It's the regular season finale tomorrow and Drake's senior day. Let's play spoiler.
No Marty on the Drake trip? ??? Still deal with the back issue or is it something else?
https://twitter.com/ValpoBasketball/status/967134500282134528
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/967135303482867715
Also President Heckler is making the trip to Drake which is interesting. Checking out the Knapp Center to see how it was renovated? A guy can dream lol.
Quote from: VU2014 on February 23, 2018, 04:29:29 PM
No Marty on the Drake trip? ??? Still deal with the back issue or is it something else?
https://twitter.com/ValpoBasketball/status/967134500282134528
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/967135303482867715
Also President Heckler is making the trip to Drake which is interesting. Checking out the Knapp Center to see how it was renovated? A guy can dream lol.
Pretty sure President Heckler doesn't know one end of a basketball from the other. Imagine he just had nothing else to do. ;)
The weather in Des Moines is icy rain but I will try to make it to the Knapp. Are any of you going to be there? If so, should we take Heckler out for a beer at Jethros after we win?
It should be remembered that President Heckler was a theater instructor when he taught in college. I imagine that he along with many other arts instructors/professors would get upset when funding was diverted from the arts to athletics as has happened in many college and university settings. I understand that there is an opposite point of view for every debate and that some of us need to look through the eyes of the opposite side of the debate.
Are we trying to change a university that has never had a history of much athletic spending?
I imagine there are donors out there.
Valpo 76-70 winners
Vegas line started at drake -1. It's now at -4.
Marty worth 3 points? 🤔
Quote from: bbtds on February 24, 2018, 08:52:47 AM
It should be remembered that President Heckler was a theater instructor when he taught in college. I imagine that he along with many other arts instructors/professors would get upset when funding was diverted from the arts to athletics as has happened in many college and university settings. I understand that there is an opposite point of view for every debate and that some of us need to look through the eyes of the opposite side of the debate.
Are we trying to change a university that has never had a history of much athletic spending?
Good question. It is a good thing we could buy that hospital site for expired green stamps! Otherwise we would have blown our history!
The Knapp Center is a similar arena with the bleachers in the endzone of the court. I've seen some people complain about their arena but I think it's not bad at all.
I feel like I'm watching a video from the 90's. The Drake video picture quality is less then ideal.
Smits is playing really well. 8 pts so far.
Quote from: VU2014 on February 24, 2018, 02:18:12 PM
I feel like I'm watching a video from the 90's. The Drake video picture quality is less then ideal.
Was going to say the same thing. Didn't the MVC make Valpo upgrade all this video equipment once they joined? How does Drake get away with this.
I want to know who pushed the "it's time to suck" button on the Valpo bench?
What is with this team and 5-7-8 minute scoring droughts? :'(
Awful! It's amazing we're tied 30-30 right now. We were up by 14 at one point.
Quote from: a3uge on February 24, 2018, 02:34:33 PM
Quote from: VU2014 on February 24, 2018, 02:18:12 PM
I feel like I'm watching a video from the 90's. The Drake video picture quality is less then ideal.
Was going to say the same thing. Didn't the MVC make Valpo upgrade all this video equipment once they joined? How does Drake get away with this.
Not sure but the quality is awful. Maybe because they're a founding member. The MVC offices made us spend $600,000 to upgrade our equipment and before that our video broadcast were never this poor of quality.
Quote from: VU2014 on February 24, 2018, 02:51:49 PM
What is with this team and 5-7-8 minute scoring droughts? :'(
Awful! It's amazing we're tied 30-30 right now. We were up by 14 at one point.
Scoring droughts are from Valpo not being able to score in the half court. Once Drake started making shots, they were able to get set on defense. Valpo needs to have some sense of urgency; too much standing around.
Going away from the hot shooting Smits and poor shot selection sure didn't help.
Is it just me or has Micah Bradford looked a lot better the past few games?
Quote from: bbtds on February 24, 2018, 08:52:47 AM
It should be remembered that President Heckler was a theater instructor when he taught in college. I imagine that he along with many other arts instructors/professors would get upset when funding was diverted from the arts to athletics as has happened in many college and university settings. I understand that there is an opposite point of view for every debate and that some of us need to look through the eyes of the opposite side of the debate.
Are we trying to change a university that has never had a history of much athletic spending?
I wanted to chime in that I was a theater major in college and was an actor for much of the first half of my life. My last competitive game of basketball was in 8th grade.
Horrible foul call on golders block!!!!!
You've got to be kidding me! Golder's block was clean!
Zebras keeping Drake in the game.
If Golder fouls out I'm going to be really frustrated.
1) block was clean
2) charge wasn't a charge
Feeling for golder....very surprised he's been able to keep emotions in check.
Clean block = foul
50/50 play = charge
A touch foul
Then he gets a lose ball and they trip him = jump ball = drake possession
All in 3 minutes
1. Pull Sorolla
2. MAKE YOUR FREE THROWS!
Unbelievable that Sorolla got fouled and ball went to drake.
Nice win. We seem to be playing much more confidently.
Bradford has been looking nice at the point.
Thank goodness someone on the Drake side is dumber than we were. We leave Timmer totally unguarded for a three then they call a timeout they don't have. Incredible!
But finally, a road win, and our bigs played well.
Glad we eked out a win after trying so hard to blow it. Obviously this season has been a disappointment, but it's good to get some positive momentum going heading into St. Louis.
I don't think I like the 1-3-1 when we're trying to protect a lead late against a team with a 3 pt sharpshooter like Timmer. Too many openings outside the arc.
Was Drake the only team we swept? Odd considering they've done pretty well this year. Guess we just match up well.
Quote from: oklahomamick on February 24, 2018, 03:42:35 PM
Feeling for golder....very surprised he's been able to keep emotions in check.
Clean block = foul
50/50 play = charge
A touch foul
Then he gets a lose ball and they trip him = jump ball = drake possession
All in 3 minutes
Think it helps when it's the refs that are seemingly against him. He's worse when an opponent trash talks, he doesn't keep it in check then as well.
We won a road game swept Drake, and And went 5-5 against the top half of the Valley. I'd say that's an okay first year showing all things considered. Remember we lost 5 MVC gamesby 7 points or less. We really are right there and our arrow is pointing way up. Coach Lottich was right. Don't let the record fool you we're a tough and dangerous team. I just hope we make the postseason.
I was at the game and that is a very happy Crusader team that spoiled Drake's senior day. I met President Heckler and Mark LB after the game and was extremely impressed.
Also, Smits offensively was great, although Drake's inside game was reallly lacking.
Glad I could tune in to the TV coverage. Very nice win and kudos for holding it together in the end. Our bigs are still pretty satisfied with just getting back on defense but not fighting for rebounding position once the shot goes up. Jay is more active than Derrik, but they both have to be more aggressive in establishing their territory after they drop back from a top of the key dbl-team.
Quote from: usc4valpo on February 24, 2018, 05:04:22 PMI was at the game and that is a very happy Crusader team that spoiled Drake's senior day. I met President Heckler and Mark LB after the game and was extremely impressed.
Does this mean greater commitment to athletics and moving our programs forward is going to happen? President Heckler had to be impresed by what he saw.
I wish we'd run more screen and roll with the bigs. Get some easy buckets or some trips to the line.
The refs really tried to will Drake to victory in the final 10 minutes. Some really brutal calls, like the clean Golder block, the Golder charge, the jump ball call, and then that out of bounds sequence with Sorolla, which the refs saw on replay, and THEN decided to call Valpo for a foul on a three in the same possession. Really embarrassing showing from the guys in stripes.
One thing that was evident - Valpo has more raw talent than a Drake. but Reed Timber played his heart out in his last home game.
Also, Valpo should look at the Knapp Center as a great multi purpose facility for a similarly sized university. It an excellent place to watch basketball and the pep band is really good.
Maybe that is why MH was there. ::)
Quote from: Pgmado on February 24, 2018, 03:24:55 PM
Quote from: bbtds on February 24, 2018, 08:52:47 AM
It should be remembered that President Heckler was a theater instructor when he taught in college. I imagine that he along with many other arts instructors/professors would get upset when funding was diverted from the arts to athletics as has happened in many college and university settings. I understand that there is an opposite point of view for every debate and that some of us need to look through the eyes of the opposite side of the debate.
Are we trying to change a university that has never had a history of much athletic spending?
I wanted to chime in that I was a theater major in college and was an actor for much of the first half of my life. My last competitive game of basketball was in 8th grade.
I can confirm that pgmado wasn't much of an athlete in college... :)
If we go at least 2-1 in Arch Madness (17-17 or better), do we think that we end up in the CBI or CIT? I would take it in a heartbeat. I have been hard on our guys this year, but the last 10 games have been pretty fun to watch, and they finally showed that they are improving.
Quote from: usc4valpo on February 24, 2018, 05:06:14 PMAlso, Smits offensively was great, although Drake's inside game was reallly lacking.
Jay also contributed. Together our center play produced 26 points, 13 rebounds, with only 2 turnovers, in 39 minutes of action. I hope this is some indication of what 2018-19 and 2019-20 could give us. :thumbsup:
Told you we would win this one. I don't care what the conference record is. We match up better with Drake than UNI.
Quote from: justducky on February 24, 2018, 08:02:31 PM
Quote from: usc4valpo on February 24, 2018, 05:06:14 PMAlso, Smits offensively was great, although Drake's inside game was reallly lacking.
Jay also contributed. Together our center play produced 26 points, 13 rebounds, with only 2 turnovers, in 39 minutes of action. I hope this is some indication of what 2018-19 and 2019-20 could give us. :thumbsup:
Not be Debbie downer but...In our previous game, our centers produced 1 point, 4 rebounds, 9 fouls only
2 turnovers in only 27 minutes!!
So clearly there is consistency!! Seriously, I do see the prospects for a very solid, not great, performance from our twin towers going forward. Lots to look forward to! :clap:
QuoteIs it just me or has Micah Bradford looked a lot better the past few games?
He has looked better. Making better decisions and not taking as many bad shots. He's a little more active with his hands with getting steals. The free throw shooting is MUCH improved. The jump shot still isn't falling though, but he's making up for it a little by driving to the hoop. He needs to figure out his jump shot in the offseason. If you're a 6′ 2″ 154 lbs guard you need to be able make a jump shots at a respectable clip. Overall it's nice to see some improvements and maturity from earlier in the season.
Crusaders close out regular season with road victory
Paul Oren Times Correspondent
Feb 23, 2018
http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/basketball/college/crusaders-close-out-regular-season-with-road-victory/article_2e87abf9-1b35-50e1-b121-edb02754ccff.html
https://twitter.com/PostTribSports/status/967573589573718016
Derrik Smits posts career high as Valparaiso breaks through at Drake
Michael Osipoff
Post-Tribune
February 23, 2018
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/sports/ct-ptb-mens-basketball-valparaiso-drake-st-0225-20180224-story.html
Was on the road today but just caught a replay... great victory today in a tough environment. Close a frustrating season on an up note. Go get at least one win at Arch Madness and then see where it goes.
Quote from: oklahomamick on February 24, 2018, 03:42:35 PM
Feeling for golder....very surprised he's been able to keep emotions in check.
Clean block = foul
50/50 play = charge
A touch foul
Then he gets a lose ball and they trip him = jump ball = drake possession
All in 3 minutes
After the call that set Golder off he ran at the Valpo bench and seemed to be pleading with the coaches that they should be backing him up. What kind of response was there from Lottich after that foul call on Golder?
Or, it was the typical 'guy runs to other end of court to avoid confrontation with officials after what he perceives to be a bad call'.
Quote from: vusupporter on February 24, 2018, 11:51:14 PM
Or, it was the typical 'guy runs to other end of court to avoid confrontation with officials after what he perceives to be a bad call'.
Yet he was definitely making his point at the bench with his hands and mouth. I know he was frustrated but at some point a coach or asst coach must get in the officials face to back his players when calls like that are made. MVC officials or rather the officials from the Big 12 consortium have learned over this season that Valpo's coach (and asst coaches) just don't follow through and it's easier to make calls against Valpo. Proof is in the pudding. Bryce had some of the same problems until he got called for a tech about once a season. It's just the way the "game" is played in today's NCAA.
Two ways to go this year regarding the refs. One way is to low key it and let refs know you're not going to show them up thereby hopefully creating good will down the road. Second way is to let refs know right away that you are going to call them out if they aren't calling the game equitably even if it costs you a couple of Ts in a season where your team is going nowhere anyway. Seems coach is going the first way. We'll see how that works out next year.
Has anyone heard anything about Marty Linssen? He's missed the last few games with a mysterious "upper body injury" but the ESPN broadcast at the Loyola game said it was a back injury. He didn't join the team for the Drake trip. We're seeing a lot of kids announcing their intention to transfer today now that seasons are coming to an end. Makes you wonder. I always liked how hard he hustled when he got playing time this season. Hopefully the game slows down for him by next season and he can take the next developmental step.
Quote from: bbtds on February 25, 2018, 12:07:51 AM
Quote from: vusupporter on February 24, 2018, 11:51:14 PM
Or, it was the typical 'guy runs to other end of court to avoid confrontation with officials after what he perceives to be a bad call'.
Yet he was definitely making his point at the bench with his hands and mouth. I know he was frustrated but at some point a coach or asst coach must get in the officials face to back his players when calls like that are made. MVC officials or rather the officials from the Big 12 consortium have learned over this season that Valpo's coach (and asst coaches) just don't follow through and it's easier to make calls against Valpo. Proof is in the pudding. Bryce had some of the same problems until he got called for a tech about once a season. It's just the way the "game" is played in today's NCAA.
It's human nature to avoid conflict where necessary. By giving the ref an earful they presumably shy away from calls later in games. Or at the very least even things out. Coach doesn't have a whole lot of call to get thrown out of games with his 6-12 team, though. I'm not convinced we win 3+ more games because coach gets a tech. Not with this youth laddened team.
Unlike soccer where there is a captains arm band to denote a player able to converse with the ref, the b-ball HC is solely reasponsible for registering concern. If not Lottich then we aren't leveraging our position and I can understand the fan being discontent.
I still contend the MVC games are being called better by the refs. Ghost calls are going to happen, I'm most pleased with the physical play that they let happen. It always seemed like the HL was a touch foul league, and that irked me greatly since we always had strong defense where some contact is necessary.
Note: UNI game aside, those guys know how to fake draw fouls!!!
Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on February 25, 2018, 07:16:28 AM
Quote from: bbtds on February 25, 2018, 12:07:51 AM
Quote from: vusupporter on February 24, 2018, 11:51:14 PM
Or, it was the typical 'guy runs to other end of court to avoid confrontation with officials after what he perceives to be a bad call'.
Yet he was definitely making his point at the bench with his hands and mouth. I know he was frustrated but at some point a coach or asst coach must get in the officials face to back his players when calls like that are made. MVC officials or rather the officials from the Big 12 consortium have learned over this season that Valpo's coach (and asst coaches) just don't follow through and it's easier to make calls against Valpo. Proof is in the pudding. Bryce had some of the same problems until he got called for a tech about once a season. It's just the way the "game" is played in today's NCAA.
It's human nature to avoid conflict where necessary. By giving the ref an earful they presumably shy away from calls later in games. Or at the very least even things out. Coach doesn't have a whole lot of call to get thrown out of games with his 6-12 team, though. I'm not convinced we win 3+ more games because coach gets a tech. Not with this youth laddened team.
Unlike soccer where there is a captains arm band to denote a player able to converse with the ref, the b-ball HC is solely reasponsible for registering concern. If not Lottich then we aren't leveraging our position and I can understand the fan being discontent.
I still contend the MVC games are being called better by the refs. Ghost calls are going to happen, I'm most pleased with the physical play that they let happen. It always seemed like the HL was a touch foul league, and that irked me greatly since we always had strong defense where some contact is necessary.
Note: UNI game aside, those guys know how to fake draw fouls!!!
The FTs awarded to Valpo's opposition compared to the FTs awarded to Valpo was really unconscionable. Some have lulled themselves into believing that this Valpo team was so much slower and poor in defensive quality that they should have received 1/2 of the FTs that their opposition did. Yesterday Drake wasn't called for their third foul until the second half. FT disparity was 22 to 11 in favor of Drake. The non call when Sorolla was fouled and the ball given to Drake on the video review and the Drake announcers called it almost cost Valpo the game. Thank God Tevonn, Bakari and Max decided it was time to take back the game and hit their FTs. The referee management is a real thing and Valpo coaches need to figure out how this works. Golder and Evelyn's frustration at the end of meaningful games was extremely evident and I think it was mostly with the refs but also with their own coaches.
It's time for Valpo to wake up and really see what is happening on the court. Our team was not 2 to 1 poorer in fouls committed. How bad do you have to be to be considered 2 to 1 poorer in fouling?
I believe because winning is contagious I think there were at least 5 close games Valpo could have won that they lost that might have moved us up to 5th or 6th place. Yes, we played some horrible games this year but I think everyone could see that the 8-0 start didn't translate into a 6 - 12 conference season. Other than P5 lower level teams that only schedule mostly mid-majors & low-majors at home in the OOC this doesn't happen.
Valpo was most certainly hosed by the conference refs this season.
Hopefully this will be talked about at Arch Madness before it continues to happen.