The Valparaiso Beacons Fan Zone Forum

Here's a link to all of the tournaments for next season... most of the "biggies" are already slated... here are the one's that are NOT fully subscribed... pick out your favorite...

http://www.bloggingthebracket.com/2013/12/2/5166356/2015-16-college-basketball-early-season-tournaments-events-MTE (http://www.bloggingthebracket.com/2013/12/2/5166356/2015-16-college-basketball-early-season-tournaments-events-MTE)

2K Sports Classic Benefitting The Wounded Warrior Project
Finals at New York City: Nov. 19 and 20
Hosts and Semifinalists
Duke Blue Devils (ACC)
Georgetown Hoyas (Big East)
VCU Rams (A 10)
Wisconsin Badgers (Big Ten)
Visitors (4-8)
Bryant Bulldogs (NEC)
Radford Highlanders (Big South)
Siena Saints (MAAC)
1-4 TBA

Coaches vs. Cancer Classic
Finals at Brooklyn: Nov. 20 and 21
Hosts and Semifinalists
4 TBA
Visitors
8 TBA

Gulf Coast Showcase
Fort Myers, Fla.: Nov. 23-25
Teams (8+TBD)
Florida Bracket Teams
TBA
Visiting Teams
TBA

Maui Invitational
Maui on the Mainland: TBA
Lahaina, Hawai `i: Nov. 23-25
Maui Teams
Chaminade Silverswords (DII, PacWest)
Indiana Hoosiers (Big Ten)
Kansas Jayhawks (Big 12)
St. John's Red Storm (Big East)
UCLA Bruins (Pac-12)
UNLV Runnin' Rebels (MW)
Vanderbilt Commodores (SEC)
Wake Forest Demon Deacons (ACC)
Maui on the Mainland Teams
4 TBA

Legends Classic
Finals at Brooklyn: Nov. 23-24
Hosts and Semifinalists
Arizona State Sun Devils (Pac-12) (AZCentral's Doug Haller)
LSU Tigers  (SEC) (NOLA.com)
Marquette Golden Eagles (Big East) (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel)
1 TBA
Visitors
TBA

MGM Grand Main Event
Finals at Las Vegas: Nov. 23, 25
Clemson Tigers (ACC)
Creighton Bluejays (Big East)
Georgia Bulldogs (SEC)
UMass Minutemen (A 10)
4 - TBA

CBE Hall of Fame Classic
Finals at Kansas City: Nov. 23 and 24
Teams (8-14)
Host Teams
Kansas State Wildcats (Big 12) (KC Star)
Missouri Tigers (SEC) (Rivals.com)
North Carolina Tar Heels (ACC) (ESPN.com)
Northwestern Wildcats (Big Ten) (KC Star)
Visiting Teams
TBA

Cancun Challenge
Finals at Cancun: Nov. 24 and 25
Teams (8)
Host Teams (Inside MD Sports)
Illinois State Redbirds (MVC)
Maryland Terrapins (Big Ten)
Rhode Island Rams (A 10)
TCU Horned Frogs (Big 12)
Visiting Teams
4 TBA

Battle 4 Atlantis
Paradise Island, Bahamas: Nov. 25-27 (ESPN MediaZone)
Bahamas Teams
Charlotte 49ers (C-USA)
Connecticut Huskies (American)
Gonzaga Bulldogs (WCC)
Michigan Wolverines (Big Ten)
Syracuse Orange (ACC)
Texas Longhorns (Big 12)
Texas A&M Aggies (SEC)
Washington Huskies (Pac-12)
U.S. Teams
TBA

NIT Season Tip-Off
Finals at New York City: Nov. 25 and 27
Teams (8-16)
Regional Hosts (4)
Villanova Wildcats (White and Blue Review)
3 TBA
Visitors (4-12)

Great Alaska Shootout
Anchorage: Nov. 25-28
Teams (8)
Quarterfinalists
Alaska Anchorage Seawolves (DII, GNAC)
Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners (WAC) (Bakersfield Californian)
Loyola of Chicago Ramblers (MVC) (Rambler Mania)
5 TBA


Las Vegas Invitational
Finals at Las Vegas, NV: Nov. 26 and 27
Host Teams
San Diego State Aztecs (MW) (Aztec Mesa)
West Virginia Mountaineers (Big 12) (Scout.com)
2 TBA
Visiting Teams
4 TBA

Corpus Christi Challenge
Finals at Corpus Christi, TX: Nov. 27-28
Host Teams
4 TBA
Visiting Teams
4 TBA

Barclays Center Classic
Finals at Brooklyn: TBA
Host Teams (CBS Sports)
Cincinnati Bearcats (American)
George Washington Colonials (A 10)
Nebraska Cornhuskers (Big Ten)
Tennessee Volunteers (SEC)
Visiting Teams
4 TBA

Las Vegas Classic
Finals at Las Vegas, NV: Dec. 22-23
Host Teams (Pony Fans)
Colorado Buffaloes (Big 12)
Kent State Golden Flashes (MAC)
Penn State Nittany Lions (Big Ten)
SMU Mustangs (American)
Visiting Teams
4 TBA

Hall of Fame Event No. 1
Miami, Fla.: Nov. 27 (ESPN)
Kentucky Wildcats (SEC)
USF Bulls (American)
3 TBA

Hall of Fame Event No. 2
Miami, Fla.: Nov. 27 (ESPN)
Memphis Tigers (American)
Ohio State Buckeyes (Big Ten)
3 TBA

Global Sports Challenge
Teams (5)

Global Sports Invitational
Teams (5)

Rainbow Classic
Honolulu: TBA
Teams (4)
Hawai `i Rainbow Warriors (Big West)
3 TBA

Portland State Tournament
Portland, Ore.: Nov. 20-22 (Basketball Travelers)
Teams (4)
Portland State Vikings (Big Sky)
3 TBA

Fresno State Tournament
Fresno, Calif.: Nov. 20-22 (Basketball Travelers)
Teams (4)
Fresno State Bulldogs (MW)
3 TBA

Miami (Ohio) Tournament
Oxford, Ohio: Nov. 20-22 (Basketball Travelers)
Teams (4)
Miami (Ohio) RedHawks (MAC)
3 TBA

FGCU Tournament
Fort Myers, Fla.: Nov. 22-24 (Basketball Travelers)
Teams (4)
Florida Gulf Coast Eagles (A-Sun)
3 TBA

TBD On-Campus Tournament
Teams (7)

TBD On-Campus Tournament
Teams (6)

TBD On-Campus Tournament
Teams (4)

Global Sports Showcase
Teams (4)

TBD On-Campus Tournament
Teams (5)

TBD On-Campus Tournament
Teams (4)

TBD On-Campus Tournament
Teams (5)

Golden Gate Challenge/Hilltop Classic/USF Tournament
San Francisco, Calif.: TBA
Teams (4)

Cure UCD Classic
Campus Sites: TBA
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico: TBA
Teams (8)

Global Sports Hardwood Classic
Teams (4)

Gotham Classic
Showcase Games in New York City: TBA
Teams (5)

Utah State Tournament
Logan, Utah: TBA
Teams (4)
Utah State Aggies (MW)
3 TBA


and just to annoy some of you... here's one that has been fully subscribed...

Emerald Coast Classic
Finals at Niceville, Fla.: Nov. 27-28
Host Teams
Illinois Fighting Illini (Big Ten)
Iowa State Cyclones (Big 12)
UAB Blazers (C-USA)
Virginia Tech Hokies (ACC)
Visiting Teams
Alabama State Hornets (SWAC)
Chattanooga Mocs (SoCon)
Chicago State Cougars (WAC)
Jacksonville State Gamecocks (OVC)

Who wouldn't want to play in Alaska!?

But that Miami (OH) tournament would be ideal so I could actually be there...

I was thinking "Rainbow Classic"... it would make buying Christmas presents for my wife a lot easier.  Either of the Miami FLORIDA Hall of Fame tournaments would be OK.  Very little shoveling involved to get to the arena.

I'm down with any in Vegas. 

I also think it would be depressing to have to go to Alaska just to get a rematch with Loyola (besides it being depressing just to be in Alaska).

Here's my thought on the ones I wouldn't mind.

Legends Classic- There's a host spot left (probably wishful thinking) and I wouldn't mind going on the road to face any of those teams. All are winnable.
CBE Hall of Fame Classic and we could be the visitor for Northwestern.
Las Vegas Classic- Another group of winnable opponents
Rainbow Classic would be cool
The FGCU tourney got some decent teams this year (Green Bay was there)


Let's get something better than the Music City Shitshow that we were part of this year. Something that will at least have a camera crew please.

At least our trip to Nashville was better than that just awful couple of games we played at CMU.

Neither the Rainbow Classic or the Great Alaska Shootout are as good as they once were and we should be able to do better. How Chaminade College (div II) hijacked all the best teams away from U of Hawaii over to a shoebox gym for the Maui Invitational I will never understand but that tournament is now far superior.

There should be numerous good but not perfect choices here we just need to commit to finding one. With all of the points, playing time and experience that is returning we should start next season ready for prime time and it would be a shame to let that opportunity slip through our fingers. In a 3 game early season neutral court tournament against top 75 preseason RPI teams I would venture that winning 2 of 3 would be equally likely as only winning one. Would depend on the draw.

Speaking of tournaments.  When is Valpo eligible to take an overseas trip? 

Quote from: talksalot on February 10, 2015, 12:15:52 PMGulf Coast Showcase

This is actually the tournament UWGB came down here for--FGCU plays in that one too.

I'd be biased to having VU come to Ft. Myers because you could all come visit.

If I am still here then of course. : )

Quote from: talksalot on February 10, 2015, 12:15:52 PM
Emerald Coast Classic
Finals at Niceville, Fla.: Nov. 27-28

The Crusaders would get a lot of support here ... Niceville is only 3 miles from Valparaiso (FL, that is.)  ;)

Quote from: oklahomamick on February 10, 2015, 02:56:23 PMSpeaking of tournaments.  When is Valpo eligible to take an overseas trip? 

Was wondering the same thing. Having an excuse for summer practice, conditioning, and competition would make this bunch even more ready for for some November upsets than they already will be. 2 or 3 top 50 OOC wins can go a long way towards getting that 8, 9, or 10 seed that I believe to be possible.

I believe schools can take one every 4 years, so when was the last one?

(http://www.troll.me/images/y-u-no/people-y-u-no-do-your-own-work-thumb.jpg)

ok, ok i will.

the only trip in VU history was 2010 to Cancun, so we can go whenever we want.  if money were no object probably last year would have been the time to do it, what with getting a new team together and all.

http://www.valpoathletics.com/mbasketball/news/2010-11/9939/crusaders-begin-preparations-for-preseason-trip-to-cancun/#.VNp9Olpp-LA (http://www.valpoathletics.com/mbasketball/news/2010-11/9939/crusaders-begin-preparations-for-preseason-trip-to-cancun/#.VNp9Olpp-LA)

any news on going again?

Quote from: zvillehaze on February 10, 2015, 03:14:31 PM

Quote from: talksalot on February 10, 2015, 12:15:52 PM
Emerald Coast Classic
Finals at Niceville, Fla.: Nov. 27-28

The Crusaders would get a lot of support here ... Niceville is only 3 miles from Valparaiso (FL, that is.)  ;)

Across the bridge from Destin where my daughter and son-in-law lived until recently. Beautiful beaches and resorts. Affectionally referred to as the redneck riviera. 

Quote from: wh on February 10, 2015, 04:12:59 PM

Quote from: zvillehaze on February 10, 2015, 03:14:31 PM

Quote from: talksalot on February 10, 2015, 12:15:52 PM
Emerald Coast Classic
Finals at Niceville, Fla.: Nov. 27-28

The Crusaders would get a lot of support here ... Niceville is only 3 miles from Valparaiso (FL, that is.)  ;)

Across the bridge from Destin where my daughter and son-in-law lived until recently. Beautiful beaches and resorts. Affectionally referred to as the redneck riviera. 

My step-son, his wife and two daughters are in Destin.  Visit as often as I can!  :thumbsup:

Quote from: talksalot on February 10, 2015, 12:15:52 PMCancun Challenge
Finals at Cancun: Nov. 24 and 25
Teams (8)
Host Teams (Inside MD Sports)
Illinois State Redbirds (MVC)
Maryland Terrapins (Big Ten)
Rhode Island Rams (A 10)
TCU Horned Frogs (Big 12)
Visiting Teams
4 TBA

This looks interesting. Maybe 2 or 3 birds with one stone. Go to Illinois St and give Alec some near hometown exposure sometime in early or mid November. Then on to Cancun the 24th and 25th for 2 additional games. Maryland, Rhode Island or TCU could all be fun. I imagine it cost the host teams some money for the hosting rights so what all might it cost us other than time and travel? If we jumped in to something like that maybe Murray St. or others like them would follow for a strong field of visitors.

I think we all may be pleasantly surprised by the kind of tourneys in which we may be involved.  Unless we fall on our face, or even with just an NIT bid, we will have gained a lot of exposure with the number of wins and receiving votes in the polls.  My guess is that at  minimum we will be receiving votes again to start next year and may be close to the top 25.  That is the kind of story tourney's are seeking.  You know, the David v....(fill in the blank)

That's the hope.  My worry is that our scheduling problems will be compounded because no one good will want to play a game they could easily lose to us on their home floor, let alone come here :/

Quote from: zvillehaze on February 10, 2015, 08:26:31 PMI believe that only the 4 host teams go to Cancun.  The "Visiting Teams" get two games at the host teams' arena and two games against other Visiting Teams.

So Ill St pays for hosting rights and the right to play 2 of the better teams in Cancun and VU would get one known road game (Ill St) and 3 unknown pigs in a poke. What kind of money might this have cost them?

Quote from: justducky on February 10, 2015, 08:40:39 PM

Quote from: zvillehaze on February 10, 2015, 08:26:31 PMI believe that only the 4 host teams go to Cancun.  The "Visiting Teams" get two games at the host teams' arena and two games against other Visiting Teams.

So Ill St pays for hosting rights and the right to play 2 of the better teams in Cancun and VU would get one known road game (Ill St) and 3 unknown pigs in a poke. What kind of money might this have cost them?

I think I was wrong on that.  Visiting teams play two games at "Host" schools, then go to Cancun to play two games against other "Visiting" teams.  Hard to keep track of all these different formats.

so I wonder what the deal is to HOST one of those exempt tournaments (like CMU or that OHIO U thing we did last year?)   I don't know how the finances work or who actually does the inviting.

How about:  Valpo, Holy Cross, Capital (OH), Incarnate Word, perhaps Alvernia College....THAT would be a Crusader Classic.

Quote from: talksalot on February 10, 2015, 09:24:28 PM
so I wonder what the deal is to HOST one of those exempt tournaments (like CMU or that OHIO U thing we did last year?)   I don't know how the finances work or who actually does the inviting.

How about:  Valpo, Holy Cross, Capital (OH), Incarnate Word, perhaps Alvernia College....THAT would be a Crusader Classic.

Well, if you are serious about a "Crusader Classic", as in the old days, then you need to include Wagner, the only other D1 Lutheran college.

Unless VU begins to market men's basketball in the same manner as Gonzaga has, the only way VU gets a part of the Maui Invitational is if they are one of the "Mainland" games, where the host is already going to Maui, regardless of what happens on the mainland. I believe ESPN has a say in which teams get to go to Maui, as the broadcast sponsor. When I was growing up, the Great Alaska Shootout was equivalent to what Maui is now, but that hit the wayside about the time valpotx and I got to Valpo, even with the VU appearance in this  tournament, where we beat a not as good Ohio St. team in 2001.

I hope they do an overseas trip.  I think it helps team chemistry and is a great once in a life time experience with college buds. 

Does anyone remember Georgetown going to China a couple years ago and a huge fight breaking out?

With the talk of all the different tournaments, of course valpo won't announce anything or make any news about it until September of next year.  We have a long time to blog about it....

I absolutely remember the Georgetown trip. I was in China and watched them play in Shanghai. The Chinese team they played in Beijing were very aggressive. The game in Shanghai was a lot quieter. It was part of a Nike event and there was a youth tourney that preceded the GTown game. Kyrie Irving "coached" one of the youth teams and Dwight Howard coached the other. There was a host of other NBAers there in a small outdoor gym. Believe that was the same summer Duke played over there at the Mercedes Benz arena (was there for that) and the Valpo ladies played in China too, caught them near Hangzhou.

I like the idea of a good old fashioned brawl to build team comradery. Sometimes this board is more like a think tank.

Quote from: valpo84 on February 11, 2015, 09:43:18 PMThere was a host of other NBAers there in a small outdoor gym. Believe that was the same summer Duke played over there at the Mercedes Benz arena (was there for that) and the Valpo ladies played in China too, caught them near Hangzhou.

Hangzhou is the city I studied abroad in when I was in Valpo. 

Quote from: talksalot on February 10, 2015, 12:15:52 PM
Legends Classic
Finals at Brooklyn: Nov. 23-24
Hosts and Semifinalists
Arizona State Sun Devils (Pac-12) (AZCentral's Doug Haller)
LSU Tigers  (SEC) (NOLA.com)
Marquette Golden Eagles (Big East) (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel)
1 TBA
Visitors
TBA

MGM Grand Main Event
Finals at Las Vegas: Nov. 23, 25
Clemson Tigers (ACC)
Creighton Bluejays (Big East)
Georgia Bulldogs (SEC)
UMass Minutemen (A 10)
4 - TBA

Quote from: talksalot on February 10, 2015, 12:15:52 PMCancun Challenge
Finals at Cancun: Nov. 24 and 25
Teams (8)
Host Teams (Inside MD Sports)
Illinois State Redbirds (MVC)
Maryland Terrapins (Big Ten)
Rhode Island Rams (A 10)
TCU Horned Frogs (Big 12)
Visiting Teams
4 TBA

I chose these exempt tournaments only to illustrate the best two strategies toward maximizing the benefits of exempt tournaments. Strategy #1 would require paying up (see opening in Legends Classic) to host, thus buying your way in to a known set of semifinal and final or consolation bracket opponents. Biggest question mark becomes who who will sign up to be our home opponent or opponents and will the probable net monetary loss be offset by gaining a stronger RPI?

Strategy #2 would require a united consistent block approach by 4 trusting, high level, shoestring budget, different conference, mid majors willing to start, renew or extend rivalries with schools of equal basketball reputation. So maybe VU would team with an Evansville or Indiana St. along with Murray St or Belmont, a CUSA Western Kentucky or maybe Ohio or Bowling Green. This 4 team alliance once formed could negotiate each year as a group of visiting teams so that much of the work for organizers could be eliminated. Since these 4 teams would always find there way to the losers bracket (even when they won on the road to a paid-up finalist), the consolation prize would be to play games against teams they would like to be playing anyway.    Thoughts?

Alaska would be a great trip with some decent competition.


Maui classic would be fun.

Quote from: justducky on February 14, 2015, 07:46:04 PM

Quote from: talksalot on February 10, 2015, 12:15:52 PM
Legends Classic
Finals at Brooklyn: Nov. 23-24
Hosts and Semifinalists
Arizona State Sun Devils (Pac-12) (AZCentral's Doug Haller)
LSU Tigers  (SEC) (NOLA.com)
Marquette Golden Eagles (Big East) (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel)
1 TBA
Visitors
TBA

MGM Grand Main Event
Finals at Las Vegas: Nov. 23, 25
Clemson Tigers (ACC)
Creighton Bluejays (Big East)
Georgia Bulldogs (SEC)
UMass Minutemen (A 10)
4 - TBA

Quote from: talksalot on February 10, 2015, 12:15:52 PMCancun Challenge
Finals at Cancun: Nov. 24 and 25
Teams (8)
Host Teams (Inside MD Sports)
Illinois State Redbirds (MVC)
Maryland Terrapins (Big Ten)
Rhode Island Rams (A 10)
TCU Horned Frogs (Big 12)
Visiting Teams
4 TBA

I chose these exempt tournaments only to illustrate the best two strategies toward maximizing the benefits of exempt tournaments. Strategy #1 would require paying up (see opening in Legends Classic) to host, thus buying your way in to a known set of semifinal and final or consolation bracket opponents. Biggest question mark becomes who who will sign up to be our home opponent or opponents and will the probable net monetary loss be offset by gaining a stronger RPI?

Strategy #2 would require a united consistent block approach by 4 trusting, high level, shoestring budget, different conference, mid majors willing to start, renew or extend rivalries with schools of equal basketball reputation. So maybe VU would team with an Evansville or Indiana St. along with Murray St or Belmont, a CUSA Western Kentucky or maybe Ohio or Bowling Green. This 4 team alliance once formed could negotiate each year as a group of visiting teams so that much of the work for organizers could be eliminated. Since these 4 teams would always find there way to the losers bracket (even when they won on the road to a paid-up finalist), the consolation prize would be to play games against teams they would like to be playing anyway.    Thoughts?

Hmmm, no thoughts yet? Is anybody out there listening? No matter. Just allow me to continue talking to myself while I throw out some additional variations for strategy #2.

Maybe this 4 team alliance concept (or a 3 team variation) could be employed for non exempt tournaments scheduling as well. Say the 3 teams consisting of maybe Valpo, Ohio, and Evansville came to a 3 year agreement with rotating sites where the home team would play on Friday and Sunday, and the Friday opponent would play the third team on Sat. (at home team site) while that third team would meet the home team on Sunday. Advantage to the home team with the scheduling disadvantage being that each team would get only 2 home games and that happening only every third year. But would the reduced travel and RPI advantage of selecting equal level mid major programs outweigh the problems? Also if you participated in 3 such alliances they could be staggered in such a way that every season could have a pair of home games.

The 4 team concept would be much like our Nashville appearance only with rotating host teams meaning only getting 3 home games out of a 4 year agreement. A variation of this could consist of a true 2 day, 2 game tournament which could be seeded to the advantage of the highest RPI team just prior to the event. There are pluses and minuses here as well.

Help me out with a little feedback. With top echelon programs less and less willing to ever give mid majors anything close to a fair shake, it is obvious that what worked in the past is much less likely to work in the future. I believe that it has become necessary to totally reinvent the wheel and any delays in development could be catastrophic. So you folks are supposed to be smart (I guess  ???) so why don't you just jump in here and start winging it just like I did?

HELLO HELLO  Can anybody hear me???

i dunno man.  i kind of thought i understood strategy 2, but i don't get anything of this latest one.

perhaps i need another red stripe before bed.

I'm hoping for an inter-conference challenge of some sort... I'm a bit worried about how those things are seeded?   Anyone know how the BIG-ACC or similar pairings are figured out?   If we're going to go against OVC schools... I want us to have the Murrays not the Tennessee State.... or the MVC, I want UNI or Wichita... not Drake again.

Quote from: talksalot on February 16, 2015, 09:09:44 PMI'm hoping for an inter-conference challenge of some sort... I'm a bit worried about how those things are seeded?   Anyone know how the BIG-ACC or similar pairings are figured out?   If we're going to go against OVC schools... I want us to have the Murrays not the Tennessee State.... or the MVC, I want UNI or Wichita... not Drake again.

In general the teams of the B1G-ACC challenge are ranked from best to worst based on their record from the previous season. 1 vs 1, 2 vs 2, 3 vs 3....etc. In a few instances teams are switched around to make for better match-ups by the conference commissioners.

Quote from: talksalot on February 16, 2015, 09:09:44 PM
I'm hoping for an inter-conference challenge of some sort... I'm a bit worried about how those things are seeded?   Anyone know how the BIG-ACC or similar pairings are figured out?   If we're going to go against OVC schools... I want us to have the Murrays not the Tennessee State.... or the MVC, I want UNI or Wichita... not Drake again.

I would hope we would never do a challenge with th OVC. They only have 2 teams that are worth playing - Murray State and Belmont - and I'm not even sure about them after our 35 point win over Murray and WSU's 2 wins over Belmont. They always have good records but they also greatly benefit from the tallest midget syndrome.

We need to schedule for ourselves. Conference challenges unless with the top 5-6 are not worth it, and the bracketbuster ran out of steam. Justducky throws out some good idea starters. A round-robin tourney has some merit, but need to think bigger -- the perceived top mid-majors need to be consistent. There are a handful over time that have established consistently good programs -- Wichita State, UNI, Davidson, Richmond, Murray, VCU and Belmont. Other programs may peak every 4-8 years based on a particular recruiting class. Many of the other mid-majors become very dependent on coaches and when that person leaves...poof. These types of mid-majors need to recognize and agree to home&homes and mini-tourneys, but remember that they also feel that they need to be 22-4 at this stage of the season to be discussed for at larges. I'll let the stat guys run the numbers, but if we had played Davidson and Murray this year (omit lowest non-conf RPI team) what would our RPI be? Does it move the needle? Does it move the needle if we split or go 2-2 vs these types of teams? Does it help them if they have a loss to us? Murray is a good test case. Replace one of their wins against lowest RPI non-conf with a win against Davidson. How's it help? Remember that the games that would help our RPI (like those helping Butler) aren't going to get scheduled except for the big tourneys. The middle of the power conferences don't want a piece of us at home or the road. Have you looked at Ohio State's or ND's non-conf schedules -- multitude of home games to pay for their programs/arenas and a Challenge game and maybe 1 oe 2 TV games. ND doesn't want us anywhere near the Joyce. Heck, there used to be a quote about Digger being unable to find any roads direct between SBend and WLafayette.

Wouldn't it be cool if the NCAA tournament worked kind of like the Bracketbuster series where you were guaranteed a return game? But in this case, make it a 2 year home and home series between the two teams. It would give more of a reward to the "little guys" as they would be given at least one big game on their schedule for the next year seasons. You could leave it just at first round match ups, or do it for each round.

I do like the idea of first round matchups having a return game at the lower seeds venue, it would give many mid-majors the opportunity for that elusive signature win against a top team.

It'll never happen, unfortunately.

Quote from: talksalot on February 16, 2015, 09:09:44 PMI'm hoping for an inter-conference challenge of some sort... I'm a bit worried about how those things are seeded?   Anyone know how the BIG-ACC or similar pairings are figured out?   If we're going to go against OVC schools... I want us to have the Murrays not the Tennessee State.... or the MVC, I want UNI or Wichita... not Drake again.

In a perfect world this would be a great answer and theoretically you could schedule multiple games who are near RPI counterparts from that challenge  conference. But- and there always is that but- there are some difficult to resolve problems. The number of league members is the biggest, with stability and conference strength being right behind. As Talksalot said seeding for each season would be not only necessary, it would be the most beneficial part of the program. Maybe that could be done with some kind of final minute formula which gives at-large or near at-large programs a chance for a higher SOS rating and some very good wins (or close non destructive losses).

This is worthy of further thought but an easily workable partner to implement it with has yet to cross my mind.

Quote from: justducky on February 17, 2015, 02:34:27 PM

Quote from: talksalot on February 16, 2015, 09:09:44 PMI'm hoping for an inter-conference challenge of some sort... I'm a bit worried about how those things are seeded?   Anyone know how the BIG-ACC or similar pairings are figured out?   If we're going to go against OVC schools... I want us to have the Murrays not the Tennessee State.... or the MVC, I want UNI or Wichita... not Drake again.

In a perfect world this would be a great answer and theoretically you could schedule multiple games who are near RPI counterparts from that challenge  conference. But- and there always is that but- there are some difficult to resolve problems. The number of league members is the biggest, with stability and conference strength being right behind. As Talksalot said seeding for each season would be not only necessary, it would be the most beneficial part of the program. Maybe that could be done with some kind of final minute formula which gives at-large or near at-large programs a chance for a higher SOS rating and some very good wins (or close non destructive losses).

This is worthy of further thought but an easily workable partner to implement it with has yet to cross my mind.

I think it was the coach at CSU who mentioned a possible deal with the West Coast Conference.  At the moment they have 10 members and we have 9.  There seems to be some movement toward adding a new member so hopefully by next pre-season we have 10 as well.  In looking at the Sagarin's, it is difficult to find a conference that matches up perfectly with us.  Either a conference like the West Coast is way stronger at the top or a conference like The Mid-American, which is weaker at the top but stronger at the bottom.

The MAC is the closest in terms of talent/skill as the HL. Some years the HL is stronger and vice-versa. This year its the HL but the MAC is deeper and doesn't have the cellar dwellers the HL does.

Games against Akron, Kent St, Bowling Green, Central Michigan, and Toledo are all good teams. Some years they are rather strong, some years are rebuilding. It'll be impossible to find an identical conference to the HL. The closest relatives are the MAC and MVC, the MVC is stronger than the HL but not considerably, they are a two bid league this season but offer good competition for HL teams, while the MAC is slightly weaker than the HL.

Geographically and talent wise it makes the most sense to play these two conferences the most in the OOC, coupled with the two or three games against power/BCS conference programs.

Here's a sample of some teams... and the last time we played them...couple of surprises here.  I only grabbed teams that we have not played for at least 10 seasons.

Air Force 93-94
Army 96-97
Belmont 02-03
Bradley 83-84
Central Michigan 03-04
Eastern Illinois 95-96
Harvard - 70-71
Illinois State 80-81
Indiana State 04-05
Navy 77-78
Northern Iowa 04-05
Southern Illinois  80-81

Dayton 1920-21

Western Kentucky - NEVER
Wichita State - NEVER
Robert Morris (PA) - NEVER
Bucknell - NEVER
Davidson - NEVER
Yale - NEVER
Princeton - NEVER
Penn - NEVER
Cornell - NEVER

Quote from: talksalot on February 17, 2015, 03:23:22 PM
Air Force 93-94
Army 96-97
Belmont 02-03
Bradley 83-84
Central Michigan 03-04
Eastern Illinois 95-96
Harvard - 70-71
Illinois State 80-81
Indiana State 04-05
Navy 77-78
Northern Iowa 04-05
Southern Illinois  80-81

Dayton 1920-21

You just put together a really nice 13 game non-con schedule for us. Bryce and ML let's get these games scheduled for next year and get an RPI in the 20 or 30s.

Mid major conference challenges aren't going to happen. There's simply nothing that's stopping these teams from scheduling each other as it is. A conference challenge would probably mean having a set date which would restrict the limited number of chances HL teams have to get a good home date, or it may restrict a road tournament because they have to play one game at one location on a set date. I just don't see it happening.

Furthermore, the volatility of these leagues doesn't even set up a decent matchup half the time. Ohio was in the Elite 8 a couple years ago and now have an RPI above 200. Wright State finished 3rd in conference and lost in the Championship game and have the worst conference record (In a MVC conference challenge they would hilariously play UNI). Meanwhile, Valpo finished 6th last year and shot up to 1st. Buffalo is in first. Followed by Bowling Green. What?

Quote from: valpo84 on February 17, 2015, 12:19:03 PMWe need to schedule for ourselves. Conference challenges unless with the top 5-6 are not worth it,

Yes and they can not be fluid. In any enduring association of teams every member has to know far ahead of time how many games are involved as well as their dates and their home vs road vs neutral site proportions. Every additional unknown that gets thrown into the mix lessens the chance for a workable and sustainable solution. Simple is good.

Quote from: valpo84 on February 17, 2015, 12:19:03 PMA round-robin tourney has some merit, but need to think bigger -- the perceived top mid-majors need to be consistent. There are a handful over time that have established consistently good programs -- Wichita State, UNI, Davidson, Richmond, Murray, VCU and Belmont. Other programs may peak every 4-8 years based on a particular recruiting class. Many of the other mid-majors become very dependent on coaches and when that person leaves...poof. These types of mid-majors need to recognize and agree to home&homes and mini-tourneys, but remember that they also feel that they need to be 22-4 at this stage of the season to be discussed for at larges.

If you have a quality team with a quality OOC schedule 5, 6, or even 7 losses might get you in. Close losses to great teams aren't devastating and big wins are enormous.

Quote from: valpo84 on February 17, 2015, 12:19:03 PMND doesn't want us anywhere near the Joyce. Heck, there used to be a quote about Digger being unable to find any roads direct between SBend and WLafayette.

Exploit it! Repeating my formula- we should initiate contact, endure the cold shoulders then wham send them the no cost contract (for almost any weeknight) which says we will even pay for our bus parking and locker room rental (if we shower maybe we should pay extra). If they actually take it then we got ourselves a game and to save embarrassment I think they would pay us. If they politely or impolitely tell us to just go away then run adds in all our local papers showing the rejected contract and captioned        ND WILL NOT PLAY  COME TO THE ARC TO FIND OUT WHY!!!

Quote from: justducky on February 17, 2015, 07:35:04 PMExploit it! Repeating my formula- we should initiate contact, endure the cold shoulders then wham send them the no cost contract (for almost any weeknight) which says we will even pay for our bus parking and locker room rental (if we shower maybe we should pay extra). If they actually take it then we got ourselves a game and to save embarrassment I think they would pay us. If they politely or impolitely tell us to just go away then run adds in all our local papers showing the rejected contract and captioned        ND WILL NOT PLAY  COME TO THE ARC TO FIND OUT WHY!!!

I am trying to figure out if you are being sarcastic or not? You do realize that trying to do scheduling by shaming another school into a contract would make us the pariah of D1 basketball don't you?

Quote from: FWalum on February 17, 2015, 11:31:36 PMYou do realize that trying to do scheduling by shaming another school into a contract would make us the pariah of D1 basketball don't you?

Yup -but only among the haves who already offer us nothing (in mens basketball) but arrogant indifference. We could overnight become the hero of the mid major world who are all waiting for somebody to have the guts to say that "enough is enough". Is it slanderous to tell the public the truth? Bad blood sells tickets. Lets go out and pick us a fight. Northwest Indiana would love it.

Quote from: justducky on February 18, 2015, 12:24:27 AM

Quote from: FWalum on February 17, 2015, 11:31:36 PMYou do realize that trying to do scheduling by shaming another school into a contract would make us the pariah of D1 basketball don't you?

Yup -but only among the haves who already offer us nothing (in mens basketball) but arrogant indifference. We could overnight become the hero of the mid major world who are all waiting for somebody to have the guts to say that "enough is enough". Is it slanderous to tell the public the truth? Bad blood sells tickets. Lets go out and pick us a fight. Northwest Indiana would love it.

Now I know that you are just being silly.  If you think we would only be offending your "haves" then you don't know much about the "Coaching Fraternity". NWI would really love us playing Chicago State and some NAIA teams 14 times in the OOC schedule. (Of course I am also being silly.)

Quote from: justducky on February 18, 2015, 12:24:27 AM

Quote from: FWalum on February 17, 2015, 11:31:36 PMYou do realize that trying to do scheduling by shaming another school into a contract would make us the pariah of D1 basketball don't you?

Yup -but only among the haves who already offer us nothing (in mens basketball) but arrogant indifference. We could overnight become the hero of the mid major world who are all waiting for somebody to have the guts to say that "enough is enough". Is it slanderous to tell the public the truth? Bad blood sells tickets. Lets go out and pick us a fight. Northwest Indiana would love it.

This is quite possibly the most intelligent mid-major scheduling tactic I've ever heard.  I'm not sure what that says about me or justducky, but without any deep thinking on it, something in my really likes the idea.

Quote from: StlVUFan on February 18, 2015, 06:02:03 PM

Quote from: justducky on February 18, 2015, 12:24:27 AM

Quote from: FWalum on February 17, 2015, 11:31:36 PMYou do realize that trying to do scheduling by shaming another school into a contract would make us the pariah of D1 basketball don't you?

Yup -but only among the haves who already offer us nothing (in mens basketball) but arrogant indifference. We could overnight become the hero of the mid major world who are all waiting for somebody to have the guts to say that "enough is enough". Is it slanderous to tell the public the truth? Bad blood sells tickets. Lets go out and pick us a fight. Northwest Indiana would love it.

This is quite possibly the most intelligent mid-major scheduling tactic I've ever heard.  I'm not sure what that says about me or justducky, but without any deep thinking on it, something in my really likes the idea.

Believe me when I say it hasn't been done because it wouldn't work. This is a fraternity of brothers and a rather small one at that.  You don't want to start threatening people.

Yeah Wichita State raised a big stink last year about Kansas not scheduling them. The most exotic home game they got this year was Utah. Still no Kansas. Valpo could accuse Notre Dame of starting ISIS recruitment bases on campus and it wouldn't change anything. Any compiling printed in the NW Times would be met with a giant "meh" from everybody.

We will have to see them in a tournament then.  They can't avoid us if we are accepted in the same tournament and then match up. 

Whatever tournament we do next year, we won't hear about until late August or September.  It seems like the schedule is always posted a little late and there's no leaks on who's going to be on it.  I have hope we will get some good contracts because as mentioned on the trivia section we have had several non conference top 25 teams at the ARC.  We can do it again. 

I would really like to see the team travel abroad.  I know our teams and university is big on giving back to the community so we could make it a missions/basketball trip.  heck pending on where we go we could also make it a recruitment trip too.  Some of our best players came from other countries. 

we could start them a gofundme account to send the team abroad.

...and actually i bet the rest of the HL would chip in, at least for the first flight.

I don't think it has been mentioned anywhere but why not have a home-at-home series with Baylor?

I would imagine each game would be a nationally televised game and would be great publicity for both programs. The Brother vs Brother coaching matchup would make for a great storyline for ESPN.

Quote from: classof2014 on February 19, 2015, 10:08:01 AM
I don't think it has been mentioned anywhere but why not have a home-at-home series with Baylor?

I would imagine each game would be a nationally televised game and would be great publicity for both programs. The Brother vs Brother coaching matchup would make for a great storyline for ESPN.

I'm pretty sure they won't do that as Homer had said in previous years that the only way he would play Scott was in the NCAAs.  I doubt Bryce would feel any differently.

Because it's a no-win game for Baylor.... and Scott.     

Keep this in mind when thinking about next years schedule.  The HL should be a lot better next year and should have a much better conference RPI.  Detroit, Oakland, and Wright State all have young talent that should be much improved.  All should have a much better RPI coming into conference.  Milwaukee will not have restricted practice time and will have their 3 point ace back in the mix.  Green Bay and CSU will lose the most talent, but have enough talent returning, incoming talent, and good coaching to only take a modest step backwards.  YSU has talent if they can find a new coach.  UIC can't get any worse.

I believe the MAC has 6 schools with an RPI between 60-100.  Buffalo, Central Michigan, Toledo, Akron, Bowling Green, and Kent State.  I have not bothered to look at how they scheduled in the Non-Con, but I think we would all be really excited if we had 6 teams that high!  However, it would appear that whoever wins that league will have a similar seed to whoever wins the HL, because they keep beating up on each other and nobody can break away from the pack.  Had one of those teams been able to run away with the league, I would think that team would have one hell of an RPI.   


 

Quote from: SanityLost17 on February 19, 2015, 10:16:50 AM
Keep this in mind when thinking about next years schedule.  The HL should be a lot better next year and should have a much better conference RPI.  Detroit, Oakland, and Wright State all have young talent that should be much improved.  All should have a much better RPI coming into conference.  Milwaukee will not have restricted practice time and will have their 3 point ace back in the mix.  Green Bay and CSU will lose the most talent, but have enough talent returning, incoming talent, and good coaching to only take a modest step backwards.  YSU has talent if they can find a new coach.  UIC can't get any worse.

I believe the MAC has 6 schools with an RPI between 60-100.  Buffalo, Central Michigan, Toledo, Akron, Bowling Green, and Kent State.  I have not bothered to look at how they scheduled in the Non-Con, but I think we would all be really excited if we had 6 teams that high!  However, it would appear that whoever wins that league will have a similar seed to whoever wins the HL, because they keep beating up on each other and nobody can break away from the pack.  Had one of those teams been able to run away with the league, I would think that team would have one hell of an RPI.   

In my opinion the league might not be much better. GB loses a lot, Sykes, McKinnie, and Mays. They'll probably have a down year and finish middle of the pack. Oakland and CSU should be good next year. All CSU really loses is Charlie Lee and Marlin Mason. Detroit might be worse next season, Bass should be better but they lose all-conference player Juwan Howard, not to mention McCallum is an awful coach. Milwaukee will be a middle of the pack team, they'll probably be better I don't think significantly though, Arians is a 3 point shooter and Tiby is good but not great. WSU will be better, this is a down year for them and have also been bitten by the injury bug. UIC and YSU are a mess, once again they'll be bottom feeders.

My guess is next season rankings will be:

1.) Valpo
2.) Oakland
3.) CSU
4.) WSU
5.) GB
6.) Milwaukee
7.) Detroit
8.) YSU
9.) UIC

There's a possibility of a tenth as well, no clue on who it'll be though. I don't see the league being significantly better next season. I think it'll be stronger but after the top 3 teams there's a dropoff in talent.

Quote from: classof2014 on February 19, 2015, 10:08:01 AMI don't think it has been mentioned anywhere but why not have a home-at-home series with Baylor?

??? I have hammered at this repeatedly since just after the 11-12 season ended and have never had even one poster that backed me up!

Quote from: talksalot on February 19, 2015, 10:12:56 AMBecause it's a no-win game for Baylor.... and Scott.     

True but Scott is in a position to sell Baylor on a 2 for 1 if our scheduling nightmare degenerates to the point where we would have to call in a family favor. I hope it doesn't get to that but you can wear out a phone trying to get any moderately good teams to come to the ARC. Heck most of them don't even want to play us at there place even for free.  :o   ;)

I wouldn't mind just skimping out on some of the non d1 home games at the arc to play some non-return road games. 3 non D1 games just seems offensive to season ticket holders. Like I said before, try to schedule 1-2 non-winnable road games against top 10 teams to game RPI and SOS. If we don't find a 2 for 1, so be it.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Quote from: a3uge on February 19, 2015, 11:00:27 AMI wouldn't mind just skimping out on some of the non d1 home games at the arc to play some non-return road games. 3 non D1 games just seems offensive to season ticket holders. Like I said before, try to schedule 1-2 non-winnable road games against top 10 teams to game RPI and SOS. If we don't find a 2 for 1, so be it.

I haven't come to the ARC to watch a non- D1 opponent since the Athletes In Action days and I have no plans for that to ever change ( I might make an exception for Bethel and Cleo  :thumbsup:).

Please define a non-winnnable road game for the first two weeks of next years season? With an almost total core bunch of talented and experienced athletes returning we should have that advantage over almost all of D1 basketball. There should be almost no one who could embarrass us with a 15 point loss in the seasons early going.

Quote from: justducky on February 19, 2015, 11:33:51 AM

Quote from: a3uge on February 19, 2015, 11:00:27 AMI wouldn't mind just skimping out on some of the non d1 home games at the arc to play some non-return road games. 3 non D1 games just seems offensive to season ticket holders. Like I said before, try to schedule 1-2 non-winnable road games against top 10 teams to game RPI and SOS. If we don't find a 2 for 1, so be it.

I haven't come to the ARC to watch a non- D1 opponent since the Athletes In Action days and I have no plans for that to ever change ( I might make an exception for Bethel and Cleo  :thumbsup:).

Please define a non-winnnable road game for the first two weeks of next years season? With an almost total core bunch of talented and experienced athletes returning we should have that advantage over almost all of D1 basketball. There should be almost no one who could embarrass us with a 15 point loss in the seasons early going.

I would say going to Duke, UNC, Kentucky, or Kansas would likely be a loss. But I think we may be too good to be able to schedule these teams. The best teams schedule mostly cupcakes at home, play 1-2 ooc games on the road only against top 15 teams. We may not be in the safe bet win threshold for the top teams anymore, so may even be harder to schedule tough road games. Unfortunately the deck is always going to be stacked against us. The last thing a good team wants is a 50-150 RPI loss at home to a mid major.

Quote from: justducky on February 19, 2015, 10:51:02 AMHeck most of them don't even want to play  us

I think you can stop your sentence right there. For the major conference schools playing Valpo is a no-win situation even if they play the Crusaders at home. I'm sure both Kim Anderson at Missouri and Craig Neal at New Mexico would have paid off Valpo if possible but they were honorable men. Neal was able to push off the game by a year.

Quote from: FWalum on February 18, 2015, 06:43:59 PM

Quote from: StlVUFan on February 18, 2015, 06:02:03 PM

Quote from: justducky on February 18, 2015, 12:24:27 AM

Quote from: FWalum on February 17, 2015, 11:31:36 PMYou do realize that trying to do scheduling by shaming another school into a contract would make us the pariah of D1 basketball don't you?

Yup -but only among the haves who already offer us nothing (in mens basketball) but arrogant indifference. We could overnight become the hero of the mid major world who are all waiting for somebody to have the guts to say that "enough is enough". Is it slanderous to tell the public the truth? Bad blood sells tickets. Lets go out and pick us a fight. Northwest Indiana would love it.

This is quite possibly the most intelligent mid-major scheduling tactic I've ever heard.  I'm not sure what that says about me or justducky, but without any deep thinking on it, something in my really likes the idea.

Believe me when I say it hasn't been done because it wouldn't work. This is a fraternity of brothers and a rather small one at that.  You don't want to start threatening people.

This fraternity of brothers is corrupt.  I get what you are saying, but it might help illustrate how corrupt scheduling is in the NCAA.  Personally, I think non-conference scheduling should be done by a neutral party.  If I could think of a way to make that work, I'd suggest it.

I'm well aware that it would draw a huge negative reaction and any coach who decided to do this would have to know going in that they might be ostracized (along with their school until that school got rid of him).

Obviously, that coach and his school would have to decide whether they want to sacrifice themselves to make a point.  I like the sentiment behind the strategy.  I didn't mean to imply that the coach could win the battle.

I'm just plain disgusted with all the cowardice in scheduling, especially since the Selection Committee judges all 350 teams according to the exact same scheduling standards, as if everyone is playing on the same level playing field.  A school like Valpo is judged negatively for a weak schedule without any recognition of how difficult it is build a tougher one.  It just plain pisses me off.

Quote from: FWalum on February 17, 2015, 11:31:36 PMYou do realize that trying to do scheduling by shaming another school into a contract would make us the pariah of D1 basketball don't you?

Quote from: FWalum on February 18, 2015, 06:43:59 PMBelieve me when I say it hasn't been done because it wouldn't work. This is a fraternity of brothers and a rather small one at that.  You don't want to start threatening people.

Lets see, we are shaming and threatening the biggest and toughest kid in our neighborhood by suggesting that we could come over and play a little basketball. What insolence.!!!

Quote from: a3uge on February 19, 2015, 11:00:27 AMLike I said before, try to schedule 1-2 non-winnable road games against top 10 teams to game RPI and SOS. If we don't find a 2 for 1, so be it.

We have talked at some length about our "gaming the RPI and SOS system" but the BIGS have turned this into an art. They have $outside advisers$ suggesting scheduling tactics designed to advance the most conference members to the most prestigious tournaments. Look at the results of the last 30 years. You went from home and homes to 2 for 1s, sometimes 3 for 1s, the neutral site opportunities have all but disappeared, and if they suspect you can beat them they are reluctant to even play you on their home court. Gradually the rich have gotten richer almost to the point that some of you have not even noticed what has transpired. This is not the way it was and it is not the way it should be!

Quote from: StlVUFan on February 20, 2015, 06:44:15 PMPersonally, I think non-conference scheduling should be done by a neutral party.

Yes before they relegate mid major basketball to such irrelevance that their own pocketbooks will suffer. None of us mind the BIGS taking their fair share and more, but leave us something even if it is only our pride! There are a thousand ways the NCAA could take some active part in scheduling requirements and all of them would be better than todays' set up. If the same restrictions were applied evenly to all BIGS many of the benefits of abuse could be removed.

Quote from: StlVUFan on February 20, 2015, 06:44:15 PMI'm just plain disgusted with all the cowardice in scheduling, especially since the Selection Committee judges all 350 teams according to the exact same scheduling standards, as if everyone is playing on the same level playing field.  A school like Valpo is judged negatively for a weak schedule without any recognition of how difficult it is build a tougher one.  It just plain pisses me off.

AMEN

Quote from: justducky on February 21, 2015, 12:29:23 AM

Quote from: a3uge on February 19, 2015, 11:00:27 AMLike I said before, try to schedule 1-2 non-winnable road games against top 10 teams to game RPI and SOS. If we don't find a 2 for 1, so be it.

We have talked at some length about our "gaming the RPI and SOS system" but the BIGS have turned this into an art. They have $outside advisers$ suggesting scheduling tactics designed to advance the most conference members to the most prestigious tournaments. Look at the results of the last 30 years. You went from home and homes to 2 for 1s, sometimes 3 for 1s, the neutral site opportunities have all but disappeared, and if they suspect you can beat them they are reluctant to even play you on their home court. Gradually the rich have gotten richer almost to the point that some of you have not even noticed what has transpired. This is not the way it was and it is not the way it should be!

Quote from: StlVUFan on February 20, 2015, 06:44:15 PMPersonally, I think non-conference scheduling should be done by a neutral party.

Yes before they relegate mid major basketball to such irrelevance that their own pocketbooks will suffer. None of us mind the BIGS taking their fair share and more, but leave us something even if it is only our pride! There are a thousand ways the NCAA could take some active part in scheduling requirements and all of them would be better than todays' set up. If the same restrictions were applied evenly to all BIGS many of the benefits of abuse could be removed.

Quote from: StlVUFan on February 20, 2015, 06:44:15 PMI'm just plain disgusted with all the cowardice in scheduling, especially since the Selection Committee judges all 350 teams according to the exact same scheduling standards, as if everyone is playing on the same level playing field.  A school like Valpo is judged negatively for a weak schedule without any recognition of how difficult it is build a tougher one.  It just plain pisses me off.

AMEN

Watch out! Before long you will be accussed of being a socialist!

The fact is that we will be a MUCH better team next year.  Other then top 10 teams, I don't really think we couldn't hang with most anyone.  Right now we are receiving 8 votes in the coaches poll which puts us at #35.  I will be surprised if we don't open next season ranked in the top 25.  Oh, have you seen this highlite of Shane Hammink??  It's at least a year old.  The kid is 6'7", very long and a great defender. We might need to do the Kentucky platoon thing.   ;D

https://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play;_ylt=AwrTccg9Y.tUgL4AjTkPxQt.;_ylu=X3oDMTB0MzkwOG5yBHNlYwNzYwRjb2xvA2dxMQR2dGlkA1lIUzAwNF8x?p=shane+hammink+basketball&tnr=21&vid=61F832A0B48DA50FB2BC61F832A0B48DA50FB2BC&l=545&turl=http%3A%2F%2Fts3.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DUN.608027851879416954%26pid%3D15.1&sigi=11rfgn7pt&rurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Db2gSVqz21Gk&sigr=11br9bbi4&tt=b&tit=Shane+Hammink+Highlights+2010+PART-1.avi&sigt=118se94c0&back=https%3A%2F%2Fsearch.yahoo.com%2Fyhs%2Fsearch%3Fp%3Dshane%2Bhammink%2Bbasketball%26type%3Dagc511%26hsimp%3Dyhs-001%26hspart%3Davast%26ei%3DUTF-8&sigb=13erf0nfp&hspart=avast&hsimp=yhs-001 (https://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play;_ylt=AwrTccg9Y.tUgL4AjTkPxQt.;_ylu=X3oDMTB0MzkwOG5yBHNlYwNzYwRjb2xvA2dxMQR2dGlkA1lIUzAwNF8x?p=shane+hammink+basketball&tnr=21&vid=61F832A0B48DA50FB2BC61F832A0B48DA50FB2BC&l=545&turl=http%3A%2F%2Fts3.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DUN.608027851879416954%26pid%3D15.1&sigi=11rfgn7pt&rurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Db2gSVqz21Gk&sigr=11br9bbi4&tt=b&tit=Shane+Hammink+Highlights+2010+PART-1.avi&sigt=118se94c0&back=https%3A%2F%2Fsearch.yahoo.com%2Fyhs%2Fsearch%3Fp%3Dshane%2Bhammink%2Bbasketball%26type%3Dagc511%26hsimp%3Dyhs-001%26hspart%3Davast%26ei%3DUTF-8&sigb=13erf0nfp&hspart=avast&hsimp=yhs-001)

I watched him shooting 3's today. He was deadly.

We have 180 of 200 minutes returning next year, and the only minutes open are at the 5. A talented Lexus Williams will be returning and expecting minutes. Players like David Skara will be looking for more minutes. There will be some unhappy people.

Quote from: vu72 on February 23, 2015, 11:51:00 AM
The fact is that we will be a MUCH better team next year.  Other then top 10 teams, I don't really think we couldn't hang with most anyone.  Right now we are receiving 8 votes in the coaches poll which puts us at #35.  I will be surprised if we don't open next season ranked in the top 25.  Oh, have you seen this highlite of Shane Hammink??  It's at least a year old.  The kid is 6'7", very long and a great defender. We might need to do the Kentucky platoon thing.   ;D

https://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play;_ylt=AwrTccg9Y.tUgL4AjTkPxQt.;_ylu=X3oDMTB0MzkwOG5yBHNlYwNzYwRjb2xvA2dxMQR2dGlkA1lIUzAwNF8x?p=shane+hammink+basketball&tnr=21&vid=61F832A0B48DA50FB2BC61F832A0B48DA50FB2BC&l=545&turl=http%3A%2F%2Fts3.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DUN.608027851879416954%26pid%3D15.1&sigi=11rfgn7pt&rurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Db2gSVqz21Gk&sigr=11br9bbi4&tt=b&tit=Shane+Hammink+Highlights+2010+PART-1.avi&sigt=118se94c0&back=https%3A%2F%2Fsearch.yahoo.com%2Fyhs%2Fsearch%3Fp%3Dshane%2Bhammink%2Bbasketball%26type%3Dagc511%26hsimp%3Dyhs-001%26hspart%3Davast%26ei%3DUTF-8&sigb=13erf0nfp&hspart=avast&hsimp=yhs-001 (https://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play;_ylt=AwrTccg9Y.tUgL4AjTkPxQt.;_ylu=X3oDMTB0MzkwOG5yBHNlYwNzYwRjb2xvA2dxMQR2dGlkA1lIUzAwNF8x?p=shane+hammink+basketball&tnr=21&vid=61F832A0B48DA50FB2BC61F832A0B48DA50FB2BC&l=545&turl=http%3A%2F%2Fts3.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DUN.608027851879416954%26pid%3D15.1&sigi=11rfgn7pt&rurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Db2gSVqz21Gk&sigr=11br9bbi4&tt=b&tit=Shane+Hammink+Highlights+2010+PART-1.avi&sigt=118se94c0&back=https%3A%2F%2Fsearch.yahoo.com%2Fyhs%2Fsearch%3Fp%3Dshane%2Bhammink%2Bbasketball%26type%3Dagc511%26hsimp%3Dyhs-001%26hspart%3Davast%26ei%3DUTF-8&sigb=13erf0nfp&hspart=avast&hsimp=yhs-001)

Why didn't this guy get any playing time at LSU (it was LSU, right?)???  Injury?  Lack of focus?  Party atmosphere? Bad coaching? Negative team atmosphere?   

He looks like absolute stud in these highlights.  Looks like a better version of Skara.  Was good with his back to the basket, driving, ball handling, defense, and shooting the 3.  I seem to remember Oren tweeting that he thought, based on Drew's comments, that Hammink would have been a starter this year had he been eligible.

Quote from: SanityLost17 on February 23, 2015, 08:19:46 PM

Quote from: vu72 on February 23, 2015, 11:51:00 AM
The fact is that we will be a MUCH better team next year.  Other then top 10 teams, I don't really think we couldn't hang with most anyone.  Right now we are receiving 8 votes in the coaches poll which puts us at #35.  I will be surprised if we don't open next season ranked in the top 25.  Oh, have you seen this highlite of Shane Hammink??  It's at least a year old.  The kid is 6'7", very long and a great defender. We might need to do the Kentucky platoon thing.   ;D

https://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play;_ylt=AwrTccg9Y.tUgL4AjTkPxQt.;_ylu=X3oDMTB0MzkwOG5yBHNlYwNzYwRjb2xvA2dxMQR2dGlkA1lIUzAwNF8x?p=shane+hammink+basketball&tnr=21&vid=61F832A0B48DA50FB2BC61F832A0B48DA50FB2BC&l=545&turl=http%3A%2F%2Fts3.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DUN.608027851879416954%26pid%3D15.1&sigi=11rfgn7pt&rurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Db2gSVqz21Gk&sigr=11br9bbi4&tt=b&tit=Shane+Hammink+Highlights+2010+PART-1.avi&sigt=118se94c0&back=https%3A%2F%2Fsearch.yahoo.com%2Fyhs%2Fsearch%3Fp%3Dshane%2Bhammink%2Bbasketball%26type%3Dagc511%26hsimp%3Dyhs-001%26hspart%3Davast%26ei%3DUTF-8&sigb=13erf0nfp&hspart=avast&hsimp=yhs-001 (https://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play;_ylt=AwrTccg9Y.tUgL4AjTkPxQt.;_ylu=X3oDMTB0MzkwOG5yBHNlYwNzYwRjb2xvA2dxMQR2dGlkA1lIUzAwNF8x?p=shane+hammink+basketball&tnr=21&vid=61F832A0B48DA50FB2BC61F832A0B48DA50FB2BC&l=545&turl=http%3A%2F%2Fts3.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DUN.608027851879416954%26pid%3D15.1&sigi=11rfgn7pt&rurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Db2gSVqz21Gk&sigr=11br9bbi4&tt=b&tit=Shane+Hammink+Highlights+2010+PART-1.avi&sigt=118se94c0&back=https%3A%2F%2Fsearch.yahoo.com%2Fyhs%2Fsearch%3Fp%3Dshane%2Bhammink%2Bbasketball%26type%3Dagc511%26hsimp%3Dyhs-001%26hspart%3Davast%26ei%3DUTF-8&sigb=13erf0nfp&hspart=avast&hsimp=yhs-001)

Why didn't this guy get any playing time at LSU (it was LSU, right?)??? Injury?  Lack of focus?  Party atmosphere? Bad coaching? Negative team atmosphere?   

He looks like absolute stud in these highlights.  Looks like a better version of Skara.  Was good with his back to the basket, driving, ball handling, defense, and shooting the 3.  I seem to remember Oren tweeting that he thought, based on Drew's comments, that Hammink would have been a starter this year had he been eligible.

A fair question with no really good answer.  Different style, difficult coach?  who knows.  We have seen several guys recruited and signed by majors that don't fit in for one reason or another and thrive at Valpo.  Cory Johnson and E. Victor come to mind.  Thinking of next year's team, we'll have Nick (provided he doesn't continue to improve),Simon (who knows?) and Ralveo (?) as guys who understand that they won't be getting much playing time.  That leaves a rotation of 10.  Much more then Bryce would prefer.  Nice problem!!

Anyone have an idea of what the starting line up will look like next year?

Quote from: Valpofan00 on February 23, 2015, 08:43:47 PM
Anyone have an idea of what the starting line up will look like next year?

I would have to say
1. Keith carter
2.tevonn walker
3.darien Walker
4. Alec peters
5. Incoming freshman Derek smits or jubril or lsu transfer
The 5 position is up for grabs

Quote from: Valpofan00 on February 23, 2015, 08:43:47 PM
Anyone have an idea of what the starting line up will look like next year?

I think it could be Lexus, Keith, Alec, Smits and Hammink.  Or, possibly Alec at the 5, Hammink at the 4 and E. Victor at the 3.  It all depends on how D1 ready Derrik is when he arrives.

I think jubril will be our 5

Quote from: vu72 on February 23, 2015, 09:00:50 PM

Quote from: Valpofan00 on February 23, 2015, 08:43:47 PM
Anyone have an idea of what the starting line up will look like next year?

I think it could be Lexus, Keith, Alec, Smits and Hammink.  Or, possibly Alec at the 5, Hammink at the 4 and E. Victor at the 3.  It all depends on how D1 ready Derrik is when he arrives.

I think the starting lineup will be very competitive. Alec will have to get stronger and bigger in order to play a successful 5. E. Victor has a good chance at starting as well

Quote from: SanityLost17 on February 23, 2015, 08:19:46 PMWhy didn't this guy get any playing time at LSU (it was LSU, right?)  Injury?  Lack of focus?  Party atmosphere? Bad coaching? Negative team atmosphere?   

I have a feeling that Hammink has a different attitude towards the party atmosphere at Valpo than he did when he arrived on the Valpo campus.

I have a feeling that being Dutch it didn't mix well with the Cajun atmosphere of Louisiana. Berbice Dutch Creole has died as a language since the last woman to speak it died about 10 years ago.

It was spoken around the area of Guyana.

Dote Te.

I'd love Carter, Nickerson, Tevonn, Peters, Smits. I expect Nickerson to be vastly improved next year. A Carter-Nickerson-Tevonn backcourt will be deadly defensively.

Quote from: a3uge on February 23, 2015, 10:55:05 PMA Carter-Nickerson-Tevonn backcourt will be deadly defensively.

Smothering! With plenty of high level defenders recharging on the bench. Should be fun to watch.

http://www.bloggingthebracket.com/2013/12/2/5166356/2015-16-college-basketball-early-season-tournaments-events-MTE (http://www.bloggingthebracket.com/2013/12/2/5166356/2015-16-college-basketball-early-season-tournaments-events-MTE)

Given the Nov 22 and 24 Oregon swing timing you would have to think it could be associated with an exempt tournament. Anybody have any clues as to our intentions toward exempt tournament involvement?

Quote from: justducky on June 19, 2015, 01:01:25 PMhttp://www.bloggingthebracket.com/2013/12/2/5166356/2015-16-college-basketball-early-season-tournaments-events-MTE

Given the Nov 22 and 24 Oregon swing timing you would have to think it could be associated with an exempt tournament.

Oregon and Oregon St are the only remaining Pac 12 schools not listed as having an exempt tournament commitment. You can add UTSA to that uncommitted category so maybe they are a tournament game instead of a home and road agreement.

Wait! There may be more. I spotted somewhere that Oregon would be on the Baylor schedule and Baylor is the only Big 12 team not yet exempt tournament committed. Yes. Obviously Oregon and Oregon St would not meet non-conference and obviously VU and Baylor want to avoid conflict.  ::)      But---This seems like a lot of coincidences.

I guess I am starting to suspect that perhaps Scott and Bryce are working collaboratively toward piecing together an exempt tournament (which would include other as yet unnamed schools) for the good of everybody involved. Time will tell.

I have been told McGill University in Montreal, home of Tevonn and Max, is a stop during Canadian preseason play.

Quote from: valpopal on July 03, 2015, 11:11:42 AM
I have been told McGill University in Montreal, home of Tevonn and Max, is a stop during Canadian preseason play.

McGill played Indiana, Memphis, Loyola-MD and Fordham during their pre-season last year. The Redmen lost all 4 games against their NCAA opponents. They did seem to do better against Loyola-MD and Fordham losing by 5 in both of those games.

http://www.mcgillathletics.ca/schedule.aspx?path=mbball (http://www.mcgillathletics.ca/schedule.aspx?path=mbball)

The Crusaders will play at Canada's Carleton University August 13. Carleton then plays Baylor on August 14.

They keep teasing us with that Valpo-Baylor game...

Wonder if they might hold a closed door scrimmage along the way (like the one they had with Buffalo)?

Quote from: VULB#62 on July 14, 2015, 01:47:01 PMWonder if they might hold a closed door scrimmage along the way (like the one they had with Buffalo)?

If they do I hope they don't get caught.   8-)

Quote from: justducky on June 23, 2015, 12:47:08 AMYou can add UTSA to that uncommitted category so maybe they are a tournament game instead of a home and road agreement.

UTSA now listed as a participant in the MGM Grand Main Event so if they are still coming to the ARC (Oren did not mention them in his article) then they would likely be a home and road contract. Not certain they have much appeal as an opponent because they had a poor C-USA 14-15 season and look to have lost about 50 to 60% of their scoring and minutes played. If they are on the schedule was this an act of desperation or perhaps part of a multi game planed Texas trip for 16-17? Or might we be trying to piece together a non-exempt tournament at the ARC?

Yeah, I know I ask way too many questions.

Quote from: valpopal on July 14, 2015, 11:11:44 AM
The Crusaders will play at Canada's Carleton University August 13. Carleton then plays Baylor on August 14.

FYI, Carleton University is in Ottawa and is also known as Canada's Capital University. It is a public university with 26,700 students. Their athletic teams are known as the Ravens. The Ravens have won 11 of the last 13 CIS (the Canadian NCAA) championships in men's basketball. They will not be an easy win. Out of last year's NCAA opponents the IU Hoosiers were the only team to beat the Carleton Ravens. 


http://goravens.ca/news/mens-basketball/2015/06/ravens-basketball-2015-2016-schedule/ (http://goravens.ca/news/mens-basketball/2015/06/ravens-basketball-2015-2016-schedule/)


Valpo will be playing in the Can-Am Shootout. The teams Carleton are playing is Murray State on August 3, Valpo on August 13, Baylor on August 14 and Texas Tech on August 19.


The 2015-16 Carleton Ravens men's and women's basketball teams are pleased to announce their highly anticipated Can-Am Shootout schedule of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) pre-season opponents.

Men's Basketball:

The Ravens, who have won five consecutive CIS championships and eleven of the past thirteen years overall, will play a four-game exhibition schedule in August against teams from Kentucky, Indiana and Texas.

On Monday, August 3rd, the Murray State Racers will visit the nation's capital for a game against the Ravens. Last season the Racers finished 29-6, and were led by recently drafted Cameron Payne of the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder. The team was upset in the Ohio Valley Conference championship after going undefeated in regular season conference play and eventually had their season end in the National Invitation Tournament quarterfinals to Old Dominion. Murray State University is located in Murray, Kentucky.

Next up for the Ravens will be the Valparaiso Crusaders of the Horizon League on August 13th. Valpo had an outstanding 2014-15 campaign as they finished the season at 28-6, including a Horizon League title and a berth in the NCAA tournament where they lost to Maryland in the round of 64. Valpo, a private university located in Valparaiso, Indiana, will feature two Canadians in Tevonn Walker and Max Joseph. They both played at Vanier College in Montreal before committing to the Crusaders.

There will be no rest for the Ravens as the Baylor Bears of the Big 12 Conference visit the Ravens' Nest for a series of exhibition contests on August 14th. Baylor (Waco, Texas) finished the 2014-15 season with a 24-10 record, but lost a heartbreaker to Georgia State in the second round of the NCAA tournament. Recent Baylor men's basketball graduates Brady Heslip (Burlington, ON) and Kenny Chery (Montreal, QC) should be familiar to those who closely follow Canadian hoops.

Following the visit from Baylor, the Ravens will host the Texas Tech Red Raiders on August 19th. Texas Tech, situated in Lubbock, Texas, plays in the Big 12 Conference and finished last season with a record of 13-19. The team is coached by Tubby Smith, who guided the University of Kentucky Wildcats to the NCAA national championship title in 1998.

Quote from: bbtds on July 14, 2015, 06:23:05 PM

Quote from: valpopal on July 14, 2015, 11:11:44 AM
The Crusaders will play at Canada's Carleton University August 13. Carleton then plays Baylor on August 14.

FYI, Carleton University is in Ottawa and is also known as Canada's Capital University. It is a public university with 26,700 students. Their athletic teams are known as the Ravens. The Ravens have won 11 of the last 13 CIS (the Canadian NCAA) championships in men's basketball. They will not be an easy win. Out of last year's NCAA opponents the IU Hoosiers were the only team to beat the Carleton Ravens. 


http://goravens.ca/news/mens-basketball/2015/06/ravens-basketball-2015-2016-schedule/ (http://goravens.ca/news/mens-basketball/2015/06/ravens-basketball-2015-2016-schedule/)


Valpo will be playing in the Can-Am Shootout. The teams Carleton are playing is Murray State on August 3, Valpo on August 13, Baylor on August 14 and Texas Tech on August 19.


The 2015-16 Carleton Ravens men's and women's basketball teams are pleased to announce their highly anticipated Can-Am Shootout schedule of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) pre-season opponents.

Men's Basketball:

The Ravens, who have won five consecutive CIS championships and eleven of the past thirteen years overall, will play a four-game exhibition schedule in August against teams from Kentucky, Indiana and Texas.

On Monday, August 3rd, the Murray State Racers will visit the nation's capital for a game against the Ravens. Last season the Racers finished 29-6, and were led by recently drafted Cameron Payne of the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder. The team was upset in the Ohio Valley Conference championship after going undefeated in regular season conference play and eventually had their season end in the National Invitation Tournament quarterfinals to Old Dominion. Murray State University is located in Murray, Kentucky.

Next up for the Ravens will be the Valparaiso Crusaders of the Horizon League on August 13th. Valpo had an outstanding 2014-15 campaign as they finished the season at 28-6, including a Horizon League title and a berth in the NCAA tournament where they lost to Maryland in the round of 64. Valpo, a private university located in Valparaiso, Indiana, will feature two Canadians in Tevonn Walker and Max Joseph. They both played at Vanier College in Montreal before committing to the Crusaders.

There will be no rest for the Ravens as the Baylor Bears of the Big 12 Conference visit the Ravens' Nest for a series of exhibition contests on August 14th. Baylor (Waco, Texas) finished the 2014-15 season with a 24-10 record, but lost a heartbreaker to Georgia State in the second round of the NCAA tournament. Recent Baylor men's basketball graduates Brady Heslip (Burlington, ON) and Kenny Chery (Montreal, QC) should be familiar to those who closely follow Canadian hoops.

Following the visit from Baylor, the Ravens will host the Texas Tech Red Raiders on August 19th. Texas Tech, situated in Lubbock, Texas, plays in the Big 12 Conference and finished last season with a record of 13-19. The team is coached by Tubby Smith, who guided the University of Kentucky Wildcats to the NCAA national championship title in 1998.

Just saw it was in August, so well before any games can actually count.

Quote from: justducky on July 14, 2015, 04:47:58 PM

Quote from: VULB#62 on July 14, 2015, 01:47:01 PMWonder if they might hold a closed door scrimmage along the way (like the one they had with Buffalo)?

If they do I hope they don't get caught.   8-)

If Buffalo was any measure, it should be legal as long as it is closed door is my understanding from some posts last year.  But then, it's not within the regular legal NCAA preseason, so maybe it's not legal to play another NCAA team on a "summer foreign trip."

The official announcement of the Canadian tour has been released: http://valpoathletics.com/mbasketball/news/2015-16/14742/o-canada-crusaders-to-embark-on-foreign-tour-in-august/#.VafW6ipViko (http://valpoathletics.com/mbasketball/news/2015-16/14742/o-canada-crusaders-to-embark-on-foreign-tour-in-august/#.VafW6ipViko)

I guess we will know for sure about Vashil on or about July 29th when practice starts.

Will these games be available to watch online?

I really don't know where this UTSA stuff is coming from. They aren't on the schedule.

Quote from: Pgmado on July 16, 2015, 05:59:17 PM
I really don't know where this UTSA stuff is coming from. They aren't on the schedule.

It was tweeted by an AAU associated group Twitter account in Texas, which I can't really find anymore. So super legitimate and official.

Quote from: Pgmado on July 16, 2015, 05:59:17 PMI really don't know where this UTSA stuff is coming from. They aren't on the schedule.

I hope they are not. Looks like they might further weaken our OOC Strength of Schedule and that is not what we need from our remaining game openings.

Drew excited for Canada trip, upcoming season

http://www.nwitimes.com/blogs/sports/valparaiso-university/drew-excited-for-canada-trip-upcoming-season/article_fe2a2de6-2ccd-11e5-a6cb-d7233f6e284f.html?mobile_touch=true (http://www.nwitimes.com/blogs/sports/valparaiso-university/drew-excited-for-canada-trip-upcoming-season/article_fe2a2de6-2ccd-11e5-a6cb-d7233f6e284f.html?mobile_touch=true)

Quote from: valpopal on July 14, 2015, 11:11:44 AM
The Crusaders will play at Canada's Carleton University August 13. Carleton then plays Baylor on August 14.

Murray State got smoked by Ottawa today 81-57. Not that surprising - Prohm left the cupboard pretty bare. The Racers play Carleton tomorrow.

Quote from: wh on August 02, 2015, 10:46:30 PM

Quote from: valpopal on July 14, 2015, 11:11:44 AM
The Crusaders will play at Canada's Carleton University August 13. Carleton then plays Baylor on August 14.

Murray State got smoked by Ottawa today 81-57. Not that surprising - Prohm left the cupboard pretty bare. The Racers play Carleton tomorrow.

Carleton lost a close game to Murray State 63-59.

I'm guessing we won't be able to watch these games online?

Murray State had someone there tweeting throughout their 2 games. That's all the fans back home were getting. Better than nothing.

Quote from: valpopal on August 03, 2015, 09:34:22 PM

Quote from: wh on August 02, 2015, 10:46:30 PM

Quote from: valpopal on July 14, 2015, 11:11:44 AM
The Crusaders will play at Canada's Carleton University August 13. Carleton then plays Baylor on August 14.

Murray State got smoked by Ottawa today 81-57. Not that surprising - Prohm left the cupboard pretty bare. The Racers play Carleton tomorrow.

Carleton lost a close game to Murray State 63-59.

The Carleton Ravens struggled from the floor in their Can-Am Shootout opener, falling to the Murray State Racers 63-59.

Jeffery Moss of Murray State caught on fire in the 4th quarter for the Racers, scoring 10 out of his 16 points during a shooting clinic from the Madison, Alabama native. In a game of few runs, Moss managed to put together a strong offensive display over three minutes in the last quarter which proved to be the difference. His ten points were scored on a silky finger roll, an eight-foot hook shot, followed by back-to-back three pointers. He finished 6-11 from the field, including grabbing five rebounds.

For the Ravens, the loss came in their first game without the Scrubb brothers. Seniors Gavin Resch, Connor Wood and Guillaume Boucard played heavy time, with each spending over thirty minutes on the floor. Connor Wood led the way with 22 points while Gavin Resch added 10 points.

Unfortunately for the Ravens, their usual bread and better shooting let them down this evening. The team finished the game by shooting 38.1% while Murray State managed 46.4% from the field.

The first half was an offensive struggle for both sides, as Carleton led just 24-23 after the second quarter. Carleton had a hard time finding their rhythm from beyond the arc as well. They went 2-13 from 3-point land at the half and just 4-23 (17.4%) throughout the entire game.

It was an even game on the boards, as Murray State won the battle on the glass by a 28-27 margin. Guillaume Boucard of the Ravens had a team-high 9 rebounds while Justin Seymour led Murray State with 6 boards overall.

Neither team was very aggressive in the paint, as indicated by the limited opportunities from the foul line. Murray State went 6-6 on free throws, while Carleton only went 4-8 from the charity stripe. Carleton had only one trip to the free throw line in the second half.

UP NEXT

Carleton will take on the Valparaiso Crusaders on Thursday, August 13th at 7pm.

Murray State will close their Canadian road trip with a game against the Concordia Stingers on August 6th.

https://goravens.ca/news/2015/08/carleton-falls-to-murray-state-63-59/


Since they talked in this story of going by quarters they must be using international rules.

Aaron Leavitt will be blogging a daily report during the Canadian trip at the following link: http://www.valpoathletics.com/mbasketball/canada/#.VcYRZZ1Vikq (http://www.valpoathletics.com/mbasketball/canada/#.VcYRZZ1Vikq)


The team will be playing against some of the better young Canadian players on the opening day, including the team from which Tevonn and Max were recruited. Let's hope Bryce finds another player north of the border like this guy that I also can photograph in the future in front of the Valpo logo:


(http://i58.tinypic.com/2emhbp5.jpg)

Texas Tech ended up beating Carleton in Ottawa on 8/19/15 by a score of 67-60.

Wichita St. escaped from the same McGill University Valpo beat 80-60 on their Canadian trip.  However Coach Marshall didn't get to see the end of the game.

http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-basketball/news/gregg-marshall-ejection-video-wichita-state-exhibition/1h323dbr8wxaw170qrvio7q86u (http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-basketball/news/gregg-marshall-ejection-video-wichita-state-exhibition/1h323dbr8wxaw170qrvio7q86u)