MBB: State University of New York Athletic Conference

[Bengalsrule]

    Plattsburgh beats St Lawrence, Cortland loses to Ithaca, Oneonta beats Hartwick, Potsdam loses to Clarkson and Fredonia gets its first win of the season versus 4-1 Alfred!! A lot of SUNYAC vs Empire 8 and  Liberty League today. At a glance it looks like the 'Yac is doing good versus it's East cousins. It appears that the 'Yac is 7 -3 versus Liberty League and 6-1 versus Empire 8.I could be wrong (and if I am I'm sure the Magicman will correct me)!!

   This week its entirely possible that both Brockport and Geneseo could run into St John Fisher (E8), Nazareth (E8), Hobart (LL) or  RIT (LL) during Wendy's tourney (actually Geneseo opens up in 1st round vs  Nazareth tomorrow). Plus there at least 4 games left in 2015 between our Eastern neighbors (Cortland vs. Elmira - E8, BUFFALO STATE vs. Alfred - E8, Oneonta vs St J Fisher - E8 and Potsdam vs. St Lawrence - LL).

I'm hoping the best for the 'Yac with the remaining non-conference games!!

[magicman]

Tuesday's final scores :

Ithaca 83  Cortland State 74

Clarkson 79  Potsdam State 58

Plattsburgh State 77  St. Lawrence 65

Oneonta State 105  Hartwick 88

Fredonia State 82  Alfred 69

[magicman]

Plattsburgh State 77  St. Lawrence 65

I had the Cardinals winning this one by a 73-69 final score. I was only 4 points off on each side. The game could have been a bit closer as the Saints, down 68-60, resorted to firing up a half dozen 3 point attempts in the final 3 minutes, but failed to hit a single one resulting in the 12 point MOV at the end.
 
The Cardinals came out a little tentative to start the game and the Saints jumped out to a quick 12-4 lead. First year guard/forward Jonathan Patron was inserted into the game and immediately paid dividends as he went to the hoop for a layup off a nice feed by Zach Coleman. The X-Man, Xavier Thomas, was fouled going to the rim and made a pair of free throws and he followed that up with another successful drive to the basket a short time later. Patron was then fouled in the act and he made a pair from the line to make the score 16-14 and the Cards were on their way. A 22-7 run over the next 9 minutes turned into a 13 point lead for Plattsburgh, but  the Saints would cut that deficit to 8 points at the break.

Down by 12 points with 3 minutes gone by in the 2nd period, the Saints put together a mini-run to get within 2 points at 48-46 with 14 minutes left to play. Once again the Cardinals hit the throttle and burst out to another double digit advantage with a 13-2 run to go up 61-48. SLU managed to make it a 2 possession game one last time when they scored 7 unanswered points to make it 61-55 but Plattsburgh would have none of that and a dunk by the X-man and another pair of free throws from Patron restored the double digit lead and the Cards cruised to the finish line.

Jon Patron was the high man for Plattsburgh's balanced scoring attack as he led 4 players in double figures with 18 points. He just missed his first Cardinal double-double as he had 9 rebounds in 22 minutes of action. Eddie Correa did have a double-double as he scored 17 points and grabbed 11 rebounds (a career high I believe). Ed also had a game high four 3 pointers. Kyle Richardson continued his solid play as he had a 2nd straight double-double with 15 points, a game high 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and a block. Xavier Thomas threw down several mighty dunks, one on a spectacular lob pass from Zach Coleman, which brought the Memorial Hall crowd to its feet. The X-man finished with 15 points, 7 rebounds and 2 steals. Point guard Zach Coleman only scored 4 points but had 7 assists and 3 rebounds in 26 minutes. Eli Bryant came off the bench with 4 assists, 2 points, 2 rebounds and a steal in 19 minutes.

SLU was led by Kyle Edwards with 20 points and 4 assists. Riley Naclerio added 15 points and 8 rebounds.

Plattsburgh improves to 2-1 and will now head down to New Paltz to take on the Hawks for the start of conference play. That game will start at 7:30 PM in the Hawk Center. Oneonta will be the opponent on Saturday afternoon at 4:00 PM.         

[magicman]

Tuesday's final scores :

Ithaca 83  Cortland State 74

Cortland lost this game during a 3 minute stretch starting at the 7:38 mark  when the game was tied at 61. The Red Dragons missed a jumper on their possession and the Bombers came down and nailed one to take a 63-61 lead. Cortland misses a 3 pointer and Ithaca scores again. Cortland cuts the lead to 65-63 with a basket, but the Bombers Marc Chasin drains a 3. Cortland turns it over and then fouls Rich Carroll, who makes both free throws. Cortland misses another 3 pointer and Chasis comes down and swishes another bomb. Just like that it's a 10 point 73-63 Ithaca lead with 4:34 left to play. The Red Dragons were toast and the Bombers finally end their losing streak. I picked Cortland to win this one by a  75-72 final. Small consolation...I was only a single point away from my Cortland total.



Clarkson 79  Potsdam State 58

I had Clarkson winning this one 68-63 but the Bears were never in this game. The Golden Knights opened up  with a 19-0 run and their coach could have lit the victory cigar with 12 minutes left in the first half. During the opening 8 minutes the Bears were 0x8 from the field with 5 turnovers. Not exactly a recipe for success. The lead grew to as much as 27 points before the break and it would be way too much for the Bears to overcome. They did get to within 14 points at 49-35 with 15 minutes left in the game, but Clarkson quickly built it back to a 21 point margin and coasted home from there. Earlier, when checking out this matchup, the game was listed as being played at Clarkson's Alumni Gym, but was, in fact, played at Potsdam's Jerry Welsh Gym.

Potsdam was led by Joe Estramonte with 14 points and 5 steals. Dante Langley had 12 points and 7 rebounds, while Nosa Onabor had 11 points.

Clarkson got 21 points and 5 rebounds from Conrad Zampier. They got 19 points and 11 rebounds from Derek Hart for a nice double-double. Felix Abongo had 17 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists.

The Bears 0-5, will be back in action this weekend when they make the long trip south to take on Oneonta State at 7:30 PM on Friday night, followed by New Paltz on Saturday afternoon at 4:00 PM.


Oneonta State 105  Hartwick 88

This game turned out to be a pleasant surprise. I was hoping for an Oneonta victory but on paper the Hawks looked to be the stronger team. I had the Red Dragons losing a close 82-76 game but they were in front all the way and every time the Hawks made an effort to pull even the Red Dragons just opened up some daylight. Oneonta led by 10 points at the half and when Hartwick closed to within 2 at 58-56 early in the period, the Red Dragons responded with a 10-0 run to slam the door on that idea. The Hawks inched closer at 70-65 with 13 minutes to go but another 14-4 move gave the Red Dragons a 15 point lead and the Hawks never got closer than 8 points the rest of the game.

Oneonta got a monster game from Lawrence Coleman with 32 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks and a steal. Jackson Zuvic added 19 points and 5 rebounds.  Jack Dignan managed a double-double with 13 points,  10 assists and 4 rebounds. Ian Shupp came off the bench to score 12 points, hand out 3 helpers and grab 3 rebounds.

Hartwick had 5 different players hit double figures led by 21 from Justin Pratt. Jake Sinicki and Trevor Norton each dropped in 15 points.

Oneonta improves to 2-1 and will meet the North Country duo of Potsdam on Friday evening and Plattsburgh on Saturday afternoon.
   

Fredonia State 82  Alfred 69

Somebody pinch me quick, I have to be dreaming. Not only does my dream say the Blue Devils got off the schnied and won their first game of the season but they beat an Empire 8 team by double digits that was 4-1 and hung with Geneseo. Happy for the Blue Devils and hope they can win a few more. Maybe the start of something positive to build on.

Down by 8 points at the half the Blue Devils pulled off a 2nd half rally that saw them outscore the Saxons by a 52-31 margin to come away with the win. Ian Helps had some help tonight as the big guy led the way with a double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds. Kareem Brown also managed a double-double with 12 points and 10 boards. Kasean Jackson flirted with a triple-triple as he had 13 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. Jared Fish was just perfect as he was 4x4 from the field and 1x1 from the line to score 9 points off the bench.

Alfred had 4 players hit double figures led by Tyler Seelman with 18 points and Dalton Cousin with 15 markers.

The Blue Devils 1-5, will have a struggle on their hands to start a winning streak as the next team they get is the reigning SUNYAC Champion Oswego Lakers, who will pay a visit to the Steele Hall FieldHouse this Friday evening at 7:30 PM. Cortland will be in town on Saturday afternoon     

[magicman]

I know this is the Men's board but had to put this out there. Last night before the Plattsburgh State men took on the St. Lawrence men, the Lady Cardinals met the St. Lawrence women. Plattsburgh won the game by an 81-71 final score to stay perfect on the year at 4-0.

The big news of the night concerned the Cardinals senior forward, Devona Paul.  Devona is currently the reigning SUNYAC Player of the Week and last night she had the biggest game of her life as she scored 49 points, (yes that's Forty Nine) grabbed 11 rebounds, dished out 3 assists, had a block and a steal. The 49 points broke the previous school record, for the women's team, of 36 points, by a substantial margin. In speaking with one of the guys from the Sports Information Department, I asked him if it was a record for the women and he told me it was. I then asked him if it was more points than anyone from the men's team had ever scored? He didn't know the answer to that question but I'm willing to bet that it probably is. I've followed Plattsburgh State basketball for 50 years and I know of nobody that ever put up a number that large.

The biggest number prior to last night, that anyone from a DIII women's team has put up this year, was 36 points.  I wonder if the SUNYAC will see fit to honor Devona with another Player of the Week award again next week?    Kind of hard to ignore a game like that. She could have 2 bad games this weekend and still wind up as the leading point producer for the week, among the ladies.   

[Bengalsrule]

Congrats to Devona! I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that she should make the D#HOOPS team of the week along with SUNYAC POW.  Hope she is tired by Jan 9th!!!

[ronk]

I know this is the Men's board but had to put this out there. Last night before the Plattsburgh State men took on the St. Lawrence men, the Lady Cardinals met the St. Lawrence women. Plattsburgh won the game by an 81-71 final score to stay perfect on the year at 4-0.

The big news of the night concerned the Cardinals senior forward, Devona Paul.  Devona is currently the reigning SUNYAC Player of the Week and last night she had the biggest game of her life as she scored 49 points, (yes that's Forty Nine) grabbed 11 rebounds, dished out 3 assists, had a block and a steal. The 49 points broke the previous school record, for the women's team, of 36 points, by a substantial margin. In speaking with one of the guys from the Sports Information Department, I asked him if it was a record for the women and he told me it was. I then asked him if it was more points than anyone from the men's team had ever scored? He didn't know the answer to that question but I'm willing to bet that it probably is. I've followed Plattsburgh State basketball for 50 years and I know of nobody that ever put up a number that large.

The biggest number prior to last night, that anyone from a DIII women's team has put up this year, was 36 points.  I wonder if the SUNYAC will see fit to honor Devona with another Player of the Week award again next week?    Kind of hard to ignore a game like that. She could have 2 bad games this weekend and still wind up as the leading point producer for the week, among the ladies.

One of my former prospects and a 4th team preseason All-American, Lisa Murphy of Carnegie-Mellon, had 37 Monday including 16-16 from the field. She's had at least 27 in all 5 games and 1 additional in which she made all her FGAs(11).

[Bengalsrule]

I know this is the Men's board but had to put this out there. Last night before the Plattsburgh State men took on the St. Lawrence men, the Lady Cardinals met the St. Lawrence women. Plattsburgh won the game by an 81-71 final score to stay perfect on the year at 4-0.

The big news of the night concerned the Cardinals senior forward, Devona Paul.  Devona is currently the reigning SUNYAC Player of the Week and last night she had the biggest game of her life as she scored 49 points, (yes that's Forty Nine) grabbed 11 rebounds, dished out 3 assists, had a block and a steal. The 49 points broke the previous school record, for the women's team, of 36 points, by a substantial margin. In speaking with one of the guys from the Sports Information Department, I asked him if it was a record for the women and he told me it was. I then asked him if it was more points than anyone from the men's team had ever scored? He didn't know the answer to that question but I'm willing to bet that it probably is. I've followed Plattsburgh State basketball for 50 years and I know of nobody that ever put up a number that large.

The biggest number prior to last night, that anyone from a DIII women's team has put up this year, was 36 points.  I wonder if the SUNYAC will see fit to honor Devona with another Player of the Week award again next week?    Kind of hard to ignore a game like that. She could have 2 bad games this weekend and still wind up as the leading point producer for the week, among the ladies.

One of my former prospects and a 4th team preseason All-American, Lisa Murphy of Carnegie-Mellon, had 37 Monday including 16-16 from the field. She's had at least 27 in all 5 games and 1 additional in which she made all her FGAs(11).

36...37... I think Magicman's point was that 49 pts was the best to date this year, however I see that Lisa is the 2nd leading scorer in Div 3 hoops at 30.5! Looks like she may move up from 4th team all -american when this season is all said and done!!  Clearly Lisa and Devona are 2 to watch!!!

[Bengalsrule]

Speaking of Hoops I can't help but get excited at the thought of SUNYAC play beginning in 50 hours (48 for the women). I haven't been this excited about my beloved BENGALS since.....ever!!!!!

   "DEPTH" is the key word for this years team. in the 1st 5 games of this season the BENGALS HAVE HAD 5 DIFFERENT LEADING SCORERS!!! Junior -Lovell Smith (23 vs Canisius College -Leading scorer on either team - exhibition), Freshman - Dominic Grayer (18 vs NAIA Div 2 Point Park ), Junior - Nico McLean ( 29 vs Villa Maria- Week 2 SUNYAC player of the week... say no more), Soph - Mike Henry (20 vs.  Nazareth College - Coles tourney all tourney team) and Senior - Kevin Marmelejos (32 vs Hobart - Week 3 SUNYAC Player of the week...say no more). I doubt (but won't check) any Div 3 team, with 5 games, can say that they have had 5 different leading scorers in their first 5 games!!!!  (Magicman, you can start checking  ). Plus all 5 of these guys don't start!!

   Add to that mixture the current SUNYAC conferences leading assist and assist to turnover ratio play-maker, Junior -Jordan Glover, and you have the makings for something special. I didn't even mention 6'7 Junior - Jordan Chateau (aka "J. C.") who is 1 of the best big men I have seen at Buffalo State since their Championship season. I predict both Jordan's will get some serious consideration at the end of the season, for ALL- SUNYAC. And don't forget, 6'8 Junior - Leon Moise, who was in the top 15 of shot blockers last season while averaging only 7 mins a game. Speaking of big men....add Senior - Akeem Williams and Juniors -Luke Jenkins and Marcus Nelson to the list of BENGALS who will make a difference in the paint for this season! These 3 don't mind banging and doing the dirty work. And in SUNYAC....there's plenty "dirty work' (i.e rebounding, boxing out, protecting the paint etc - thought I'd define "dirty" so that someone does not misinterpret what "dirty" means) to do!!

And at Guard.... oowweee. talk about "Land of Plenty"....??  Add the name Sophomore - Redell "Free" Freeman, guards to look out for this year. His  nearly 2 to 1 assist to turnover ratio would have him ranked if he played more minutes/games. Not to be out done by "Free" is Ryniek Holloway who, as a freshman, is described with 1 word ...."Poise"! Freshman - Jordan (aka "J. O."  because there just too many damn "Jordans" on the team), brings grit and determination that he learned from legendary Green Tech H.S. coach, Jamil Hood, when he played on that 2013-14 Class A State Championship team from Troy NY. Plus I understand that Santa Claus has some special "Senior - Fire" for the BENGALS come Xmas time (but I guess I'll have to wait to see what that is). From what I've seen so far, there is abundance of talent and more importantly, good chemistry on this BENGALS team. However that and $1.09 will get me a cup of coffee (any size) at McDonald's. In SUNYAC..."talk, and McDonalds coffee,  is cheap". You have to go get it done week in and week out when 'Yac play begins!! And begin it does this week.

  I have no doubt that 2 of the toughest teams in the nation,  are coming to town this weekend!  The Cortland Red Dragons, led by head Coach (and senior SUNYAC Statesmen) Tom Spanbauer, who is entering his 20th season as CSU head coach. Heck, he's been at Cortland longer than most of his players have been...alive. If ever there was a coach in the 'Yac who knows the ins and outs of every team in this conference, its Spanbauer. I've been told that not enough credit is giving to this master of taking what ever he has and molding it into a competitive team every season! And from what I've read, and heard, he has molded quite the team.

   And if that ain't bad enough.....on Saturday come the 25th ranked (source D3HOOPS),and undefeated, Oswego Lakers (6-0).  My God, the SUNYAC schedule makers must sure have it out for my beloved BENGALS when they put this schedule together! Magicmans and D3HOOPS preseason favorite to be the best in the 'Yac.  With a resume like that, its no wonder that some of the BENGAL faithful are worried that this could be a tough weekend. And then other BENGAL faithful are looking forward to this weekend. Include me in that category! If you want to be the best, then you have to beat the best. And undoubtedly, from all that I've read,  the BEST is coming to town this weekend!   

SHUCKS....I'M PUMPED!!!!

GO BENGALS!!!!

[magicman]

Just a couple of things to my friend from Buffalo.

1. You must have taken a couple of word pills today. Haven't seen you so chatty in a while. Did you buy the generic kind at Walmart or were they the step up, brand name, variety at Target? 

2. Plattsburgh State made the blueprint and holds the record for different players leading the team in scoring when they had 9 different players pull that off in the 2013-14 season. 4 different players in the first 4 games, 5 on the first 6. (We don't count exhibition games. Then again we rarely get a chance to have them. )

3. The best won't be in the Queen City this weekend, very good for sure, but the best won't be there until January 29th 2016 when the Cardinals roll into town.


PS. Your team does sound loaded, hope you have a great season and come in 2nd place in the conference and get an at large NCAA bid.     

[magicman]

2 games on tap today involving SUNYAC teams both playing in the annual Wendy's Tournament.

Brockport State  vs  University of Rochester at Hobart

The Golden Eagles are undefeated but have only played 2 games this season. Rochester is 4-2 and most recently lost a nailbiter to Oswego 55-54. Oddsmakers have made Brockport a 1 point favorite here on a neutral court but I think the Golden Eagles will win this one by a 76-70 final.

What sucks is that Hobart is charging 6 bucks to view a webcast of this game. No thanks,  Hobart...transmit your webcast to the half dozen or so that will pay to see it. Plenty of other good games to watch for free. Administration at Hobart should wise up and realize that charging for a webcast is NOT the way to go.



Geneseo State  at Nazareth  8:00 PM

The Blue Knights are the 2nd seed in this tournament and will take on the host Golden Flyers who are listed as the 7th seed. The Knights are undefeated at 4-0 and are led by a pair of transfers from Division II Dominican College Justin Ringen and John Decker who are both averaging over 20 ppg. Nazareth has one of the top scorers in the country leading the way in Mitch Ford who is scorching the nets for 27+ points per game. Ford is also the leading rebounder for the Golden Flyers, hauling down 12.6 rpg to complete his double-double per game.

Oddsmakers have favored the visiting Knights by a 5 point margin, and all indications are that this will be a down to the wire ballgame. I'll take the Knights to win by an 81-75 final score.

It's nice to see that Nazareth doesn't charge to view their webcast, as I'm watching the St John Fisher/RIT game that is taking place right now. So the Geneseo/Nazareth  that follows will be available for viewing also at no charge. Hobart should take lessons from Nazareth.

Big upset in the making here as the 8th seeded RIT Tigers lead the top seeded and #10 in the country, St John Fisher Cardinals by a 52-32 score with 14:18 left in the 2nd half. Don't think anyone saw that coming.     

[magicman]

Brockport trying to fight back from a double digit deficit against Rochester. Down by 12 at 49-37 and 51-39, the Golden Eagles have pulled to within 3 at 55-52 with 5 monutes left in the game.

[magicman]

St John Fisher who trailed RIT by 20 points at 52-32 has regained the lead with a 27-6 run and are now ahead by a 59-58 score with under 5 minutes left to play.

[magicman]

Brockport down by 1, at 58-57, with the ball, coming out of a time out.

[magicman]

Brockport misses a jumper, gets the offensive rebound, but turns it over. Rochester comes down and makes a jumper to go up by 3 at 60-57. Time out.