MBB: State University of New York Athletic Conference

magicman · February 22, 2013, 09:31:32 PM

Final score in Cortland as the Red Dragons defeat Oswego State 65-54.

I got my wish as Cortland meets the Cards for all the marbles tomorrow afternoon. Get that video up and runnning Please Fran.

jdex · February 22, 2013, 09:42:45 PM

Cortland finds its shooting touch in the final half to dispatch Lakers. Ragged first half that found OSt firing at a 20 percent clip at one stage and RDragons not much better. Oswego capitalized on Cortland turnovers and strong offensive board play into the half. Corts finish the game at 51 percent from the field to Oswego's 33 percent, and Dragons make 12 of 25 3-pointers!

Corts up 46-33 in the second half and Oswego makes a few approaches .......mostly answered by CSt's J. Smith. At 54-39, Lakers climb back to 55-46 behind Covley trey and C. Gilkes hoop at 4:00. Smith to the rescue for the hosts.

J. Winter with 18 pts(7x14fg, 4x10 3s), 4 assts for Cortland. Smith with 17 pts(6x11fg, 4x6 3s) ....B. Manning 11 pts(3x5 3s). D. Sternkopf 6 rebs, 5pf in 16'. Oswego's H. Ward with 13 pts6x14fg), 12 rebs; D. Ross 12 pts; S. Michele 10 pts(3x10fg), 3 assts; Gilkes 9 pts(4x12fg), 7 rebs.

Oswego with a mere 3 turnovers to CSt's 10. Cortland with 34-33 board edge although Lakers snare 15 off the offensive glass

magicman · February 22, 2013, 09:50:51 PM

So happy for my Cardinals because they took care of business, and now it's looking real good that they can get a Pool C bid even if they lose in the SUNYAC Finals tomorrow afternoon.

The teams played a pretty even first half with the biggest lead being a 4 point edge by the Cards and a 3 point lead by Geneseo. There were 11 lead changes and 3 ties with Plattsburgh gaining the lead on a Shavar Fields jumper with a minute left in the period to send the Cards into the break up 30-28. Clearly the spectacular play of Kalik Parker who came off the bench hotter than three mile island plutonium rods carried the Cardinals through the period. Parker hit 6 straight shots, starting with a 3 pointer with 9:33 left in the half that gave Plattsburgh a 14-13 lead. He then hit a layup followed by another 3 that gave Plattsburgh the lead again at 19-17. Geneseo regained the lead by 3 at 22-19 only to have Parker bury another deep ball to tie it up. After the Blue Knights went back up by 2 Parker fires another triple to put the Cards back up 25-24. Geneseo regains the lead only to have Mr. Parker hit his 6th straight shot and 17th consecutive Plattsburgh point to put the cards up 28 to 26. Geneseo ties it at 28 and finally another Cardinal player other than Kalik makes a basket to give the Cards the halftime lead.

The Cards came out of the locker room and looked to take control of the contest as they quickly opened up a 9 point advantage on the strength of 2 Jordan Moody drives to the hoop and a Reggie Williams layup followed by a thundrous dunk. Williams then stole the ball and fed Shamoy McIntosh for a driving layup and the Cards were up 40-31. The Blue Knights would climb back to within a single possession but the cards would open it back up to another 9 point lead at 46-37. Still up 9 at 48-39 the Cardinals fell victim to some 3 point shooting by the Blue Knights as Andy Drescher hit a pair of triples and Thomas Decker nailed one and just like that the score was tied at 50 with 9:44 left in the game. That was the final time the score was tied as Plattsburgh put together the definintive run that essentially put the game in their control and Geneseo was forced to play from behind the rest of the way. The run started innocently enough as Jordan Moody hit a pair of free throws. Geneseo's Drescher missed a 3 pointer and Kalik Parker came down and buried another one for the Cardinals. Parker then stole the ball and fed Moody who was fouled and sank 2 more from the line. Geneseo took a time out but failed to score on their possession, got an offensive rebound had the shot blocked by Williams and Mike Mitchell came down and hit a jumper for the Cards to make it 59-50. After the teams traded turnovers Chris Manning stole the ball and fed Jordan Moody who was fouled and made 2 more from the line to make it an 11-0 run and with only 5:16 left to play the clock became the Blue Knights biggest concern. The lead fluctuated between 9 and 16 points the rest of the way.

Plattsburgh was led by Kalik Parker's 20 points (7x9 fg, 6x8 3's) 3 rebounds, 2 blocks and a steal. Jordan Moody had 14 points (4x8 fg, 0x1 3's, 6x6 ft) while Shamoy McIntosh tossed in 11 points (5x13 fg, 1x6 3's, and grabbed 5 rebounds. Reggie Williams continues to play well as he takes over for injured starter John Perez. Reggie had 8 points tonight and led the Cards with 10 rebounds. He also had 4 more blocks and 2 steals in 22 minutes of floor time. He's really been a clutch performer the past 5 games. Ezra Hodgson also had a solid night with 8 points (4x8 fg, 0x3 3's), 7 rebounds and 3 assists. Chris Manning had 3 points, 7 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals. Shavar Fields had 7 points and 5 rebounds off the bench in 19 minutes on the floor. The Cards shot 29x58 from the field (50%) and 8 x24 from downtown (33.3%). They were 11x15 from the line (73.3%). Rebound and turnovers were fairly even as the Cards had 36 rebounds to 37 for Geneseo. The Blue Knights had 13 turnovers to 12 for Plattsburgh.

Geneseo was led by Gordon Lyons with 19 points (7x13 fg, 5x6 ft) and had a double-double with 12 rebounds. Connor Fedge had 15 points (6x15 fg, 1x1 3's, 2x4 ft) with 6 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 assists. Thomas Decker had 12 points (4x8 fg, 4x8 3's) with 4 assists. Andy Drescher ended up with 9 points on 3x8 shooting from downtown. The Knights shot 25x63 from the field (39.7%), 9x21 from long distance (42.9%) and 8x14 from the line (57.1%)

Geneseo season will likely end with tonight's loss with a final record of 17-10. A solid season for the Blue Knights but I'm sure a little short of their expectations.

Plattsburgh improves to 19-7 overall and will take on the 22-4 Red Dragons at 4:00 PM tomorrow afternoon.

magicman · February 22, 2013, 10:16:45 PM

I said earlier today that the games this year between Cortland and Oswego were deja vu of the 3 games from last year except the 3rd game hadn't been played yet. But I thought it would be similar to the championship game of last year. It wouldn't be the barnburner, it wouldn't be the blowout, but probably somewhere in that 7 to 10 point range so I settled on a 74-67 final score. Little did I know I could have picked last years score and been awful close as Oswego won the 3rd game last year 66-57.

Cortland wins the 3rd game this year 65-54. So it really was deja vu all over again except the 3 time loser from last year became the 3 time winner for this year. And vice versa for the Lakers.

Great careers for Hayden Ward, Sean Michele, and Chris Gilkes. You will be missed next year in the YAC. Hold your heads up high guys you were a treat to watch for the past 4 years and you had some amazing runs. A little luck from the basketball gods last year and the year before that would have been nice but they were still great years. Good luck in your future endeavors, May you be as successful in life as you were on the court.

Cards7580 · February 22, 2013, 10:25:25 PM

I think I need to drive down to Cortland and make some noise and cheer for the winners from the North Country

magicman · February 23, 2013, 03:00:33 PM

Plattsburgh State vs Cortland State 4:00 PM

How fitting that the penultimate game of the season in the SUNYAC should come down to these 2 teams. I'm hoping for a barnburner of the 1st degree this afternoon and of course I'm rooting for my Cards to come out on top. The odds are not in their favor though and the point spread has the Red Dragons favored by 8 points. Cortland has not lost at home this year going a perfect 11-0 and has won every game by double digits except a 79-73 decision over Geneseo. They defeated the Cardinals 68-55 back on December 1st but I think the young Plattsburgh State team has improved since that game. I'm just not sure if they've improved a 13 point differential. This game pits the YAC's top team of this year against what I believe, will be the YAC's top team of next year. Can the future be now? It can if the Cards bench stays hot and if, defensively, they limit the number of made 3 pointers that the Cortland sharpshooters will be firing up all day long. Can Kalik Parker give the Cards a game like he did yesterday? Probably not but hopefully he can get some help from other players that have stepped up big time for the Cardinals in a number of situations this year and the depth that has carried this team, this far, can get them to the finish line one more time. I know the Red Dragons have already made the NCAA tournament whether they win or lose this game. I think my Cards have done so as well, but there's always the chance of too many top seeds getting upset and you end up on the bubble because of that fact. I'd like to take the guesswork right out of the equation this afternoon and just win the automatic bid and know we don't have to sweat out an at large selection. The Cards need to play like there's no tomorrow and maybe the Red Dragons, already with their dancing shoes on, just might not bring the same level of intensity and Plattsburgh can come away with the win. So, once again I'll buck the odds, put my heart on my sleeve and pick the Cards to win a thriller, 76-74. Go CARDS!!

Bengalsrule · February 23, 2013, 04:19:19 PM

I 2nd magicmans predicition. The Cards will be SUNYAC champs!!

magicman · February 23, 2013, 04:36:03 PM

Cortland leads Plattsburgh 41-27 at the half.

Harrison Hefele with 13 to lead the Red Dragons. Jeremy Smith with 12. Cortland already with eight 3 pointers in the game. Not what I had in mind. Cards need to regroup and play better D or this one is over.

Jordan Moody leads Plattsburgh with 9 points. Cards with only two 3 pointers, need to make up this huge difference in shooting from downtown. Cards with 11 turnovers in the first half, Cortland only has committed 4. Big impact on the game so far.

magicman · February 23, 2013, 05:35:31 PM

Cortland defeats Plattsburgh 75-61 to win the SUNYAC Championship.

Congratulations to the Red Dragons. They were the better team today from start to finish. Hopefully the Cards will also get a bid to the NCAA's but 2 games that we needed to go our way didn't.

We needed Stevens to beat Ithaca but the Bombers won the E8 Crown with a 70-55 win over Stevens.

We needed Rochester to beat Emory today but the Yellowjackets are losing by a large margin 62-45 with only 5:34 to play. Washington U already beat Chicago, so if Rochester loses to Emory and it looks like they will then Washington U will get the automatic bid from the UAA conference.

**Edit** Rochester lost to Emory 72-54 so Washington U has won the tiebreaker and will receive the automatic bid to the UAA Conference.

This means that Plattsburgh will be the 3rd team from the East to get to the table for a Pool C bid. Rochester should go quickly but Stevens could hold us back for a few rounds. We will now have to sweat it out I believe. Not a happpy camper.

thebear · February 23, 2013, 06:18:40 PM

Based on this weekend, Jeremy Smith did much to secure his claim on SUNYAC POY.

Span clearly COY, Hefele may sneak in ahead of Manning, or the Dragons may place 4 on All-SUNYAC.

congrats Dragons, hope you go far.

bearnation · February 23, 2013, 09:30:16 PM

3 Men's basketball teams which are supported by the New York State Department of Education won their conference today. Cortland, Morrisville, and Purchase. Would be interesting if they were all put into the same NCAA pool to see who is is truly the best SUNY men's basketball team. My money is on Purchase. Morrisville plays in a weak conference.

Pat Coleman · February 23, 2013, 11:32:54 PM

The NEAC was only in its semis today. Morrisville has to beat Wells tomorrow.

magicman · February 24, 2013, 06:54:33 AM

After looking at my friend the bear's All conference list I would agree with most of his choices but maybe in a slightly different order.

Certainly everyone he mentioned had a solid to spectacular year.

Here's my selections: They probably won't be the ones that will be the Official SUNYAC selections but that's OK. I like my choices and have my reasons for them. I've listed more teams than the league will but our league has more teams than a number of other leagues so there's more talent to evaluate with 10 teams instead of 8 as so many leagues have. I believe every player I've mentioned here has been worthy of consideration and there are at least another 12 to 15 players I would like to give a shout out to but I had to cut off my list or I would have named way too many players.

Player of the Year: Jake Simmons Buffalo State

His body of work over his 4 year career is one of the most outstanding in SUNYAC history. His last 2 years were shortchanged as Buffalo State fell victim to injuries and academic problems that left Jake without enough of a supporting cast to help him carry the load. Scoring over 2000 points for his career (2079 to be exact) despite usually being the focus of the other teams defensive plans to keep him in check says it all. He ended up leading the conference in scoring this year with a 21.4 ppg average. His shooting percentages were always very good from the field (47.7% this year), from downtown (41.0% this year), and from the line (82.5% this year). And there were many games in Jake's career where he didn't stay on the court just to pad his stats or his totals would have been even higher. A classy player who overcame tremendous odds just to attend college, the fact that he went on to become a Buffalo State Basketball Legend just makes this the feelgood story of the past 4 years. Pretty sure he would have been selected as a D3hoops Preseason All American this year if the question of his eligibility hadn't been a problem when they had to name their teams. The fact that the Bengals lost their big man after the break which cost them a chance at the playoffs may also cost Jake a chance at more post season awards had his team done better. Despite the Bengals disappointing season Jake is still my Player of the Year. He not only led the league in scoring but was near the leaders in so many other categories that to me this choice is a no brainer.

Coach of the Year: Tom Spanbauer Cortland State

Coach Spanbauer had the horses and he knew just how to keep them running well. His team posted a 23-4 record (so far) and was only 17 points from perfection. They protected their home court, going undefeated at Corey Gym and won every game there but 1 by double digits. I hope they have a nice run in the NCAA's.

Coach Tom Curle was my runner up in the COY category. He took a team that didn't have a single senior player on it that went 6-12 in the YAC last year and 8-18 overall, and brought them almost to the top of the league. Hopefully his 19-8 turnaround will be good enough to gain a Pool C bid into the tournament along with Cortland.

Rookie of the Year: Jackson Zuvic Oneonta State

Only a freshman, the 6'5" forward, Zuvic was the Red Dragons' 2nd leading scorer with an 11.4 ppg average, scoring 286 points. He was also their 2nd leading rebounder with 130 for a 5.2 rpg average. He started 22 of 25 games and played nearly 23 minutes per game. He shot 129 x 253 from the field for a 51% average.

Close behind in the ROY voting was 6'7" freshman forward Deveino McRae, from New Paltz State. McRae averaged 7.9 ppg and 6.2 rpg while starting in 23 of the Hawks 25 games. He was the 3rd leading scorer and 3rd leading rebounder on the team and averaged 53.3 % shooting from the field going 73x137. He scored 198 points and grabbed 155 rebounds.

Rod Epps who was the bear's choice for ROY or newcomer wouldn't qualify this year as he is a sophomore and scored 246 points last year as a freshman for the Bengals. Sorry bear

SUNYAC All Conference First Team

Guard Sr Jake Simmons Buffalo State
Guard Sr John Ivy Brockport State
Guard Sr Jeremy Smith Cortland State
Forward Sr Matt Devine New Platz State
Forward Sr Hayden Ward Oswego State

SUNYAC All Conference 2nd Team

Guard Jr Chris Manning Plattsburgh State
Guard Sr Jesse Winter Cortland State
Guard So Zach Mager Oneonta State
Forward So Gordon Lyons Geneseo State
Forward Sr Curtis Pierce Potsdam State

SUNYAC All Conference 3rd Team

Guard So Shamoy McIntosh Plattsburgh State
Guard Sr Mark Lake Jr. Potsdam State
Guard So Rod Epps Buffalo State Tie
Guard Sr Shareef Taylor New Platz State Tie
Forward Jr John Perez Plattsburgh State
Forward Jr Kevin McMahon Cortland State

SUNYAC All Conference 4th Team

Guard Jr Connor Fedge Geneseo State
Guard Sr Brian Manning Cortland State
Forward Sr Chris Gilkes Oswego State
Forward Jr Tyrone Clark Fredonia State
Forward Sr Ryan Riefenhauser Geneseo State Tie
Forward Sr Harrison Hefele Cortland State Tie

bearnation · February 24, 2013, 07:12:09 AM

I jumped the gun on Morrisville, they play Wells 13-13 who they beat twice. prediction Morrisville wins but we play the games so that Cinderella can find the slipper. Then the NCAA should put these 3 schools into a bracket. It'll will be like the federated tournament in Glen Falls after New York crowns a boys basketball champ we then let NYC come north to see if the rest of the state can really compete. Answer is usually no but we still play the games. We have to play the games that's what makes its fun and interesting.

PS how does Potsdam replace the points from Pierce on a team that went 9-16, He was lost on some bad teams over his 4 years. Don't see the Bears being any better next year losing their best player with no one behind him to replace his leadership. Maybe its time for the Bears to follow Morrisville and Utech or ?. Why doesn't Potsdam recruit players from Syracuse or Albany anymore. Is there no D3 talent in those markets? Look at Plattsburgh's roster and compare it to Potsdam. Both northern schools way out of the way. Plattsburgh currently very successful. Potsdam living in the past. Potsdam Maxcy Hall. Plattsburgh Memorial Hall. The difference is a coach that recruits winning players then teaches them how to be winners. I truly hope Plattsburgh gets a in. I don't have a vote but I would vote for the Cardinals.

Bengalsrule · February 24, 2013, 10:11:38 AM

Quote from: magicman on February 23, 2013, 05:35:31 PM
Cortland defeats Plattsburgh 75-61 to win the SUNYAC Championship.

Congratulations to the Red Dragons. They were the better team today from start to finish. Hopefully the Cards will also get a bid to the NCAA's but 2 games that we needed to go our way didn't.

We needed Stevens to beat Ithaca but the Bombers won the E8 Crown with a 70-55 win over Stevens.

We needed Rochester to beat Emory today but the Yellowjackets are losing by a large margin 62-45 with only 5:34 to play. Washington U already beat Chicago, so if Rochester loses to Emory and it looks like they will then Washington U will get the automatic bid from the UAA conference.

**Edit** Rochester lost to Emory 72-54 so Washington U has won the tiebreaker and will receive the automatic bid to the UAA Conference.

This means that Plattsburgh will be the 3rd team from the East to get to the table for a Pool C bid. Rochester should go quickly but Stevens could hold us back for a few rounds. We will now have to sweat it out I believe. Not a happpy camper.

I have no doubt that your Cards will get a Pool C Bid!

And I like your POY prediction!!!

Congrats to the Red Dragons on thier SUNYAC Title!!