MBB: University Athletic Association

[Gregory Sager]

Elsewhere in the UAA, Chicago, Carnegie-Mellon and Case Western Reserve all held serve at home as expected.  Lowly Rochester (4-9) scored 81 against Chicago in the 88-81 loss; the highest number of points allowed on the season so far.

It wasn't much of a game for either defense, although it was certainly entertaining to watch. The Maroons really should've pulled away and won the game by a much larger margin, but their FT shooting was horrible down the stretch. They finished 16-32 from the line.

I was really impressed by Rochester's Sam Borst-Smith (30 pts), who is sort of a baby-faced assassin. A very skinny 6'2 sophomore, he looks like he should be out in some leafy suburb tossing newspapers onto front porches from his bike rather than tossing layups and jumpers over tall and burly UAA defenders. But he's got some serious offensive skills.

[ADL70]

Incredible win for the Spartans 83-81 over Brandeis in OT.

CWRU didn't have a lead until 0:24 left in OT.  Game was only tied twice in regulation, at 46 and at 72 when Julien Person sank two FTs with 0:21 left in regulation.

Person was clutch, scoring 15 of his 17 points from 2:07 in regulation, including 6-6 FTs, making two to put the Spartans ahead for the first time.

[WUPHF]

Washington University 90
University of Rochester 85

David Fatoki finished with 23 points (9-13, 2-2), 7 rebounds and 7 assists while Matt Palucki finished with 28 points.  Mitch Styczynski scored in double figures yet again with 10 points while Michael Bregman scored 12 points in a very strong 22 minutes off the bench.  His free throws at the end were critical in holding off Rochester.

The Yellowjackets stayed in the game three points at a time, going 12-26 from three point range.  Sam "The Paperboy" Borst-Smith was particularly impressive finishing with 24 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists.

[WUPHF]

And, while I did not get to see it, Chicago held off Emory, 80-74, to remain undefeated in conference play and tied for the top spot with Case Western Reserve (3-0).  Very, very, very impressive...I'll admit. 

The Chicago win was probably the best case scenario for Washington University (2-1), as Emory will be hard to beat at home.  Chicago will have to play Emory in an early Sunday morning game.

I am very surprised to see Emory (1-2) in a four way tie for third with Carnegie Mellon, New York, and Brandeis.  Emory was my pre-season pick to win the conference, though we still have a long way to go.

[DagarmanSpartan]

Case has to play Emory on the road next.

Could be a VERY stiff test!

[ADL70]

Case has to play Emory on the road next.

Could WILL be a VERY stiff test!

[ADL70]

Four UAA teams in top25

4  WUStL
12 Emory
21 Chicago
25 CWRU--first ever top 25 ranking

[DagarmanSpartan]

It's nice to see us in the Top 25 for the first time ever, HOWEVER, I think that we may have been put there too hastily.

Let's see how we do against Emory.  That should be the true test.  If we either defeat or come close to defeating them on the road, then I can definitely see ranking us in the Top 25.  But if we go there and flop, then it'll appear to indicate that we are currently "overrated."

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

It's nice to see us in the Top 25 for the first time ever, HOWEVER, I think that we may have been put there too hastily.

Let's see how we do against Emory.  That should be the true test.  If we either defeat or come close to defeating them on the road, then I can definitely see ranking us in the Top 25.  But if we go there and flop, then it'll appear to indicate that we are currently "overrated."

Not many points there for #25.  It may be a ranking by default.

[WUPHF]

Regardless of how it happened or how long it lasts, it is great to see four UAA teams ranked in the Top 25 again.

Case Western Reserve has the toughest schedule in the first half of conference play, with Emory on the road next weekend and Washington University and Chicago on the road the following weekend before the schedule reverses.

The only road wins in the UAA so far have come at Carnegie Mellon and Rochester.  Case Western Reserve has one of those road wins, which gives them an advantage over Chicago should the Spartans come away with a road win against the other big three over the next two weeks.

Interestingly, Massey gives the Spartans a 27 percent chance for a win at Emory along with a 32 and 26 percent chance at Chicago and Washington University, but hey, it is conference play, so...

[WUPHF]

Also, Case Western Reserve is bringing Nick Offerman to campus for a comedy show, so what a year for the Spartans.  Seriously!

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

I ranked CWR this week at #25 knowing what was coming... and nervous about pulling the trigger.

Here is what I said in this week's blog: http://www.d3blogs.com/d3hoops/2015/01/19/daves-top-25-ballot-week-7-3/
I'd be lying if I didn't tell you I think the Spartans are on my ballot just a little bit early. Call it the NYU affect: play really well in the non-conference part of your season while not playing too many good teams and start the season on a roll only to jump into conference play and fall apart. The difference so far in this plan: Case Western Reserve is 3-0 in UAA action. Now granted, the Spartans have played Carnegie Mellon, NYU, and Brandeis – not exactly the top of the conference – and needed overtime to beat the Judges, but I do like what I am seeing so far. Of course, Emory and Rochester this weekend before Chicago and Wash U the following weekend ALL on the road. This could either be a very brief visit on my ballot or could be confirmation of a really special team at CWR this season.

[WUPHF]

+1 and thanks for sharing and for reminding everyone of your ballot blogs which are always interesting reads.

You mentioned Brandeis...that game on the road against the Judges has all the makings of a classic UAA trap game.  If the Spartans go 2-2 or 3-1 against Chicago and Washington University, they will have to get up early on a Sunday morning and beat the Judges before moving on to Atlanta with so much at stake the following weekend.  Brandeis could prove quite the hurdle...for everyone.

It sure seems like NYU and Brandeis are all ready to pull the upset.  Carnegie Mellon and Rochester too.

[ADL70]

Interestingly, Massey gives the Spartans a 27 percent chance for a win at Emory along with a 32 and 26 percent chance at Chicago and Washington University, but hey, it is conference play, so...

Even more interesting, since Massey rates CWRU one spot above Emory and Chicago five spots above Emory, yet the Spartans have a better chance of beating Chicago?

CWRU's point total in the d3 Poll is just four shy of 25 #24 votes.

I can see Rochester as a trap as well.  Playing there Sunday noon after playing Emory Friday night.

[WUPHF]

I can see Rochester as a trap as well.  Playing there Sunday noon after playing Emory Friday night.

Absolutely! I try to avoid cliches, but the UAA conference is won on Sundays cliche may apply more to this season than ever before.

I do still think that Case Western Reserve is the conference story of the year so far.