2016 NCAA Tournament

[Jump4Joy]

NCAC, so spot on in many regards.

[1970s NESCAC Player]

Bloots, for what it's worth, after seeing them in person (and I've seen them in person now four years in a row), I thought this was the most well-rounded team Brandeis has had . . .

[ECSUalum]

Pretty wild to think that Brandeis and Tufts are in the Final 4. Both teams would have been considered outside shots for an at-large bid, perhaps Brandeis moreso than Tufts. Despite their superior ranking in the final RRs Brandeis only had one real big win this year, against Haverford, while Tufts beat Brandeis, Amherst, and Midd. Regardless, both teams' NCAA fates were far from certain, so considering both teams seemed out of contention for NCAA bids it's pretty amazing to think they're in the Final 4.

Aside from Bowdoin (a significant chunk of my family went there), Tufts is my favorite NESCAC side. I think they play the game the right way and Shapiro is a class act. What Tufts lacks in talent - I don't think there's any debate that the team of Williams, Kayne, Hoppenot, and Santos was more talented than this year's squad - they make up for in heart and fight. Greenwood has improved a lot and looked better than I've ever seen him on high balls this weekend, so I tip my hat to him. Sullivan and Coleman held firm in numerous high-pressure situations, and while Becherano carried the team when Majumder was out, it's been great to see Majumder come back to being his old self and making the difference in the tournament. Can they win the national title? Of the four teams (congrats to St. Thomas btw on your epic comeback!) I personally think Calvin is the favorite, but I wouldn't put it past the Jumbos. They might not be the surprise package of two years ago, and you can bet their opponents will have scouted them, but they have the tools and the invaluable experience.

Regarding Brandeis, I'm still in shock. Unlike many who optimistically pick their team to win regardless of the opposition (and there are some of you out there ), I am too much of a skeptic to ever feel completely confident in a result. With that said, I thought that the Brandeis team of two years ago was by far the best that I'd seen in my time, and would be Brandeis' only chance at a Final 4 for quite some time. Last year the guys made it to the Sweet 16 and were generally solid but this year I didn't think that Brandeis would make the NCAA Tournament, let alone the Final 4, so this has been a remarkable season for Coven and his boys regardless of what happens in Virginia and regardless of whether he is indeed retiring as has been rumored (although you can bet that the team will be fired up for the occasion and think it has as good of a chance as any).

As for me, I might not be on here much in the near future, if at all. The next two weeks will be pretty busy for me, as I'm wrapping things up at my current job and starting a new one, plus traveling for the holidays. In fact, watching both the Brandeis men and women in their Final 4 matches may be a bridge too far, as I'll be starting my new job, but I'll do my best to tune in. The good news is that you all will likely get a break from my incessant posting. As for potential matchups, I would obviously have to pick a side in a potential Brandeis-Tufts final, but the Jumbos would be worthy champions - actually, all of the sides would be worthy champions, because you can't fake your way to the Final 4.

Anyway, if I'm not on before or during the tourney, thanks all to you for enlightening, engaging discussion all season, and I look forward to enjoying a competitive, exciting, and clean (emphasis on the last part) tournament. Roll Deis!

Always found your posts excellent, best in your new job!!

[Nutmeg]

I know this may not be the forum for this, but congrats to the Chicago women for advancing to the final four along with fellow UAA sides Brandeis and WashU.

Impressive, and I wonder when the last time a conference had 3 members advance to the final 4 (Men's or Women's). Also, does Brandeis making the final 4 buy the oft criticized UAA a few months of reprieve? 

Brandeis has been excellent the past few years. They have just as good of chance of anyone to win the hardware. Very impressive on the woman's side...

[2xfaux]

I know this may not be the forum for this, but congrats to the Chicago women for advancing to the final four along with fellow UAA sides Brandeis and WashU.

Impressive, and I wonder when the last time a conference had 3 members advance to the final 4 (Men's or Women's). Also, does Brandeis making the final 4 buy the oft criticized UAA a few months of reprieve? 

2012 Messiah Men and Women MAC (Commonwealth) and Misericordia MAC (Freedom)

[4samuy]

I believe NCsoccerfan was referring to 3 sides in the same final four.  This year UAA women have 3 on the women's side(Brandeis,washu and chicago).  UAA also advanced Brandeis on the men's side.

[TommieFan111]

St Thomas will be the cinderella story

Tony Kuplic may just be THE story of the tournament. Another 2 goals today to aid in UST's comeback from a 2-0 deficit, including a tremendous strike to win the game in OT!

Tommies heading into final four with perhaps a feeling of destiny/belief after coming from behind twice in the weekend to advance. Guts ball.

It was a wild weekend! These come back wins are showing a lot of heart. Excited to see the Final Four - looking forward to some great match ups.

[CarlEtonDad]

I think the Toms keep it going against Tufts.

[Mr.Right]

2016 NCAA Champion Odds


Calvin                  -120
Tufts                   +180
Brandeis             +240
St.Thomas         +300

[Mr.Right]

2016 NCAA Semi-Final Odds


Tufts                    +110
St.Thomas           +220         
Draw                    +180

Over     2.5           +200
Under   2.5            -200




Calvin                   -140
Brandeis              +220
Draw                    +200

Over    2.5             -110
Under  2.5             +120


Please email me if you feel like some banana action

[Mr.Right]

Bloots, for what it's worth, after seeing them in person (and I've seen them in person now four years in a row), I thought this was the most well-rounded team Brandeis has had . . .

NO way....IMO 2014 Brandeis had their most rounded and best team but they ran into an Oneonta side that was pretty nasty that year

[Mr.Right]

It might be time to throw Kenyon into the SLU and Trinity(TX) teams of having the worst luck in the NCAA's the past 5-10 years.

I would even throw Amherst ino the worst luck section even though they were 2015 Champions. They have seen some hard luck in PK's and the NCAA's since 2010

[Mr.Right]

2 most disappointing teams this past weekend:

Trinity(TX)----I did not know really what to expect from them this past weekend but the defensive miscues was not something i was expecting. They got absolutely pummeled by Kenyon and from what I saw did not pose much of a threat offensively either. Trinity(TX) of the past decade they were not.

Chicago------From what you all were saying they were missing 2 of their best players BUT still to not qualify out of what had to be the easiest pod this past weekemnd is very disappointing especially given their fantastic season

[1970s NESCAC Player]

Bloots, for what it's worth, after seeing them in person (and I've seen them in person now four years in a row), I thought this was the most well-rounded team Brandeis has had . . .

NO way....IMO 2014 Brandeis had their most rounded and best team but they ran into an Oneonta side that was pretty nasty that year

We will see . . .  This year's team has already surpassed all predecessors.

Have you watched Brandeis in person this year?

[1970s NESCAC Player]

2 most disappointing teams this past weekend:

Trinity(TX)----I did not know really what to expect from them this past weekend but the defensive miscues was not something i was expecting. They got absolutely pummeled by Kenyon and from what I saw did not pose much of a threat offensively either. Trinity(TX) of the past decade they were not.

Chicago------From what you all were saying they were missing 2 of their best players BUT still to not qualify out of what had to be the easiest pod this past weekemnd is very disappointing especially given their fantastic season

Especially agree on the Trinity assessment.  They looked very good in winning their home pod last weekend, and their best player, Wyke, returned to action in Medford this weekend.  I expected them to be very competitive and perhaps the favorite to emerge.