WBB: NESCAC

[gordonmann]

George Fox goes on spring break a week or two tomorrow. Unlike most schools, the GFU break doesn't overlap with the tournament.

[BlueZoneBruin]

Never seen George Fox play this year, but they put up a good showing on one of the nations toughest defenses...on their home court...in a game about 2,600 miles away from campus on the opposite coast.  Granted the game will still be pretty far away (anyone know if GF is on spring break this week??  I can't see GF going all the way back to Washington, only to fly back east a couple days later) but I'd make Amherst a 2.5 point favorite.  They have the expierence (4th straight final 4) and frankly don't lose (this senior class only has 5 total losses their 4 years on the Amherst campus; 3 coming their freshmen year).

Couple thoughts: George Fox is from Oregon (not Washington), and they are back this week. They landed in Portland at about 12:30 this afternoon. My guess, based on previous experience, is that the NCAA will fly them back out on Wednesday. Spring Break is March 26-30, so the women will be in class until they fly out. They did the same thing in 2009, when they played in the sectional at Thomas More and then went on to Holland.

Very good point about the Amherst seniors. Three of those losses were their freshmen year, but two of them also came in the Final Four.

As for the Fox seniors, their record is 116-9, with two of those losses coming in the Elite 8 (WashU-2010, IWU-2011), and three coming to NAIA scholarship schools. Only one of those losses came at home.

Should be a great game. Can't wait! See you in Holland!

BlueZoneBruin

[7express]

Sorry about that, for some reason I thought they were Washington.  Can't wait to watch this on Saturday night, should be a great game.  Anyone know what time the game times for Saturday get announced??

[NH NESCAC Fan]

If you wait to watch this game on Saturday you will miss it.  The Final Four games are on Friday.  Amherst - GF at 5:00 and Ill Wesleyan - St Thomas at 7:00.  The final game is Saturday at 7:00.  (this is from the Amherst website)

[sumfun]

I give Amherst a slight edge just from the experience factor alone.  Amherst at Hope 3 years ago thought they were "the" team starting 2 sophomores and 3 freshmen, but Wash U and experience mattered.  George Fox and their coach had been there before, and they won the whole thing.

Last year IWU had to think playing at home and making the Final 4 it was "their" year, but they came in 4th.  This group hadn't experienced the pressure before.  Christopher Newport thought with the leading scorer, there was no stopping them, but experience mattered.

So for that fact alone, and as long as Amherst doesn't get into foul trouble trying to guard the taller Munger, I think Amherst should pull it out.  Hard to tell from video, but I think Amherst might have an edge on speed, especially with their bigs.  Both teams have multiple weapons, Amherst may have a few more, but this weekend, just like last weekend, Gromacki won't go more than 6 or 7 deep until or unless the game is "in hand."

Can't wait for the fun to begin!!!!

[NH NESCAC Fan]

does anyone know if GF plays predominantly man to man, or zone?

[amh63]

NH NESCAC Fan......I believe that one of the best assets for the Amherst team is their coach.  I learned a new phrase recently with respect to games......"adjustments".  One can talk about match-ups and other critical factors as speed, bench depth, etc....but as the game is played, game adjustments need to be made.  Critical fouls, hot shooters, fatigue of players and so on require changes to parts of the game plan.  Coach G and other fine coaches make adjustments as needed...primarily based on how well the players are prepared to make changes, etc.  On my limited observations of the Amherst play...zone defense is not used often.  However, the players need to play it if game conditions call for it.  That happened in the men's game at F&M last weekend.  Amherst's reserves were making a comeback run in the first half.  The F&M coach went to a zone for the last few minutes to stop Amherst.  The Dips coach is known to make adjustments and his records for wins is the best in D3.
I believe, Coach G will have the team practice/refresh their zone defense this week...to be prepared.  My take is that Amherst will want to dictate its pace and game plan on G. Fox and have them make the first adjustments. 

[NH NESCAC Fan]

Amh63 - I agree with everything you said, but my question was really about George Fox.  I was wondering what type of defense they typically play.  For instance, Amherst typically plays man to man.  In fact, the first time they played zone all year was in the first round of the tournament.  I fully expect Amherst to come out and play man to man.  I was just wondering if anyone knew if GF typically plays a man to man or a zone.  While most teams I have seen this year play a man to man, no other team has a 6'5" asset underneath.

[NH NESCAC Fan]

I'm sorry, I see the confusion...I was asking about GF (as in George Fox), not GP (as in Gromacki)

[amh63]

Actually, NH NESCAC Fan.....my error...can not read is now another of my limitations.
Know nothing about G. Fox....except that it is in Oregon.  Spoke to my younger son on the subject and his response...Was it a Quaker College?  George Fox was the Founder of the Quaker brand of faith.  Have to go the website on that matter.
Actually, as I posted on the MBB board, will leave it to the coach. He will have the players work against a possible zone if G. Fox has used it and work on a zone defense.  A 2-3 zone and a 3-2 zone and variations of them.  Seems Syracuse uses a zone all the time.

Went to G. Fox website.....Yes they are a Christian Un.  Renamed George Fox in 1949 after the founder of the quaker Friends.  About 1900 undergraduates.   Saw a old video of the WBB team playing at home.  In the Dec. 9 game.....G. Fox played a full court press with the big girl playing catcher.  Do not seem to play a tight man to man.  Sort of loose one that swings with the ball.  Luger sits down low to block shots, etc.

[Roundball999]

Here's a fun look at Devos for those that haven't seen it before.  It may not rock quite like this without a Hope team there (this was the men's team vs. IWU in the recent 2nd round game) but when the women play Calvin in The Rivalry it can get pretty close to this.  Anyway, it'll give you a look at the venue and the fabulous support for small college basketball.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEuAYQ3q7kw

[BigMac]

Vs. UMW GF played both m2m and zone. They pressed the whole game. They mix it up nicely.

[Mr. Ypsi]

Not to put pressure on Amherst or anything, but 80-85% of d3 schools are east of Holland.  You will be the ONLY ones in the FF to be traveling west!  Three teams are from the West or Central - you represent the other 6 regions!

Not that I would try to psych you out or anything like that!

(As I have expressed elsewhere, I think the winner of you vs. GF will take it all, but, hey, as an IWU guy, I gotta use any tool I can! )

[7express]

Anyone know if these games on Friday night are broadcast over on NCAA.com??  I know the final was last year and I assume it's going to be again this year, but I didn't pay attention to the semi's last year so not sure whether they were broadcast or not.

[Pat Coleman]

They will be and we'll have the links for you guys.