MBB: Great Northeast Athletic Conference

D3HoopJunkie · November 16, 2016, 07:04:12 AM

Finally have some time to think about the outcome of the game last night.

I was very encouraged in what I saw out of this Falcons team. Babson was a very solid team who late in the second half put on a surge that the inexperienced Falcons could not overcome. They hit some big shots and really stretched out Albertus on the defensive end. When they were able to do so they knocked down shots and in return that momentum allowed them to pick up there defensive intensity as well.

Oliver was working with an extremely short bench and it really showed in the last 10 minutes of the game. This batch of freshman looks extremely promising. Specifically, Jahmerikah Green Younger and Damian Grant. But let's face it; they were simply overmatched in their first collegiate game against a very experienced and disciplined Babson team.

The fact that Oliver played this game without his two best players is very encouraging. I was told that Mason Jones broke his wrist in the early preseason and could be back next week if Oliver chooses to let him play or opts to take another week off and rest him. Grant Ellis was sick and I guess has been battling some type of flu or mono for the last 2 weeks now. When these 2 players return this team could be scary good. The pressure will be take off some of our younger guys and Jaquan Walters will be able to dominate on the inside with Ellis's ability to shoot and Jones ability to do whatever he wants on the floor. It will also allow spacing for guys like Pittman and Coleman who can really knock down shots when given the opportunities.

As the team sits right now, we are hands down the favorite in the GNAC and once we get healthy and have our top talent return and mesh together I really believe that this team could be special this season. Most people will look at this game and see a 20 point loss but they simply won't understand what we were missing from a talent standpoint. I would have loved to play this Babson team in the 2nd half of the season. While they would be a stronger team in the 2nd half as well I really would like our odds against them.

Who knows? Maybe down the road this matchup will come to fruition? You never know!?!?!

lildave678 · November 16, 2016, 08:39:30 AM

Good to hear some of those tidbits. I was reffing the Class S Boys Semi's yesterday so I couldn't keep an eye on it. Saw we lost by 20 but did notice we were up by 6 at half. Noticed Mason Jones didn't play but completely forgot about Ellis! It's obvious our younger guys would be "overmatched" up against such a veteran team but good to hear they competed. Should bode well down the line for this group.

Short bench is right. Only 7 had double digit minutes, and essentially only 6 really PLAYED (Hamilton had 11 minutes). Babson only had 7 as well, but 15 guys got into the game lol

D3HoopJunkie · November 16, 2016, 10:08:56 AM

Lildave,

That 15 players for Babson is a bit skewed as their coach emptied the bench with around a minute to go. But yes they definitely had a bit more depth than us on this particular night.

lildave678 · November 16, 2016, 11:07:28 AM

I figured that, wasn't implying they all made significant contributions or anything lol. Was just hitting on the point that he was able to do so

D3HoopJunkie · November 16, 2016, 11:56:18 AM

I hear ya Lildave.....Just thought I would let you know

Saint-Paul · November 16, 2016, 06:25:37 PM

Halftime score from the Wentworth tip off tourney, Saints down 17 - 43. Saints have already missed 28 shot attempts from the floor shooting just 17%, meanwhile Wentworth is scoring at a 52% clip. Lets see what game plan changes get made in the half time locker room. Maybe full court pressing Wentworth and giving up fast break layups was not such a good idea. We could always try a zone?

Saint-Paul · November 16, 2016, 10:47:14 PM

Sorry for leaving the readers on the edge of your seats with just a halftime report. No surprise at the outcome of this game. Saints lost by 30 to Wentworth, 54 - 84, to start the new season 0 - 2. Saints shooting improved in the second half all the way up to 28%. Saints did not call off their full court press until Wentworth had a comfortable 30 point lead. Wait, shouldn't that be the other way around? Saints can't wait to get back home, all of a few blocks away from the Wentworth campus , to start the GNAC league games, where they actually have a chance to beat somebody.

Saint-Paul · November 21, 2016, 11:58:52 PM

Yes it is only one week into the new season but the entire GNAC conference is 4 - 23 against outside opponents. I guess recruiting wasn't a priority last year.

Saint-Paul · November 22, 2016, 09:54:25 AM

Saints play tonight at 6 pm against Curry College. Curry went 0 -25 last year, so i guess tonight's game should be fairly close. If the Saints come out pressing and trapping full court again, Curry could get their first win in nearly a year and a half.

lildave678 · November 22, 2016, 10:10:52 AM

that's a pretty crazy stat Saint!

D3HoopJunkie · November 22, 2016, 10:44:20 AM

Albertus faces off against Fitchburg St tonight, an NCAA tournament team from last season who returns an excellent guard in Jaleel Bell. Also, you know the Falcons want this game bad as Fitchburg spoiled Albertus Magnus home winning streak last season which was also the longest home win streak in the country for all divisions.

Should be a good contest and it will be interesting to see if Grant Ellis and Mason Jones play or not!?!?!

Game time is set for 6:00 PM! Video link on the schedule which is always nice to see!

7express · November 22, 2016, 06:18:50 PM

Selfish post.......but since I drafted Green-Younger in the regular season draft league I'm hoping he can average about 13 points and 2 or 3 made 3's a game. Was the second highest scorer against Babson, so a pretty good start to the college career! Hopefully he can keep it up!

falcons2010 · November 22, 2016, 07:01:34 PM

7, do you have him for the entire year? His production will go down when Ellis and Jones come back. If you don't have Mason Jones, and he is available, get him. Stud!

This game versus Fitchburg state on the road will be tough. I can see falcons start out 0-2... hopefully they get it done! Go Falcons.

lildave678 · November 23, 2016, 03:51:19 PM

Anyone catch this game? Love seeing 6 people in double figures and getting this win without Jones and Ellis. My Wilby man Damian Grant has been killing it! I was hoping for a Lemar Larsen-esque career but he seems ahead of the curve (granted Lemar had to deal with the likes of Chi, Ray, Darius and Big Vic in his way). Even if he's one of the ones moved to the bench when Jones and Ellis return he'll be nice athletic piece off the bench. Shaq Mitchell also looks much improved from his short stint on the team two years ago.

falcons2010 · November 29, 2016, 12:16:53 PM

Falcons back in action tonight; first home game for Albertus this year. They host Suny Old Westbury who went to NCAA last year as the skyline conference champions but are currently 0-3. Not sure who returned from last year. I would think Albertus wins tonight. Hopefully we see either Ellis or Jones tonight; both would be great.