WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[Lorasbball]

All American Finalists
http://www.wbca.org/Releases/SFCAATFinalistsDIII09.html

[iwu70]

Claire Sheehan is very deserving.  But, how can it be that Christina Solari is not on the list nominated for All-American?  On a team 31-0 and leading in almost all statistical categories.  Bizarre.

[Titan Q]

Thanks to the Titans for making it fairly easy on me last night as a scoreboard watched intently from King Arena.  The lead was never huge, but it seemed like it was always at least 8.

Very proud of the Titans and will be glued to the IWU/Wash U live stats while broadcasting St. Thomas vs Wash U men.

[Hoosier Titan]

Mr. Ypsi:

Take a look at what Hillary Klimowicz is doing for unranked TCNJ.  She has a very good POY resume, too.

Gordon,

Yes, Hillary Klimowicz is a very impressive player.  I thnk she's gotten quite a bit of press: I've heard of her from coverage on D3hoops, and, I think, on Hoopsville as well.  Wasn't she also on the cover of Sports Illustrated for leaving a DI school?

Still, I think it's fair to put forward the case for an outstanding player who happens to play in the CCIW, who hasn't gotten quite as much national attention, on the CCIW board.

Here's a comparison of stats for Klimowicz and IWU's Christina Solari:

Klimowicz:  20.3 points per game
                 10.8 rebounds per game
                 1.9 assists per game
                 28 steals for the season
                 112 blocks for the season (all out of 26 games from the TCNJ website).
                 Klimowicz's points represent 30% of TCNJ's 68.0 average.

Solari:  14.3 points per game
            10.1 rebounds per game
            3.7 assists per game
            64 steals for the season
            11 blocks for the season (all out of 30 games from the IWU website).
            Solari's points represent 18% of IWU's 79.5 average.

Solari's additional 2 assists per game essentially bring her even with Klimowicz in the number of points she's created; the primary difference is that IWU scores more points (and does not require Solari to score as much).  Both are admirable players and very worthy of consideration for post-season honors.

[thundermike]

Best of luck to IWU tonight--should be a real battle. Once again, I think home court advantage is huge for the Titans, especially with the way the IWU community has been rallying in support of the team. Keep carrying the CCIW flag all the way to Holland!

[iwu70]

Cold shooting night for the Titans.  Looks like trouble.  Wash U up big late in the 1st half.  Gotta make some shots to get back in.  So far, all Bears.

[Mr. Ypsi]

Here's hoping Mia Smith has one heckuva a halftime plan - Titans down 20-31 at intermission.

And there won't be a home court advantage at the FF as Hope comes up one game short (again), 46-58 to George Fox.

[iwumichigander]

Not very pretty Mark,  Iif IWU had hit for season average then I have them with a two point lead rather than down 11

[iwumichigander]

Officials are 'letting them play' in the paint.  Typical of NCAA sectional championship games.  IWU needs to work the ball inside more - get a bucket or get to the foul line.  And, nothing wrong with 12-14' jump shots when the three not falling

[Mr. Ypsi]

So far, looks like Mia's halftime magic is holding - 6 minutes in the Bears' lead is down to 5.

[devildog29]

3's are starting to fall.  Hopefully they continue to do so.  Within 2 now.

[closetothechest]

Wash U wins the one that counts, 58-53.  Great job by a Hall of Fame Coach. 

[iwu70]

Great game, both teams putting it all out there.  Titans cold shooting first half cost them.  Great comeback, never giving up, but just 2-3 shots short of the Final Four.  Sad.  Must have been a real knock down, tough defensive battle to hold both teams below 60.  % shooting by both teams down, esp. Titans. 

Congrats to Wash U -- go on and win it all.  Super congrats to Coach Smith and all the Titans on the best season in IWU basketball history bar none.  A great achievement.  You have moved IWU women's basketball to an entirely new level of excellence and fan support.  The Titan Nation is grateful to each of you!!!

[iwumichigander]

Temendous game by IWU and WashU.  The Titans just dug a big 11 point deficit in 1st half on 20% FG shooting.  Good effort in 2nd half by Titans. 

WashU came out strong with a solid game plan and, for the most part, stayed with it.  IWu could not get anything substantial to fall through the hoop in the 1st half despite good, open looks.  Final 58-53 WashU.

Thanks for an exciting season IWU.

[Mr. Ypsi]

While it was a GREAT season, I'm too steamed to let it just go at that quite yet.  The killer came from the zebras with about 2 minutes left.  With the game very much  on the line, and perhaps one second away from a backcourt time violation, they called a phantom foul on the Titans.  A turnover turns instead into two points for Wash U.  And if what was done to Solari on the court tonight (usually with no call) had been done off the court, someone would be going to prison!

This is NOT intended to take anything away from Wash U - they earned the win.  But with better officiating, things might have turned out differently.

With the demise of my finalists (IWU over Hope) tonight, my women's pickem bracket turned from contender to garbage.