MBB: Centennial Conference

[r.w. mcnickels]

If the players know Dip history they should know F&M owes the Lord Jeffs some payback for 1993 & 2004. They have always had the same approach to F&M. They have packed in the defense to limit the inside game & make us shoot from the perimeter & bet we miss. Here's to hoping this plan would backfire.

D.B., this is the first thing I thought when the brackets came out - another potential meeting with Amherst. I think the game in 1994 was harder to take than 2004 because the Dips had only lost to Princeton that year, and I believe F&M was ranked No. 1 or 2 in the nation. There was also the added dagger of LVC beating Amherst the following night and ultimately winning the national title after F&M had beaten the Dutchmen twice.

It will be interesting to see if the Dips can break the Amherst hex in Mayser Gym. It sounds like this Amherst team might be the best of the three (1994, 2004, 2012) to play F&M in the NCAAs. If they pack the paint like you predict, the Dips will need to hit a few threes to stay in this game.

[crambam]

The Dips don't hit 3s.

Not this year.

And you're right.  It was 1994.  In 1993, they lost to Rowan in a horrifically refereed game.  In 1994 they were upset in their own gym.  It was sickening to watch.  And yes worse because LVC were given the title because the ref didn't know that a shot after the game is over doesn't count.

I also agree that the refs will play a factor in this game.  If they call light fouls, F&M has no chance.  If they let the best defense in the country play, they do have a chance.

Not having a 3 point guy is a killer.  Anyone got Tommy Nicholson's number?

[onetinsoldier]

Coach Robinson's system seems to negate the need for a three point shooter.  Missed 3's lead to long rebounds which lead to fast break points which goes against everything the F&M coach preaches.  When you play inside so well, and have strong offensive rebounders better to just pound down low.  Also from what i've watched the last few weeks, this Diplomat team plays incredibly well on the baseline. 

The difference in the 04 game was a guy named Adam Harper, a defensive specialist.  This time F&M has the defenisive specialists. 

[crambam]

Let's hope so.  I watched last week's game against Western Connecticut and really focused my attention on Matt Porter.  He was incredible when he was allowed to be in the game.  He was a big part in slowing down the #3 scorer in the nation.  Brooks wouldn't have even had 22 had Porter and Milligan been allowed to play the full game.

I really hope the refs let them play.

But historically, the Dips HAVE had good outside shooters.  Jeremiah Henry and Tommy Nicholson were great 3 point threats to name two. 

[Bucket]

The difference in the 04 game was a guy named Adam Harper, a defensive specialist.  This time F&M has the defenisive specialists.

Not saying he's the same as Adam Harper, but Amherst's Willy Workman was the NESCAC Defensive Player of the Year this year.

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

I am going to try and get out to the games at least on Friday.

[ddm1027]

The game should be an interesting one.  I think Porter's length and quickness combination could slow Toomey down(we'll see if he can regularly stay in front of Toomey though) and Milligan could also be effective against him.  I actually think F&M matches up defensively better with Toomey than Amherst does defensively with Milligan.  Toomey may be able to stay in front of Milligan but lacks the strength and length while Workman and Barrise may struggle because while they long, they are not as quick laterally.  On the other hand, outside of matching up with each team's top player, I think most of the other match ups will favor the Jeffs.  This game could very well come down to which team has second and third guys step up and play well.  I think F&M can win the game at home but they may need to knock down a few early jumpers to open up the post and driving lanes a bit.

[r.w. mcnickels]

The game should be an interesting one.  I think Porter's length and quickness combination could slow Toomey down(we'll see if he can regularly stay in front of Toomey though) and Milligan could also be effective against him.  I actually think F&M matches up defensively better with Toomey than Amherst does defensively with Milligan.  Toomey may be able to stay in front of Milligan but lacks the strength and length while Workman and Barrise may struggle because while they long, they are not as quick laterally.  On the other hand, outside of matching up with each team's top player, I think most of the other match ups will favor the Jeffs.  This game could very well come down to which team has second and third guys step up and play well.  I think F&M can win the game at home but they may need to knock down a few early jumpers to open up the post and driving lanes a bit.

Aside from the individual matchups, there is also the x-factor of Hixon vs. Robinson - two of the best to ever coach in D-III. Hixon has had success beating Robinson's system in the past. I think in-game adjustments could play a big role on Friday.

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

Any word on game times and ticket info yet?

[onetinsoldier]

Any word on game times and ticket info yet?

MIT/CSI 530, F&M game 730, Saturdays game at 7

[mailsy]

Great story about 2 pg in the MidAtlantic regions on the front page, Lemons from Cabrini and Milligan from F&M.

http://www.d3hoops.com/playoffs/men/2012/senior-guards

[njf1003]

TICKETS
On Sale at Mayser Center West Lobby
Wednesday: Noon – 2 p.m.
Thursday: Noon- 2 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 pm
Friday: Doors open at 4:00 p.m.
Saturday: Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Tickets for Friday: $7 adults, $4 student and seniors, free for children under two
Tickets for Saturday: Available at the conclusion of the second game on Friday evening and after 5:30 p.m. on Saturday in the Mayser Lobbies

[Reserved Seat]

njf1003,
get your friends to stay Friday and pack the DIPZONE.
I'll be in my seat early. Hoping for 2000+ fans, but it'll be tough with the break.
Last Friday was one of the largest crowds in my 40+ year attendance at Mayser.(top 10)

[centfan]

i like toomey alot at point guard. better shooter than milligan and better offensively. i also think amherst is stronger on the boards than f&m.
i pick:
amherst

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

TICKETS
On Sale at Mayser Center West Lobby
Wednesday: Noon – 2 p.m.
Thursday: Noon- 2 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 pm
Friday: Doors open at 4:00 p.m.
Saturday: Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Tickets for Friday: $7 adults, $4 student and seniors, free for children under two
Tickets for Saturday: Available at the conclusion of the second game on Friday evening and after 5:30 p.m. on Saturday in the Mayser Lobbies

Any chance they'll sell out before Friday?  I live 90 minutes away and probably won't be there until right before tip off of the opening game.