper]

Some comments.

Incredible CC final to experience. F&M played a great first half while I'm sure Swarthmore played their worst half. Garnet came out with an intensity and urgency that Dips didn't seem ready for and the role of playing great and poorly was reversed for 13 minutes and SWAT was to their credit got back in the game. Dips were rescued in large part by outstanding play by Tate down the stretch. Garnet appear to be a major force in the CC for at least the next 2 years, what a job done by the coaches and players. In the tournament the Dips must be ready for all teams to come after them like SWAT did the second half.

It seems as times have gone on the NCAA generally takes teams that are not seeded 1 or 2 in their region and sends most of them 5-7.5 hours away (that doesn't save money does it ). Even though I have the time off I will consider skipping trips to Norfolk, VA, Marietta, OH, or Delaware, OH. Based on my location I would look forward to traveling to Oswego, New Jersey, Amherst and most of New England, and would love a trip to DC where I have family. Would accept the tough commutes to Lynchburg or Plattesburg. Even John Carroll I could consider but that is a long trip too. Unfortunately I usually don't get my preferred tournament sites (I know it's not about me), either hit the road or be disappointed and stay home.

[ronk]

Some comments.

Incredible CC final to experience. F&M played a great first half while I'm sure Swarthmore played their worst half. Garnet came out with an intensity and urgency that Dips didn't seem ready for and the role of playing great and poorly was reversed for 13 minutes and SWAT was to their credit got back in the game. Dips were rescued in large part by outstanding play by Tate down the stretch. Garnet appear to be a major force in the CC for at least the next 2 years, what a job done by the coaches and players. In the tournament the Dips must be ready for all teams to come after them like SWAT did the second half.

It seems as times have gone on the NCAA generally takes teams that are not seeded 1 or 2 in their region and sends most of them 5-7.5 hours away (that doesn't save money does it ). Even though I have the time off I will consider skipping trips to Norfolk, VA, Marietta, OH, or Delaware, OH. Based on my location I would look forward to traveling to Oswego, New Jersey, Amherst and most of New England, and would love a trip to DC where I have family. Would accept the tough commutes to Lynchburg or Plattesburg. Even John Carroll I could consider but that is a long trip too. Unfortunately I usually don't get my preferred tournament sites (I know it's not about me), either hit the road or be disappointed and stay home.

  I share your pain; there's certainly enough diversity in our Mid-Atlantic that we can have 4 regions represented without having to travel more than 4 hours.

[Reserved Seat]

Hotel room booked. 

[Reserved Seat]

D.B. Cooper, are you heading to Medford?

[D.B. Cooper]

RS. We are hoping to trying to make it work. Likely to be there.  Hope to see you there.

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

It seems as times have gone on the NCAA generally takes teams that are not seeded 1 or 2 in their region and sends most of them 5-7.5 hours away (that doesn't save money does it ). Even though I have the time off I will consider skipping trips to Norfolk, VA, Marietta, OH, or Delaware, OH. Based on my location I would look forward to traveling to Oswego, New Jersey, Amherst and most of New England, and would love a trip to DC where I have family. Would accept the tough commutes to Lynchburg or Plattesburg. Even John Carroll I could consider but that is a long trip too. Unfortunately I usually don't get my preferred tournament sites (I know it's not about me), either hit the road or be disappointed and stay home.

This isn't your dad's NCAA Division III anymore. It has a far more national feel than the antiquated regional feel we had as late as the late 90s. The NCAA has evolved and coaches, administrators, presidents, and even fans want to see a tournament that feels more national and feels more like what it should be. So yes, the men's committee especially is taking advantage of the fact they can drive up to 499.9 miles without a flight (which are highly restricted) to give the tournaments a more national feel and scope.

I rather see teams playing teams not from their region or neighborhood on their way to a possible championship.

And yes, it costs about the same or the NCAA, especially in Division III, wouldn't allow it with its tight budget. A bus for a 100 miles versus 500 miles is usually going to be priced out the same as it is more about the driver and the equipment than the fuel. And hotel rooms and such are pretty standard.

Does sending teams 490 miles to another location always ring fair for fans? No of course not. But with the advent of video streaming it is far easier to follow teams than it used to be. And to have a diverse tournament allows for a more exciting tournament as well.

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

Plus you could always end up like Lycoming and have to go 400 miles to CNU and still be on the same region.

[ronk]

Plus you could always end up like Lycoming and have to go 400 miles to CNU and still be on the same region.

Maybe Lycoming could appeal for being discriminated against by NOT being sent to another region which would be 100-250 miles closer(Stockton, John Carroll).