Attended the America East women's play-in game tonight. A sluggish start at the beginning of both halves doomed the Black Bears in a 65-50 loss to UNH.
The women's quarterfinals take place Friday and the men's quarters are Saturday. Getting ready for three straight days of non-stop hoops.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
America East tournament picks
QUARTERFINALS
1. Stony Brook vs. 8. Albany
Last year, as the No. 7 seed, Albany took down No. 2 Vermont in overtime in a memorable performance. Can the Great Danes turn the trick again? Stony Brook is in unfamiliar waters, the top seed, the hunted. Seawolves will be fine; they've got too many bullets for Albany to withstand over 40 minutes.
Stony Brook 74, Albany 61
No. 4 Boston U. vs. No. 5 Hartford
Terriers get the host Hawks because of Bingamton's decision to skip the party. This could be dicey for BU. The Terriers have a recent history of flameouts in the tourney and Hartford has a puncher's chance with "Mighty" Joe Zeglinski, Morgan Sabia and a decent supporting cast. If Joel Barkers has a big game, it could spell trouble for BU. If BU goes cold from deep, lookout below. I don't think BU's John Holland lets it happen again.
Boston U. 67, Hartford 62
No. 2 Vermont vs. No. 7 Maryland-Baltimore County
'Cats cruise here. There's just no way for UMBC. The Retrievers have some nice young players -- Chris De La Rosa, Chauncey Gilliam and Adrian Satchell -- but Vermont has America East's supreme commander in Marqus Blakely. His frontcourt mate, Evan Fjeld, is underrated.
Vermont 79, UMBC 55
No. 3 Maine vs. No. 6 New Hampshire
Black Bears defeated Wildcats by 14 and 19 during the regular season. Don't count on that happening here. After a lapse in the regul.ar-season finale at BU, Black Bears need to sharpen their defensive teeth and put the clamps on UNH. Wildcats have speedy Alvin Abreu, banger Dane DiLiegro and talented freshman Ferq Myrick. Like Stony Brook, UMaine finds itself in unfamiliar position of being a favorite to advance. They will, barely.
Maine 67, UNH 66 (overtime)
SEMIFINALS
Stony Brook vs. Boston U.
Can't wait to see this one. Best firepower in the league will be featured. Seawolves wield Muhammad El-Amin, Chris Martin, Bryan Dougher and irrepressible Tommy Brenton. Terriers counter with Holland, Corey Lowe, Jake O'Brien and Carlos Strong. I've got a feeling, it's going to be a good, good night ... for the Terriers.
Boston U. 74, Stony Brook 69
Vermont vs. Maine
Black Bears lost a close one at home to the Catamounts way back in early January. In Burlington, Bears dozed early, fought back, then faded. This game's in Hartford and will be tight all the way. Black Bears have something to prove to their northern neighbors. Blakely has had some huge games against Black Bears. Can UMaine keep Blakely and Fjeld from dominating the paint? UMaine will host its first America East championship game.
Maine 64, Vermont 63 (overtime)
1. Stony Brook vs. 8. Albany
Last year, as the No. 7 seed, Albany took down No. 2 Vermont in overtime in a memorable performance. Can the Great Danes turn the trick again? Stony Brook is in unfamiliar waters, the top seed, the hunted. Seawolves will be fine; they've got too many bullets for Albany to withstand over 40 minutes.
Stony Brook 74, Albany 61
No. 4 Boston U. vs. No. 5 Hartford
Terriers get the host Hawks because of Bingamton's decision to skip the party. This could be dicey for BU. The Terriers have a recent history of flameouts in the tourney and Hartford has a puncher's chance with "Mighty" Joe Zeglinski, Morgan Sabia and a decent supporting cast. If Joel Barkers has a big game, it could spell trouble for BU. If BU goes cold from deep, lookout below. I don't think BU's John Holland lets it happen again.
Boston U. 67, Hartford 62
No. 2 Vermont vs. No. 7 Maryland-Baltimore County
'Cats cruise here. There's just no way for UMBC. The Retrievers have some nice young players -- Chris De La Rosa, Chauncey Gilliam and Adrian Satchell -- but Vermont has America East's supreme commander in Marqus Blakely. His frontcourt mate, Evan Fjeld, is underrated.
Vermont 79, UMBC 55
No. 3 Maine vs. No. 6 New Hampshire
Black Bears defeated Wildcats by 14 and 19 during the regular season. Don't count on that happening here. After a lapse in the regul.ar-season finale at BU, Black Bears need to sharpen their defensive teeth and put the clamps on UNH. Wildcats have speedy Alvin Abreu, banger Dane DiLiegro and talented freshman Ferq Myrick. Like Stony Brook, UMaine finds itself in unfamiliar position of being a favorite to advance. They will, barely.
Maine 67, UNH 66 (overtime)
SEMIFINALS
Stony Brook vs. Boston U.
Can't wait to see this one. Best firepower in the league will be featured. Seawolves wield Muhammad El-Amin, Chris Martin, Bryan Dougher and irrepressible Tommy Brenton. Terriers counter with Holland, Corey Lowe, Jake O'Brien and Carlos Strong. I've got a feeling, it's going to be a good, good night ... for the Terriers.
Boston U. 74, Stony Brook 69
Vermont vs. Maine
Black Bears lost a close one at home to the Catamounts way back in early January. In Burlington, Bears dozed early, fought back, then faded. This game's in Hartford and will be tight all the way. Black Bears have something to prove to their northern neighbors. Blakely has had some huge games against Black Bears. Can UMaine keep Blakely and Fjeld from dominating the paint? UMaine will host its first America East championship game.
Maine 64, Vermont 63 (overtime)
All-America East Awards
FIRST TEAM
Marqus Blakely - Vermont
6-5 - Senior - Forward
The most dominant player in the league and is a near lock to become the third player in America East history to win three straight player of the year awards. Second in points per game (17.4), second in rebounding (9.1), fourth in assists (3.7), first in steals (2.6), first in blocks (1.9) and second in field goal percentage (.541).
John Holland - Boston U.
6-5 - Junior - Forward
If not for Blakely, Holland would most likely have a couple POYs. He could do it this year. He led the league in scoring at 19.9. He shoots 47 percent from the floor and also pulls down 6.2 rebounds. He's also second in the league in steals (1.6).
Tommy Brenton - Stony Brook
6-5 - Sophomore - Forward
He's relentless on the boards, leading the league at 9.6 a game. He's second in steals and scores 7.7. He always seems to be around the ball.
Gerald McLemore - Maine
6-3 - Sophomore - Guard
He leads the country with 100 three-pointers, shoots 40 percent on the bombs despite being the top assignment for the opposition. He averages 14.9 a game and has led the Black Bears resurgence. He's also become and underrated defender.
Muhammad El-Amin - Stony Brook
6-5 - Senior - Guard
Checks in at 16.8 points a game. He's an explosive scorer who tore it up down the stretch as Stony Brook surged to its first regular season crown.
Steve's selections:
Blakeley
Holland
El-Amin
Bryan Dougher, Stony Brook
McLemore
SECOND TEAM
Joe Zeglinski, Jr., guard, Hartford ... 16.7 points
Bryan Dougher, So., guard, Stony Brook ... 13.6 points, 42% 3s
Evan Fjeld, Jr., forward, Vermont ... 10.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, 55% FGs
Sean McNally, Jr., center, Maine ... 10.1 points, 7.3 rebounds
Jake O'Brien, So., forward, Boston U. ... 13.0 points, 6.6 rebounds
Steve's Selections
Zeglinski
Alvin Abreu, New Hampshire
McNally
Brenton
Greer Wright, Binghamton
THIRD TEAM
Greer Wright, Jr., guard, Binghamton ... 15.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists
Maurice Joseph, Sr., guard, Vermont ... 14.3 points
Morgan Sabia, So., forward, Hartford ... 11.9 points, 6.1 rebounds
Junior Bernal, Sr., guard, Maine ... 8.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.2 steals
Corey Lowe, Sr., guard, Boston U. ... 14.1 points, 4.3 assists
Steve's selections
Lowe
Chris DeLaRosa, UMBC
Fjeld
Bernal
O'Brien
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Marqus Blakely, Vermont ... unanimous pick from Dan and Steve. Quite simply there isn't anybody in the league who does more, game-in and game-out, to help his team win.
COACH OF THE YEAR
Dan: Steve Pikiell, Stony Brook
Steve: Ted Woodward, Maine
ALL-DEFENSIVE TEAM
* Dan: Marqus Blakely, Tommy Brenton, Junior Bernal, Evan Fjeld, Terrance Mitchell, Maine.
* Steve: Marqus Blakely, Terrance Mitchell, Tommy Brenton, Murphy Burnatowski, Maine, Dane DiLiegro, New Hampshire.
Marqus Blakely - Vermont
6-5 - Senior - Forward
The most dominant player in the league and is a near lock to become the third player in America East history to win three straight player of the year awards. Second in points per game (17.4), second in rebounding (9.1), fourth in assists (3.7), first in steals (2.6), first in blocks (1.9) and second in field goal percentage (.541).
John Holland - Boston U.
6-5 - Junior - Forward
If not for Blakely, Holland would most likely have a couple POYs. He could do it this year. He led the league in scoring at 19.9. He shoots 47 percent from the floor and also pulls down 6.2 rebounds. He's also second in the league in steals (1.6).
Tommy Brenton - Stony Brook
6-5 - Sophomore - Forward
He's relentless on the boards, leading the league at 9.6 a game. He's second in steals and scores 7.7. He always seems to be around the ball.
Gerald McLemore - Maine
6-3 - Sophomore - Guard
He leads the country with 100 three-pointers, shoots 40 percent on the bombs despite being the top assignment for the opposition. He averages 14.9 a game and has led the Black Bears resurgence. He's also become and underrated defender.
Muhammad El-Amin - Stony Brook
6-5 - Senior - Guard
Checks in at 16.8 points a game. He's an explosive scorer who tore it up down the stretch as Stony Brook surged to its first regular season crown.
Steve's selections:
Blakeley
Holland
El-Amin
Bryan Dougher, Stony Brook
McLemore
SECOND TEAM
Joe Zeglinski, Jr., guard, Hartford ... 16.7 points
Bryan Dougher, So., guard, Stony Brook ... 13.6 points, 42% 3s
Evan Fjeld, Jr., forward, Vermont ... 10.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, 55% FGs
Sean McNally, Jr., center, Maine ... 10.1 points, 7.3 rebounds
Jake O'Brien, So., forward, Boston U. ... 13.0 points, 6.6 rebounds
Steve's Selections
Zeglinski
Alvin Abreu, New Hampshire
McNally
Brenton
Greer Wright, Binghamton
THIRD TEAM
Greer Wright, Jr., guard, Binghamton ... 15.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists
Maurice Joseph, Sr., guard, Vermont ... 14.3 points
Morgan Sabia, So., forward, Hartford ... 11.9 points, 6.1 rebounds
Junior Bernal, Sr., guard, Maine ... 8.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.2 steals
Corey Lowe, Sr., guard, Boston U. ... 14.1 points, 4.3 assists
Steve's selections
Lowe
Chris DeLaRosa, UMBC
Fjeld
Bernal
O'Brien
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Marqus Blakely, Vermont ... unanimous pick from Dan and Steve. Quite simply there isn't anybody in the league who does more, game-in and game-out, to help his team win.
COACH OF THE YEAR
Dan: Steve Pikiell, Stony Brook
Steve: Ted Woodward, Maine
ALL-DEFENSIVE TEAM
* Dan: Marqus Blakely, Tommy Brenton, Junior Bernal, Evan Fjeld, Terrance Mitchell, Maine.
* Steve: Marqus Blakely, Terrance Mitchell, Tommy Brenton, Murphy Burnatowski, Maine, Dane DiLiegro, New Hampshire.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
More Bing problems?
Rumors are swirling around that part of the reason Binghamton backed out of the America East tournament is that there are additional disciplinary problems over and above what has already been divulged.
If this is true, the problems at Binghamton run deeper than anybody could possibly have imagined and it makes the reasons for the withdrawal a little easier to understand.
Quite a statement on your program when you feel you have pull it out of a conference tournament just two days before the teams begin arriving in Hartford.
Going to be interesting to see just how hard the hammer falls on Binghamton.
If this is true, the problems at Binghamton run deeper than anybody could possibly have imagined and it makes the reasons for the withdrawal a little easier to understand.
Quite a statement on your program when you feel you have pull it out of a conference tournament just two days before the teams begin arriving in Hartford.
Going to be interesting to see just how hard the hammer falls on Binghamton.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Playoff shuffle
With Binghamton pulling out of the America East Conference tournament, the playoff pairings have been shuffled. The play-in game scheduled for Thursday between UMBC and Albany has been cancelled. The No. 6 through 9 seeds each moved up one slot. The new pairings look like this:
1. Stony Brook vs. 8. Albany
4. Boston U. vs. 5. Hartford
2. Vermont vs. 7. UMBC
3. Maine vs. 6. New Hampshire
The big loser appears to be Boston U., which goes from playing Binghamton to having to play Hartford on its home floor. The Terriers will be a prohibitive favorite, but the prospect of playing a lower seed on its home court is never attractive.
The big winners would be Albany and UMBC. Instead of one of those schools having to win a game just to get into the quarterfinal round, they are both in ... and rested to boot.
1. Stony Brook vs. 8. Albany
4. Boston U. vs. 5. Hartford
2. Vermont vs. 7. UMBC
3. Maine vs. 6. New Hampshire
The big loser appears to be Boston U., which goes from playing Binghamton to having to play Hartford on its home floor. The Terriers will be a prohibitive favorite, but the prospect of playing a lower seed on its home court is never attractive.
The big winners would be Albany and UMBC. Instead of one of those schools having to win a game just to get into the quarterfinal round, they are both in ... and rested to boot.
Bearcats out
The Press & Sun Bulletin in Binghamton just reported that Binghamton University has withdrawn its men's basketball team from the America East Tournament.
Citing the "controversy currently surrounding the program" and the "possible distractions that may occur this weekend," Binghamton President Lois DeFleur made the announcement.
Two questions that need to be asked: Why now (and not, say, a few months ago)? What distractions?
My guess is that this is a "granstanding" move by an administration that is melting in the face of pressure. As for the distractions, well, I would presume she is referring to the prospect of Binghamton possibly winning a game or two and having the past indescretions brought up anew.
On both counts, the Binghamton administration has taken two big swings and missed badly. This decision does not make them look good in any sense of the word. It only makes them look desperate. They have now effectively punished the rest of the schools, their students and fans, for their own wrongdoings.
After careful consideration, the league needs to severely penalize Binghamton.
Citing the "controversy currently surrounding the program" and the "possible distractions that may occur this weekend," Binghamton President Lois DeFleur made the announcement.
Two questions that need to be asked: Why now (and not, say, a few months ago)? What distractions?
My guess is that this is a "granstanding" move by an administration that is melting in the face of pressure. As for the distractions, well, I would presume she is referring to the prospect of Binghamton possibly winning a game or two and having the past indescretions brought up anew.
On both counts, the Binghamton administration has taken two big swings and missed badly. This decision does not make them look good in any sense of the word. It only makes them look desperate. They have now effectively punished the rest of the schools, their students and fans, for their own wrongdoings.
After careful consideration, the league needs to severely penalize Binghamton.
Binghamton pulling out?
In quite possibly the most bizarre twist in the sorry Binghamton University basketball saga, there are reports circulating that the Bearcats may not take part in this weekend's America East Tournament.
Yes, only two days before all the teams congregate in Hartford, it appears there is some question about the attendance of the fifth-seeded team. Binghamton is scheduled to play Boston U. Saturday afternoon in the tourney's second quarterfinal matchup.
The New York Times reported that Binghamton University and the conference are "trying to decide if the Bearcats will play in the tourney."
Of course, this has a major impact on every team in the field because if Binghamton is out, then all the matchups change and the play-in game on Thursday (UMBC and Albany) would be canceled.
Hartford would move up to No. 5 (and play Boston U.), New Hampshire would slide to No. 6 (UMaine), UMBC would move to No. 7 (Vermont) and Albany takes the No. 8 spot (Stony Brook).
This not acceptable on many different fronts.
First, the notion that Binghamton and the league are trying to decide is laughable. The league, if it was going to make a decision to exclude Binghamton for its transgressions, would have done so long ago; or, at minimum, shortly after the results of a State of New York System investigation were released a month ago.
The fact that Binghamton's participation is in question at this late stage clearly indicates that the school is getting wet feet about taking part in the tournament and possibly bringing more attention and spotlight on its recent misdeeds.
The league spoke loud and clear by selling tickets and promoting a tournament that includes nine schools. In fact, the league's website extolls the excitement of 18 teams (men's and women's) playing for their respective NCAA bids. If America East had plans to exclude Binghamton's men's team it would have been done long before now.
In no uncertain terms, the league should move fast to quash any Binghamton attempt to exit the tournament. This is a joke.
Binghamton needs to get its house in order -- that much is clear -- but not at the expense of the other eight schools in the league. If Binghamton pulls out of the tournament, they should be told, "Don't show up next year, either. In fact, make it two years. We'll see you in 2013."
Yes, only two days before all the teams congregate in Hartford, it appears there is some question about the attendance of the fifth-seeded team. Binghamton is scheduled to play Boston U. Saturday afternoon in the tourney's second quarterfinal matchup.
The New York Times reported that Binghamton University and the conference are "trying to decide if the Bearcats will play in the tourney."
Of course, this has a major impact on every team in the field because if Binghamton is out, then all the matchups change and the play-in game on Thursday (UMBC and Albany) would be canceled.
Hartford would move up to No. 5 (and play Boston U.), New Hampshire would slide to No. 6 (UMaine), UMBC would move to No. 7 (Vermont) and Albany takes the No. 8 spot (Stony Brook).
This not acceptable on many different fronts.
First, the notion that Binghamton and the league are trying to decide is laughable. The league, if it was going to make a decision to exclude Binghamton for its transgressions, would have done so long ago; or, at minimum, shortly after the results of a State of New York System investigation were released a month ago.
The fact that Binghamton's participation is in question at this late stage clearly indicates that the school is getting wet feet about taking part in the tournament and possibly bringing more attention and spotlight on its recent misdeeds.
The league spoke loud and clear by selling tickets and promoting a tournament that includes nine schools. In fact, the league's website extolls the excitement of 18 teams (men's and women's) playing for their respective NCAA bids. If America East had plans to exclude Binghamton's men's team it would have been done long before now.
In no uncertain terms, the league should move fast to quash any Binghamton attempt to exit the tournament. This is a joke.
Binghamton needs to get its house in order -- that much is clear -- but not at the expense of the other eight schools in the league. If Binghamton pulls out of the tournament, they should be told, "Don't show up next year, either. In fact, make it two years. We'll see you in 2013."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
