The Valparaiso Beacons Fan Zone Forum

Tickets go on sale in an hour.

The opponent will probably come straight from Moraga, California after they play Sunday night.

It'll definitely be Vashil's final game in the ARC.

Winner goes to Madison Square Garden.

(https://media.giphy.com/media/YPIrsRqqO7oB2/giphy.gif)

Do we know the video outlet for the ST. Mary's/UGA game?

Believe it showed ESPNU.

Quote from: VULB#62 on March 18, 2016, 09:48:50 AM
Do we know the video outlet for the ST. Mary's/UGA game?

Quote from: valpo84 on March 18, 2016, 09:53:19 AM
Believe it showed ESPNU.

They're going to be on ESPNU at 6:30 CST.

13-15 minutes after tickets went on sale, section A and E (lower bleachers endline) have some blocks of seats; otherwise it's just singles downstairs.

Maybe some more will be released from season ticket holders later, but maybe not too many.

What brings a bigger crowd?  St. Mary's or Georgia?

Quote from: oklahomamick on March 18, 2016, 10:23:53 AM
What brings a bigger crowd?  St. Mary's or Georgia?

Have we ever sold out before game time? Maybe so... Butler... even Detroit after the Ray Jr. game. But, not likely before the opponent is decided.

If I'm reading the bracket right... the game time Tuesday will be determined tonight by the VATech - BYU game March 18, 8:30 p.m. (CT) - ESPNU.  Those are the highest remaining seeds in the St Bonaventure Bracket.

http://i.turner.ncaa.com/sites/default/files/external/gametool/brackets/2016_nit_bracket.pdf (http://i.turner.ncaa.com/sites/default/files/external/gametool/brackets/2016_nit_bracket.pdf)

If VaTech (#3) wins, they will host the winner of the Wagner / Creighton game
if BYU (#2) wins, they will host the winner of the Wagner / Creighton game

If VaTech wins,... they would probably get the early game on Tuesday, and we get the late one
if BYU wins... they would probably get the late game on Tuesday and we get the early one

Anyone know what time season ticket holder tickets that don't get claimed are released to the public? The last 2 games I've been "spluging" on chairbacks and snagging tickets that season ticket holders don't claim.

Quote from: agibson on March 18, 2016, 10:26:13 AM

Quote from: oklahomamick on March 18, 2016, 10:23:53 AM
What brings a bigger crowd?  St. Mary's or Georgia?

Have we ever sold out before game time? Maybe so... Butler... even Detroit after the Ray Jr. game. But, not likely before the opponent is decided.

I wrote MLB and suggested he get the east end bleachers temporarily installed and create a second Valparizone for the students.  That could really add to the electricity.

Just picked my tickets. 1 person ahead of me when I arrived. 7 behind me when I left and more walking in. Looks like I just beat the lunch crowd. :)

Quote from: VULB#62 on March 18, 2016, 10:40:17 AM

Quote from: agibson on March 18, 2016, 10:26:13 AM

Quote from: oklahomamick on March 18, 2016, 10:23:53 AMWhat brings a bigger crowd?  St. Mary's or Georgia?

Have we ever sold out before game time? Maybe so... Butler... even Detroit after the Ray Jr. game. But, not likely before the opponent is decided.

I wrote MLB and suggested he get the east end bleachers temporarily installed and create a second Valparizone for the students.  That could really add to the electricity.

Only if we can get butts in the seats.

Quote from: Kyle321n on March 18, 2016, 10:39:29 AM
Anyone know what time season ticket holder tickets that don't get claimed are released to the public? The last 2 games I've been "spluging" on chairbacks and snagging tickets that season ticket holders don't claim.

I've not heard an announcement, but probably season ticket holders have? Last time it was... 5 PM? But who knows if it would be 5 PM the day after yesterday's game, or 5 PM the day before the next game, etc, etc.

I didn't see any court-side seats available, which I did for this Tuesday's game.

SID Aaron points out on twitter that the Tuesday slots on ESPN are 6 and 8 PM central. Wednesday it's 6 and 8 PM ESPN2. All of this matches what they did last year.

I've got a question about NIT travel.  Does the NCAA pay for the costs associated with getting the team to the game or is that left up to the school?  The reason for asking is that I could see how Georgia might be able to afford to fly its team on a charter to an airport close to Valpo but Saint Mary's might be stuck going through Chicago (I don't see their athletic budget being very big).  Regardless, travel to Valpo is a pain in the butt and gives the Crusaders a very good home court advantage. 

Quote from: agibson on March 18, 2016, 11:39:27 AM

Quote from: Kyle321n on March 18, 2016, 10:39:29 AM
Anyone know what time season ticket holder tickets that don't get claimed are released to the public? The last 2 games I've been "spluging" on chairbacks and snagging tickets that season ticket holders don't claim.

I've not heard an announcement, but probably season ticket holders have? Last time it was... 5 PM? But who knows if it would be 5 PM the day after yesterday's game, or 5 PM the day before the next game, etc, etc.

I didn't see any court-side seats available, which I did for this Tuesday's game.

I'm going in a few minutes to inquire because there were like 1% of the chairback seats there were last game.

Athletics FB page says 5PM TONIGHT.

Quote from: VUOR63 on March 18, 2016, 11:50:56 AM
I've got a question about NIT travel.  Does the NCAA pay for the costs associated with getting the team to the game or is that left up to the school?  The reason for asking is that I could see how Georgia might be able to afford to fly its team on a charter to an airport close to Valpo but Saint Mary's might be stuck going through Chicago (I don't see their athletic budget being very big). 

I'm guessing that the NIT may not do revenue sharing like the NCAA, but I do't really know. I posted some numbers (maybe on the NIT thread?) and there's not all that much revenue to go around.

I do hope that _any_ post-season tournament helps with travel. Doing all this stuff last minute can't be easy. We've heard horror stories in that past (even NCAA?) about how teams, maybe losing teams especially, have been treated. And, maybe the quality will vary (maybe the NIT will help you book coach, but not charter you a plane?). Presumably you're free to upgrade on your own, so $$ could absolutely be a factor.

More on that below.

Quote from: VUOR63 on March 18, 2016, 11:50:56 AMRegardless, travel to Valpo is a pain in the butt and gives the Crusaders a very good home court advantage. 

Nice! A little less painful for teams than for private individuals, maybe. But, well said. TRVTH.

QuoteGeorgia might be able to afford to fly its team on a charter to an airport close to Valpo but Saint Mary's might be stuck going through Chicago (I don't see their athletic budget being very big).

For fun, in the after glow of last night's games, I had a look at some of the financials. Inspired by Kyle Whelliston and bbstate.com (which is having server problems? horrible timing), but all numbers from http://ope.ed.gov/athletics/. (http://ope.ed.gov/athletics/.) Maybe 2015 numbers?

Generically I think of St. Mary's as something like Valpo, but maybe even more basketball-crazy, at least relative to their (somewhat smaller) size. My in-laws live close to Moraga, but I never have managed to make it to a game...

MBB expenses/athletic expenses/MBB revenue when I thought it was interesting.
In millions of dollars.

Valpo 2.5/15.0
St. Mary's 2.7/14.9
Gonzaga 7.4/20.5/12.2 MBB revenue
Texas Southern 1.4/10.2
Florida State 6.8/97.7/11.0 MBB revenue
Georgia 5.9/101.6/9 MBB revenue

The cases where I don't mention revenue seem to have cooked the books so that the revenue for _each_ of their sports matches expenses, maybe that's somehow normal accounting at places where athletics _don't_ pay for themselves.

Valpo and Texas Southern, at least, have football, and obviously Florida State and Georgia have big time football.

So, yes, a clear disparity in resources between Georgia and St. Mary's. And between Valparaiso and Florida State.

Quote from: Kyle321n on March 18, 2016, 11:53:26 AMI'm going in a few minutes to inquire because there were like 1% of the chairback seats there were last game.

Chairbacks now show as completely sold out (we'll see what happens at 5 PM). Can still get six together in E, four together in A.

Mezzanine is selling well. Probably about where we were for the Florida State game at 3 or 4 PM yesterday?

Quote from: agibson on March 18, 2016, 12:20:32 PM

Quote from: Kyle321n on March 18, 2016, 11:53:26 AMI'm going in a few minutes to inquire because there were like 1% of the chairback seats there were last game.

Chairbacks now show as completely sold out (we'll see what happens at 5 PM). Can still get six together in E, four together in A.

Mezzanine is selling well. Probably about where we were for the Florida State game at 3 or 4 PM yesterday?

I called and they said 5. So I'll go online then to see what I can get. All else fails I end up in my season tickets.

Sent from my XT1058 using Tapatalk

A quick look at some numbers.

St. Mary's obviously the better looking team overall, receiving votes most of the season, and climbing to as high as #23 in the coaches poll.

Their RPI sits at 32, with a non-conf RPI at 23, just behind ours. They beat Stanford in Moraga, lost to Cal at Berkeley. That loss at Cal (30 minutes away) was their only non-conference game on the road. They didn't even play on a neutral court until the WCC tournament. Beat Gonzaga twice, of course, before losing to them in the WCC final. They were a very popular last-four type at-large team, appearing on 94 of 144 brackets in bracketmatrix.com's final survey.

On KenPom, they're a hair above us at #34, but with a top offense #15,  and only a pretty good defense (#122). Inverting our pretty good offense (#101) and top defense (#13). Like a few other top offensive teams they play at a slow tempo, one of the slowest in the country (#349), almost as slow as glacial Virginia, and at 62 possessions per game they're even five per game slower than our rather slow 67 (#255).

From KenPom I might make St. Mary's 1 point favorites on a neutral court, but obviously the NCAA selection committee had a moderate preference for Valpo (non-conference scheduling?) and gave us the "last four out" nod that gave us the #1 NIT seed.  Figure us for... 4 or 5 point favorites on our home court?

St. Mary's was upset on their home court in front of a paltry 1,300 fans in the first round of the NIT last year, as a #4 seed.

Georgia's at RPI 58. 0-7 against the top 50 (and they got chances at home!), 7-5 against the top 100, a "bad loss" at Auburn (but they only had to play three games on the road against the RPI 150+ set). On KenPom they look quite a lot like us: similar tempo, better defense (#50) than offense (#105), neither as good as ours, but offense close. Best win... Georgia Tech in Athens? Or probably at South Carolina. From KenPom numbers (just offense/defense/temp), make us... 8 point favorites at the ARC?

Apart from #8 Wagner over #1 St. Bonaventure, the NIT's been completely chalk this year. Much chalkier than the first round last year (five upsets in 16 games?).

Normally I might assume that a mid-major would have more experience on the road. But, here maybe you give the "travels well" edge to Georgia?

St. Mary's only top-200 RPI road games were Cal, BYU, Pepperdine, and Gonzaga. And they only won at Gonzaga (lost to Pepperdine on the road, but did beat them on a neutral court in the WCC tournament).

St. Mary's home court seats just 3,500 and they only filled it this year for Stanford and Gonzaga. In the NIT, they listed attendance of 1,154 when New Mexico State came to town.

Quote from: agibson on March 18, 2016, 01:11:30 PM
A quick look at some numbers.

St. Mary's obviously the better looking team overall, receiving votes most of the season, and climbing to as high as #23 in the coaches poll.

Their RPI sits at 32, with a non-conf RPI at 23, just behind ours. They beat Stanford in Moraga, lost to Cal at Berkeley. That loss at Cal (30 minutes away) was their only non-conference game on the road. They didn't even play on a neutral court until the WCC tournament. Beat Gonzaga twice, of course, before losing to them in the WCC final. They were a very popular last-four type at-large team, appearing on 94 of 144 brackets in bracketmatrix.com's final survey.

On KenPom, they're a hair above us at #34, but with a top offense #15,  and only a pretty good defense (#122). Inverting our pretty good offense (#101) and top defense (#13). Like a few other top offensive teams they play at a slow tempo, one of the slowest in the country (#349), almost as slow as glacial Virginia, and at 62 possessions per game they're even five per game slower than our rather slow 67 (#255).

From KenPom I might make St. Mary's 1 point favorites on a neutral court, but obviously the NCAA selection committee had a moderate preference for Valpo (non-conference scheduling?) and gave us the "last four out" nod that gave us the #1 NIT seed.  Figure us for... 4 or 5 point favorites on our home court?

St. Mary's was upset on their home court in front of a paltry 1,300 fans in the first round of the NIT last year, as a #4 seed.

Georgia's at RPI 58. 0-7 against the top 50 (and they got chances at home!), 7-5 against the top 100, a "bad loss" at Auburn (but they only had to play three games on the road against the RPI 150+ set). On KenPom they look quite a lot like us: similar tempo, better defense (#50) than offense (#105), neither as good as ours, but offense close. Best win... Georgia Tech in Athens? Or probably at South Carolina. From KenPom numbers (just offense/defense/temp), make us... 8 point favorites at the ARC?

Apart from #8 Wagner over #1 St. Bonaventure, the NIT's been completely chalk this year. Much chalkier than the first round last year (five upsets in 16 games?).

McKeon Pavilion is the home to the Saint Mary's men's basketball, women's basketball and volleyball teams. The Pavilion features a 3,500-seat basketball court . Seating configuration is similar to Valpo's -- seating right up to the court, but no seating directly on the ends (one end has some balcony seating).  We complain about the ARC being a glorified HS gym.  The ARC is more impressive than McKeon IMO.

All of this is by way of saying that if it's St. Mary's Valpo needs to Pack The ARC and be bold in gold just like FSU.  If the ARC is jammed and is into the game, there will be a bit of an intimidation factor going.  For UGA, a opposite dynamic will also ensure an intimidation factor.  Their Stegeman Coliseum has a capacity of 10,523 with fans relatively far from the court.  If any of the UGA players are claustrophobic they will have a complete meltdown.

Just spoke to someone in the ticket office and asked how ticket sales were going. The reply was an enthusiastic "great!"  I said it would awesome if we could have another great crowd like last night. Their reply, "It's certainly looking that way."

Quote from: wh on March 18, 2016, 03:01:04 PM
Just spoke to someone in the ticket office and asked how ticket sales were going. The reply was an enthusiastic "great!"  I said it would awesome if we could have another great crowd like last night. Their reply, "It's certainly looking that way."

Just checked, 7 seats left on the reserved bleacher side, zero in the chairbacks. CC pretty boked to NN (12 rows up)  ;D

Quote from: vu72 on March 18, 2016, 03:24:03 PMJust checked, 7 seats left on the reserved bleacher side, zero in the chairbacks. CC pretty boked to NN (12 rows up) 

And their "best available" algorithm has shifted to DD and BB, with the bottom 50-60 seats (~3 rows; not counting the first three rows which they hold... until late?... because of views obstructed by people on the track) of each of those sections sold.

If they released anything at 5 PM they didn't do it online. Bottom bowl sold out 100%. Maybe it's still coming.

They've released them electronically now. A hundred or so are available downstairs.

Whoever our opponent is, this game will be aired on ESPN.

As far as the starting time of the game on Tuesday, what are the determining factors or options?

Quote from: valpo64 on March 19, 2016, 11:43:43 AM
As far as the starting time of the game on Tuesday, what are the determining factors or options?

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I doubt there are any.  It is set by ESPN.

Obviously the time has not been set yet but since BYU beat Virginia Tech, ESPN will most likely give Valpo vs St Marys/Georgia the earlier time slot, 6:00 p.m., so that they can give BYU, in the Mountain time zone, the later time slot.

The time has already been announced on social media and updated on the athletics website and ticket site as 6 p.m.

Quote from: agibson on March 18, 2016, 06:49:16 PM
They've released them electronically now. A hundred or so are available downstairs.

Down to singles in the lower bowl. Much of CC is sold upstairs, and hundreds between BB and DD. AA is mostly untouched. EE had sold maybe a couple of dozen, but is somehow now closed. Not sure if they want to reserve some for walk-up sales, or have overflow student section in mind, or what. Last game they reserved a block (not all) of EE and it probably became the biggest block of tickets to sell to the Lutheran middle school set.

I figured us for 4 or 5 point favorites over St. Mary's at the ARC. Maybe 8 over GA. From the same kind of naive, simple KenPom analysis I'd guess GA dogs by maybe 7.5 at St. Mary's. Turns out the Vegas lines opened at 6.5 and 7.

I wonder if a little Valpo March name recognition could swing more bets our way and push the line -higher- at the ARC? Or if people would be swayed by St. Mary's sometime national ranking this season or the SEC name brand (how much of a brand -is- that in basketball?).

I would rather play Georgia than St. Mary's for the simple fact that they are a Major and St. Mary's is a Mid. Then, hopefully we beat 2 more Power-5 teams in NYC. After finally ending our seemingly century long losing streak against the bigs with a victory over OSU, we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to go 5-1 in the same season against 6 good Power-5 teams and put to rest forever our "scared rabbit," "dear in the headlights" reputation against big time programs. That, and the fact that beating another mid doesn't earn any respect from the Major crowd. My IU/Purdue buds think they would go 30-0 with a mid major schedule.

Quote from: wh on March 19, 2016, 09:56:30 PMI would rather play Georgia than St. Mary's for the simple fact that they are a Major and St. Mary's is a Mid. Then, hopefully we beat 2 more Power-5 teams in NYC. After finally ending our seemingly century long losing streak against the bigs with a victory over OSU, we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to go 5-1 in the same season against 6 good Power-5 teams and put to rest forever our "scared rabbit," "dear in the headlights" reputation against big time programs.

If we get to MSG we will meet the Creighton-BYU winner so no Power-5 remaining there. I watched much of the BYU-Va Tech game and another great crowd and hard fought battle. If there is any difference in the NIT desire and intensity vs the NCAA I haven't been able to see it.

Georgia or St Mary's makes no difference to me. Pick your poison! Either way I can't make the game.  :'(  :'(  How did I get talked into this civic duty, public responsibility bull?  :'(  :'(  I was always better at creating problems for the public and now people expect me to help resolve them.  :'(   :'(  Maybe the best team to come to the ARC since the 10-11 Butler squad and I have a previous engagement.  :'(  :'(

Quote from: justducky on March 19, 2016, 10:23:45 PM

Quote from: wh on March 19, 2016, 09:56:30 PMI would rather play Georgia than St. Mary's for the simple fact that they are a Major and St. Mary's is a Mid. Then, hopefully we beat 2 more Power-5 teams in NYC. After finally ending our seemingly century long losing streak against the bigs with a victory over OSU, we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to go 5-1 in the same season against 6 good Power-5 teams and put to rest forever our "scared rabbit," "dear in the headlights" reputation against big time programs.

If we get to MSG we will meet the Creighton-BYU winner so no Power-5 remaining there. I watched much of the BYU-Va Tech game and another great crowd and hard fought battle. If there is any difference in the NIT desire and intensity vs the NCAA I haven't been able to see it.

Georgia or St Mary's makes no difference to me. Pick your poison! Either way I can't make the game.  :'(  :'(  How did I get talked into this civic duty, public responsibility bull?  :'(  :'(  I was always better at creating problems for the public and now people expect me to help resolve them.  :'(   :'(  Maybe the best team to come to the ARC since the 10-11 Butler squad and I have a previous engagement.  :'(  :'(

Ok, now you made me get serious for a moment. I have great respect for those who are willing to give of their time and talents to serve their community, church, or whatever and keep their commitments, even when there are other things they would rather be doing.
Congrats and thank you for your service!

I have a feeling that we have a lot of people on this board that are cut from the same cloth. It would be fun to know more about each other, but I guess that runs against the grain of an anonymous message board. :)

Quote from: wh on March 19, 2016, 09:56:30 PMMy IU/Purdue buds think they would go 30-0 with a mid major schedule.

I think the only response to the Purdue fans is simply------what about Little Rock???

St. Mary's Georgia

The game is scheduled for a 4:30 p.m. (Pacific Time) tipoff in McKeon Pavilion and will be televised live by ESPNU with Roxy Bernstein and Corey Williams calling the action.

We'd likely be bigger favorites against GA. But, we've had some trouble with teams that can defend and rebound....

I'd hate to cheer -against- the mid in today's game, but it would certainlyy be fun to have a crack against an SEC team at the ARC.

Look's like St Mary's on Tuesday. They're up 12 with under 2 minutes left.......

I said over a month ago that I would rather play Gonzaga than St. Mary's. Despite Gonzaga pounding #9 Utah by 23 points, I still hold that opinion.

Vashil will have to defend out to the arc making him less effective on defense. I look for Jubril to play large minutes even if we jump off to a good lead. The Gaels can pass and shoot and cut and exploit you when you get into rotation.

Tevonn will need to be ready to go. This will take our A game.

Looks like it'll be St. Mary's.

They looked good tonight. Moved the ball very well, earned wide open threes and hit them. Rather balanced scoring. I wasn't watching that carefully, but the announcers claimed 4's and 5's were hitting threes (we have Jubril). Extremely efficient offense.

Good inside passing too. Drive and dish, sometimes dish out, sometimes to another player for a lay-in. Some backdoor type cuts on inbounds plays.

St. Mary's even out rebounded GA. Did get some offensive boards, but it was probably more about STM shooting a high percentage and GA low.

Pretty quick game, real world time - not so many fouls maybe?  decent looking crowd in a small gym - walls behind the backboards on both sides (with balcony seating above one). Spring break just started, so no students, no cheerleaders, no chants, no pep band.

We got the better opponent, for better or worse.

Valpo's probably going to need a B+, A- type game.

Hopefully the travel's not easy on St. Mary's. And, they're not so used to playing on the road non-conf.

Valpo's D Against St Mary's O
A challenge, good game to watch I will enjoy  :)

St. Mary's reminds me a bit of Wright State in that they are disciplined on both offense and defence. Bigger up front maybe not as athletic but maybe better at sharing the ball and hitting the open shot. Their point guard is sneaky good and makes good decisions when to go to the rack and when to dish. We will have to get out and really defend the three.

This will be a challenge.  I hope the travel, playing at our place before a big crowd, and an "A" game from Valpo will give us the margin we need to win.

Looking over the St. Mary's Schedule...have they left their time zone for a game this year?  As I read it, @ Cal and then conference away games (Not sure if they had a neutral site tourney and too lazy to look it up).  Hoping that a relatively large trip and short turnaround will help us.  Interesting story line with popular "snub" teams.  Go Valpo Go!

They screen and pass it well. Valpo's ability to switch nearly any screen should help neutralize all the chasing that Georgia was having to do.

Valpo by a nickle. 71-66

Quote from: govalpogo on March 20, 2016, 09:04:10 PMLooking over the St. Mary's Schedule...have they left their time zone for a g

They played at BYU in conference. Provo is in the Mountain Time Zone. That is their only game outside of Pacific Time.

Prior to the WCC Tournament (three games in Las Vegas), they had played just three games outside the state of California this season. All were conference games - at Gonzaga, at BYU and at Portland.

St. Mary's looked very good against a Georgia team that looked very out of it/disinterested.  They are an Australian all-star team so will be very disciplined and will play with great fundamentals.  They are also big but thin.  They beat Georgia by 12 but only beat New Mexico State by 2.  Should be an exciting game in front of a packed crowd.  Did anybody who complains about the ARC take a look at St. Mary's gym? Wow!  Probably 30 high school gyms in Indiana that are bigger and nicer.

Quote from: vu72 on March 20, 2016, 09:44:12 PM
St. Mary's looked very good against a Georgia team that looked very out of it/disinterested.  They are an Australian all-star team so will be very disciplined and will play with great fundamentals.  They are also big but thin.  They beat Georgia by 12 but only beat New Mexico State by 2.  Should be an exciting game in front of a packed crowd.  Did anybody who complains about the ARC take a look at St. Mary's gym? Wow!  Probably 30 high school gyms in Indiana that are bigger and nicer.

North Side a Jr High School Gym in Elkhart Indiana (my home town) is way more impressive. Seats over 7,000. And it's a town of around 40,000.  Yes it was the main gym when there was only one high school when I was there but I've got to tell you Valpo's facilities were a real downer to me when I arrived on campus in the fall of 69'.

Quote from: nkvu on March 20, 2016, 08:42:46 PM
St. Mary's reminds me a bit of Wright State in that they are disciplined on both offense and defence. Bigger up front maybe not as athletic but maybe better at sharing the ball and hitting the open shot. Their point guard is sneaky good and makes good decisions when to go to the rack and when to dish. We will have to get out and really defend the three.

This will be a challenge.  I hope the travel, playing at our place before a big crowd, and an "A" game from Valpo will give us the margin we need to win.

I was thinking this same thing when watching the game, that they are a carbon copy of Wright State.  They are very unathletic, but pass the ball well, and hit their open shots despite bad shooting form (several players).  Georgia's big man was awful, otherwise this game would have been a lot closer.  They missed many bunnies, which wasn't due to the defense, but rather just shooting short/wide.  They played all home games out-of-conference, except for one true road game at Cal.  I think that they will have some jet lag, and not hit the open shots in our gym, like they do in their gym.  Their gaudy 51% FG and 41% 3-pt are probably more due to having the vast majority of their games at home....

Valpo 72
St. Mary's 61

In the post game their Aussie point guard gave props to Valpo's D.  Think I heard they have several Aussie players on their team. Makes me wish we hadn't lost our Aussie connection after Rowdie graduated.  I miss koala's barrack posts for Valpo.

For the past 40 years in my life I have always got the impression that Purdue fans think their teams, football and basketball, are better than what they really are. I always thought Gene Keady was an incredibly overrated coach and their teams consistently underachieved. Cripe, they have not been in the final 4 since 1980, and they are a Big 10 team in Indiana!

Let's hope that after a win tonight the P.A. system blares with Sinatra's rendition of "New York".  GO VALPO!

that was a simply brilliant post!

Quote from: nkvu on March 21, 2016, 01:46:14 AM
In the post game their Aussie point guard gave props to Valpo's D.  Think I heard they have several Aussie players on their team. Makes me wish we hadn't lost our Aussie connection after Rowdie graduated.  I miss koala's barrack posts for Valpo.

Yep, six of them.

St Mary's has had a long Aussie tradition, including Matt "Delly-Trey" Dellavedova (Cavs) and Patty Mills (Spurs) (two other Boomer Olympians, along with our Ryan).  And, yes they have 6 current Aussies.

Quote from: valpo84 on March 21, 2016, 11:01:20 AM
St Mary's has had a long Aussie tradition, including Matt "Delly-Trey" Dellavedova (Cavs) and Patty Mills (Spurs) (two other Boomer Olympians, along with our Ryan).  And, yes they have 6 current Aussies.

Geography probably helps - a bit closer to home, maybe more flights from SF area, just the feel of pacific rim, etc. but it would be great if we could reignite our AIS connection.

Quote from: agibson on March 18, 2016, 01:11:30 PMFrom KenPom I might make St. Mary's 1 point favorites on a neutral court, but obviously the NCAA selection committee had a moderate preference for Valpo (non-conference scheduling?) and gave us the "last four out" nod that gave us the #1 NIT seed.  Figure us for... 4 or 5 point favorites on our home court?

One sports book opened at 2.5, but quickly moved to 5. The others followed suit, opening with Valpo as 4, mostly 5, point favorites.

When's the last time we were dogs? Oregon? Just three games this season?

When I checked this morning there were maybe 1000 seats left on sale upstairs - most of AA was still available for sale, for example. Probably some hundreds in reserve as well (first three rows in mezzanine, much of EE maybe for students, staff, or walk-up sales).

It'd be great fun to sell out the listed inventory in advance!

Quote from: agibson on March 21, 2016, 11:54:31 AM

Quote from: agibson on March 18, 2016, 01:11:30 PMFrom KenPom I might make St. Mary's 1 point favorites on a neutral court, but obviously the NCAA selection committee had a moderate preference for Valpo (non-conference scheduling?) and gave us the "last four out" nod that gave us the #1 NIT seed.  Figure us for... 4 or 5 point favorites on our home court?

One sports book opened at 2.5, but quickly moved to 5. The others followed suit, opening with Valpo as 4, mostly 5, point favorites.

When's the last time we were dogs? Oregon? Just three games this season?

When I checked this morning there were maybe 1000 seats left on sale upstairs - most of AA was still available for sale, for example. Probably some hundreds in reserve as well (first three rows in mezzanine, much of EE maybe for students, staff, or walk-up sales).

It'd be great fun to sell out the listed inventory in advance!

According to KenPom we were dogs at Oregon St., Oregon and Rhode Island. That's it for him, I don't know about Vegas.

Speaking of KenPom we're 3 point favorites, 65-62. If it is that low scoring I think that definitely favors us.

Quote from: Kyle321n on March 21, 2016, 12:59:40 PM

Quote from: agibson on March 21, 2016, 11:54:31 AM

Quote from: agibson on March 18, 2016, 01:11:30 PMFrom KenPom I might make St. Mary's 1 point favorites on a neutral court, but obviously the NCAA selection committee had a moderate preference for Valpo (non-conference scheduling?) and gave us the "last four out" nod that gave us the #1 NIT seed.  Figure us for... 4 or 5 point favorites on our home court?

One sports book opened at 2.5, but quickly moved to 5. The others followed suit, opening with Valpo as 4, mostly 5, point favorites.

When's the last time we were dogs? Oregon? Just three games this season?

When I checked this morning there were maybe 1000 seats left on sale upstairs - most of AA was still available for sale, for example. Probably some hundreds in reserve as well (first three rows in mezzanine, much of EE maybe for students, staff, or walk-up sales).

It'd be great fun to sell out the listed inventory in advance!

According to KenPom we were dogs at Oregon St., Oregon and Rhode Island. That's it for him, I don't know about Vegas.

Speaking of KenPom we're 3 point favorites, 65-62. If it is that low scoring I think that definitely favors us.

Just checked the seating chart and found 267 seats available in AA, 67 in BB, 65 in CC and 137 in DD for a total for sale of 536.  That's over 40 sold in the last 1.5 hours.  With the weather forecast calling for 62 and cloudy, if the students and faculty show up in force it could be standing room only!  Let's hope so!!

Quote from: vu72 on March 21, 2016, 01:35:16 PMJust checked the seating chart and found 267 seats available in AA, 67 in BB, 65 in CC and 137 in DD for a total for sale of 536.  That's over 40 sold in the last 1.5 hours. 

And like 500 sold in the last six hours.

We're talking back 4-6 rows in BB, CC, DD available, and only about half of AA. Had to predict the pace, but it looks like the available tickets could sell out today.

Quote from: valpo64 on March 21, 2016, 10:13:34 AM
Let's hope that after a win tonight the P.A. system blares with Sinatra's rendition of "New York".  GO VALPO!

The next NIT game against St Marys is Tuesday ?


Correct?

Yes! The game is -tomorrow-, not today.

Yeah I mean it's been in the title of the thread the entire time  ::)

For me it will be Wednesday as I am in Shanghai, China, but I finally connected to the interweb out here and caught up on the posts.

After my long 14 hour flight from LA, the SMC  Aussies would not blink about a quick hop from LA or SFO to ORD if we got another one like Ryan -- believe me.  Also having commuted weekly to and from the west coast from MKE for over a year last year, there is no appreciable jet lag involved in the two hour time change. It'll come down to the quick turn around coupled with all the logistical hassles that are associated with that AND not being able to adjust to our claustrophobic (said lovingly) arena AND a full house that will make it very hard for them to play to their optimum.

From the People's Republic of China -- GO VALPO!!!

Right now, 340 seats for sale.  Amazing.  Haven't seen this sort of demand since Butler visited before they became fearful.   ;D

If we win this game, I am going to the Final Four of the NIT at MSG.  We have an office at 5 Penn Plaza, literally just across the street from MSG.  I can still work each day that way, and attend the games afterwards (assuming that they are at night) :thumbsup:

Quote from: valpotx on March 21, 2016, 06:06:09 PM
If we win this game, I am going to the Final Four of the NIT at MSG.  We have an office at 5 Penn Plaza, literally just across the street from MSG.  I can still work each day that way, and attend the games afterwards (assuming that they are at night) :thumbsup:

Although I am just about traveled out (for basketball), I *wish* I could go to that.  Never been to MSG before.

Unfortunately, I have to travel for work to Arlington, Texas  >:(

Now 299 left, with 216 in AA. Only seats in ZZ (top row) available in CC and DD.  Amazing.  Expect standing room only!!

I was waiting on a couple buddies to get back to me and finally bought tix in Section AA RowTT. I COUNTED there are around 200 left. As far as St. Mary's a team comparable to us, disciplined but we need to make them feel out of their element . Hopefully the crowd and oil Crusaders can do That!!!!!

Start spreading the news.....

I can picture a lot more walk-ups than we have tickets remaining. A lot more. I hope we don't have to turn people away, but doesnt every venue have a capacity set by the fire inspector?

I think the max that the ARC can officially have is 5,432 based on that exact attendance being posted after a couple of games (Butler, Purdue?) while I was in school.  Of course, I'm sure there are those with insider info on the board who could give a less speculative answer.  Time to defend as the last #1 seed in the NIT. 

You know I am still here and we still follow Valpo from afar  :thumbsup:   

The Assistant Coach at St Mary's was Ryan's coach at The Australian Institute Of Sport so it all makes sense them having so many Aussies on the team.

You know if I found another Rowdy I'd send him to Valpo, we are still looking  :)

Good luck to the team, we will be watching  ;)

Quote from: koala on March 21, 2016, 10:30:20 PM
You know I am still here and we still follow Valpo from afar  :thumbsup:   

The Assistant Coach at St Mary's was Ryan's coach at The Australian Institute Of Sport so it all makes sense them having so many Aussies on the team.

You know if I found another Rowdy I'd send him to Valpo, we are still looking  :)

Good luck to the team, we will be watching  ;)

Great to hear from you koala!  Still following Rowdy and hoping he gets an nba shot real soon.

Quote from: valpotx on March 20, 2016, 11:43:37 PM

Quote from: nkvu on March 20, 2016, 08:42:46 PM
St. Mary's reminds me a bit of Wright State in that they are disciplined on both offense and defence. Bigger up front maybe not as athletic but maybe better at sharing the ball and hitting the open shot. Their point guard is sneaky good and makes good decisions when to go to the rack and when to dish. We will have to get out and really defend the three.

This will be a challenge.  I hope the travel, playing at our place before a big crowd, and an "A" game from Valpo will give us the margin we need to win.

I was thinking this same thing when watching the game, that they are a carbon copy of Wright State.  They are very unathletic, but pass the ball well, and hit their open shots despite bad shooting form (several players).  Georgia's big man was awful, otherwise this game would have been a lot closer.  They missed many bunnies, which wasn't due to the defense, but rather just shooting short/wide.  They played all home games out-of-conference, except for one true road game at Cal.  I think that they will have some jet lag, and not hit the open shots in our gym, like they do in their gym.  Their gaudy 51% FG and 41% 3-pt are probably more due to having the vast majority of their games at home....

Valpo 72
St. Mary's 61

Got to say the bad shooting form of foreign players is something I noted way back in 1972 when I played for the Cambridge club team. Yet sometimes it could still be surprisingly effective. Ultimately it is the result that mattered not the form.

I see that e-ticket sales have been stopped. I can't imagine how loud and crazy the ARC is going to be 15 hours from now.

Quote from: VULB#62 on March 21, 2016, 05:37:49 PMFor me it will be Wednesday as I am in Shanghai, China, but I finally connected to the interweb out here and caught up on the posts.

Ha Ha, you got shanghaied right when the season got the most interesting!

Quote from: valpotx on March 21, 2016, 06:06:09 PMIf we win this game, I am going to the Final Four of the NIT at MSG.  We have an office at 5 Penn Plaza, literally just across the street from MSG.  I can still work each day that way, and attend the games afterwards (assuming that they are at night)

I also have a plan coming together. Although Valpo does need to win first.  ;)

Apparently it is a sellout!  Last night when I checked there were less than 300 seats for sale and this morning the site says "not for sale".  Perhaps they leave some for walk-ups, who knows.  It wouldn't surprise me if they bring in bleachers.  The place should be rockin!!  Now win baby win!!  I may try to put together a NYC trip as well!!   :dance:

The big-attendance Butler games, HL tourney games, etc. included a ton of visitors in the mix. Tonight will be a 5000+ Valpo-only love fest.

The reason I am worried about this game is that SMC is a great 3 point shooting team.  We win because we force teams to shoot a ton outside shots.  We only lose when they actually hit a decent percentage of them.  In both Wright State games, they hit well above their average in 3 point shooting.  Same with the GB loss.

This will be a 3 point game one way or the other.  Hopefully we come out on top.

Quote from: vu72 on March 22, 2016, 07:46:58 AM
Apparently it is a sellout!  Last night when I checked there were less than 300 seats for sale and this morning the site says "not for sale".  Perhaps they leave some for walk-ups, who knows.  It wouldn't surprise me if they bring in bleachers.  The place should be rockin!!  Now win baby win!!  I may try to put together a NYC trip as well!!   :dance:

When I emailed MLB about adding bleachers, his reply on the bleachers that we brought in for the HLT (remember when it used to be at the #1 seed's arena) were done by a private company, had all the safety railings and were judged too expensive for a couple of NIT games. Little did he know how our making the ¼ finals would change all that.

Quote from: VULB#62 on March 22, 2016, 09:01:56 AMWhen I emailed MLB about adding bleachers, his reply on the bleachers that we brought in for the HLT (remember when it used to be at the #1 seed's arena) were done by a private company, had all the safety railings and were judged too expensive for a couple of NIT games. Little did he know how our making the ¼ finals would change all that.

The other issue at hand with that is that the HL originally mandated where bands and students could be located, and our student section didn't fit that mandate. Thus, in order to have one, we had to go to the other end of the arena.

Quote from: wh on March 22, 2016, 03:03:57 AM
I see that e-ticket sales have been stopped. I can't imagine how loud and crazy the ARC is going to be 15 hours from now.

Apparently just a temporary suspension? They're open again now. With about as many tickets remaining as there were last night. CC is basically gone, BB has just part of a row left. But DD has some selection, and maybe still around 200 in AA.

A handful of seats have opened up downstairs as well. Even one court side!

[tweet]712283236915941376[/tweet]

Quote from: agibson on March 22, 2016, 09:32:19 AM

Quote from: wh on March 22, 2016, 03:03:57 AM
I see that e-ticket sales have been stopped. I can't imagine how loud and crazy the ARC is going to be 15 hours from now.

Apparently just a temporary suspension? They're open again now. With about as many tickets remaining as there were last night. CC is basically gone, BB has just part of a row left. But DD has some selection, and maybe still around 200 in AA.

A handful of seats have opened up downstairs as well. Even one court side!

That's odd.  I just did a count and  the five seats that were available in the lower levels are now gone, there are 3 available in CC, 2 in BB, and 6 in DD(all single seats) and 165 in AA.

Quote from: vu72 on March 22, 2016, 09:44:36 AMThat's odd.  I just did a count and  the five seats that were available in the lower levels are now gone, there are 3 available in CC, 2 in BB, and 6 in DD(all single seats) and 165 in AA.

We're getting close. The five downstairs are gone. Eight left across BB, CC, and DD. 70 in AA.

As I posted yesterday regarding having the Sinatra rendition of "New York" ready for post game if we win, someone suggest it to "talksalot" and ML..I can hear the crowd singing along with it "Start spreading the news..."

[tweet]712342897421590528[/tweet]

I am getting excited for this game to be played.  Even though it would be impossible to match the atmosphere when we beat Butler in the HL tourney a few years back, it sounds like it will be close. 

A total of 34 seats left!!

Anyone have any speculations as to why this game in particular is selling so fantastically well? St. Mary's is certainly a respectable mid-major, but we've had other quality opponents here before that did not sell out 6 hours before tipoff (New Mexico, St. Louis), especially on a weeknight. Even the Florida State game last week took a walk-up crowd from the LBAA folks to get the upper corners filled.

Could it be the buzz around the NIT? One last chance to see Vashil and Keith Carter in person? The long period of time between last week's win and tonight's game? Maybe even a well-marketed game by the athletics department?

Quote from: hailcrusaders on March 22, 2016, 02:30:00 PM
Anyone have any speculations as to why this game in particular is selling so fantastically well? St. Mary's is certainly a respectable mid-major, but we've had other quality opponents here before that did not sell out 6 hours before tipoff (New Mexico, St. Louis), especially on a weeknight. Even the Florida State game last week took a walk-up crowd from the LBAA folks to get the upper corners filled.

Could it be the buzz around the NIT? One last chance to see Vashil and Keith Carter in person? The long period of time between last week's win and tonight's game? Maybe even a well-marketed game by the athletics department?

No competition. No high school games. Just this.

If you advance to the final 8 of a tournament, it brings out more fans.  As mentioned on another thread, we packed the stands they open up for women's games, when we hosted Houston for the final 8 of the women's NIT.

Clearly the campus and community are excited about this game and probably so because of ESPN and the chance for the team to go to NYC.  As I've stated before, I think the NIT experience has been better for Valpo then perhaps a one win and done experience in the NCAAs.  Why?  Because it has given the community the chance to realize that Valpo does indeed play D1 basketball, at a high level and perhaps next year some of those folks will come out to watch a few additional games.

A few minutes more then 2 hours till tip off, 9 seats available...

Quote from: valpotx on March 22, 2016, 03:15:55 PM
If you advance to the final 8 of a tournament, it brings out more fans.  As mentioned on another thread, we packed the stands they open up for women's games, when we hosted Houston for the final 8 of the women's NIT.

We were in the final 8 of the women's NIT? I'll have to find that other thread.

Quote from: vu72 on March 22, 2016, 03:54:13 PMA few minutes more then 2 hours till tip off, 9 seats available...

Eight or so between AA and DD, but they did release another 30 in the top of EE, which are available.

Do they just _never_ sell the first three rows (~obstructed view) in the mezzanine? Or maybe they're holding those for walk-ups. It'll be interesting to see what the announced attendance is. And, I'd be fascinated to know if they turn anyone away.

Hopefully they sell the remaining seats, and everything in the student section, and maybe a couple of hundred standing room. And, I suppose I'd be content with the knowledge the last person to come out on the night was the last one we were allowed to let in by the fire code. Want everybody there, and cheering!

[tweet]712345092384759808[/tweet]

Quote from: agibson on March 22, 2016, 03:56:46 PMDo they just _never_ sell the first three rows (~obstructed view) in the mezzanine?

They were pre sold for Purdue in 2010 and Butler in Jan of 2011. I believe those were the last tickets released. Those 2 games were complete sellouts prior to game day.

Hey the fold out bleachers behind the east basket.  All coaches of the athletic department should have their players there to support the bball team.

Quote from: agibson on March 22, 2016, 03:56:46 PMEight or so between AA and DD, but they did release another 30 in the top of EE, which are available.

Still eleven seats remaining! (4:48 PM)

At 4:53 PM I see none in EE, one in DD, three in AA.

FOUR SEATS LEFT AT 5:00!!

Quote from: vu72 on March 22, 2016, 05:01:06 PMFOUR SEATS LEFT AT 5:00!!

5:18 PM - I saw one in EE a second ago. Maybe it's now gone? People can reserve them for, what, almost ten minutes?

Maybe all their listed inventory is gone, but I don't think the first three rows were ever put on offer electronically.

My reporter on the scene says the weather is great.  I would expect the rail to be pretty full.  Listening to WVUR now.

Ticket office: "tickets not available"

Pretty sure that was Scott Drew over in section J, chatting with Paul Oren.

We have missed at least 5 layups and cannot consistently hit our free throws.  St. Mary's is reacting more quickly to the ball than Valpo. We are lucky to be only 2 points down at this point.  Honestly, St. Mary's looks like the better team.  Much crisper and better one-on-one.  Several of our guys look lost.

Vashil has to seriously step up in this game. St. Mary's is getting a bunch of inside baskets.

St. Mary's is just playing their game. Nothing flashy, just efficient.

We have to step it up in the second half.

Encouragement for 2nd half - they can't play any better than they did in the 1st half (look at the stats). We can...

I like our chances.

I have enjoyed watching St. Mary's over the years (of course rooting for the underdog in St. Mary's to beat almighty Gonzaga) but they are a very sound team. They are scrappy and play smart. The ESPN announcers mentioned it at half but Valpo definitely needs to look to push tempo in the 2nd half to get some quicker baskets. Once, St. Mary's D is set up they have played smart against us.

St. Mary's has been impressive with the shot clock winding down as well. Our defense will need to clamp down for those extra 4 or 5 seconds each possession.

Great to see the crowd on ESPN!

Man did they step it up or what!  The defense - WOW!  13 points allowed in the second half. Are you kidding me?

Glenmorangie 18 yr Scotch Whisky tonight.

Phenomenal defensive effort in the second half. Fernandez was sensational and come out big.

Was anyone else reminded of the HL Final vs. Green Bay last year? Struggle early, but gain momentum back just before half, and then the defense absolutely locks down for the 2nd half

Did Vashil Fernandez just go 20 minutes without committing a foul?  Fantastic effort by these guys...they exude a toughness that make me proud to be an alum.

LOVE IT!  Studio guys almost speechless afterward, great love for Valpo and the fan base!  Orange Shirt Kid and I are making plans to head over the bridge next Tuesday!  Our first Valpo game in...several years!

In the prosecution case against VU for committing the offense of having an inadequate gym, I will submit as defense exhibit A the various ESPN camera shots showing both the south stands and the student section.

Paul

Was a total defensive shutdown in the second half. Congrats to the players , coaches, fans really gave [people a great look at VALPO.  Very proud tonight VU. Bold and Gold!

Awesome....  way to go!

Go Valpo!

Just stopping at the food store on my way home. My ears are still ringing from the noise and I don't mind in the slightest. I will remember tonight for a very long time! Go Valpo!

Quote from: atkins on March 22, 2016, 06:39:21 PM
We have missed at least 5 layups and cannot consistently hit our free throws.  St. Mary's is reacting more quickly to the ball than Valpo. We are lucky to be only 2 points down at this point.  Honestly, St. Mary's looks like the better team.  Much crisper and better one-on-one.  Several of our guys look lost.

I believe St Mary's travel from California got to them in the 2nd half. They couldn't hit a tech geek in Google's courtyard.

Anyone watch the halftime show of the Creighton @ BYU game? Valpo getting a lot praise for their defensive effort!! Compulsively bought tickets  for MSG, looks like a 6 hr train ride down to NYC from VT!

Quote from: historyman on March 22, 2016, 08:35:19 PM

Quote from: atkins on March 22, 2016, 06:39:21 PM
We have missed at least 5 layups and cannot consistently hit our free throws.  St. Mary's is reacting more quickly to the ball than Valpo. We are lucky to be only 2 points down at this point.  Honestly, St. Mary's looks like the better team.  Much crisper and better one-on-one.  Several of our guys look lost.

I believe St Mary's travel from California got to them in the 2nd half. They couldn't hit a tech geek in Google's courtyard.

Depth and relative inflexibility hurt them, as well. They do their "thing" pretty well until they get tired or someone adjusts relatively effectively (or both, of course).

Saw LeCrone at the game again tonight, and at least this time he was sporting a Valpo color by wearing a brown sport coat. Once more, though, it was enjoyable that he had to be present and reminded what the HL missed by not having the tournament at Valparaiso. More exciting and engaging atmosphere, which also better showcased the Horizon League and its best team in front of a national audience: HL Detroit tourney or all three Valpo NIT games?

Quote from: hailcrusaders on March 22, 2016, 07:59:08 PMWas anyone else reminded of the HL Final vs. Green Bay last year? Struggle early, but gain momentum back just before half, and then the defense absolutely locks down for the 2nd half

Absolutely, the last play of the 1st half was the same one we ran against Green Bay.  Green Bay two defenders went to the arch for Peters and Carter threw it to Vashil for the dunk.  Tonight, they stayed home and Peters hit the 3 pointer.  Bother games ended with scoring baskets at the final seconds.

I was there, hell of a game.  Alec really took the leadership role with about one minute to go before the end of the halftime.  He had everyone around him and it sure as hell looked like he was giving a "Come to Jesus" speech.  Whatever happened in that halftime, the switch got flipped.

Looking forward to New York...

Brian

ARC looked fantastic on ESPN.  Vashil and K. Carter's last game in the ARC.  Homer and Scott in the crowd.  Great prayer led by Coach Powell with a lot of fans.  Doesn't get better nor are there very many places all this can go down at. 

Never saw a more dominant 2nd Half against a quality team like I saw tonight. OUTSTANDING!!!

Now lets hope San Diego State can win tomorrow night and give us a shot at the early game in MSG !

March 22, 2016
MBK | NIT Quarterfinals - Postgame Quotes

Saint Mary's 44, Valparaiso 60
Tuesday, March 22, 2016  •  Valparaiso, Ind.

Saint Mary's Head Coach Randy Bennett
On scoring just 13 second half points:  "Some of it was defense.  Some of it was just us.  We had too many guys that had poor performances, offensively.  We haven't had anything like that all year.  Some of it was their big kid blocking shots.  I thought he was the most important player for them tonight.  He can protect the rim.  He made some plays and we got hesitant.  We were not very good offensively in the second half.  You have to make shots in a game like this.  You are playing a good team on the road in a true road game, out of region.  It is a tough game.  You have to play tough.  You have to make the tough shots.  We weren't tough enough in the second half, or good enough."
Was fatigue a factor?  "I don't think so.  We played well in the first half.  I think we didn't play well enough in the second half.  We were up seven (point) with a minute to go in the first half.  Then, we got outscored (something like) 12-zip between that and the first four minutes of the second half.  We dug ourselves a hole.  We had a chance to get back in it.  But, you have to make shots.  I can search and look at everything.  At then end of the day, thing I am going to come back to is that you can't score 13 points against Valpo in a half and expect to come out on top.  Why that happened, I'm not sure.  Some of it was (the fact that) they are good around the basket.  They kept us from getting easy layups.  Some of it was that we missed some easy shots.  Thank goodness (Stefan) Gonzalez could hit a couple."
Describe Valpo's Alec Peters:  "He is a good player.  He is a lot like a player in our confernece, (Kyle) Wiltjer.  He will be a really good player next year (as a senior).  They do a good job of using him.  They get him shots.  They post him, bring him off screens."
Does a game like this leave a bitter feeling, especially being the final game of the season?  "Yes.  We had an incredible season.  I told our guys that.  I just thanked them.  We had an unbelievable year.  Not just that we won.  It was about how good of a group they are.  How good of teammates they were to each other.  We have had really good teams and really tight teams.  We haven't had a better team in terms of being teammates, being cohesive, unselfish.  We aren't going to deny we stunk in the second half.  But, yes it is a bitter feeling.  To score only 13 in the second half and not make a game of it, we are better than that.  I assure you, we are better than that.  You want to leave your best effort, best performance, out there if you are going to get beat.  We just didn't do that in the second half.  In the first half, we played pretty well."
Is this the kind of games that mid-majors should be able to play more often?  "I was just thinking about this the other day.  We used to have the Bracketbuster.  This would be a great Bracketbuster-type game.  We used to play those games, but they don't have that any longer.  So, I kind of miss that.  We played Creighton in the Bracketbuster.  We played Kent State.  We played some good teams from out of our region.  You just aren't going to get those games very often.  Valpo comes out to Saint Mary's and we come out here.  It just doesn't happen.  You are more likely to play somebody from your region.  These are the cool games.  I just wish we could have played a little better for

Sounds like Coach Bennett is similar to Coach Turgeon.  The fact of the matter was that we are not Georgia, and will adapt to your little backdoor passing scheme.  You aren't going to get uncontested layups against us for 40 minutes, like you did in that game.

It was said a few times on the broadcast, but we set an attendance record of 5,444!  What a fun game to watch, even when we were down.  I will be booking my tickets to NYC in the morning, and am looking forward to yelling down the large contingent of BYU fans that will undoubtedly be at MSG.

Alec Peters also gave a fantastic interview in the postgame.  I am beginning to think that even if Bryce does leave, that he will stay at Valpo.  He seems to have a large chip on his shoulder from bigger schools saying that he was not going to be anything special.  I imagine that he is very happy that he didn't choose Boston College, though they would have been a much different team this year with him.  It seems counter to his statements for him to turnaround and leave for a Power 5 team.

Alec Peters with a really nice interview with the broadcast team moments after the game.  On the one hand, he came across as an intelligent, high-character young man -- represented the university very well.  On the other hand, what a great reward for Alec -- a significant amount face time on the main ESPN channel during prime time ... very much a "big-time program" experience for a student athlete who is otherwise under the radar at a mid-major school like Valpo.

Quote from: valpopal on March 22, 2016, 09:29:44 PM
Saw LeCrone at the game again tonight, and at least this time he was sporting a Valpo color by wearing a brown sport coat. Once more, though, it was enjoyable that he had to be present and reminded what the HL missed by not having the tournament at Valparaiso. More exciting and engaging atmosphere, which also better showcased the Horizon League and its best team in front of a national audience: HL Detroit tourney or all three Valpo NIT games?

You hit the nail on the head again Pal. Too bad Detroit was chosen but I presume HL must need $$$ pretty badly with Butler Final 4 money to league drying up.  League "sold out" to get a few bucks. Sad. We need to move on sooner rather than later when there is an opportunity. Strike while iron is hot! And please BOD move up timetable to reno ARC. A face-lift would help advance MBB and help garner more favorable VU pub in media.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using Tapatalk

Quote from: oklahomamick on March 22, 2016, 09:49:45 PMARC looked fantastic on ESPN.  Vashil and K. Carter's last game in the ARC.  Homer and Scott in the crowd.  Great prayer led by Coach Powell with a lot of fans.  Doesn't get better nor are there very many places all this can go down at.

And to top it off, the home run play.  How fitting

Quote from: oklahomamick on March 22, 2016, 09:49:45 PM
ARC looked fantastic on ESPN.  Vashil and K. Carter's last game in the ARC.  Homer and Scott in the crowd.  Great prayer led by Coach Powell with a lot of fans.  Doesn't get better nor are there very many places all this can go down at. 

I don't think you would have seen a prayer circle as that at any place but Valpo with the preacher leading the congregation and a hearty "AMEN" at the end.

Since I started following the team again in 1998 I've got to say that no "projects" have done more than Vasil. He has become a FORCE on defence and has added a bit of offense too. I am so happy for him I can't tell you.

Quote from: bmlvu97 on March 22, 2016, 09:40:14 PM
I was there, hell of a game.  Alec really took the leadership role with about one minute to go before the end of the halftime.  He had everyone around him and it sure as hell looked like he was giving a "Come to Jesus" speech.  Whatever happened in that halftime, the switch got flipped.

Looking forward to New York...

Brian

I think in some way Alec says: "I don't know about you guys but I didn't come this far to lose. We can beat this team if we play like we are capable of playing. Now let's do what we are capable of doing. If you can't score give me the ball!!!!

We held them 14 points below their previously lowest scoring game of the season.

Was out of my room all day here in China, plus could not get to any online info about the game until I got back around 5:30 PM.  Because it was already Wednesday here when the ball was tipped off in Indiana,  I could have told you all that Valpo won before the first basket was scored. But I didn't want to spoil the drama and excitement.

Actually I was on pins and needles all day here and when I got back to the hotel went right to my iPad and the Valpo Athletics site. I thought that the story was a misprint -- held SMC to 13 points in the second half???  Impossible, musta been 31.  So happy when I realized w it was just 13 freakin points!

On to MSG!

BTW, did they play New York, New York over the PA?

Quote from: wh on March 23, 2016, 03:18:50 AMBTW, did they play New York, New York over the PA?

I believe that is what they played along with some modern song about NYC. Since standing in different places in the ARC means you might not be able to hear what is being played. The nice culmination of the season is that the students stormed the court (the brits call it a "court invasion" or in soccer a "pitch invasion") So when it was time for the prayer circle, the players invited in all the students and it was a circle almost as big as the full court. "Preacher" went on and gave a prayer with a loud "amen" at the end.

Quote from: VULB#62 on March 23, 2016, 05:30:58 AM

On to MSG!

BTW, did they play New York, New York over the PA?

No, not "New York, New York," but they played some other song about New York.  Of course, being unfamiliar with pop songs for the last thirty years, I didn't recognize it.  They turned off the music so those in the court-sized prayer circle could hear. I'm not a big one for public displays of faith, but I have to say it was pretty cool, and I joined the "amen" at the end.

Quote from: humbleopinion on March 23, 2016, 05:50:47 AM

Quote from: VULB#62 on March 23, 2016, 05:30:58 AM

On to MSG!

BTW, did they play New York, New York over the PA?

No, not "New York, New York," but they played some other song about New York.  Of course, being unfamiliar with pop songs for the last thirty years, I didn't recognize it.  They turned off the music so those in the court-sized prayer circle could hear. I'm not a big one for public displays of faith, but I have to say it was pretty cool, and I joined the "amen" at the end.

Pretty much just played the chorus from the above mentioned Alicia Keyes arrangement.

Quote from: FWalum on March 23, 2016, 07:48:24 AM
Pretty much just played the chorus from the above mentioned Alicia Keyes arrangement.

Probably a lot more familiar for the players, if not as good for singing along. They followed it with some numbers maybe more familiar to the chair backs.

Quote from: oklahomamick on March 22, 2016, 09:49:45 PM
ARC looked fantastic on ESPN.  Vashil and K. Carter's last game in the ARC.  Homer and Scott in the crowd.  Great prayer led by Coach Powell with a lot of fans.  Doesn't get better nor are there very many places all this can go down at. 

I'm still in this "afterglow" period trying to wring out every drop of good feeling from last night.  ;)

Could someone talk about the TV coverage?
Could you get a sense of how loud the ARC was?  Were there a lot of positive things said about Valpo?  What was said about how we completely shut down SM's offense in the 2nd half?  Any specific compliments about any of our players?  Any other good stuff...

Congrats, and good luck at MSG! What a dominating performance in the second half.

 Just left the alumni office. They are feverishly working, trying to put together packages for hotels and such around Madison Square Garden. Contact them ASAP if you need any help!

Quote from: mb230611 on March 23, 2016, 09:05:58 AM
Congrats, and good luck at MSG! What a dominating performance in the second half.

Thanks!  I will be pulling for Oakland big time in Las Vegas next Monday.  We're all on the same team in the OOC and post season.  :thumbsup:

Quote from: humbleopinion on March 23, 2016, 05:50:47 AM

Quote from: VULB#62 on March 23, 2016, 05:30:58 AM

On to MSG!

BTW, did they play New York, New York over the PA?

No, not "New York, New York," but they played some other song about New York.  Of course, being unfamiliar with pop songs for the last thirty years, I didn't recognize it.  They turned off the music so those in the court-sized prayer circle could hear. I'm not a big one for public displays of faith, but I have to say it was pretty cool, and I joined the "amen" at the end.

Actually, they did play "New York, New York" after the prayer circle, and it sounded great as those in my section sang along!

I'm watching the Replay... Dakich was very positive about the whole team.  Good conversation about Power teams not coming to places like Valpo...

To the comment it felt like UWGB final last year, absolutely was making the comment to my fraternity brother the last minute of the half. If we can go in down 1 poss, we'll be good.  St Mary's 3 pt attempts of only 4/8 1st half, 1/11 2d half.  They average 21 3FGA/gm and average 8 made.  We denied the 3 in the first half ok but were giving up inside layups too much.  Adjustment made on interior and denied 3FGAs as well.  That was what was very impressive the recovery to make 3s difficult Naar was neutralized. 

If Bennett wants more Bracketbuster type games, then maybe ask Valpo for home and homes alternating yearly or similar to what we did with Belmont this year.  If SMC is going to be a perennial 22-25 win team, that would help our RPI/other schedule rankings.  This is the creativity that we talked about a couple weeks ago. The stronger mids can achieve similar strength of schedule results as the Big East by scheduling these strong teams pre-conf.   For the stat people, would a split with St Mary's have helped our rankings more than a split with IPFW/Ball St?  Maybe some teams would like to create a cross-country mid-major tournament (St Mary's, Gonzaga, Valpo, Belmont, VCU, Northern Iowa and Wichita State for example).. Finally, hopefully, being in Final 4 of NIT gets us an invite to Preseason NIT.

St Mary's also deserved that NCAA bid over Tulsa or Vandy.  They had a tremendous year and again although the result is disappointing for them now, their accomplishments should be recognized.  Look they beat a Sweet 16 team 2x!

We had about 12 fraternity brothers and spouses from our era attend the game last night. For many it was their first game of the year and maybe since United Center games.  They will come out for the big events.  Many drove in from Chicagoland area on a Tuesday night.  It was great atmosphere and in terms of was this the biggest game held at ARC?  Would say it ranks with win over ND, 1995 Mid-Con Championship game versus Western Illinois to start the ascendency, Broekhoff shot game, last year's championship game, Butler win.

Came from Wisconsin last night hàd a great time . This team will  compeat in MSG !!

[tweet]712670029893001216[/tweet]

Looking at the post-season....

we beat the Texas Southern TIGERS...

The last time we played a Tiger-team, was Missouri, last year.  The last time we Beat a tiger-team was Pacific Univ in the Big Island Invitational in 1997-98, we won 75-73.  Against current D-1 Tiger teams... we are 3-4 lifetime, (0-4 to Mizzou, 2-0 to Pacific and 1-0 to Texas Southern).  We have never played:   Auburn, Clemson, Grambling, Jackson State, LSU, Memphis, Princetion, Savannah State, Tennessee State or Towson.


Seminoles
There's only one... and we have beaten the Florida State team both times we've played them. 

Gaels:
There are two teams in the country with the "Gaels" as the mascot... we are 2-0 against them this year...Iona and St. Mary's.


Up next... Cougars...
This year we are 1-0 against a cougar-"team"... (Team in quotes because I wasn't sure if Chicago State counted).  We are 1-1 against BYU lifetime.  January 5, 1945 BYU came to Hilltop and Valpo won 72-58.  They came back December 10, 1948 and BYU won 62-57.  We have played the Houston Cougars 5 times, we are 1-4, including one game in the CBI in Houston a few years ago.  We are 32-3 against Chicago State.  Three D-1 Cougar teams we have not played:   College of Charleston, SIU-Edwardsville and Washington State

Couple points:

* SMC was like a slow-paced Belmont - their first half play reminded me of Belmont's second game vs us. Lots of ball movement, forcing our bigs out to the perimeter, and forcing a pass to the inside once the double team came. I think we did a great job countering this by bringing in Jubril to double while Vashil stayed in the block. Offensively, we looked like a mess with this configuration, but it did the job.
* The bench was outscored 6-15, but Valpo still won by 16. This is the fewest bench points since Ball State (4 points... We didn't really have a bench that game). We also had 6 bench points vs URI. This is the first time this year only 1 bench player scored (Tevonn).
* SMC had fewer points in the 2nd half than Texas A&M did in the final 40 seconds of the UNI tournament game.
* Storming the court was kind of stupid, but I guess it makes up for not storming after the 2013 and 2015 championship games.
* Saint Mary's looked awful in the second half. One of the worst halves of basketball I've ever seen. Play people on the road - you're in San Francisco. 1 road game for a mid major is ridiculous.

While I am not promoting the storming of the court....   it does play well on tv and probably gets a little more coverage

Go Valpo!

Quote from: a3uge on March 23, 2016, 12:46:14 PM* SMC was like a slow-paced Belmont - their first half play reminded me of Belmont's second game vs us. Lots of ball movement, forcing our bigs out to the perimeter, and forcing a pass to the inside once the double team came. I think we did a great job countering this by bringing in Jubril to double while Vashil stayed in the block. Offensively, we looked like a mess with this configuration, but it did the job.

Good observation. Thankfully we figured things out, and their backdoor cuts and such didn't tear us up quite to the extent of Belmont's.

Quote
* Storming the court was kind of stupid, but I guess it makes up for not storming after the 2013 and 2015 championship games.

Maybe. It did seem like they deliberately allowed it, "roping off" the bleachers and chairbacks as usual, but leaving the student section unrestricted access. There was a _lot_ of energy in the room - it seemed OK to me.

I was a little disappointed that they didn't cut down the nets. Finishing the ARC-hosted tournament rounds, it seems appropriate to me. And, we've not had another chance this year (yet - I assume the winner _will_ do it at MSG).  They actually got out a ladder at one point and had it set up under the east basket. But, the AD came over and had it taken down. Not sure if the coaching staff preferred not to do it, or what. But, it was fun to hang out on the court and mingle, etc. anyway.

Lots of past Valpo greats in the house.

Quote from: a3uge on March 23, 2016, 12:46:14 PM* The bench was outscored 6-15, but Valpo still won by 16. This is the fewest bench points since Ball State (4 points... We didn't really have a bench that game). We also had 6 bench points vs URI. This is the first time this year only 1 bench player scored (Tevonn).

I wonder how bench minutes compared? A number of starting players seemed above their average, with Alec notably playing all twenty of the opening stanza.

Still, you'd think with 34 minutes between Jubril, Skara, and E Vic, we normally get a couple of buckets.

Quote* SMC had fewer points in the 2nd half than Texas A&M did in the final 40 seconds of the UNI tournament game.

Nice!

I had to be in Milwaukee for some business today, so I flew in early and drove down and went to the game with a friend. Incredibly fun and loved the environment.

Several observations:
-We sat six rows behind the Saint Mary's bench (first time buying tickets off Stubhub for a Valpo game). Watched various parts of the replay last night and it never ceases to amaze me how much I look like a dork on camera.
-That was the most orderly court storming that I have ever seen. It was very much like, "lets go on the floor and celebrate, but go in rows of two and be very respectful". Not sure that I agree with storming the court for an NIT quarterfinal win, but very glad the students were having fun.
-The giant prayer circle with the players and students might normally bother me a bit, but I thought that it was fine. It was clear that people could join or not join on their own accord. Powell does seem like a good leader.
-Did Valpo ever cut down the nets?  They had the ladder out and we walked out of the stadium thinking that they were going to cut it down, but then had Peters and Fernandez come by us to go to the locker room as we were walking out. I hope that they saved that for later, but can't blame the players if they were just enjoying the moment.
-Was this really Vashil's last home game?  I feel that I have heard that before (smile).

A previous poster mentioned the scheduling issues that mid-majors face. Frankly, an interesting idea would be to have as many as eight top mid-major teams play a complete single round robin in the regular season. If Valpo, Monmouth, Saint Mary's, Wichita State, Northern Iowa, Iona, etc. all played each other in the nonconference, there would no longer be a scheduling issue. Call it the 'Mid-Major Champions League".

Quote from: Smj on March 23, 2016, 01:03:02 PM
While I am not promoting the storming of the court....   it does play well on tv and probably gets a little more coverage

Go Valpo!

The fanbase is really embracing this NIT thing. The record crowd, court storming... Seems a bit much too me, but I'm glad we can end the season on a bit happier note. These games don't make me nervous or glad. Perhaps the championship game would change my approach, but doing anything short of winning the NIT feels irrelevant.

I mentioned after a game earlier this year that this team at its best is one of the rare groups with which it is almost as enjoyable to watch on defense as when they are on offense. At the time, I compared the experience of observing their defensive play to that I liked so much of the 1985 Chicago Bears' stifling defense. Last night's second half was a perfect example!

Quote from: a3uge on March 23, 2016, 01:19:32 PM

Quote from: Smj on March 23, 2016, 01:03:02 PM
While I am not promoting the storming of the court....   it does play well on tv and probably gets a little more coverage

Go Valpo!

The fanbase is really embracing this NIT thing. The record crowd, court storming... Seems a bit much too me, but I'm glad we can end the season on a bit happier note. These games don't make me nervous or glad. Perhaps the championship game would change my approach, but doing anything short of winning the NIT feels irrelevant.

Irrelevant....   That is kinda harsh - this will look great on the players' resumes if any decide to play (or work in sports)  after school.   .....   

*sarcasm*  As long as their resume is being reviewed by someone that is not part of the NCAA selection committee - I question if they can even read....  [emoji12]

Go Valpo!

Quote from: vu84v2 on March 23, 2016, 01:13:17 PM-Did Valpo ever cut down the nets?  They had the ladder out and we walked out of the stadium thinking that they were going to cut it down, but then had Peters and Fernandez come by us to go to the locker room as we were walking out. I hope that they saved that for later, but can't blame the players if they were just enjoying the moment.

I don't think they did. They took down the ladder pretty early on. The players actually didn't stay out _too_ long - some had to go to the press conference, and everybody for the team meeting they put up on YouTube. Chandler came back out, but I'm not sure if any of the other players did. I stuck around until... maybe 8:20 PM or so, soaking in the atmosphere. All three assistant coaches did come back out. Who knows, maybe the festivities kept going for a while and other players came back out, etc - I certainly didn't close the place down.

Quote
A previous poster mentioned the scheduling issues that mid-majors face. Frankly, an interesting idea would be to have as many as eight top mid-major teams play a complete single round robin in the regular season. If Valpo, Monmouth, Saint Mary's, Wichita State, Northern Iowa, Iona, etc. all played each other in the nonconference, there would no longer be a scheduling issue. Call it the 'Mid-Major Champions League".

Sort of a mini-conference within the non-conference. Challenging to schedule, with travel considerations, etc. but it does seem like a nice idea. You'd have inevitable jostling about who belonged and who didn't, whether members are permanent or not (promotion and relegation discussions from the soccer fans), etc. But, maybe something could be worked out. Sort of a conference challenge on steroids.

I really like the concept of a conference within a conference but the selection of who belongs could end up to be the same as the NCAA selection committee.........

Go Valpo!

Quote from: vu84v2 on March 23, 2016, 01:13:17 PMA previous poster mentioned the scheduling issues that mid-majors face. Frankly, an interesting idea would be to have as many as eight top mid-major teams play a complete single round robin in the regular season. If Valpo, Monmouth, Saint Mary's, Wichita State, Northern Iowa, Iona, etc. all played each other in the nonconference, there would no longer be a scheduling issue. Call it the 'Mid-Major Champions League".

Or.........call it a new conference! Conference of Champions, or...........the Wheaties Conference!

From 2013:

Analyzing the Saint Mary's sanctions
By Andy Katz | March 1, 2013 2:31:31 PM PST

On Friday, Saint Mary's was hit with probation, a failure to monitor charge and an overall label that it acted in disregard for NCAA rules in terms of workouts and recruiting for international players.

But the penalties, when really examined, lack teeth, and the NCAA committee on infractions needs to think going forward about how the penalties are handed down.


Elsa/Getty Images
Randy Bennett has some work to do in order to repair Saint Mary's reputation after sanctions.
The unethical recruiting could have carried a show-cause penalty for head coach Randy Bennett since the report stated that he knew of the actions -- impermissible workouts, benefits and travel arrangements -- of a former assistant coach. That's why he received the charge of a failure to monitor and promote an atmosphere of compliance.

Here are some of the problems with the penalties handed down Friday by the committee on infractions after the Saint Mary's hearing on Dec. 14 in Indianapolis:

• Bennett was given a five-game penalty for the start of the 2013-14 season. This has the potential to sting the Gaels, especially if the Gaels draw BYU or Gonzaga early in the WCC.

Former UConn coach Jim Calhoun, former Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl, Central Florida's Donnie Jones, Baylor's Scott Drew and Marquette's Buzz Williams all had to miss conference games for violations either attached to them or an assistant coach in the past three years. Missing conference games hits the coach and program harder.

• Bennett cannot recruit off campus for the 2013-14 season. That could hurt, but Bennett has done international recruiting more than any other coach and doesn't necessarily have to go abroad to secure players now that he has a pipeline to Australia. The Australian Institute of Sport knows Bennett and his program and would have no issue sending players to Saint Mary's without seeing him in the summer.

• Reducing scholarships from 13 to 11 for 2014-15 and 2015-16. This one could carry harsh ramifications for the Gaels since a program like Saint Mary's does need to stockpile talent.

• No foreign tour until 2017-18. The COI said on a conference call Friday that this was done to hit one four-year class coming into Saint Mary's. Fair enough, but it won't dramatically hurt the program.

• No multiteam event until 2015-16. The COI said later on in the call that if there is an existing contract, then Saint Mary's can still play in the event, but will add a year to the penalty. Well, Saint Mary's is in the Diamond Head Classic in 2013 and intends to play. Saint Mary's has been conservative in scheduling, so this may not be as much of a hit since the Gaels tend to shy away from big-time games. Saint Mary's was in Anaheim last November.

• No skill instruction in the preseason for 2013-14 and 2014-15. This penalty is a result of the impermissible workouts. The COI said on the call that the players can still work out, but not with the coaches. This one doesn't make sense. If the coaches can't work out their own players in the summer (a new rule last year), preseason or spring, then it hurts only the players and their relationship with the coaches. The players are still going to work out, but someone else will take their spot, and that person could be related to an agent or put the Gaels back facing a similar issue again. The Gaels lose Matthew Dellavedova after the season, and the need to develop a new point guard is key.

In polling four other programs that know the Saint Mary's program well, the general consensus was the penalties weren't strong enough, and if any one of them could really hurt, the reduction in scholarships may be it. An official from one program said the ability for Saint Mary's to recover will depend on how it deals with funding to stay at a high level in the sport. But the perception of committing violations will be a stigma for Saint Mary's and Bennett.

He was a name for USC and has always been a hot commodity. Bennett has coached plenty of pro players and has made Saint Mary's a regional contender and a team in contention for an NCAA bid nearly every season. But this will sting and follow him going forward. He has had universal support at the school because men's basketball is the money sport and the one that has given the school a name. By sticking with him going forward, Bennett will have to repair his and the school's image by winning without any more drama.

So, did these take effect as scheduled? I don't remember anyone mentioning they were on 11 scholarships when we played.

Quote from: agibson on March 24, 2016, 08:16:45 AM
So, did these the effect as scheduled? I don't remember anyone mentioning they were on 11 scholarships when we played.

I guess that's why I posted the article. Apparently, none of us knew anything about cute little St. Mary's College being investigated and found guilty of serious recruiting violations, in fact serious enough that Andy Katz thought they got off too lightly.  As to your comment about number of scholarship players, they have a 13-player roster -11 scholarship players and 2 walk-ons - Biebel and Hermanson.   

Quote from: wh on March 24, 2016, 09:19:06 AM

Quote from: agibson on March 24, 2016, 08:16:45 AM
So, did these the effect as scheduled? I don't remember anyone mentioning they were on 11 scholarships when we played.

I guess that's why I posted the article. Apparently, none of us knew anything about cute little St. Mary's College being investigated and found guilty of serious recruiting violations, in fact serious enough that Andy Katz thought they got off too lightly.  As to your comment about number of scholarship players, they have a 13-player roster -11 scholarship players and 2 walk-ons - Biebel and Hermanson.   

It's true we don't normally get in-depth scouting reports in the media. The best, when we get them, seem to come from generous opposing fans.

Valpo tried to set up something with St Mary's a few years back and the good folks out west wanted nothing to do it with it then.  Maybe their feelings have changed since then.

Does the Australian Institute of Sport still remember little Valpo?  We could use a strong power forward to spell Jubril next year. He is going to need a breather on occasion.