MBB: University Athletic Association

[Gregory Sager]

Crawford was the go-to guy today, and Babson's Coach Brennan knew it. That's why the Beavers had a guard pinching down on Crawford in the low post in the second half even when the ball was on the other side of the floor from Crawford. It worked, too; the Maroons frequently ran out of patience waiting for post entry clearance and just jacked up errant treys (Chicago is a very streaky trey-shooting team, often within the space of the same game; didn't seem like the South Siders could miss for about an eight-minute stretch in the first half, didn't seem like they could hit the broad side of a barn for much of the second half). The bigger problem for the Maroons was defense, however; they simply could not manufacture stops against Babson's prodigious offense over the course of the last 12-15 minutes, and you can't trade baskets when you're trailing in the low teens.

Fun, entertaining game to watch. As I said in CCIW Chat, Joey Flannery's abilities are much better appreciated live than online.

This was a good game for the Maroons to play right before UAA season starts. As good as Rochester, Wash U, and Emory are, Chicago won't see a better team in January and February than the team that they played today.

[WUPHF]

Rochester plays RIT starting shortly.

A rare opportunity to see the 10-0 Rochester online without paying for it.

[WUPHF]

Rochester escapes with a 72-71 win.

Zach Ayers draws the foul and shoots two free throws with no time left on the clock.

RIT missed a number of free throws down the stretch after leading by 10.

[PeterEscobar]

Rochester escapes with a 72-71 win.

Zach Ayers draws the foul and shoots two free throws with no time left on the clock.

RIT missed a number of free throws down the stretch after leading by 10.

That an absolutely crazy ending to the game. Not often you see a guy at the FT line with zeros on the clock to win the game. More like a shooting drill in practice haha

[Titan Q]

Rochester escapes with a 72-71 win.

Zach Ayers draws the foul and shoots two free throws with no time left on the clock.

RIT missed a number of free throws down the stretch after leading by 10.

Video - https://twitter.com/IWUhoopscom/status/816460793835384832

[WUPHF]

I am pretty sure I have never seen that happen in a game.

Thanks for the video, Bob!

[WUPHF]

The non-conference season is more or less finished with the UAA going with the teams going 54-30 (64%).  The conference ranks No. 8 in Massey which is considerably lower than usual.

The conference has only five teams with a record above .500 though I feel safe in saying that only four will be in contention for the conference championship.

Those five with the records and Massey Rating including:

Rochester 11-0 (No. 14)
Washington University 8-3 (No. 19)
Chicago 8-3 (No. 34)
Emory 9-2 (No. 41)
___________________
Carnegie Mellon 6-5 (No. 204)

This could be one of those seasons that goes down to the final weekend with three teams in contention.  Rochester is clearly the favorite, but it is hard to know exactly how good they are given the schedule they have played thus far.  The Yellowjackets are undefeated, but had to come behind to win a few of of those.

The Yellowjackets have a great opportunity through the first two weeks, hosting Emory in week 1 and Chicago and Washington University in week 2. 

The games on Saturday are offset by a few hours easily allowing for both games to be viewed:

Emory vs. Rochester at 12:00 EST/11:00 CST
http://www.uofrathletics.com/watch/?Live=449

Washington University vs. Chicago at 4:00 EST/3:00 CST
https://livestream.com/accounts/5795570

[jaybird44]

I think the first 2 weekends, spanning the first 3 games of UAA play, will tell us a lot about how the race will go...and I think it's a toss-up entering tomorrow's conference openers.

From Wash-U's perspective, it has the toughest trio of games...all on the road...against the other favorites you mentioned.  I think the game tomorrow at Chicago is a must-win, considering (a) the Bears' last visit to open UAA play at Chicago was a 63-43 loss two years ago, and (b) a win can set up a situation where the Bears could shoot for a 2-1 or 3-0 start with visits to Emory and Rochester next weekend. 

Unlike two years ago, in which Wash-U had a long holiday layoff entering the Chicago game, the Bears have not accumulated any rust this season with a tournament win at Wooster.  I have a good vibe about tomorrow's game...especially if the bench continues its production from the Wooster game.  Will Galik and Marcus Meyer could be vital contributors in UAA play...Meyer in the post to give David Schmelter or Andrew Sanders a break; and Galik serving as a third capable 3-point shooter on the floor with Kevin Kucera and Clinton Hooks.  Galik and Meyer, plus the steady Matt Highsmith, would be a nice three-pronged reserve attack.

I would be tickled pink with a 2-1 start on the road in UAA play...and a 3-0 start would make me downright giddy.  But, gotta get the first game, first...

[WUPHF]

That game two years ago...

Washington University finished the Fall semester 11-0 before taking that 20 day break. 

17 points in the first half with only Nick Burt scoring more than 2.  The second half was only slightly better.  In the end, Washington University 20-66 overall and 2-19 from the perimeter.  1-6 from the line while watching the Maroons shot 19 free throws.

I got a good feeling about the game as well...as long as we are able to convert the three throws.

[WUPHF]

Rochester defeats Emory, 84-54.

Emory struggled mightily to shoot the ball for most of the game and turned over the ball 19 times (Rochester was credited with 12 steals).  The Eagles had a lot of open looks from three but could not get them to fall.

Rochester only shot 29% from the perimeter, but drove to the basket and scored with ease.

The Yellowjackets had four guys in double figures including (no surprise) Mack Montague with 19 and Sam Borst-Smith with 18.

[WUPHF]

Brandeis had a monster first half to lead NYU, 47-30.

The Judges shot 53% from the field including a 10-17 (58%) performance from three point range.

[WUPHF]

Chicago leads Washington University at the half, 36-35.

The Bears led almost the entire way, easily winning the first quarter, with the Maroons battling back and winning the second.  The Maroons finally go the go-ahead basket with just :30 left in the half.

The Maroons shot slightly better overall with a 7-12 effort from three point range.

[jaybird44]

WashU had a 24-12 lead early, far too many empty possessions after that...

[WUPHF]

Down to the wire in Chicago...

Bears lead by 3 with :32...Chicago has the ball.

[WUPHF]

No way Coach McGrath drew that play up...