WBB: NESCAC

[saratoga]

Hasn't Tufts been playing without their leading scorer the past several games due to an injury?

If she's healthy by the time the NESCAC tournament rolls around...well, just a thought.

[Maine 1]

Having watched Amherst since Gromacki started coaching there-they consistently play outstanding defense. There are very few easy shots in a game against Amherst. Which is why when they play good teams, the games are often not very pretty-since it is so hard to get good shots. 

[amh63]

ronk...good points.
The announcer at the Amherst vs Tufts game made the point that the Tufts top scorer was not dressed...ankle type injury.  Amherst also has solid players..scorers injured.  Tufts has the "problem" of size in the low post this year... all- American North has graduated.  In the Amherst game, some taller little used Tufts players ...I had checked their stats...came in and played well, IMO.  In three games last season, each time Tufts played Amherst the point spread increased.  Tufts comeback in late in Friday's game was quite similar to the Tufts comeback in the semi- final game in last year's Final Four.  In the Finals, the third mtg between Amherst and Tufts was a Blowout by Amherst.
I am not concerned that a 2nd mtg and maybe a third mtg between the two rivals can occur this season.  I hope in those possible mtgs that both teams are at full strength. 

[Maine 1]

Baptista is far and away Tufts best player, but they are missing a starter. Bowdoin is better than Tufts this year, and will be the tougher test for Amherst when it comes to the tournament.

Middlebury pulled out a big victory to give them the inside track for the fourth position in the conference and a home playoff game.

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

Women's first regional rankings of the season are out: http://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2018/02/women-regional-rankings-first

[OldCardinal]

Baptista is far and away Tufts best player, but they are missing a starter. Bowdoin is better than Tufts this year, and will be the tougher test for Amherst when it comes to the tournament.

Bowdoin could well be better than Tufts but I don't think that's for sure.  Baptista only played 10 minutes in the Tufts-Bowdoin game because of foul trouble.  That changed the game.  The player who has been out not just any starter.  DeCandido, is basically identical to Baptiste in points and rebounds... a huge loss.  With her, who knows what happens.  That said, the Amherst Def is really impressive and Bowdoin is also obviously exceptionally good as well.

[Maine 1]

Last night's Colby Wesleyan game was a very well played, entertaining game.  Colby just needs a couple of players off the bench.  Driscoll had a great game and should be one of the five all league players. Wesleyan locked up the fifth spot and will play Middlebury-which should be a pretty even match up.  I will say that Wesleyan's defense was very poor as Colby hit a lot of layups.  Colby should take the sixth spot if they can beat Conn College today , unless Trinity pulls off the upset against Tufts. As I mentioned in an earlier post, Colby is playing very good basketball and could give Tufts a tough game.

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

New women's regional rankings: http://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2018/02/women-regional-rankings-second

[Maine 1]

Amherst and Bowdoin should have no trouble in today's games.  Wesleyan-Middlebury could go either way, and based on the latest NCAA rankings, could also mean that the winner will get an NCAA tournament bid, although I don't see either of those teams as NCAA teams.  Conn College could give Tufts a battle, but expect Tufts to win.

[OldCardinal]

Good call on three of the games, Maine1.  Mid vs Wes was a great game.  As expected, Amherst and Bowdoin had no trouble at all.  The only game that came down differently than you predicted was Tufts-Conn, which was a blow out.  I think you have been underestimating Tufts a bit.  We'll see next weekend.  I expect Amherst will win easily vs. Wes. and the Tufts-Bow game (on a neutral court) will be a real battle that could go either way.  Should be fun.

[amh63]

Schedule of the games should be interesting since Amherst will also be hosting the MBB Tourny.

[PolarBearPA]

Looks like Wesleyan vs Amherst 1pm then Tufts vs Bowdoin 3pm. Winners at noon on Sunday. Men will go 5:30, 7:30 and winners 2:30 on Sunday.

I am rooting for my Polar Bears of course but I can see any of the Big 3 winning it - With Amherst the edge at home of course. Tufts vs Bowdoin should be a classic.

[Maine 1]

Yes, I missed on Tufts-Conn, although it was a 10-point game at half. Tufts is up and down. Possibly with their starter back they will make a run. I still like Bowdoin a lot. I believe they are a better team with more depth than Amherst, but beating Amherst at Amherst it tough.  It will be a good final game--and Tufts Bowdoin will be a good game.  Too bad both finals are at Amherst--it will be crowded out there.

[NE Jeffs Fan]

Of course I'm biased, but I like that both finals are at Amherst.  Reminds me of the "good old days" when the men and women played and traveled to same schools each weekend.  Though not back to back, there will be a certain energy in LeFrak. 

I think Amherst women are a slight favorite on their home court, but Tufts/Bowdoin could go either way as could the finals.  Amherst should have the easier semi and their starters rested.

Sorry to see Williams have such an off year.  Injuries? Young team?  The NESCAC is better when Williams is in the mix.

[saratoga]

Williams played Amherst really tough for about 3 1/2 quarters at LaFrak several weeks ago but then faded down the stretch as Amherst hit one big shot after another & took control after being down by 9.

Since then, Williams season really started going in the wrong direction...losing 6 out of their last 8 with some games not even that competitive.

From what I can tell, injuries to their top 7 or 8 kids was not a factor.

Amherst, Bowdoin & now Tufts coming back at full strength...should be a battle for the title but I'm sure all 3 are capable of deep runs in the tournament.