WBB: Empire 8

[Bombers798891]

So I'm going to make a gripe.

How in the world is a 6-1 Ithaca behind an 8-2 Rochester in the hoops poll?

The Bombers absolutely WAXED Rochester at Rochester. They led 18-3 five minutes in and the game never got closer than 7. They led by 20 points midway through the second half. This early in the season, a wire-to-wire domination like that on the road should carry a lot of weight.

Ithaca's loss to JC at home obviously keeps them from the being in the top 25, and I know Rochester's schedule has been better than Ithaca's. But again, this wasn't some back and forth game that could have gone either way. If you're trailing by 20 points in the second half on your home floor, it's a little hard to justify that you're better than the team that handily beat you.

Actually...Massey says Ithaca has played the stronger schedule so far this season (38 vs. 108 to date; 156 vs. 32 going forward). I can only say that maybe the pollsters are thinking (appropriately) of an entire body of work, not just one head to head game. 

If Ithaca has a better record against a tougher schedule and the H2H win, what part of the body of work places Rochester ahead?

[Roundball999]

So I'm going to make a gripe.

How in the world is a 6-1 Ithaca behind an 8-2 Rochester in the hoops poll?

The Bombers absolutely WAXED Rochester at Rochester. They led 18-3 five minutes in and the game never got closer than 7. They led by 20 points midway through the second half. This early in the season, a wire-to-wire domination like that on the road should carry a lot of weight.

Ithaca's loss to JC at home obviously keeps them from the being in the top 25, and I know Rochester's schedule has been better than Ithaca's. But again, this wasn't some back and forth game that could have gone either way. If you're trailing by 20 points in the second half on your home floor, it's a little hard to justify that you're better than the team that handily beat you.

Actually...Massey says Ithaca has played the stronger schedule so far this season (38 vs. 108 to date; 156 vs. 32 going forward). I can only say that maybe the pollsters are thinking (appropriately) of an entire body of work, not just one head to head game. 

If Ithaca has a better record against a tougher schedule and the H2H win, what part of the body of work places Rochester ahead?

None.... ergo my headache comment.

[Bombers798891]

Ithaca is the early front-runner in the E8, as the Bombers are now 5-0 in conference, running their regular-season record in conference since the 2009-10 season to an astounding 75-4.

Still, this Ithaca team doesn't feel like some of the others that have made strong NCAA showings. Three double-digit losses, and not a lot of good wins. There were some major losses to graduation last year, so perhaps this is natural. But it seems like a bit of a down year

[7express]

I know Hartwick lost their coach, but how do they look so far??  Is Stevens better than average??  Any other teams in the E-8 even semi-decent??

[Bombers798891]

I know nothing about SOS outside of Ithaca, but Stevens is 12-2, Fisher's 11-4, and Naz is 9-3.

Considering that in 2011-12, there was an 11-14 team in the conference tournament, I'll take it

[Bombers798891]

Some credit to the E8 is in order I think.

Ithaca is 17-4. Stevens is 17-2, and has lost only to Ithaca and 17th-ranked Salisbury, and Fisher is 15-5. No one is in the Top 25, but I think there's a little more depth in the conference, at least in the top 4.

The conference tournament should be interesting and may give some bubble teams a chance to pick up a win or two. Nice change from years where we saw 12-13/11-14 teams making the tournament.

[7express]

Looks like Stevens/Ithaca on Saturday is for the regular season title.  I'd give the slight edge to Ithaca since the Bombers already beat them in Hoboken and now get them at home, but definitely a fun game to keep tabs on.

[Bombers798891]

Looks like Stevens/Ithaca on Saturday is for the regular season title.  I'd give the slight edge to Ithaca since the Bombers already beat them in Hoboken and now get them at home, but definitely a fun game to keep tabs on.

Yeah, Ithaca-Stevens games are always interesting. I think there's more riding on IC for this one, as they could use another quality on their resume

[Bombers798891]

D3 hoops projects three E8 teams in the tournament. Quite the showing.

Ithaca-Fisher played one of the best games in E8 history on Saturday, with the Cardinals earning an 86-84 overtime victory. Mary Kate Cusak of SJF had what might have been the best shooting performance I've ever seen, scoring 41 points and hitting eight three pointers. There were six ties and 13 lead changes. Just a fantastic game all the way around

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

Hoopsville returns from the Thanksgiving break with plenty to cover.

The season has certainly started with a lot of stuff. Rule changes, upsets, hot and cold starts, and more. That's why we added more Hoopsville shows to start the season! Tonight, we talk to some who have started hot, those with high expectations, and preview the final Wendy's Classic.

Hoopsville hits the air at 7pm ET tonight!

Guests include:
- Mike Daley, Wendy's Classic Director and former Nazareth men's coach
- Keith Bunkenburg, Benedictine men's coach
- Greg Mitchell, No. 16 Hope men's coach
- Abby Pyzik Smith, Lynchburg women's coach

Don't forget you can always interact with us:
Website: www.d3hoopsville.com
Twitter: @d3hoopsville or #Hoopsville
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Hoopsville
Email: hoopsville@d3hoops.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/d3hoopsville
SoundCloud (podcast): www.soundcloud.com/hoopsville

AND our podcast as been approved for iTunes!!! You should be able to find it... but here is a link, just in case: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hoopsville/id1059517087

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

As the basketball spins... there continue to be incredible stories around Division III as we get further into conference schedules. Teams leading conferences that no one suspected, programs finding success with alums at the helm, and Division III making national headlines but not for the obvious reasons. Tonight on Hoopsville, Dave McHugh talks to those still proving people wrong as the season enters the second half.

Dave is in San Antonio for the NCAA Convention, so tonight's show is pre-recorded. Dave talked to most of the guests before some played their midweek games. The pre-recorded show along with podcast will be available starting at 7pm ET here: http://www.d3hoops.com/hoopsville/archives/2015-16/jan14

Guests include (in order of appearance):
- Dr. Oliver Eslinger, Caltech men's coach - NABC Coach's Corner
- Rob deGrandpre, Hilbert men's coach
- Kelly Dunne, Nazareth women's coach
- Zach Filzen, No. 22 Lancaster Bible men's coach (Gordon Mann interview)
- Ashlee Rogers, Marymount women's coach

You can also tune into the podcast(s):
SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/hoopsville
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hoopsville/id1059517087

And don't forget you can always interact with us:
Website: www.d3hoopsville.com
Twitter: @d3hoopsville or #Hoopsville
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Hoopsville
Email: hoopsville@d3hoops.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/d3hoopsville

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

There are several turning points during the Division III basketball season and we have arrived at yet another. The time in the season when many conferences start heading into the second half of round-robin play.

Thursday night on Hoopsville, Dave McHugh talks to some of the teams who are leading their conferences after the first half of play and looking to keep up their mometum. Some have also emerged as an unexpected frontrunner - a theme of the season so far. McHugh also talks to a coach who has one of the more interesting coaching challenges in the country - leading a service academy program with height, practice time, and other restrictions.

Hoopsville hits the air at 7:00 PM ET and you can watch the show here: www.d3hoops.com/hoopsville/archives/2015-16/jan28. We will also have more information on next week's marathon show along with the third-annual fundraising efforts.

Guests include (in order):
- John Krikorian, No. 9 Christopher Newport men's coach
- Chad Shutler, No. 21 Bluffton women's coach
- Kevin Jaskiewicz, Coast Guard men's coach (NABC Coach's Corner)
- Marianne O'Connor-Ermi, St. John Fisher women's coach
- Brad Bjorkgren, Simpson men's coach

You can also tune into the podcast(s) after the show has aired:
SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/hoopsville
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hoopsville/id1059517087

And don't forget you can always interact with us:
Website: www.d3hoopsville.com
Twitter: @d3hoopsville or #Hoopsville
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Hoopsville
Email: hoopsville@d3hoops.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/d3hoopsville

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

For the third consecutive year, Hoopsville will air for 12 hours as the regular season enters the final four weeks. Dave McHugh will chat with coaches, administrators, student-athletes, and others involved in Division III basketball from around the country. Other guests will include those who have Division III roots or appreciate the division and the game along with the student-athletes who play the sport.

Hoopsville will air from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (and maybe later) on Thursday, February 4 live from the WBCA/NABC Studio. You can see what guests are scheduled, get more information, and watch the show here: http://www.d3hoops.com/hoopsville/archives/2015-16/feb4

You can also read the press release about the show: http://www.d3hoops.com/hoopsville/hoopsville-marathon-2016

Here is the guest list as we speak. All times are Eastern and subject to change. Additional guests to be added if and when necessary:


   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Time	Guest	School
10:15am	Connie Tilley	St. Norbert (WBB) - WBCA Center Court
10:40am	Jamie Purdy	Peidmont (WBB)
11:00am	Keri Carollo	UW-Whitewater (WBB) - Nat'l Committee Chair
11:20am	Brent Pollari	Saint Mary's (Minn.) (WBB)
11:40am	Kent Madsen	No. 21 Wheaton (Ill.) (WBB)
12:00pm	Russell Loyd	Rose-Hulman (MBB)
12:20pm	Kevin Broderick	Nazareth (MBB)
12:40pm	Justin Scott	Arcadia (MBB)
1:00pm	Sam Hargraves	No. 12 Alma (MBB)
1:20pm	Lenny Reich	Mount Union (SID)
1:40pm	Maureen Webster	Clarkson (WBB)
2:00pm	Betsy Witman	York (Pa.) (WBB)
2:20pm	Sara Lee	Denison (WBB)
2:40pm	Klay Kneuppel	Wisconsin Lutheran (MBB)
3:00pm	Brian Van Haaften	Buena Vista (MBB) - Nat'l Committee Chair
3:30pm	Sydney Moss	No. 1 Thomas More (WBB)
3:45pm	Aaron Rousell	Bucknell (WBB) - former Chicago coach
4:00pm	Tim Shanahan	Staten Island (WBB)
4:20	Pat Cunningham	Trinity (Texas) (MBB) - NABC Coach's Corner
4:50pm	Bubba Smith	Sewanee (MBB)
5:15pm	Ben Strong	Former Guilford All-American
5:30pm	Kevin Connors	ESPN SportsCenter Anchor - Ithaca alumnus
6:00pm	Kristen Dowling	Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (WBB)
6:20pm	Allison Coleman	Sage (WBB)
6:40pm	Landry Kosmalski	Swarthmore (MBB)
7:00pm	Dave Niland	No. 23 Penn State-Behrend (MBB)
7:20pm	Aaron Galletta	Lasell (MBB)
7:40pm	John Baron	Gwynedd-Mercy (MBB)
8:00pm
8:20pm
8:40pm	Melissa Hodgdon	Wheaton (Mass.) (WBB)
9:00pm	G.P. Gromacki	No. 2 Amherst (WBB)
9:20pm	James Wagner
9:40pm	HAPPY HOUR	Free-for-all of calls, tweets, and fun!

We hope to get at least the full show on a podcast, or several podcast, during the on Friday. You can find it here:
SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/hoopsville
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hoopsville/id1059517087

Don't forget you can always interact with us:
Website: www.d3hoopsville.com
Twitter: @d3hoopsville or #Hoopsville
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Hoopsville
Email: hoopsville@d3hoops.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/d3hoopsville

And a reminder the Hoopsville Fundraising Project has begun yet again. Please consider helping us cover Division III basketball the way it deserves to be covered. If you can not donate, please don't worry about - we understand. At least share the campaign with anyone you think might be interested: http://igg.me/at/hoopsville-fundraiser/x/6029509

Also, if you know any advertisers interested in promoting their company or products on the show, send them our way: hoopsville@d3hoops.com

Thanks!

[Pat Coleman]

Alright, folks -- the NCAA's first women's basketball regional rankings are posted. Check out the full list from D3hoops.com:
http://www.d3blogs.com/d3hoops/2016/02/10/first-2016-regional-rankings-released-today/

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

The holiday break for some teams has started and for others is about to begin. Where does everyone stand? What have we learned as we finish the first "half" of the season? On Sunday's edition of Hoopsville, Dave talks to some teams who are making waves early and takes the pulse of the season so far.

It is also the First Semester Finale of Hoopsville which will be off the air for the holidays returning on Thursday, January 5, 2017.

You can watch Hoopsville starting at 7:00 PM here: www.d3hoops.com/hoopsville/archives/2016-17/dec18

Guests include (in order of appearance):
- Veronica Nolt, Elizabethtown women's coach
- Dan Raymond, Ithaca women's coach
- Marc Brown, New Jersey City men's coach
- Other guests to be determined

You can also tune into the podcast(s) after the show has aired:
SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/hoopsville
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hoopsville/id1059517087

Don't forget you can always interact with us:
Website: www.d3hoopsville.com
Twitter: @d3hoopsville or #Hoopsville
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Hoopsville
Email: hoopsville@d3hoops.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/d3hoopsville

A reminder that Thursday's edition of Hoopsville will not take place due to D3football.com coverage of Gagliardi Trophy and Stagg Bowl next week. We will be back on air Sunday, December 18 for the final show before the Christmas holiday. Hoopsville will then return on January 5, 2017 and air Sundays and Thursdays at 7:00 PM ET for the rest of the season.