So with 6 players in the mix for 15-16 point guard playing time will-------- nope don't go there as we can talk about that this summer.
My predictions for the HL tournament seedings are--------wait---- just a bit too early for that also.
Our return game with CSU could be a hard nosed, bloody----------Oh that is our last game of February!
I think our defensive match ups with Green Bay will be---- no, no, no Ducky, need to backtrack even further!
There is only one thing we need to remember about our Tuesday trip to YSU and that is that they CAN beat us!!!
Game #21 on the season... Last year game 21 was also played at YSU... we beat'em 74-71.
Game #21 two years ago... home to GB, we beat'em 73-61
Game #21 three years ago... At UIC, we beat'em 60-55
4 years ago... don't ask.
We are 17-11 over the past 28 years in game #21 on the season...
I did not want to jinx last night...we are now 22-7 in game #20 of the season over the past 29 years.
One more win away from the ARC gives up double-digit wins for the year (4 road and 5 neutral)... we've done that 7 times in the past 29 years.
Valpo 77-64 winner
Valpo 74
YSU 62
YSU doesn't have anyone that can take over the game any more, such as when they had Perry.
Quote from: talksalot on January 18, 2015, 12:41:20 PM
Game #21 on the season... Last year game 21 was also played at YSU... we beat'em 74-71.
Game #21 two years ago... home to GB, we beat'em 73-61
Game #21 three years ago... At UIC, we beat'em 60-55
4 years ago... don't ask.
We are 17-11 over the past 28 years in game #21 on the season...
I did not want to jinx last night...we are now 22-7 in game #20 of the season over the past 29 years.
One more win away from the ARC gives up double-digit wins for the year (4 road and 5 neutral)... we've done that 7 times in the past 29 years.
So when was the last time we were 17-3? 1923-24??
1944-45 we FINISHED 21-3... started 11-0.. lost three... won 10. (and we avenged all three of these losses a few weeks later)
Jan. 8 vs. Great Lakes NTS L 52-38
Jan. 10 at Indiana State L 48-41
Jan. 13 at Hamline L 50-43
... I didn't do the analysis on how many losses we had when we picked up win #17 on other seasons...but nothing is close to this.
Is this not early to have played twenty Games? ???
but if you are looking for another reason the numbers are looking good...here are the last 4 times we played on January 20th.
January 20, 2005: Valpo wins at Chicago State by 11
January 20, 2001: Valpo wins at UMKC by 13
January 20, 1997: Valpo goes to MaBee Center and does what it normally did.
January 20, 1996: Valpo wins at the ARC against Buffalo 86-65.
3 out of the last 4 times...Only 1 loss in 24 years of games played on January 20.
Quote from: VUfan on January 19, 2015, 04:44:17 PMIs this not early to have played twenty Games?
Not with those multi-game tournaments...and the NCAA change in the entire calendar...
2009-10: Game #20: January 21, a win at UIC, Game #21 was January 23
2010-11: Game #20: January 21, a win at Milwaukee Game #21 was January 23
2011-12: Game #20: January 19, a win at Loyola; Game #21 was January 21
2012-13: Game #20: January 19, a win at Wright State; Game #21 was January 23
2013-14: Game #20: January 18, a win at Milwaukee, Game #21 was January 23... a WIN AT YOUNGSTOWN !
and remember... November 6th is the earliest start date we have on file on the website. (last year 11/8 and 2011 and 1998 we started 11/7). Back in the day there were different rules about the opening date: 1993 we opened 11/28 and 1994 we opened 11/27... and 1992 we opened on December 1.
Quote from: talksalot on January 19, 2015, 04:59:11 PMand remember... November 6th is the earliest start date we have on file on the website. (last year 11/8 and 2011 and 1998 we started 11/7). Back in the day there were different rules about the opening date: 1993 we opened 11/28 and 1994 we opened 11/27... and 1992 we opened on December 1.
(http://i.imgur.com/JIAoD4C.gif)
Please, speak more clearly into the pocket protector!
Good team to play and the stars seem to be right and if the team will play right! :) :)
Valpo Basketball Preview 1|19|15 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slK5_KbZzuU#ws)
Nobody seems too concerned (except 78crusader) that we could get beaten tonight. With Green Bay awaiting us on Friday partially overlooking YSU is almost inevitable but very dangerous. I think the chances of coming out very sharp and very focused are very slim! I expect a poorly played ugly performance that hopefully will still result in a win.
We seem to be ~10 point favorites. I'm no betting man, but that's more than I'd have naively guessed without our point guard, who had a double-double with 4 A - 0 TO before going down with the dislocated toe, in the first VU-YSU game, at our place.
Anyone think they can invent a press like Wright State?
Can Peters really outthink them in the rematch? (As one of the beat writers... NWI Times or Post Trib?... suggested.) Or, will they manage to shut him down?
Can we out rebound them by 20...again? (Granted, part of that was both teams shooting rather poorly. And maybe lots of long offensive boards from bucketfuls of missed 3's on our part. Peters 1-9 from downtown - ugh.)
We should be able to beat YSU quite easily, they are nowhere near as strong as CSU and WSU defensively and we were able to take both those squads down without a regular PG. YSU stinks, they lost to UIC, the team that always loses (ie Detroit). Their main scoring threat is Hain, Vashil is the best defensive player in the league, teams can't go inside when Vashil is in the game.
My guess is we're up 13 at half and coast into a 16 point victory.
I think Peters will have a more normal (for him) game, and maybe the team will start hitting the FTs.
Valpo 76
YSU 65
I apologize if this is redundant versus some other note that I have not seen, but what is Carter's status? Will he play? If not, what is his outlook for returning? It seems that Valpo has won these games without Carter with great coaching and "uglying" the game. While Valpo may win againt YSU without Carter in the same ugly manner, I don't see this continuing.
Without Carter: Valpo 62 YSU 58
With Carter: Valpo 77 YSU 61
Keith did not travel with the team to Youngstown so he could rehab as much as possible. But even without him for another game, this game doesn't worry me much. YSU cannot defend the way CSU and WSU do. They are giving up 76.5 points per game in conference play. They will need to shoot the lights out to have a legitimate chance in my opinion (which I'm not saying isn't possible). This game could be "ugly" as a couple people have pointed out, but it's kind of nice to be able to be winning this way. We aren't accustomed to the way we now rebound and defend. I love it and watch these close games with more confidence in previous years because I trust us to get the stop when we need it more than ever.
Valpo 74
YSU 63
Quote from: valpo4life on January 20, 2015, 12:25:18 PMKeith did not travel with the team to Youngstown so he could rehab as much as possible.
If I remember well, Bryce, in the preview show, seemed hopeful that he might be back (practicing? in a game?) next week.
If I had to guess, we might not see Keith until February 4th. A home game against Detroit. Before that date we have today's game, @ GB, home for Milwaukee, then @ UIC. A relatively light stretch minus obviously the Green Bay game. Although UIC has been tough at home in conference play, that's one we should win with or without him. Same with tonight and home against Milwaukee. I know I'm getting ahead of myself, just addressing when I might expect to see Keith back. Obviously sooner rather than later, however.
According to the above interview -- Carter would be a stretch for Friday, but maybe next week. Very non-committal.
The Igloo is always a strange place for Valpo. Lots of disturbing finishes and happenings. I think it's that Mr and Mrs Icee Penguins that wander around and scare the children. Plus, now they have Jim Tressel mojo there.
Seriously, this game always scares me. We need the first 10 mins to be high energy and aggressiveness. Take YSU right out of it. But the refs and the Penguins usually make this a 1-2 score game decided late by some flukish play(s).
We'll be there. So don't want to jinx with a prediction.
Anyone else attending?
The Beeghly Center is about as dead as the Pens hope of winning any sort of title. I'm sure the low energy atmosphere of the Beeghly Center is a reason why many games we seem to come out slow and a bit off the mark. Hard to get hyped up for a game in Youngstown Ohio in front of 8 people. Where the only noise being made is when they're commentator yells out 'bang bang' after a 3...
Has there ever been a sell-out at the Beeghly Center for a mens home basketball game?
Sure seems like Carter has been "a stretch for the next one" for the last two weeks. Certainly we shouldn't rush him back, but I don't know how reliable interviews are on gauging his health. The coaches have either been told to keep quiet about it, or legitimately don't know enough to judge his readiness.
Legend tells us that back in Bryce's playing days there was quite a rowdy crowd at the Beeghly. Rough city and rough games. Never saw the team in those days.
Then were a few more dog years for YSU but YSU "moved on up to the east side" of the Horizon League (before Valparaiso was invited to join the Horizon League a few years later in '07.
The outcry was deafening from hard core VU fans as it should have been. I suspect YSU has not filled the place since the Mid-Con days vs. Valpo if it ever did.
Quote from: crusadermoe on January 20, 2015, 02:25:40 PM
Legend tells us that back in Bryce's playing days there was quite a rowdy crowd at the Beeghly. Rough city and rough games. Never saw the team in those days.
Then were a few more dog years for YSU but YSU "moved on up to the east side" of the Horizon League (before Valparaiso was invited to join the Horizon League a few years later in '07.
The outcry was deafening from hard core VU fans as it should have been. I suspect YSU has not filled the place since the Mid-Con days vs. Valpo if it ever did.
I seem to remember a crowd near or at 7000 but I don't even remember their capacity. That was for a time a better or as good a rivalry as we had with ORU
I really fear this game. A lot went well the first meeting and much of it started with Keith Carter. Vashil must stay out of foul trouble, something that made Hain nearly ineffective in the first meeting. Keeping him on the bench again tonight would be helpful. This may be our trap game of the season.
Legend tells us that in 1998, for example, a near capacity crowd (around 4500) packed the Igloo (aka Beeghly, aka the dump in Y-Town) for a titanic tilt between Valpo and the Penguins. That Sweet 16 team was leading and looking to extend the lead when Tony V was called for a moving screen right in front of the Valpo bench. Horrible call. It took a Bryce NBA effort of 25 and a late 3 to sock that away (70-68). They grabbed, tugged jersey, bumped Bryce all night long and Homer had had it (as did the small smattering of VU fans behind the bench). Wasn't sure if we were getting out of there alive. It was a lively atmosphere in those days. The year before we lost by a couple. They had decent crowds for SUtah too. The Pep Band is decent. Just without a winning history the past few years, it just doesn't draw well during the week. In those late 90s, Dan Peters was the coach. Great coach and mentor. He passed away last fall, too soon (cancer). He had been at Akron as an assistant. The Igloo is a bit of a dump in today's era with bleacher seating on the tops, some plastic chairs on the one side. (not much different than a lot of the older MAC gyms and Hilltop). Y-Town is a tough, old, steel and automotive rust-belt city and that was its fan base. But, there is a Quaker Steak on the way back from a game, so at least we got that....
Quote from: justducky on January 20, 2015, 02:38:18 PMI seem to remember a crowd near or at 7000 but I don't even remember their capacity.
Quote from: valpo84 on January 20, 2015, 02:54:58 PMLegend tells us that in 1998, for example, a near capacity crowd (around 4500) packed the Igloo (aka Beeghly, aka the dump in Y-Town) for a titanic tilt between Valpo and the Penguins.
Was there a MidCon tournament hosted somewhere out there from which that 7000 figure entered my mind or am I just entering a new stage where another medication might be helpful? :'(
Just really don't like this game. Coming off of a very difficult and important away game and now another away game that "should" be less difficult just makes my alarm bells start going off. Difficult to stay focused and intense for this game. Slocum needs a win badly, this could be his last year unless he turns things around in the conference after a decent OOC start to the year.
The one good thing is that I think Bryce has hit on a strategy with Tevonn bringing the ball up the floor when needed. This restores some of our ability to have some quick hitters, puts some pressure on the defense and does not let the defense setup as much as the more methodical way Max, E Victor and others where getting us into the offense.
I share your concern. At the same time YSU has a very short bench and full court pressing an opponent is not a normal part of their defensive strategy. I have to think that at some point they'll either be gassed, get in foul trouble, or both. I'm guessing that Slocum will press off and on, if at all.
Seems like Valpo played a good first half. I do get a bit worried when a team comes out and shoots so well from three in the first half, because it can cause them to settle for outside jumpers in the second half and allow the opponent to make a major run. Vashil really has moments when he looks great defensively.
I can't remember exactly what year it was, but Scott Drew - then a VU assistant - was suspended for the next game based on his behavior on the bench or walking off the floor during one of those crazy games at Youngstown. They used to have two really good guards, and they were coached by the late Dan Peters, a pretty good guy who recently passed away much to young due to cancer. The success of their whole season was basically built on trying to beat Valpo. I'm sure The Chef would have more info. Also go to The Times archives in the mid-to-late 90s and search Scott Drew suspension, and I'm positive a story will show up. Because when it appeared on the top of the Times sports section, Homer wasn't too pleased.
Actually, I found the link:
http://www.nwitimes.com/uncategorized/vu-assistant-coach-punished/article_4f6b3241-c1af-5cb5-bf68-ff349349d30a.html (http://www.nwitimes.com/uncategorized/vu-assistant-coach-punished/article_4f6b3241-c1af-5cb5-bf68-ff349349d30a.html)
Quote from: vu84v2 on January 20, 2015, 06:55:38 PM
Seems like Valpo played a good first half. I do get a bit worried when a team comes out and shoots so well from three in the first half, because it can cause them to settle for outside jumpers in the second half and allow the opponent to make a major run. Vashil really has moments when he looks great defensively.
You are reading my mind. :)
Guys we just held them to 25 points in a half without forcing a single turnover...that's impressive.
Has there ever been a sell out at YSU?... you asked...
YSU has won the NCAA Division I Pack The House Challenge in the Horizon League in two of the last three seasons. The women's basketball team routinely ranks second in the league in attendance, and more than 6,000 fans have packed the arena for a men's game in each of the last three seasons. Nearly 6,250 watched the YSU men defeat Cleveland State on Jan. 23, 2009 in a game that was broadcast on ESPNU.
11/15/14 KENT STATE L 61-69 2840
11/16/14 OBERLIN W 71-53 1353
11/26/14 UMKC W 66-63 1177
12/7/14 THIEL W 70-45 1122
12/17/14 KENNESAW STATE L 84-90 1229
12/19/14 WILBERFORCE W 92-71 2050
12/31/14 NORTHERN KENTUCKY W 78-74 1396
1/8/15 WRIGHT STATE L 61-70 1215
1/17/15 CLEVELAND STATE L 61-74 3385
The YSU/Valpo games were always competitive while I was in school. We usually beat them, but they were competitive and well attended.
there you are freshman jubril we missed you
Is there anyone at this game? Can not believe the lack of butts in the seats at this contest. Surely Slocum has to go, there is just no energy or urgency by the Penguins.
why are the starters still in an 18-pt game with 2 minutes left?
do we not have any important games left this year or something?
I was only able to watch the last 12 minutes, which was pretty good basketball by VU. Was it much of a contest in the first half?
Quote from: valpotx on January 20, 2015, 07:58:30 PM
I was only able to watch the last 12 minutes, which was pretty good basketball by VU. Was it much of a contest in the first half?
Only reason it was within 10 points was because Amiker made everything he looked at with Vashil guarding him on the perimeter. Coaching staff clearly wanted him taking those long jump shots over him. Credit him for knocking them down.
Another great conference game for Adekoya, who is now shooting 21-26 (81%) in the six games since Horizon League play began.
[tweet]557719348312543232[/tweet]
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on January 20, 2015, 07:49:53 PMwhy are the starters still in an 18-pt game with 2 minutes left?
Only had nine healthy players. At least one starter always on the floor.
true. but they didn't pull any until 1:59, and then they only pulled two. didn't pull the last (possible) until 1:20.
I mean, I would rather have won by 11 and had the guys rest another 5 minutes.
There's kind of a big game in comparatively few hours on the whole other side of the conference, is all I'm saying.
to be honest, though, I've thought that about the Drews since I was 11 in '89.
Nice easy win, executed our plays and we're starting to see more consistency from EVN and Max from the PG position. Hopefully we can continue the hot shooting in the land of cheese on Saturday. Once again YSU made no attempt to go inside and hit some tough shots over Vashil that kept it close at times but otherwise the team with more talent won and fairly easily. Nice 2 game swing into Ohio.
This team is just plain fun to watch. I think it goes back to something I discussed a while back--the best seasons are when your team comes out of nowhere, expectations-wise.
When Rowdy and everyone were seniors, it was just so tough because we were expected to win basically every night, and when we didn't it was a big letdown. Last year, we were much worse than that year, but because less was expected, it was interesting to watch the growth.
I'll always think of the 2006 Detroit Tigers, who came out of NOWHERE (well, nowhere good) to go to the Series. Ever since then, fellow Tiger fans have been whiny entitled jerks. Nothing can ever top the freshness of aught-six, unless we have a decade-and-a-half of excrement including the most historically awful season just 3 years prior.
Just a caution to everyone thinking about next year (and even the year after) already. It'll be fun then, just less fresh and with more weight.
Valpo shot 62.5 %, 10 of 16, from three to YSU's 6 of 20 from three. That was 12 points of the 15 point margin. Valpo shot 51.4%, 18 of 35 from two and 11 of 13 FT's to YSU's 14 of 36 from two and 16 of 19 FT's.
When you shoot like that and out rebound the opposition 31-28, 20-13 Valpo in the 1st half, it's hard to lose. The area where we out done by YSU was turnovers, 11 to 5, although 11 TO's is not that bad.
I was flabergassed that YSU was only called for 1 foul in the whole first half. You got to be kidding me. ONE foul! Thank God Darien made both of the FTs off that foul--ONE foul!
The refs at least called the Penguins for 10 fouls in the 2nd half for a total of 11 YSU fouls for the game.
Overall a well played game. We still need to fix the problem with Nickerson bringing the ball up the court before we play Green Bay.
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on January 20, 2015, 08:31:58 PM
I'll always think of the 2006 Detroit Tigers, who came out of NOWHERE (well, nowhere good) to go to the Series. Ever since then, fellow Tiger fans have been whiny entitled jerks. Nothing can ever top the freshness of aught-six, unless we have a decade-and-a-half of excrement including the most historically awful season just 3 years prior.
Let's hope the Crusaders are
NOT like the Tigers in 2006.
(http://www.bestsportsphotos.com/image.php?productid=27711) (http://www.stlouismemorabilia.com/Hall%20Of%20Fame%20Game%20Used/S3%5B1%5D.jpg) (http://www.crwflags.com/art/sports/baseball/cardinalswschampwcban.gif) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51caHJ9QUvL.jpg) (http://toonrefugee.com/images/cards-tigers.jpg) (http://i.usatoday.net/sports/gallery/day/migrated-media/s070116_cardinals.jpg) NL St. Louis Cardinals (4) vs. AL Detroit Tigers (1)
Game Date Score Location Time Attendance
1 October 21 St. Louis Cardinals – 7, Detroit Tigers – 2 Comerica Park 2:54 42,479[8]
2 October 22 St. Louis Cardinals – 1, Detroit Tigers – 3 Comerica Park 2:55 42,533[9]
3 October 24 Detroit Tigers – 0, St. Louis Cardinals – 5 Busch Stadium (III) 3:03 46,513[10]
4 October 26† Detroit Tigers – 4, St. Louis Cardinals – 5 Busch Stadium (III) 3:35 46,470[11]
5 October 27† Detroit Tigers – 2, St. Louis Cardinals – 4 Busch Stadium (III) 2:56 46,638[12]
†: Game 4 was postponed due to rain on October 25, forcing Game 5 to be subsequently pushed back a day as well.
Let's take a moment to bat ourselves on the back as a message board here tonight, almost every prediction made had us between 74-77 points, and YSU between 61-64. :thumbsup:
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on January 20, 2015, 07:49:53 PM
why are the starters still in an 18-pt game with 2 minutes left?
do we not have any important games left this year or something?
GB kept their starters in tonight until the final media timeout with 3:57 left and leading by 29 points.
Quote from: wh on January 20, 2015, 08:59:48 PMGB kept their starters in tonight until the final media timeout with 3:57 left and leading by 29 points.
(http://gifrific.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Mr-Burns-Saying-Excellent.gif)
not long enough, from this point of view ;)
Complimentary pre-game comments from Coach Slocum:
Slocum knows his team has a tough task ahead.
"You're looking at Valpo, who I think is the best team in the league," Slocum said. "They play with passion, and they have really good size."
The Crusaders' size includes sophomore forward 6-9 Alec Peters, who's averaging 17.8 points per game.
"He's a player of the year candidate," Slocum said.
Slocum was also impressed by center 6-10 Vashil Fernandez, who is averaging 2.2 blocks per game in conference play.
"I don't think there has been anybody in the league since Damian [Eargle] that's had an affect at the rim as he does," Slocum said. "They have a nice mixture of interior play and perimeter play."
- See more at: http://www.vindy.com/news/2015/jan/20/penguins-seeking-horizon-victory/?newswatch#sthash.oZP2YuKV.dpuf (http://www.vindy.com/news/2015/jan/20/penguins-seeking-horizon-victory/?newswatch#sthash.oZP2YuKV.dpuf)
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on January 20, 2015, 08:22:14 PM
true. but they didn't pull any until 1:59, and then they only pulled two. didn't pull the last (possible) until 1:20.
I mean, I would rather have won by 11 and had the guys rest another 5 minutes.
There's kind of a big game in comparatively few hours on the whole other side of the conference, is all I'm saying.
to be honest, though, I've thought that about the Drews since I was 11 in '89.
I agree with you, but it isn't just the Drews. Years ago I asked coach Tom Smith why he didn't play the subs earlier when the game was a blowout. His answer : I just never think the game is in the bag.
Quote from: wh on January 20, 2015, 10:38:55 PM
Complimentary pre-game comments from Coach Slocum:
Slocum knows his team has a tough task ahead.
"You're looking at Valpo, who I think is the best team in the league," Slocum said. "They play with passion, and they have really good size."
The Crusaders' size includes sophomore forward 6-9 Alec Peters, who's averaging 17.8 points per game.
"He's a player of the year candidate," Slocum said.
Slocum was also impressed by center 6-10 Vashil Fernandez, who is averaging 2.2 blocks per game in conference play.
"I don't think there has been anybody in the league since Damian [Eargle] that's had an affect at the rim as he does," Slocum said. "They have a nice mixture of interior play and perimeter play."
- See more at: http://www.vindy.com/news/2015/jan/20/penguins-seeking-horizon-victory/?newswatch#sthash.oZP2YuKV.dpuf (http://www.vindy.com/news/2015/jan/20/penguins-seeking-horizon-victory/?newswatch#sthash.oZP2YuKV.dpuf)
In theory, he had a good plan to get Vashil out of the lane with Amiker taking shots around the perimeter. It's amazing to watch how fearful teams have been to drive the lane, once they realize that Vashil has got their number that day. I wish that there was a stat for 'shots altered,' as I have to believe that he alters 8-10 shots every game, outside of his 2-3 blocks.
Quote from: valpospartan on January 20, 2015, 11:35:38 PMI agree with you, but it isn't just the Drews.
that's definitely fair to say.
BRING ON THE PHOENIX
(One of my co-workers is a UWGB alumna. Since the B1G decided Michigan and Wisconsin should go five years without playing each other in football, this is what we have to go back and forth about. Should be a great game.)
Quote from: classof2014 on January 20, 2015, 10:51:02 AMWe should be able to beat YSU quite easily, they are nowhere near as strong as CSU and WSU defensively and we were able to take both those squads down without a regular PG. YSU stinks, they lost to UIC, the team that always loses (ie Detroit). Their main scoring threat is Hain, Vashil is the best defensive player in the league, teams can't go inside when Vashil is in the game. My guess is we're up 13 at half and coast into a 16 point victory.
Good call on the game. We probably would have been up by 13 at the half if the refs had called all the fouls that YSU actually committed in the first half.
Quote from: historyman on January 21, 2015, 07:36:45 AMWe probably would have been up by 13 at the half if the refs had called all the fouls that YSU actually committed in the first half.
This just goes to show that YSU just does not play with any intensity. How can you only have 1 foul in 25 minutes of play? IMHO it is not a good thing to have only 1 foul in that amount of playing time, adjust to the way the game is being called and RACHET up the pressure! As a coach you should be mad at your team for the lack of aggression. On the other hand, these refs should be doing some serious video study if they think only one foul was committed by YSU in that first 25 minutes.
This should be the last season for Slocum, yes they did have a winning season under him but weren't a real contender for anything. If it wasn't for Kendrick Perry those probably would've been ten win teams, Slocum got lucky with Perry and he won a bunch of games for them. I knew once KP was gone YSU would go back into the cellar of the HL.
There's too much stacked against this program to be successful in the near future. There in an awful location, who in their right mind wants to go to Youngstown Ohio. If you're from Ohio there are plenty of other schools that have had recent success, even just in Eastern Ohio. There's Akron, Kent St, and Cleveland St all within a stones throw of Youngstown and all better in terms of basketball and if you expand the region a bit it doesn't get any better with schools like: Toledo, Ohio, Duquesne, Robert Morris, Miami, etc...
YSU needs to make some big changes in order to become relevant, this is a tough task for any coach. They had an opportunity to build off the team of two years ago with guys like Eargle and Perry but it seems like they've regressed once again. Maybe I'm wrong but Slocum seems to have lost this group and once you lose them its hard to get them back. Just watching last game there was no energy or intensity. When YSU cut the lead to 6 a few times in the second half they showed no emotion and figured that Valpo was gonna win anyways so why bother.
So long as YSU and UIC keep sucking this bad the HL will never be a top 10 conference.
Report from the Igloo. The vibe in that gym is weird when there are like 500 people in it. There were more students in the pep band than the rest of the arena. A small group of fraternity brothers attended, clearly enticed by some free pizza and license plate holders. (we were handed 2 a piece when we walked in because they wanted to get rid of as many as they could, thinking they still had hundreds available). The rest of the crowd was the assorted YSU backers that have been there for the past 15 years we've been attending games there. Valpo fans nearly outnumbered the students, and we were more vocal and had better retorts.
The refs phoned in the first half. They weren't as bad as some games and I don't mind them letting us play aggressively (especially as one poster wrote YSU was not playing hard). This team plays more intense D than previous squads and they came out that way. Hain 0 pts and only 2 shots in 1st half. Amiker was hot 1st half and then never saw the ball 2d half. Where grandmamma JR had been somewhat effective vs VU in Valpo, they didn't play him til late 2d half. There is more talent on the court than the coaches are taking advantage of. Seems very mismatched pieces. It is a difficult place to recruit, but the Horizon is a good league and you have to be more creative. Jim Tressel by elevating football and other sports may be able to improve this area. He was able to get Bo and Faux Pelini to go there. They need a young coach who wants to make a name for himself. I mean Bobby Hurley is coaching at Buffalo and that may be one of the worst places to have to coach....
2d half the refs reverted to standard Twilight Zone HL reffing and started to mess with the flow of the game. We were clearly trying to just get in and get out (just like going to Wisconsin) without injury and with a win. Check and check. Road wins are precious. As to resting starters, Bryce pulled guys about the right time. Remember there is only 1, count them 1, guy to go to at the end who had not played many minutes yet and that's Davidson. So clearing the bench is difficult, unless you can have the coaches play out the last 5 and they would have been fine. They were ready as they were in gym shoes! We have more people in suits than active players.
Quote from: valpo84 on January 21, 2015, 10:10:00 AM2d half the refs reverted to standard Twilight Zone HL reffing and started to mess with the flow of the game. We were clearly trying to just get in and get out (just like going to Wisconsin) without injury and with a win.
Shi&%^&! They still owe you money, fool.
Quote from: classof2014 on January 21, 2015, 09:06:04 AMMaybe I'm wrong but Slocum seems to have lost this group and once you lose them its hard to get them back. Just watching last game there was no energy or intensity
I was thinking the same thing when watching UIC and Greeny Bay game.