Mount Women fall at Canisius
Big Ten preview
Rush the Court checks in on the NEC
Dec 30th blog from Elo Ratings
Now some Big Ten predictions
Cornell and QU on New Year's Eve
Metro report
Robert Morris travels to Xavier for New Year's Eve tilt
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Syracuse opens Big East schedule in Style
Another fine shooting performance from Andy Rautins led Syracuse to a huge 100-76 win over Seton Hall to open Big East play at the Carrier Dome on Tuesday evening.
Rutins made 7 three-pointers and finished with a game-high 26 points. The lights out shooting performance comes one game after Rautins lit up Coppin State for 9 three-pointers. The hometown kid has now hit 16-of-26 3's the last two games while averaging 27.5 points.
Eric Devendorf returned for the Orange and looked very good doing so. The junior had 16 first half points and finished with 20 points. The 11th ranked Orange led 54-35 at the break and put on a highlight show in the second half with some rim rattling dunks.
The Orange ended up with five players in double figures. Arinze Onuaku, Jonny Flynn and Rick Jackson also in doubles for the Orange.
The addition of Rick Jackson to the starting lineup has been a positive for the Orange. The sophomore from Philadelphia had his way inside with the Pirates scoring 14 points, despite picking up two early fouls. The 14 points matches a career high for the Orange, which had both an inside and an outside game to counter the Pirates.
The one concern for the Orange is the hand injury sustained by Paul Harris. The junior from Buffalo cut his hand on the rim on a defensive play near the end of the first half and did not return. It did not appear serious, but it did keep him from reentering.
Rutins made 7 three-pointers and finished with a game-high 26 points. The lights out shooting performance comes one game after Rautins lit up Coppin State for 9 three-pointers. The hometown kid has now hit 16-of-26 3's the last two games while averaging 27.5 points.
Eric Devendorf returned for the Orange and looked very good doing so. The junior had 16 first half points and finished with 20 points. The 11th ranked Orange led 54-35 at the break and put on a highlight show in the second half with some rim rattling dunks.
The Orange ended up with five players in double figures. Arinze Onuaku, Jonny Flynn and Rick Jackson also in doubles for the Orange.
The addition of Rick Jackson to the starting lineup has been a positive for the Orange. The sophomore from Philadelphia had his way inside with the Pirates scoring 14 points, despite picking up two early fouls. The 14 points matches a career high for the Orange, which had both an inside and an outside game to counter the Pirates.
The one concern for the Orange is the hand injury sustained by Paul Harris. The junior from Buffalo cut his hand on the rim on a defensive play near the end of the first half and did not return. It did not appear serious, but it did keep him from reentering.
Mount O'Links
Hope you enjoyed your holiday.
Wagner at Kansas State tonight
Women at hot Canisius tonight
Rush the Court checks in with the America East
Mount building memorial to honor veterans
Hoosiers Brutal
Davidson and Charleston slug it out
Calhoun wraps up Georgetown Connecticut
elo ratings recap of last night
Brown downs QU
Central falls at Arizona State
Wagner at Kansas State tonight
Women at hot Canisius tonight
Rush the Court checks in with the America East
Mount building memorial to honor veterans
Hoosiers Brutal
Davidson and Charleston slug it out
Calhoun wraps up Georgetown Connecticut
elo ratings recap of last night
Brown downs QU
Central falls at Arizona State
Monday, December 29, 2008
Wrapping up the win over Bryant
Media accounts of the Mount's win over Bryant
AP Story
Official Bryant release
Official Mount release
Frederick News Post
Carroll County Times
AP Story
Official Bryant release
Official Mount release
Frederick News Post
Carroll County Times
Losing Streak is over
Backed by an inspired defensive effort, Mount St. Mary's downed Bryant 68-44 at Knott Arena on Monday evening capturing a much needed win and ending a six-game losing streak.
The Mount took control early against a Bryant team that clearly was overmatched on this evening and rolled to the victory. Jean Cajou led the offensive effort with 17 points, including a pair of long jumpers midway through the first half that really broke things open. Shawn Atupem scored 12 points on a good offensive effort, and Kelly Beidler had 10 and 11 rebounds, playing like a man among boys at times.
The offense still needs some work, they still don't look 100% sharp. But it was better and if they could get a few more open three-pointers to drop, it would look a lot better. I believe the final numbers will show the Mount was 3-of-13 from behind the line. The foul shooting was noticeably better, I'm going to say in the 15-of-19 range.
This is something to build on, and we'll see if they can't carry it over to Friday and the new year at Lafayette. It would be nice to get a little win streak before Robert Morris comes to town next Monday night.
The Mount took control early against a Bryant team that clearly was overmatched on this evening and rolled to the victory. Jean Cajou led the offensive effort with 17 points, including a pair of long jumpers midway through the first half that really broke things open. Shawn Atupem scored 12 points on a good offensive effort, and Kelly Beidler had 10 and 11 rebounds, playing like a man among boys at times.
The offense still needs some work, they still don't look 100% sharp. But it was better and if they could get a few more open three-pointers to drop, it would look a lot better. I believe the final numbers will show the Mount was 3-of-13 from behind the line. The foul shooting was noticeably better, I'm going to say in the 15-of-19 range.
This is something to build on, and we'll see if they can't carry it over to Friday and the new year at Lafayette. It would be nice to get a little win streak before Robert Morris comes to town next Monday night.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Lasalle Links
Lasalle represents the Mount's final opportunity to go on the road and score a big win over a big conference opponent. Here is everything we could find written on the Explorers the last few weeks....
Villanova downs Lasalle in Big 5 matchup
Lasalle can't tame Wildcats
Lasalle sharp against Rider
Scouting Lasalle
Villanova downs Lasalle in Big 5 matchup
Lasalle can't tame Wildcats
Lasalle sharp against Rider
Scouting Lasalle
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Lots to watch today....
Stay with us as we stream our thoughts of whats going on in the world of sports during the day. When the Mount plays, we plan on having a live blog from right here.
Right now, we're watching Navy and Wake Forest in the EagleBank Bowl - as we kick off the bowl season. Navy leads 10-0 as they near the end of the first quarter. A great start for the Middies.
11:37 - Espn just announced during the broadcast that Navy, Army and Air Force all won games this year without completing a pass. That is truly amazing. But when you can run on 3rd and 8 and get the first down as Navy QB Kaipo just did, that makes it more easy to understand.
11:43 - First quarter is now over - and Wake, which lost to Navy earlier in the season, is really struggling. That isn't good news for my Bowl picks.
11:48 - The Middies have tacked on a field goal. Key play of the drive occured when Navy went for it on 4th and 2 and Shon White got the needed yardage to keep the drive alive.
11:56 - Wake finally came through with a little bit of offense on that drive. But it didn't result in any points when Sam Swank's 49-yard field hit the left upright. So it remains a 13-0 Navy lead. They are really doing a good job of keeping Riley Skinner from having options when he looks down the field.
12:07 - Rashawn King just ran back his second fumble for a touchdown for the Middies. I think that is some sort of EagleBank Bowl record. The play is under review.
12:09 - I dislike replay, but if this isn't reviewed you are going to see one huge FanBlog rant. The runner was clearly down. Without question, just give the ball back to Wake. And that seems to be what is happening. Now they are trying to determine where the runner was down. Wake gets the ball back.
12:11 - Jim Grobe is one of my all-time favorite coaches. He has found some things that are hitting the Navy defense hard. Wake needs to get points on the board before halftime. They are right at midfield with about 2:17 left. A false start backed them up five yards.
12:17 - Wake just had a touchdown called back on a questionable holding call on Joe Birdsong. Might have been a hold, but it wasn't much of one. It's a big play, because Wake needs to get points on the board and getting to 13-7 is a big difference than 13-3. They've hung in this despite not playing well. Meanwhile, I'm going to flip over and watch Iona and Ohio State in hoops who are on the Big Ten Network and close early.
12:22 - Wake ends up scoring, but I was watching basketball. I haven't really seen Ohio State and want to. Thad Matta is one of my more respected coaches. They lead Iona 13-10 at the under 12 timeout - 11:33 to play in the first half. But I haven't seen a bucket since I switched over - the Buckeye zone seems to be causing Iona trouble.
12:31 - I'm trying to determine if Iona can stay in this game. I'm not sure that they can. Mullens has scored three straight baskets to push the lead to 21-14. The Gaels seem to really be having problems with the Buckeye zone. They seem much more comfortable against a man-to-man, but they aren't getting anything against the zone and that should allow Ohio State to stretch it out.
12:50 - Ohio State and Iona have made it to the break, Iona has hung around, they trail 28-24 - but you just don't have the sense that they really could upset the Buckeyes.
12:52 - I've really got to think that Wake Forest is going to rally and get the win over Navy. They looked like the better team the last ten minutes of the first half and with Grobe as the coach, I figure they will make the necessary adjustments and come away with the win. It is nice to see football back at RFK. But not sure how this bowl will be able to survive. Maybe they need Maryland or one of the Virginia schools against a Big East team. But still it looks like most of the fans there today are rooting for Navy.
12:58 - We take a break from the notes portion of this post - but check out the Live Blog going on above - with live thoughts and analysis from the Mount Georgetown game at the Verizon Center.
3:28 - Ok, the live blog is over. I've done the dishes - and now I'm back watching the last 14 minutes or so of the Louisville/Minnesota game. Louisville is ranked number 9 - Minnesota is unbeaten. Minnesota leads by 11. We'll keep you posted.
3:34 - It's a 10-1 run for Minnesota that has lifted then a 13-point lead. I can't say I'm overly impressed with either team. A game we might want to keep our eyes on. Tennesee leads Belmont 24-21 early. Belmont has the ability to keep that close and interesting.
5:09 - Can Tubby coach or what? Minnesota held on with the victory over Louisville. Now I'm watching the Battle in Seattle, UCONN vs Gonzaga. It was really a tale of two halves in the first half. UCONN was up big early and then Gonzaga took a late lead, before UCONN led at the half. I get the feeling Gonzaga is going to end up winning this. Right now its Zags by one.
5:20 - This is getting to be a real good game in Seattle. One observation Austin Daye always seems to make plays. The type of plays that make you think why isn't this guy doing more than he's doing. And oh by the way, Tennessee held on for a two-point win over Belmont. Belmont led late in the game but the Volunteers rallied. Belmont ended up with a desperation shot off a missed FT at the buzzer but it missed. And if you're watching football, a good one in New Mexico as Fresno State is holding a two-point lead over Colorado State.
5:25 - Starting to sense that maybe the Zags are seizing control in this. It's still just a three-point lead, but it feels like Gonzaga is controlling things more and more. Colorado State has taken the lead in New Mexico. USF has a 14-7 lead on Memphis in St. Petersburg.
5:46 - Gonzaga still seems to be in control. But they haven't put Connecticut away - and you almost start to feel like the Huskies are going to pull this one out. They are down three with under eight left and I think its going to be an interesting finish. It has been an exciting game to this point.
7:57 - I've finally caught up. Syracuse needs to make some free throws and it will get out of here with a win. They lead by four with 2:30 left but are just 6-16 from the line.
8:08 - A good win for the Orange in Memphis. But I really don't think that Memphis team is as good as you'd think. I mean playing a Big East schedule, they'd be .500 or so. Still a good win for them. Great performance from Jonny Flynn who was questionable until game time. Rick Jackson also made a huge contribution. Coppin State is next on Monday night.
8:21 - Cincinnati is trying to rally versus Eastern Kentucky. But give the Colonels credit they keep making plays. EKU leads by 3 with under four to play.
8:26 - Checking in on the Ravens and Cowboys. The teams traded turnovers and it led to Choice's short touchdown run for an early 7-0 lead for the home team. Not sure that this is going to be a good night for the Ravens. I think they might be a bit overmatched on this occasion.
8:35 - Wow. UC just forced overtime with an alleyoop pass from Deontay Vaughan to Yancy Gates with .1 seconds left. Eastern Kentucky had taken the lead with 4.6 seconds left on a pair of free throws by Mike Rose, but the Bearcats pushed it up the floor and when the help came to try to stop Vaughan he flipped a lob to Gates who was near the rim and slammed it home, just before the horn.
8:49 - The shocking end to regulation was too much for EKU to overcome. It was all Bearcats in overtime, they defeat Eastern Kentucky 85-77 making 9-of-10 free throws in the extra session. The Colonels led by as many as 15 - but UC had enough to get back in the game and then rallied for the win and a great finish in regulation.
Right now, we're watching Navy and Wake Forest in the EagleBank Bowl - as we kick off the bowl season. Navy leads 10-0 as they near the end of the first quarter. A great start for the Middies.
11:37 - Espn just announced during the broadcast that Navy, Army and Air Force all won games this year without completing a pass. That is truly amazing. But when you can run on 3rd and 8 and get the first down as Navy QB Kaipo just did, that makes it more easy to understand.
11:43 - First quarter is now over - and Wake, which lost to Navy earlier in the season, is really struggling. That isn't good news for my Bowl picks.
11:48 - The Middies have tacked on a field goal. Key play of the drive occured when Navy went for it on 4th and 2 and Shon White got the needed yardage to keep the drive alive.
11:56 - Wake finally came through with a little bit of offense on that drive. But it didn't result in any points when Sam Swank's 49-yard field hit the left upright. So it remains a 13-0 Navy lead. They are really doing a good job of keeping Riley Skinner from having options when he looks down the field.
12:07 - Rashawn King just ran back his second fumble for a touchdown for the Middies. I think that is some sort of EagleBank Bowl record. The play is under review.
12:09 - I dislike replay, but if this isn't reviewed you are going to see one huge FanBlog rant. The runner was clearly down. Without question, just give the ball back to Wake. And that seems to be what is happening. Now they are trying to determine where the runner was down. Wake gets the ball back.
12:11 - Jim Grobe is one of my all-time favorite coaches. He has found some things that are hitting the Navy defense hard. Wake needs to get points on the board before halftime. They are right at midfield with about 2:17 left. A false start backed them up five yards.
12:17 - Wake just had a touchdown called back on a questionable holding call on Joe Birdsong. Might have been a hold, but it wasn't much of one. It's a big play, because Wake needs to get points on the board and getting to 13-7 is a big difference than 13-3. They've hung in this despite not playing well. Meanwhile, I'm going to flip over and watch Iona and Ohio State in hoops who are on the Big Ten Network and close early.
12:22 - Wake ends up scoring, but I was watching basketball. I haven't really seen Ohio State and want to. Thad Matta is one of my more respected coaches. They lead Iona 13-10 at the under 12 timeout - 11:33 to play in the first half. But I haven't seen a bucket since I switched over - the Buckeye zone seems to be causing Iona trouble.
12:31 - I'm trying to determine if Iona can stay in this game. I'm not sure that they can. Mullens has scored three straight baskets to push the lead to 21-14. The Gaels seem to really be having problems with the Buckeye zone. They seem much more comfortable against a man-to-man, but they aren't getting anything against the zone and that should allow Ohio State to stretch it out.
12:50 - Ohio State and Iona have made it to the break, Iona has hung around, they trail 28-24 - but you just don't have the sense that they really could upset the Buckeyes.
12:52 - I've really got to think that Wake Forest is going to rally and get the win over Navy. They looked like the better team the last ten minutes of the first half and with Grobe as the coach, I figure they will make the necessary adjustments and come away with the win. It is nice to see football back at RFK. But not sure how this bowl will be able to survive. Maybe they need Maryland or one of the Virginia schools against a Big East team. But still it looks like most of the fans there today are rooting for Navy.
12:58 - We take a break from the notes portion of this post - but check out the Live Blog going on above - with live thoughts and analysis from the Mount Georgetown game at the Verizon Center.
3:28 - Ok, the live blog is over. I've done the dishes - and now I'm back watching the last 14 minutes or so of the Louisville/Minnesota game. Louisville is ranked number 9 - Minnesota is unbeaten. Minnesota leads by 11. We'll keep you posted.
3:34 - It's a 10-1 run for Minnesota that has lifted then a 13-point lead. I can't say I'm overly impressed with either team. A game we might want to keep our eyes on. Tennesee leads Belmont 24-21 early. Belmont has the ability to keep that close and interesting.
5:09 - Can Tubby coach or what? Minnesota held on with the victory over Louisville. Now I'm watching the Battle in Seattle, UCONN vs Gonzaga. It was really a tale of two halves in the first half. UCONN was up big early and then Gonzaga took a late lead, before UCONN led at the half. I get the feeling Gonzaga is going to end up winning this. Right now its Zags by one.
5:20 - This is getting to be a real good game in Seattle. One observation Austin Daye always seems to make plays. The type of plays that make you think why isn't this guy doing more than he's doing. And oh by the way, Tennessee held on for a two-point win over Belmont. Belmont led late in the game but the Volunteers rallied. Belmont ended up with a desperation shot off a missed FT at the buzzer but it missed. And if you're watching football, a good one in New Mexico as Fresno State is holding a two-point lead over Colorado State.
5:25 - Starting to sense that maybe the Zags are seizing control in this. It's still just a three-point lead, but it feels like Gonzaga is controlling things more and more. Colorado State has taken the lead in New Mexico. USF has a 14-7 lead on Memphis in St. Petersburg.
5:46 - Gonzaga still seems to be in control. But they haven't put Connecticut away - and you almost start to feel like the Huskies are going to pull this one out. They are down three with under eight left and I think its going to be an interesting finish. It has been an exciting game to this point.
7:57 - I've finally caught up. Syracuse needs to make some free throws and it will get out of here with a win. They lead by four with 2:30 left but are just 6-16 from the line.
8:08 - A good win for the Orange in Memphis. But I really don't think that Memphis team is as good as you'd think. I mean playing a Big East schedule, they'd be .500 or so. Still a good win for them. Great performance from Jonny Flynn who was questionable until game time. Rick Jackson also made a huge contribution. Coppin State is next on Monday night.
8:21 - Cincinnati is trying to rally versus Eastern Kentucky. But give the Colonels credit they keep making plays. EKU leads by 3 with under four to play.
8:26 - Checking in on the Ravens and Cowboys. The teams traded turnovers and it led to Choice's short touchdown run for an early 7-0 lead for the home team. Not sure that this is going to be a good night for the Ravens. I think they might be a bit overmatched on this occasion.
8:35 - Wow. UC just forced overtime with an alleyoop pass from Deontay Vaughan to Yancy Gates with .1 seconds left. Eastern Kentucky had taken the lead with 4.6 seconds left on a pair of free throws by Mike Rose, but the Bearcats pushed it up the floor and when the help came to try to stop Vaughan he flipped a lob to Gates who was near the rim and slammed it home, just before the horn.
8:49 - The shocking end to regulation was too much for EKU to overcome. It was all Bearcats in overtime, they defeat Eastern Kentucky 85-77 making 9-of-10 free throws in the extra session. The Colonels led by as many as 15 - but UC had enough to get back in the game and then rallied for the win and a great finish in regulation.
Mount O'Links
Canisius and the Mount on April 4th in lax
Stay Classy SEC
"Our guys eat at McDonald's"
Top ten surprises
Playing the title game participants
Memphis Notebook
Tyreke Evans settling in
Questions abound is the Big East really that good?
The Big East underdog
Twins excited to face Temple
Cornell headed to Philly to face Lasalle and St. Joe's
Wright perspective
Virginia Tech headed to MSG for Holiday Festival
Basketball thoughts
Vermont and Quinnipiac on Sunday afternoon
Another quality AE - NEC matchup
Albany Heart postponed
George Mason Radford preview
Raising the roof at Case Gymnasium
Elo Ratings Blog
The Memphis Dribble Drive
Big East Update
Orange in the League
Worth clipping just to see Steve Lappas' teeth
Walking in Memphis
Army VMI preview
Robert Morris to play at Palace of Auburn Hills
USF at Puerto Rico Shootout
Ruoff to return
Some strong and probably deserved criticism of the Orange judicial system
Paul VI handed first loss
Canisius faces Navy
Friday flashback
Curry faces Purdue
Ohio State Iona preview
Syracuse without starting backcourt at Memphis?
Making a name for Davidson
Central and Princeton still on
Great day for Hoops action
Storming the Floor Hoops weekend
Dale's return comes at right time for Big Red
Stay Classy SEC
"Our guys eat at McDonald's"
Top ten surprises
Playing the title game participants
Memphis Notebook
Tyreke Evans settling in
Questions abound is the Big East really that good?
The Big East underdog
Twins excited to face Temple
Cornell headed to Philly to face Lasalle and St. Joe's
Wright perspective
Virginia Tech headed to MSG for Holiday Festival
Basketball thoughts
Vermont and Quinnipiac on Sunday afternoon
Another quality AE - NEC matchup
Albany Heart postponed
George Mason Radford preview
Raising the roof at Case Gymnasium
Elo Ratings Blog
The Memphis Dribble Drive
Big East Update
Orange in the League
Worth clipping just to see Steve Lappas' teeth
Walking in Memphis
Army VMI preview
Robert Morris to play at Palace of Auburn Hills
USF at Puerto Rico Shootout
Ruoff to return
Some strong and probably deserved criticism of the Orange judicial system
Paul VI handed first loss
Canisius faces Navy
Friday flashback
Curry faces Purdue
Ohio State Iona preview
Syracuse without starting backcourt at Memphis?
Making a name for Davidson
Central and Princeton still on
Great day for Hoops action
Storming the Floor Hoops weekend
Dale's return comes at right time for Big Red
Friday, December 19, 2008
My picks for the Mount All-Century Team
For those of you without the background of who I am. The facts are this, I saw my first Mount game back in the amazing season of 1981. The Mount lost to Florida Southern in the Division II national championship game on my 8th birthday. I've been a Mountaineer fan ever since. I'm remember quite a few games since then, and as far as the All-Century team goes, I've been a fan for 28 years. So a little better than a 1/4 of the century, but certainly not a full sampling. So as I make these picks, remember they are going to be slanted towards the players of the last 30 years. Those are the guys I remember. And the stories and reputations of the guys who proceded them. You may vote differently and I'll respect that, because these were difficult choices for me. With that said, I picked 10 guys I saw play, 5 I didn't. Didn't plan it that way, just worked out that way. But at the bottom I'll list another five guys, the five guys who would make my 15 if I only picked guys I've seen play.
In alphebetical order:
Sal Angelo - A lot of the guys that I pick here are guards and scorers. Angelo was a rebounder and a darn good one. He is second all-time in rebounds - and still holds the single game record with 34 caroms. Not sure that one will ever be broken. He tops in rebounds per game.
Fred Carter - He's likely the best player to ever play at the Mount. The stories I've heard about him are legendary. He is third is scoring all time and he didn't have the benefit of the three-point arc. Not only was he the first African-American player at the school, he was the first African-American student. So his contribution goes well beyond the basketball court. One of only two players to have his number retired.
Mike Cataline - The fourth all-time leading scorer in school history gets him a spot on the team.
Paul Edwards - Watching Paul and his brother Daryle play for the Mount after their careers at Calvert Hall was one of the things I'll always remember as a kid. He was just a flat out super basketball player. Without a pair of knee injuries, his career numbers which were sensational anyhow might have been better. An off-guard he leads the school in career steals, is tenth in points and seventh in assists. A tremendous all-around player who would be tough to keep out of the the starting lineup even with this group.
Jeremy Goode - He's not on the ballot but I am writing him in. I won't be around to vote for him in 100 years. And as a sophomore he led the Mount to its third NCAA tournament appearance, and he has two more seasons to get back to the Big Dance. He's approaching 1000 points and could end up in the top five of many categories before he departs after next season. More than deserving even though he's only played two seasons.
Gregory Harris - The guard led the Mount to the NCAA tournament in 1999. He was a scorer and left the Mount as the school's assist leader and holds that mark today. He also could score the basketball, he's sixth on the all-time list in points.
In alphebetical order:
Sal Angelo - A lot of the guys that I pick here are guards and scorers. Angelo was a rebounder and a darn good one. He is second all-time in rebounds - and still holds the single game record with 34 caroms. Not sure that one will ever be broken. He tops in rebounds per game.
Fred Carter - He's likely the best player to ever play at the Mount. The stories I've heard about him are legendary. He is third is scoring all time and he didn't have the benefit of the three-point arc. Not only was he the first African-American player at the school, he was the first African-American student. So his contribution goes well beyond the basketball court. One of only two players to have his number retired.
Mike Cataline - The fourth all-time leading scorer in school history gets him a spot on the team.
Paul Edwards - Watching Paul and his brother Daryle play for the Mount after their careers at Calvert Hall was one of the things I'll always remember as a kid. He was just a flat out super basketball player. Without a pair of knee injuries, his career numbers which were sensational anyhow might have been better. An off-guard he leads the school in career steals, is tenth in points and seventh in assists. A tremendous all-around player who would be tough to keep out of the the starting lineup even with this group.
Jeremy Goode - He's not on the ballot but I am writing him in. I won't be around to vote for him in 100 years. And as a sophomore he led the Mount to its third NCAA tournament appearance, and he has two more seasons to get back to the Big Dance. He's approaching 1000 points and could end up in the top five of many categories before he departs after next season. More than deserving even though he's only played two seasons.
Gregory Harris - The guard led the Mount to the NCAA tournament in 1999. He was a scorer and left the Mount as the school's assist leader and holds that mark today. He also could score the basketball, he's sixth on the all-time list in points.
Riley Inge - Played only two and half years at the Mount. He teamed with his good friend Chris McGuthrie to lead the Mount to its first NCAA appearance. He was the type of point guard that made a lot of plays and few mistakes. Despite only playing 2 1/2 seasons, he's fourth in steals and third in assists and 20th in scoring. One of the best players to ever wear the blue and white.
Durelle Lewis - Speaking of top-notch point guards, Lewis was a standout. From Steel-High he was a key factor in leading the Mount to Division II's national championship game in 1981. As quick as quick could be, he once had 11 steals in a game. 14th all-time in scoring, he's one of the best true point guards to play for the Mountaineers.
Chris McGuthrie - Chris Mac may have well been one of the most exciting players to ever play the game. He played the game with a flair and a style not too often seen. He led the team to two national postseason tournaments in the NCAA tournament in 1995 and the NIT the next year. Second all-time in scoring and the school's all-time leader in three-pointers made with 300.
John O'Reilly - O'Reilly made my team on his numbers alone and the fact that he made the NCAA Final Four All-Tournament Team. Averaged nearly 19 points and 14 rebounds a game during his career at the Mount. Played on the 1962 national championship team.
Steve Rossignoli - Roz was part of that 1981 team that made me a Mount fan for life. His inside scoring and tough rebounding was a major factor in the team's success. He scored 1613 points in his career - averaging double digits four straight years.
Jim Rowe - Another of the group of great Mounties from that 1981 team. And I was young watching that team, but he really seemed to be the guy that made them go. The guy who held it all together. Paired in the backcourt with Lewis, he had a fine jumpshot and an ability to get to the basket. He's fifth all-time in scoring.
Mark Scallion - Every team needs a sixth man - and Scallion was it. He's the best this school ever had - and quite possibly the best anywhere ever. He scored 1000 plus points without ever starting a game. He did it with a funny looking jump shot, that was funny only leaving his hands, but sweet on the other end.
Jack Sullivan - The school's all-time leading scorer with 2672 points. Still holds 13 school records. One of only two players to have his number retired.
Mike Tate - The lefthander was one of my all-time favorites. He was a fantastic player who played on the wing and did his share of damage from the outside, but also did a good job getting to the basket. He is 11th all-time in scoring and 7th in assists.
Now the five guys, who would be part of my 15, if I stuck to only the guys I had seen play....
Kevin Booth - Booth probably deserves a spot somewhere above this, but I just couldn't put him in over some other guys. The trouble for Kevin was he was a shooting guard playing in a point guard's body - and often times playing without a point guard. But he still managed to make nearly 46 percent of his three-point attempts - and he was just about as good a shooter as I ever recall.
Darryle Edwards - an all-around player who did a little bit of everything to make his team better. Of all the guys I've listed here, he might have been my favorite. So maybe I put him upto higher standards than the rest but he just seems a notch below the guys who I voted for.
Joe Reedy - Reedy was a real good player who was a reserve for most of his first few years in Emmitsburg. But he came on strong and averaged 19 points a night in his senior season, with a sweet jumper.
Alex Watson - The most athletic player I ever saw play for the Mount. He had a lot of skills as a player as well. But I will never forget his performance against West Virginia Tech his freshman year. Playing in his third or fourth collegiate game, the 6-2 guard made a steal got ahead of the pack, bounced the ball off the floor, caught it off the glass and slammed it home. A few minutes later he got another steal and did the same thing except this time he spun around in the air and slammed it behind his head.
Michael Watson - Got the most out of his physical attributes. At 6-4 he averaged 10 points and 7 rebounds or more during his final three seasons with the Mounties. He did it by working hard and shooting well. He's still the school's leaders in field goal percentage.
There you have my picks. It wasn't easy. I hated not including some guys including George Young and Lou Grillo, but you've got to pick 15.
Now it's up to you - Go Vote.
Mount Georgetown preview
It's been a long time since the Mount and Georgetown have hooked up. But I did beat them on Lance Haffner's Courtside College Basketball game with the 88 or 89 squad, so we have that to fall back on.
Ok - I'm pretty sure I wrote more than that the first time around. But we'll try to add a little bit to it now. (But I was planning on posting my All-Century team tonight).
So anyhow the Mount heads to the Verizon Center (where I haven't been since the night the Mount was in Norman last year - and of course I was watching Hannah Montana and the Jonas Brothers. If I failed to mention it - the BCS championship game was also that night). But back to the task at hand. The Mount is facing its toughest opposition of the year and does so while entering with a four-game losing streak.
If there is any hope for the Mount it is that they took the last week of time off very seriously and that Georgetown was busy studying and Christmas shopping. The fact that the Hoyas enter off the emotional overtime win on the same floor over Memphis a week ago, makes you think that maybe the Mount could hang around for awhile. Still, its going to be tough. Real tough. Georgetown plays a suffocating defense, has a tremendous size advantage, and runs a style of offense that will try to capitalize on the Mount's tendency to overplay. It could be a long afternoon in the Nation's capital.
Still, I'm thinking that this afternoon is going to be one that gives us (the Mount fans) a lot of hope for what is to come the rest of the way. I think it is close, at halftime at least, but I don't think an upset is in the cards. In the end, I think the Hoyas win 81-68.
Some other links
Georgetown tops the Pomeroy rankings
Curry predicts a Georgetown win
Some help from Hoya Suxa
Washington Post preview
Ok - I'm pretty sure I wrote more than that the first time around. But we'll try to add a little bit to it now. (But I was planning on posting my All-Century team tonight).
So anyhow the Mount heads to the Verizon Center (where I haven't been since the night the Mount was in Norman last year - and of course I was watching Hannah Montana and the Jonas Brothers. If I failed to mention it - the BCS championship game was also that night). But back to the task at hand. The Mount is facing its toughest opposition of the year and does so while entering with a four-game losing streak.
If there is any hope for the Mount it is that they took the last week of time off very seriously and that Georgetown was busy studying and Christmas shopping. The fact that the Hoyas enter off the emotional overtime win on the same floor over Memphis a week ago, makes you think that maybe the Mount could hang around for awhile. Still, its going to be tough. Real tough. Georgetown plays a suffocating defense, has a tremendous size advantage, and runs a style of offense that will try to capitalize on the Mount's tendency to overplay. It could be a long afternoon in the Nation's capital.
Still, I'm thinking that this afternoon is going to be one that gives us (the Mount fans) a lot of hope for what is to come the rest of the way. I think it is close, at halftime at least, but I don't think an upset is in the cards. In the end, I think the Hoyas win 81-68.
Some other links
Georgetown tops the Pomeroy rankings
Curry predicts a Georgetown win
Some help from Hoya Suxa
Washington Post preview
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Tids and Bits
I took a little bit of time off from posting anything. I hope you missed me. Actually, I just hope you noticed. I wasn't taking finals, I wasn't trying to get over the loss to Penn State. Truly I wasn't doing anything real exciting. You probably assumed that.
Anyways a couple of things to comment on. I'm not disappointed with the Syracuse hiring of Doug Marrone. Not at all. None of the mentioned names - I mean seriously mentioned names - were all that exciting to me. I do like Turner Gill, I do think he's a good football coach and have been amazed by what he has done at Buffalo, but something keeps holding him back in this job process, so that concerns me.
But I'm willing to jump on board the Marrone ship. Mainly because he's coaching the Orange - and because I want some wins. Rob Spence is the new offensive coordinator. He has had good success at the collegiate level, but really struggled this past year at Clemson. Good ties to the NYC area should help the Orange.
Word out of Boston is that Mark Teixera and the Red Sox are getting close to finalizing a deal. It could be announced later tonight. I can't say I'm surprised, but for some reason, and maybe it should be called pure stupidity, I thought the Orioles were going to pull this one out. I thought they'd pony up enough to make him want to play at home. Maybe there will be a late surprise but I'm no longer hopeful.
How many colors do those NFL cheerleader Santa outfits come in?
kenpom.com which is a great site for college hoops rankings and the like, has the Mount predicted to lose only two more times this year. Of course those are the next two games. So don't get too excited too soon. And Pomeroy also says that the Mount's record at the end of the regular season is likely to be 18-11, 13-5 in the NEC. I don't think that will be good enough to win a regular season title. It gets to that record even though it is predicting wins in every regular conference game the rest of the way, basing its record prediction on the fact that some games won't turn out as expected.
That is all reasonable. But I thought I was being reasonable thinking 14-4 or even 15-3 was accomplishable. And obviously it still is. But the Mount needs to do something to get over the hump right now. Losing all of these close games is wearing on me.
Louisville and Notre Dame seem to be the two most overrated Big East teams. I just don't see the dominating performances I was expecting out of them. Louisville started very well in this Big East/SEC showdown game with Ole Miss tonight. But the Rebels are back in the game - and hoping to pull the upset in the second half.
Anyways a couple of things to comment on. I'm not disappointed with the Syracuse hiring of Doug Marrone. Not at all. None of the mentioned names - I mean seriously mentioned names - were all that exciting to me. I do like Turner Gill, I do think he's a good football coach and have been amazed by what he has done at Buffalo, but something keeps holding him back in this job process, so that concerns me.
But I'm willing to jump on board the Marrone ship. Mainly because he's coaching the Orange - and because I want some wins. Rob Spence is the new offensive coordinator. He has had good success at the collegiate level, but really struggled this past year at Clemson. Good ties to the NYC area should help the Orange.
Word out of Boston is that Mark Teixera and the Red Sox are getting close to finalizing a deal. It could be announced later tonight. I can't say I'm surprised, but for some reason, and maybe it should be called pure stupidity, I thought the Orioles were going to pull this one out. I thought they'd pony up enough to make him want to play at home. Maybe there will be a late surprise but I'm no longer hopeful.
How many colors do those NFL cheerleader Santa outfits come in?
kenpom.com which is a great site for college hoops rankings and the like, has the Mount predicted to lose only two more times this year. Of course those are the next two games. So don't get too excited too soon. And Pomeroy also says that the Mount's record at the end of the regular season is likely to be 18-11, 13-5 in the NEC. I don't think that will be good enough to win a regular season title. It gets to that record even though it is predicting wins in every regular conference game the rest of the way, basing its record prediction on the fact that some games won't turn out as expected.
That is all reasonable. But I thought I was being reasonable thinking 14-4 or even 15-3 was accomplishable. And obviously it still is. But the Mount needs to do something to get over the hump right now. Losing all of these close games is wearing on me.
Louisville and Notre Dame seem to be the two most overrated Big East teams. I just don't see the dominating performances I was expecting out of them. Louisville started very well in this Big East/SEC showdown game with Ole Miss tonight. But the Rebels are back in the game - and hoping to pull the upset in the second half.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Mount O'Links
From the Laurel Hill Connection
Paul VI on a Roll
The Paul VI boys basketball team improved its record to 7-0 with three road wins in three days last week. These wins include a come-from-behind victory over Washington Catholic Athletic Conference foe, St. Mary's Ryken, along wins over Trinity Christian (N.C.) and the host Christ Church School, which helped the Panthers take home the John Stone Memorial Basketball Tournament title. Against St. Mary’s, Paul VI closed on a 17-2 run and came away with a 58-51 win. Less than 24 hours later, the Panthers posted a 65-55 win over Trinity Christian, which has made the North Carolina state semifinals five of the last six years. Blake Bozeman knocked down six 3-pointers against Trinity. The Panthers finished the tournament on Saturday with a 73-57 victory over Christ Church, courtesy of 25 points from Erick Green and several strong dunks by Raven Barber and Eugene McCrory.
Some weekly honors
Feldeine the player of the week in NEC
7 Big East teams in Top 15
Musings and Notes
Hitting the books
Doug Marrone's nickname
State of the America East
Statham to break record last night
Elo Ratings recaps Syacuse Cleveland State - we thank them for that
Big Ten recap
Mount adds five for 2010 baseball season
Axeman with his recap of the Cleveland State game
Never too early to talk tourney
Paul VI on a Roll
The Paul VI boys basketball team improved its record to 7-0 with three road wins in three days last week. These wins include a come-from-behind victory over Washington Catholic Athletic Conference foe, St. Mary's Ryken, along wins over Trinity Christian (N.C.) and the host Christ Church School, which helped the Panthers take home the John Stone Memorial Basketball Tournament title. Against St. Mary’s, Paul VI closed on a 17-2 run and came away with a 58-51 win. Less than 24 hours later, the Panthers posted a 65-55 win over Trinity Christian, which has made the North Carolina state semifinals five of the last six years. Blake Bozeman knocked down six 3-pointers against Trinity. The Panthers finished the tournament on Saturday with a 73-57 victory over Christ Church, courtesy of 25 points from Erick Green and several strong dunks by Raven Barber and Eugene McCrory.
Some weekly honors
Feldeine the player of the week in NEC
7 Big East teams in Top 15
Musings and Notes
Hitting the books
Doug Marrone's nickname
State of the America East
Statham to break record last night
Elo Ratings recaps Syacuse Cleveland State - we thank them for that
Big Ten recap
Mount adds five for 2010 baseball season
Axeman with his recap of the Cleveland State game
Never too early to talk tourney
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Mount O'Links
This seems realistic - and I think we could take Jackson State
Mount lax on Siena schedule
Kara Caulfield makes all-Long Island tennis team, will play for Mount next season
Messiah wins another national title
Sacred Heart falls to Hartford
Miami tops Robert Morris
A-10 notebook 2 for 1
Sunday hoops recap
Rebounds a key in WVU win
Notre Dame falls in polls
Baltimore PressBox Recap
16 seed with no indication of the playin
A Mid-majority good morning from yesterday
Mount lax on Siena schedule
Kara Caulfield makes all-Long Island tennis team, will play for Mount next season
Messiah wins another national title
Sacred Heart falls to Hartford
Miami tops Robert Morris
A-10 notebook 2 for 1
Sunday hoops recap
Rebounds a key in WVU win
Notre Dame falls in polls
Baltimore PressBox Recap
16 seed with no indication of the playin
A Mid-majority good morning from yesterday
Monday, December 15, 2008
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Georgetown Links
Georgetown is ranked in the top twenty in the country. Here are some of the things that have been written about the Hoyas over the last few weeks.
Hoyas down American
American falls to Georgetown
Saturday Top 25 Boxes
Georgetown hosts Savannah State
Georgetown thumps SSU; but will make return trip
Production from all-around in Georgetown win
Official Georgetown recap of Savannah win
Witherspoon, family, in DC double-take
John Thompson III foundation toy drive
Pitino's son talks about Georgetown Memphis
Georgetown hosts Memphis
Monroe a big change
Memphis Georgetown the game of the day
Recap of Memphis Georgetown
Patient approach downs Memphis
Hoyas win in overtime
Wright at the point for Hoyas
Georgetown pulls upset
Georgetown a winner over Memphis
Georgetown and Memphis was an instant classic
Looking towards the Big East
Big East finally gets signature win
Georgetwon wears down Memphis
UW Milwaukee blogger was at the Georgetown Savannah State game - and includes it in her
Look back at Georgetown and Memphis
Recap by the Van Buren Boys
Summers earns Big East honors
Georgetown part of Hoops Addict power rankings
Elo Ratings
Previewing the matchup
Hoyas down American
American falls to Georgetown
Saturday Top 25 Boxes
Georgetown hosts Savannah State
Georgetown thumps SSU; but will make return trip
Production from all-around in Georgetown win
Official Georgetown recap of Savannah win
Witherspoon, family, in DC double-take
John Thompson III foundation toy drive
Pitino's son talks about Georgetown Memphis
Georgetown hosts Memphis
Monroe a big change
Memphis Georgetown the game of the day
Recap of Memphis Georgetown
Patient approach downs Memphis
Hoyas win in overtime
Wright at the point for Hoyas
Georgetown pulls upset
Georgetown a winner over Memphis
Georgetown and Memphis was an instant classic
Looking towards the Big East
Big East finally gets signature win
Georgetwon wears down Memphis
UW Milwaukee blogger was at the Georgetown Savannah State game - and includes it in her
Look back at Georgetown and Memphis
Recap by the Van Buren Boys
Summers earns Big East honors
Georgetown part of Hoops Addict power rankings
Elo Ratings
Previewing the matchup
Mount O'Links
Mount Women down Radford
One last UMBC/CCSU recap as the Midmajors game of the night
Simmons to stay at USC
Robinson close to return for Huskies
New book recaps Davidson's run
Matta not afraid to schedule mid-majors
Tracking Dave Golladay's senior year
Sixers fire Mo Cheeks
Maggie Dixon Classic today in NYC
Georgetown Memphis Part 2
Memphis freshman still with room to grow
Helping Saints and the Hornets
Rush the court checks in on the NEC
And the Patriot League
QB recruits drawing the focus
One last UMBC/CCSU recap as the Midmajors game of the night
Simmons to stay at USC
Robinson close to return for Huskies
New book recaps Davidson's run
Matta not afraid to schedule mid-majors
Tracking Dave Golladay's senior year
Sixers fire Mo Cheeks
Maggie Dixon Classic today in NYC
Georgetown Memphis Part 2
Memphis freshman still with room to grow
Helping Saints and the Hornets
Rush the court checks in on the NEC
And the Patriot League
QB recruits drawing the focus
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Recapping the Penn State loss
Here are the media reports from the Mount's 61-56 loss at Penn State....
Associated Press Report
Penn State athletics
Blue White Illustrated
Daily Collegian
Penn State gets free win
Centre Daily Times
Frederick News Post
Associated Press Report
Penn State athletics
Blue White Illustrated
Daily Collegian
Penn State gets free win
Centre Daily Times
Frederick News Post
Mount drops fourth in a row
Mt. St. Mary's lost for the fourth straight game, falling 61-56 at Penn State Saturday afternoon.
The effort seemed to be better for the Mount, who has lost all four of those games by five points or less. However, the open looks that the better offense produced for the Mount, didn't always produce points as the Mount left a lot of points on the court missing open shots and once again struggling mightily from the foul line making just 4-of-11 offerings.
Shawn Atupem led the Mount with 12 points, while Jeremy Goode had 11 and Jean Cajou chipped in with 10.
This was a better effort, and probably one that would have gotten them wins in any of the previous three games. But still when you play a big conference school on the road, you can't led opportunities pass you by. And the Mount did that both from the floor and the foul line.
The Mount led early, and took a 22-21 lead just before halftime. Penn State scored the final five points of the half, before the Mount took the lead with the first five points of the second half. That was the Mount's last lead of the game.
Penn State built a lead to as many as 12 in the second half, before the Mount stormed back late. Jeremy Goode's 1-of-2 effort from the free throw line cut it to 3 with 51 seconds left.
Penn State ran a set play and Jamelle Cornley got free on the block and scored to put the lead at 5 with 20 seconds left.
The effort seemed to be better for the Mount, who has lost all four of those games by five points or less. However, the open looks that the better offense produced for the Mount, didn't always produce points as the Mount left a lot of points on the court missing open shots and once again struggling mightily from the foul line making just 4-of-11 offerings.
Shawn Atupem led the Mount with 12 points, while Jeremy Goode had 11 and Jean Cajou chipped in with 10.
This was a better effort, and probably one that would have gotten them wins in any of the previous three games. But still when you play a big conference school on the road, you can't led opportunities pass you by. And the Mount did that both from the floor and the foul line.
The Mount led early, and took a 22-21 lead just before halftime. Penn State scored the final five points of the half, before the Mount took the lead with the first five points of the second half. That was the Mount's last lead of the game.
Penn State built a lead to as many as 12 in the second half, before the Mount stormed back late. Jeremy Goode's 1-of-2 effort from the free throw line cut it to 3 with 51 seconds left.
Penn State ran a set play and Jamelle Cornley got free on the block and scored to put the lead at 5 with 20 seconds left.
Live Blog of the Mount/Penn State
Mt. St. Mary's travels to Penn State to take on the Nittany Lions. Follow along right here....
Mount O'Links
Mount a part of Miami's schedule
With weekend games the end of the Packer era officially comes
Fact or Fiction with the Bonnies
Villanova is overrated, by George
The Big Least
Post Xavier-Pre Georgetown
Bears battle Penn Manor to end
All about the Volleyball team that forced the Mount basketball time change
Clark fueled by effort
Illinois among early surprises
Fall at Penn State
Early season surprises - more from there
USC preparing for Rose Bowl
Too bad you don't have the shopping done
More on that Penn State (undefeated) volleyball team
Still celebrating the win over CCSU at UMBC
Turnovers plague Blackbirds
Admit it, you are going to miss Billy Packer
First weekend without college football in a long time
Big Ten bowl games
Different surface at Rec Hall for Volleyball regionals
Cotto leaving Saint Louis
Notre Dame and Boston University preview
With weekend games the end of the Packer era officially comes
Fact or Fiction with the Bonnies
Villanova is overrated, by George
The Big Least
Post Xavier-Pre Georgetown
Bears battle Penn Manor to end
All about the Volleyball team that forced the Mount basketball time change
Clark fueled by effort
Illinois among early surprises
Fall at Penn State
Early season surprises - more from there
USC preparing for Rose Bowl
Too bad you don't have the shopping done
More on that Penn State (undefeated) volleyball team
Still celebrating the win over CCSU at UMBC
Turnovers plague Blackbirds
Admit it, you are going to miss Billy Packer
First weekend without college football in a long time
Big Ten bowl games
Different surface at Rec Hall for Volleyball regionals
Cotto leaving Saint Louis
Notre Dame and Boston University preview
Friday, December 12, 2008
Mount heads to State College
Here is the abbreviated version of the game preview.
Mt. St. Mary's travels to State College to take on Penn State trying to snap its three-game losing streak. The game will be streamed live on bigtennetwork.com. We will provide live analysis through a live blog.
Jeremy Goode will look to get back on track for the Mounties. The junior guard leads the Mount in scoring but has been held somewhat in check the last three games. Kelly Beidler will look to build on his 14-point 11-rebound effort from Tuesday night.
Talor Battle leads the Lions, however backcourt mate Stanley Pringle might not be jacking too many shots up. He missed the last game with an ankle injury. But the Lions, who struggled in that win over Army will have a decided height advantage.
I look for Penn State to win a highly contested game 75-68 in the end.
Some other pregame reading......
Jones finding rhythm
Lions host Mount St. Mary's
Ott about set to return, but he won't be eligble this weekend
Curry index picks PSU by 11
Mt. St. Mary's travels to State College to take on Penn State trying to snap its three-game losing streak. The game will be streamed live on bigtennetwork.com. We will provide live analysis through a live blog.
Jeremy Goode will look to get back on track for the Mounties. The junior guard leads the Mount in scoring but has been held somewhat in check the last three games. Kelly Beidler will look to build on his 14-point 11-rebound effort from Tuesday night.
Talor Battle leads the Lions, however backcourt mate Stanley Pringle might not be jacking too many shots up. He missed the last game with an ankle injury. But the Lions, who struggled in that win over Army will have a decided height advantage.
I look for Penn State to win a highly contested game 75-68 in the end.
Some other pregame reading......
Jones finding rhythm
Lions host Mount St. Mary's
Ott about set to return, but he won't be eligble this weekend
Curry index picks PSU by 11
Tids and Bits
Did anybody see where the Orioles are supposedly willing to goto 9 years/20 per to get Mark Teixera? Thank god we're in a recession/depression. But seriously, if you took the money earned by all the people who visit the Fan Blog in the next 9 years, I'll bet Teixera earns more.
I'm fine with Doug Marrone as the Syracuse head coach. I don't know if he'll do a great job, a good job or a GROB job. But whatever it is, he's the guy and I'll give him my attention for now. And I know that many like to compare the hiring to the Robinson hiring and Marrone to him. And there are similarities. But I'm comparing it more to the hiring of Tim Brewster at Minnesota and Jeff Jagodzinski at BC. Both of those have worked out fairly well. And both of those were similar to Marrone, and I think closer in age than Robinson.
Also there are now rumblings that Ed Orgeron will come back to Syracuse as the defensive coordinator. I liked Eddy O when he was in Syracuse, I liked him when he was at USC, and you have to think that his players had a lot to do with Ole Miss's success this year. That is good news. But it bothers me a little bit, if Marrone floated that name and Gross fell in love with him because of the USC connection during the interview process.
I woke up last night thinking that each candidate for the job probably got sick of Gross during the process and that is why they didn't want it. I mean how many times do you think Skip Holtz had to hear, "When I was at USC" before he decided Greenville is pretty nice for another year or so? Or what about Chip Kelly? Or Turner Gill? Or Kevin Gilbride? Yeah, that's what I thought.
I'm not going to State College tomorrow. So I will live blog the game. I don't think you'll find a TV feed. But it will be available via bigtennetwork.com with live streaming video for free, best I can tell.
If you are a channel flipper you might want to check out this site. It lets you customize the channels and then keeps a scoreboard for all the games on your TV. It will send you email or text messages with potential upsets and close finishes. I'm a fan.
I'm fine with Doug Marrone as the Syracuse head coach. I don't know if he'll do a great job, a good job or a GROB job. But whatever it is, he's the guy and I'll give him my attention for now. And I know that many like to compare the hiring to the Robinson hiring and Marrone to him. And there are similarities. But I'm comparing it more to the hiring of Tim Brewster at Minnesota and Jeff Jagodzinski at BC. Both of those have worked out fairly well. And both of those were similar to Marrone, and I think closer in age than Robinson.
Also there are now rumblings that Ed Orgeron will come back to Syracuse as the defensive coordinator. I liked Eddy O when he was in Syracuse, I liked him when he was at USC, and you have to think that his players had a lot to do with Ole Miss's success this year. That is good news. But it bothers me a little bit, if Marrone floated that name and Gross fell in love with him because of the USC connection during the interview process.
I woke up last night thinking that each candidate for the job probably got sick of Gross during the process and that is why they didn't want it. I mean how many times do you think Skip Holtz had to hear, "When I was at USC" before he decided Greenville is pretty nice for another year or so? Or what about Chip Kelly? Or Turner Gill? Or Kevin Gilbride? Yeah, that's what I thought.
I'm not going to State College tomorrow. So I will live blog the game. I don't think you'll find a TV feed. But it will be available via bigtennetwork.com with live streaming video for free, best I can tell.
If you are a channel flipper you might want to check out this site. It lets you customize the channels and then keeps a scoreboard for all the games on your TV. It will send you email or text messages with potential upsets and close finishes. I'm a fan.
Mount O'Links
Mount athletes of the week
Statham ties record
Mount women getting good shots
Mount women help slide continue
Interesting early season NEC matchup
Tigers building a relationship with Big East
Stephen Curry brings heat to the Garden
Is Big East overrated?
yesterday's College roundup
Viewers knew the Score
Devlin done at PSU - QB in waiting to transfer - not goto Rose Bowl
More Devlin discussion
Northeast Conference football
Remember Dee Brown? Alex Watson did the dunk he missed when he won the NBA slam dunk contest in a game.
BCS isn't fair - blah, blah, blah
More from the Big Ten
UMBC beats Central
Early success could pay off for Noles
Charting the Big East
News and Notes from the Big House
Owls could use a Big Win
Western Kentucky seeking fifth straight win
Mount adds tennis recruit from Kevin Booth's high school
Chicago hoops update
Full Court Press
UMBC and its win over CCSU
Yet another basketball blog
Statham ties record
Mount women getting good shots
Mount women help slide continue
Interesting early season NEC matchup
Tigers building a relationship with Big East
Stephen Curry brings heat to the Garden
Is Big East overrated?
yesterday's College roundup
Viewers knew the Score
Devlin done at PSU - QB in waiting to transfer - not goto Rose Bowl
More Devlin discussion
Northeast Conference football
Remember Dee Brown? Alex Watson did the dunk he missed when he won the NBA slam dunk contest in a game.
BCS isn't fair - blah, blah, blah
More from the Big Ten
UMBC beats Central
Early success could pay off for Noles
Charting the Big East
News and Notes from the Big House
Owls could use a Big Win
Western Kentucky seeking fifth straight win
Mount adds tennis recruit from Kevin Booth's high school
Chicago hoops update
Full Court Press
UMBC and its win over CCSU
Yet another basketball blog
Marrone's the Guy
Doug Marrone, the former SU lineman, will take over the program as its new head coach as early as today.
Apparently, Syracuse Athletic Director Daryl Gross is unaware that somebody has been offered the job, but every media outlet from Syracuse to Katamandu is reporting that Marrone is indeed the next coach. Marrone was the New Orleans offensive coordinator until late last night, but will leave the Saints immediately to take over his duties with the Orange.
He was apparently the last man standing in this long-term coaching search, that may well have begun about a year ago when Gross was finishing welcoming Greg Robinson back for this year. Gross, who still hasn't offered the job to anyone, was reportedly turned down by Skip Holtz, Chip Kelley, Randy Edsall, Kevin Gilbride - and possibly the MAC elite coaching forces of Turner Gill and Al Golden. In all cases, there were reasons given. But quite possibly these guys and perhaps others (Leach, Tuberville, et al) just decided that Syracuse wasn't the best place to try to add to their resume. Or perhaps they just didn't want to work with Gross. Can't blame them.
But anyhow, Marrone who seems to bleed Orange like the rest of us is the guy. For that, I am excited. He will likely not inspire the fan base, and he won't be the national splash that Gross insinuated was coming. But ultimately all we want as fans is to win games. I'm ready to get behind him and hope that happens.
Apparently, Syracuse Athletic Director Daryl Gross is unaware that somebody has been offered the job, but every media outlet from Syracuse to Katamandu is reporting that Marrone is indeed the next coach. Marrone was the New Orleans offensive coordinator until late last night, but will leave the Saints immediately to take over his duties with the Orange.
He was apparently the last man standing in this long-term coaching search, that may well have begun about a year ago when Gross was finishing welcoming Greg Robinson back for this year. Gross, who still hasn't offered the job to anyone, was reportedly turned down by Skip Holtz, Chip Kelley, Randy Edsall, Kevin Gilbride - and possibly the MAC elite coaching forces of Turner Gill and Al Golden. In all cases, there were reasons given. But quite possibly these guys and perhaps others (Leach, Tuberville, et al) just decided that Syracuse wasn't the best place to try to add to their resume. Or perhaps they just didn't want to work with Gross. Can't blame them.
But anyhow, Marrone who seems to bleed Orange like the rest of us is the guy. For that, I am excited. He will likely not inspire the fan base, and he won't be the national splash that Gross insinuated was coming. But ultimately all we want as fans is to win games. I'm ready to get behind him and hope that happens.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Like Sands Through the Hour Glass
Syracuse is still in search of a football coach.
Skip Holtz has turned down the Orange's offer to become their next head coach. Syracuse head coach Daryl Gross says he hasn't offered the job to anyone. Go figure. And technically speaking, I guess its possible he hasn't. But trust me when I tell you, all Holtz had to do was say the word and the offer was there.
There are now reports that New Orleans Saints Offensive Coordinator Doug Marrone will accept the job. Marrone seems to have a passion to want the job which the other candidates definitely lacked, but it seems as if this is not what was originally supposed to happen when this job became available.
Skip Holtz has turned down the Orange's offer to become their next head coach. Syracuse head coach Daryl Gross says he hasn't offered the job to anyone. Go figure. And technically speaking, I guess its possible he hasn't. But trust me when I tell you, all Holtz had to do was say the word and the offer was there.
There are now reports that New Orleans Saints Offensive Coordinator Doug Marrone will accept the job. Marrone seems to have a passion to want the job which the other candidates definitely lacked, but it seems as if this is not what was originally supposed to happen when this job became available.
Mount O'Links
Mount women down Fairfield
Statham ties Phelan in win
A case for no playoff
Beauty of the Big 5
Andy Katz blog
On the heels of the Big 5 article, there is this DC article
SEC TV deal
Whelliston's good morning from yesterday
Checking in on the Big East
Mid Major rankings from Elo Ratings
One of our favorite bloggers is picking on Stony Brook
Hawks find hope in another loss
QU opens conference play this weekend
Statham ties Phelan in win
A case for no playoff
Beauty of the Big 5
Andy Katz blog
On the heels of the Big 5 article, there is this DC article
SEC TV deal
Whelliston's good morning from yesterday
Checking in on the Big East
Mid Major rankings from Elo Ratings
One of our favorite bloggers is picking on Stony Brook
Hawks find hope in another loss
QU opens conference play this weekend
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Holtz offered job; has 48 hours to accept
Skip Holtz was offered the Syracuse football coaching job on Wednesday and has 48 hours to accept the position according to sources close to the situation.
Holtz met with Syracuse administrators early this week and Athletic Director Daryl Gross offered him the position early in the day Wednesday. The current ECU head coach is expected to attend a Liberty Bowl luncheon in Memphis tomorrow, before returning to Greenville where he will likely contemplate the offer and make his decision.
Holtz may also be using the extra time to see if he gets a better offer, or feel out schools that may have openings in the future if they would have an interest in Holtz.
If Holtz does not accept the job, expect Syracuse to name Al Golden, the current coach at Temple the head coach. Either way Syracuse should have a head coach by sundown Friday.
Holtz met with Syracuse administrators early this week and Athletic Director Daryl Gross offered him the position early in the day Wednesday. The current ECU head coach is expected to attend a Liberty Bowl luncheon in Memphis tomorrow, before returning to Greenville where he will likely contemplate the offer and make his decision.
Holtz may also be using the extra time to see if he gets a better offer, or feel out schools that may have openings in the future if they would have an interest in Holtz.
If Holtz does not accept the job, expect Syracuse to name Al Golden, the current coach at Temple the head coach. Either way Syracuse should have a head coach by sundown Friday.
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
24 hours after the home loss to Navy, that dropped the Mount to 3-5 overall, I'm still trying to determine exactly it is that the Mount is lacking. I still think the majority of the problems lies in offensive efficency. Last year, during the run at the end of the season, the Mount continuously scored better than a point a possession when in won and less than that when it lost. Thus far this season, the Mount is 2-0 when scoring better than a point a possession and 1-5 when it scores less than then that.
So here is the way I recall last evening....
The Good - Kelly Beidler had a tremendous effort. He was efficient. He had his second double-double 14 points and 11 rebounds, while shooting 6-of-10 from the field. He helped the Mount stay in the game late. He guarded Kaleo Kina for most of the first half when Kina had only 6 of his 26 points.
Sam Atupem was very strong offensively. He had 12 points and made 4-of-6 from the floor. It might have been his best offensive performance of the year.
Pierre Brown made his first appearance of the season, and I liked what I saw from the sophomore in limited minutes. He had a bucket and a rebound in three minutes of action. He might be able to help this team in short bursts this year.
The Bad - The Mount has had several opportunities this year to put space between itself and opponents, but seems to lack the killer instinct to do so. Stretching a lead out hasn't been the greatest attribute for this team.
Without Jeremy Goode on the floor this team has really struggled. On Saturday, at CCSU the Mount led early when Goode went to the bench with two fouls. The lead went from 12-9 to an 18-12 deficit before the Cousy nominee returned. After a strong start on Tuesday, Goode went to the bench for an early breather with the Mount leading 8-2. Navy quickly scored six points to tie the game. Not sure what the total problem is here, but the Mount has to be able to hold the tide when Goode isn't in the game.
Will Holland continues to struggle with his shooting. The junior from Houston was 2-11 from the field. He made a key three-pointer late, but he continues to have trouble finding the rhythm. However, it did seem like he just let the last three go. And no matter how much he struggles from the field, he continues to play hard. Very hard. But he's got to just let the jumpers go to help this team.
The Ugly: A week ago, it looked realistic to think the Mount might go to Penn State on Saturday with a 6-2 record. But now at 3-5 that seemed like a pipe dream. Beidler said they will get better, the record will get better. Head Coach Milan Brown said the team could be 8-0 at this point, and while that makes sense, by the same argument they could be 0-8.
Trying to stop Kaleo Kina was disastrous. The powerful Navy forward couldn't be stopped down the stretch. And the disappointing thing was Navy kept doing the same thing over and over to get Kina free. A little bit of help defense might have been the answer.
The Mount Maniacs weren't maniacs. Pregame, I was afraid they might not even show up. During the game, you hardly noticed they were there. If the Mount is going to have a homecourt advantage they need some better support from their fellow students. And coming home after a disappointing road trip they needed you even more. There needs to be more folks like the guy with the M on his chest. He needs some friends with the OUNT or at least the SM
So here is the way I recall last evening....
The Good - Kelly Beidler had a tremendous effort. He was efficient. He had his second double-double 14 points and 11 rebounds, while shooting 6-of-10 from the field. He helped the Mount stay in the game late. He guarded Kaleo Kina for most of the first half when Kina had only 6 of his 26 points.
Sam Atupem was very strong offensively. He had 12 points and made 4-of-6 from the floor. It might have been his best offensive performance of the year.
Pierre Brown made his first appearance of the season, and I liked what I saw from the sophomore in limited minutes. He had a bucket and a rebound in three minutes of action. He might be able to help this team in short bursts this year.
The Bad - The Mount has had several opportunities this year to put space between itself and opponents, but seems to lack the killer instinct to do so. Stretching a lead out hasn't been the greatest attribute for this team.
Without Jeremy Goode on the floor this team has really struggled. On Saturday, at CCSU the Mount led early when Goode went to the bench with two fouls. The lead went from 12-9 to an 18-12 deficit before the Cousy nominee returned. After a strong start on Tuesday, Goode went to the bench for an early breather with the Mount leading 8-2. Navy quickly scored six points to tie the game. Not sure what the total problem is here, but the Mount has to be able to hold the tide when Goode isn't in the game.
Will Holland continues to struggle with his shooting. The junior from Houston was 2-11 from the field. He made a key three-pointer late, but he continues to have trouble finding the rhythm. However, it did seem like he just let the last three go. And no matter how much he struggles from the field, he continues to play hard. Very hard. But he's got to just let the jumpers go to help this team.
The Ugly: A week ago, it looked realistic to think the Mount might go to Penn State on Saturday with a 6-2 record. But now at 3-5 that seemed like a pipe dream. Beidler said they will get better, the record will get better. Head Coach Milan Brown said the team could be 8-0 at this point, and while that makes sense, by the same argument they could be 0-8.
Trying to stop Kaleo Kina was disastrous. The powerful Navy forward couldn't be stopped down the stretch. And the disappointing thing was Navy kept doing the same thing over and over to get Kina free. A little bit of help defense might have been the answer.
The Mount Maniacs weren't maniacs. Pregame, I was afraid they might not even show up. During the game, you hardly noticed they were there. If the Mount is going to have a homecourt advantage they need some better support from their fellow students. And coming home after a disappointing road trip they needed you even more. There needs to be more folks like the guy with the M on his chest. He needs some friends with the OUNT or at least the SM
Penn State Links
The Penn State basketball team is off to a solid start to the season. This will be the second team that the Mount plays from a BCS conference. The Mount nearly beat Virginia Tech in its second game of the season. Penn State beat Tech in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge last season. Here is what has been written about the Nittany Lions recently.....
Penn State takes on Temple; reschedules game with Mount
Last semicompetitive game on Penn State's non-conference schedule
Abbreviated Temple-Penn State preview
Temple wins with real team effort
Non conference home winning streak comes to an end
Lions stall against Temple
Temple wins on the road
Temple D the key
Penn State students educated to donate to athletics program
Lions look to improve defensively
Army Penn State to meet on ESPNU
Pringle injury a real concern
Penn State wins despite shooting woes
Battle leads Lions past Army
Penn State takes on Temple; reschedules game with Mount
Last semicompetitive game on Penn State's non-conference schedule
Abbreviated Temple-Penn State preview
Temple wins with real team effort
Non conference home winning streak comes to an end
Lions stall against Temple
Temple wins on the road
Temple D the key
Penn State students educated to donate to athletics program
Lions look to improve defensively
Army Penn State to meet on ESPNU
Pringle injury a real concern
Penn State wins despite shooting woes
Battle leads Lions past Army
Mount O'Links
Mount women fall to Sacred Heart
Raven Barber stats
Again the Mount remains part of this Bracket thesis
KU notebook
Ball State looking for big upset
Still recapping Sunday's action
Bowl Season
Ugly loss stokes fire under Georgia
Really McHale's team now
One more to tie BowTie
Metro Rankings
Glover, McAfee win Big East awards
The Most perfect college playoff plan ever created
Beauty of course is in the eye of the beholder.
Seth Davis weighs in on some early season issues
Wake Forest a tale of two sports
Some guys you can hear when you read their stuff, Clark Kellogg is one of those guys for me.
Monmouth's slide continues
Albany Canisius games notes
Mid-Major Tuesday
Iverson practicing to fit with Pistons
Power rankings from college hoops
Raven Barber stats
Again the Mount remains part of this Bracket thesis
KU notebook
Ball State looking for big upset
Still recapping Sunday's action
Bowl Season
Ugly loss stokes fire under Georgia
Really McHale's team now
One more to tie BowTie
Metro Rankings
Glover, McAfee win Big East awards
The Most perfect college playoff plan ever created
Beauty of course is in the eye of the beholder.
Seth Davis weighs in on some early season issues
Wake Forest a tale of two sports
Some guys you can hear when you read their stuff, Clark Kellogg is one of those guys for me.
Monmouth's slide continues
Albany Canisius games notes
Mid-Major Tuesday
Iverson practicing to fit with Pistons
Power rankings from college hoops
Recapping the Navy loss
Here are the media accounts of Navy's 68-65 win at Knott Arena on Tuesday....
Navy athletic site
Frederick Post
Mount Athletics
Carroll County Times
AP Story
Hometown Annapolis.com
Navy athletic site
Frederick Post
Mount Athletics
Carroll County Times
AP Story
Hometown Annapolis.com
Panic Mode
Mt. St. Mary's dropped its third straight game, 68-65 at home to Navy on Tuesday night.
For me its all about offensive efficiency and the Mount seems to have very little if any again. Another poor shooting night, less than 40% from the field less than 70% from the line, coupled with Navy's halftime adjustments to the Mount's defense led to the loss.
Kaleo Kina scored 26, including 20 late to lead the Midshipmen (8-2). It was an exciting game, but one that the Mount could have and maybe should have pulled out.
I just feel like something is not clicking on the offensive end right now. Jean Cajou led the Mount with 15, Kelly Beidler played very well and had 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Sam Atupem was also in double figures with 12.
I'll try to post more after digesting just how bad it was later.
For me its all about offensive efficiency and the Mount seems to have very little if any again. Another poor shooting night, less than 40% from the field less than 70% from the line, coupled with Navy's halftime adjustments to the Mount's defense led to the loss.
Kaleo Kina scored 26, including 20 late to lead the Midshipmen (8-2). It was an exciting game, but one that the Mount could have and maybe should have pulled out.
I just feel like something is not clicking on the offensive end right now. Jean Cajou led the Mount with 15, Kelly Beidler played very well and had 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Sam Atupem was also in double figures with 12.
I'll try to post more after digesting just how bad it was later.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Mount O'Links
December wins important in NEC
Golladay scores 19 in Wise season opening win - interview here
BCS works out
Hoya Suxa tried
Navy and rematches
Mount coaches in attendance at DTLR hoops festival
Big Ten is better than you think
Let's talk college basketball
Basketball the New football
UNC the unanimous #1; Orange climbs to 13
Howard and Gibson honored by NEC
Big Ten Rankings
Average 11 or Big Ten?
Polls hold no surprises for this UCONN blogger
College basketball power rankings
You're not going to believe who was last night's Game of the Night
More from the DTLR
Back to the play-in per this prediction
Crimson and Cream looking at the Top 25
Big East Review
Golladay scores 19 in Wise season opening win - interview here
BCS works out
Hoya Suxa tried
Navy and rematches
Mount coaches in attendance at DTLR hoops festival
Big Ten is better than you think
Let's talk college basketball
Basketball the New football
UNC the unanimous #1; Orange climbs to 13
Howard and Gibson honored by NEC
Big Ten Rankings
Average 11 or Big Ten?
Polls hold no surprises for this UCONN blogger
College basketball power rankings
You're not going to believe who was last night's Game of the Night
More from the DTLR
Back to the play-in per this prediction
Crimson and Cream looking at the Top 25
Big East Review
Monday, December 08, 2008
Judicial Board Expected to rule on Devendorf tomorrow
The SU Judicial Board should hand down its ruling regarding Syracuse guard Eric Devendorf tomorrow. The news we are hearing is that the basketball team is preparing for the worst and that Devendorf will be suspended for the rest of the year. None of this is confirmed, but it is what is expected at the moment.
Syracuse is 8-0 and ranked #13 in the latest poll. Devendorf a junior missed most of last year with a knee injury, but was back in the starting lineup this year.
We'll keep you posted if we hear anything else.
Syracuse is 8-0 and ranked #13 in the latest poll. Devendorf a junior missed most of last year with a knee injury, but was back in the starting lineup this year.
We'll keep you posted if we hear anything else.
Just what the Doctor ordered? A home game
Who plays?: Mt. St. Mary's (3-4) plays just its second home game of the season as Navy (7-2) comes to the ARCC.
What's at stake?: The Mount and Navy have played a spirited series since the Mount went to Division I. The Mount is still the favorite in the NEC and Navy is off to a hot start and among the top choices in the Patriot, so this is a big game as far as mid-majors are concerned.
When is tipoff?: Tuesday evening at 7:00PM
Where is the game?: The game is at the Knott ARCC. The Mount and Navy played the first game in the building. If you can't make it to the game, WTHU-AM Thurmont 1450 will have the radio call. Steve Stofberg and The Mouth of the Mount Roy Sigler bring you the action on the Mount Radio Network.
The Analysis: Navy lost its opener, then won seven in a row before losing to Virginia Tech on Sunday evening after leading at halftime. The Mount started strongly with three wins in five games, but had a road trip to Connecticut that they'd like to soon forget.
Rankings: Mt. St. Mary's (113 RPI, 170 BBState.com, 165 kenpom.com, 142 Sagarin)
Navy (178 RPI, 183 BBState.com, 161 kenpom.com, 172 Sagarin)
Advantages for Mt. St. Mary's: The Mount has the more athletic basketball team and can run by the Midshipmen if all goes right. Being back at home should help the Mount out. Obviously, the Mount needs to shoot the ball a little better, but their athletic superiority can lead to better chances.
Advantages for Navy: Even with the loss on Sunday, the Middies are probably the more confident of the two teams. Riding a seven-game winning streak before the loss to the ACC team had to do wonders for Navy. Still the most impressive of those wins was probably over 1-6 Penn, so this team hasn't been tremendously challenged. The Middies might have a size advantage with 6-11 Mark Veazey, 6-8 Adam Teague and 6-4 Kaleo Kina. Kina averages 20+ points and 6 rebounds a game and will probably get Kelly Beidler as a matchup. Both Veazey and Teague have been effective early in the season.
What to expect?: I'm not giving up on this team. And I don't think they've lost their confidence. I expect exactly what I was expecting on Saturday, the best performance of the season from the Mountaineers. I think they'll get up and down the floor and score a lot of points. I also expect a solid defensive effort. I'm looking for that stat stuffing performance from Jeremy Goode and a fine effort for Jean Cajou. But overall, a total team effort that ends in a 78-66 Mount win.
Any additional links about the game will be posted here as I see them:
Last pre-exam game for the Mids
Another game of note according to ELORatings Blog
What's at stake?: The Mount and Navy have played a spirited series since the Mount went to Division I. The Mount is still the favorite in the NEC and Navy is off to a hot start and among the top choices in the Patriot, so this is a big game as far as mid-majors are concerned.
When is tipoff?: Tuesday evening at 7:00PM
Where is the game?: The game is at the Knott ARCC. The Mount and Navy played the first game in the building. If you can't make it to the game, WTHU-AM Thurmont 1450 will have the radio call. Steve Stofberg and The Mouth of the Mount Roy Sigler bring you the action on the Mount Radio Network.
The Analysis: Navy lost its opener, then won seven in a row before losing to Virginia Tech on Sunday evening after leading at halftime. The Mount started strongly with three wins in five games, but had a road trip to Connecticut that they'd like to soon forget.
Rankings: Mt. St. Mary's (113 RPI, 170 BBState.com, 165 kenpom.com, 142 Sagarin)
Navy (178 RPI, 183 BBState.com, 161 kenpom.com, 172 Sagarin)
Advantages for Mt. St. Mary's: The Mount has the more athletic basketball team and can run by the Midshipmen if all goes right. Being back at home should help the Mount out. Obviously, the Mount needs to shoot the ball a little better, but their athletic superiority can lead to better chances.
Advantages for Navy: Even with the loss on Sunday, the Middies are probably the more confident of the two teams. Riding a seven-game winning streak before the loss to the ACC team had to do wonders for Navy. Still the most impressive of those wins was probably over 1-6 Penn, so this team hasn't been tremendously challenged. The Middies might have a size advantage with 6-11 Mark Veazey, 6-8 Adam Teague and 6-4 Kaleo Kina. Kina averages 20+ points and 6 rebounds a game and will probably get Kelly Beidler as a matchup. Both Veazey and Teague have been effective early in the season.
What to expect?: I'm not giving up on this team. And I don't think they've lost their confidence. I expect exactly what I was expecting on Saturday, the best performance of the season from the Mountaineers. I think they'll get up and down the floor and score a lot of points. I also expect a solid defensive effort. I'm looking for that stat stuffing performance from Jeremy Goode and a fine effort for Jean Cajou. But overall, a total team effort that ends in a 78-66 Mount win.
Any additional links about the game will be posted here as I see them:
Last pre-exam game for the Mids
Another game of note according to ELORatings Blog
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Looking back at yesterday, plenty of frustration
Yesterday's 66-65 overtime loss at Central Connecticut is full of frustration. Better than 24 hours and I'm still trying to figure out what to think.
The facts are the Mount lost a pair of games on the road to start the NEC season. It certainly doesn't mean the season is lost, but it certainly makes it seem like all the glorious reviews and thoughts I had after the American win on Monday may have been a bit premature.
Now, CCSU was the team that I thought would be the Mount's biggest competitor in the league. And Sacred Heart the other loss on the trip was the coaches choice to finish right behind the Mount. So a pair of road losses might not have been that unpredictable. However, the fact that they come early in the season, and they don't get to play a conference game again until January 5th makes it all magnified.
Certainly, the Mount didn't play its best and it could have come away with a pair of wins on the road against top notch league competition. That is positive. But the fact that it didn't play its best is extremely disheartening.
But the frustration after the CCSU loss came from a variety of sources.
First and foremost the foul shooting. In a one-point overtime loss, its easy to say that one more foul shot make might have been the difference in the game. When you make just 4-of-13 from the line, its easy to say that a reasonable performance from the line 8-of-13 (which could still spell frustration) should have been enough. There was a similar performance at George Mason (6-of-19) if I recall, that we termed an anomoly. But now this is becoming a habit. One of the key factors in the Mount's great run last year was quality foul shooting. It needs to get back to that level.
CCSU won the game on a third-chance bucket. Allowing them one rebound in that situation was frustrating enough, the fact that got two made it all the more difficult to digest. Central ended up with 14 offensive rebounds and scored 15 points off of those caroms. Just one more defensive rebound, particularly one in the final 20 seconds, might have been enough to preserve the win.
Half court execution. The Mount has had some trouble of late in their half court sets. Some of it could be some poor shooting, some could be good defense, but they had a 17 point half at American, and a 20 point half at CCSU. Also, they didn't score in the final 3 minutes of regulation, when one score might have been enough to preserve the victory. Noticeable in the boxscore was the Mount only had 11 assists on 27 field goals. I'd like to see that ratio a little bit higher. I was very impressed early in the season with ball movement and the willingness to make the extra pass. Some of that seems to be lacking at the moment.
This isn't all doom and gloom. This is still the same team, the same group that we all felt so highly about a week ago. The same unit that had won 3 of its first five, against quality opposition while playing only one at home. None of the aspirations and goals that we had for this team are eliminated with this ugly trip to Connecticut. But it does bring some reason for concern, and it makes the margin of error much smaller the rest of the way.
Certainly it brought the frustration with it.
The facts are the Mount lost a pair of games on the road to start the NEC season. It certainly doesn't mean the season is lost, but it certainly makes it seem like all the glorious reviews and thoughts I had after the American win on Monday may have been a bit premature.
Now, CCSU was the team that I thought would be the Mount's biggest competitor in the league. And Sacred Heart the other loss on the trip was the coaches choice to finish right behind the Mount. So a pair of road losses might not have been that unpredictable. However, the fact that they come early in the season, and they don't get to play a conference game again until January 5th makes it all magnified.
Certainly, the Mount didn't play its best and it could have come away with a pair of wins on the road against top notch league competition. That is positive. But the fact that it didn't play its best is extremely disheartening.
But the frustration after the CCSU loss came from a variety of sources.
First and foremost the foul shooting. In a one-point overtime loss, its easy to say that one more foul shot make might have been the difference in the game. When you make just 4-of-13 from the line, its easy to say that a reasonable performance from the line 8-of-13 (which could still spell frustration) should have been enough. There was a similar performance at George Mason (6-of-19) if I recall, that we termed an anomoly. But now this is becoming a habit. One of the key factors in the Mount's great run last year was quality foul shooting. It needs to get back to that level.
CCSU won the game on a third-chance bucket. Allowing them one rebound in that situation was frustrating enough, the fact that got two made it all the more difficult to digest. Central ended up with 14 offensive rebounds and scored 15 points off of those caroms. Just one more defensive rebound, particularly one in the final 20 seconds, might have been enough to preserve the win.
Half court execution. The Mount has had some trouble of late in their half court sets. Some of it could be some poor shooting, some could be good defense, but they had a 17 point half at American, and a 20 point half at CCSU. Also, they didn't score in the final 3 minutes of regulation, when one score might have been enough to preserve the victory. Noticeable in the boxscore was the Mount only had 11 assists on 27 field goals. I'd like to see that ratio a little bit higher. I was very impressed early in the season with ball movement and the willingness to make the extra pass. Some of that seems to be lacking at the moment.
This isn't all doom and gloom. This is still the same team, the same group that we all felt so highly about a week ago. The same unit that had won 3 of its first five, against quality opposition while playing only one at home. None of the aspirations and goals that we had for this team are eliminated with this ugly trip to Connecticut. But it does bring some reason for concern, and it makes the margin of error much smaller the rest of the way.
Certainly it brought the frustration with it.
Navy Links
The Midshipmen are up next for the Mountaineers in a game at Knott Arena. Navy and the Mount played a grueling game in Annapolis last year with the Mount prevailing. The Middies have been playing well to start this season and here is everything that has been written about them in the last few days.
Navy garnering national recognition
Navy defeats Texas-San Antonio
Hot shooting leads to Navy win over UTSA
Navy overcomes turnovers in W
Navy headed to historic Palestra
Penn preview of the Navy game
Navy wins again
Impressive win for Mids
Mids mightier than Penn
Navy serving notice
Seven game win streak stopped by Tech
Hokies rally past Navy
At the BB&T Classic
Navy garnering national recognition
Navy defeats Texas-San Antonio
Hot shooting leads to Navy win over UTSA
Navy overcomes turnovers in W
Navy headed to historic Palestra
Penn preview of the Navy game
Navy wins again
Impressive win for Mids
Mids mightier than Penn
Navy serving notice
Seven game win streak stopped by Tech
Hokies rally past Navy
At the BB&T Classic
Holtz to be announced Monday as Syracuse head coach
Following the same sort of timetable that I reported here on Thursday, the NFL Network is reporting that Skip Holtz will be announced as the next football head coach at Syracuse on Monday. It sounds as if their sources have confirmed the same things that I have heard from mine.
Holtz, the current coach at East Carolina, has had plenty of success at the college level and will likely bring a different style offense with him to the Carrier Dome. He is the son of former college coaching legend Lou Holtz.
The Pirates defeated Virginia Tech and West Virginia early this year before injuries decimated ECU and the Pirates finished 9-4, but did manage to defeat Tulsa for the Conference USA title yesterday. The Pirates accepted a bid to the Liberty Bowl yesterday.
East Carolina AD Terry Holland, the former basketball coach at Virginia, has said in recent days that he has not been contacted by anyone about talking with Holtz about any open positions.
Holtz, the current coach at East Carolina, has had plenty of success at the college level and will likely bring a different style offense with him to the Carrier Dome. He is the son of former college coaching legend Lou Holtz.
The Pirates defeated Virginia Tech and West Virginia early this year before injuries decimated ECU and the Pirates finished 9-4, but did manage to defeat Tulsa for the Conference USA title yesterday. The Pirates accepted a bid to the Liberty Bowl yesterday.
East Carolina AD Terry Holland, the former basketball coach at Virginia, has said in recent days that he has not been contacted by anyone about talking with Holtz about any open positions.
Mount O'Links
Iowa Bryant postgame blog
Who pays the college coach?
29 years for Vitale
No Mountaineers in this bracket; replaced by Blackbirds
Remembering Notre Dame's moment
Things are getting rough at Penn
Navy shuts out Army
Huge day for Big Ten
Hawks expect NEC success
QU gets first NEC win
Bobcats soar to victory
Weekly schedule from DCA Bloob
Checking in on the MAAC
Tech wins physical game with Vandy
Rutgers football a game of secrets
BCS Bowl projections
Central replaces Mount in this projection
Shutter to think
Time for the return of Coach Sutton
OU takes on Tulsa
Who pays the college coach?
29 years for Vitale
No Mountaineers in this bracket; replaced by Blackbirds
Remembering Notre Dame's moment
Things are getting rough at Penn
Navy shuts out Army
Huge day for Big Ten
Hawks expect NEC success
QU gets first NEC win
Bobcats soar to victory
Weekly schedule from DCA Bloob
Checking in on the MAAC
Tech wins physical game with Vandy
Rutgers football a game of secrets
BCS Bowl projections
Central replaces Mount in this projection
Shutter to think
Time for the return of Coach Sutton
OU takes on Tulsa
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Wrapping up the Loss at CCSU
Here are the media accounts from the Mount overtime loss at Central Connecticut State.
CCSU Athletics
AP Story
Mount loses on late bucket in overtime
CCSU Athletics
AP Story
Mount loses on late bucket in overtime
Overtime Loss ends Connecticut Trip
The Mount is headed home from Connecticut without a win after dropping Saturday's game at Central Connecticut State 66-65 in overtime.
Joe Seymore scored with 3.4 seconds left in to give the Devils the win. Seymore's basket came after two misses on the trip by the CCSU.
The Mount led 65-64 when Jean Cajou was fouled with 26 seconds left. Cajou missed the front end of the one-on-one, and Markus Mitchell grabbed the rebound. But Mitchell walked, giving the ball back to the Devils.
Jeremy Goode's desperation 35-footer hit the rim but no more and the Mount fell to 0-2 in the NEC.
There are plenty of reasons the Mount can use for its loss but none is more glaring than the horrid 4-of-13 performance from the foul line.
Goode led the Mount with 19 points while Kelly Beidler had a great second half and matched his career high with 17. Cajou scored seven points in overtime, which were all his for the game. Ken Horton led the Devils with 22.
I'll try to have some more in depth analysis tomorrow. But at the moment, I'm not sure what to say.
Joe Seymore scored with 3.4 seconds left in to give the Devils the win. Seymore's basket came after two misses on the trip by the CCSU.
The Mount led 65-64 when Jean Cajou was fouled with 26 seconds left. Cajou missed the front end of the one-on-one, and Markus Mitchell grabbed the rebound. But Mitchell walked, giving the ball back to the Devils.
Jeremy Goode's desperation 35-footer hit the rim but no more and the Mount fell to 0-2 in the NEC.
There are plenty of reasons the Mount can use for its loss but none is more glaring than the horrid 4-of-13 performance from the foul line.
Goode led the Mount with 19 points while Kelly Beidler had a great second half and matched his career high with 17. Cajou scored seven points in overtime, which were all his for the game. Ken Horton led the Devils with 22.
I'll try to have some more in depth analysis tomorrow. But at the moment, I'm not sure what to say.
Live Blog of the Mount/CCSU
I'm pretty sure that there will be a video feed available through the CCSU athletics site. So if that is the case, and I can watch it here, I'm going to attempt to do some sort of live blog of the action. Might be more during the timeouts and stoppages but we'll see. I've got to run out for a little bit, but plan to be back by tipoff.
Mount O'Links
Lafayette looks to rebound after road loss
One man's opinion of what you should watch this weekend
At Penn State even the mascot gets suspended
We like Kyle so much, we'll cut him some slack if this game was really last night
Navy Sports
Women's Hoops Notebook
UCONN survives scare from Buffalo
LIU downs PA in NEC opener
Monmouth and QU play this afternoon
Approaching unbeatable status
Navy and Army play today
We're all-inclusive - this is about the Water Polo Final Four
Patriot League release
One man's opinion of what you should watch this weekend
At Penn State even the mascot gets suspended
We like Kyle so much, we'll cut him some slack if this game was really last night
Navy Sports
Women's Hoops Notebook
UCONN survives scare from Buffalo
LIU downs PA in NEC opener
Monmouth and QU play this afternoon
Approaching unbeatable status
Navy and Army play today
We're all-inclusive - this is about the Water Polo Final Four
Patriot League release
Friday, December 05, 2008
Trying to get back on the left side of the ledger
Who plays?: Mt. St. Mary's (3-3, 0-1 NEC) continues its early season Connecticut road trip with a game with Central Connecticut State (3-3).
What's at stake?: There is no such thing as a must win in December. There just isn't. But this is about as close as it gets for the Mount, the preseason NEC favorite that lost its conference opener on Thursday at Sacred Heart.
When is tipoff?: Saturday afternoon at 2:00PM
Where is the game?: Central becomes the sixth team to host the Mount in its first seven games as they continue the barnstorming journey. I'll be frantically trying to find the game on some internet streaming source and if I do, I'll likely try to host some sort of live blog. If I'm unsuccesful I'll be listening to WTHU-AM Thurmont 1450 will have the radio call. Steve Stofberg and The Mouth of the Mount Roy Sigler bring you the action on the Mount Radio Network.
The Analysis: The Mount's five point loss at Sacred Heart means they are a precise 3-3 on the season. When we say precise, we may they have scored exactly the same amount of points as they have allowed. Central has won three games in a row after dropping its first three games on the season.
Rankings: Mt. St. Mary's (90 RPI, 130 BBState.com, 166 kenpom.com, 135 Sagarin)
CCSU (164 RPI, 181 BBState.com, 150 kenpom.com, 187 Sagarin)
Advantages for Mt. St. Mary's: The Mounties seem to respond well to adversity and poor perfomances. Maybe as fans we've overreacted to Thursday's loss at Sacred Heart, but I don't think this team is going to take well to it either. I think the Mount has a serious advantage in the backcourt with Jeremy Goode and Jean Cajou
Advantages for CCSU: A young team, the Blue Devils should be budding with confidence after three straight wins. Those victories came on the heels of back to back one-point losses with Albany and Colgate. Ken Horton, the 6-6 sophomore, leads the team in both scoring and rebounding. His athleticism will be tough for the Mounties to match, but Shawn Atupem might be the guy.
What to expect?: The Mount won by a point up there last year at about the same time. At that time both teams were playing that slower half-court offensive game. Now the Mount is pushing the ball up and down the floor. But the Mounties will certainly want to improve on Thursday's dismal defensive effort. Central actually scores a half point a game more than the Mount, so they won't be intimidated by the Mount's running game. The Devils were my pick to give the Mount the most difficulty this year, and I thought headed to this road trip, that this would be the tougher of the two games. Yet, I think the Mount will play its most complete of the year and manage to pull off the victory behind a stat-stuffing performance from Jeremy Goode and a double-digit scoring effort from Kelly Beidler.
Any additional links about the game will be posted here as I see them
http://dcindex-choop.blogspot.com/2008/12/120608-predictions.htmlCurry index has it too close to call
What's at stake?: There is no such thing as a must win in December. There just isn't. But this is about as close as it gets for the Mount, the preseason NEC favorite that lost its conference opener on Thursday at Sacred Heart.
When is tipoff?: Saturday afternoon at 2:00PM
Where is the game?: Central becomes the sixth team to host the Mount in its first seven games as they continue the barnstorming journey. I'll be frantically trying to find the game on some internet streaming source and if I do, I'll likely try to host some sort of live blog. If I'm unsuccesful I'll be listening to WTHU-AM Thurmont 1450 will have the radio call. Steve Stofberg and The Mouth of the Mount Roy Sigler bring you the action on the Mount Radio Network.
The Analysis: The Mount's five point loss at Sacred Heart means they are a precise 3-3 on the season. When we say precise, we may they have scored exactly the same amount of points as they have allowed. Central has won three games in a row after dropping its first three games on the season.
Rankings: Mt. St. Mary's (90 RPI, 130 BBState.com, 166 kenpom.com, 135 Sagarin)
CCSU (164 RPI, 181 BBState.com, 150 kenpom.com, 187 Sagarin)
Advantages for Mt. St. Mary's: The Mounties seem to respond well to adversity and poor perfomances. Maybe as fans we've overreacted to Thursday's loss at Sacred Heart, but I don't think this team is going to take well to it either. I think the Mount has a serious advantage in the backcourt with Jeremy Goode and Jean Cajou
Advantages for CCSU: A young team, the Blue Devils should be budding with confidence after three straight wins. Those victories came on the heels of back to back one-point losses with Albany and Colgate. Ken Horton, the 6-6 sophomore, leads the team in both scoring and rebounding. His athleticism will be tough for the Mounties to match, but Shawn Atupem might be the guy.
What to expect?: The Mount won by a point up there last year at about the same time. At that time both teams were playing that slower half-court offensive game. Now the Mount is pushing the ball up and down the floor. But the Mounties will certainly want to improve on Thursday's dismal defensive effort. Central actually scores a half point a game more than the Mount, so they won't be intimidated by the Mount's running game. The Devils were my pick to give the Mount the most difficulty this year, and I thought headed to this road trip, that this would be the tougher of the two games. Yet, I think the Mount will play its most complete of the year and manage to pull off the victory behind a stat-stuffing performance from Jeremy Goode and a double-digit scoring effort from Kelly Beidler.
Any additional links about the game will be posted here as I see them
http://dcindex-choop.blogspot.com/2008/12/120608-predictions.htmlCurry index has it too close to call
Penn State start time moved
The upcoming game at Penn State has seen the start time moved to 1:30 on Saturday December 13th. This likely eliminates any hope of the game appearing on the Big Ten Network - as the BTN has games scheduled for broadcast at NOON and 2:00pm. Possibly, the game will be shown on one of the BTN-Alternate channels.
The game is being moved because Penn State is hosting the NCAA Women's Volleyball regional final at 4pm that day in Rec Hall. The basketball game will be played in the Bryce Jordan Center. Penn Stat is the defending national champ in both women's and men's volleyball.
The game is being moved because Penn State is hosting the NCAA Women's Volleyball regional final at 4pm that day in Rec Hall. The basketball game will be played in the Bryce Jordan Center. Penn Stat is the defending national champ in both women's and men's volleyball.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Sports
Blogs