Since the game is tomorrow, thought I'd start this one. Wish me luck.
SIUE was handled by Iowa 87-60 in their D1-opener. They beat Quincy College by 9. Their RealTimeWorthlessRPI is 299.
Here's the link to Valpo's Game notes:
http://cdn.streamlinetechnologies.com/valpoathletics/E7D8985D-530B-464F-8824-9002F2447573/MBBGameNotes_111219_SIUE.pdf
Here's the SIUE box score with Iowa. 10-player rotation. Free Throws were a bit of a conundrum... Iowa 27 of 32. SIUE 4 of 4.
https://www.siuecougars.com/sports/m-baskbl/2019-20/boxscores/20191108_2qxd.xml?view=boxscore
and here's their recap:
https://www.siuecougars.com/sports/m-baskbl/2019-20/releases/2019110913fm9l
This marks the third consecutive year these two teams have faced off after Valpo's appearance at the Valdabene Center on Nov. 15, 2017 marked the first all-time meeting. The Brown & Gold prevailed 94-69 in that trip to Edwardsville, before escaping with a 75-70 overtime victory on Nov. 21, 2018. All three Valpo games so far this season have come in all-time series where the most recent meeting either went to overtime or ended on a buzzer-beater. Last year's game with the Cougars saw all five Valpo starters finish the evening in double figures after the hosts outscored the guests 7-2 in the extra session.
Our cracker-jack SID office has dug up this:
Cam Williams (6'2" SO Guard) is the team's top scorer through two games at 13.5 per contest, while Anselm Uzuegbunem (6'7" SR Fwd) has a team-best rebounding average of 6.0.
Went 10-21 last season including a 6-12 mark in the Ohio Valley Conference and a 7-8 home record.
Picked to finish 11th of 12 in the OVC Preseason Media Poll and 10th by the SIDs and head coaches.
Under the direction of first-year head coach Brian Barone, who was an assistant on staff for the last two seasons. Barone has worked against Valpo in the past as an assistant, including his five-year stint on Brian Wardle's staff at Green Bay. He was on the opposing bench for Ryan Broekhoff's buzzer-beater in the 2013 Horizon League semifinals at the ARC.
Hometown Tour: A homecoming weekend of sorts continues for Valpo freshman Donovan Clay with Tuesday's matchup. The Alton, Ill. native played in front of about 20 friends and family members on Saturday night at Saint Louiswhich is located approximately 25 miles from his hometown. Edwardsville is even closer at approximately 15 miles from Alton. Clay saw 18 minutes of action and accrued three points, three rebounds and two steals in the game against the Billikens.
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and the 800lb gorilla in the room... What about Fazekas?
Quote from: talksalot on November 11, 2019, 08:44:03 AM
Since the game is tomorrow, thought I'd start this one. Wish me luck.
SIUE was handled by Iowa 87-60 in their D1-opener. They beat Quincy College by 9. Their RealTimeWorthlessRPI is 299.
Here's the link to Valpo's Game notes:
http://cdn.streamlinetechnologies.com/valpoathletics/E7D8985D-530B-464F-8824-9002F2447573/MBBGameNotes_111219_SIUE.pdf
Here's the SIUE box score with Iowa. 10-player rotation. Free Throws were a bit of a conundrum... Iowa 27 of 32. SIUE 4 of 4.
https://www.siuecougars.com/sports/m-baskbl/2019-20/boxscores/20191108_2qxd.xml?view=boxscore
and here's their recap:
https://www.siuecougars.com/sports/m-baskbl/2019-20/releases/2019110913fm9l
This marks the third consecutive year these two teams have faced off after Valpo's appearance at the Valdabene Center on Nov. 15, 2017 marked the first all-time meeting. The Brown & Gold prevailed 94-69 in that trip to Edwardsville, before escaping with a 75-70 overtime victory on Nov. 21, 2018. All three Valpo games so far this season have come in all-time series where the most recent meeting either went to overtime or ended on a buzzer-beater. Last year's game with the Cougars saw all five Valpo starters finish the evening in double figures after the hosts outscored the guests 7-2 in the extra session.
Our cracker-jack SID office has dug up this:
Cam Williams (6'2" SO Guard) is the team's top scorer through two games at 13.5 per contest, while Anselm Uzuegbunem (6'7" SR Fwd) has a team-best rebounding average of 6.0.
Went 10-21 last season including a 6-12 mark in the Ohio Valley Conference and a 7-8 home record.
Picked to finish 11th of 12 in the OVC Preseason Media Poll and 10th by the SIDs and head coaches.
Under the direction of first-year head coach Brian Barone, who was an assistant on staff for the last two seasons. Barone has worked against Valpo in the past as an assistant, including his five-year stint on Brian Wardle's staff at Green Bay. He was on the opposing bench for Ryan Broekhoff's buzzer-beater in the 2013 Horizon League semifinals at the ARC.
Hometown Tour: A homecoming weekend of sorts continues for Valpo freshman Donovan Clay with Tuesday's matchup. The Alton, Ill. native played in front of about 20 friends and family members on Saturday night at Saint Louiswhich is located approximately 25 miles from his hometown. Edwardsville is even closer at approximately 15 miles from Alton. Clay saw 18 minutes of action and accrued three points, three rebounds and two steals in the game against the Billikens.
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and the 800lb gorilla in the room... What about Fazekas?
I got a feeling that this is NOT a "No news is good news" situation.
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Quote from: talksalot on November 11, 2019, 08:44:03 AMUnder the direction of first-year head coach Brian Barone, who was an assistant on staff for the last two seasons. Barone has worked against Valpo in the past as an assistant, including his five-year stint on Brian Wardle's staff at Green Bay. He was on the opposing bench for Ryan Broekhoff's buzzer-beater in the 2013 Horizon League semifinals at the ARC.
Everybody Loves Brian
Was he around for the Pullman relative's sickness/defication incident under Wardle?
Let's get him a tape of a Dallas Maverick's game with Rowdy hitting some late 3's.
There is no reason why Valpo should have agreed (again) to a home and home with one of the perennially weakest teams in D1.
It must be remembered that mid-majors are not always able to schedule who they want to play in non-conference games. The options are not always there as all the better mid-major teams are looking for the same type of competition that we look to schedule. What we would like to do often differs from what we are able to do.
Did anyone notice that Oakland beat Southern Illinois by 9? I didn't think OU was that good this year although I know SIU doesn't have a powerhouse this year.
According to the all powerful and all knowing KenPom rankings. Oakland is rated 165, and SIU is 214.
I am not opposed to SIU-e being on our schedule. This game will allow us to see if our Crusaders will play above our competition or do we collapse and play at our competitors level, even though we are the more talented team.
We could be playing another non D1 opponent. Or we could be playing Chicago St., Western Illinois, SE Missouri St, Coppin St, Norfolk St, NC A&T, Alabama St, or Mississippi Valley St.
Ohhh by the way all these schools are on our MVC opponents schedules. We just need to take care of business, play hard, win and win BIG!!!
Good post, LI.
Good game to have scheduled after 2 tough games against Toledo and SLU. Need a confidence builder.
Valpo 76
SIU-E 67
Line open with Valpo -6, I took Valpo all day. I would think if this team wants to finish above .500 in MVC play we need take SIU-E to the cleaners. Try to get out in transition and score early and often.
Valpo-78
SUI-E- 62
Even more than in last year's preseason game, I thought that the SIUe game was a sign for how the rest of the year was going to go. It took overtime to get by them at home last year and the energy and execution were...not there. I think a big sign of growth for this year will be to take care of business against who you need to and avoid unexplicable debacles like Riverside and High Point (though they turned out to be okay last year). Get it done!
Even without Fazekas...will they be without him...I think Valpo wins this by at least the 6 Vegas is predicting.
I put some action on Valpo -2.5 in the second half.
Valpo 82-66 winner (maybe play the over too)
I dunno, this team has broke my heart the last couple of years, not sure I'm going to let them break my wallet too.
2019-20 Media OVC Preseason Men's Predicted Order of Finish
1. Belmont (11 first-place votes) - 176 points
2. Murray State (3) - 165
3. Austin Peay (1) - 138
4. Jacksonville State - 126
5. UT Martin - 125
6. Eastern Illinois - 90
Morehead State - 90
8. Tennessee State - 74
9. Eastern Kentucky - 63
10. Tennessee Tech - 53
11. SIUE - 37
12. Southeast Missouri - 33
Quote from: VALPO LI on November 11, 2019, 06:43:26 PM
I am not opposed to SIU-e being on our schedule. This game will allow us to see if our Crusaders will play above our competition or do we collapse and play at our competitors level, even though we are the more talented team.
We could be playing another non D1 opponent. Or we could be playing Chicago St., Western Illinois, SE Missouri St, Coppin St, Norfolk St, NC A&T, Alabama St, or Mississippi Valley St.
Ohhh by the way all these schools are on our MVC opponents schedules. We just need to take care of business, play hard, win and win BIG!!!
I am not opposed to playing SIU-E at home, as long at a majority of the home schedule is reasonably strong. But Valpo for the second time agreed to play a home and home with SIU-E. Most of those MVC non-conference opponents that you listed only play at the MVC team. Valpo does not send a very good message to the market (i.e. teams who might consider a home and home with Valpo) about the quality and prestige of its program when it agrees to a home and home (
for the second time!) with a program as low as SIU-E.
I have little or no problem with scheduling home and home series with teams like Toledo, Central Michigan and North Dakota.
Vegas Insider...
777 Valparaiso -6.5 ou 138
778 SIU Edwardsville
So they're predicting something like a 73-66 game... I hope running them out of the gym is a possibility. I'm feeling a 78-60 game...
We need to focus on our defense, especially defensive rebounding.
Valpo - 79
SIUE - 66
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Nothing on Fazekas yet?
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Quote from: rustnvrsleeps@yahoo.com on November 12, 2019, 05:40:18 PM
Nothing on Fazekas yet?
A. Progressing nicely
B. Out for Year
C. Out for Year
D. Out for Year
E. Out for Year
4 of the 5 answers are correct. 1 of the answers will be given for the remainder of the season.
Quote from: bbtds on November 12, 2019, 06:07:14 PM
Quote from: rustnvrsleeps@yahoo.com on November 12, 2019, 05:40:18 PM
Nothing on Fazekas yet?
A. Progressing nicely
B. Out for Year
C. Out for Year
D. Out for Year
E. Out for Year
4 of the 5 answers are correct. 1 of the answers will be given for the remainder of the season.
You're saying that as if this is not Valpos first rodeo as far as hiding injuries??
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KenPom has it 72-68 Valpo.
One random thought. I don't think Lottich trusts Zion Morgan being out there in close games. Can't trust his ball handling. He's a risk out there and could kill momentum for a young squad on the court. From the limited minutes we've seen so far, he plays hard and good D but if you can't take care of the ball it's tough to put a guy out there in pivotal stretches of the game.
Hopefully he figures it out takes care of the ball more. Would love to have his energy and defensive presence out there more.
Canadian Camara crew at this game???
Thank God we didn't play this defense against Toledo and St. Louis or we would've been down 30 at halftime.
We are a very talented team with a couple of YUGE flaws. No three point shooter without Ryan and no true big.
They shot so many free throws in practice that they forgot how to play defense! :o Seriously, though, being out-hustled in an unacceptable manner. Let's get it together out there!
Out hustled and beat down low under the basket. NOT impressive. Offense looks confused.
SIUE is shooting 18-28 (64%) from 2, mostly on layups and put backs.
Just tuning in. Maybe I should skip the second half too.
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Hey, look! A pep band! I hear those are popular in collegiate round ball.
What a second half for JFL and Kiser !!! 25 and 10 for JFL with 7 to play... Lets go Valpo!
Quote from: talksalot on November 12, 2019, 08:37:21 PM
What a second half for JFL and Kiser !!! 25 and 10 for JFL with 7 to play... Lets go Valpo!
Still... Overall not a very good game from us. Our defense needs to improve A LOT by mvc play. Refs helped us a lot throughout the game with bailout calls when we get ourselves into awkward situations. A win is a win but I am not particularly proud of this one.
Glad I hung in there. A win is a win is a win.
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A less than stellar first half but better play in the second half got the win. Much better free throw shooting definitely helped tonight.
Better in the second half despite some sloppy stretches. Outcome never really in doubt down the stretch. Double digit win in regulation. I'll take it, but it's hard to get too excited about struggling a bit against Edwardsville when a division foe beats the #1 team in the country! EDIT: We also didn't lose to Coppin State at home so... Check this one off and keep working on how the offense will work without Zeke.
JFL — dominant dbl. dbl.
He is so good even compared to last year. And he'll get even better as the team comes together and he gets even more comfortable. No doubt he is our go to guy the rest of the way.
Huge double-double for Javon - 30 and 14. Huge 2nd half for Nick (15 and 6 in 14 minutes) to finish with 19 and 8.
Quote from: valpo64 on November 11, 2019, 03:06:00 PM
It must be remembered that mid-majors are not always able to schedule who they want to play in non-conference games. The options are not always there as all the better mid-major teams are looking for the same type of competition that we look to schedule. What we would like to do often differs from what we are able to do.
I believe Luke paired this game up with Saint Louis U. It was more just to get another game in before the Paradise Jam, and was a good game on the return home from St. Louis. Nothing more nothing less.
Good second half. JFL has improved his shot so much, which will be key to us winning more games this year. They can't just play off him like teams used to do with Erik Buggs, making it 5 on the remaining 4 inside the 3-pt line. Excited to see the spacing that this provides throughout the season!
Quote from: valpotx on November 13, 2019, 01:51:05 AM
Good second half. JFL has improved his shot so much, which will be key to us winning more games this year. They can't just play off him like teams used to do with Erik Buggs, making it 5 on the remaining 4 inside the 3-pt line. Excited to see the spacing that this provides throughout the season!
I had the same concern with Sackey. It's good to see that teams will have to take him seriously shooting from the outside.
POS MIN FGM-A 3PM-A FTM-A OREB DREB RB AST STL BLK TO PF PTS
Robinson,Nick F 23 5-10 1-5 8-8 3 5 8 1 0 0 2 3 19
19 points, 8 rebounds, 8-8 FT in 23 minutes. Amazing PER40 stats. His only negative stat was 1-5 3PTFG, but no doubt that will improve.
Sackey slowed down so you can see him.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B4ydwG5B2xg/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
Thank you for the slo-mo on Sackey. Off the fake, he had two dribbles down even while the guy guarding him was still falling away in reaction. But please don't broadcast that clip too broadly, because that allowed me to count Daniel's steps, and it apears to me that he was so quick that no one saw that third step before he left the floor and then bounce-passed back for the easy layup ;D LOL.
Quote from: VULB#62 on November 13, 2019, 02:41:46 PMThank you for the slo-mo on Sackey. Off the fake, he had two dribbles down even while the guy guarding him was still falling away in reaction. But please don't broadcast that clip too broadly, because that allowed me to count Daniel's steps, and it apears to me that he was so quick that no one saw that third step before he left the floor and then bounce-passed back for the easy layup ;D LOL.
He's just playing at the NBA level. They always get at least 4 steps.
Not sure about you guys, but I am going to love this year whether we win 18-20 or not. I am just thrilled to watch a whole team full of guys who hustle, move who their feet on defense, who care about getting the best shot each time, and anticipate passes and rebounds. They also seem to like each other and have some fun. JFL smiles a few times when he screws up but conveys he knows its on him.
Contrast that to Smits, Sorolla, and Bakari and their pouting selfishness.
Anyway, moving on I really like the play of Robinson and Clay. Robinson just seems to fill in everything and not make a fuss.
The big breakthrough for me is Maleek. Wow its fun to watch a big guy jump, reach out to the ball, and pull it down against his body!! Great work by Luke. He is a really strong kid!!
Quote from: crusadermoe on November 15, 2019, 03:58:22 PM
Not sure about you guys, but I am going to love this year whether we win 18-20 or not. I am just thrilled to watch a whole team full of guys who hustle, move who their feet on defense, who care about getting the best shot each time, and anticipate passes and rebounds. They also seem to like each other and have some fun. JFL smiles a few times when he screws up but conveys he knows its on him.
Contrast that to Smits, Sorolla, and Bakari and their pouting selfishness.
Anyway, moving on I really like the play of Robinson and Clay. Robinson just seems to fill in everything and not make a fuss.
The big breakthrough for me is Maleek. Wow its fun to watch a big guy jump, reach out to the ball, and pull it down against his body!! Great work by Luke. He is a really strong kid!!
Excellent post. Couldn't agree more.
This is a pet peeve of mine, but can we PLEASE spell these guys' names correctly?
Mileek looks really strong this year. His body has become much like what I remember of Kikas' last few years, and that strength will help him quite a bit. It also makes him look taller than his 6'8"/6'9"
Quote from: crusadermoe on November 15, 2019, 03:58:22 PMAnyway, moving on I really like the play of Robinson and Clay. Robinson just seems to fill in everything and not make a fuss.
Nick's smile is also infectious too.
Quote from: crusadermoe on November 15, 2019, 03:58:22 PMThe big breakthrough for me is Maleek. Wow its fun to watch a big guy jump, reach out to the ball, and pull it down against his body!! Great work by Luke. He is a really strong kid!!
I still believe progress needs to be made in the area of Maleek's uncontrolled fouling in situations where it is totally unwarranted.
Quote from: PlumStreetBum on November 15, 2019, 08:58:49 PM
This is a pet peeve of mine, but can we PLEASE spell these guys' names correctly?
With auto correct and the speed which posters must post in their busy lives it appears we can not.
I sure agree with all of the positive comments about this year's team. Now lets hear the same and show some love to Coach Lottich. With all of the negative comments about him during this past season, I think he has shown remarkable progress. He recognized the problems with last year's squad and personnel and has made great strides in correcting those problems. From recruiting, to strategy, to personnel development, developing positive attitudes, hustle and cohesive play on the court, It appears at this point at least, that he and the staff have overcome most , if not all of those impediments and put together an exciting team for this season, even with all the "new" faces. It is obvious that he and the other coaches have worked extremely hard during this past off-season and it now shows. Looking forward with the 3 great new recruits coming in for next year I believe we will again have some exciting times ahead for VU basketball. GO VALPO!
https://twitter.com/AlBillets/status/1195749791793340419
Quote from: bbtds on November 16, 2019, 09:36:36 AM
Quote from: crusadermoe on November 15, 2019, 03:58:22 PMThe big breakthrough for me is Maleek. Wow its fun to watch a big guy jump, reach out to the ball, and pull it down against his body!! Great work by Luke. He is a really strong kid!!
I still believe progress needs to be made in the area of Maleek's uncontrolled fouling in situations where it is totally unwarranted.
100% agree, he has not been closely monitored for fouls by refs in the 3 games thus far. But I think you'd agree that he is overly aggressive in trying to 1) fight for position (unnecessarily) and 2) back a guy down in the paint. I still think he has improved over previous years . . . but as soon as an opposing coach or the refs spotlight him, he will foul out easily.
I seriously question whether it's lack of awareness on his part? I like the kid, he is developing but he still moves around the court like a bull in the china shop. It's as if he still is the 6'0" tall 150 lb high school kid fighting bigger kids for position. Problem is he is probably 6'8" and 225 lbs of pure muscle . . . he doesn't have to try THAT hard to get position and keep it.
One area of improvement is his picks, he no longer flattens the player . . . at least noticeable!
Quote from: PlumStreetBum on November 15, 2019, 08:58:49 PM
This is a pet peeve of mine, but can we PLEASE spell these guys' names correctly?
I know I've done it unknowingly, as spell check sometimes changes things against my wishes. If I notice it, I'll go back and edit.
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SIU-E with the huge 79-69 win AT Belmont today!
Quote from: valpotx on January 02, 2020, 11:44:46 PM
SIU-E with the huge 79-69 win AT Belmont today!
Now that is a serious low for the program. If they lose to SEMO then something is really wrong.
I wonder what the Belmont bloggers have to say about their coach now.
Should have joined the MVC when they had the chance (Would still take them though)
Quote from: valpo64 on January 03, 2020, 01:32:24 PM
I wonder what the Belmont bloggers have to say about their coach now.
You mean their first year coach, Casey Alexander?
Quote from: valpo64 on January 03, 2020, 01:32:24 PM
I wonder what the Belmont bloggers have to say about their coach now.
He worked wonders at Lipscomb. He'll be fine at Belmont. It's a bad loss but I wouldn't expect it to happen again or extend several years like a certain someone that you are clearly making a thinly veiled attempt at defending. If it does, whatever online fan presence they have (not much as we all saw in the MVC expansion discussion) will likely feel the same way about potentially looking in a new direction if issues aren't resolved. That, or they will be content with that mediocrity and are not a fan base we should be emulating. I think that it is good to have standards and expectations, and to expect that those be met by the program you support. Nobody will ever convince me otherwise. Mine are high--perhaps even too high--but, again, I fail to see any sort of problem with that. The right coach and administration would appreciate a fanbase full of people who think like I do (and I believe--or at least I hope) that we already have such a fanbase. The question right now is do we have the right coach and administration who can embrace and work productively toward meeting those high standards for competitiveness? And if not, what can we do to get\create one?