MBB: University Athletic Association

[WUPHF]

Rochester destroys NYU while Emory gets by Brandeis to remain tied for the lead.

Washington University leads Carnegie Mellon 44-35 at the half.

[WUPHF]

Washington University defeats 80-75 on Senior Day.

While the team looked relieved to get the win on Friday, they looked happy today as they walked off the court.  They did not shoot particularly well from three point range (8-28), but they played a great game on defense and executed on offense.  The result was balanced scoring and 21 assists. 

They also played tough through down the stretch for the second straight game, especially after Carnegie Mellon fought to within one point at the 2:01 minute mark.  But, Washington University continued to patiently execute their offense and responded with a Jake Knupp three.

Thanks to the Luke Silverman-Llloyd, the one and only senior recognized today on Senior Day.  Three more games left for the senior.

[WUPHF]

The University of Illinois hired our Athletic Director: http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/ct-spt-0217-athletic-director-illinois-20160216-story.html

[y_jack_lok]

The University of Illinois hired our Athletic Director: http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/ct-spt-0217-athletic-director-illinois-20160216-story.html

From my rather distant perspective, it seemed clear from the moment he was hired that he was ambitious, so this does not surprise me. But he's in the big leagues now where they have a higher standard for success, so his next move may not be voluntary..

[WUPHF]

I agree and I am not surprised that Josh Whitman was offered the job, but I am a little surprised he wanted it.  I understand the draw in general and the draw for Whitman in particular, but Illinois...well, that is all you really have to say actually.

[WUPHF]

Washington University destroyed Brandeis, 88-62.  The game was as good as it gets in almost every regard. 

From the press release:

The Bears shot a season-high 66.1 percent (37-of-56) from the field, and hit 7-of-13 from three-point range. WashU outrebounded Brandeis 41-17, and recorded 22 assists on 37 field goals.

Junior forward Clinton Hooks scored a career-high 26 points on 10-of-14 shooting from the field, while sophomore forward Andrew Sanders had 18 points (9-12 FG) and six rebounds and sophomore center David Schmelter (7-for-7 FG) recorded his third career double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds.

Sophomore point guard Kevin Kucera also recorded a double-double with 10 points and a career-high 10 assists, while sophomore guard Jake Knupp added 10 points and a career-high seven rebounds off the bench.

The only blemish on an otherwise great night of basketball for Washington University was the 17 turnovers.

[WUPHF]

In other news, Emory ran away from Carnegie Mellon, 83-68, scoring 53 points in the first half, while Rochester defeated Case Western Reserve 99-92 in yet another high scoring game involving the Spartans. 

NYU defeated Chicago 72-59, though both teams are officially out of contention for the league championship.  Chicago and NYU were picked to finish first and second by the coaches.

Emory and Rochester remain tied for first place in the UAA with games against Case Western Reserve and Carnegie Mellon on Sunday before the rematch next weekend.

For those keeping score, Chicago is officially in first place in the all UAA academic recognition with nine players receiving academic recognition following the Fall semester.  Emory, Carnegie Mellon, and Washington University are all two players back with seven players receiving the honor.

http://uaasports.info/sports/general/15-16_UAA_Winter_A-A_Release.pdf

[WUPHF]

The UAA has four teams in the Massey Ratings Top 25, I believe, for the first time all season.

No. 16 Emory
No. 22 Rochester
No. 24 NYU
No. 25 Chicago

[jaybird44]

The future indeed looks bright, WUH!

With the victory, Wash-U ensured a 32nd consecutive winning season for head coach Mark Edwards.  A fantastic streak, no matter what level of college basketball is being discussed.

Bobby Knight had a 33-year string of consecutive winning seasons.  I would imagine there are a few others who have similar streaks or longer, but otherwise Coach Edwards' accomplishment--earned year after year in a very competitive basketball conference--is a scintillating accomplishment.

[WUPHF]

Emory and Rochester both trail at the half.  Hard to imagine upsets in either fame, but this is Sunday in the UAA.

NYU leads Washington University at the half.  24 fouls called.

[WUPHF]

Upset Alert!  Emory and Rochester on the ropes.

Washington University closes out a close game at NYU!  FINAL: 71-70.

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

So the UAA is killing off its own chances for at-large bids, but also nicely giving us a UAA Championship game.  So there's that.

[WUPHF]

So the UAA is killing off its own chances for at-large bids, but also nicely giving us a UAA Championship game.  So there's that.

I figured Carnegie Mellon and Case Western Reserve had a few big wins in them.

As for NYU, they are going to be thinking about that 42% effort from the free throw line for a long time.

I do agree, though it is fun to have everything go down to the final game between Rochester and Emory.  That will be a game.

[WUPHF]

The future indeed looks bright,

What do you think...is Michael Bregman back next season?

He did stay on the bench all season, so hopefully that means he intends to return.

Otherwise, I could not agree more about next season.  You mentioned two names to start the season: Andrew Sanders and Jake Knupp.  Sanders obviously had an immediate impact on the team and he is only a sophomore.  It took a little longer for Jake Knupp to find his place.  He has averaged 20 minutes per game over the season including 15 minutes against Augustana and 18 minutes against Wittenburg, but looking at those last four games, he played 30, 28, 27, and 29 minutes. 40% from three point range and maybe the best defender on the team...

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

Final public regional rankings are out: http://www.d3blogs.com/d3hoops/2016/02/24/third-ncaa-regional-ranking/