MBB: University Athletic Association

[WUPHF]

For anyone thinking about the match-up tomorrow between Washington University and Bethany Lutheran, the sports writers at Student Life are second to none as student-journalists...

A few notable paragraphs from their story today:

In seven playoff appearances since winning the national championship in 2009, the Washington University men's basketball team has not once made it out of the first two weekends.
...

Head coach Pat Juckem emphasized Bethany Lutheran's transition offense and their ability to play a quick game as things the Bears have been planning for. He observed that two Viking guards, junior Brian Smith and sophomore Cire Mayfield, have been particularly integral to the Bethany Lutheran offensive success. "They're faster with the ball than most guys are without it," he said. "Getting back and getting our defense set, making them play in the half court will be imperative. It's one of those things that's easier said than done. We take a lot of pride in and something that we work very hard on is our transition defense, so that will be tested, no doubt about it."
...

On the offensive side of the game, senior guard Matt Nester will be a player to watch this weekend. Nester, who last year was third on the team with 10.7 points per game, missed six games with a broken hand earlier this season. Since then, he has not been the same. After scoring in double-digits in six of the Bears' first 11 games, Nester has not scored more than eight since returning. He had made 40.2% of his shots before the injury, but that mark has been nearly halved since he came back, as Nester has made just 21.7% of his shots since returning. Still, Nester has been in the starting lineup in every game since Feb. 7. His leadership within the team has led to Juckem's continued confidence in him.

"The reason that he's on the floor is that he does so many other things," Juckem said. "Even though he hasn't shot the ball as well as he has in his career, he's done a lot of other things that have impacted winning and impacted success. I wouldn't be on the bus heading to Nebraska if he hadn't made it back in the lineup with us because he's been absolutely critical."

Things are looking up for Nester's shooting. A doctor informed him this week that his hand has fully healed. He will be able to play on Friday without the left hand brace that has hampered his shooting. "You think about just the importance of your guide hand and shooting: [If] you have a big piece of plastic, it can't help but affect [your shooting] somewhat," Juckem said.
...

The article: https://www.studlife.com/sports/2020/03/04/mens-basketball-seeks-to-overcome-previous-playoff-struggles-in-opening-rounds-of-march-madness/

[WUPHF]

The UAA has released the all-Association team: https://uaasports.info/sports/mbkb/2019-20/19-20_MBKB_All-Assoc.pdf

Jack Nolan and Matt Schner are co-players of the year.

Lawrence Rowley is the defensive player of the year.

Cole Friling is the rookie of the year.

Coach Juckem and his staff were awarded the coaching staff of the year.

[Pat Coleman]

... and that sound you hear is UAA Sports Information Directors scrambling now that they can finally nominate those players for All-Region.

[WUPHF]

Washington University leads Bethany Lutheran at the half, 57-35.

The Bears almost matched the 59 points scored by Benedictine for the game.

I imagine Bethany Lutheran will make a run in the second to make it interesting based on their play over the last 10 minutes.

[WUPHF]

Nebraska Wesleyan has one of the best camera/production set-ups in Division III.

[WUPHF]

Washington University defeats Bethany Lutheran, 102-68.

[y_jack_lok]

Nebraska Wesleyan has one of the best camera/production set-ups in Division III.

Absolutely! And really great announcers.

[Greek Tragedy]

I agree. Fun to watch.

[WUPHF]

Washington University leads Nebraska Wesleyan at the half, 44-17. 

A pretty good game overall for the Bears....
__________

Pomona Pitzer defeats Emory, 71-70.

Emory is not going to get to the Final Four this season(my prediction) but returns everyone in 2020-2021.

[WUPHF]

Nebraska Wesleyan fighting back.

If I have to come back to the boards and read about one of the biggest comebacks of all time...

#postseasoncurse

[WUPHF]

The curse is over baby!

Washington University defeats Nebraska Wesleyan, 79-58.

[WUPHF]

Just a couple of quick thoughts on that game.

In the post game interview last night, the Bears talked about being focused entirely on Bethany Lutheran.  That may be true, but they came out dialed in today.

Justin Hardy may have had his best overall game of the season.  He finished with 26 points and 10 rebounds.  Nolan was outstanding in every regard.

Arenas dished out 5 assists tonight.  Arenas is averaging just 2.7 points per game and yet he has been critical to so many Washington University wins this season.  Remarkable!

Rucker played limited minutes tonight, but had 6-7 Clay Reimers locked down.  Rucker absolutely should have been the defensive player of the year.  I love Lawrence Rowley, but the coaches absolutely got this wrong.

The Bears did start the second half cold and had to fight off a Prairie Wolves rally early in the second half, but the Bears got back to work, made shots, and pushed the lead back up.

Nate Shimonitz and his fellow seniors walked off the court like the champions they are.  The Nebraska Wesleyan play by play guy was chocking up as he talked through the final seconds.  I can relate.

[deiscanton]

Not related to basketball, but related to the UAA--

Brandeis announced today that no spectators will be allowed at any Brandeis home events for all spring sports this season.  A state of emergency is now in effect in Massachusetts relating to the coronavirus outbreak.

[WUPHF]

Just a quick post-mortem on the season as a Washington University fan.

In the end, this was a great season to be a fan.

22-5 in the No. 2 conference according to Ken Massey and a 2-1 record against the WIAC and a 2-1-1 record against the CCIW.  11-3 in the UAA and a co-championship.  Two road wins en route to the Sweet 16.  Player and coaching accolades.

A challenging season for the team as 5 players missed games due to injuries and illnesses.  The adversity did allow other players to play a much larger role and should provide for an easier transition next season...

5-players graduate from one of the more venerable senior classes...their contributions will long be remembered by the Washington University faithful.

The Bears return a lot next season and should be expected to finish second in the league after Emory. 

Nolan is on track to finish THIRD in the all time scoring category (and could go higher), surpassing Gene Nolan and a host other Washington University legends.  Hardy should continue to start as power forward.  The other three positions will be shared mostly by five other guys that played significant roles this season and should feature heavily in the line-up next season...

This team has the roster to win the league if they win the off season to borrow the cliche.

[Greek Tragedy]

2-1-1 against the CCIW? They tied a game? LOL

Also, technically, a neutral court win and an away win to the Sweet 16.