WBB: NESCAC

[nescac1]

Congrats to the Ephs on the upset.   Sounds like they shot the lights out from 3 all weekend.  They'll have to do the same to pull two more wins and earn a trip to a practical home-game at Springfield.  Looks like they are bigger than their next opponent, so hopefully the inside game can carry them.  I think it's 50/50 to get to the elite 8, where they would be a huge underdog -- but they did beat Scranton last year, so they won't lack for confidence!  Good luck to the Ephs ...

[goubears89]

What do folks think will be the likely venue for the upper left bracket? In the women's preview, it's noted that technically, it's Atlantic's turn, but that Mary Washington is ineligible to host. So, do you have it in Maine at Southern Maine or Bowdoin, or at Bridgewater? Any pundits have any likely scenarios?

[usmhoops1]

** Newsflash**

Looks like USM will host according to a post from Pat Coleman.  No other details.  Should be an incredible atmosphere for basketball again in Maine.  USM/Bridgewater  and Bowdoin/Mary Washington.

[feces monkey]

Southern Maine's selection is predictable, and, from my point of view, the appropriate selection as I am a firm believer a team she be rewarded for a season's success. I'm sure the Polar Bears are looking forward to the challenge because, as we all know, a Final Four berth was locked if the regional was at Bowdoin.

The selection of USM does makes me feel for Bridgewater and Mary Washington. Instead visiting Brunswick, one of the jewels of New England, with its majestic pines, soft sea breezes and pastoral landscapes, they will be forced to visit Gorham, an oozing and slightly infected pimple on the face of Maine.

The USM campus is a big enough blight to the area, but the amenities in Cancer Valley are not exactly geared for visitors -- especially our good friends from the Confederacy. Perhaps the Gorham Chamber of Commerce can request the paper mills in Westbrook be fired up over the weekend so the fans of Mary Washington and Bridgewater can get a life-like feel of the existence in the armpit of Maine. I would suggest all visitors of this regional stay in Freeport or Yarmouth -- this would ensure a pleasant stay and no risk of growing a third arm in a couple of years.

The good news is the regional will certainly be well-staffed with all the bonus hours available to students.

Cheers to Williams for bringing down a couple of windbags, especially on the road. Jeers to Bates for pulling defeat from the jaws of victory.

[Pat Coleman]

D3hoopsNet, under contract from NCAAsports.com, will be broadcasting the entire Southern Maine sectional. Coverage starts a half-hour before tipoff and includes a preview of all four sectionals, plus in-game "live look-ins" at other sectionals in progress.

Mark Simon on the call.

http://www.d3hoops.com/audio/

[feces monkey]

Another huge upset for the Bowdoin women tonight. It looked like the Polar Bears might get run out of the gym early, but Flaherty was unbelievable. The Cinderella story continues tomorrow against USM. If Bowdoin beats the Huskies, it would eclipse the 1980 USA hockey win as the greatest upset in the history of team sport.

[walzy31]

not sure the PBears' season can be a "cinderella story"...it was, afterall, their 5th straight trip to the sweet 16 and 5th straight NESCAC title.

[bbald eagle]

they had lots of help from three fairy godmothers in stripes 

[feces monkey]

Ah, yes. The siren song of the sore loser: blame the officiating.

I'll let Bowdoin's head coach sum it up for tearful Mary Washington fans, per the Portland Press Herald:

"I thought it was very similar to NCAA games we've played before in terms of physical play. I think with their style, they do a lot of perimeter stuff and we do a lot of inside stuff."

Inside play is where you get fouled, not taking jumpshots. The two teams who beat Bowdoin this year had consistent inside play (and took more foul shots than Bowdoin).

Sure, Hickey got a couple of quick fouls, but she ended with two fouls. Her playing only 11 minutes is purely a coaching decision, so if you can't handle the fact you were beat and need to point fingers, blame her. Flaherty, who dominated, only had four of her 29 points from the foul line. Might want to try and guard the opposition's best player, don't ya think? Or perhaps grab a defensive rebound?

Bowdoin's best player: 29 points, 10 rebounds
MW's best player: 3 points, eight rebounds, six turnovers

Damn those officials!

Normally I'd congratulate the play of the opposition and leave it at that, but since MW fans can't give credit where credit is due, I'll let them know why they lost: just too soft.

[fairmont1113]

I am Bridgewater (Va) fan, but was also at the Mary Wash v. Bowdoin game. I did not think it was the best officiating I have ever seen, but at least it was consistent both ways. I also do not think a team that is ranked #5 in the nation on the d3hoops website, only has two losses on the season, and is the NESCAC champion can even be put in the consideration to be called a "cinderella story".  I am saying that as a compliment to Bowdoin. They looked like a very good team to me, and I think they have a good chance to knock USM off tonight. So, cinderella story? NO. Very good team with a good chance of making it to the final four? YES.

[bbald eagle]

Ah, yes. The siren song of the sore loser: blame the officiating.

I'll let Bowdoin's head coach sum it up for tearful Mary Washington fans, per the Portland Press Herald:

"I thought it was very similar to NCAA games we've played before in terms of physical play. I think with their style, they do a lot of perimeter stuff and we do a lot of inside stuff."

selective editing, mr. feces

add this from the Bowdoin coach from the same article:

"it seemed odd that Bowdoin shot 27 free throws (making 18) to Mary Washington's six (5 successful). ... 'I am really surprised by the disparity," Bowdoin's Pemper said as she perused the stat sheet."

And this, from the same paper: "on a court 45 miles from Brunswick, where she (Pourvalis) and Flaherty and their teammates actually felt at home. 'It was nice,' said Pemper, 'not having to play USM for once on this court.' She looked at the media listening to her candor ... 'I don't really want to see that at the top of your story.'"

[carolina]

Feces, you crack me up!!!!! Love you posts.....However I know how people feel as far as officiating..remember the Bowdoin/Williams game.  Bowdion made 30 0f 33 foul shots to Williams 6 foul shots...but Bowdoin is a very good team and teams have to adapt to the way the officials are calling the game...So quit crying Bowdoin won!!!!!! I am sure there has been times BBALD EAGLE that your time was on the better end of some calles from the officials. Every team has their turn.  Congrats to the Ephs on a great season!!!!!!

[tothehole]

"There are 25 voters on each panel -- three from each of the NCAA's eight regions with myself as the 25th voter. The voters are coaches, Sports Information Directors and media members.

We do not reveal individual voters' names because we do not want them subject to lobbying and backlash from coaches and fans of teams. This is something we have experienced in voting for other polls. "

After looking at the final rankings what were they smoking this weekend

[Pat Coleman]

Regarding what?

[feces monkey]

As much as it pains me to say, the final poll looks pretty fair. Nice work.

Crikey, how good was Hope? They did it against all the heavyweights. Good for them. Hmm, but I wonder if D3hoops.com will be able to crow about how aptly they were ranked in the future...(15th preseason? You're slipping...)