NYC Metro Hoops

Loyola (MD) vs. Iona: Friday Night Thoughts

Raphielle Johnson — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:49:50 -0800

Friday's schedule may be light but there's some good action to take in as direction of the Ivy and Metro Atlantic races will be determined. Iona (19-5, 11-2) and Loyola (MD) (18-5, 11-2) are tied for first place with two games separating them from the pack (Manhattan and Fairfield leading that group), and the winner would take a big step towards grabbing the regular season crown. What should viewers look forward to? One of the better guards matchups in the MAAC this season as Iona's deep corps led by Scott Machado and Momo Jones takes on a group of Greyhounds led by Dylon Cormier and Robert Olson.

Freshman R.J. Williams leads Loyola in assists with an average of 2.6 assists per game, and he's one of five Greyhounds averaging at least 1.6 assists per game. Jimmy Patsos may not have one guy who dominates the ball at the top of the offense but he's got versatility, as a number of players in the rotation can get things going. Machado runs the show but the Gaels also have Jones and Jermel Jenkins while wings Kyle Smyth and Sean Armand rank among the best shooters in the MAAC.

The interior play, especially concerning the work on the glass, may be the deciding factor in Baltimore. The Greyhounds are one of the best when it comes to attacking the offensive glass as they grab an average of 14.0 offensive boards per game. Erik Etherly and Shane Walker lead the way in the frontcourt for the Greyhounds while the versatile Justin Drummond grabs more than four rebounds per game. Mike Glover and Taaj Ridley start for Iona and while Randy Dezouvre is also a factor in the rotation, the fact that Machado's their second-leading rebounder could be something that comes back to haunt Iona if others don't step up.

Keep an eye on offensive rebounding and turnovers (Iona forces an average of 15.8 turnovers per game while Loyola forces 14.9), especially those of the live-ball variety. If Iona can get running, look out, because while Loyola has the bodies needed to run on occasion it won't be in their best interest to turn the game into a track meet. The battle in the Ivy matches Harvard and Penn, with the Quakers likely being the only team left that can provide some serious intrigue to the title race.

Zack Rosen's been outstanding for Penn this season and with classmate Tyler Bernardini forms one of the best guard tandems you don't see on TV every week. Harvard is deep and experienced, and with Keith Wright and Kyle Casey in the frontcourt Tommy Amaker's Crimson end up being a tough matchup for anyone in the Ancient Eight. They've already blown out Yale on the road, and a win over Penn at the Palestra would go a long way towards punching their first NCAA tournament ticket since 1946.

Milwaukee's trip to Detroit is an important game in the Horizon League from a tournament seeding standpoint as the Panthers are currently third and the Titans are looking to force a four-way tie for third (with Youngstown State and Butler). The Titans have talented pieces with Ray McCallum Jr. and Eli Holman leading the way, but they have issues at times when it comes to making sound decisions and that could be an issue against Milwaukee's tough defense. Saturday's slate is huge and without a doubt the best of the season, but tonight is a good appetizer for the main course.

Top 25 Games
7:00 PM (21) Harvard at Pennsylvania

NCAA Division I Games
7:00 PM Dartmouth at Princeton
7:00 PM Brown at Columbia
7:00 PM Yale at Cornell
7:00 PM Mercer at Kennesaw State (ESPN3)
7:00 PM Milwaukee at Detroit (ESPN3)
7:00 PM Iona at Loyola (MD) (ESPNU)
9:00 PM Green Bay at Wright State (ESPNU)

MAAC Hoops

NEC Coaches Pick Long Island to Defend Conference Championship

Press Release — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 12:39:32 -0700

Somerset, NJ -- Following a thrilling run to the 2011 Northeast Conference (NEC) men's basketball title, head coaches have picked Long Island to repeat as NEC champion. The announcement was made on Wednesday morning during a media teleconference to promote the tipoff of the 2011-12 season, the 31st in the league's history. The Blackbirds, who won the 2011 NEC Tournament crown with an 85-82 overtime victory over Robert Morris, claimed 10 of the possible 12 first-place votes.

The Colonials, who came within a whisker of winning a third straight NEC Championship, were tabbed second with the final two first-place votes, followed by Central Connecticut State in third. Wagner and Quinnipiac, last year's preseason favorite, rounded out the top-five.

Mount St. Mary's, Bryant, Sacred Heart, Saint Francis (PA) and Monmouth occupied spots six through ten, while St. Francis (NY) and Fairleigh Dickinson rounded out the preseason predictions ranked 11th and 12th, respectively.

Conducted annually, NEC coaches have failed to correctly forecast the eventual league champion since selecting Mount St. Mary's to win it all in 1998-99, and have proven inaccurate in 22 of the last 24 years. After its 1999 tourney win, Mount St. Mary's was the choice to repeat the following season, but Central Connecticut State, tabbed third, captured the championship. CCSU was then installed as the favorite in 2000-01, but the title went to Monmouth, picked sixth in the preseason. Monmouth received the nod in 2001-02, but it was CCSU, predicted fourth, which went on to win its second title in three years. In 2002-03, NEC coaches continued their trend of selecting the previous year's champion as preseason favorite when they went with CCSU, only to have Wagner earn its first-ever NEC Tournament crown.

Three years ago, it was Quinnipiac that was placed on the preseason perch, but the Bobcats struggled all season and finished in 10th place. Monmouth garnered its third league crown that year after being selected third in the preseason. In 2004-05, the Hawks were the logical choice to repeat, and even won the conference regular season title, but were eliminated in the NEC semifinals as Fairleigh Dickinson went on to claim the championship. Fairleigh Dickinson was then installed as the 2005-06 favorite, but dropped a one-point decision to Monmouth in the title contest. Monmouth was picked first in 2006-07, but became the first defending NEC champion to fail to qualify for the tournament the following year.

It was Sacred Heart's turn in 2007-08, and the Pioneers made it all the way to the title game for the second straight season, but came up short in a setback to Mount St. Mary's. The Mount nearly broke the streak in 2008-09, but the preseason favorites dropped a two-point decision to Robert Morris. Similarly, the Mount was again picked to win the prize in 2009-10, but suffered another semifinal loss to eventual champion Robert Morris. Finally, Quinnipiac was the unanimous pick in 2010-11 only to have its season cut short in a last-second loss to Robert Morris in the NEC semifinals.

In winning its first NEC title in 14 years and earning the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, Long Island (27-6, 16-2 NEC) proved to be the hottest team down the stretch, earning victories in 13 straight before bowing to North Carolina, 102-87, in the first round of the big dance. Led by 2011-12 NEC and NABC District 18 Coach of the Year Jim Ferry, the high-flying Blackbirds matched a league record with 27 wins and were a juggernaut on offense, averaging a NEC-high 82.7 points per game thanks to the talents of preseason All-NEC forwards Julian Boyd (San Antonio, TX/William H. Taft) and Jamal Olasewere (Silver Spring, MD/Springbrook).

Boyd, a 6-7 native of San Antonio, TX, led the charge by averaging a team-high 13.0 ppg en-route to first team All-NEC honors. Along with leading the team in scoring, the junior also was dominant on the boards, finishing second on the circuit with 8.9 rebounds per game. Silver Spring, MD product Olasewere was just behind his classmate in lighting up the scoreboard with 12.9 ppg. He was brilliant during the NEC Tournament, earning MVP honors after registering three double-doubles, including a career-high 31 points to go along with 11 boards in the title game. One of Boyd and Olasewere's favorite teammates was NEC All-Rookie standout Jason Brickman (San Antonio, TX/Clark).

The 5-11 sophomore guard displayed a knack for finding the seams in opposing defenses with laser-beam passes both in transition and in traditional halfcourt sets. Brickman came off the bench in all 33 games and played just 23 minutes per game yet still led the NEC with 5.5 apg. He'll team in the backcourt with cat-quick junior guard CJ Garner (Silver Spring, MD/Springbroo (S. Alabama)) (9.5 ppg) and sharpshooting senior guard Michael Culpo (Pittsfield, MA/St. Andrew's (RI)) (7.8 ppg, 53 3PFG). Interestingly, the Blackbirds went to the line a staggering 999 times last season, the highest figure in the nation and over 300 opportunities more than their next closest NEC competitor.

Robert Morris (18-14, 12-6 NEC), fresh off back-to-back NEC championships in 2009 and 2010, had a solid year under first-year head coach Andy Toole. The Colonials found their groove down the stretch, winning eight straight to reach the NEC Title game, thanks in part to its stingy defense, a trademark of the program in recent years. RMU yielded just 65.5 ppg to lead the league and held seven league opponents under the 60-point mark. Junior guard Velton Jones (Philadelphia, PA/Northeast Catholic) emerged as a top all-around player, pacing the team in scoring (12.1 ppg) and assists (4.0). He also enhanced his reputation as a clutch performer, hitting the game-winning floater with just seconds to go to propel the Colonials past Quinnipiac and into the championship game.

Junior forward Russell Johnson (Chester, PA/Chester) took on a sixth-man role as the season wore on, an opportunity he embraced. With a terrific inside-outside game, Johnson led the Colonials with 6.7 rpg while averaging 11.0 ppg. There are few NEC players who improved as much as 6-7 junior forward Lijah Thompson (Philadelphia, PA/Monsignor Bonner) did a year ago. With a soft touch around the hoop, Thompson assumed a starting role and put up 8.6 ppg while shooting 55.5 percent from the floor. Sophomore guard Coron Williams (Midlothian, VA/Christchurch School) came on late in his freshman year and provided a needed spark from the outside. He shot a league-leading 46.6 percent from beyond the arc and averaged 14.3 ppg in the NEC Tournament.

Central Connecticut State (19-12, 11-7 NEC) comes off a 19-win season that saw the Blue Devils nearly knock off top-seeded Long Island in the NEC semifinals in Brooklyn. CCSU has the majority of its roster returning, including reigning NEC Player of the Year Ken Horton (Ossining, NY/Ossining). Horton, a lanky 6-6 senior forward and potential 2,000-point career scorer, anchored the Blue Devils and ranked near the top of the NEC in nearly every statistical category en-route to winning the league's top honor. The Ossining, NY native led the Conference with 19.5 points and 1.6 blocks per game, and also finished in the top-10 in rebounding (8.9, third), free throw percentage (.869, third), steals (1.4, eighth) and field goal percentage (.492, ninth). One of the premier mid-range shooters on the loop, senior guard Robby Ptacek (Bayport, NY/Blue Point) improved his scoring total from 12.1 ppg to 14.9 ppg per game, the seventh-best mark in the NEC, and was a lights-out free throw shooter, hitting at an 88.5 percent clip to rank second in the league.

While 16th year head coach Howie Dickenman must replace do-everything guard Shemik Thompson, he does return 6-5 sophomore De'Angelo Speech (Oak Park, IL/Lee Academy), who showed promise in his first year and could be the prototypical CCSU defensive stopper out on the perimeter. The Blue Devils look to be solid up front with the return of senior forward David Simmons (Syracuse, NY/Henninger) (6.6 ppg in 2009-10), junior forward Joe Efese (Spring Valley, NY/St. Joseph Regional) (5.1 ppg) and senior forward Chris Baskerville (Hartford, CT/Bulkeley) (4.9 ppg).

Picked fourth, Wagner (13-17, 9-9 NEC) will look to return to the top of the NEC ladder following a promising first year under head coach Dan Hurley, which saw an eight-win improvement for the Seahawks. The deep Wagner rotation starts in the backcourt with the return of senior Tyler Murray (Toronto, Ontario/Eastern Commerce) and sophomore Latif Rivers (Elizabeth, NJ/Elizabeth (Avon Old Farms (CT))). As a junior, Murray was Hurley's top offensive option, averaging 16.9 PPG to rank third in the NEC. The first team All-NEC guard also connected on 41.5 percent (59-142) of his shots from beyond the arc, the third-best mark in the league. Rivers, a local product from Elizabeth, NJ, broke out in just his first season, ranking second on the team in scoring with 13.9 ppg. Rivers, who ranked second among all NEC freshman in point production, was the top-ranked free throw shooter in the Conference at 89.1 percent.

Rivers wasn't the only freshman starter for the Seahawks a year ago, as 6-8 Orlando Parker (Orlando, FL/Orlando Christian Prep) (7.5 ppg) and 6-11 Naofall Folahan (Cotonou, Republic of Benin/Wilbraham and Monson Academy (MA)) (1.5 bpg) gave the Wagner significant length up front and a shot blocking presence in the paint. Senior guard Chris Martin (Sicklerville, NJ/Winslow Township (Apex Academies) (9.8 ppg, 50 3PFG) and junior forward Josh Thompson (Richland, NJ/St. Augustine Prep) (7.3 ppg) are a pair of veterans hands who have produced in big-game situations over the course of their careers.

Quinnipiac (22-10, 13-5 NEC) has been one of the NEC's brightest stars in recent years, having won a total of 45 games over the past two seasons. In 2011-12, after a narrow semifinal playoff loss, the Bobcats advanced to the postseason for the second straight year, earning an invite to the CIT. Tom Moore has been the architect of the Quinnipiac basketball renaissance, but in his fifth season must contemplate life in the paint without Justin Rutty, the NEC's all-time leading rebounder and a former NEC Player of the Year. While Rutty may have to be replaced up front by a committee approach, Moore can count on the veteran leadership of senior guard James Johnson (Brooklyn, NY/Bishop Loughlin), a preseason All-NEC pick.

Named a first team NEC all-star a year ago, the battle-tested Johnson led the league with 84 three-pointers and averaged 16.1 ppg to rank fifth in the Conference. He enters his final year with 1,218 career points, second among active NEC players. His counterpart in the backcourt, junior Dave Johnson (Jackson, NJ/St. Mark's (MA) School), is a steadying hand who was fourth in the league with a 2.27:1 assist-to-turnover ratio. Sophomore forward Ike Azotam (Boston, MA/O'Bryant (Marianapolis Prep)) isn't afraid to throw around his 6'7", 230 lb. frame, and as a freshman was the team's second-leading rebounder with 5.4 per game in just over 17 minutes of action. Junior forward Jamee Jackson (Newark, NJ/St. Anthony's) (6.3 ppg, 4.9 rpg) continued to improve last season, and brings an athletic presence to the front line. Look for Vermont transfer Garvey Young (Washington, DC/Georgetown Prep (Vermont)), a 6-5 swingman, to become a key member of the rotation.

Stung by losses to graduation, Mount St. Mary's (11-21, 9-9 NEC) suffered its first sub-.500 season since 2006-07 a year ago. Second year head coach Robert Burke still managed to guide the Mountaineers to a .500 season in league play and a sixth straight NEC Tournament berth. The calling card of Mount St. Mary's teams in recent years has been its defense and that did not change under Burke. The Mount permitted just 66.4 ppg, but in league play that number dipped even further to 63.1 ppg, the best mark in the Conference. Looking to increase the team's efficiency on the offensive end of the court, Burke will once again hand the keys to senior floor general Lamar Trice (Philadelphia, PA/Imhotep Charter), the 2010-11 NEC Most Improved Player award winner.

Trice averaged just 1.9 ppg as a sophomore, but boosted that number to a team-best 13.3 ppg last season. A Philly native who measures just 5-11, Trice has a non-stop motor and deep range on his shot (62 3PFG). He was paired in the backcourt last season with newcomer Julian Norfleet (Virginia Beach, VA/Landstown), a sweet shooter who started 31 games and led all NEC freshman with 60 three-pointers. There is experience up front in the way of senior forward Danny Thompson (Springdale, MD/C.H. Flowers) and junior Raven Barber (Edgewood, MD/Paul VI (VA)). The 6-7 Thompson was the NEC's 10th-leading rebounder with 6.0 per game, while the 6-8 Barber shot a scorching 63.2 percent from the field and averaged 7.3 ppg.

Entering its final year of NCAA Division I reclassification, Bryant (9-21, 7-11 NEC) fourth year head coach Tim O'Shea has begun to assemble the building blocks of his program, most notably in cornerstone players Alex Francis (Harlem, NY/Holderness Prep (NH)) and Frankie Dobbs (Berea, OH/Saint Edward). If there was a player to inherit the franchise tag in Smithfield, it would be Francis, who is coming off a sensational NEC Rookie of the Year campaign. Armed with a diverse offensive repertoire, the 6'6" forward seemed unfazed by the adjustment to the collegiate game and proceeded to lead all league freshman with 14.8 points and 8.0 rebounds per game.

He placed an exclamation point on his year by breaking out for 43 points in the final game of the season against LIU, which set an NEC freshman mark and was the highest total by a player in the Conference in nine years. A transfer from Ohio University, Dobbs eased right into the playmaker role for the Bulldogs. Whether it was hitting game-winners, easing the load on Francis (12.4 ppg) or setting up his teammates (5.3 apg, second in the NEC), the Berea, OH native did it all. Junior forward Vlad Kondratyev (Nikolayev, Ukraine/The Rock School (FL)) is a versatile player who can tussle in the paint, but at 6-8, also step back and stroke it from three-point range.

Sacred Heart (11-18, 6-12 NEC) could be a much improved team after taking the trial-by-fire approach last season. Dave Bike, now entering his 35th year at the controls, started up to three freshman at times, a move that could pay dividends in 2011-12. The backcourt is solid with junior shooting guard Shane Gibson (Killingly, CT/Killingly) flanked by sophomore Evan Kelley (Norwalk, CT/Norwalk). Gibson had a breakthrough season a year ago, finishing second in the league with 17.2 ppg to earn second team All-NEC honors. Explosive off the dribble and deadly from the outside, Gibson drained 75 three-pointers on the year and scored 26 points in a tight loss to Providence last December. Kelley averaged 7.3 ppg as a freshman and could be given the shot to replace Jerrell Thompson at the point.

The Pioneers fielded an undersized frontcourt last season with athletic 6-5 forward Stan Dulaire (Bloomfield, CT/Watkinson School) (7.4 ppg, team-leading 5.3 rpg) often joined by 6-3 Chris Evans (Stamford, CT/Stamford (Taft School)) (9.1 ppg) and 6-4 Louis Montes (Brockton, MA/Brockton) (7.2 ppg, 4.5 rpg), a pair of hard-as-nails freshmen who should see even more playing time in 2011-12. Justin Swidowski (Cinnaminson, NJ/Holy Cross (Holy Family)), a 6-9 forward/center with a soft touch, will challenge for a starting role after transferring from Division II Holy Family.

With a strong midseason push, Saint Francis (PA) (9-21, 7-11 NEC) put itself in position to make a run at the upper half of the standings, but a number of close loses in the latter portion of the schedule forced the Red Flash to settle for the eighth and final playoff spot and a first round battle with eventual champion Long Island. In making its second straight NEC Tournament appearance under fourth year head coach Don Friday, Saint Francis found itself a go-to player in junior guard Umar Shannon (Atlantic City, NJ/Atlantic City). Shannon displayed a flair for the dramatic throughout the 2010-11 campaign, hitting big shot after big shot for the Red Flash in a variety of ways. Possessing deep range on his jumper, Shannon converted 68 opportunities from three-point territory, but also used his quickness to get to the line 142 times. On the year, the second team All-NEC performer ranked sixth in the NEC in scoring with 11 games of 20+ points.

A solid guard core also includes juniors Chris Johnson (Newport News, VA/Denbigh) and Anthony Ervin (Chesterfield, VA/Fork Union Military Academy). Johnson (8.3 ppg) ran the point and finished the season fourth in the NEC with 4.4 apg, while Ervin primarily gave a spark off the bench, averaging 7.2 ppg. Senior Jon Taylor (Bowie, MD/Montgomery College-Germantown) (4.1 ppg) and sophomore Scott Eatherton (Hershey, PA/Hershey) (3.9 ppg) - who came on strong down the stretch of his freshman campaign - will anchor the frontcourt.

Its the start of a new era at Monmouth (9-21, 5-13 NEC) with the arrival of King Rice, a former standout guard at North Carolina who takes over as the fifth head coach in program history. Upon setting foot onto the West Long Branch campus, Rice indicated a change in the team's style of play would be forthcoming, namely a more up-and-down approach to take advantage of some of his team's athleticism. Senior Mike Myers-Keitt (Waterbury, CT/Fairfield Prep (Marianapolis Prep)) enjoyed somewhat of a career rebirth last season when he led the Hawks in both scoring (10.1 ppg) and make three-pointers (39). Long, lanky and with the ability to get out on the break, Myers-Keitt will likely be a beneficiary of the team's new offensive approach.

Burly junior forward Ed Waite (Fort Lauderdale, FL/Pine Crest) is one the NEC's strongest and most physical players. Waite, at 6-3 and 215 lbs., is the team's leading returning rebounder (5.9 ppg) and second-leading scorer (9.2 ppg). Junior forward Marcus Ware (Vineland, NJ/Vineland) missed the 2009-10 season with an injury, but was healthy enough last season to average 7.6 ppg and 4.3 rpg to claim NEC All-Rookie accolades. Senior Will Campbell (Willingboro, NJ/Paul VI) (8.6 ppg) and Jesse Steele (Milford, NJ/Oak Hill Academy (Army)) (8.9 ppg) are a pair of outside shooting threats.

St. Francis (NY) (15-15, 10-8 NEC) was a team no one wanted to face last season. With the one-two scoring punch of backcourt tandem Ricky Cadell (16.2 ppg) and Akeem Bennett (14.0 ppg) - both of whom were named second team All-NEC - the Terriers could knock off anyone on a given night as evidenced by big wins over Robert Morris and CCSU over the course of the regular season. The program's fifth place finish was its best since 2003-04, but if the Terriers are to match or exceed their 2010-11 showing, second year head coach Glenn Braica must find a way to replace his two all-stars lost to graduation. Senior guard Dre Calloway (Harlem, NY/Abraham Lincoln (CO) (Northeastern JC)) slipped right in to the starting role at the point in Braica's three-guard alignment last season and led the team with 3.6 apg. Local product Akeem Johnson (Brooklyn, NY/Susan S. McKinney) made great strides in 2010-11, emerging as one of the NEC's better post players.

The 6-6 junior forward is the team's leading returning scorer (8.9 ppg) and rebounder (5.0 rpg), and ranked sixth in the league in field goal accuracy (.512) a year ago. Long distance bomber Stefan Perunicic (Belgrade, Serbia/Dimitrije Tucovic) is back for his senior campaign. Perunicic (8.6 ppg) has hit 207 trifectas in his three years, the most among returning NEC players. Junior forward Travis Nichols (Brooklyn, NY/Food & Finance) showed great promise last season, averaging 7.3 ppg, while sophomore forward Matt Milk (Wantagh, NY/Pine Crest (FL)) (2.9 ppg) earned 16 starts as a freshman.

Fairleigh Dickinson (5-24, 3-15 NEC) fans will no doubt take a close look at the game program at the team's home opener as the new-look Knights will feature no less than ten newcomers as part of a completely overhauled roster following the graduation of four starters. Now in his third year, head coach Greg Vetrone must go without Mike Scott, one of the best point guards in recent NEC vintage. To his credit, Vetrone had Duquesne transfer Melquan Bolding (Mt. Vernon, NY/Bishop Stepinac) waiting in the wings. Bolding, a 6-3 guard, played two seasons for the Dukes, earning Atlantic-10 All-Rookie honors as a freshman before averaging 11.8 ppg as a sophomore. Of FDU's five returnees, look for senior guard Briahn Smith (Detroit, MI/Madison) and sophomore forward Mathias Seilund (Dragoer, Denmark/Falkonergaardens Gymnasium) to make the most impact.

Smith is the top returning scorer for the Knights, having contributed 6.1 ppg and 35 three-pointers in 2010-11, while the 6-7 Seilund chipped in with 4.6 ppg in his first year of collegiate ball. A number of high impact transfers will take the court this year including 6-9 forward George Goode (Raytown, MD/Raytown South) (Louisville) and 6-7 forward Mouhamed Lo (Port Chester, NY/Port Chester) (Toledo), both of whom are graduate students. Junior guard Lonnie Hayes (Cincinnati, OH/Harmony Prep (Missouri State-West Plains JC)) was a junior college All-American last season.

Northeast Conference 2011-12 Men's Basketball Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Long Island (10)
2. Robert Morris (2)
3. CCSU
4. Wagner
5. Quinnipiac
6. Mount St. Mary's
7. Bryant
8. Sacred Heart
9. Saint Francis (PA)
10. Monmouth
11. St. Francis (NY)
12. Fairleigh Dickinson

First-place votes in parentheses

NYC Metro Hoops

Reigning Player of the Year Ken Horton Leads Preseason All-NEC Team

Press Release — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 12:36:33 -0700

Somerset, NJ -- In conjunction with the release of the Northeast Conference (NEC) men's basketball preseason coaches poll, the league's head coaches also selected the 2011-12 preseason All-NEC team, revealing the individuals who are expected to make the biggest impact this coming season. Reigning NEC Player of the Year Ken Horton (Ossining, NY/Ossining), a senior forward for Central Connecticut State, leads the five-man team.

Horton is joined by a pair of Long Island junior forwards in Julian Boyd (San Antonio, TX/William H. Taft) and Jamal Olasewere (Silver Spring, MD/Springbrook). Quinnipiac senior guard James Johnson (Brooklyn, NY/Bishop Loughlin) and Wagner senior guard Tyler Murray (Toronto, Ontario/Eastern Commerce) round out the squad.

Horton, a 6-6 forward from Ossining, NY, was the heart and soul of the Blue Devils last season, leading CCSU to a 19-12 record and a spot in the NEC semifinals. The fifth Player of the Year in CCSU's 14-year history in the Conference, Horton was undeterred by a hip injury that forced him to miss the 2009-10 campaign, coming back stronger than ever. A five-time Choice Hotels NEC Player of the Week, he seemed to be at or near the top of every statistical category, a true testament to his versatility. As if posting 14 games of 20+ points and leading the league in scoring (19.5 ppg) wasn't enough, he also ranked first in blocked shots (1.6 bpg) and double-doubles (12).

For a player who excels down on the block, Horton also led the Blue Devils with 59 three-pointers. Throw in top-10 NEC finishes in rebounding (8.9, third), free throw percentage (.869, third), steals (1.4, eighth) and field goal percentage (.492, ninth), and it is easy to see why opposition coaches will be happy to see the graduate student finally pack his bags following the 2011-12 campaign. Horton, a two-time All-Conference honoree, is the NEC's leading active scorer with 1,435 points and has a chance to become only the fifth player in league annals to finish with 2,000 career points. Just recently, he was recognized by SI.com as one of the nation's "Most Valuable Players."

There are few better athletes around the nation than Boyd, a 6-7, 240 lb. first team All-NEC forward whose rim-rattling dunks provided highlight reel material all season long for the Blackbirds. The San Antonio native and former NEC Rookie of the Year helped propel the Blackbirds to their first NEC title since 1997, and like CCSU's Horton, he did it after sitting out the 2009-10 season recovering from a heart ailment. Boyd led the team with 13.0 points per game and was workmanlike on the boards, wrapping his sophomore campaign ranked second on the circuit with 9.0 rebounds per outing. His 12 double-doubles matched Horton for most in the Conference, while his 51.8 percent accuracy from the field placed him fifth.

Few can match Boyd's ability to attack the basket and finish above the rim, and his reliable stroke from the outside keeps defenders honest. He shined for LIU down the stretch, especially in the postseason, when he was named to the NEC All-Tournament team and posted a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds against North Carolina in the NCAA Tournament. Boyd enters his junior season with 746 points and 486 rebounds in just two seasons in Brooklyn.

Olasewere, a 6-7 forward, did his best to become a household name last March, picking the perfect time to play two of the best games of his career. The Silver Spring, MD product was unstoppable in LIU's 85-82 title game victory over Robert Morris, establishing a new career-high with 31 points to go with 11 boards en-route to NEC Tournament MVP honors. Nine days later, he scored 15 points against North Carolina, repeatedly beating the bigger and longer Tarheel defenders off the dribble.

It is that ability to blow by defenders using either hand that makes Olasewere such a matchup nightmare for opposing coaches. With an improving mid-range game, Olasewere could see his numbers swell in 2011-12. A year ago he ranked second on the Blackbirds with 12.9 points and 6.8 rebounds per game while shooting a healthy 48.2 percent from the floor. Olasewere also went to the line a league-best 209 times. Now a junior, he steps on the floor this season with career totals of 693 points and 434 rebounds.

Johnson is the straw that stirs the drink for Quinnipiac - a fierce competitor who leaves it all on the floor for the Bobcats. While the Brooklyn native has piled up individual accolades throughout the course of his career in Hamden, it is his desire to win the coveted NEC title that keeps driving him to new heights. Johnson ranked in the NEC top-15 in seven categories a year ago, including a league-high 84 makes from beyond the arc. He can certainly heat up in a hurry, like the night last January when he exploded for a career-high 38 points and hit 7-13 from three-point territory in a win over Robert Morris.

Johnson ended his junior year as the NEC's fifth-leading scorer (16.1 ppg), and was third in steals (1.6 spg) and assist-to-turnover ratio (2.33), seventh in free throw percentage (.814) and tenth in three-point proficiency (.385). Not surprisingly, he was tabbed to the All-NEC first team. Johnson enters his senior campaign with 1,218 career points and 149 makes from long distance.

Murray's year-to-year improvement did not go unnoticed around the NEC last season and was one of the key factors in Wagner's resurgence. The 6-5 senior combo guard lifted all facets of his game, and one would be hard-pressed to find a chink in his armor. A silky smooth performer, he nearly doubled his scoring average to 16.9 points per game to rank third in the league. Murray was deadly from beyond the arc, hitting 59 shots at a 41.5 percent clip on the year, also the third-best mark on the loop.

He shot 82.8 percent from the charity stripe (sixth in NEC) and pulled down 4.6 rebounds per game. Murray came up big in Wagner's narrow NEC quarterfinal setback to second-seeded Robert Morris, leading a late Seahawk charge by scoring 17 of his 19 points in the second half. Hailing from Toronto, Ontario, Murray has amassed 844 career points.

2011-12 Northeast Conference Preseason All-Conference Team

Name School Pos. Ht. Wt. Cl. Hometown/High School
Julian Boyd Long Island F 6-7 240 Jr San Antonio, TX/William H. Taft
Ken Horton CCSU F 6-6 198 Sr Ossining, NY/Ossining
James Johnson Quinnipiac G 6-0 195 Sr Brooklyn, NY/Bishop Loughlin
Tyler Murray Wagner G 6-5 200 Sr Toronto, Ontario/Eastern Commerce
Jamal Olasewere Long Island F 6-7 215 Jr Silver Spring, MD/Springbrook

NYC Metro Hoops

Iona's Glover Named Preseason MAAC Player of the Year

Press Release — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 10:56:02 -0700

Springfield, Mass. - Iona College senior forward Mike Glover has been named the 2011-2012 MAAC Men's Basketball Preseason Player of the Year, as selected by the league's 10 head coaches.

Glover is joined on the first team by Fairfield University junior guard Derek Needham and senior center Ryan Olander, Iona senior guard Scott Machado and Rider University senior guard/forward Novar Gadson.

Glover, who was named to the Preseason Top 50 List for the John R. Wooden Award, ranked 48th in the nation in scoring last season, netting 18.4 points per game for the Gaels. He also tied for 21st place on the NCAA rebounding chart with 10.1 caroms an outing during his junior campaign. Glover proved he was an expert marksman last season, connecting on a conference-high 61 percent of his attempts from the field.

Needham was an All-MAAC First Team selection last season. He ranked sixth in the MAAC in scoring, averaging 14.1 points per outing for the Stags. He also ranked third in the league in assists (4.5 per game), fifth in steals (1.4 per game) and 13th in free throw percentage (70 percent) during his sophomore campaign.

Olander, an All-MAAC Second Team choice last season, was second on the team in scoring as a junior with 10.4 points per game, good for 21st place on the MAAC scoring chart. He also recorded 6.8 rebounds per game (ninth in the MAAC) along with 2.1 blocks (third) an outing for the Stags. Olander owned a 53.2 percent field goal percentage, ranking him second in the league behind Glover.

Machado was a member of the All-MAAC First Team last season. He is the league's top assists leader, dishing out down 7.6 a night for the Gaels, good for second in the nation. Machado also contributed 13.2 points per game (eighth in the MAAC) and netted 67.5 percent of his shots from the charity stripe (15th).

Gadson, a 2010-11 All-MAAC Second Team pick, fin- ished his junior campaign seventh on the MAAC scoring list,netting13.7pointsanightfortheBroncs. Hefinished 15th in rebounding last season, pulling down 5.8 boards per game. Gadson also ranked ninth in the MAAC with his 47 percent field goal percentage.

2011-2012 Preseason All-MAAC Teams

First Team
Derek Needham, Fairfield Jr. G 5-11 Dolton, Ill.
Ryan Olander, Fairfield Sr. C 7-0 Mansfield, Conn.
Mike Glover, Iona Sr. F 6-7 Bronx, N.Y.
Scott Machado, Iona Sr. G 6-1 Queens, N.Y.
Novar Gadson, Rider Sr. G/F 6-7 Philadelphia, Pa.

Second Team
Gaby Belardo, Canisius Jr. G 6-2 San Juan, P.R.
Rakim Sanders, Fairfield Sr. G 6-2 Pawtucket, R.I.
Erik Etherly, Loyola Jr. F 6-7 Alexandria, Va.
Shane Walker, Loyola Sr. F 6-10 Northampton, England
George Beamon, Manhattan Jr. G/F 6-4 Roslyn, N.Y.

Third Team
Kyle Smyth, Iona Jr. G 6-4 River Edge, N.J.
Jeff Jones, Rider Sr. G 6-4 Chester, Pa.
Daniel Stewart, Rider So. F 6-7 Philadelphia, Pa.
Darius Conley, Saint Peter's Jr. F 6-7 Newport News, Va.
OD Anosike, Siena Jr. F 6-8 Staten Island, N.Y.

2011-2012 MAAC Preseason Player of the Year:
Mike Glover, Iona

MAAC Hoops

Iona Tabbed Preseason Favorite

Press Release — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 10:21:14 -0700

Springfield, Mass. - Iona College, the runner-up in last year's title game, is the preseason favorite to win the 2012 MAAC Men's Basketball Championship, according to the MAAC Pre- season Coaches' Poll.

Iona received eight of the first-place votes and 97 points, followed by last season's preseason pick Fairfield University,which received two first-place votes and 92 points. Loyola University (Maryland) finished in third with 76 points.

Rider University followed in fourth place with 71 points, while defending champion Saint Peter's College took fifth with 52points. Siena College received 44 points to finish sixth, followed by Niagara University (42 points) in seventh, Manhattan College (33) in eighth, Canisius College (25) in ninth and Marist College (18) in 10th to round out the poll.

Last season, the Gaels made their first appearance in the MAAC Championship final since winning the league crown in 2006 and also reached the title game of the 2011 CollegeInsider. com Postseason Tournament. Iona returns three starters from that squad -- preseason All-MAAC First Team picks Mike Glover and Scott Machado and Third Team member Kyle Smyth. Glover, named to the Preseason Top 50 List for the John R. Wooden Award, is the league's top returning scorer(18.4ppg) and rebounder (10.1rpg).

Machado finished second in the nation in assists per game with 7.6 an outing. Smyth averaged 10.1 points per game during his sophomore campaign, connecting on 45.1 percent of his shots from the field and 39.3 percent from three-point range. Second-year head coach Tim Cluess will also look to senior Jermel Jenkins, junior Lamont Jones and sophomore Sean Armand to help lead the Maroon and Gold in their quest for an eighth MAAC Championship.

Fairfield returns four starters and eight letterwinners that helped earn the MAAC regular season title last season. The Stags, who previously registered a league-high scoring defense of 58.3 points per game, will be led by preseason All-MAAC First Team selections Derek Needham and Ryan Olander as well as Rakim Sanders of the Second Team. Needham recorded 14.1 points and 4.5 assists per game during his sophomore campaign, while Olander averaged 10.4 points per game and shot 53.2 percent from the floor.

First-year head coach Sydney Johnson will also rely onthe efforts of juniors Colin Nickerson and Sean Crawford along with sophomores Maurice Barrow and Jamel Fields as the Stags look to earn the program's first MAAC championship title in 15 years.

MAAC Hoops

This Week in the MAAC: Three-team Race?

Raphielle Johnson — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 13:27:37 -0800

After the second week of conference play in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference this is a fair question to ask given the results. Three teams have either one or no league losses with preseason favorite Fairfield (5-0) leading the way. Ed Cooley's team had an impressive week, pasting Niagara (70-48), Marist (59-44) and Saint Peter's (70-43) to move their win streak to 11 games. PG Derek Needham may still lead the Stags in scoring but they've received solid contributions from a number of players, most notably F Ryan Olander and freshman forward Maurice Barrow. Needham's averaging just 12.9 points per game but that's of little concern when your team leads the conference in scoring, field goal percentage and three-point percentage defense. And their "lack" of scoring (64 ppg) likely has more to do with tempo than anything as the Stags rank third in the MAAC in field goal percentage. The other two teams in good position as we close in on finishing one-third of the league schedule are Iona and Rider (both 4-1).

Both teams boast a number of strong offensive options, and in forward Mike Glover the Gaels have one of the prime candidates for Player of the Year. These are the top two scoring teams in the MAAC and they also sit just behind Fairfield in scoring margin. But Rider has been the better defensive team, ranking third in both scoring and field goal percentage defense and fourth in three-point percentage defense. Novar Gadson, Mike Ringgold and Justin Robinson are just three of the offensive weapons at Tommy Dempsey's fingertips, and the fact that this group is also defending should bode well for them the remainder of the season. As for Iona, in addition to Glover you've got Kyle Smyth, point guard Scott Machado and a player in Rashon Dwight who's been playing very good basketball of late. The key for them will be to defend. Head coach Tim Cluess likes to switch things up on that end of the floor and they don't always look fluid defensively. That could be what stands between the Gaels and a return to the NCAA Tournament, something that was commonplace during the late-90s.

As for the remainder of the MAAC there's quite the barrier between the top three and the remaining seven despite Saint Peter's and Marist having 3-2 records. The Red Foxes, who once again have a number of young bodies on which to count, have an overall record of 4-13 and have lost just one game by single digits (at Vermont). Meanwhile the Peacocks have been hit hard by the injury bug, most notably Wesley Jenkins re-injuring his knee. It's unlikely that he's 100% the remainder of his senior campaign, which is a shame given how good he's been for three-plus years and the overall talent on this squad. If you were to pick a team right now that could make a run in the MAAC Championships Saint Peter's, who also have Ryan Bacon, Jeron Belin and Nick Leon at their disposal, could be that selection. And what's happened to Siena? The Saints are just 2-3 in conference play following their 0-for-western New York trip, including a 14-point loss Sunday to a Niagara team that could do nothing right offensively in a blowout loss to Rider on Friday.

It hasn't helped Mitch Buonaguro at all that guard Clarence Jackson has been out with a high ankle sprain. When he's in the lineup and producing the Saints have a very good inside-out tandem consisting of he and Ryan Rossiter. But others are going to have to step up (and stay healthy) in order for the three-time defending champs to claw their way back into the race. Manhattan and Niagara are both woefully young teams who may be able to pull a surprise or two along the way, but they have the look of "First Round Friday" participants right now. Loyola's got a solid mix of youth and experience but you have to be concerned when it looks as if a team doesn't recognize their opponent's best player, which happened to the Greyhounds against Iona as Glover got off to a fast start with little resistance. Canisius is also talented but they're getting into dangerous territory with a 1-4 record after a split of games against Siena and Rider. If not for the late-game heroics of Gaby Belardo on Friday Tom Parrotta's team would be 0-5, and given the disappointing seasons put forth by the Golden Griffins under his tenure you'd have to wonder if there would be some concern in Buffalo.

Weekly Honors

Player of the Week: Iona F Mike Glover (22 points and 8.3 rebounds per game in a 2-0 weekend for the Gaels)

Honorees to date
11/15 F Ryan Rossiter (Siena)
11/22 G Justin Robinson (Rider)/G Clarence Jackson (Siena)
11/29 G Kyle Smyth (Iona)/Rossiter
12/6 F Mike Glover (Iona)
12/13 Glover/F Shane Walker (Loyola)
12/20 Glover/Rossiter
12/27 G/F Novar Gadson (Rider)
1/3 G Scott Machado (Iona)
1/10 Glover

Rookie of the Week: Fairfield F Maurice Barrow (8.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game in a 3-0 week for the Stags, which included 11 points and 14 rebounds in their win over Niagara)

Honorees to date
11/15 G Michael Alvarado (Manhattan)
11/22 G Dylon Cormier (Loyola)
11/29 G Marvin Jordan (Niagara)
12/6 G/F Jay Bowie (Marist)
12/13 F Menelik Watson (Marist)
12/20 G Justin Drummond (Loyola)
12/27 Drummond
1/3 G Danny Stewart (Rider)
1/10 F Maurice Barrow (Fairfield)

Tuesday, January 11th
Florida Atlantic 58, Manhattan 50

Friday, January 14th
7:00 PM Fairfield at Loyola (ESPNU)
7:00 PM Iona at Rider
7:30 PM Siena at Marist

Saturday, January 15th
2:00 PM Canisius at Manhattan
2:00 PM Niagara at Saint Peter's

Sunday, January 16th
2:00 PM Marist at Iona

Monday, January 17th
2:00 PM Loyola at Saint Peter's
2:00 PM Niagara at Manhattan
7:00 PM Canisius at Siena
7:00 PM Fairfield at Rider

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NYC Metro Hoops

NEC Thursday Preview: CCSU Visits Sacred Heart

Raphielle Johnson — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 13:08:59 -0800

Another weekend of Northeast Conference action tips off tonight with a full slate of games, highlighted by Central Connecticut State heading south to take on a Sacred Heart team that's won its last three games. The Blue Devils and Pioneers are two of the six teams with 2-2 records in league play, and with just eight spots available in the NEC Tournament games like these ultimately make all the difference. This season has been a bit of a departure for those used to watching the Pioneers, traditionally one of the higher scoring teams in the conference. But with the heavy personnel losses Dave Bike's program incurred at the end of last season, Sacred Heart needed to adjust their style of play. Shane Gibson and Jerrell Thompson combine to score nearly 29 points and as a team the Pioneers average a shade less than 65 points per game, shooting 42% from the field.

It's been the opposite for the experienced Blue Devils, who had guards Robby Ptacek and Shemik Thompson back along with forwards Joe Efese and Ken Horton (who missed all of last season with a knee injury). They average 68 points per game on the season and while averaging the same number of possessions per game as Sacred Heart, the Blue Devils have been the more efficient team offensively. The one thing that the Pioneers have done better this season is get to the foul line, boasting a free throw rate of 40% and scoring 22.6% of their points from the charity stripe. With the likes of Corey Hassan gone Sacred Heart doesn't have the same number of players who can light it up from deep as Gibson is their best bomber, but players such as Louis Montes and Evan Kelley can hit the shot if left alone.

What's likely to be the difference between two teams that look to have a number of similarities in terms of the statistics? Rebounding, more specifically which team can keep the other off of the offensive glass. Both teams grab more than 30% of their misses, but the also allow their opponents to grab more than 30% of theirs. Sacred Heart's numbers are slightly lower but that might have something to do with the fact that the opposition is executing at an efficiency of 98.0 on the offensive end of the floor. Central's done a better job of turning their opponents over as well, and if Gibson and Thompson fail to take care of the basketball the Blue Devils have a chance to leave Fairfield with a much-needed conference victory. Also of note tonight is a matchup of two of the best backcourts in the conference in Brooklyn as first-place Wagner (Tyler Murray and Latif Rivers) takes on St. Francis (NY) (Akeem Bennett and Ricky Cadell), FDU visits Robert Morris and Monmouth visits Saint Francis (PA) in a game matching one team looking for its first conference victory (SFPA) and another that needs wins to get back into the NEC Tournament conversation.

Weekly Honors

Player of the Week: Wagner guard Tyler Murray (24.7 points, 4.0 rebound and 3.0 assists per game in a 2-0 week for the Seahawks)

Honorees to Date
11/15 F Justin Rutty (Quinnipiac)
11/22 F Ken Horton (CCSU)
11/29 G Jerrell Thompson (Sacred Heart)
12/6 G Akeem Bennett (SFNY)/F Kamil Svrdlik (FDU)
12/13 Rutty
12/20 G Shane Gibson (Sacred Heart)
1/3 Gibson

Rookie of the Week: Wagner guard Latif Rivers (16.3 points and 5.3 assists per game in a pair of Wagner victories)

Honorees to Date
11/15 G Alex Francis (Bryant)/G Latif Rivers (Wagner)
11/22 Francis/G Julian Norfleet (Mount St. Mary's)
11/29 Rivers/F Ike Azotam (Quinnipiac)
12/6 Rivers
12/13 G Dominique Langston (Quinnipiac)
12/20 F Naofall Folahan (Wagner)
1/3 Francis/G Jason Brickman (LIU)

Thursday, January 13
BRYANT at QUINNIPIAC 7:00 pm
CCSU at SACRED HEART 7:00 pm
FDU at ROBERT MORRIS 7:00 pm
MOUNT ST. MARY'S at LONG ISLAND 7:00 pm
MONMOUTH at SAINT FRANCIS (PA) 7:00 pm
WAGNER at ST. FRANCIS (NY) 7:00 pm

Saturday, January 15
BRYANT at SACRED HEART 3:30 pm
CCSU at QUINNIPIAC 4:00 pm
FDU at SAINT FRANCIS (PA) 7:00 pm
WAGNER at LONG ISLAND 4:30 pm
MONMOUTH at ROBERT MORRIS 7:00 pm
MOUNT ST. MARY'S at ST. FRANCIS (NY) 4:30 pm

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Northeast Conference

NEC Thursday Night Recap: Wagner Alone in First

Raphielle Johnson — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 11:03:07 -0800

First-year head coach Dan Hurley has done quite the job with the Wagner Seahawks, a team that won all of five games in 2009-10. Going into Thursday's game against two-time defending NEC champion Robert Morris the Seahawks were in a three-way tie for first place with a 2-0 league play. The player who has benefitted the most with the coaching change? Junior guard Tyler Murray, who has eclipsed the 20-point plateau five times and has failed to reach double figures just once this season. The Toronto native has increased his scoring average (17.6 ppg) by almost nine points per game from a season ago and scored 28 points in Wagner's 73-68 win at preseason favorite Quinnipiac on Monday. Shooting over 50% from beyond the arc, the 6 foot 5 Murray is a tough matchup for just about any team in the NEC due to his size and skill versatility. Murray paired up with freshman Latif Rivers has made Wagner a better team in a hurry despite their overall youth, and the potency of these two was on full display on Thursday night in Staten Island.

Murray (26 points, four assists) and Rivers (22 points, four assists) combined to score 15 of the Seahawks' 20 points in overtime, leading the way in an 83-78 victory to remain atop the NEC standings. Robert Morris (1-2, 5-9) was led by the superlative Karon Abraham, who finished with a season-high 32 points in defeat. Russell Johnson and Lijah Thompson added 10 points apiece for the Colonials but the point separation proved to be too much, especially with Velton Jones scoring just two points on 1-for-3 shooting and fouling out after 23 minutes of action. Orlando Parker added 13 points for the home team while Chris Martin tallied nine points and five assists as Wagner is now the lone undefeated team in league play. Next up for the Seahawks is Saint Francis (PA) while the Colonials head south to take on Mount St. Mary's. Both games are on Saturday. Three teams went into play on Thursday undefeated in league play and only Wagner moves forward unblemished.

Thursday's Results

Quinnipiac 72, Monmouth 70
Another game and another heartbreaker for the Hawks (1-2, 5-10), who were unable to knock off the defending regular season co-champions in West Long Branch despite 21 points from Mike Myers-Keitt. Ed Waite added 18 points and seven rebounds but it wasn't enough to prevent the home team from losing their fifth game out of their last six. Jamee Jackson scored a team-high 20 points (8-12 FG) for the Bobcats (10-3, 2-1), who had five players reach double figures to make up for the absence of preseason Player of the Year Justin Rutty (right elbow). Jackson's free throw with 14 seconds to go gave the Bobcats their first lead of the game since late in the first half as QU fought back from a 14-point second half deficit. Quinnipiac out-rebounded the Hawks 39-26, grabbing 20 offensive rebounds, resulting in a field goal attempt difference of 21 (65 to 44) to combat the Hawks shooting 56.8% from the field.

Sacred Heart 67, Fairleigh Dickinson 50
Dave Bike's Pioneers (1-2, 6-8) picked up their fourth win in the last five games in Teaneck, handing FDU its first conference loss behind 18 points from Jerrell Thompson and 13 off the bench from Chris Evans. But the story for Sacred Heart was their defense, limiting the Knights to 30.6% shooting from the field and 21 turnovers. Kamil Svrdlik led FDU (2-1, 3-9) with 13 points but the Knights' ability to get to the foul line (19-24) was nullified by a 1-for-16 performance from beyond the arc. Shooting has been the main problem for Greg Vetrone's team this season and it reared its ugly head in the second half as FDU shot 25% from the field and missed all eight three point attempts. FDU shoots just 38.6% from the field on the season, something that has to change if they're to be a factor in the NEC race as the season wears on. Next up for FDU is Quinnipiac while the Pioneers take the short trek to West Long Branch to take on Monmouth.

Central Connecticut State 61, St. Francis (NY) 43
Robbie Ptacek led the Blue Devils (9-5, 2-1) out of the gate with 12 early points, and Central was rarely challenged after getting off to a 20-7 start in their home victory. Ptacek scored a game-high 25 points while Ken Horton added 10 and 14 rebounds in moving the Blue Devils' win streak to five games. Ricky Cadell led the Terriers (7-7, 2-1) with nine points but SFNY shot a horrid 23.4% from the field, and the starting backcourt of Cadell, Dre Calloway and Akeem Bennett combined to shoot 7-for-32. CCSU also out-rebounded SFNY 46-35 in winning by a comfortable margin despite turning the ball over twenty times. Next up for CCSU is Long Island at home while the Terriers head east to take on Bryant.

Mount St. Mary's 63, Saint Francis (PA) 56
Julian Norfleet led all scorers with 18 points while Josh Castellanos and Danny Thompson scored ten points apiece off the bench in helping the Mountaineers (1-1, 4-12) end their eight-game skid while moving the Red Flash's losing streak to ten. The Mount out-rebounded SFPA 34-25 and exercised judicious shot selection (4-6 3PT) in taking care of Saint Francis, who was led by Mislav Jukic (19 points) and Umar Shannon (16) but shot just 35.6% from the field. Outside of those two the Red Flash (0-2, 2-12) shot 6-for-24 from the field and made just 25% of their three pointers (removing Shannon SFPA was 1-for-7) as a team. Next up for the Mountaineers is Robert Morris in what's become one of the more important rivalries in the NEC given the recent success of both programs, and the Red Flash head north to take on Wagner.

Long Island 75, Bryant 55
Jim Ferry's club won its fourth straight game in routine fashion, taking care of the struggling Bulldogs by 20 in Smithfield thanks to four starters reaching double figures led by Jamal Olasewere's 17. LIU (2-1, 10-4) got out quickly, leading by 19 at the half by making seven three pointers while limiting Bryant to 29.4% shooting on the other end. Alex Francis led the home team with 18 points but it wasn't enough to make up for the Bulldogs (0-3, 2-13) shooting 36.9% and being outscored by 18 points from behind the arc. Long Island next takes on CCSU in a matchup of 2-1 teams while the Bulldogs welcome St. Francis (NY) to Rhode Island.

Weekly Honors (announced Monday)
Player of the Week: Sacred Heart guard Shane Gibson
Rookies of the Week: LIU guard Jason Brickman and Bryant forward Alex Francis

Saturday's Schedule
1 PM Robert Morris at Mount St. Mary's
3:30 PM LIU at CCSU
4 PM Quinnipiac at FDU
4 PM St. Francis (NY) at Bryant
7 PM Sacred Heart at Monmouth
7 PM Saint Francis (PA) at Wagner

NYC Metro Hoops

NEC Update: Opening Week Yields Surprises

Raphielle Johnson — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 13:27:10 -0800

The first weekend of December traditionally means the start of conference play in the NEC, with many of the teams playing a pair of games before returning to non-conference action for the remainder of the month. But while it comes as no surprise to the casual observer that preseason favorite Quinnipiac is one of the four remaining undefeated teams (1-0), the other three teams may cause a second glance. Tied atop the league with 2-0 marks are Fairleigh Dickinson and St. Francis (NY), both of whom beat an expected contender over the weekend. Greg Vetrone's Knights slugged one out with Central Connecticut State on Saturday, winning by the final of 48-46, a score that is all the more amazing given the line NEC Co-Player of the Week Kamil Svrdlik put up.

The senior put up 20 points and 10 rebounds and also scored the game-winning points with 40 seconds remaining. That capped a comeback from a 14-point deficit, and after losing their first three games of the season FDU is 3-3. As for St. Francis (NY), they put up more points than the Knights while beating defending NEC champion Robert Morris 65-63 thanks in large part to senior guard Akeem Bennett. Bennett scored 26 points in the win over the Colonials, which also featured his game-winning free throws and a block of a three pointer on the other end. First-year head coach Glen Braica's team has won all three of their home games to date this season and hosts Colgate tonight.

The other team without a loss in conference play is Dan Hurley's Wagner club, a young outfit that is one of the four teams in the NEC with a winning overall record. One of the standouts for the Seahawks has been freshman guard Latif Rivers, who scored 24 points in Wagner's 73-68 overtime win at Sacred Heart. His three pointer drew Wagner to within one point late in regulation of a game that they actually led throughout much of the contest. Rivers has been named NEC Rookie (or Co-Rookie) of the Week three times in the first four weeks of the season, making him the early frontrunner for postseason honors. The combo of Rivers and junior Tyler Murray (who leads the NEC in scoring) is one of the primary reasons why the Seahawks have played as well as they have thus far.

Overall the first weekend of NEC play was more than entertaining, as in addition to the aforementioned heroics there was James Johnson scoring Quinnipiac's final eight points in the Bobcats' come from behind win over Mount St. Mary's on Thursday night. Monmouth, who played their league opener the week prior, went 2-2 in a four-game week that included a 2-1 showing at the Basketball Travelers Invitational with the lone defeat coming a the hands of host Idaho. In terms of losing skids Bryant and Saint Francis (PA) are both looking to end four-game runs while CCSU and Sacred Heart have both lost two in a row. But Howie Dickenman's Blue Devils have played arguably the toughest non-conference slate in the league, and with Ken Horton and Shemik Thompson leading the way they should round into form by the time league play rolls around.

NEC Co-Players of the Week
St. Francis (NY) G Akeem Bennett: 24.0 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.5 steals per game in the Terriers' wins over Saint Francis (PA) and Robert Morris.
FDU F Kamil Svrdlik: 18.3 points, 9.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game in a 3-0 week for the Knights.

Honorees to date
11/15 Quinnipiac F Justin Rutty
11/22 CCSU F Ken Horton
11/29 Sacred Heart G Jerrell Thompson
12/6 Bennett and Svrdlik

NEC Rookie of the Week
Wagner G Latif Rivers: 17.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game in a 2-1 week for the Seahawks, who played all three on the road.

Honorees to Date
11/15 Bryant G Alex Francis & Rivers
11/22 Francis and Mount St. Mary's G Julian Norfleet
11/29 Quinnipiac F Ike Azotam and Rivers
12/6 Rivers

The Week Ahead (Wednesday thru Sunday)

12/8 7 PM Yale at BRYANT
Princeton at MONMOUTH
Hartford at SACRED HEART
7:30 PM FDU at (6) Connecticut
8 PM Iona at LIU

12/10 7 PM ST. FRANCIS (NY) at Canisius

12/11 2 PM FDU at Iona
Lafayette at LIU
SACRED HEART at Stony Brook
3 PM Rhode Island at QUINNIPIAC
4 PM BRYANT at Columbia
Hartford at MONMOUTH
MOUNT ST. MARY'S at Loyola (MD)
7 PM CCSU at Albany
Youngstown St. at ROBERT MORRIS
Saint Peter's at WAGNER

Games of the Week

- Iona at LIU (Wednesday) The Gaels make the trek from New Rochelle to Brooklyn and with them will be one of the best forwards you'll see in Michael Glover. The much-traveled Glover, who very nearly was an NEC player at St. Francis (NY) before going the junior college route last year, was named National Player of the Week by the United States Basketball Writers Association due to dominant showings against Niagara and Canisius. But the Blackbirds boast one of the NEC's best frontlines, which should make for an entertaining matchup.

- St. Francis (NY) at Canisius (Friday) Another NEC vs. MAAC matchup with this one featuring a Terriers squad that's yet to win on the road this season. The Golden Griffins have a pair of solid perimeter threats in Julius Coles and Elton Frazier to combat the play of Akeem Bennett and Ricky Cadell, but this is a winnable road game for SFNY.

- Rhode Island at Quinnipiac (Saturday) It's a golden opportunity for the Bobcats to steal some New England print as the Rams visit Hamden. Delroy James leads the way for URI, who will want to play at a high tempo but that's of little concern for a QU squad that also likes to run when the opportunity presents itself. If Justin Rutty can control the boards while James Johnson gets the job done on the perimeter, look out. And it wouldn't be a huge upset either if Quinnipiac were to win.

- Saint Peter's at Wagner (Saturday) This will be a good test for Coach Hurley's team, especially the backcourt. Seniors Nick Leon and Wesley Jenkins lead the way for the Peacocks, who also make you earn every scoring opportunity on the other end as well. Jeron Belin and Ryan Bacon are two of the better forwards that they Seahawks will face in their non-conference schedule, and they should be a good litmus test to see where the Wagner bigs stand in regards to their development.

Tuesday's Scores
Dayton 63, CCSU 61
QUINNIPIAC 84, Lehigh 78
West Virginia 82, ROBERT MORRIS 49
ST. FRANCIS (NY) 68, Colgate 57
Columbia 77, WAGNER 71
Penn State 57, MOUNT ST. MARY'S 53

NYC Metro Hoops

MAAC Update: Three Get Through Opening Weekend Undefeated

Raphielle Johnson — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 12:57:25 -0800

If there was one question in particular that arose from the first weekend of MAAC play in regards to individual players it was who has the ability to slow down Michael Glover. Niagara and Canisius didn't have the horses to do so, and Glover's dominance is a major reason why Tim Cluess' Iona Gaels are currently on a five-game win streak. Michael went off against Canisius, tallying 39 points and 14 rebounds in the 94-85 victory. Niagara was able to "limit" him to 30 points while getting pasted 82-58, but the back-to-back double-doubles featuring at least 30 points make him the second Gael to do so in school history. With the first being Iona great Jeff Ruland it's safe to say that Michael is in an esteemed (and somewhat exclusive) club.

Iona's won their last four games by nine points or more and looks to be a team coming to a better understanding of what Coach Cluess wants done on both ends of the floor. Iona is one of three MAAC teams who remain undefeated in conference play with one of those teams being a stunner. Marist, who went into the weekend having lost all six of their games by 20 points or more, picked off Niagara and Canisius to move to 2-0. You can in part thank Jay Bowie, the MAAC Rookie of the Week, for that as he followed up a 15-point, 10-rebound performance against the Purple Eagles with 12 and 9 in Sunday's win over the Golden Griffins. Maybe Chuck Martin's team is figuring this out at just the right time as their first six games brought about a feeling of "here we go again" in regards to a team that went 1-29 last season.

The last of the undefeated trio is Saint Peter's, who picked up a close road win at Loyola and followed up with an efficient win over Manhattan. It's obvious that the return of Wesley Jenkins adds a dimension to John Dunne's team offensively to go along with Nick Leon, Jeron Belin and Ryan Bacon. But when a Darius Conley steps up to add 11 points and five boards as he did in their 66-49 win over the Jaspers this is an even better team. But just as there are teams playing well there are those who haven't, most notably the bottom four teams in the standings. Manhattan and Niagara are both young teams that will have their fair share of issues as the season wears on, but at least Joe Mihalich can lean on point guard Anthony Nelson when needing an experienced hand to take over.

Barry Rohrssen has to rely heavily on newcomers Michael Alvarado and Kidani Brutus to go along with sophomore George Beamon on the perimeter. Nick Walsh provided a nice boost off the bench against Saint Peter's with 15 points against Saint Peter's but it's clear that they're in trouble when Walsh is their leading scorer. Manhattan didn't have the firepower to hang with Rider (88-59 loss), and they don't have enough players who can make things happen when faced with a stout defense like the Peacocks'. Loyola will likely have issues with consistency all season long, especially on the offensive end of the floor, and Canisius will likely need to lean on their defense in order to make any kind of noise in the MAAC.

But could there also be concern in regards to Siena? While the Saints do have a conference record of 1-0, overall they're 2-5 on the season and in search of answers outside of Ryan Rossiter. Clarence Jackson, while having the ability to explode offensively on any given night, is still having those bouts with inconsistency as first-year head coach Mitch Buonaguro has to rely on freshmen Rakeem Brookins and Trenity Burdine for quality minutes. Winners of 38 straight home games coming into the season, the Saints have lost all three home games and host preseason favorite Fairfield on Friday night. The Saints dropped a pair of tough overtime games last week, falling to Princeton and Albany, and the return of Kyle Downey should help in regards to shoring up the backcourt. Whether or not that will be enough for the Saints remains to be seen.

MAAC Player of the Week
Iona F Michael Glover: 29.7 points and 12.7 rebounds per game in a 3-0 week for the Gaels.

Honorees to Date
11/15 Siena F Ryan Rossiter
11/22 Rider G Justin Robinson and Siena G Clarence Jackson
11/29 Iona G Kyle Smyth and Rossiter
12/6 Glover

MAAC Rookie of the Week
Marist G/F Jay Bowie: 13.0 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game in a pair of home wins for the Red Foxes.

Honorees to Date
11/15 Manhattan G Michael Alvarado
11/22 Loyola G Dylon Cormier
11/29 Niagara G Marvin Jordan
12/6 Bowie

The Week Ahead (Wednesday thru Sunday)

12/8 7 PM LOYOLA at George Mason (MASN)
MANHATTAN at Fordham
NIAGARA at Buffalo
7:30 PM UMBC at RIDER
8 PM IONA at LIU

12/10 7 PM St. Francis (NY) at CANISIUS
FAIRFIELD at SIENA
7:30 PM Lehigh at MARIST

12/11 2 PM Fairleigh Dickinson at IONA
Binghamton at MANHATTAN
4 PM Mount St. Mary's at LOYOLA
NIAGARA at St. Bonaventure
RIDER at Drexel
7 PM SAINT PETER'S at Wagner

12/12 1 PM MARIST at Vermont
4 PM FAIRFIELD at Holy Cross

Games of the Week

- Manhattan at Fordham (Wednesday) The battle of the Bronx takes place at Rose Hill Gym and on paper it looks to be a toss-up as both programs are rebuilding. Tom Pecora made the move over from Hofstra and in sophomore forward Chris Gaston he's got one of the better frontcourt scorers in the Atlantic 10. It will be up to Andrew Gabriel and the rest of the Jasper front line to slow him down, and Mike Alvarado will need to be efficient in running the point.

- Fairfield at Siena (Friday) Both teams are 1-0 in league play heading into this matchup at the Times Union Center, a place where the Saints have yet to win this season and the natives may be getting restless as a result. The Stags have won four straight games going into Friday's contest and in point guard Derek Needham head coach Ed Cooley has just the guy who can exploit the Saints' ongoing need to establish the position. But do the Stags have an answer for Ryan Rossiter and O.D. Anosike inside? Ryan Olander will need some help if Fairfield is to neutralize Rossiter.

- Rider at Drexel (Saturday) The Broncs make the short trip west to Philadelphia to take on the Dragons in what should be a competitive matchup. Rider will need to show consistency on the defensive end as Bruiser Flint's teams do a good job of defending and making things difficult for teams offensively. Add in one of the top freshmen in the CAA in guard Chris Fouch and Drexel has more than enough to give Tommy Dempsey's team a road loss. But Rider has been successful on the road this season, which should help out in regards to confidence.

- Marist at Vermont (Sunday) This is the stiffer of the two tests for MAAC teams on Sunday, as we'll find out a lot more about the Red Foxes in regards to their ability to compete with teams from leagues closer to the quality of the MAAC. Forward Evan Fjeld is one of the best players in America East and he will give the Marist frontcourt a serious battle. The Catamounts gave UConn all they wanted for 25 minutes before falling a couple weeks ago, and they're traditionally a tough out in Burlington.

Tuesday's Scores
FAIRFIELD 72, Howard 52
Rutgers 64, MARIST 48
CANISIUS 73, South Dakota 69

NYC Metro Hoops

MAAC Weekly Update: Conference Play Beckons

Raphielle Johnson — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 11:09:18 -0800

While conference play in the MAAC traditionally begins with a pair of games the first weekend of December, Siena and Rider had to play their league opener on Friday due to a conflict with final exams. But thanks in large part to preseason MAAC Player of the Year Ryan Rossiter the Saints struck first blood in the conference standings, winning at Rider 73-60. Rossiter has more than lived up to the preseason hype for Mitch Buonaguro's team, boasting averages of 20.2 points and 14.5 rebounds per game. Both numbers lead the conference and his rebounding average is actually the best in the nation presently. The senior from Staten Island accounted for 18 points and 17 rebounds in Friday's win while classmate Clarence Jackson added 15. Brandon Penn led the way for the Broncs with 14 points and nine rebounds while Justin Robinson added 12.

So with November coming to a close and the other eight teams beginning league play this week where does the MAAC stand? While the conference as a whole got off to a slow start to the season (Rider is the lone team with a winning record while Canisius and Loyola are both 2-2; as a whole the MAAC was 19-32 in non-conference games going into Monday), there have been some good victories as well. Iona, who dropped one at the buzzer to Bryant at the World Vision Classic opening weekend (played at Cleveland State), beat Richmond at home in double overtime on the 18th and followed that up with an impressive showing at Albany. Fairfield, the preseason favorite to win the MAAC, was able to snap a three-game losing streak (all to BCS conference members) by soundly whipping Norfolk State in the Philly Hoop Group Classic at the Palestra.

Rider already owns wins over USC, TCU and Loyola Marymount with all three coming on either road or neutral courts. Manhattan's dropped four straight but three came in the Old Spice Classic against tough competition (Wisconsin, Texas A&M and Georgia) and the fourth came at the hands of an LIU team expected to contend in the NEC. And while both Saint Peter's and Siena sit below .500 look at who they've played. Saint Peter's went 1-2 in the Paradise Jam while the Saints have already faced Minnesota (who won the Puerto Rico Tip-Off), Butler and Princeton. Loyola's two losses have been by a combined six points while Niagara has a pair of wins to their credit.

The major points of concern at this point would be the Purple Eagles (none of their four losses has been by fewer than 10 points) and Marist (0-6, all losses by 20+ points) but that was to be expected when the season began. It would be fair to trust history in regards to Joe Mihalich's team as Niagara tends to not slip too far down the totem pole most seasons, but it may be tougher this season due to their youth. Overall while the MAAC won't be a multiple bid conference (no surprise there as it hasn't happened since 1995) more than a few of the losses will serve as decent RPI boosts come March when the conference champion gets its NCAA Tournament seed. Don't panic about the conference champ possibly ending up in Dayton; there's still a long way to go this season.

MAAC Co-Players of the Week
G Kyle Smyth (Iona) Smyth scored 29 points in the Gaels' 86-65 win at Albany last week, scoring 26 of those points in the first half. The sophomore hit 10 of 15 shots from the field (8-13 from three) while also accounting for three assists, two rebounds, two steals and a blocked shot.
F Ryan Rossiter (Siena) Rossiter grabbed at least 15 rebounds in each of the Saints' three games last week. His averages in a 1-2 week for Siena: 19.3 points and 17.7 rebounds per game. He grabbed 21 rebounds in Siena's double overtime loss at Princeton on Sunday.

MAAC Rookie of the Week
G Marvin Jordan (Niagara) Jordan established career-highs in points in each of the Purple Eagles' two games. He scored 14 in the win over Mount St. Mary's and topped that with 17 in a win over Bowling Green. Jordan currently averages 12.5 points and 3.0 rebounds per game.

Honorees thus far
Player of the Week
11/15 F Ryan Rossiter (Siena)
11/22 G Justin Robinson (Rider)/G Clarence Jackson (Siena)
11/29 Rossiter/G Kyle Smyth (Iona)

Rookie of the Week
11/15 G Michael Alvarado (Manhattan)
11/22 F Dylon Cormier (Loyola)
11/29 G Marvin Jordan (Niagara)

Upcoming Schedule (Tuesday thru Sunday)

11/30 Canisius at Binghamton 7:00
Iona at Norfolk St. 7:00

12/2 Fairfield at Savannah St. 7:00
Saint Peter's at Loyola* 7:00
Rider at Manhattan* 7:00

12/3 Canisius at Iona* 7:30
Niagara at Marist* 7:30

12/4 Manhattan at Saint Peter's* 2:00
Rider at Pittsburgh 2:00
Albany at Siena 7:00

12/5 Niagara at Iona* 2:00
Loyola at Fairfield* 3:30
Canisius at Marist* 4:00

Games of the Week
- Saint Peter's at Loyola (Thursday)
This will be an intriguing matchup, especially considering the fact that Wesley Jenkins is back and playing for the Peacocks (he scored 13 in their win over LIU on Saturday). Jenkins and Loyola's Jamal Barney are two of the best scoring guards in the MAAC but don't sleep on SPC's Nick Leon either. Whether or not Jimmy Patsos' crew can defend their home floor likely depends on how the frontcourt performs against Ryan Bacon.

- Canisius at Iona (Friday)
Some are sold on the Golden Griffins as a team that can make the move out of First Round Friday while others (yours truly) were touting the Gaels as a possible MAAC champ in the preseason. Elton Frazier and Julius Coles are the offensive leaders with Frank Turner having graduated, and they're plenty athletic up front with the likes of Greg Logins and Tomas Vasquez-Simmons. But Iona's got superior depth and has been playing some good basketball of late. It will be interesting to see if Canisius has any sort of answer for Michael Glover on the block.

- Rider at Pittsburgh (Saturday)
While Tommy Dempsey's team has some solid non-conference wins to date a win at Pitt would take the cake and rank among the nation's best. But while the Broncs have the ability to knock down shots good looks are tough to come by against Jamie Dixon's group, a deep and talented outfit that's the pick to win the Big East. Rider will need to be at their best on both sides of the floor if they're to entertain any thoughts of pulling off the upset.

- Loyola at Fairfield (Sunday)
Tough week for the Greyhounds, who go from hosting a team some think can win the MAAC to the preseason favorites to get the job done. While Ed Cooley does have know commodities such as guard Derek Needham and forwards Warren Edney and Ryan Olander it was the play of two freshmen in the win over Norfolk State that turned some heads. Jamel Fields and Keith Matthews scored 15 points apiece in that whipping of the Spartans, and their further development will provide Fairfield with depth they needed going into the season.

Monday's Scores
Loyola 73, Morgan State 67
Hofstra 58, Rider 48
Seton Hall 69, Saint Peter's 49

NYC Metro Hoops

Ranking the NEC Backcourts 1-6

Raphielle Johnson — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 18:39:58 -0700

With the start of the season right around the corner (and the preseason NEC Coaches Teleconference coming up on Wednesday morning), this is a good time to rank the backcourts and frontcourts of the Northeast Conference. First up are the top six backcourts in my opinion. Teams 7-12 will follow shortly, with the frontcourt rankings on deck. Feel free to comment below; I welcome solid hoops discussion.

1. Robert Morris
Losses
Jimmy Langhurst (7.6 ppg, 2.3 rpg), Mezie Newigwe (8.3 ppg, 4.2 rpg)
The Colonials lost Langhurst due to injury just eleven games into the season, so they've already had to deal with his absence (the NCAA denied an appeal for a sixth year). Newigwe was third on the team in scoring and also grabbed four rebounds per game. He'll be missed on the defensive end of the floor, where he completed his four-year progression with the NEC Defensive Player of the Year award.

Returnees
Karon Abraham (13.6 ppg, 44.3% 3PT), Velton Jones (8.0 ppg, 2.8 apg), Shane Mahoney (DNP), Gary Wallace (5.3 ppg, 38.6% 3PT), Coron Williams (DNP- redshirt)
The combo of Abraham and Jones, plus their roles in the Colonials making their second consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament, are what push RMU to the top of the NEC in regards to backcourt play. Abraham won Rookie of the Year honors and led the team in scoring with an average of 13.6 points per game, shooting a higher percentage from beyond the arc (44.3%) than inside of it (43.0%). His big-play capabilities were a huge factor in the Colonials' win at Quinnipiac in the tournament final, resulting in his being named MVP of the NEC Tournament. Jones actually had six more starts to his credit than Abraham and averaged eight points per game, and if there's anyone on the roster who can make up for Newigwe's departure on the defensive end it would be him. Wallace and Williams will be called upon to add depth and long-distance shooting, with Wallace averaging 5.3 points per game with more than a third of his field goal attempts coming from beyond the arc (38.6% 3PT). Williams sat out last season as a redshirt, and Shane Mahoney didn't see any action either.

Newcomers
Anthony Myers, Elton Roy
Both Myers and Roy had solid senior campaigns in respected programs last year. Myers, the cousin of former RMU guard Derek Coleman, ran the show for Charis (NC) Prep and averaged more than five assists per game last season. Roy was a member of the Yates (TX) HS team that finished the year ranked #1 nationally by multiple outlets during the season and is a wing who has the ability to attack the basket, averaging more than 15 points per game as a senior. Both will have ample opportunities to contribute.

2. St. Francis (NY)
Losses
None

Returnees
Akeem Bennett (14.5 ppg, 6.4 rpg), Ricky Cadell (15.9 ppg, 35.6% 3PT), Justin Newton (3.5 apg, 1.9 spg)
First-year head coach Glen Braica lucks out with the backcourt that returns to Brooklyn this season. Bennett was a Second Team All-NEC selection is his first season on campus (junior college), ranking second on the team in scoring and leading the way in rebounds and assists. Bennett was the only player in the NEC to finish the season ranked in the Top 10 in four statistical categories (points, rebounds, assists and steals).The one area in which the playmaker will need to improve is the turnover department, where he tallied more than a quarter (123) of the Terriers' 449 in 2009-10. Cadell was the team's leading scorer a season ago, and he shot 35.6% from beyond the arc with more than half (202) of his 370 shots coming from downtown. Tying it all together is the junior Newton, who had an assist-to-turnover ratio of nearly 2.0 (1.98) and is in charge of getting the ball to the Terriers' offensive threats while also giving teams fits on the defensive end.

Newcomers
Dre Calloway, Adam Chmielewski, Travis Nichols
Coach Braica will need this triumvirate to help out this season more in terms of minutes that scoring; their time will come in that department once seniors Bennett and Cadell depart. The three returnees for the Terriers all averaged more than thirty minutes per game in 2009-10, with Bennett (36.0) and Cadell (35.5) leading the way. Calloway and Nichols are both returning home to New York City after playing two years at the junior college level, with Calloway having played the point at Northeastern (CO) JC and Nichols a one-time All-PSAL performer who has three years of eligibility. Chmielewski is a solid perimeter shooter who averaged 16 points and eight assists per game at Champaign St. Lambert in Montreal. Iona transfer Ben Mockford, who won't play this season per NCAA transfer rules, will help in practice.

3. Central Connecticut State
Losses
Joe Seymore (8.0 ppg, 3.3 rpg)
Seymore was the resident bomber for the Blue Devils, knocking down 36.6% of his shot from beyond the arc in NEC play last season. But with him being the only player in their top nine in regards to scoring gone CCSU is more than equipped to make up for Seymore's departure.

Returnees
Devan Bailey (2.5 ppg, 2.5 apg), Robbie Ptacek (12.1 ppg, 3.4 rpg), Vince Rosario (5.9 ppg, 41 3PM), Shemik Thompson (13.0 ppg, 3.3 apg)
The return of Thompson and Ptacek is one reason why so many expect Central to be in the thick of the NEC title race. Shemik led the Blue Devils in minutes, scoring and assists last season, and he increased his scoring output by nearly two points per game in NEC play. Ptacek, who missed eight conference games due to injury, was second on the team in points per game over the course of the entire season. His health (or lack thereof) opened the door for Devan Bailey to make 14 starts in conference play. Bailey wasn't a major threat in terms of scoring but he took care of the basketball, boasting the team's best assist-to-turnover ratio in league play (1.64). Moving into the role of sharpshooter will likely be Vince Rosario, who attempted 151 of his 177 shots from beyond the arc. But the accuracy (27.2% 3PT, 32.8% FG) must improve if Rosario hopes to increase his production from a season ago.

Newcomers
Daquan Brickhouse, DeAngelo Speech
Both newcomers have the ability to push for playing time, especially the 5'8" Brickhouse, a quick point guard who offers added scoring punch that they don't necessarily get from Devan Bailey. Speech is a 6'5" wing that may be further along as a defender at this point in the season. At the least these two will be expected to push the incumbents in practice, but it's hard to see them both not earning minutes.

4. Quinnipiac
Losses
Jeremy Baker (8.7 ppg, 4.6 rpg), James Feldeine (16.5 ppg, 5.8 rpg)
Of a possible 65 games combined these two started 65, and Feldeine joined teammate and NEC Player of the Year Justin Rutty as a member of the All-NEC first team. Baker wasn't the most accurate of shooters but his ability to hit the boards (3rd on the team with 98 defensive rebounds) helped QU immensely. These are major losses for the Bobcats, who hope to take the next step and earn their first-ever NCAA Tournament berth.

Returnees
Dave Johnson (3.8 ppg, 2.0 apg), James Johnson (12.1 ppg, 4.0 apg), Sean Light (12 GP), Kevin Tarca (12 GP), Deontay Twyman (7.1 ppg, 37.2% 3PT)
The three players who will be key factors in regards to whether or not Quinnipiac can remain atop the NEC standings are the two Johnsons (not related) and Twyman, will all having roles in last season's rotation. James Johnson ranks among the top point guards in the NEC, and he's got the ability to create for himself in addition to the other options on the team. Dave Johnson came off the bench as his backup a season ago and did a solid job of taking care of the basketball in almost 17 minutes of action per game. Twyman may be the best candidate to move into the starting lineup given his ability to score. The junior raised his scoring four points per game in the NEC tournament, and he should consistently reach double figures in an expanded role. Light and Tarca are seldom-used walk-ons who will be called upon to give the Bobcats a good look in practice.

Newcomers
Williams Harrison, Dominique Langston
The Bobcats actually welcome five guards into the program but three (Lance Brown, Garvey Young and Austin Alecxih) will site out this season per NCAA transfer rules. All three, especially Brown (Fordham) and Young (Vermont) will test the eligible guards on a daily basis. Langston is a local product who averaged 24 points, 12 rebounds and six assists per game in his last year at Kolbe Cathedral (2008-09) before playing a year at St. Thomas More. Harrison is another athletic wing who averaged a shade less than 14 points and six rebounds per game at Western Texas College last year. Both will be called upon to contribute this season, and it wouldn't be a surprise if one made his way onto the NEC All-Rookie Team.

5. Long Island
Losses
Jaytornah Wisseh (17.6 ppg, 5.7 apg, 4.2 rpg), Corey Wright, Jr. (7.8 mpg, 1.5 ppg)
To say the least the Blackbirds have a large hole to fill in the backcourt with the departure of Wisseh, who will go down as one of the greatest players in LIU history. But in talking with head coach Jim Ferry a couple weeks ago he acknowledged that "you don't replace a kid like Jay". Wright played in 30 games last season but had a minimal impact for LIU, averaging less than eight minutes and two points per game. How LIU distributes the workload left by Wisseh will determine whether or not they win the NEC.

Returnees
Michael Culpo (7.7 ppg, 46.3% 3PT), David Hicks (9.9 ppg, 4.8 rpg), Kyle Johnson (11.5 ppg, 6.6 rpg), Kurt Joseph (5 GP)
LIU has three very good perimeter players back this season and seniors Hicks and Johnson will be relied upon to provide steady leadership this season. Johnson, a versatile wing, is the leading returning scorer and Hicks is their best perimeter defender. Coach Ferry said that these two need to become more consistent in their roles this season if the Blackbirds are to accomplish their goals. And Michael Culpo, who's one of the best long distance shooters in the NEC, has expanded his game in the offseason and should be ready for more scoring responsibility. He'll likely remain in his sixth man role, and given his ability to catch fire at a moment's notice Michael is a good fit.

Newcomers
Jason Brickman, C.J. Garner, Robinson Odoch-Opong
Brickman and Garner are the two players competing in practice to see who takes over for Wisseh at the point. Garner actually is a returnee to the program, having sat out last season as a transfer from South Alabama, and he's the more explosive of the two in regards to athleticism. Coach Ferry described Brickman, a freshman from San Antonio, as a "mini-John Stockton" due to his style as a traditional point guard and ability to see the entire game. Odoch-Opong is a combo guard who will also have his chance to earn playing time, and the hope is that these three add depth to a backcourt that saw both Hicks and Johnson play more than 30 minutes per game in 2009-10.

6. Fairleigh Dickinson
Losses
Sean Baptiste (16.2 ppg, 5.6 rpg)
Just one loss for head coach Greg Vetrone in the backcourt and boy is it a big one. Baptiste left FDU with more than 1,500 career points and led the team in scoring while also ranking second in rebounding. Newcomers and returnees alike will be given the chance to help make up for the scoring void left in Sean's wake.

Returnees
DeShawn Dockery (4.3 ppg, 20 GP), Sam Fernley (1.4 ppg, 16 GP), Terence Grier (10.9 ppg, 3.2 rpg), Louis Larizza (1.7 ppg, 21 GP), Mike Scott (12.6 ppg, 5.4 apg, 4.0 rpg)
Grier and Scott will be the leaders in the backcourt for the Knights this season, and in his first season at FDU Mike Scott proved to be one of the best floor generals in the NEC. Scott finished the year second on the team in scoring and second in the NEC in assists, but the dependable senior needs to improve at avoiding foul trouble as he picked up a team-worst 102 fouls and fouled out of six games. Grier, in regards to scoring mentality, may be the best option to pick up the slack as a primary scoring option this season. Not the greatest shooter from either beyond the arc (28.6%) or the charity stripe (51.5%), Grier is adept at finishing with contact in the paint. If he's going to shoulder more scoring responsibility however he must get better at the foul line. Dockery missed much of the non-conference portion of the season but he showed promise, and it isn't too much to expect the sophomore from Chicago to earn more playing time.

Newcomers
Marco Porcher, Tyler Reynolds, Brianh Smith
Of the three newcomers Smith, a junior college transfer from Detroit, could be the one best equipped to make a major contribution immediately. He averaged 19.3 points per game at Miles CC and has the ability to either knock down the perimeter jumper or penetrate to the basket. Reynolds is a capable perimeter shooter, and while he didn't see as much playing time as stars such as Pe'Shon Howard (now at Maryland) the experience of playing at Oak Hill Academy should benefit Spaniard Marco Porcher. All three will be given the chance to step into the rotation in hopes of helping the Knights offset the points lost with Baptiste's graduation.

Next: Backcourts 7-12

NYC Metro Hoops

Coaches Make Fairfield Preseason MAAC Favorite

Raphielle Johnson — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 09:38:50 -0700

The last time Fairfield reached the top of the MAAC was back in 1997, when they gave North Carolina all they wanted and then some in a first round NCAA Tournament loss. And with the release of the Preseason Coaches Poll, Ed Cooley's team is the favorite to win the conference in it's 30th year of existence. Fairfield picked up six first-place votes and totaled 96 points, beating out three-time defending champion Siena by five points. The Saints, who boast preseason Player of the Year Ryan Rossiter and fellow first-team member Clarence Jackson, received three first place votes. The other first place vote went to Saint Peter's, who is the pick to finish third with 77 points.

The question mark for the Peacocks is the health of guard Wesley Jenkins, who will undergo an MRI in two week or so to check on the status of his injured knee. If things go well, according to head coach John Dunne, the senior could be back by December and if not they may have to explore surgical options. Iona, who has one of the more experienced rosters in the MAAC, was fourth in the poll with 73 points. The entire preseason poll is as follows:

1. Fairfield (6 first-place votes) 96 points
2. Siena (3) 91
3. Saint Peter's (1) 77
4. Iona 73
5. Rider 51
6. Loyola 47
7. Canisius 45
8. Niagara 40
9. Manhattan 19
10. Marist 11

And the Preseason All-MAAC teams are as follows:

First Team
G Derek Needham (Fairfield)
G Scott Machado (Iona)
G Wesley Jenkins (Saint Peter's)
G Clarence Jackson (Siena)
F Ryan Rossiter (Siena) Preseason Player of the Year

Second Team
G Julius Coles (Canisius)
G Jamal Barney (Loyola)
F Mike Ringgold (Rider)
G Justin Robinson (Rider)
F Ryan Bacon (Saint Peter's)
G Nick Leon (Saint Peter's)

Third Team
F Greg Logins (Canisius)
F Yorel Hawkins (Fairfield)
F Alejo Rodriguez (Iona)
G Anthony Nelson (Niagara)
G/F Novar Gadson (Rider)

NYC Metro Hoops

2010-11 NEC Team-by-Team Schedules

Raphielle Johnson — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 23:41:32 -0700

Bryant
November
Fri 12 vs. Cleveland St. (World Vision Basketball Classic) 7:00 PM
Sat 13 vs. Kent St. (World Vision Basketball Classic) 3:30 PM
Sun 14 vs. Iona (World Vision Basketball Classic) 3:00 PM
Wed 17 Salve Regina (exhibition) 7:00 PM
Sat 20 Army 3:30 PM
Wed 24 Harvard 4:00 PM
Sun 28 at Lehigh 7:00 PM
December
Thu 2 at Fairleigh Dickinson * TBA
Wed 8 Yale 7:00 PM
Sat 11 at Columbia TBA
Sun 19 at Boston College TBA
Thu 23 at Michigan 7:00 PM
Tue 28 Oberlin 7:00 PM
Fri 31 at Brown 12:05 PM
January
Mon 3 at Monmouth * 7:00 PM
Thu 6 Long Island * 7:00 PM
Sat 8 St. Francis (N.Y.) * 4:00 PM
Thu 13 at Quinnipiac * TBA
Sat 15 at Sacred Heart * 3:30 PM
Thu 20 Fairleigh Dickinson * 7:00 PM
Sat 22 Monmouth * 4:00 PM
Thu 27 Wagner * 7:00 PM
Sat 29 Mt. St. Mary's * 4:00 PM
February
Thu 3 at Robert Morris * TBA
Sat 5 at St. Francis (Pa.) * 3:00 PM
Wed 9 at Central Conn. St. * 7:00 PM
Sat 12 Central Conn. St. * 4:00 PM
Thu 17 Quinnipiac * 7:00 PM
Sat 19 Sacred Heart * 4:00 PM
Thu 24 at Long Island * TBA
Sat 26 at St. Francis (N.Y.) *

Central Connecticut State
Sat, Nov 13 Hartford at Mohegan Sun Arena (Connecticut 6 Classic) 6:00 p.m.
Mon, Nov 15 at Army 7:00 p.m.
Sat, Nov 20 at UMBC 7:00 p.m.
Mon, Nov 22 at Penn State 7:00 p.m.
Sat, Nov 27 Monmouth * 2:00 p.m.
Mon, Nov 29 at Providence 7:00 p.m.
Sat, Dec 04 at Fairleigh Dickinson * 4:00 p.m.
Tue, Dec 07 at Dayton TBA
Sat, Dec 11 at Albany 7:00 p.m.
Sun, Dec 19 Niagara 3:30 p.m.
Wed, Dec 22 New Hampshire 7:00 p.m.
Wed, Dec 29 Brown 7:00 p.m.
Mon, Jan 03 Massachusetts 7:00 p.m.
Thu, Jan 06 St. Francis (NY) * 7:00 p.m.
Sat, Jan 08 Long Island * 3:30 p.m.
Thu, Jan 13 at Sacred Heart * 7:00 p.m.
Sat, Jan 15 at Quinnipiac * 3:00 p.m.
Wed, Jan 19 at Monmouth * 7:45 p.m.
Sat, Jan 22 Fairleigh Dickinson * 3:30 p.m.
Thu, Jan 27 Mount St Mary's * 7:00 p.m.
Sat, Jan 29 Wagner * 3:30 p.m.
Thu, Feb 03 at St. Francis (PA) * 7:00 p.m.
Sat, Feb 05 at Robert Morris * 7:00 p.m.
Thu, Feb 10 Bryant * 7:00 p.m.
Sat, Feb 12 at Bryant * 4:00 p.m.
Thu, Feb 17 Sacred Heart * 7:00 p.m.
Sat, Feb 19 Quinnipiac * 3:30 p.m.
Thu, Feb 24 at St. Francis (NY) * 7:00 p.m.
Sat, Feb 26 at Long Island * 4:30 p.m.

Fairleigh Dickinson
Fri, Nov 12 Mt. St. Vincent (Exhibition) 7:00 p.m.
Thu, Nov 18 Stony Brook 7:00 pm
Sat, Nov 20 Albany 7:00 pm
Sat, Nov 27 at NC State 6:00 pm
Mon, Nov 29 at Longwood 7:00 pm
Thu, Dec 02 Bryant * 7:00 pm
Sat, Dec 04 Central Conn. * 4:00 pm
Wed, Dec 08 at UConn TBA
Sat, Dec 11 at Iona 2:00 pm
Tue, Dec 14 at Rutgers 7:30 pm
Sat, Dec 18 at St. Peter's TBA
Sun, Jan 02 Lafayette 4:00 pm
Thu, Jan 06 Sacred Heart * 7:00 pm
Sat, Jan 08 Quinnipiac * 4:00 pm
Thu, Jan 13 at Robert Morris * 7:00 pm
Sat, Jan 15 at Saint Francis (PA) * 7:00 pm
Mon, Jan 17 Houston Baptist 7:00 pm
Thu, Jan 20 at Bryant * 7:00 pm
Sat, Jan 22 at Central Conn. * 3:30 pm
Thu, Jan 27 Long Island * 7:00 pm
Sat, Jan 29 St. Francis (NY) * 7:00 pm
Tue, Feb 01 NJIT 7:00 pm
Thu, Feb 03 at Wagner * 7:00 pm
Sat, Feb 05 at Mount St. Mary's * 7:00 pm
Wed, Feb 09 at Monmouth * 7:45 p.m.
Sat, Feb 12 Monmouth * 7:45 pm
Thu, Feb 17 Robert Morris * 7:00 pm
Sat, Feb 19 Saint Francis (PA) * 7:00 pm
Thu, Feb 24 at Sacred Heart * 7:00 pm
Sat, Feb 26 at Quinnipiac * 3:00 pm

Long Island
11/5/2010 Molloy College 7:00 p.m.
11/12/2010 Norfolk State 7:00 p.m.
11/16/2010 at Texas State 7:00 p.m.
11/20/2010 at Manhattan 2:00 p.m.
11/23/2010 at Fordham 7:00 p.m.
11/27/2010 at Saint Peter's 2:00 p.m.
12/2/2010 Robert Morris 7:00 p.m.
12/4/2010 Saint Francis (Pa.) 2:00 p.m.
12/8/2010 Iona 8:00 p.m.
12/11/2010 Lafayette 2:00 p.m.
12/13/2010 at Northwestern 7:00 p.m.
12/19/2010 Army 4:00 p.m.
12/28/2010 at NJIT 7:00 p.m.
12/30/2010 at Navy 7:00 p.m.
1/6/2011 at Bryant 7:00 p.m.
1/8/2011 at Central Connecticut State 3:30 p.m.
1/13/2011 Mount St. Mary's 7:00 p.m.
1/15/2011 Wagner 4:30 p.m.
1/20/2011 at Robert Morris 7:00 p.m.
1/22/2011 at Saint Francis (Pa.) 7:00 p.m.
1/27/2011 at Fairleigh Dickinson 7:00 p.m.
1/29/2011 at Monmouth 7:00 p.m.
2/3/2011 Sacred Heart 7:00 p.m.
2/5/2011 Quinnipiac 4:30 p.m.
2/9/2011 St. Francis (N.Y.) 7:00 p.m.
2/12/2011 at St. Francis (N.Y.) 4:00 p.m.
2/17/2011 at Mount St. Mary's 7:00 p.m.
2/19/2011 at Wagner 7:00 p.m.
2/24/2011 Bryant 7:00 p.m.
2/26/2011 Central Connecticut State 4:30 p.m.

Monmouth
Sat, Nov 06 Dominican College 5:00 p.m.
Tue, Nov 16 Stony Brook 6:00 a.m. (ESPN)
Fri, Nov 19 Lehigh 7:00 p.m.
Sat, Nov 27 at Central Connecticut State * 2:00 p.m.
Mon, Nov 29 at Davidson tba
Basketball Travelers Invitational (Moscow, ID, December 3-5)
Fri, Dec 03 Eastern Michigan 8:30 p.m.
Sat, Dec 04 Idaho 11:00 p.m.
Sun, Dec 05 North Dakota 6:30 p.m.
Wed, Dec 08 Princeton 7:00 p.m.
Sat, Dec 11 Hartford 4:00 p.m.
Wed, Dec 15 at Rider 7:00 p.m.
Sat, Dec 18 Rutgers 7:00 p.m.
Wed, Dec 22 Villanova 7:00 p.m.
Wed, Dec 29 at Harvard tba
Mon, Jan 03 Bryant * 7:00 p.m.
Thu, Jan 06 Quinnipiac * 7:00 p.m.
Sat, Jan 08 Sacred Heart * 7:00 p.m.
Thu, Jan 13 at Saint Francis (Pa.) * tba
Sat, Jan 15 at Robert Morris * tba
Thu, Jan 20 Central Connecticut State * 7:45 p.m.
Sat, Jan 22 at Bryant * 4:00 p.m.
Thu, Jan 27 St. Francis (N.Y.) * 7:45 p.m.
Sat, Jan 29 Long Island * 7:00 p.m.
Thu, Feb 03 at Mount St. Mary's * 7:00 p.m.
Sat, Feb 05 at Wagner * 7:00 p.m.
Wed, Feb 09 Fairleigh Dickinson * 7:45 p.m.
Sat, Feb 12 at Fairleigh Dickinson * tba
Thu, Feb 17 Saint Francis (Pa.) * 7:45 p.m.
Sat, Feb 19 Robert Morris * 7:00 p.m.
Thu, Feb 24 at Quinnipiac * 7:00 p.m.
Sat, Feb 26 at Sacred Heart * tba

Mount St. Mary's
Sat, Nov 13 at Dayton TBA
Mon, Nov 15 at Cincinnati 7:00 p.m.
Sat, Nov 20 Savannah St. 7:00 p.m.
Mon, Nov 22 at Niagara 7:00 p.m.
Sat, Nov 27 Florida A&M 1:00 p.m.
Mon, Nov 29 Navy 7:00 p.m.
Thu, Dec 02 at Sacred Heart * 7:00 p.m.
Sat, Dec 04 at Quinnipiac * 2:00 p.m.
Tue, Dec 07 at Penn State TBA
Sat, Dec 11 at Loyola TBA
Sat, Dec 18 at Albany TBA
Mon, Dec 20 American 7:00 p.m.
Thu, Dec 23 at Northwestern 2:00 p.m.
Wed, Dec 29 at Vermont 7:00 p.m.
Sun, Jan 02 at Virginia Tech 2:00 p.m.
Thu, Jan 06 Saint Francis (Pa.) * 7:00 p.m.
Sat, Jan 08 Robert Morris * 1:00 p.m.
Thu, Jan 13 at Long Island * TBA
Sat, Jan 15 at St. Francis (N.Y.) * 4:00 p.m.
Thu, Jan 20 Sacred Heart * 7:00 p.m.
Sat, Jan 22 Quinnipiac * 7:00 p.m.
Thu, Jan 27 at Central Connecticut St. * 7:00 p.m.
Sat, Jan 29 at Bryant * 4:00 p.m.
Thu, Feb 03 Monmouth * 7:00 p.m.
Sat, Feb 05 Fairleigh Dickinson * 7:00 p.m.
Wed, Feb 09 Wagner * 7:00 p.m.
Sat, Feb 12 at Wagner * 7:00 p.m.
Thu, Feb 17 Long Island * 7:00 p.m.
Sat, Feb 19 St. Francis (N.Y.) * 7:00 p.m.
Thu, Feb 24 at Saint Francis (Pa.) * 7:00 p.m.
Sat, Feb 26 at Robert Morris * 7:00 p.m.

Quinnipiac
Sat, Nov 13 Yale (Connecticut 6 Classic at Mohegan Sun Arena) 8:00 p.m.
Tue, Nov 16 Hartford 7:00 p.m.
Sat, Nov 20 Vermont 1:00 p.m.
Tue, Nov 23 at Dartmouth 7:00 p.m.
Mon, Nov 29 Maine 7:00 p.m.
Wed, Dec 01 Massachusetts 7:00 p.m.
Sat, Dec 04 Mount St. Mary's * 2:00 p.m.
Tue, Dec 07 Lehigh 7:00 p.m.
Sat, Dec 11 Rhode Island 3:00 p.m.
Wed, Dec 22 at Niagara 7:00 p.m.
Wed, Dec 29 at Boston University 7:00 p.m.
Mon, Jan 03 Wagner * 7:00 p.m.
Thu, Jan 06 at Monmouth * 7:00 p.m.
Sat, Jan 08 at Fairleigh Dickinson * 7:00 p.m.
Thu, Jan 13 Bryant * 7:00 p.m.
Sat, Jan 15 Central Connecticut * 3:00 p.m.
Mon, Jan 17 at Brown 1:00 p.m.
Thu, Jan 20 at Wagner * 7:00 p.m.
Sat, Jan 22 at Mount St. Mary's * 7:00 p.m.
Thu, Jan 27 Saint Francis (Pa.) * 7:00 p.m.
Sat, Jan 29 Robert Morris * 2:00 p.m.
Thu, Feb 03 at St. Francis (N.Y.) * 7:00 p.m.
Sat, Feb 05 at Long Island * 3:00 p.m.
Wed, Feb 09 Sacred Heart * 7:00 p.m.
Sat, Feb 12 at Sacred Heart * 3:00 p.m.
Thu, Feb 17 at Bryant * 7:00 p.m.
Sat, Feb 19 at Central Connecticut * 3:00 p.m.
Thu, Feb 24 Monmouth * 7:00 p.m.
Sat, Feb 26 Fairleigh Dickinson * 3:00 p.m.

Robert Morris
Tue, Nov 02 McGILL (exhibition) 7:30 p.m.
Sat, Nov 13 SAINT PETER'S 4:00 p.m.
Tue, Nov 16 at Kent State 8:00 a.m. (ESPN)
Fri, Nov 19 DUQUESNE 7:00 p.m.
Tue, Nov 23 at Pittsburgh TBA
Mon, Nov 29 at Cleveland State 6:00 p.m.
Thu, Dec 02 at Long Island * TBA
Sat, Dec 04 at St. Francis (N.Y.) * 4:30 p.m.
Tue, Dec 07 at West Virginia TBA
Sat, Dec 11 YOUNGSTOWN STATE 7:00 p.m.
Sat, Dec 18 at Appalachian State TBA
Wed, Dec 22 at Arizona TBA
Thu, Dec 30 at Morgan State TBA
Sun, Jan 02 at Ohio TBA
Thu, Jan 06 at Wagner * 7:00 p.m.
Sat, Jan 08 at Mount St. Mary's * 1:00 p.m.
Thu, Jan 13 FAIRLEIGH DICKINSON * 7:00 p.m.
Sat, Jan 15 MONMOUTH * 7:00 p.m.
Thu, Jan 20 LONG ISLAND * 7:00 p.m.
Sat, Jan 22 ST. FRANCIS (N.Y.) * 7:00 p.m.
Thu, Jan 27 at Sacred Heart * 7:00 p.m.
Sat, Jan 29 at Quinnipiac * 2:00 p.m.
Thu, Feb 03 BRYANT * 7:00 p.m.
Sat, Feb 05 CENTRAL CONNECTICUT STATE * 7:00 p.m.
Wed, Feb 09 SAINT FRANCIS (Pa.) * 7:00 p.m.
Sat, Feb 12 at Saint Francis (Pa.) * 7:00 p.m.
Thu, Feb 17 at Fairleigh Dickinson * 7:00 p.m.
Sat, Feb 19 at Monmouth * 7:00 p.m.
Thu, Feb 24 WAGNER * 7:00 p.m.
Sat, Feb 26 MOUNT ST. MARY'S * 7:00 p.m.

Sacred Heart
November
Sat 13 vs. Fairfield (Connecticut 6 - Mohegan Sun Arena) 4:00 PM
Mon 15 at Fordham 7:00 PM
Wed 17 at Massachusetts 7:00 PM
Sat 20 at Brown 7:00 PM
Tue 23 New Hampshire 7:00 PM
December
Thu 2 Mount St. Mary's * 7:00 PM
Sat 4 Wagner * 2:00 PM
Mon 6 at Lafayette 7:00 PM
Wed 8 Hartford 7:00 PM
Sat 11 at Stony Brook 2:00 PM
Sun 19 at Yale 2:00 PM
Tue 21 at Providence 7:00 PM
January
Sun 2 Holy Cross 2:00 PM
Thu 6 at Fairleigh Dickinson * TBA
Sat 8 at Monmouth * 7:00 PM
Thu 13 Central Connecticut State * 7:00 PM
Sat 15 Bryant * 3:30 PM
Thu 20 at Mount St. Mary's * 7:00 PM
Sat 22 at Wagner * 7:00 PM
Thu 27 Robert Morris * 7:00 PM
Sat 29 Saint Francis (PA) * 3:30 PM
February
Thu 3 at Long Island * TBA
Sat 5 at St. Francis (NY) * 4:30 PM
Wed 9 at Quinnipiac * 7:00 PM
Sat 12 Quinnipiac * 3:30 PM
Thu 17 at Central Connecticut State * 7:00 PM
Sat 19 at Bryant * 4:00 PM
Thu 24 Fairleigh Dickinson * 7:00 PM
Sat 26 Monmouth * 3:30 PM

St. Francis (NY)
11/12/2010 at Boston College 7:00 PM
11/15/2010 at USF 7:00 PM
11/21/2010 Howard 2:00 PM
11/24/2010 at Brown 4:00 PM
12/2/2010 St. Francis (PA) * 7:00 PM
12/4/2010 Robert Morris * 4:30 PM
12/7/2010 Colgate 7:00 PM
12/10/2010 at Canisius 7:00 PM
12/14/2010 Dartmouth 7:00 PM
2010 Madison Square Garden Holiday Festival
12/20/2010 Northwestern TBA
12/21/2010 Championship/Consolation Game TBA
12/30/2010 NJIT 7:00 PM
1/3/2011 at Hartford 7:00 PM
1/6/2011 at Central Connecticut State * 7:00 PM
1/8/2011 at Bryant * 4:00 PM
1/13/2011 Wagner * 7:00 PM
1/15/2011 Mount St. Mary's * 4:30 PM
1/20/2011 at St. Francis (PA) * 7:00 PM
1/22/2011 at Robert Morris * 7:00 PM
1/27/2011 at Monmouth * 7:45 PM
1/29/2011 at Fairleigh Dickinson * TBA
2/3/2011 Quinnipiac * 7:00 PM
2/5/2011 Sacred Heart * 4:30 PM
2/9/2011 at Long Island * 7:00 PM
2/12/2011 Long Island * 4:30 PM
2/17/2011 at Wagner * 7:00 PM
2/19/2011 at Mount St. Mary's * 2:00 PM
2/24/2011 Central Connecticut State * 7:00 PM
2/26/2011 Bryant * 4:30 PM

Saint Francis (PA)
Nov. 12 at American 7:30 PM
NOV. 15 COLGATE 7:00 PM
Nov. 17 at Lafayette 7:00 PM
NOV. 20 BUCKNELL 7:00 PM
Nov. 24 at Hartford 7:00 PM
Nov. 27 at Youngstown State 7:05 PM
Dec. 2 at St. Francis (NY) * 7:00 PM
Dec. 4 at Long Island * 2:00 PM
Dec. 13 at Lehigh 7:00 PM
Dec. 15 at Ohio 7:00 PM
DEC. 18 DREXEL 1:00 PM
Dec. 23 at Cincinnati 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 2 at North Carolina 3:30 PM
Jan. 6 at Mount St. Mary's * 7:00 PM
Jan. 8 at Wagner * 7:00 PM
JAN. 13 MONMOUTH * 7:00 PM
JAN. 15 FAIRLEIGH DICKINSON * 7:00 PM
JAN. 20 ST. FRANCIS (NY) * 7:00 PM
JAN. 22 LONG ISLAND * 7:00 PM
Jan. 27 at Quinnipiac * 7:00 PM
Jan. 29 at Sacred Heart * 3:30 PM
FEB. 3 CENTRAL CONNECTICUT STATE * 7:00 PM
FEB. 5 BRYANT * TBA
Feb. 9 at Robert Morris * 7:00 PM
FEB. 12 ROBERT MORRIS * 7:00 PM
Feb. 17 at Monmouth * 7:45 PM
Feb. 19 at Fairleigh Dickinson * 7:00 PM
FEB. 24 MOUNT ST. MARY'S * 7:00 PM
FEB. 26 WAGNER * 7:00 PM

Wagner
11/12/2010 Lafayette 7:00 pm
11/15/2010 at Lehigh 7:00 pm
11/21/2010 at Stony Brook 2:00 pm
11/26/2010 at Hofstra 7:00 pm
11/29/2010 at Bucknell 7:00 pm
12/1/2010 at St. John's 7:00 pm
12/4/2010 at Sacred Heart * 2:00 pm
12/7/2010 at Columbia 7:00 pm
12/11/2010 Saint Peter's 7:00 pm
12/17/2010 Princeton 7:00 pm
12/21/2010 at Texas A&M 7:00 pm
12/30/2010 Albany 7:00 pm
1/3/2011 at Quinnipiac * 7:00 pm
1/6/2011 Robert Morris * 7:00 pm
1/8/2011 Saint Francis (PA) * 7:00 pm
1/13/2011 at St. Francis (NY) * 7:00 pm
1/15/2011 at Long Island * 4:30 pm
1/20/2011 Quinnipiac * 7:00 pm
1/22/2011 Sacred Heart * 7:00 pm
1/27/2011 at Bryant * 7:00 pm
1/29/2011 at Central Connecticut State * 3:30 pm
2/3/2011 Fairleigh Dickinson * 7:00 pm
2/5/2011 Monmouth * 7:00 pm
2/9/2011 at Mount St. Mary's * 7:00 pm
2/12/2011 Mount St. Mary's * 7:00 pm
2/17/2011 St. Francis (NY) * 7:00 pm
2/19/2011 Long Island * 7:00 pm
2/24/2011 at Robert Morris * 7:00 pm
2/26/2011 at Saint Francis (PA) * 7:00 pm

NYC Metro Hoops

Schedules for NYC Area Teams Released

Raphielle Johnson — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 23:44:34 -0700

An eventful offseason for New York metropolitan area college basketball is steadily transitioning into the 2010-11 season, with individual workouts and team lifting sessions leading into the start of practice in four weeks. That also means the official release of schedules for most of the team, and you can find them here.

MAAC Schedules
NEC Schedules

Columbia
Fri, Nov 12 at La Salle
Mon, Nov 15 MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE 7 p.m.
Wed, Nov 17 at St. John's
Sat, Nov 20 at Longwood
Tue, Nov 23 COLGATE 7 p.m.
Sun, Nov 28 at American 2 p.m.
Wed, Dec 1 at Bucknell 7 p.m.
Sat, Dec 4 STONY BROOK
Tue, Dec 7 WAGNER 7 p.m.
Sat, Dec 11 BRYANT
Thu, Dec 30 at Maine 7 p.m.
Sun, Jan 2 ELON 4 p.m.
Wed, Jan 5 at Lafayette 7 p.m.
Sat, Jan 8 UNION
Sat, Jan 15 CORNELL * 7 p.m.
Sat, Jan 22 at Cornell *
Fri, Jan 28 at Harvard * 7 p.m.
Sat, Jan 29 at Dartmouth * 7 p.m.
Fri, Feb 4 at Brown * 7 p.m.
Sat, Feb 5 at Yale * 6 p.m.
Fri, Feb 11 PRINCETON * 7 p.m.
Sat, Feb 12 PENN * 7 p.m.
Fri, Feb 18 DARTMOUTH * 7 p.m.
Sat, Feb 19 HARVARD * 7 p.m.
Fri, Feb 25 at Penn * 7 p.m.
Sat, Feb 26 at Princeton * 6 p.m.
Fri, Mar 4 YALE * 7 p.m.
Sat, Mar 5 BROWN * 7 p.m.
* Conference Games

Fordham
Fri. Nov. 12 BROWN 8:00 p.m.
Mon. Nov. 15 SACRED HEART 7:00 p.m.
Fri. Nov. 19 HAMPTON 7:00 p.m.
Tues. Nov. 23 LONG ISLAND 7:00 p.m.
Sat. Nov. 27 HARTFORD 1:00 p.m.
Wed. Dec. 1 at Harvard 7:00 p.m.
Sat. Dec. 4 at Lehigh 7:30 p.m.
Wed. Dec. 8 MANHATTAN 7:00 p.m.
Sat. Dec. 11 ST. JOHN'S 7:00 p.m.
Wed. Dec. 22 KENNESAW STATE 7:00 p.m.
Mon. Dec. 27 at Georgia Tech 4:00 p.m.
Wed. Dec. 29 vs. American# 11:00 p.m.
Thurs. Dec. 30 vs. Santa Clara/Delaware# 9/11:00 p.m.
Wed. Jan. 5 TEMPLE * (Izod Center) CBSCR
Wed. Jan. 12 at George Washington*
Sat. Jan. 15 at Charlotte*
Wed. Jan. 19 SAINT LOUIS* (Izod Center)
Sat. Jan. 22 at Dayton*
Wed. Jan. 26 DUQUESNE* 7:00 p.m.
Sat. Jan. 29 ST. BONAVENTURE* 1:00 p.m.
Wed. Feb. 2 at Rhode Island*
Sat. Feb. 5 RICHMOND* 1:00 p.m.
Wed. Feb. 9 at Temple*
Sun. Feb. 13 SAINT JOSEPH'S* (Izod Center) CBSCR
Sat. Feb. 19 at Xavier*
Wed. Feb. 23 at St. Bonaventure*
Sat. Feb. 26 RHODE ISLAND* (Izod Center) CBSCR
Wed. Mar. 2 at La Salle*
Sat. Mar. 5 MASSACHUSETTS* 1:00 p.m.
Tues. Mar. 8 Atlantic 10 Championship - First Round TBA TBA
Fri. - Mar. 11- at Atlantic 10 Championship
Sun. Mar. 13 (Quarterfinals, Semifinals & Finals) Atlantic City, N.J. TBA
* - Atlantic 10 game

Hofstra
Sat, Nov 6 Molloy College (Exh.) 4:00 p.m.
Sat, Nov 13 Farmingdale State 4:00 p.m.
Puerto Rico Tip-Off
Thu, Nov 18 North Carolina 5:00 p.m. ESPN2
Fri, Nov 19 Minnesota/Western Kentucky
Sun, Nov 21 TBA
Fri, Nov 26 Wagner 7:00 p.m.
Mon, Nov 29 at Rider
Sat, Dec 4 Towson* 4:00 p.m.
Wed, Dec 8 at Binghamton 7 p.m.
Sat, Dec 11 Florida Atlantic 4 p.m.
Sat, Dec 18 at Manhattan
Wed, Dec 22 Holy Cross 7 p.m.
Wed, Dec 29 at Iona 7:30 p.m.
Mon, Jan 3 at Drexel*
Wed, Jan 5 George Mason*
Sat, Jan 8 at Northeastern*
Wed, Jan 12 at Towson*
Sat, Jan 15 Old Dominion*
Wed, Jan 19 North Carolina-Wilmington *
Sat, Jan 22 at William & Mary *
Mon, Jan 24 James Madison*
Wed, Jan 26 at Virginia Commonwealth *
Sat, Jan 29 Drexel*
Wed, Feb 2 at George Mason*
Sat, Feb 5 Northeastern*
Wed, Feb 9 at Georgia State*
Sat, Feb 12 at Delaware *
Tue, Feb 15 William & Mary *
Sat, Feb 19 ESPN Bracket Buster
Wed, Feb 23 at North Carolina-Wilmington *
Sat, Feb 26 Delaware *
Mar 4-7 CAA Tournament (Richmond, VA)
* Conference Games

NJIT
11/13/2010 Manhattan 2:00pm
11/15/2010 NYU-Poly 7:00pm
11/18/2010 Army 7:00pm
11/27/2010 at Vermont 1:00pm
12/1/2010 at Rutgers 7:30pm
12/4/2010 St. Joseph's (NY) 2:00pm
12/8/2010 at Lafayette 7:00pm
12/19/2010 at Seton Hall
12/22/2010 at Maryland 8:00pm
12/28/2010 Long Island
12/30/2010 at St. Francis (NY) 7:00pm
1/4/2011 Lehigh 7:00pm
1/8/2011 Marywood 2:00pm
1/12/2011 Texas-Pan American* 7:30pm
1/15/2011 Houston Baptist* 4:00pm
1/18/2011 at Longwood* 7:00pm
1/22/2011 at Chicago State*
1/24/2011 City Tech (NY) 5:00pm
1/29/2011 at Utah Valley*
2/1/2011 at Fairleigh Dickinson 7:30pm
2/5/2011 Longwood* 2:00pm
2/10/2011 North Dakota* 7:30pm
2/12/2011 South Dakota* 4:00pm
2/17/2011 at Houston Baptist*
2/19/2011 at Texas-Pan American*
2/24/2011 at South Dakota* 8:00pm (CT)
2/26/2011 at North Dakota*
3/3/2011 Utah Valley* 7:30pm
3/5/2011 Chicago State* 4:00pm
3/10-12/2011 Great West Conference Tournament (Orem, UT)
*- Conference game

Princeton
Fri, Nov 12 Rutgers 7 p.m.
CBE Classic
Sun, Nov 14 at Duke 5 p.m. ESPNU
Mon, Nov 22 at James Madison 7 p.m.
Tue, Nov 23 Bucknell (at JMU) 4:30 p.m.
Wed, Nov 24 Presbyterian (at JMU) 4:30 p.m.
Sun, Nov 28 Siena 2 p.m.
Tue, Nov 30 at Lafayette 7 p.m.
Sun, Dec 05 Saint Joseph's (PA) 5 p.m.
Wed, Dec 08 at Monmouth 7 p.m.
Sun, Dec 12 at Tulsa 1 p.m. CT
Fri, Dec 17 at Wagner 7 p.m.
Wed, Dec 22 at Towson
UCF Holiday Classic
Wed, Dec 29 Northeastern 5 p.m.
Thu, Dec 30 Furman/Central Florida 5 p.m./7:30 p.m.
Wed, Jan 05 Marist 7 p.m.
Sun, Jan 23 The College of New Jersey 3 p.m.
Fri, Jan 28 Brown * 7 p.m.
Sat, Jan 29 Yale * 6 p.m.
Fri, Feb 04 Harvard * 7 p.m. ESPNU
Sat, Feb 05 Dartmouth * 6 p.m.
Tue, Feb 08 Penn * 7 p.m.
Fri, Feb 11 at Columbia * 7 p.m.
Sat, Feb 12 at Cornell * 7 p.m.
Fri, Feb 18 at Yale * 7 p.m.
Sat, Feb 19 at Brown * 7 p.m.
Fri, Feb 25 Cornell * 7 p.m.
Sat, Feb 26 Columbia * 6 p.m.
Fri, Mar 04 at Dartmouth * 7 p.m.
Sat, Mar 05 at Harvard * 7 p.m.
Tue, Mar 08 at Penn *
* Conference Games

Rutgers
Mon. Nov. 1 McGill (exhibition) 7:30 p.m.
Fri. Nov. 12 at Princeton 7:00 p.m.
Mon. Nov. 15 Fairfield# 7:30 p.m.
Sun. Nov. 21 Miami (Fla.) 4:00 p.m.
Tue. Nov. 23 Norfolk State# 7:30 p.m.
Fri. Nov. 26 vs. St. Joseph's# (The Palestra)
Wed. Dec. 1 NJIT 7:30 p.m.
Tue. Dec. 7 Marist 7:30 p.m.
Sat. Dec. 11 vs. Auburn% (Consol Energy Center (Pittsburgh)) 12:30 p.m. ESPN2
Tue. Dec. 14 Fairleigh Dickinson 7:30 p.m.
Sat. Dec. 18 at Monmouth 7:00 p.m.
Thurs. Dec. 23 St. Peter's 7:30 p.m.
Tue. Dec. 28 vs. North Carolina (MSG) 9:00 p.m. ESPN2
Sun. Jan. 2 at Villanova* 1:00 p.m. ESPNU
Wed. Jan. 5 Marquette*
Sat. Jan. 8 Providence*
Tue. Jan. 11 at Connecticut*
Sat. Jan. 15 Georgetown* 12 noon ESPNU
Thu. Jan. 20 USF* 7:00 p.m. ESPN/ESPN2
Sat. Jan. 22 at Seton Hall*
Wed. Jan. 26 at Cincinnati*
Sat. Jan. 29 Pittsburgh* 8:00 p.m. ESPN2
Wed. Feb. 2 at St. John's*
Sun. Feb. 6 at Notre Dame*
Wed. Feb. 9 Villanova*
Sat. Feb. 12 Seton Hall* 7:00 p.m. ESPNU
Sat. Feb. 19 at Syracuse*
Tue. Feb. 22 Louisville* 9:00 p.m. ESPNU
Sun. Feb. 27 West Virginia*
Wed. March 2 at DePaul*
Sat. March 5 at Providence*
# - Philly Hoop Group Classic. % - DIRECTV SEC/BIG EAST Invitational. *-BIG EAST Conference game.

St. John's
Sat. Nov. 6 WESTMONT (Exh.) (Carnesecca Arena)
Tue. Nov. 16 at Saint Mary's 2 a.m. ESPN
Wed. Nov. 17 COLUMBIA (CA)
2010 Carrs/Safeway Great Alaska Shootout
Thurs. Nov. 25 vs. Ball State
Fri. Nov. 26 vs. Southern Utah/Drake
Sat. Nov. 27 Championship
Wed. Dec. 1 WAGNER (CA)
Tues. Dec. 7 ST. BONAVENTURE (CA)
Sat. Dec. 11 at Fordham
Madison Square Garden Holiday Festival
Mon. Dec. 20 Northwestern vs. St. Francis
DAVIDSON
Tues. Dec. 21 Consolation
Championship
Wed. Dec. 29 at West Virginia*
Sat. Jan. 1 at Providence*
Mon. Jan. 3 GEORGETOWN* (MSG) 7 p.m. ESPN2
Sat. Jan. 8 at Notre Dame* 8 p.m. ESPNU
Wed. Jan. 12 SYRACUSE* (MSG) 7 p.m. ESPNU
Sun. Jan. 16 NOTRE DAME* (MSG)
Wed. Jan. 19 at Louisville*
Sat. Jan. 22 CINCINNATI* (CA)
Wed. Jan. 26 at Georgetown*
Sun. Jan. 30 DUKE (MSG) 1 p.m. CBS
Wed. Feb. 2 RUTGERS* (CA)
Sat. Feb. 5 at UCLA 1 p.m. CBS
Thurs. Feb. 10 CONNECTICUT* (MSG) 7 p.m. ESPN/ESPN2
Sun. Feb. 13 at Cincinnati*
Tues. Feb. 15 at Marquette* 9 p.m. ESPNU
Sat. Feb. 19 PITT* (MSG) Noon ESPN
Wed. Feb. 23 DEPAUL* (CA)
Sat. Feb. 26 at Villanova* 2 p.m. ESPN
Thurs. March 3 at Seton Hall* 7 p.m. ESPN/ESPN2
Sat. March 5 USF* (CA)

Seton Hall
Fri. Nov. 5 William Paterson (Exh. - Walsh Gym) 7:00 p.m.
Fri. Nov. 12 at Temple
Sun. Nov. 14 CORNELL
2010 Paradise Jam (US Virgin Islands)
Fri. Nov. 19 vs. Alabama ^ 6:00 p.m.
Sat/Sun Nov. 20/21 vs. Iowa or Xavier ^ TBD
Mon. Nov. 22 vs. TBD ^ TBD
Mon. Nov. 29 SAINT PETER'S
Wed. Dec. 8 vs. Arkansas # 7:00 p.m. ESPN2
Sat. Dec. 11 at Massachusetts
Mon. Dec. 13 LONGWOOD
Sun. Dec. 19 NJIT
Wed. Dec. 22 DAYTON
Sun. Dec. 26 RICHMOND
Tue. Dec. 28 USF*
Fri. Dec. 31 at Cincinnati* 8:00 p.m. ESPN2
Wed. Jan. 5 at Louisville* 7:00 p.m. ESPNU
Sat. Jan. 8 SYRACUSE*
Wed. Jan. 12 at DePaul*
Sat. Jan. 15 at Pittsburgh*
Tue. Jan. 18 GEORGETOWN*
Sat. Jan. 22 RUTGERS*
Tue. Jan. 25 at Syracuse*
Sun. Jan. 30 PROVIDENCE*
Wed. Feb. 2 at West Virginia*
Sat. Feb. 5 CONNECTICUT* 7:00 p.m. ESPNU
Sat. Feb. 12 at Rutgers* 7:00 p.m. ESPNU
Tue. Feb. 15 VILLANOVA*
Sat. Feb. 19 at Marquette*
Sat. Feb. 26 at Notre Dame* 5 or 7:00 p.m. ESPNU
Thu. Mar. 3 ST. JOHN'S* 7:00 p.m. ESPN/ESPN2
Sat. Mar. 5 MARQUETTE*
Tue.-Sat. Mar. 8-12 at BIG EAST Championship (Madison Square Garden)
* - BIG EAST game
^ - 2010 U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam
# - 2010 DIRECTV SEC/BIG EAST Invitational in Louisville, Ky.

Yale
Nov. 13 vs. Quinnipiac @ Mohegan Sun Arena
Nov. 15 at Providence 7:00 PM
Nov. 18 at Boston College 7:00 PM
Nov. 23 at Illinois (ESPNU) 9:45 PM
Nov. 27 Army 2:00 PM
Nov. 30 Hartford 7:00 PM
Dec. 4 at Vermont 1:00 PM
Dec. 6 Albany 7:30 PM
Dec. 8 at Bryant 7:00 PM
Dec. 19 Sacred Heart 2:00 PM
Dec. 28 at Stanford
Dec. 31 Lehigh 2:00 PM
Jan. 5 at Holy Cross 7:00 PM
Jan. 8 Baruch 2:00 PM
Jan. 15 at Brown * 2:00 PM
Jan. 22 Brown * 2:00 PM
Jan. 28 at Penn *
Jan. 29 at Princeton * 6:00 PM
Feb. 4 Cornell * 7:00 PM
Feb. 5 Columbia * 6:00 PM
Feb. 11 at Harvard * 7:00 PM
Feb. 12 at Dartmouth * 7:00 PM
Feb. 18 Princeton * 7:00 PM
Feb. 19 Penn * 7:00 PM
Feb. 25 Dartmouth * 7:00 PM
Feb. 26 Harvard * 6:00 PM
Mar. 4 at Columbia * 7:00 PM
Mar. 5 at Cornell * 7:00 PM
* = Conference game

NYC Metro Hoops

Day Two in Las Vegas

Raphielle Johnson — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 10:01:11 -0700

Recruiting Talk

Day One in Las Vegas

Raphielle Johnson — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 10:22:34 -0700

Recruiting Talk

Iona Lands Glover and Other Area Recruiting Links

Raphielle Johnson — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 10:40:55 -0700

The first half of the July open evaluation period ended yesterday, allowing the many recruiting analysts, coaches and players the opportunity to recharge their batteries for events in Orlando, Las Vegas and everywhere in between next week (I'll be in Vegas). But despite the emphasis on evaluating kids in the 2011 class and beyond there was still room for additions to help out area programs for the upcoming season. The biggest winner in the week of additions could be Iona, who adds an immensely talented player in forward Michael Glover.

Glover, who began his career as a Seton Hall commit who wasn't cleared by the NCAA Clearinghouse, has had a number of stops on the way to being signed by Tim Cluess' program earlier this week. Two different junior colleges and a commitment to St. Francis (NY) that changed when Brian Nash resigned have led the Bronx native to New Rochelle, where he could be the difference between Iona being a contender and the favorite to win the MAAC. But the Gaels weren't the only ones adding talent, as St. John's and Seton Hall made late additions to their 2010-11 rosters.

The Pirates signed 6-11 center Aaron Geramipoor from Manchester, England. Geramipoor, who played at the Canarias Basketball Academy with (now) fellow Pirate Patrik Auda, averaged 20 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks per game last season. He's been described as a project but with Kevin Willard having experience ahead of him (along with Auda and Anali Okoloji coming in) the Pirates can afford to take their time in developing Geramipoor. Geramipoor becomes even more of a bonus if Herb Pope is cleared to play come October.

As for St. John's, their project comes in a smaller package so to speak. Michael Perez, who averaged just under 30 points per game as a senior at Pueblo HS in Tucson, accepted a scholarship offer to join the program. Perez had a good spring and given the Red Storm's perimeter depth they can afford to let the 6-3 guard use the upcoming season as one to get used to the rigors of Big East basketball. While there were some good individual players that he faced at the scholastic level (Maryland commit Terrell Stoglin should come to mind), the jump will be a steep one at the start but he's a competitor.

And in coaching news, Barry Rohrssen made two additions to his staff. Scott Adubato, who was previously at Seton Hall, joins the staff as does NBA veteran and former Kentucky standout Scott Padgett. Given the coaching experience of Adubato (whose father Richie was also a longtime coach) and NBA chops of Padgett, the Jaspers should have a good mix in regards to player development. C.J. Council was the lone holdover on Coach Rohrssen's staff.

And lastly, if you're in need of some basketball to check out this weekend, heading down to Orchard Beach to check out the Hoops in the Sun "Bash at the Beach" on Sunday would be a pretty good idea. A number of familiar names have been on display at Hoops in the Sun this summer, including Omari Lawrence (transferring to Kansas State), former Fairfield guard Herbie Allen, incoming Manhattan Jasper Roberto Colonette, and former Iona great Steve Burtt Jr. Stay cool, and there will be daily reports from Las Vegas beginning Thursday.

NYC Metro Hoops

Big East Schedules Announced; Scarlet Knight Drafted

Raphielle Johnson — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 22:17:16 -0700

The news was rather quiet for the area schools last week with the notable exception of the Big East releasing the home/road opponents for each of its' member schools this coming season. Hope springs eternal and the three coaching changes have injected some serious life (and buzz) into Rutgers, St. John's and Seton Hall. Mike Rice has the job that may require the most "rebuilding", but with veteran rosters (and some very good incoming recruits) the table is set for both Kevin Willard (Seton Hall) and Steve Lavin (St. John's) to make some noise. Below are the conference schedules for each of the three teams, with repeat opponets in bold.

Rutgers

Home: Georgetown, Louisville, Marquette, Pittsburgh, Providence, Seton Hall, USF, Villanova, West Virginia

Away: Cincinnati, Connecticut, DePaul, Notre Dame, Providence, St. John's, Seton Hall, Syracuse, Villanova

Quick analysis: Scarlet Knights may have gotten a manageable schedule, not that there really is such a thing in the Big East. Likely preseason favorites Georgetown and Pittsburgh are home-only, and Villanova is a repeat opponent. They get in-state rival Seton Hall twice and their third repeat opponent is Providence, who may be well on their way to replacing DePaul as the Big East's worst team due to their many personnel issues (worst being Greedy Peterson being dismissed from the program).

St. John's

Home: Cincinnati, Connecticut, DePaul, Georgetown, Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, USF, Syracuse

Away: Cincinnati, Georgetown, Louisville, Marquette, Notre Dame, Providence, Seton Hall, Villanova, West Virginia

Quick analysis: The Red Storm have a few extremely tough road-only games on their slate with trips to Louisville, Seton Hall, Villanova and West Virginia on deck. They also get long-time rival Georgetown as a repeat opponent and both Connecticut and Syracuse, two programs that routinely bring a number of fans to MSG, are home-only games. Cincinnati and Notre Dame, their other repeat opponents, are teams that look to be middle of the pack/bubble squads at first glance.

Seton Hall

Home: Connecticut, Georgetown, Marquette, Providence, Rutgers, St. John's, USF, Syracuse, Villanova

Away: Cincinnati, DePaul, Louisville, Marquette, Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Syracuse, West Virginia

Quick analysis: The Pirates' road-only opponents offer up four teams that are traditionally tough at home: Louisville, Notre Dame, Pittsburgh and West Virginia. But they also get two of the likely contenders at home in Georgetown and Villanova and the Red Storm won't be a slouch when they visit The Rock either. This could also be the season in which the Pirates end their long losing streak to Connecticut, who is a home-only matchup. Their repeat opponents are Marquette, in-state rival Rutgers and Syracuse. The Golden Eagles should be a solid squad despite the loss of Lazar Hayward while many expect the Orange to remain a contender despite losing Andy Rautins and Wesley Johnson.

Ndiaye drafted, then has rights traded

Former Rutgers center Hamady Ndiaye was the lone player from a metropolitan-area college to hear his name called during Thursday's NBA Draft, as he was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the 56th overall pick. His right were then sent to Washington as part of the deal that sent his rights along with those of Trevor Booker (Clemson) to the nation's capital in exchange for the rights to Lazar Hayward (Marquette) and Nemanja Bjelica (Serbia). The Timberwolves also received the 45th pick, which was used to draft Brazilian Paulao Prestes. Former Rider guard Ryan Thompson will be playing in summer leagues for the Celtics and Kings

NYC Metro Hoops

NEC Season Review/Look Ahead to 2010-11

Raphielle Johnson — Fri, 07 May 2010 23:29:41 -0700

Given the number of players slated to return to Moon Township next season, it wouldn't have been too far-fetched to pick Robert Morris this early to earn their third consecutive NCAA Tournament berth. But that was before head coach Mike Rice decided to move on, accepting the same position at Rutgers. It's tough for an NEC school to compete with the allure of a Big East job, and now the questions for the Colonials are where they look for their next head coach and whether or not the new hire can keep players such as Karon Abraham, Velton Jones and Russell Johnson in town along with a very good recruiting class.

A few sources have assistant coach Andrew Toole possibly being promoted in the coming days, which would likely help in that department. But with the position still being open, Robert Morris is fourth in my ridiculously early prediction. The top team: Quinnipiac, who has to replace James Feldeine but with Justin Rutty and more than a few contributors due back Tom Moore's team has the ability to take that next step. Tied with Robert Morris for the regular season title, the Bobcats lost a heartbreaker to RMU at home in the NEC Tournament final.

Who are the other likely contenders? Look no further than LIU, Monmouth and even CCSU. Jim Ferry's Blackbirds lose Jaytornah Wisseh but the experience gained this season by Kenny Onyechi and Jamal Olasewere will pay dividends next season and Kyle Johnson returns as well. And if Julian Boyd, who missed all of this season due to a heart ailment, is cleared to play next year LIU becomes a team that should challenge for league supremacy. Monmouth and CCSU may be wild cards for the title, with both teams returning a number of key contributors.

Shemik Thompson (CCSU) is a likely Preseason All-NEC selection on either of the two teams announced, and the Blue Devils will also welcome back forward Ken Horton who missed the entire season due to injury. And just like LIU, a freshman forward received ample opportunities to improve as Joe Efese improved by leaps and bounds as conference play progressed. These two teams have the ability to at least earn a first round home game, as does Mount St. Mary's.

The Mountaineers also welcome a new head coach in Robert Burke, who has 22 years of collegiate coaching experience. Jean Cajou and Shawn Atupem will need to lead the way if The Mount is to remain a contender in the NEC next season. Wagner may be the one program to watch in regards to making a significant jump in the standings thanks to the hiring of Danny Hurley as head coach. And with his brother Bobby and former Drexel point guard Bashir Mason as two of his assistants, Coach Hurley has gotten the program headed in the right direction already given their recruiting haul.

The only other coaching move in the conference was St. Francis (NY) hiring Glen Braica as head coach following the resignation of Brian Nash. Akeem Bennett has the ability to be an all-conference player next season, and the addition of one-time Seton Hall commit Michael Glover should make the Terriers a more talented team. But will that translate into more wins for SFNY? It's not like they lacked talent under Nash; for some reason they simply were unable to put anything of consequence together during his time in Brooklyn. FDU loses their two most productive players in Sean Baptiste and Alvin Mofunanya, meaning that head coach Greg Vetrone will need to count on some key returnees for additional contributions.

Below is an insanely early projection of the NEC going into next season, and depending on late recruiting moves and possible defections things could change multiple times before mid-October. As more additions (and subtractions) occur they'll be updated here (verbal commitments in italics).

1. Quinnipiac
Personnel losses: G James Feldeine, G Steve Robinson, G Ryan Bogdan (transfer)
Personnel additions: F Ike Azotam (Boston, MA), G Dominique Langston (Bridgeport, CT), G/F William Harrison (Bronx, NY/Western Texas College), G Lance Brown (Fordham transfer; will be eligible 2011-12)

2. LIU
Personnel losses: G Jaytornah Wisseh, F Miguel Bocachica (transfer)
Personnel additions: F Joel Gierbolini (Carolina, PR/Lon Morris JC), G Jason Brickman (San Antonio, TX), Taquann Zimmerman (Waterbury, CT)

3. Monmouth
Personnel losses: F George Barbour, F Dutch Gaitley, G Whitney Coleman, G Yaniv Simpson, F Travis Taylor (transfer)
Personnel additions: G Jordan Davis (Tampa, FL), G/F Daniel James (Sheffield, England), G Matt Pritchett (Norwalk, CT/Eastern Wyoming College), G Dion Nesmith (Union,NJ/Northeastern; eligible immediately)

4. Robert Morris
Personnel losses: G Jimmy Langhurst, G Mezie Newigwe, F Dallas Green, F Rob Robinson, F Josiah Whitehead, G Khalif Foster (transfer), F Brad Piehl (transfer)
Personnel additions: G/F Yann Charles (Longueil, QC), F Lawrence Bridges (Detroit, MI/ Columbus State CC), G Antony Myers (Washington, D.C.), G Elton Roy (Houston, TX), F Bernard Webb (Bridgeport, CT/Barton CC)

5. Central Connecticut State
Personnel losses: G Joe Seymore
Personnel additions: G Daquan Brickhouse (Peekskill, NY), C Justin Alexander (San Antonio, TX), F Terrell Allen (Norfolk, VA), G/F DeAngelo Speech (Oak Park, IL/Lee (Maine) Academy)

6. Mount St. Mary's
Personnel losses: G Jeremy Goode, F Will Holland, F Kelly Beidler, G Kevin Jones
Personnel additions: G Jeff James (Bowie, MD), G John Castellanos (Orlando, FL), G Julian Norfleet (Virginia Beach, VA)

7. Wagner
Personnel losses: G T.J. Czeski, C Clifton Spiller
Personnel additions: G Latif Rivers (Elizabeth, NJ), F Orlando Parker (Orlando, FL), C Ming Folahan (Benin Republic), G Evan Pierce (Pittsburgh, PA), F Josh Daniell (Old Bridge, NJ), G Kenneth Ortiz (Southern Miss; will sit out 2010-11 per NCAA transfer rules)

8. Saint Francis (PA)
Personnel losses: G/F Devin Sweetney, F Kurt Hoffman, F Mislav Jukic, G Chris McFarland, F Ron Johnson (transfer), G Curtis Keys (transfer), F Cedric Latimer (transfer)
Personnel additions: G Kameron Ritter (Albany, NY), F Jon Taylor (Germantown, MD/Montgomery College-Germantown), G Anthony Goode (Randallstown, MD), C Scott Eatherton (Hershey, PA), C Storm Stanley (Lambertville, MI), G Kyheim Hall (Tobyhanna, PA)

9. Sacred Heart
Personnel losses: G Corey Hassan, G Ryan Litke, G Chauncey Hardy, G/F Josh Marshall, C Liam Potter
Personnel additions: F Chris Evans (Stamford, CT), G Steve Glowiak (New Britain, CT), G Evan Kelley (Norwalk, CT)

10. Fairleigh Dickinson
Personnel losses: G Sean Baptiste, F Alvin Mofunanya, C Lawrence Brown
Personnel additions: G Tyler Reynolds (Sheldon, OR), G Brianh Smith (Detroit, MI), F Nate Gibbs (Dallas, TX/Saddleback (CA) JC), F Mathias Seilund (Dragoer, Denmark), G Melquan Bolding (Duquesne; will sit out 2010-11 per NCAA transfer rules)

11. St. Francis (NY)
Personnel losses: G Tyri Coerbell, F Nigel Byam, G/F Kayode Ayeni, F Herman Wrice
Personnel additions: F Kenny Moore (Philadelphia, PA/Midland (TX) College), F Lowell Ulmer (Staten Island, NY), G Dre Calloway (Sterling, CO/Northeastern (CO) JC)

12. Bryant
Personnel losses: G Chris Birrell, G Anthony Thomas, C/F Nick Pontes, F Don Smith, G/F Cecil Gresham, G Adam Parzych, G Sam Leclerc (transfer)
Personnel additions: F Alex Francis (New York, NY), G Corey Maynard (Adelaide, Australia), F Troy Robinson (Roslindale, MA), G Matthew Lee (Bloomfield, NJ)

Monmouth Basketball

Met Basketball Writers Association Honors Announced

Raphielle Johnson — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 17:01:22 -0700

The Met Basketball Writers Association announced their annual honors on Wednesday, naming Hofstra junior guard Charles Jenkins the winner of the Haggerty Award (Player of the Year). Winning the award for the second consecutive year, Jenkins joins the following list of players to have won the Haggerty two or more times in their collegiate careers:

Dick McGuire, St. John's (1944, 1949)
Sid Tannenbaum, NYU (1946-47)
Ed Conlin, Fordham (1954-55)
Jim McMillan, Columbia (1968, 1969, 1970)
Phil Sellers, Rutgers (1975-76)
Chris Mullin, St. John's (1983, 1984, 1985)
Malik Sealy, St. John's (1991-92)
Luis Flores, Manhattan (2003-04)

The other individual winners were Stony Brook's Steve Pikiell (Peter A. Carlesimo Coach of the Year) and Fordham freshman forward Chris Gaston (Rookie of the Year). The three All-Met teams are (seniors in bold; NBA Draft early entrants in italics):

First Team
G Charles Jenkins (Hofstra)
G Jeremy Hazell (Seton Hall)
G/F D.J. Kennedy (St. John's)
G Ryan Thompson (Rider)
G Jaytornah Wisseh (LIU)
G Muhammad El-Amin (Stony Brook)

Second Team
C Hamady Ndiaye (Rutgers)
G Mike Rosario (Rutgers); transferring to Florida
F Anthony Johnson (Fairfield)
F Herb Pope (Seton Hall)
G Scott Machado (Iona)
F Chris Gaston (Fordham)

Third Team
G Rico Pickett (Manhattan)
G Derek Needham (Fairfield)
G Sean Baptiste (FDU)
G Norwua Agho (Columbia)
G Wesley Jenkins (Saint Peter's)
F Travis Taylor (Monmouth)

Thoughts: No real complaints. You can definitely make a case for Herb Pope being on the First Team. But I agree with the guys over at Gonzo Ball in the idea that Pope may have been penalized for his behavior in games at St. John's (backhanded slap to Malik Boothe's groin that was missed by officials) and against Texas Tech in the NIT (two punches to the groin of an opposing player that resulted in his ejection). Also, I'd swap Rosario with Needham; you could even swap the MAAC Rookie of the Year with Scott Machado but I would leave Scott due to his role in the team's overall success. And given how many of the players named All-Met are due to return next year should be a pretty good season.

Coaching Carousel

NYC Metro Hoops

MAAC Review/Look Ahead to 2010-11

Raphielle Johnson — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 00:13:49 -0700

It was a good year for the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, and despite the fact that Siena won their third consecutive league title it did not come without challenges. Fran McCaffery and his veteran squad was unable to win an NCAA Tournament game for the third consecutive season as they were unable to make up for Clarence Jackson's absence in a loss to Purdue. Jackson and Ryan Rossiter will be the lone returning starters for new head coach Mitch Buonaguro, who takes over for the departed McCaffery (Iowa). Don't expect Siena to fall too far off the pace atop the conference standings; this is a good program that has the ability to build upon their recent success.

Despite losing Greg Nero and Warren Edney before the season even began, Ed Cooley led his Fairfield Stags to within one game of the NCAA Tournament. The Stags will have to replace Anthony Johnson and Mike Evanovich up front, but with the steadily improving Ryan Olander back and a solid recruiting class. And with MAAC Rookie of the Year Derek Needham more than likely to improve (as will classmate Colin Nickerson), look for the Stags to be pegged one of the preseason favorites come October. The same can be said for Iona, who welcomes Tim Cluess as their new head coach.

Kevin Willard parlayed a third-place finish into the job at Seton Hall, but enough can't be said for how well he did in three years in New Rochelle. Led by Scott Machado and a host of returnees, the cupboard definitely isn't bare for Coach Cluess. And with top assistant Jared Grasso the Gaels will be heard from on the recruiting trail; as interim head coach he put together a very good class at Fordham despite not being a lock to get the job permanently. Iona and Saint Peter's look to be the teams poised to close out the top four next season given the amount of talent returning to both teams.

The outstanding backcourt duo of Wesley Jenkins and Nick Leon will return to Jersey City, as will forward Ryan Bacon, for John Dunne. Add in UTEP transfer Blaise Ffrench and the Peacocks can make a case when it comes to actually winning the MAAC. Coach Dunne and his staff have done a good job of rebuilding the program and getting them into position to have realistic championship hopes, and next season could mean another jump for Saint Peter's. And while Rider loses Ryan Thompson due to graduation they do return a number of skilled contributors and should finish in the top half of the league standings next season.

Niagara got off to a slow start in conference play but they finished well, getting to the conference tournament semifinals where they lost to Fairfield. Four senior contributors will need to be replaced but it's never wise to sell Joe Mihalich short. Look for the Purple Eagles to remain competitive and threaten to finish in the top half of the standings. Canisius will also have to replace a key senior in point guard Frank Turner, who leaves as one of the best players in school history. But with key contributors such as Greg Logins, Elton Frazier and Tomas Vasquez-Simmons due back Tom Parrotta's team could make a move in 2010-11.

The bottom three is the group with the most work to do in the offseason. Jimmy Patsos has a team that could at the least gain separation on Manhattan and Marist next season, although finding a replacement for Brett Harvey won't be easy. But with Brian Rudolph and Jamal Barney returning in addition to some solid recruits the Greyhounds should at the least finish ahead of the Jaspers and Red Foxes. Manhattan will take on heavy losses in the backcourt, which gets even worse with Rico Pickett (the MAAC scoring champ) deciding to pursue pro opportunities overseas.

The good news for Manhattan? Barry Rohrssen brings in a good recruiting class complete with help in the backcourt in the form of Michael Alvarado and Dayvon Whitaker, and forward Joel Wright should also have an impact in Riverdale. As for Marist, they've got a lot of work ahead of them despite Javon Parris being the lone departing senior. Chuck Martin's squad won just one game last season, and they'll need to reach double figures at the least to convince fans (and possibly the powers that be) that the program isn't in a holding pattern. This is a young group that took more than its share of lumps in 2009-10, but next year looks to bring more of the same at first glance.

Below is a ridiculously early ranking of the ten MAAC teams for next season, complete with personnel additions and losses. These will be updated as new developments on the recruiting trail (and transfer/dismissal) happen.

Verbal commitments in italics

1. Iona
Personnel losses: C Jonathan Huffman, G Milan Prodanovic
Personnel addition: G Sean Armand (Brooklyn, NY), F Aleksander Kesic (Belgrade, Serbia), F Randy DeZouvre (Montreal, QC/Monroe (NY) College), F Michael Glover (Bronx, NY/College of Eastern Utah), G Jayon James (Paterson, NJ)

2. Fairfield
Personnel losses: F Anthony Johnson, F Mike Evanovich, F Greg Nero (did not play in 2009-10; career possibly over), F Shimeek Johnson (transfer), G Jamal Turner (transfer)
Personnel additions: G Jamel Fields (Albany, NY), Keith Matthews (Sebastian, FL), F Maurice Barrow (Queens, NY), F Majok Majok (Sudan/Northfield Mount Hermon School)

3. Siena
Personnel losses: F Alex Franklin, F Edwin Ubiles, G Ronald Moore, G Just-in'love Smith, G Denzel Yard (transfer)
Personnel additions: F Trenity Burdine (Reading, PA), G Rakeem Brookins (Philadelphia, PA)

4. Saint Peter's
Personnel losses: F Jamin Shumate (transfer)
Personnel additions: G/F Chris Burke (Willingboro, NJ), G Blaise Ffrench (UTEP transfer; sat out 2009-10), F Markese Tucker (Trenton, NJ/will redshirt in 2010-11), G Chris Prescott (West Hartford, CT/St. Joseph's, will sit out 2010-11 per NCAA transfer rules)

5. Rider
Personnel losses: G Ryan Thompson, F/C Robbie Myers, G Carl Johnson (transfer), F Jermaine Jackson (transfer)
Personnel additions: F Daniel Stewart (Philadelphia, PA), G Anthony Myles (Dover, DE), G Tommy Pereira (Nottingham, England)

6. Niagara
Personnel losses: G/F Bilal Benn, G Rob Garrison, G Tyrone Lewis, F Demetrius Williamson
Personnel additions: G/F Antoine Mason (New Rochelle, NY), G Skylar Jones (Mount Vernon, VA), F Shaquille Duncan (Philadelphia, PA), G Harold Washington (Brandywine, MD/Cecil CC) G Kevon Moore (UNC Wilmington transfer; sat out 2009-10), F Joe Thomas (Miami, FL)

7. Canisius
Personnel losses: G Frank Turner, G Bob Bevilacqua
Personnel additions: G Ashton Khan (Scarborough, ON), F Eric Kindler (Trinity, PA), F Chris Manhertz (Bronx, NY), G Gaby Belardo (USF transfer; sat out 2009-10)

8. Loyola
Personnel losses: G Brett Harvey, F Garrett Kelly, G Tony Lewis, F Jawaan Wright
Personnel additions: G Dylon Cormier (Baltimore, MD), G Justin Drummond (Washington, DC), G Pierson Williams (Woodland Hills, CA), F David Samuels (New Rochelle, NY), F Erik Etherly (Northeastern transfer, sat out 2009-10)

9. Manhattan
Personnel losses: G Antoine Pearson, G/F Darryl Crawford, G Patrick Bouli, G Victor Jackson, F Brandon Adams, G Rico Pickett (leaving school early)
Personnel additions: G Mike Alvarado (Bronx, NY), F Rhamel Brown (Brooklyn, NY), F Robert Martina (Pompano Beach, FL), G Kidani Brutus (Bronx, NY), G Torgrim Sommerfeldt (Oslo, Norway), F Roberto Colonette (Queens, NY/ASA Institute)

10. Marist
Personnel loss: G Javon Parris
Personnel additions: F Jay Bowie (Tampa, FL), C Adam Kemp (Sherrill, NY), F/C Peter Prinsloo (Dover, DE)

MAAC Hoops

Movie Review: "The Street Stops Here"

Raphielle Johnson — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:42:31 -0700

The Street Stops Here will air on PBS on Wednesday at 10 PM EST.

Coach [kohch] - noun. A person who trains an athlete or a group of athletes (dictionary.com).

What's the definition of a coach? Given what most dictionaries hold it's a rather vague term, but if you look within the word you will find its true and complete meaning. Such is the role of the movie The Street Stops Here, which takes a look into the methods of Bob Hurley Sr. as he leads St. Anthony High School (Jersey City, NJ) on a quest towards its' 22nd state title (they now have 23) in the 2007-08 season. Does a coach simply coach in the gym? Does a coach only work within the confines of athletics? Throughout the course of this documentary the viewer will learn a variety of meaning to the word.

What made this season and the group that Coach Hurley led so remarkable was two things: six seniors were heading to college on Division I scholarships, but they were also looking to avoid becoming the first graduating class in Hurley's time at St. Anthony to graduate without a state title. They're familiar names as well, with co-captains Travon Woodall (Pittsburgh) and Jio Fontan (USC via Fordham) leading a squad that also included Mike Rosario (Rutgers), Tyshawn Taylor (Kansas), Alberto Estwick (Fordham) and A.J. Rogers (Saint Joseph's) among others (most notably Dominic Cheek, who now plays at Villanova).

But this isn't just about one year or even four; it's about a legacy of excellence in the face of uncertainty. From the streets that the players need to rise above in hopes of making something of their lives to the works of the late Sister Alan (who battled cancer during he final years at the school) and development director Kathleen Staudt with the hope of keeping the school afloat financially. From the coach who works in the community to reach out to the youth of Jersey City to the parents like a Jorge Fontan who strive to be a positive force in the lives of young men at an important stage in their lives, director Kevin Shaw depicts the story that is St. Anthony in outstanding fashion.

Why have so many made the call for the Basketball Hall of Fame to open its doors to Coach Hurley? The numbers speak for themselves: 957 wins, 23 state titles, 10 Tournament of Champions titles and three USA Today national titles. But it's more than the numbers on the court; what he's done for the lives of countless kids who were a part of his program speaks volumes. In his 36 years as a head coach just two players did not attend college after graduation. Two. 150 of his players have received college scholarships with more to come in the future, and while all haven't made their way to the NBA they've made something of themselves.

The Street Stops Here gives viewers an inside look at one of the nation's most successful high school programs with film of practices and games as the Friars look to win another state title. You'll see the hard work that goes into raising the necessary funds to keep the school afloat, including the decline of the stock market that puts a serious dent in donations to the school. And you will see the maturation of a class that desperately wants to leave their school with a title not only for themselves but as a measure of thanks for a man who has given them so much.

So what's the definition of "coach"? The Street Stops Here shows that the impact of a successful coach stretches far beyond the court and doesn't have to be solely about basketball. Coach Hurley is a finalist for the Basketball Hall of Fame with the 2010 class to be announced on Championship Monday; The Street Stops Here will give you an idea of why so many have campaigned on his behalf through various mediums. Give up the "reality" TV for one night and be sure to tune in.

Basketball Movies

Metro Area Postseason Preview

Raphielle Johnson — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:54:08 -0700

Seven teams get to continue their seasons in postseason play; while the New York metropolitan area goes another year without a participant in the NCAA Tournament there's value in being able to play somewhere. Three schools will take part in the NIT with Seton Hall and Stony Brook hosting games while St. John's hits the road. Three other schools will play in the CBI and CIT tournaments (Quinnipiac added in for a full article), meaning that just under a third of the twenty-four schools will play in a postseason tournament. Below is a quick preview of each of those seven games along with picks.

NIT Selections

Tuesday 9PM: Texas Tech at Seton Hall
Interesting times in South Orange with the dismissal of forward Robert Mitchell; various media outlets reported about his comments following the Notre Dame loss and the junior was soon no longer a member of the team. But the off-court issue needs to be placed on the back burner for the time being; the Pirates host a Texas Tech squad that can give them trouble if overlooked. John Roberson and Nick Okorie make up Pat Knight's solid backcourt while Mike Singletary has been productive on the wing. But do the Red Raiders have a player who can match up with Herb Pope? That's the one question that I'm not sure that Texas Tech has a suitable answer for. If Seton Hall can play fast while avoiding mystifying decisions/turnovers they will win. The Red Raiders have solid guards but none are as explosive offensively as Jeremy Hazell. Pirates by ten.

Wednesday 7PM: Quinnipiac at Virginia Tech
This is a tough matchup for the Bobcats but a good opportunity nonetheless. Seth Greenberg will have his team ready to go despite the disappointment of not getting into the NCAA Tournament, and the Hokies are a very talented basketball team with some serious offensive weapons. Malcolm Delaney can get his shot whenever he wants and if Dorenzo Hudson plays they combine to make up one of deadlier perimeter tandems in the NIT. And if Jeff Allen shows up ready to dominate and avoids foul trouble Justin Rutty may have met his match. Rutty and James Feldeine will need to play superlative games in order for Tom Moore's team to have a shot in Blacksburg, and the supporting cast will need to come through as well. Hokies win by six, but they'll have to withstand a Quinnipiac push in order to do so.

Wednesday 9PM: Illinois at Stony Brook
Going by seeding this game should be at Illinois but since Assembly Hall the Seawolves will host the biggest game in school history on the island. The Fighting Illini should be quite familiar given their double-overtime loss to Ohio State in the Big Ten semifinals on Saturday, but how motivated will they be to play this one? Bryan Dougher will be tested by one of the Big Ten's best point guards in Demetri McCamey, and forwards Mike Davis and Mike Tisdale have the ability to take advantage of the likes of Dallis Joyner and Tommy Brenton. The key for Stony Brook will be to make McCamey work for all that he gets and Muhammad El-Amin will need to do some serious scoring (more than 20 points). Tough game for Stony Brook but a huge opportunity to make some national noise. Illinois wins by nine.

Wednesday 9PM: St. John's at Memphis
Anthony Mason Jr. returns to his hometown to take on the Tigers, who while they aren't as deep as the Red Storm have some solid offensive options who will test the St. John's defense. Elliot Williams and Wesley Witherspoon are two of the more versatile players that Norm Roberts' team will see this season and Doneal Mack has the ability to knock down shots from the perimeter. But if St. John's can make this a halfcourt game and utilize D.J. Kennedy, Paris Horne and Mason Jr. offensively a road win is a definite possibility. The Tigers are a much better offensive team and if they're allowed to push the tempo and find good looks it's going to be a long night for the visitors. Memphis wins by seven due to the Red Storm's struggles at times to get baskets.

CBI Selections

Wednesday 7PM: IUPUI at Hofstra
The Pride will have their hands full with one of the nation's most underrated forward tandems in Robert Glenn and Alex Young, two players who possess the ability to go off on any given night. Glenn is more of an interior player while Young is shooting 39% from behind the arc this season. The Jaguars also average just under nine steals per game on the season. Hofstra has to take care of the basketball, a job that will fall upon the shoulders of Charles Jenkins, Chaz Williams and the rest of Tom Pecora's backcourt. The Pride actually average three more possessions per game than IUPUI but their defense is more than capable of slowing down the Jaguars. Greg Washington and Halil Kanacevic are two of the frontcourt players with the ability to control the boards for Hofstra. Look for the Pride to win by five.

Wednesday 7PM: Duquesne at Princeton
This should make for an interesting game; Sydney Johnson's team will look to limit this game to a halfcourt affair, stressing execution and limiting the number of possessions for each team. Dan Mavraides and Douglas Davis will need to keep their foot on the proverbial break against Ron Everhart's Dukes, who would like to get this game going at a solid pace. Guards Melquan Boulding, B.J. Monteiro and Eric Evans all average at least 10 ppg and they will be a handful for Princeton. The Tigers are a better rebounding team and in some respects their defense is a byproduct of the pace. If they can run their offense for 35 seconds and force some quick shots on the other end the Tigers will control the game. Princeton wins by three.

CIT Selections

Tuesday 7PM: Fairfield at George Mason
Ed Cooley's Stags get to build some momentum going into next season while also sending out their seniors on a good note when they take on George Mason in Fairfax. These two teams are relatively even outside of rebounding; Anthony Johnson will need significant help from the likes of Ryan Olander and Mike Evanovich if they're to beat the Patriots. Cam Long and Ryan Pearson lead the way for Jim Larranaga's squad and five players average at least 7.7 ppg. Derek Needham and Colin Nickerson will need to score some from the perimeter but this game is more than likely to come down to which team gets that important stop in the game's final minutes. George Mason puts the home court advantage to good use and knocks off the Stags by four.

NYC Metro Hoops

Big East Wednesday Recap: Welcome Back, Mr. Harangody

Raphielle Johnson — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:57:24 -0800

Luke Harangody was a First Team All-Big East selection and it was an honor that many questioned this week due primarily to his knee injury. The senior played just eleven minutes in Saturday's regular season finale at Marquette and the question of many was whether or not his return would hamper the surging Irish in their quest for an NCAA Tournament bid. Well, you got your answer. Harangody came off the bench to score 20 points and grab 10 rebounds, essentially being the difference-maker in Notre Dame's 68-54 win over Seton Hall. Next up is two-seed Pittsburgh, a team they beat in their lone regular season meeting (68-53 in South Bend on February 24th.

"Luke coming off the bench- the most important three days of practice for us was Sunday, Monday and Tuesday because we could get Luke back in [an even better] rhythm," said head coach Mike Brey. Thanks in large part to Harangody the Irish were a plus-21 in bench points (24-3) and a plus-10 on the boards (40-30). Seton Hall also shot just 2-for-16 from beyond the arc and 34.5% overall for the game; Jeremy Hazell led the way with 15 points but he needed sixteen shots (making just five) to do so. A turning point for the Pirates was when Herb Pope picked up his third foul with 2:30 left in the first half. Over the ensuing 9:59 the Irish increased their lead from five (24-19) to sixteen (44-28) points and the game was essentially over.

As for why Pope was in the game head coach Bobby Gonzalez felt he had to with Notre Dame beginning to assert their will on the game. "Well, basically the game was getting away from us," said Gonzalez. "We had to. I felt that if I hadn't put him in, we might be down 15 at the half and we may not be in the game. We couldn't get a rebound." And as a result Seton Hall has to play the waiting game, paying close attention to the scores of games involving other teams perceived to be on the bubble while also making their case to anyone who will listen. And Coach Brey gave the masses a little advice in regards to the science of bracketology as well.

"You know what; right now nobody is going to talk about Seton Hall. Just give it a few days. Keep Seton Hall on the board...I know everybody kneejerks. Give it two days and come back as look at the big picture."

Georgetown 69, USF 49
No other way to describe this as a routine victory for Georgetown, outclassing a team that if not for a Shawn Noriega three in the game's final minute would have gone two games without a bonus shot. Greg Monroe and Jason Clark scored sixteen points apiece while Chris Wright added fifteen, advancing the Hoyas to their third meeting of the year (and 12th in the Big East Tournament) with top-seeded Syracuse. Dominique Jones led all scorers with 21 points but made just six of eighteen shots from the field. The Hoyas were able to make him work offensively and as a team USF shot just 29.1% from the floor. For the two games USF managed to score just seven points that didn't involve either the paint or the foul line. And when you combine that with Georgetown making seven of fourteen from beyond the arc it's easy to figure out why the Hoyas won.

Marquette 59, St. John's 57
Another close game and another close win for the Golden Eagles, who will now face Villanova in the quarterfinal round for the second consecutive season. Marquette held on for dear life against a tough St. John's squad that played the better basketball of the two teams in the final twenty minutes. Lazar Hayward led all scorers with 20 points while David Cubillan and Maurice Acker added eleven and ten, respectively. The Red Storm dominated points off turnovers (18-8), points in the paint (40-20) and second-chance points (15-2) but because of the ten-point hole they dug themselves in the first half they couldn't pull off the comeback. D.J. Kennedy and Sean Evans scored 12 points apiece and Paris Horne ten for St. John's.

"Not that I'm old, but I always trust our players to tell me the truth about other players," said Marquette head coach Buzz Williams. "And if you were to ask out players who is the hardest-playing team in the league, they would tell you St. John's." Marquette now gets to play for a measure of revenge against the Wildcats, who not only won both meetings by two points but also knocked them out of the Big East Tournament at the buzzer last season. Reggie Redding hit a cutting Dwayne Anderson with the pass that led to Anderson's game-winning layup as time expired. Another classic? That's definitely a possibility.

Cincinnati 69, Louisville 66
It didn't look good for the Cincinnati Bearcats at the half, shooting 28% from the field while also giving up 41 points. But the one stat that happened to be a byproduct of their poor shooting- rebounding- ended up being one of the areas that brought them back from said deficit to win in the final game of the night. The difference between halves: Mick Cronin's team went back to attacking the basket and they were able to take full advantage of the paint points as a result. "Guys did a great job in the second half," said Cronin. "We ended up with 40 points in the paint. We get the ball in the paint, we get it on the rim, [and] we can rebound the ball."

Yancy Gates led the way with 16 points but the most impressive stat is that five Bearcats had at least five rebounds apiece (Jaquon Parker had a team-high nine) and another two had four. The Bearcats finished the night with a 54-33 edge on the glass and 17-6 in second-chance points. Edgar Sosa led all scorers with 28 points (also led Louisville with six rebounds) but Deonta Vaughn stripped the senior of the basketball as he attempted the game-tying shot just before time expired to preserve the comeback victory. Cincy also received the reward of foul shots in their attacking the basket; they were a plus-7 in points from the foul line (15-8). As a result of the win Mick Cronin will take on another mentor, Bob Huggins, in Thursday's final quarterfinal of the day.

Thursday's Schedule

Noon #8 Georgetown vs. #1 Syracuse
This is the rivalry that helped shape the Big East, and with this being a noon tip this will likely be a truly packed house at the start. They've played twice with the Orange winning both: a blowout at the Carrier Dome after the Hoyas jumped out to a 14-0 lead, and a close finish at the Verizon Center in which the Orange jumped out to a sizeable edge before holding on in the end. For John Thompson III what the Hoyas have to do is rather simple. "We just have to come out and execute at both ends of the floor," commented Thompson after their win over USF. But with players such as Wes Johnson and Andy Rautins (among others) to deal with that's easier said than done. Will Georgetown have their legs with this being their second game in as many days? It's vital that they come out and establish themselves early against the Big East's best team.

2 PM #5 Marquette vs. #4 Villanova
These two have quite the recent history; the Wildcats won two-point games in both meetings and they also knocked the Golden Eagles out of last season's Big East Tournament with a layup as time expired. Jay Wright's squad is among the deepest in the nation and with Marquette not having the luxury of such numbers staying out of foul trouble will be a key for them. Taylor King (personal reasons) has been cleared to play by Coach Wright, and as a team Villanova has to avoid giving away points via the foul line. They're among worst in the nation in regards to fouls committed per game; their aggressive style of play can get them into trouble at times and lead to an imbalance in foul shots. If Scottie Reynolds and the rest of the backcourt can control the game Villanova can use their depth, but don't be surprised if this one goes down to the wire. 12 of Marquette's 19 Big East games have been decided by three points or less.

7 PM #7 Notre Dame vs. #2 Pittsburgh
Given how well Notre Dame played in the lone regular season meeting without Harangody, it wouldn't be a surprise if the Irish took out the Panthers for a second time. Pittsburgh didn't attack the basket enough in that game, netting just seven foul shots to eighteen for Notre Dame. While guys such as Ashton Gibbs can shoot the bonus shot Jamie Dixon's team needs to attack the rim and keep the foul shot numbers close to even if they're to advance. Gilbert Brown was 0-for-5 from behind the arc; he's better served using his athleticism to attack the rim. Tim Abromaitis scored seventeen in that victory for Notre Dame and Tory Jackson also had a good game at the point. This one likely boils down to how well the Panthers execute offensively.

9 PM #11 Cincinnati vs. #3 West Virginia
Teacher versus pupil, part two for Mick Cronin as he takes on Bob Huggins and the Mountaineers in the final game of the night. Rebounding will determine the outcome as both are good offensive rebounding teams. WVU had the advantage on the boards in the second half of their regular season meeting and as a result they were able to take care of the Bearcats in Morgantown. Da'Sean Butler and Devin Ebanks provide their own set of challenges for any defense not counting the offensive rebounds, and WVU's length on both ends could be an issue for Cincinnati.

Picks
Syracuse over Georgetown
Marquette over Villanova
Pittsburgh over Notre Dame
West Virginia over Cincinnati

NYC Metro Hoops

Big East Tuesday Recap: UConn't Be Serious

Raphielle Johnson — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:39:56 -0800

Tuesday's action was supposed to focus primarily on bubble teams USF and Seton Hall. But at the end of the afternoon session all anyone could talk about is the nosedive that Jim Calhoun's Connecticut Huskies completed with a 73-51 beating at the hands of St. John's. And the issue wasn't the fact that they lost; they were out-worked, out-toughed; whatever aspect of the game you can find the Red Storm dominated it. You hate to get to the point where you question the heart of a team but that would be appropriate for what took place in the second game of the day.

"They [St. John's] came out here with purpose, physicality and quite frankly handed us our butts," said Calhoun after the game. "They knocked us off all screens. They completely outplayed us. They were much hungrier than we were." Sean Evans led the Red Storm, who will take on Marquette in the second game of the afternoon session on Wednesday, with 19 points and 10 rebounds to snap out his recent funk. Paris Horne and Justin Brownlee scored 13 points apiece and as a team St. John's shot 50% from the field.

As for the Huskies, they finished the game with twenty turnovers and made just six of eighteen foul shots. Simply put those numbers will get you beat. And when you combine said numbers with lackluster effort you stand the chance of being embarrassed. So what's next for the Huskies, who were led by Kemba Walker (12 points) and Gavin Edwards (11 points)? That remains to be seen; an NIT invitation is no guarantee at this point and while Calhoun expressed the utmost respect for the event he also had the following to say:

"I want to make sure if there's a step back on the court to play basketball game that they would be able to bring emotion, energy and all the things you should bring to competition." It's a question whether or not they can guarantee that at this point in the season.

USF 58, DePaul 49
Neither team snapped out of their offensive slumbers until the game was over but the Bulls did more than enough in the paint to move on to face Georgetown on Wednesday. USF outscored DePaul 50-20 inside, and when you factor in six free throws there was just one jumper outside of the paint left to account for. Dominique Jones led the way with 20 points while Mike Mercer scored fourteen, and Chris Howard played an outstanding floor game at the point (9 pts, 6 reb, 6 ast, 1 turnover).

Will Walker led the Blue Demons with 20 but he needed twenty-four shots to do so. For the game DePaul made just 29.9% of their shots in a game that also saw the Bulls fail to make a three-pointer. The win was the 20th for Stan Heath's squad, but despite history being on their side (120 of 123 Big East teams with 20+ wins have gone to the NCAA Tournament) they need to knock off the Hoyas to entertain any thoughts of an at-large.

Seton Hall 109, Providence 106
The wildest game of the night had all the makings of a serious blowout with 13:36 to go as Seton Hall led 76-47. But from that point forward it was essentially a comedy of errors for Bobby Gonzalez's team, who missed fourteen free throws and tossed the ball around in haphazard fashion as the Friars made their furious rally. Led by Jamine Peterson, who finished with 38 points and 16 rebounds, Providence scored 59 points in the final 13:36 and had a chance to send the game into overtime but a Duke Mondy three pointer went long with seconds left on the clock. As a result of the escape the Pirates take on Notre Dame Wednesday night with the winner likely taking a major step towards an NCAA bid.

Herb Pope led Seton Hall with 27 points and 11 rebounds before fouling out and Jordan Theodore added 21. His hot stretch late in the first half (three straight three-pointers) gave the Pirates a 55-39 lead at the half. In retrospect it was that run that won the game for Seton Hall; without it they're likely sitting at home lamenting their NCAA Tournament fate come Selection Sunday. Both teams surpassed the prior Big East Tournament record for points in a regulation game (1993 Seton Hall, a 103-70 winner over Syracuse in the title game), Greedy Peterson broke Billy Donovan's school Big East Tournament record for points in a game (34 in 1987) and all ten starters reached double figures.

Cincinnati 69, Rutgers 68
Cincinnati almost let this one slip away. Up by as many as six points with 44 seconds remaining, Mick Cronin's Bearcats were outscored by Rutgers 9-2 with the Scarlet Knights tying the game on an off-balance Mike Rosario three with fifteen seconds to go. At that point Cronin put the Bearcats fortunes in the hands of Lance Stephenson and asked him to make a play. He did just that, beating his man to the basket and drawing a foul with 1.8 seconds remaining. Stephenson made the first free throw and when a desperation heave from Rosario sailed wide left Cincinnati had the one-point victory. Stephenson and Jaquon Parker led the way with thirteen points apiece, and the freshman also grabbed nine rebounds.

Rutgers was led by Rosario, who finished with 26 points, and Jonathan Mitchell (16). But what did them in was rebounding; Cincinnati was a plus-18 in rebounding margin and grabbed 23 offensive rebounds, leading 20 second-chance points (also scored 34 points in the paint). The Bearcats attempted eighteen more shots from the field, and on a night when in most cases their best offense was a missed shot Cincinnati was able to dominate the glass. Next up for Cincinnati is Louisville, who they lost 68-60 in their lone meeting back on January 24th. The difference: sixteen turnovers. By comparison the Bearcats turned the ball over just eight times against Rutgers. If they can do the same on Wednesday night they've got a shot.

Wednesday's Games (all on ESPN)

Noon USF vs. Georgetown
Huge game for the Bulls in regards to their hopes of getting into the NCAA Tournament. USF won the lone regular season meeting due in large part to Dominique Jones, but also keep in mind that Gus Gilchrist still wasn't back in the frontcourt rotation for that game. Once again, the key for Georgetown will be the play of Chris Wright. If the junior point guard is playing well the Hoyas are tough to slow down offensively, but when he's not they become rather predictable with Greg Monroe and Austin Freeman leading the way. Huge game for both; this could be a situation in which the team with a game under its belt (USF) comes out hot early.

2 PM St. John's vs. Marquette
The Red Storm find themselves in the same exact position they were in last year: win the 12/13 game then face Marquette. But for the sake of the fans and themselves, Norm Roberts' crew had better manage to score more than thirteen points like they did in the first half of that mauling. Marquette has been the cardiac team of the Big East; a Jimmy Butler baseline jumper as time expired knocked off the Johnnies in overtime in their meeting in Queens. Sean Evans had his best game in about a month on Tuesday afternoon and if he can build upon that St. John's will be a tough out for the Golden Eagles. Look for this one to go down to the wire.

7 PM Seton Hall vs. Notre Dame
The first game of the evening session is on par with USF/Georgetown in regards to its importance, if not more so since no guarantee regarding Notre Dame's at-large status can be made at this time either. Is this a de facto "elimination game"? It could be, or it could simply be an opportunity for one of these two teams to bolster their resume with one more win. The Pirates played lights out for about 27 minutes on Tuesday, then took their foot off the gas and Providence nearly stole the game as a result. If Herb Pope and Jordan Theodore can come close to their performances on Tuesday they've got a very good chance of beating the Irish. As for Notre Dame, multiple players have stepped up in the last month or so since Luke Harangody injured his knee. The senior is back but coming off the bench, allowing guys such as Tim Abromaitis and Carleton Scott to continue to flourish in their new roles. The winner takes a definitive step towards an at-large.

9 PM Cincinnati vs. Louisville
These two met just once during the regular season, with Cincinnati turning the ball over sixteen times in the 68-60 loss. In addition to the turnovers the Bearcats failed to attack the basket, shooting just four free throws to the Cardinals' nineteen. "Last time we played them we only shot four free throws," said head coach Mick Cronin. "You get frustrated as a coach. Then you review the film and you are to blame because you didn't get the ball to the basket a lot." The danger of playing against a zone defense of any kind is to become too content with firing away from deep; the Bearcats shot 10-19 from three in that meeting but that isn't their game. Lance Stephenson and Deonta Vaughn will need to drive the basketball and Yancy Gates will need to go to work inside. As for the Cardinals, who are coming off of a win over then top-ranked Syracuse, Samardo Samuels will be key, especially if he can get Gates and/or Ibrahima Thomas in foul trouble. Add in the perimeter play of guards Edgar Sosa, Jerry Smith and Preston Knowles and Louisville could be a handful offensively for Cincy.

Picks

Georgetown over USF
Marquette over St. John's
Seton Hall over Notre Dame
Louisville over Cincinnati

NYC Metro Hoops

Tuesday Big East Preview

Raphielle Johnson — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 04:41:09 -0800

The 16-team brawl that is the Big East Tournament begins on Tuesday with teams nine through sixteen playing on the opening day. Similar to last season there are bubble teams playing with the hope of gaining the opportunity to bolster their resumes against stiffer competition later in the week. You've got the bubble angle for USF and Seton Hall, two teams who may be closer to working their way into the Tournament than anticipated a couple of weeks ago as the nation concentrated on Connecticut.

Speaking of the reeling Huskies, what will they bring to the table against St. John's? Head coach Jim Calhoun was none too happy with the play or leadership of his three seniors, benching the trio for the final sixteen minutes of their loss at USF on Saturday. Add in the rumor that this is the coaches' final Big East Tournament (SNY's Chris Carlin reported that "sources" tell him Calhoun will retire; CBS' Seth Davis later reported that Calhoun's son Jeff told him that there was no intention of retiring) and the questions regarding St. John's head coach Norm Roberts' job security and you've got a game that may be more interesting for reasons outside of the teams on the floor.

And there's the return of NYC high school legend Lance Stephenson, whose Cincinnati Bearcats will take on Rutgers in the final game of the night. While the Rookie of the Year award will have already been decided, the lone members of the All-Rookie Team to be unanimous selections (Stephenson and Rutgers' Dane Miller) will share the spotlight as will experienced guards Deonta Vaughn and Mike Rosario. Do the Bearcats have an NCAA pulse? It's definitely a faint one if there (same goes for the Huskies) but you never know when it comes to March. The winners move on to face seeds five through eight on Wednesday.

#9 USF vs. #16 DePaul (Noon; ESPN2)

This is the toughest game of the entire Big East Tournament to play; at least in the later rounds you've got a frenzied crowd to feed off of. The atmosphere in last year's Noon Tuesday tip: more like a lightly-attended high school game. That adds in the importance of bringing your own energy to the floor to the keys in this one. The Blue Demons (much to their chagrin) are in the game for the second consecutive season but they got the job done against Cincinnati and could do the same against USF. Two of the better scoring guards will be on display in USF's Dominique Jones and DePaul's Will Walker but if you were to ask which one is the more prolific that's an easy question to answer (Jones).

The key for DePaul: dealing with a team that's far deeper inside. Jarrid Famous, Toarlyn Fitzpatrick and Gus Gilchrist are just three of the players inside that the Blue Demons could have a tough time managing should Mac Koshwal get into foul trouble. DePaul really needs this to be a "sloppy" game if they're to win, and that's more than possible in this situation with the Bulls being in a position they haven't been in since 1992 (their last NCAA Tournament appearance). The key for USF: don't turn the ball over and take good shots. Outside of Jones there shouldn't be anyone else throwing up too many contested looks, and Mike Mercer is a player on the wing who can get to the rim and finish. Play the way that they have been of late and Stan Heath's team should move on.

#12 Connecticut vs. #13 St. John's (2 PM; ESPN2)

Looking for the least predictable game? This could be it, despite the Huskies dominating the series of late. Coach Calhoun will give his youngsters more time on Tuesday; whether or not they actually start remains to be seen. But it a few cases those are guys who have either played very limited minutes or not at all before Saturday's loss in Tampa. As for the Red Storm, you've got the rumblings about Norm Roberts' job status to deal with but they are coming off of a win to end the regular season (at DePaul in triple overtime). There's definitely talent and depth on that bench with D.J. Kennedy and Paris Horne leading the way, but they've been unable to put it together in Big East play. Could the tournament be the time when St. John's gets things to click?

Kemba Walker will run the show for Connecticut; that much is certain. But what roles will Jerome Dyson, Gavin Edwards and Stanley Robinson have? That's the major question mark. If they're limited youngsters such as Ater Majok, Alex Oriakhi, Jamal Coombs-McDaniel and Darius Smith will have plenty of minutes at their fingertips. The key for UConn: stay under control and execute. Far too often in recent games there have been forays to the basket with little clue of what the defense is doing or what the goal is.

#10 Seton Hall vs. #15 Providence (7 PM, ESPNU)

Given the up-tempo style that both teams like to play this is a dangerous game for Bobby Gonzalez's Pirates. The two met on Saturday with Seton Hall winning at The Dunk 94-82; neither team will struggle to score points. The difference will likely be shot selection and turnovers. With the likes of Jeremy Hazell (SHU) and Jamine Peterson (PC) on the floor there will be more than your fair share of free-wheelers when it comes to what kinds of shots are taken. But whichever team can harness that and find good looks while playing at their preferred tempo will more than likely move on to Wednesday night. Herb Pope has been one of the best newcomers in the Big East, showing the ability to score on the low block (and the occasional mid-range jumper) while also controlling the boards.

Freshman Bilal Dixon will need to combine with Peterson on the glass in order for the Friars to avoid Pope dominating the interior. And as with any team that likes to get out and run the point guards will be crucial tonight. Sharaud Curry (PC) and Eugene Harvey (SHU) have plenty of experience while younger guards such as Vincent Council (PC), Jordan Theodore and Keon Lawrence (SHU) have the skill to make things happen in a hurry (although Lawrence has struggled with his shot for more than a month). The Pirates still have hopes of going to the NCAA Tournament but a slip-up here would likely be fatal.

#11 Cincinnati vs. #14 Rutgers (9 PM; ESPNU)

The Bearcats limped to the finish line, most recently getting beat by 27 at Georgetown on Saturday. What can one make of Mick Cronin's team? The talent is definitely there with the likes of Stephenson, Deonta Vaughn, Yancy Gates and Cashmere Wright among others. But for some reason while they've been able to click on occasion the consistency hasn't been there. Now they face a Rutgers squad that's played better basketball through the second half of the conference slate, and in Defensive Player of the Year Hamady Ndiaye they've got a game-changer in the paint. The key for Rutgers: keeping Mike Rosario's shot selection in check.

The sophomore can put up points in a hurry but when he gets wild the entire offense suffers. There's more than enough help for Rosario, notably freshman Dane Miller and Florida transfer Jonathan Mitchell. But one guy straying off too often hurt Fred Hill's team dearly in the first half of Big East play, and that's something they need to avoid tonight. As for Cincinnati, they need Yancy Gates to show up ready to go. He's had stretches where he's looked unstoppable, only to flip the switch and look like he could care less as to whether or not he were on the floor. If he and Ibrahima Thomas play well up front the Bearcats are a tough team to beat.

Picks
USF over DePaul
Connecticut over St. John's
Seton Hall over Providence
Rutgers over Cincinnati

Live coverage at MSG

NYC Metro Hoops

MAAC Final Preview: Top Two Seeds Face Off for Title

Raphielle Johnson — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 12:04:38 -0800

The time to determine who will earn the MAAC's automatic bid is finally here and the matchup between Fairfield and Siena (7 PM, ESPN2) should not disappoint. Of course the Saints won both regular season meetings but they had to hold in in the second, winning by just two points at the Times Union Center on February 8th. Derek Needham scored 26 points in that game for the Stags but he also had five turnovers, as did Sean Crawford. That was essentially the difference (along with two more free throws for Siena): fifteen turnovers to ten for the Saints. In front of what should be close to a sellout crowd (if not a total sellout), Fairfield must take care of the basketball and avoid lengthy Siena runs.

Another key for Ed Cooley's team: avoid foul trouble. Anthony Johnson picked up three fouls in the first half in yesterday's semifinal win over Niagara, but with the Purple Eagles not having the same amount of size inside the Stags weren't penalized as much as they would be tonight. Ryan Olander stepped up with seven first-half points on Sunday and a similar performance will be needed from him tonight. Going up against Ryan Rossiter and Alex Franklin, Johnson will need all the help he can get despite his ability to be a force in the paint by himself. The two Siena veterans make up the best frontcourt tandem in the MAAC, possessing the ability to control the game on both ends of the floor.

As for the Siena perimeter play, this is where they can be at their most explosive when clicking on all cylinders. Point guard Ronald Moore leads the nation in assists and does a masterful job of running the show; he got some jumpers to fall against Rider on Sunday afternoon and if that's the case again tonight look out. Clarence Jackson also had a standout performance on Sunday, scoring seventeen points in the Saints' runaway win over the Broncs. But the one player for Siena to watch has to be Edwin Ubiles, who did not have much of an impact on Sunday's game.

The senior from Poughkeepsie made just four of fourteen shots from the field for nine points; he scored ten in the win over Manhattan on Saturday. If there's one player on the court for either team who's "due" for a breakout performance it would be Ubiles, who led the Saints with eighteen in the aforementioned win over Fairfield. How he plays could be the ultimate deciding factor in who wins tonight. Fairfield clearly has to win to get to the NCAA Tournament, but while their resume lacks an RPI Top 50 win it would be tough to argue that Siena wasn't one of the 34 best remaining teams should they lose. But that's a risk Fran McCaffery and his team would rather not take.

Pick: Siena by seven.

NYC Metro Hoops

AE Semis and All-Big East Teams

Raphielle Johnson — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 13:10:08 -0800

Steve Pikiell's Stony Brook Seawolves will look to move one step closer to the school's first-ever NCAA Tournament berth when they take on Boston University in the semis of the America East Tournament (5 PM, AmericaEast.TV). Stony Brook won both regular season meetings, most recently beating the Terriers 71-55 back on January 30th on Long Island. But Patrick Chambers' team is an entirely different outfit, having won five straight and seven of their last eight since that meeting. John Holland, Jake O'Brien and Corey Lowe all have the ability to go off from the field but Stony Brook has their fair share of weapons as well. Muhammad El-Amin and Bryan Dougher can score as well but this game cannot get into the high-70s if the Seawolves are to be "comfortable".

This is precisely the kind of game that a player like Chris Martin or Dallis Joyner makes the difference for Stony Brook. Stony Brook is the better rebounding team and also the more efficient offensive team due to their insistence on getting the ball inside the arc. BU will fire away from deep, scoring 35% of their points from behind the arc. If the Terriers are on they become even more dangerous. But if Stony Brook defends the three and wins the battle on the boards their chances of moving on to the title game increase exponentially. It's tough to beat a team three times in one season but not impossible, especially when you had the better campaign.

All-Big East teams announced

The Big East Conference announced its' all-conference teams on Sunday afternoon. Individual honors will be announced on Monday and Tuesday leading into the Big East Tournament. The teams are as follows:

ALL-BIG EAST FIRST TEAM

Greg Monroe, Georgetown, C, So., 6-11, 247, New Orleans, La.

Luke Harangody, Notre Dame, F, Sr., 6-8, 255, Schererville, Ind.

Dominique Jones, USF, G, Jr., 6-4, 205, Lake Wales, Fla.

Wes Johnson, Syracuse, F, Jr., 6-7, 205, Corsicana, Texas

Scottie Reynolds, Villanova, G, Sr., 6-2, 190, Herndon, Va. *

Da'Sean Butler, West Virginia, F, Sr., 6-7, 225, Newark, N.J.

ALL-BIG EAST SECOND TEAM

Austin Freeman, Georgetown, G, Jr., 6-4, 237, Mitchelville, Md.

Lazar Hayward, Marquette, F, Sr., 6-6, 225, Buffalo, N.Y.

Ashton Gibbs, Pittsburgh, G, So., 6-2, 190, Scotch Plains, N.J.

Jeremy Hazell, Seton Hall, G, Jr., 6-5, 185, Bronx, N.Y.

Andy Rautins, Syracuse, G, Sr., 6-5, 195, Jamesville, N.Y.

ALL-BIG EAST THIRD TEAM

Jerome Dyson, Connecticut, G, Sr., 6-3, 190, Potomac, Md.

Kemba Walker, Connecticut, G, So., 6-1, 172, Bronx, N.Y.

Samardo Samuels, Louisville, F, So., 6-9, 260, Trelawny, Jamaica

Corey Fisher, Villanova, G, Jr., 6-1, 200, Bronx, N.Y.

Devin Ebanks, West Virginia, F, So., 6-9, 210, Long Island City, N.Y.

BIG EAST HONORABLE MENTION

Jimmy Butler, Marquette, F, Jr., 6-6, 215, Tomball, Texas

Tim Abromaitis, Notre Dame, F, Jr., 6-8, 232, Unionville, Conn.

Jamine Peterson, Providence, F, So., 6-6, 230, Brooklyn, N.Y.

BIG EAST ALL-ROOKIE TEAM

Lance Stephenson, Cincinnati, G, Fr., 6-5, 210, Brooklyn, N.Y. *

Alex Oriakhi, Connecticut, F/C, Fr., 6-9, 240, Lowell, Mass.

Vincent Council, Providence, G, Fr., 6-2, 180, Brooklyn, N.Y.

Dane Miller, Rutgers, F, Fr., 6-7, 210, Henrietta, N.Y. *

Brandon Triche, Syracuse, G, Fr., 6-4, 198, Jamesville, N.Y.

Maalik Wayns, Villanova, G, Fr., 6-1, 185, Philadelphia, Pa.

* unanimous selection

NYC Metro Hoops

MAAC Semis: Preseason Top 4 Square Off

Raphielle Johnson — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 12:11:26 -0800

After a long and eventful day on Saturday (the Manhattan/Siena chippiness followed by the ejection of Frank Turner), the four teams pegged by the coaches in the preseason to be the best will play in today's MAAC Tournament semifinals. The first game matches a Rider squad that's playing better basketball, especially on the defensive end of the floor, and regular season champion Siena. Unfortunately for the Broncs the better question going into the game is whether or not they can be competitive much less win the game. Both meetings were blowouts in which the Saints could have named the score if they wanted to. The level of defense that Rider played against Saint Peter's on Saturday must make an appearance if they're to beat the Saints.

O.D. Anosike left the game yesterday with a leg injury but by all accounts he should be fine and ready to contribute off the bench for the Saints. Siena got off to a slow start against Manhattan but once the Jaspers did enough taunting to get them riled up it was "game over". Alex Franklin is a guy that Rider could have their hands full with despite the presence of Mike Ringgold; the Philadelphia native played well in the win over the Peacocks but also fouled out. Rider cannot afford to have him in foul trouble today if they're to remain within striking distance. The individual matchup of Ryan Thompson and Edwin Ubiles could be a case of those two playing to a draw, but how does Rider deal with Ryan Rossiter and Clarence Jackson? Could be a case of too many questions yet not enough answers for the Broncs.

That game will be followed by Fairfield taking on an veteran Niagara squad that knows what it takes to be successful late in the season. The Purple Eagles knocked off a younger Iona squad late last night thanks in large part to Tyrone Lewis, who made the big plays late by getting to the basket. Fairfield beat Canisius in a game that turned for good when Frank Turner was ejected for a "flagrant foul" on Derek Needham, but the freshman scored a career-high 29 points in the win anyway. The two teams split the regular season series with the home team winning both, most recently Fairfield beating the Purple Eagles last Sunday.

Rebounding and foul shooting determined that contest with Fairfield owning a rebounding margin of plus-11 and shooting a far better percentage from the charity stripe (20-29 to Niagara's 13-28). Anthony "Peanut" Johnson was a man possessed in that one, scoring 24 points and grabbing 23 rebounds for Fairfield. He was the difference on an afternoon that saw both Lewis and Needham struggle from the field respectively, and Johnson could once again be the difference against a team that lacks his size and skill inside. But that was the same against Iona on Saturday night and Niagara got the job done. Bilal Benn is an outstanding player but he needs help from guys such as Kashief Edwards on the glass. If that help comes Niagara can win.

Picks

Siena over Rider
Niagara over Fairfield

MAAC Hoops

NEC Tournament Semifinals: RMU/Mount St. Mary's

Raphielle Johnson — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 08:31:30 -0800

With the top four seeds all moving into the NEC Tournament semifinals we should have two very good matchups on Sunday. The headliner: Mount St. Mary's visiting Robert Morris (7 PM, NortheastConference.TV) in the third meeting between the two this season. This also marks the fifth consecutive NEC Tournament in which the Mountaineers and Colonials play each other, with RMU winning last year's NEC final in Moon Township. The two teams split their regular season meetings with the home team winning both. For Milan Brown's Mountaineers veterans Jeremy Goode, Jean Cajou and Kelly Beidler are the primary scorers for a team that's won eleven straight games. But it's been their defense that's pushed them on their current run.

The Mount leads the NEC in points per game allowed, field goal percentage defense and three-point percentage defense. Also, their last seventeen opponents have all scored seventy points or fewer. This will come in handy going up against RMU's backcourt, which is led by freshmen Karon Abraham and Velton Jones along with senior Mezie Newigwe. But while it's like the sound of a broken record, whether or not RMU wins will depend upon Rob Robinson, Dallas Green and Russell Johnson up front. Johnson's been the most consistent of the three, which is saying something given the fact that he's a sophomore while the other two are seniors. That can't be the case tonight; Robinson must stay out of foul trouble and win the battle up front.

The two teams are pretty similar offensively when it comes to the numbers but RMU is a slightly more efficient team. But they're also a better rebounding team than the Mountaineers, who will need a good night on the glass from Beidler, Shawn Atupem and Will Holland on the road. The Mountaineers tend to get a higher percentage of their points from behind the arc while RMU will look inside more. Turnovers and points off them will determine this game; the Colonials have a turnover rate of 21.9% and if the Mountaineers have the experience and defensive ability to force miscues. Look for this one to go down to the wire similar to their second meeting, which was won by the Mount.

#4 Long Island at #1 Quinnipiac (2 PM; MSG/FCS)

The top-seeded Bobcats continue their quest for the school's first-ever NCAA Tournament bid this afternoon, taking on LIU in Hamden for the second time this season (the lone meeting was an 80-72 QU win on February 13th). These are two of the best rebounding teams in the NEC with Quinnipiac leading the conference in rebounding margin, but it was turnovers that decided the regular season meeting. LIU turned the ball over seventeen times in that loss and the margin of minus-6 resulted in the Bobcats taking six more shots (making five) from the field. Jaytornah Wisseh, Kyle Johnson and the rest of the major contributors can ill-afford to do that again.

And while NEC Player of the Year Justin Rutty scored just eight points in that game James Johnson was the man who stepped up to sting the Blackbirds. He led all scorers with 23 points while James Feldeine added seventeen. Wisseh and Johnson can score and LIU also has Kenny Onyechi and Jamal Olasewere up front but if this turns into an up-and-down game that stresses offensive execution they're going to be in trouble. Quinnipiac a more efficient team both offensively and defensively, and they do a very good job of getting the ball inside. If LIU can make their three pointers (32% of their points come from behind the arc) they've got a shot, but this is an uphill battle to say the least.

Picks

Quinnipiac over LIU
Mount St. Mary's over Robert Morris

Northeast Conference

Stony Brook Cleans Up on Awards Day

Raphielle Johnson — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:55:38 -0800

Friday was a good day for the America East champion Stony Brook Seawolves, who cleaned up in regards to the end of season awards. Senior Muhammad El-Amin was named Kevin Roberson Player of the Year and Steve Pikiell Coach of the Year. Also honored by the conference were Tommy Brenton (2nd Team All-Conference, All-Defensive) and Bryan Dougher (2nd Team All-Conference). Stony Brook begins their quest towards the America East Tournament title at noon when they take on eighth-seeded Albany. The quarterfinal and semifinal rounds will be played at Chase Arena on the campus of the University of Hartford, with the final to be played on March 13th on the floor of the higher-seeded team.

The Seawolves jumped out to a big lead in the most recent meeting between the two, only to need a Muhammad El-Amin pullup jumper with 1.8 seconds remaining to win by two. But the Great Danes average more than sixteen turnovers per game, and if that number doesn't change then Stony Brook will enjoy a definitive edge. Will Harris and Tim Ambrose lead the way for Will Brown's squad but they're not the statistical equal of Stony Brook on either end of the floor. That being said, anything can happen due in large part to the abilities of those two. Chris Martin and Dallis Joyner are two players that can be the "trump cards" for the Seawolves on Saturday afternoon.

America East Honors

First Team
Name Yr. Pos. School Hometown/High School/Previous School
Greer Wright Jr. F Binghamton Lake Worth, Fla./Boca Raton Prep/CC San Fransisco
John Holland (1) Jr. G/F Boston University Bronx, N.Y./St. Benedict's Prep (N.J.)
Gerald McLemore So. G Maine San Diego, Calif./Scripps Ranch
Muhammad El-Amin (2) Sr. G Stony Brook Lansing, Mich./Holt/Lansing CC
Marqus Blakely (3) Sr. F Vermont Metchuen, N.J./Metchuen

Second Team
Corey Lowe (4) Sr. G Boston University Newton, Mass./Newton North
Joe Zeglinski (5) Jr. G Hartford Philadelphia, Pa./Archbishop Ryan
Alvin Abreu Jr. G New Hampshire Lynn, Mass./Boys to Men Academy (Chicago)
Tommy Brenton So. F Stony Brook Columbia, Md./River Hill/Hargrave
Bryan Dougher So. G Stony Brook Scotch Plains, N.J./Scotch Plains-Fanwood

Third Team
Jake O'Brien So. F Boston University Weymouth, Mass./Boston College High
Sean McNally Jr. F Maine Gardiner, Maine/Gardiner
Chauncey Gilliam So. G UMBC Columbia, Md./Brewster Academy (N.H.)
Evan Fjeld Jr F Vermont Durham, N.C./Durham Academy
Maurice Joseph Sr G Vermont Montreal, Quebec/Michigan State/Champlain-St. Lambert

All-Rookie
Mike Black Fr. G Albany Chicago, Ill./Oak Park Fenwick
Dylan Talley Fr. G Binghamton Burlington, N.J./Life Center Academy
Murphy Burnatowski Fr. F Maine Waterloo, Ontario/Canadian National Elite. Development Acad.
Adrian Satchell Fr. F UMBC Windsor, Conn./Windsor
Ferg Myrick Fr. F New Hampshire Philadelphia, Pa./Prep Charter

All-Defensive
Carlos Strong Sr. G Boston University Portland, Maine/Deering
Junior Bernal Sr. G Maine Manhattan, N.Y./Hyde/MCI
Tommy Brenton So. F Stony Brook Columbia, Md./River Hill/Hargrave
Marqus Blakely (6) Sr. F Vermont Metchuen, N.J./Metchuen
Garvey Young So. G Vermont Washington, D.C./Georgetown Prep

Rookie of the Year
Dylan Talley, Binghamton

Defensive Player of the Year
Marqus Blakely, Vermont (7)

Kevin Roberson Player of the Year
Muhammad El-Amin, Stony Brook

Coach of the Year
Steve Pikiell, Stony Brook

(1) First team, 2009; third team, 2008
(2) second team, 2009
(3) fi rst team, 2008, 09
(4) fi rst team 2009; second team, 2008
(5) fi rst team, 2008
(6) all defensive, 2007, 08
(7) Defensive Player of the Year, 2008, 09

NYC Metro Hoops

MAAC Quarterfinals Preview: Top Six Join the Party

Raphielle Johnson — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:46:47 -0800

The MAAC quarterfinals take center stage on Saturday with the top six teams joining the fray along with Friday night winners Manhattan (94-79 over Loyola) and Canisius (72-54 over Marist). The biggest storyline: can Siena pick up their third consecutive MAAC crown? Anything less will likely mean a trip to the NIT despite a solid RPI due to their lack of any RPI Top 50 wins. The other seven teams can essentially go out on the floor not having to worry about the consequences of a loss; while Fairfield and Iona hold out hope for an NIT berth everyone else pretty much knows that they'll be done for the year if they don't win three more games. Should make for an interesting Saturday in Albany.

#4 Saint Peter's vs. #5 Rider (2:30 PM; MSG)
Regular season meetings: Saint Peter's 77-67 (January 15th at Rider); Rider 72-66 (February 15th at Saint Peter's)

The first quarterfinal promises to be an entertaining matchup with the two teams boasting some of the MAAC's best scorers. Wesley Jenkins can fill it up from the perimeter for the Peacocks, who can also look to Nick Leon and Ryan Bacon for points. But John Dunne's squad is better equipped to play in the half-court, leading to a clash in philosophy at the Times Union Center. Ryan Thompson and the Broncs will look to play at a higher tempo, averaging sixty-nine points per game on the season. But they've had issues on the defensive end of the floor this season, a major factor in Rider not living up to preseason expectations. Rider opponents average an efficiency of 102.9, a number that will get you beat when facing quality opponents.

The Peacocks are also the better rebounding team, averaging just over thirty-eight rebounds per game on the year. Rider has a rebounding margin of nearly minus-3, meaning that Mike Ringgold and company will have to do yeoman's work on the glass in this matchup. Justin Robinson has been a steadying influence for Rider much of the season, giving Rider four capable scorers averaging double figures on the season. Saint Peter's will need a player such as Jeron Belin (8.0 ppg) to step up should this game get into the seventies; they'll also need to manage their turnovers given the current rate of over 24%. Rider does a better job of taking care of the basketball and if they can rebound the Broncs may have the edge.

#1 Siena vs. #9 Manhattan (4:30 PM; MSG2)
Regular season meetings: Siena 83-68 (January 18th at Siena) and 66-58 (January 24th at Manhattan)

Siena's quest for a third consecutive MAAC title begins with Manhattan, who lit up Loyola Friday night (94-79) thanks in large part to Rico Pickett (33 points). The Jaspers can score but they didn't offer up much of a challenge to the Saints in the meeting at the Times Union Center on January 18th. Far more competitive in the second meeting, whether or not Manhattan can hang around Saturday afternoon will depend upon two areas: shot selection and the play of their frontcourt. You can't expect to beat Siena if you're getting little or nothing from your forwards; Ryan Rossiter and Alex Franklin are going to produce no matter what. Brandon Adams provided 14 points and five boards on Friday night, and the same will be required of him Saturday.

Another good sign for Manhattan on Friday night: freshman guard George Beamon scoring 13 points and grabbing seven rebounds in 12 minutes off the bench. While the Saints may not get a large sum of their points from their reserves the starters more than make up for that; few teams can match that so it's important to get something from the bench if you're going to beat Siena. Fran McCaffery's team didn't look to be in a charitable mood last week, taking out the anger from their performance at Butler out on Rider and Marist. When this team is clicking on all cylinders conference opponents have a very hard time knocking them off. Edwin Ubiles may be the one to watch this weekend given his displeasure with being names Second Team All-MAAC. His versatility and athleticism make him a tough guard for anyone; if Manhattan can't slow him down they'll be in for a long afternoon.

#2 Fairfield vs. #7 Canisius (7:30 PM; MSG2/MASN)
Regular season meetings: Fairfield 58-52 (January 2nd in Buffalo/HSBC Center) and 76-74 (January 18th at Fairfield)

Canisius took care of business on Friday night, ending Marist's season with a routine 72-54 beating of the Red Foxes. But they've got a much tougher challenge in front of them in the first game of the night session in Fairfield, taking on a team that boasts the MAAC's Rookie, 6th Man and Defensive players of the Year. But both regular season meetings were close, with the Stags winning both by a combined eight points. The man who hurt Canisius in the second meeting, Yorel Hawkins, is out for the season so that's one less offensive weapon the Griffs have to worry about. But with Derek Needham, Anthony Johnson and Mike Evanovich still at Ed Cooley's disposal Fairfield still has plenty to work with.

Elton Frazier scored seventeen on Friday night while Greg Logins added a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Canisius was also able to take advantage of Marist's youth and inability to take care of the basketball, forcing seventeen turnovers on the night. It's unlikely they get the same numbers out of Fairfield, who turned the ball over just two times in that second meeting. The Stags rank second in the MAAC in offensive efficiency, but they do average just under fifteen turnovers per game. The Golden Griffins can force turnovers if they turn this into a scramble, and to be honest this is a game that wouldn't be a huge surprise if the underdogs found a way to win.

#3 Iona vs. #6 Niagara (9:30 PM; MSG/MASN)
Regular season meetings: Iona 63-60 (January 2nd in Buffalo/HSBC Center) and 64-47 (January 16th at Iona)

Also falling into the category of "it wouldn't be a huge surprise if the lower-seeded team won" is the final game of the day. Iona dominated the Purple Eagles in the second meeting, a contest that you can point to as the low point of Niagara's season. But as Joe Mihalich's teams are known to do they made their move the month of February (5-2 for the month; 6-2 in their last eight games). A loss at Fairfield in the regular season finale temporarily stopped the momentum but given their experience this is a team that's more than capable of getting to Monday night. Five players average at least 9.7 ppg with Tyrone Lewis leading the way, and Bilal Benn ranks among the best rebounders in the MAAC. The key against a deeper (and bigger) Iona: rebounding.

Neither team has the best of rebounding margins but given the difference in tempo (NU: 70.4 possessions/game; IC: 66.6 possessions/game) Niagara's rebounding issues are a bit more pronounced. Opponents have an offensive rebounding percentage of 36.5%, the worst number in the conference by nearly two percentage points. That means that Demetrius Williamson and Kashief Edwards have to step up and help out Benn in the frontcourt. Niagara's guards are solid rebounders but they can only do so much. Thanks to the likes of Kyle Smyth and Alejo Rodriguez Iona boasts a higher field goal percentage, and if Scott Machado is on his game at the point MAAC Coach of the Year Kevin Willard has a team that's tough to beat. But expect this game to be more along the lines of the first meeting; Niagara looks to be rounding into form at just the right time and will be a tough out.

NYC Metro Hoops

MAAC First Round Preview: Bottom Four Look to Extend Season

Raphielle Johnson — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:36:46 -0800

"First Round Friday" is here with a pair of games to kick off the men's basketball tournament at the Times Union Center. If there was ever an opportunity to see which teams/players want to keep playing and which ones have simply "checked out" this is it. Marist is back in the tenth seed with hopes of duplicating last year's feat of winning their first game in Albany. But they'll be taking on a Canisius squad that not only has whipped them in both meetings but also should be ready to play hard for departing senior Frank Turner. The winner gets Fairfield in the first game of the night session Saturday.

But the first game of the night is the one that could offer up the most drama despite Loyola sweeping the regular season series. The last meeting was just five days ago with Jamal Barney scoring 24 points off the bench in the 12-point victory. Both teams have guards who can fill it up when they get going, but both backcourts can also struggle with shot selection and turnovers, which could very well lead to a helter-skelter contest. The winner gets the opportunity to take on Siena on the Saints' home court in front of what should be an energized crowd. Who wants to stay in Albany for more than one day? We'll find out.

#8 Loyola vs. #9 Manhattan (7:30 PM; MAACSports.com)
Regular season meetings: Loyola 62-56 (February 7th at Manhattan) and 71-59 (February 28th at Loyola)

The last meeting wasn't particularly close; Rico Pickett played just eight minutes for the Jaspers, who shot a frigid 32% from the field. Another key area in that meeting was rebounding; led by Shane Walker's 14 boards the Greyhounds were a plus-12 (49-37) on the boards. Both teams average right around 35 rebounds per game but while Loyola nearly breaks even in regards to rebounding margin the Jaspers are a minus-3. Darryl Crawford scored 21 for Manhattan in the last meeting and is their second-leading scorer but the Jaspers need a big night from Pickett if they're to win. Also keep an eye on Andrew Gabriel and Brandon Adams on the boards; Crawford also had eleven rebounds in that defeat. It's good to have the senior helping on the glass but if Gabriel and Adams aren't getting the job done that's a bad sign.

Barney's return from a leave of absence has been a nice offensive boost for Jimmy Patsos' squad to say the least; at the same time the Providence transfer left the team Brett Harvey was dealing with his own injury issues. While Harvey isn't 100% now at least he's back and the Greyhounds can also lean on Barney for bench scoring. Brian Rudolph is a distributor first for Loyola; Walker and Robert Olson both have the ability to post a double-digit scoring night if called upon. Both teams struggle with offensive efficiency and turn the ball over on either just above (Loyola) or below (Manhattan) the 20% turnover rate. Whichever team wins the battle on the boards and keeps their turnover rate under 20% will win this one.

#7 Canisius vs. #10 Marist (approx. 10 PM; MAACSports.com)
Regular season meetings: Canisius 72-57 (January 9th at Marist) and 71-56 (February 12th at Canisius)

Tom Parrotta's Golden Griffins won both regular season meetings with relative ease, and given their decisive advantage in regards to experience and it's not difficult to see why. Neither team shot well from the field in the second meeting but the Griffs knocked down eleven three-pointers on their way to the fifteen-point win at the Koessler Center. The backcourt of Turner and Julius Coles hasn't been a good matchup for Chuck Martin's team in either meeting; their ability to get up and down the floor to make plays either off the dribble or with the perimeter shot has been a bit much for the young Red Foxes to contain. Add in Canisius' relative depth with Greg Logins, Elton Frazier and Tomas Vasquez-Simmons up front and it's easy to see why they won both games by double digits.

Marist has five players averaging at least 6.7 ppg but with none of those guys being the kind of player who can go out and get you baskets to either close out a game or simply stem the tide they've suffered. Candon Rusin leads the team in scoring on the wing while Korey Bauer is essentially their only physical option inside. Both teams have turnover rates of more than 21% but Canisius makes up for that offensively with an offensive rebounding rate of more than 34%. That explains the advantages in points per possession and offensive efficiency when looking at these two teams. Can Marist win? They'll need to catch the Golden Griffins sleeping and/or lamenting their luck of having to play on Friday. Other than that, this is a very tough task for them.

NYC Metro Hoops

MAAC Individual Honors Announced

Raphielle Johnson — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:07:19 -0800

The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference announced its end of season individual honors on Thursday afternoon, and they are as follows:

Rookie of the Year: G Derek Needham (Fairfield)

6th Man of the Year: F Mike Evanovich (Fairfield)

Defensive Player of the Year: F Anthony Johnson (Fairfield)

Coach of the Year: Kevin Willard (Iona)

Player of the Year: F Alex Franklin (Siena)

A tip of the cap is in order to the Siena Saints Blog, who is on location covering the tournament.

NYC Metro Hoops

NEC Quarterfinal Preview: Robert Morris Seeks Repeat

Raphielle Johnson — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 11:00:40 -0800

One of the eight teams in the Northeast Conference is just three wins away from earning the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament with quarterfinal play kicking things off tonight. Quinnipiac and Robert Morris shared the regular season crown with matching 15-3 league records but Tom Moore's Bobcats get the top seed as a result of their head-to-head win in the lone meeting between the two. But it's Mike Rice's Colonials who go into the tournament as the defending champs, and while they don't have a Jeremy Chappell (graduation) or Jimmy Langhurst (injury) RMU is more than capable of the repeat. But the drop down to the second seed could be unfortunate in more than just one way for RMU. That's because if seeding holds they'd have to take on rival Mount St. Mary's in the semifinals, a team that's not only been on fire but also beat Robert Morris in the regular season finale last Saturday.

Jeremy Goode, Jean Cajou, Kelly Beidler and Shawn Atupem were all contributors on Milan Brown's NEC champion team from two seasons ago so they know what's required at this time of the year. And in the middle of the pack are LIU and FDU, two teams that won at least ten NEC games after struggling in the non-conference portion of their respective schedules. Two of the best guards in the conference will face off in Jaytornah Wisseh (LIU) and Sean Baptiste (FDU), but keep an eye on Knights' big man Alvin Mofunanya who has played extremely well over the last month. In the last decade the one or two-seed won the automatic bid eight times with Mount St. Mary's (2008- 4th seed) and Monmouth (2006- 3rd seed) being the only two champs falling outside of that range. Does that trend carry over? Thursday moves us one step closer to finding out the answer.

#8 Monmouth at #1 Quinnipiac (7 PM)
Regular season meetings: Monmouth 72-60 (January 2nd at Monmouth); Quinnipiac 82-63 (February 25th at Quinnipiac)

Neither game between these two was particularly close and the Bobcats have the definitive advantage tonight due in large part to their 12-0 record at home. James Feldeine is the leading scorer while NEC Player of the Year Justin Rutty both scores and rebounds inside for Quinnipiac, but those aren't the only two weapons at Tom Moore's disposal. James Johnson was second on the team in minutes played and leads QU regulars in three-point percentage (38.6%), averaging twelve points per contest. And in Jeremy Baker they've got the ultimate glue guy, a tough player willing to throw his body around the floor and play solid defense.

Will Campbell and Whitney Coleman are the primary scorers on the perimeter for Dave Calloway's squad and James Hett does a solid job at the point. But the three-pointers need to fall for Monmouth as 29.4% of their points come from beyond the arc. By comparison, Quinnipiac scored just 16.3% of their points off of three-pointers. The Hawks will need to keep QU on the perimeter tonight if they're to win. The other problem for Monmouth: Quinnipiac is an outstanding rebounding team, averaging just over forty-one boards per game. Travis Taylor and Ed Waite will have to lead the way on the glass if the Hawks are to have a shot at leaving Hamden with the upset.

#7 Central Connecticut State at #2 Robert Morris (7 PM)
Regular season meeting: Robert Morris 69-60 (February 11th at CCSU)

This could be a tougher matchup for the Colonials than anticipated if Rob Robinson and Dallas Green don't play with total focus, and that's due to the improved play of CCSU freshman forward Joe Efese. He's scored in double figures in three of the Blue Devils' last four games, averaging 12.5 ppg in wins over LIU and St. Francis (NY) last week to help push CCSU into the NEC Tournament field. But despite his improved offensive output and the presence of guards Shemik Thompson and Robbie Ptacek, Howie Dickenman's team will need to win on the defensive end. But that's easier said than done against the Colonials.

Karon Abraham, unanimous selection for NEC Rookie of the Year, leads the team in scoring at just under thirteen points per game and classmate Velton Jones has also played well on the perimeter. Add in veterans such as Mezie Newigwe (NEC Defensive Player of the Year), Russell Johnson and Gary Wallace and you've got a backcourt rotation that will give Central problems tonight. "Throughout the season I thought our freshmen have played older than they needed to," said Coach Rice earlier this week. But it bears repeating that how close the matchup ends up being will depend upon their two seniors up front; when Green and Robinson (especially Robinson) show up ready to go this is a very tough team to beat.

#6 Saint Francis (PA) at #3 Mount St. Mary's (7 PM)
Regular season meetings: SFPA 73-66 (December 5th at SFPA); Mount St. Mary's 67-51 (February 25th at The Mount)

Don Friday's Red Flash proved the naysayers wrong this season as they finished with a 9-9 league mark, not bad when considering that the coaches picked SFPA to finish dead last in the preseason (yes, even behind Bryant). The keys: senior forward Devin Sweetney and freshmen Umar Shannon and Will Felder. They did win the first meeting between the two but that was back in December, when the Mountaineers were nowhere near the team that they are now. One area that SFPA needs to shore up tonight: turnovers. They're averaging more than fifteen per game, and against a team with a stabilizing force at the point in Jeremy Goode those turnovers can turn into points on the other end in a hurry.

Milan Brown's team has been an entirely different animal since the NEC schedule hit it's halfway point, winning ten straight games to finish the regular season. Goode and Jean Cajou do a good job of scoring on the perimeter and Kelly Beidler can also step out and knock down jumpers when left open. Add in Shawn Atupem and Will Holland and you've got a veteran group that understands its' roles and what needs to get done. The two teams are close in regards to offensive efficiency but The Mount has been a much better defensive team in that regard; the Red Flash can ill-afford to settle for perimeter jumpers against the Mountaineers or this could get out of hand in a hurry.

#5 Fairleigh Dickinson at #4 Long Island (7:30 PM)
Regular season meeting: LIU 68-62 (February 18th at LIU)

These two have met just once and with the game being as close as it was on February 18th it wouldn't be a surprise if Greg Vetrone's squad picked up the win on the road. The Knights were actually 4-5 in NEC road games this season, an important fact to remember when looking at their overall road record of 4-11. Alvin Mofunanya has played like a man posessed over the last month of the season, posting seven double-doubles in his last eight games to give FDU a credible interior presence. Mike Scott has also been an important part of the attack at the point, doing whatever's needed for the Knights. He and Sean Baptiste will need to play well against Jaytornah Wisseh if FDU is to pick up the road win.

As for the Blackbirds, in addition to Wisseh Kyle Johnson has the ability to drop twenty points on an opponent. Johnson scored 16 points while also grabbing ten rebounds in the lone regular season meeting between these two. But the young frontcourt of Kenny Onyechi and Jamal Olasewere will be counted on to play well against Mofunanya tonight; Wisseh's 27 points relieved some of the pressure in that meeting but the two youngsters will need to play better in the NEC Tournament. LIU averages nearly fourteen offensive rebounds per game this season and if they can either match or get close to that number they've got a good shot at moving on to the semifinals.

NYC Metro Hoops

NEC End of Season Honors Announced

Raphielle Johnson — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:07:42 -0800

The Northeast Conference announced its all-conference teams and major individual honors on Tuesday morning. The honorees are:

Jim Phelan Coach of the Year: Tom Moore (Quinnipiac)

Player of the Year: F Justin Rutty (Quinnipiac)

Rookie of the Year: G Karon Abraham (Robert Morris)

Defensive Player of the Year: G Mezie Newigwe (Robert Morris)

Most Improved Player: C Liam Potter (Sacred Heart)

All-Rookie Team

G Karon Abraham (Robert Morris)
F Will Felder (Saint Francis-PA)
F Vladyslav Kondratyev (Bryant)
F Kenny Onyechi (LIU)
F Ed Waite (Monmouth)

All-NEC Teams

First Team

G James Feldeine (Quinnipiac)
G Jeremy Goode (Mount St. Mary's)
F Justin Rutty (Quinnipiac)
F Devin Sweetney (Saint Francis-PA)
G Jaytornah Wisseh (LIU)

Second Team

G Sean Baptiste (FDU)
G Akeem Bennett (St. Francis-NY)
G Corey Hassan (Sacred Heart)
F Rob Robinson (Robert Morris)
F Travis Taylor (Monmouth)

The conference tournament begins on Thursday with the four quarterfinals all taking place at the home of the higher seed.

Northeast Conference

All-MAAC Teams Announced

Raphielle Johnson — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 09:08:03 -0800

The MAAC announced its all-league honors on Monday at the beginning of its' pre-conference tournament teleconference. They are as follows:

All-Rookie Team

G Derek Needham (Fairfield)
G Kyle Smyth (Iona)
G Robert Olson (Loyola)
G Candon Rusin (Marist)
F Darius Conley (Saint Peter's)

All-MAAC Teams

First Team

G Ronald Moore (Siena)
G Ryan Thompson (Rider)
F Alex Franklin (Siena)
F Ryan Rossiter (Iona)
C Anthony Johnson (Fairfield)

Second Team

G Derek Needham (Fairfield)
G Tyrone Lewis (Niagara)
G Scott Machado (Iona)
G/F Bilal Benn (Niagara)
G/F Edwin Ubiles (Siena)

Third Team

G Clarence Jackson (Siena)
G Wesley Jenkins (Saint Peter's)
G Nick Leon (Saint Peter's)
G Rico Pickett (Manhattan)
G Frank Turner (Canisius)

The league will announce the Coach, Rookie and Player of the Year in Albany on Thursday before the MAAC Tournament begins on Friday night. Loyola/Manhattan and Canisius/Marist are the two games on tap Friday night at the Times Union Center.

NYC Metro Hoops

NYC Friday Preview: Tigers Look to Preserve Ivy Hopes

Raphielle Johnson — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:26:59 -0800

MAAC Weekend Preview

Another round of Ivy League play for the three locals who call the Ancient Eight home, and there should be no doubt as to which game is the biggest. Princeton visits Cornell (7 PM) sitting one game out in the loss column, and with one of those losses coming to Cornell a couple weeks ago a loss here puts Sydney Johnson's team in dire straits in regards to that automatic bid. Coming off of a stunning loss at Penn two weeks ago the two-time defending Ivy champs bounced back in a way you expect champions to do, gutting out a 48-45 win at Jadwin Gym. Ryan Wittman led the Big Red with 13 points but don't expect the game to be played at the same pace tonight.

That means Princeton will need more from someone other than Douglas Davis, who scored twenty in that defeat. The next in line: Dan Mavraides with eight. The Big Red have a number of scoring options to make up for one guy having an off night; it could be Jeff Foote inside, Louis Dale on the perimeter or even a long-range sharpshooter like Chris Wroblewski. Mavraides and Ian Hummer will be the most likely guys to step up offensively if the Tigers are to have any chance of knocking off Cornell. But just like the first meeting they've got to control tempo; there is really no other way around that. Princeton shot just 33.3% from two in the first meeting and if the tempo is at more of a Cornell-preferred pace a similar night means the game gets out of hand.

7p Penn at Columbia
The Lions won the first meeting thanks to their three-point shooting, making nine of sixteen from distance on their way to the 66-62 result. Nico Scott was the primary culprit, hitting seven of nine three-pointers on his way to a 29 point night. The Quakers must do a better job defensively against Scott while also keeping tabs on Norwua Agho. Four Quakers reached double figures on the night following their upset of Cornell but they'll need better shooting from Zack Rosen (2-8 FG) this time around. Perimeter shooting decided the first meeting and will likely do the same tonight.

7p Yale at Dartmouth
The Bulldogs look to end a two-game skid at Dartmouth, and despite the Big Green sitting in last place this won't be an easy contest. Yale won the first meeting 69-56 behind 20 points from Michael Sands and outscored Dartmouth 40-19 in the second half to win going away. Neither team shot particularly well from the perimeter but it was Yale's ability to get to the basket that decided the game in their favor. Sands and Alex Zampier will have to lead the way for the Bulldogs on the road tonight, where the home team could receive an extra boost due to the snowstorm.

NYC Metro Hoops

MAAC Weekend Preview: Lots Still Left on the Table

Raphielle Johnson — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:17:16 -0800

The final weekend of the regular season offers up much intrigue with slots two through nine still up for grabs before next weekend's MAAC Tournament. Three teams are still in the running for the two seed and with Iona visiting Fairfield tonight the first domino will fall. Kevin Willard's Gaels, who have won four of six games this month, have already beaten the Stags (68-58 on January 24th) but their 56-54 loss to Saint Peter's back on December 4th keeps the Peacocks in play for the two-seed. Iona will face both this weekend while the Stags will deal with a surging Niagara on Sunday and Saint Peter's visits Marist tonight.

There's also the cluster of three teams directly below the battle for second place, with the most basic goal for Niagara, Rider and Canisius being to avoid playing on opening round Friday. The Purple Eagles (winners of three straight) and Broncs sit a game ahead of the Golden Griffins going into the weekend with Sunday's matchup in Lawrenceville between Canisius and Rider looming large. And if things were to break right for either of the two 8-8 squads (this would include Saint Peter's going 0-2) they could find themselves as the four-seed next week. Could the six-seed be the preferred position? You would avoid facing Siena until the title game if it gets to that point but it's tough to envision anyone looking to finish lower than they possibly can.

And unless Loyola knocks off Canisius tonight what's up for grabs for the Greyhounds is what color uniforms they'll wear against Manhattan next week. The Jaspers can finish either eighth or ninth depending on the weekend's results while the Greyhounds will need to go 2-0 and have the Griffs lose twice to move into seventh. The winner of that opening round game would get Siena next Saturday. There's still a lot to play for and that should make for an exciting weekend in the MAAC.

Game of the Weekend: Iona at Fairfield (Friday, 7:30p)
As much as the hype for this one will be about guards Scott Machado and Derek Needham facing off, another young Iona guard made the difference in the first meeting. Jermel Jenkins accounted for 14 points and seven assists in that 68-58 victory last month while Needham shot just 3-10 from the field. In addition to Jenkins the Iona bench came through on a night in which the starters struggled; Jonathan Huffman and Milan Prodanovic scored 13 points apiece while the Fairfield bench scored five points total. This is the area where Ed Cooley's team has to bring more to the table if they're to win.

Anthony Johnson, who scored 25 points and grabbed eight rebounds in the first game, likely represents Iona's toughest individual matchup tonight. He's got the muscle to bang inside and can also hit the mid-range jumper. But he will need help from the likes of Mike Evanovich and Ryan Olander if Fairfield is to win. With Yorel Hawkins out due to injury either one of these two (or even better both) will need to step up against the deeper Gaels. Colin Nickerson, the reigning MAAC Rookie of the Week, scored 20 points in their loss at Vermont last Saturday and should be a contributor off the bench tonight.

The Stags rank behind only Siena in offensive efficiency on the season but they were no match for the Gaels back in January. Iona assisted on seventeen of their twenty-one baskets in the victory but they've had an efficiency of more than 100 just three times in their last seven MAAC contests. If Fairfield can make that three out of eight they can defend their home court. Look for this game to not be decided until the game's final minutes; the emergence of Nickerson could be the deciding factor.

Friday's Schedule

7p Canisius at Loyola
7p Iona at Fairfield
7p Siena at Rider (ESPNU) The Broncs need wins this weekend more than the Saints in regards to MAAC Tournament seeding, but this is also important to the defending champs. Siena dropped two conference games last season: at Niagara and at Rider. They've already fallen at Niagara this season, meaning that they've got one final chance to avenge one of those two defeats. The "big three" of Alex Franklin, Ronald Moore and Edwin Ubiles did not play well in their loss at Butler so expect redemption to be on the minds of the three seniors. Ryan Thompson still has a shot at winning MAAC Player of the Year thanks to his play of late and a win here would bolster his case. The key for Rider: shot selection. Both teams will run but the Saints have been far better at finding good shots while doing so. If Rider plays "wild" they'll be in trouble.
7:30p Niagara at Manhattan
7:30p Saint Peter's at Marist

Sunday's Schedule

Noon Niagara at Fairfield (MSG/MASN) This is one of two games on Sunday (Manhattan/Loyola) that could be played again next weekend in Albany and both teams will play at a high pace. Joe Mihalich's Purple Eagles are playing their best basketball of the year at just the right time as they've been wont to do in the last four seasons (just six losses in February over the last four years). Tyrone Lewis has scored more than twenty points in two of Niagara's last three games and had 22 in the first meeting (a 77-68 Niagara win on January 4th), so expect the Stags to know where he is at all times. Add in the versatile Bilal Benn and Demetrius Williamson and you've got a team that's a tough guard for Fairfield. How much this game means will be determined on Friday but expect a game in the seventies regardless of the impact.
1p Manhattan at Loyola
2p Canisius at Rider
2p Iona at Saint Peter's
4p Marist at Siena

MAAC Weekly Honors (announced on Monday)
Player of the Week: G Ryan Thompson (Rider)
Rookie of the Week: G Colin Nickerson (Fairfield)

NYC Metro Hoops

NEC Weekend Preview: Two Tournament Spots Up for Grabs

Raphielle Johnson — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 10:32:12 -0800

The final weekend of the regular season is here in the NEC and there are just two available spots for the NEC Tournament and four teams fighting for them. Monmouth is the one team with the ability to punch their ticket tonight but they'll have quite the task at Quinnipiac. A game behind them in the standings are CCSU and St. Francis (NY), and those two meet on Saturday in Brooklyn with the winner likely qualifying for the NEC Tournament. And Sacred Heart is the team with the most left to do at this point, sitting at 6-10 in the standings. However, they do host Monmouth on Saturday and would own a variety of tiebreakers should they go 2-0 on the weekend.

As for who hosts the quarterfinal games next Thursday, it's already known that Robert Morris and Quinnipiac are the top two seeds. How they finish will be determined this weekend; if RMU wins out the road to the NCAA Tournament will (in theory) go through Moon Township. Should the two teams tie then the Bobcats will be the top seed in the conference tournament thanks to their 87-79 win over the Colonials last weekend. Mount St. Mary's and LIU are in the driver's seat for the remaining "host" seeds while FDU and Saint Francis (PA) sit a game behind them. And mathematically Monmouth can also get into position to host an NEC Tournament game.

Game of the Week: St. Francis (NY) at CCSU, 1 PM Saturday

At this point it's safe to say that an NEC Tournament berth will be on the line in New Britain when the Terriers and Blue Devils get together. And if history has anything to do with the outcome look for the game to go down to the wire. In their last thirty-two meetings the Blue Devils have won seventeen, and the average score in those games: 70 apiece. But that wasn't the story in their most recent meeting, won by Central 63-50 back on December 3rd. The Terriers shot just 28.6% from the field (31.4% 2PT, 23.8% 3PT), and while the Blue Devils weren't much better from the field (37.7%) they were far more efficient on offense.

SFNY can, at times, resort to taking the three too often and that was the case on that December night. They attempted 21 three-pointers and made just five; CCSU finished 3-12 from deep but their refusal to settle for that shot led to them winning. The Blue Devils were also a plus-7 (43-36) on the boards, with David Simmons leading the way by grabbing 14 caroms. Rebounding will be an important factor given the teams' struggles with marksmanship (field goal percentage rankings: CCSU-10th, SFNY-8th); Central ranks 6th in rebounding margin (minus-1.9) while the Terriers go into the weekend ranked 9th (minus-2.9).

Two of the headliners struggled in that game as well, with the shooting of Central's Robbie Ptacek (1-13 FG, 5 pts) and SFNY's Ricky Cadell (5-18 FG, 19 pts) being a microcosm of the night as a whole. But while the play of Simmons, Shemik Thompson (17 pts), Joe Seymour (10 pts) and Joe Efese (12 pts in 18 min off the bench) made up for Ptacek there wasn't the same level of "cover" for Cadell. Akeem Bennett has proven to be the best man for the role as the season has progressed and head coach Brian Nash is going to need a big weekend from the junior guard if the Terriers are to earn their second consecutive NEC Tournament berth.

These are two of the top four teams in the NEC with regards to turnover margin but both are in the bottom half of the league when it comes to assist-to-turnover ratio, which usually means more individual work on the offensive end. Can Cadell get going against a defense that traditionally does well against primary scoring options? Can the backcourt of Ptacek and Thompson control the game and keep the Blue Devils from playing into the Terriers' hands? The answers will determine which team plays in the NEC Tournament and which one locks up the basketballs for the year.

Thursday's Schedule

7p Robert Morris at Wagner
7:30p LIU at CCSU (MSG) Before getting to Saturday the Blue Devils need to take care of the Blackbirds at home. LIU is playing for a quarterfinal home game so Jim Ferry's bunch has something on the line as well. Jaytornah Wisseh, the reigning Choice Hotels Player of the Week, will be the man the Blue Devils look to limit due to his ability to both score and distribute.
7:30p St. Francis (NY) at Bryant
7:30p Monmouth at Quinnipiac
7:30p Saint Francis (PA) at Mount St. Mary's
7:45p FDU at Sacred Heart

Saturday's Schedule

1p St. Francis (NY) at CCSU
3:30p LIU at Bryant
4p Robert Morris at Mount St. Mary's The two schools who have controlled the NEC in recent seasons meet in Emmittsburg in a game that could be a preview of either an NEC semifinal or final. The Mountaineers have been red-hot of late due to the improved play of guards Jeremy Goode and Jean Cajou along with forward Kelly Beidler. The Colonials have found a way to sit one win away from winning the NEC despite relying upon so many freshmen. But if they're to return to the NCAA Tournament seniors Rob Robinson and Dallas Green will likely be the guys who have to step up.
7p Sacred Heart at Monmouth
7p Saint Francis (PA) at Wagner
7:30p Quinnipiac at FDU

Choice Hotels Weekly Honors

Player of the Week: G Jaytornah Wisseh (LIU)
Rookie of the Week: F Will Felder (Saint Francis-PA)

NYC Metro Hoops

NYC Metro Update: Stony Brook Can Clinch America East

Raphielle Johnson — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:46:50 -0800

Weekly Honors (announced on Sunday or Monday)

Atlantic 10: Fordham freshman forward Chris Gaston was named to the league's Honor Roll on Sunday, averaging 23 points and 12 rebounds per game in the Rams' two contests.

Big East: A pair of Scarlet Knights were honored on Monday with Dane Miller winning his third consecutive Rookie of the Week award and Hamady Ndiaye being named to the Honor Roll. Miller averaged 12.5 points and 8.0 rebounds while Ndiaye added 14.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 4.0 blocks in Rutgers' 1-1 week.

Ivy: The following three area players were named to the Ivy League Honor Roll on Tuesday: Columbia's Norwua Agho (12.5 ppg, 2.0 rpg), Princeton's Dan Mavraides (17.3 ppg, 4.0 rpg) and Yale's Alex Zampier (15.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.0 apg).

MAAC: A pair of area players were honored by the MAAC. Rider's Ryan Thompson won Player of the Week, averaging 29.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists in the Broncs' 1-1 week. And the Rookie of the Week award once again went to Fairfield...but it wasn't Derek Needham. Colin Nickerson shot 65% from the field and averaged 16.5 ppg in Fairfield's 1-1 week.

Northeast: LIU senior guard Jaytornah Wisseh was named Choice Hotels Player of the Week for his role in leading the Blackbirds to a pair of wins and an NEC Tournament berth. Wisseh averaged 24.0 ppg, 7.5 apg, 5.5 rpg and 2.0 spg in the two victories.

Wednesday's Schedule

7p Vermont at Stony Brook (MSG+)
By far the game of the night in the metropolitan area, Steve Pikiell's Seawolves can lock up their first-ever America East title with a win over the Catamounts. Stony Brook's won nine straight, including a 65-60 win in Burlington back on January 21st. Bryan Dougher scored twenty points while Chris Martin added thirteen (all in the second half), and a 13-2 run in the second stanza gave the Seawolves a double-digit lead that provided enough breathing room to get them the win. The Catamounts shot just 39.6% from the field in that contest with leading scorer Marqus Blakely (17 pts, 11 reb) and Evan Fjeld (13 pts, 10 reb) both posting double-doubles. The problem for Vermont, in addition to their overall shooting, was Maurice Joseph making just two of eleven shots from the field.

Outside of the five points and three rebounds the Michigan State transfer failed to have a noticeable impact; if Stony Brook can limit him again then a lot more scoring responsibility falls upon the shoulders of Blakely. Muhammad El-Amin, whose jumper with 1.8 seconds left gave the Seawolves a 68-66 win at Albany on Friday, scored thirteen in the first meeting and has scored sixteen points or more in each of SBU's last six games. But Stony Brook must rebound; UVM won the battle on the boards 37-25 yet lost because of poor shooting from three (2-16) and the charity stripe (16-28). Don't expect a repeat of those numbers tonight in front of a sold-out crowd at Pritchard. Will history be made on the Island?

7p St. Bonaventure at Fordham
With three games left in the regular season the Rams will need a miracle to qualify for the Atlantic 10 Tournament. But that doesn't mean they can't be a spoiler, especially with the visiting Bonnies just one game above the cut line. Andrew Nicholson is one of the best big men in the Atlantic 10, and he will provide a solid test for freshman Chris Gaston. But if the Rams are to be competitive tonight they cannot repeat what happened in the first meeting on February 10th. Assist to turnover ratio is typically a good indicator of why a game goes a particular way, and when you rack up fifteen turnovers to just two assists you're not winning. The Bonnies on the other hand had eighteen assists and three turnovers; Brenton Butler and company must perform better in regards to taking care of the basketball tonight. They aren't big in the assists area, averaging just over nine per game, but when you add to that reckless ballhandling you're going to lose far more than you'll win.

7:30p Marquette at St. John's (MSG)
It's Senior Night at Carnesecca Arena with Anthony Mason Jr. and John Taubeneck being honored before the game. But it's also a key game for the visiting Golden Eagles in regards to a possible NCAA Tournament bid; Marquette looks to be a solid bet for the NCAA Tournament right now but a loss in a game like this could bump them back onto the bubble. Lazar Hayward and Jimmy Butler make up one of the better forward tandems in the Big East, and Marquette has also received better play from guards David Cubillan and Maurice Acker in recent games. The Red Storm will need Malik Boothe and Malik Stith to "win" the battle at the point if they're to entertain thoughts of winning.

Can D.J. Kennedy, Paris Horne, Dwight Hardy and Mason Jr. score points on the perimeter and in the mid-range game? The question isn't so much whether or not they can but rather whether or not the perimeter can be consistent offensively for forty minutes. The Red Storm usually do a good job for the first thirty minutes or so but when it's time to get a key basket late they often come up short. And against a team like Marquette that features a player like Hayward that could be a recipe for disaster. If St. John's can play efficiently on offense they've got a shot, but if they can't put points on the board late they'll likely drop another one.

Thursday's Games

7p South Dakota at NJIT
7p Robert Morris at Wagner
7:30p LIU at Central Connecticut St
7:30p Monmouth at Quinnipiac
7:30p SFNY at Bryant
7:45p FDU at Sacred Heart

Friday's Games

7p Yale at Dartmouth
7p Penn at Columbia
7p Princeton at Cornell
7p Siena at Rider (ESPNU)
7:30p Saint Peter's at Fairfield
7:30p Iona at Fairfield
7:30p Niagara at Manhattan

Tuesday's Happenings

- Seton Hall defends The Rock, knocks off Rutgers
The Pirates got off to a fast start in the first of two meetings between the Garden State rivals, leading by fifteen at the half and ultimately winning 76-70. The win moves them into a tie for eighth place in the Big East with Connecticut, and that's an important spot since the team that finishes eighth receives the final bye in the Big East Tournament. Jeremy Hazell led the way with 25 points while three other Pirates also reached double figures. Dane Miller finished with 16 points and nine reboundswhile Hamady Nidaye and Jonathan Mitchell both posted double-doubles. Mike Rosario led the Scarlet Knights with seventeen but the Hall did a good job of making him work for it as he made just seven of twenty from the field.

The key in the rematch on March 4th? Tempo. For some reason Rutgers began the game looking to run with the Pirates and play their sometimes-ragged style. Bad idea. Look for Rutgers to play more of a half-court game at the RAC, and if they don't then something's wrong. As for the Pirates, the issue of a "killer instinct" came up again. Of course you expect Rutgers to make a run at some point but while there was little doubt in the outcome they have to do a better job of cutting the runs of opposing teams short. Rutgers also won the rebounding battle 45-35; after Herb Pope (12 rebounds) the next leading rebounder on the night was Keon Lawrence (five rebounds). Jeff Robinson will need to increase his rebounding in the rematch as well as the remainder of the season due to Seton Hall's lack of big men.

- Hofstra knocks off Northeastern in Boston and could be a team to keep an eye on at the CAA Tournament.
Charles Jenkins led four Hofstra players in double figures with 20 points as Tom Pecora's squad picked up their eighth win in the last nine games (five straight). Hofstra shot 49.1% from the field for the game and also outrebounded the Huskies 37-25. Nkem Ojougboh led Northeastern with 15 points and seven rebounds but they were unable to deal with Halil Kanacevic, who posted a double-double (16 pts, 11 reb) off the bench. Keep an eye on Hofstra at the CAA Tournament next weekend; they'll most likely be the seventh seed but with their freshmen rounding into form and a guard who can take over a game in Jenkins this is a dangerous outfit.

- NJIT falls at North Dakota.
Patrick Mitchell hit ten three pointers and scored 33 points as the Fighting Sioux knocked off the visiting Highlanders. Chris Flores led the way for Jim Engles' team with 25 points and five rebounds but NJIT was little match for UND on a night in which they shot 64% (16-25) from behind the arc. And with the two teams meeting in Newark on the 27th it should be noted that three players were tossed due to a scuffle with just over two minutes left in the game. Hopefully there won't be a carryover but you never know.

NYC Metro Hoops

Fran McCaffery Interview/MAAC BracketBusters Preview

Raphielle Johnson — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 22:52:06 -0800

It's BracketBusters weekend and with all ten MAAC teams taking part it's one last respite from the rigors of conference play. Seeing a relatively unfamiliar face allows teams the opportunity to fine-tune things in advance of the upcoming MAAC Tournament. And the teams in the marquee matchups have an opportunity to bulk up their resume in regards to seeding or getting into the NCAA Tournament should they be an at-large possibility. Two MAAC schools earned televised appearances with Iona hosting William & Mary on Friday night (9 PM, ESPNU) and Siena visiting Butler (11 AM, ESPN2) Saturday morning. In advance of Siena's contest head coach Fran McCaffery was kind enough to spend a few minutes on the phone discussing the matchup and his team.

RJ: Talk about this game has centered around a possible at-large berth being on the line. Do you even worry about that at this point?

FM: We don't talk about it. What happens is that the media asks and I say that we don't talk about it, and then I tell the kids that they shouldn't think about it. You can't make too much about this one because you still have to play the next one. But it is a great opportunity to play the 13th-ranked (ESPN/USA Today) team in the nation in Butler.

RJ: Seeing Butler on tape, what's one thing that's impressed you that most people wouldn't notice?

FM: There's a perception that they're not as athletic as most teams. They're extremely athletic; they just happen to be a precision team that can execute. They can get into you defensively (as a result of that athleticism).

RJ: What are the similarities you see between Edwin Ubiles and Butler's Gordon Hayward?

FM: Both can play all five positions and they both really handle the ball well. They've got the ability to affect the outcome of the game even when they aren't scoring, and they're integral to their team's success.

RJ: What's the key in slowing down Hayward?

FM: We can't let him hit the offensive boards and score (in that fashion).

RJ: How do you go about defending Matt Howard inside? Will one guy get the assignment or do you switch it up and use multiple defenders?

FM: We would probably switch between Ryan Rossiter, Alex Franklin and O.D. Anosike. You can't use just one guy to guard him because he can wear your guys down and get them in foul trouble if you aren't careful.

RJ: What's been one area "under the radar" that Ryan Rossiter has improved on since last season?

FM: He's become a scorer. Last season he was a role player, a guy who played defense and rebounded. He's improved his post game and can score with both hands inside.

RJ: And Clarence Jackson?

FM: He's had a terrific year. Before the season began we wondered how consistent he could be as he came off the bench behind Kenny Hasbrouck last year. He's become a complete player and a more cerebral player (on both ends of the floor).

RJ: What does it do for the program to have Ronald Moore be named a finalist for the Cousy Award (given to the nation's best point guard)?

FM: I'm thankful that he's being recognized for his overall body of work. He's a guy who engineers wins and puts wins ahead of his own personal numbers and goals. It's good to see a guy get recognized for that.

MAAC BracketBusters Schedule

Televised Games
Friday: William & Mary at Iona (9 PM, ESPNU)
These two haven't met since 1984 with the Gaels holding a 2-1 series lead. The Tribe are currently tied for third in the CAA and their resume includes wins over Maryland and Wake Forest. Tony Shaver's club still holds out hope for an at-large due to their non-conference achievements (and schedule) so a win here would be crucial for them. David Schneider leads the way with an average of 15.6 points per game while Quinn McDowell and Danny Sumner are behind him in the scoring department. And William & Mary's assist leader should be familiar to some as Sean McCurdy played his high school ball for Bob Hurley Sr. at St. Anthony in Jersey City.

Outside of the rebounding margin and turnovers per game advantages held by the Tribe these are two evenly-matched squads. The key for Iona will be to turn the Tribe over and use their depth to wear the visitors out. To say the least this is a tough matchup for Kevin Willard's young team but a good test with the MAAC Tournament on the horizon. Scott Machado and the rest of the Iona backcourt will be tested by William & Mary's perimeter players, but a player like Alejo Rodriguez or Jonathan Huffman could have an impact up front. Look for this to be an entertaining nightcap to Old Dominion/Northern Iowa.

Saturday: Siena at Butler (11 AM, ESPN2)
The Saints are 3-1 all-time in the event; winning their two other televised appearances (beat Northern Iowa last year). But to take on a nationally-ranked squad that's been tested multiple times in the non-conference schedule may be their toughest test yet. Brad Stevens' club has already clinched the regular season title in the Horizon League with a 17-0 league record and they're essentially playing for NCAA Tournament seeding at this point. Siena, on the other hand, could do themselves a lot of good according to many of the nation's bracketologists should they win at Hinkle Fieldhouse.

But they'll have their hands full with the likes of Gordon Hayward and Matt Howard, and players such as Shelvin Mack and Ronald Nored shouldn't be ignored either. Player to watch for the Saints: Clarence Jackson. If he can put up points this becomes a game the Saints can definitely win. He may be at the one position where Siena has an advantage among the starters, meaning that his play will go a long way in determining the outcome. The Saints are a slightly better offensive team and they'll need to get out in the open court and force Butler to play faster than they want to. If you don't care much for "College Gameday" hyping up UCLA/Washington be sure to tune in.

Non-Televised Games
New Hampshire at Loyola (1 PM)
Fairfield at Vermont (2 PM)
Towson at Manhattan (2 PM)
Buffalo at Saint Peter's (2 PM)
Rider at Hofstra (4 PM)
James Madison at Canisius (7 PM)
Marist at UC Irvine (7 PM)
Niagara at Milwaukee (7 PM)

Best Game: Fairfield at Vermont
Two of the better players in the Northeast will be on the floor in Derek Needham and Vermont's Marqus Blakely. Blakely will likely go up against the Stags' Anthony Johnson, and his versatility makes him a tough guard for Fairfield. Can Ed Cooley's team keep Blakely off the boards? Both teams boast multiple scoring options and that should mean an exciting contest.

MAAC Hoops

NEC Weekend Preview: Showdown in Moon Township Highlights Weekend

Raphielle Johnson — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 14:36:03 -0800

Weekly Honors (announced on Monday)

Choice Hotels Co-Players of the Week: F Kelly Beidler (Mount St. Mary's) and G James Johnson (Quinnipiac)
Beidler averaged 15.5 points, 10.0 rebounds and 2.5 rebounds in wins over Monmouth and FDU last week, helping the Mountaineers move their win streak to six games. Johnson averaged 20 ppg last week as the Bobcats locked up at least one NEC Tournament home game with wins over SFNY and LIU.

Choice Hotels Rookie of the Week: F Will Felder (Saint Francis-PA)
Felder averaged 12.5 points and 7.5 rebounds in a pair of road victories for the Red Flash, moving them into a three-way tie for sixth place.

Game of the Week: Quinnipiac at Robert Morris (Saturday, 7PM)

The NEC regular season title will likely be decided when the Bobcats and Colonials get together in Moon Township Saturday night. This is their sole regular season meeting and if anyone's equipped to knock off RMU on the road it would be Quinnipiac, who has won four straight games and leads the NEC in scoring offense (74.6 ppg), rebounding margin (+7.9), turnover margin (+2.21) and assist-to-turnover ratio (0.98) in conference games. Outside of road losses to Monmouth (January 2nd) and red-hot Mount St. Mary's (January 30th) Tom Moore's team has played the most consistent basketball of anyone in the NEC this season.

RMU is the most talented team when looking at entire rotations but they tend to alternate stretches of looking like the clear favorite and simply looking like a mediocre basketball team. Saturday night offers the first game since their loss at LIU (January 7th) in which the Colonials can be punished severely for such lapses. Karon Abraham and Velton Jones are two of the youngsters who have played well for Mike Rice's squad, making up for the loss of senior guard Jimmy Langhurst due to injury early in the season. But they need senior Rob Robinson to bring his A-game if they're to both win on Saturday and make their way back to the NCAA Tournament. When he plays well RMU is tough to beat; when he doesn't they've been successful but their chances of losing increase substantially.

What's going to be key on Saturday? Rebounding. The Bobcats, led by Justin Rutty, are the best rebounding team in the NEC while Robinson and Dallas Green lead a group (also including freshman Russell Johnson) that ranks third in the conference in rebounding margin. In addition to Rutty, however, Quinnipiac's perimeter players can hit the boards as well. Leading scorer James Feldeine and glue-guy Jeremy Baker do a good job of helping out in that department and James Johnson is no slouch either. If the Bobcats win the rebounding battle they likely win this one going away. Robert Morris has been the better defensive team as conference play has progressed and they'll have to bring a similar performance to slow down Feldeine, Johnson and Rutty.

While a Quinnipiac win would open things up going into the final weekend RMU would clinch the top seed with a victory. If the game's in the sixties give the edge to the Colonials while a higher-scoring contest would favor Quinnipiac.

Thursday's Games

7p Bryant at Wagner
7p CCSU at Mount St. Mary's (MSG)
7p Sacred Heart at Robert Morris
7:30p FDU at LIU
7:30p Monmouth at St. Francis (NY)
7:30p Quinnipiac at Saint Francis (PA)

Bryant remains winless on the season and their game at Wagner could represent their best shot at getting a victory this season. The Seahawks have lost four straight and six of their last seven...the Mountaineers of Mount St. Mary's have been the hottest team in the NEC, having won six straight to go from struggling for an NEC Tournament berth to fighting to host a quarterfinal game. While Kelly Beidler was outstanding last weekend Will Holland (14.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg) and Jeremy Goode (13.0 ppg, 7.0 apg) also played well in two wins for the Mount. They host CCSU, who if the season ended today would not qualify for the NEC Tournament. Losers of two straight the Blue Devils have won just two NEC road games this season: SFNY on December 3rd and Bryant two weeks ago.

Tied with CCSU on the outside looking in is Sacred Heart, who needs more consistency on offense from players not named Corey Hassan. The Pioneers ended a five-game losing skid with a win over SFNY on Saturday, but their bigger issue has been defense. SHU ranks dead last in the NEC in scoring and field goal percentage defense. Saint Francis (PA) won a pair of road games last week and will need solid output from forwards Devin Sweetney and Will Felder if they're to build upon those wins. FDU visits LIU in a key game for both in regards to NEC Tournament seeding (and whether or not they qualify) and the same goes for Monmouth visiting St. Francis (NY).

Saturday's Games

4p Sacred Heart at Saint Francis (PA)
4:30p FDU at St. Francis (NY)
4:30p Monmouth at LIU
7p Bryant at Mount St. Mary's
7p CCSU at Wagner
7p Quinnipiac at Robert Morris

Northeast Conference

Wednesday NYC Preview: Pirates & Red Storm Face Off

Raphielle Johnson — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:25:48 -0800

Weekly Honors (announced on Monday)

America East: Stony Brook senior Muhammad El-Amin was named Player of the Week thanks to averages of 27.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game in two wins for the Seawolves.

Big East: It was a good week for area schools in the Big East with one weekly honor and three honorable mention selections. Rutgers forward Dane Miller was named Rookie of the Week due to averages of 11.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game in a 2-0 week. Teammate Jonathan Mitchell was an Honorable Mention selection, as were St. John's swingman D.J. Kennedy and Seton Hall guard Jeremy Hazell.

CAA: A pair of Hofstra players were honored as Charles Jenkins shared Player of the Week honors with Old Dominion's Gerald Lee and freshman guard Chaz Williams was named Rookie of the Week. In two wins for Hofstra Jenkins averaged 27.0 ppg while Williams posted averages of 13.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 8.0 assists per game.

Ivy: Each of the three area teams had players named to the league's Honor Roll. Columbia's Niko Scott, Princeton's Douglas Davis and Yale's Michael Sands received the honor this week.

MAAC: A pair of area players were honored by the MAAC with Rider's Ryan Thompson winning his second Player of the Week award while Fairfield's Derek Needman once again won Rookie of the Week. In two games Thompson averaged 24.5 points and 5.5 rebounds while Needham averaged 23.0 points.

Wednesday's Games

7PM Fordham at Richmond
A good day for the Fordham program as the school's Board of Trustees approved increased funding for the program. Traditionally among the lower third of the Atlantic 10 in funding Fordham should now sit in the top third of the conference, which should be a boost for either current interim head coach Jared Grasso or whoever the school hires in the spring if he isn't retained. But that bit of good news won't deliver Chris Gaston and company their first conference win of the season, especially on the road against one of the A-10's hottest teams. David Gonzalvez was outstanding in a pair of wins for the Spiders last week and point guard Kevin Anderson is among the best players in the conference. Fordham's got to play disciplined on both ends of the floor against Chris Mooney's squad if they're to remain within striking distance.

7:30PM Seton Hall at St. John's (MSG+)
This has turned into quite the series in recent years, with the comments of SHU head coach Bobby Gonzalez in regards to playing at Carnesecca Arena before each of the prior two meetings in Queens and Red Storm fans haven't forgotten it. The Pirates will also go into the game shorthanded with Eugene Harvey out with a bone bruise in his wrist (per the Star-Ledger's Brendan Prunty). Add to this the turf toe that's been ailing Jordan Theodore and all of a sudden Keon Lawrence will have to contribute more at that position. Do the injuries mean that Jamel Jackson receives a few more minutes? By no means is he a point guard but to simply give a rest to one of those two adding him to the rotation that also includes Jeremy Hazell for a few minutes wouldn't hurt much.

The Red Storm have a clear edge in regards to depth and that would have been the case with Harvey able to go. But they need Malik Boothe to continue his solid play in recent games. It's no surprise that as their starting point guard has done a better job of taking care of the basketball that the Johnnies have won games over Louisville and Notre Dame. With Dwight Hardy, Paris Horne and D.J. Kennedy scoring on the perimeter the job of Boothe (and Malik Stith) is simply to take care of the ball and play solid defense. Turnovers will be key against the Seton Hall pressure, and the frontcourt will need to keep Herb Pope and Jeff Robinson off the boards. Look for this to be an entertaining contest that goes down to the wire; neither looks to be that superior to expect a blowout.

NYC Metro Hoops

MAAC Friday Preview: Saints Return to Niagara Falls

Raphielle Johnson — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 10:13:20 -0800

Tonight's game between Saint Peter's and Loyola has been postponed due to the snowstorm that hit the Mid-Atlantic this week. The game has been rescheduled for February 17th at 7 PM.

Game of the Night: Siena at Niagara (8 PM, ESPN2)

The Purple Eagles find themselves in the middle of a three-team fight to avoid playing in the Friday opening round doubleheader at the MAAC Tournament with Rider and Canisius, and tonight they host Siena in a game to be nationally televised. Niagara is the last MAAC team to defeat the Saints, who are currently on a 15-game win streak and have already locked up the top seed in the conference tournament. A win tonight gives Fran McCaffery's team the outright regular season crown and you can bet they'll be looking to avenge last year's defeat at Gallagher.

These are the two highest scoring teams in the MAAC but the Saints have been far more efficient this season, and they also hit nearly 47% of their shots from the field. Niagara, on the other hand, ranks 9th in the MAAC in field goal percentage and has struggled rebounding for much of the season. Tyrone Lewis has dealt with his fair share of injuries this season but when on can be one of the most dangerous players in the conference. The Purple Eagles will need him to be clicking on all cylinders tonight and the same goes for Demetrius Williamson, who has played solid basketball of late. Both will also need to hit the boards hard given the Saints having two of the MAAC's best interior players in Alex Franklin and Ryan Rossiter.

Niagara opponents average nearly fourteen offensive rebounds per game, contributing to the Purple Eagles overall rebounding margin of minus-3.2. The only teams worse are Manhattan and Marist, and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what the struggles have done to their respective seasons. Niagara needs to run to make up for their shooting numbers but that's playing right into Siena's hands, who are led by one of the nation's best point guards in senior Ronald Moore. Moore leads the country in assists with just under nine per game, and when you've got players like the aforementioned bigs, Clarence Jackson and Edwin Ubiles to pass the ball to you're going to be in good shape. If Niagara can't turn the Saints over at a high rate their home court edge is likely to go out the window.

7p Fairfield at Rider (ESPNU)
Big game for both teams, especially the Stags since they're currently tied for third with Saint Peter's and have hopes of moving into second by season's end. Rider, on the other hand, has their primary focus on separating from Canisius and Niagara in the middle of the the MAAC standings. Derek Needham has been the best freshman in the MAAC as well as one of the nation's best, and he's got the ability to take over this game given his skill and the Broncs' sometimes questionable defense. But if Ryan Thompson can duplicate his outstanding performance in Rider's 88-80 win at Fairfield two weeks ago this will be a tough one for Fairfield to steal on the road. Given their offensive weapons, also including Justin Robinson and Novar Gadson just to name two, this is a good matchup for Rider.

7p Marist at Canisius
Not saying that this is a must-win for Tom Parrotta's Golden Griffins but it's pretty close; if you want to avoid having to win four games in four days you can't lose games like this one. The Red Foxes are extremely young and don't match up particularly well with the likes of Greg Logins, Tomas Vasquez-Simmons and Elton Frazier. And Frank Turner is a handful as well. If Korey Bauer has the game of his life inside then Marist can hang around for a bit. But even that would be a stretch.

7:30p Manhattan at Iona
Iona won the first meeting in rather workmanlike fashion, using their defense to short-circuit a second half Jasper rally. They're deeper than Manhattan and with Scott Machado at the controls tend to make better decisions with the basketball than Barry Rohrssen's club. The key for Manhattan: getting scoring from Rico Pickett without his shot selection suffering in the process. If he can score with efficiency then Manhattan's got a shot in this rivalry affair and the same goes for Darryl Crawford. But the Gaels' depth and interior size could prove to be too much in the end.

Weekly Honors (announced on Monday)

Player of the Week: F Alex Franklin (Siena)
Franklin accounted for 23 points and seven rebounds in the Saints' emphatic win over Iona.

Rookie of the Week: G Derek Needham (Fairfield)
20 points, five rebounds and four steals in the Stags' win over Saint Peter's.

Sunday's Schedule

2p Loyola at Iona (MAAC TV)
2p Marist at Niagara
2p Siena at Canisius

Monday's Schedule

7p Fairfield at Manhattan
7p Rider at Saint Peter's (MAAC TV)

NYC Metro Hoops

NEC Weekend Preview: "Separation Weekend"?

Raphielle Johnson — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:15:22 -0800

With six games left in the regular season this is a big weekend for the NEC with spots three through ten separated by just two games. Robert Morris and Quinnipiac look to be the class of the NEC while Wagner and Bryant have an uphill climb to say the least in regards to simply making the tournament. The most important game on Thursday's schedule: Mount St. Mary's visiting Monmouth with both things in the thick of the NEC race for at the least a spot in the NEC Tournament. Milan Brown's Mountaineers have won four straight but they are 4-11 in road games this season, and the lone road win of their current streak came at Wagner.

This is an experienced team with guards Jeremy Goode and Jean Cajou leading the way, and they've been through this before as they needed a run last season that ended up with an appearance in the NEC Tournament final. The key against the Hawks will be defense; the Hawks will be without leading scorer Travis Taylor for the seventh and final game due to a violation of team rules and Dave Calloway's team is 2-4 in their last six. Monmouth has shot better than 37% from the field just once in those games and that was a win over Saint Francis (PA). Whitney Coleman and Will Campbell will need to shoot well and the same goes for Ed Waite if they're to defend their home floor.

Thursday's Games

7p Saint Francis (PA) at Bryant
7p Wagner at FDU
7:30p Mount St. Mary's at Monmouth
7:30p St. Francis (NY) at Quinnipiac
7:45p LIU at Sacred Heart
8p Robert Morris at CCSU

Game of the Night: St. Francis (NY) at Quinnipiac
This is a dangerous home game for the Bobcats, who sit just a game out of first place going into tonight's action. In James Feldeine and Justin Rutty QU has one of the better inside/outside tandems in the NEC, and defensively the Bobcats are one of the NEC's best. They'll need to be with Ricky Cadell and Akeem Bennett having the ability to be a handful offensively for opponents, and Brian Nash will need those two to be on their game in order to win. A win in Hamden would be huge for the Terriers given their game at Sacred Heart on Saturday matches two teams in the middle of the dogfight to qualify for the conference tournament.

Saturday's Games

1p Saint Francis (PA) at CCSU
2p LIU at Quinnipiac
3:30p Robert Morris at Bryant
3:30p St. Francis (NY) at Sacred Heart
7p Wagner at Monmouth
7:30p Mount St. Mary's at FDU

Game of the Day: Saint Francis (PA) at CCSU
Both teams are on the tail end of the race for NEC Tournament berths, making this matchup vitally important regardless of Thursday's outcomes. The Red Flash have lost two straight and the formula for success for Don Friday's team is rather simple: make sure Devin Sweetney doesn't have to do it all by himself. Umar Shannon is the key in that regard; if he can get the job done on the perimeter that makes Sweetney's job that much easier. As for the Blue Devils, Shemik Thompson has been one of the leaders for a team that's won four straight and anyone who's followed NEC basketball knows better than to count out a Howie Dickenman-coached team. If Central brings their customary defensive effort it will be tough offensively for the Red Flash; should be a solid game.

Weekly Honors (announced on Monday)

Choice Hotels Players of the Week: G Sean Baptiste (FDU) and G James Feldeine (Quinnipiac)
Baptiste averaged 25.5 points and 8.0 rebounds per game in the Knights' two wins over Monmouth while Feldeine averaged 24.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game in two wins over Sacred Heart.

Choice Hotels Rookie of the Week: G Karon Abraham (Robert Morris)
Abraham averaged 13.5 points and 3.0 rebounds per game in two wins over Saint Francis (PA), winning the award for the fourth time this season.

NYC Metro Hoops

Friday NYC Preview: Ivies, MAAC Schools in Action

Raphielle Johnson — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 09:07:11 -0800

There's been a lot of talk about favorites Cornell and Harvard in the early stages of Ivy League play and with good reason; the Big Red are two-time defending champs and Harvard has one of the best players in the country (Jeremy Lin) and a solid non-conference profile to boot. But who's in second place? None other than the Princeton Tigers, who will take their 2-0 league mark on the road this weekend in games at Harvard and Dartmouth. Sydney Johnson's team is led offensively by the tandem of Doulglas Davis and Dan Mavraides and their defense leads the conference in points allowed (53.9 ppg) and ranks third in both field goal percentage defense and three-point percentage defense. Coach Johnson was kind enough to spend a few minutes on the phone earlier this week to talk about his team and their play.

RJ: How would you assess the overall performance of your team thus far?

SJ: I think we've learned some very good lessons. Some were painful; we didn't always have the right energy at home and didn't play as well on the road.

RJ: Has there been one area in particular that your team has improved upon since last season?

SJ: Defensively we're improved and are also improving. We've been slightly better as a whole this season; there were way too many breakdowns defensively last season. We're a little more solid this year.

RJ: What's one area that Douglas Davis has improved upon between now and last season that most people wouldn't notice?

SJ: His overall [basketball] IQ and attention to detail have gotten better, which is hard to spot in just one game. Defensively he's starting to "play ahead" and see things before they develop. Offensively he's continuing to develop a sense of letting the game come to him.

RJ: And Dan Mavraides?

SJ: Two things: consistency and leadership. He's showing that last year wasn't just a fluke season; that he wasn't a one-year wonder. And he's taken it on himself to be a more vocal, emotional leader and the guys have a great deal of respect for him.

RJ: What has Ian Hummer added to your team that wasn't there a season ago?

SJ: Ian played against terrific competition in high school; he was tested and played well in a quality league (Washington (DC) Catholic Athletic Conference, widely regarded as one of the best conferences in the country). There's always a learning curve for freshmen and Ian's still learning how to bring it every day; he's bringing 7-8 days of energy followed by a down day.

RJ: Is there anything special that you and your staff has done to get the team ready for your first four Ivy games being on the road?

SJ: It's tough luck and we all have to deal with it, but for lack of a better term we've got to "man up". The guys also have to understand that this is a fourteen-game tournament and not just four games.

7p Princeton (11-5, 2-0) at Harvard (14-4, 3-1)
The Tigers are most certainly going to have their hands full in Cambridge tonight, with the task being to slow down the Ivy League's best offense in regards to field goal percentage (48.6%) and second-best scoring offense (74.7 ppg). Jeremy Lin leads the way offensively with 17.1 points and 4.3 assists per game but there are other options to keep an eye on such as Keith Wright (10.3 ppg) and Kyle Casey, who averages nine points per game off the bench. As for how to slow down Lin, an answer that few have been able to come up with this season, Coach Johnson noted that the Tigers will "have to make him work and make sure he's not weaving through out defense and dunking on us."

But for as potent as the Crimson can be offensively this is also a solid defensive team that leads the Ivy League in both field goal percentage and three-point percentage defense. Harvard will look to play at a higher pace than the Tigers would favor, averaging ten more possessions per game (66) than Princeton on the season. That's going to be the key for the Tigers, who lead the league in turnover margin and steals. If they can slow the game down and hold their own on the boards (5th in rebounding margin; Harvard is 2nd) they've got a shot to be in it at the end. But a quicker game can negate the effect of turnovers, and with Harvard ranking 6th in turnover margin that would be a surefire way to get beat on the road.

7p Yale (8-13, 2-2) at #25 Cornell (18.3, 4-0)
To say that taking on the freshly-ranked Big Red in Ithaca is a tough chore would be a serious understatement. With Ryan Wittman, Louis Dale and Jon Jacques on the perimeter and seven-footer Jeff Foote inside Steve Donahue's team seems to have all the answers for what can be thrown at them on a nightly basis. The Big Red have two of the top ten scorers in the Ivy League and four of the top seven three point shooters, just two fact that should alert the Bulldogs to how good this team is offensively.

But they're nearly as good defensively, with league opponents having the lowest offensive efficiency rating (70) in the Ivy League and it's by a wide margin (Princeton is second with a rating of 82). The keys for Yale? Rebounding (Cornell leads the league in rebounding margin) and defending the three. If Alex Zampier can run the show efficiently and Michael Sands can hold his own inside against Foote, James Jones' team can remain competitive. But to say the least this is an uphill battle for Yale.

7p Brown (7-14, 1-3) at Columbia (7-11, 1-3)
The issues for Joe Jones' Lions have been simple: while they shoot the three well (ranked 2nd in the league in percentage) Columbia still has the second-lowest offensive efficiency in the Ivy League and defensively their conference opponents have the highest offensive efifciency. In Norwua Agho the Lions have one of the better offensive players in the league, but when you're last in assist-to-turnover ratio you can run into problems offensively. But in order to knock off Jesse Agel's Bears Columbia will need to slow down the tandem of Matt Mullery and Peter Sullivan. Mullery makes 55.4% of his shots and ranks in the top ten in both scoring (14.9 ppg) and rebounding (6.0 rpg). Look for this one to go right down to the wire at Levien Gym.

Previews of the games involving area MAAC schools can be found here.

NYC Metro Hoops

Friday MAAC Preview: Showdown in Albany

Raphielle Johnson — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 23:09:08 -0800

While this game may not have equal ramifications in regards to the standings for both teams, make no mistake about the importance of tomorrow night's matchup between Iona and Siena. The Saints have won thirteen straight games and 32 in a row at home while the Gaels haven't lost since January 4th at Canisius (eight straight wins). Both are hot and outside of Siena reserve point guard Kyle Downey both teams have all hands on deck for this one, which could be the second of three meetings should they meet in the MAAC Tournament. Their first meeting, way back in early December, was close until the Saints opened things up with a 24-6 second half run on their way to the 73-60 in in New Rochelle.

Siena has rolled right through their conference games in the new year, with the closest games being a pair of 66-58 wins over Loyola (the last team to beat them in Albany) and Manhattan. And the return of Edwin Ubiles, who missed four games due to shoulder and back injuries, sparked a 79-60 win over Marist last Saturday afternoon. Ubiles' return adds a swingman who can do it all offensively while also offering an imposing presence at the top of the Saints' full-court pressure on made baskets. Add him to an offensive attack that includes Ryan Rossiter and Alex Franklin inside, and Clarence Jackson and floor general Ronald Moore on the perimeter and you've got one of the more potent offenses around.

But if there's one advantage that Kevin Willard's Gaels may have it's the advantage of depth. With ten players averaging at least twelve minutes per game Iona will look to use their full-court pressure on makes in order to tire out opponents without the same luxury. But Siena is an entirely different animal given their desire to get up and down the court. So the pressure will still be present since that's how the Gaels play, but they do fall back into an active 2-3 zone that could pay dividends provided they step out and challenge shooters. Siena shoots just 31.2% from behind the arc and only Manhattan has taken fewer threes in conference games.

The key player for Iona tomorrow night: PG Scott Machado. If he can continue to show off his feel for the flow of games the Gaels are a good bet to hang around for all forty minutes. In front of a sold-out crowd that knows that two wins gets their team the MAAC crown, you need your point guard to show poise in leading a team with nine freshmen and sophomores. And Alejo Rodriguez, Mike McFadden and Jonathan Huffman need to lead a solid effort on the boards; Rossiter and Franklin are two of the best in the MAAC when it comes to rebounding. Look for this one to not be decided before the final TV timeout; the Saints are still the top dogs but the young Gaels aren't the type to roll over easily.

7p Canisius at Niagara
The rematch of the overtime game won by the Golden Griffins last week is important on two levels: the rivalry and seeding ramification for next month's MAAC Tournament. Niagara was able to bounce back with a win over Loyola on Sunday but if the season were to end today they'd be playing in the first round of the MAAC Tournament. The keys for the Purple Eagles: the play of Tyrone Lewis and keeping Elton Frazier from flying to the rim. If Lewis, who has missed games this season due to injury, can regain the form he displayed in his first three seasons at NU not only does Niagara have a good chance of defending the home floor but this is also a team with enough offensive talent to make a run up the league standings. But they've got to rebound at a higher rate, especially considering the forwards that the Griffs can throw at them.

7p Loyola at Rider
A loss here would be devastating for a Rider team that last week showed the look of a squad on the verge of turning the corner down the stretch. Ryan Thompson showed the skills that made him the preseason Player of the Year selection last week and Justin Robinson has been the Broncs' most consistent player. But if this team is to make a run they need Novar Gadson and and Jhamar Youngblood to be consistent options. Mike Ringgold is a very good defender and rebounder, and can also get Rider points in the paint. And in the Greyhounds they'll be faced with a team they should beat, but it's also a team that won't lie down either. Brett Harvey is back for Loyola but will they have enough offense to keep up with the Broncs? That remains to be seen.

7:30p Saint Peter's at Fairfield
The two teams tied for third get together in Bridgeport, and if the Peacocks can pick up the win they'd be in very good shape down the stretch. The backcourt of Nick Leon and Wesley Jenkins can be a handful for opponents and inside Ryan Bacon has the ability to affect the game on both ends of the floor. But they'll need to have an answer for Derek Needham, who's well on his way to winning MAAC Rookie of the Year honors. Anthony Johnson has played well inside for Ed Cooley's team and in Mike Evanovich the Stags have a big man who can hurt opponents from behind the arc. Arguably the most important game of the night, the winner takes a significant step towards a strong finish to the regular season.

9p Marist at Manhattan (ESPNU)
The two worst teams in the MAAC get the televised game this week, and with the Jaspers having lost seven straight maybe the Red Foxes can pick up their second win of the year. Candon Rusin has led a trio of freshmen for Chuck Martin, but Marist is simply too young this year to experience much success against an older league. As for the Japsers, they'll rely on the scoring prowess of Rico Pickett and Darryl Crawford but need to defend if they're to avoid the upset. Manhattan has the experience but will they be fully motivated to play? The answer will determine which team picks up the win.

MAAC Hoops

NEC Thursday Preview: Debut of the Rivalry Week

Raphielle Johnson — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 09:44:46 -0800

Thursday marks the beginning of "Rivalry Week" a concept the NEC has adopted this season with all six games matching familiar foes, and the games will be repeated at the opposite site on Saturday. While LIU/St. Francis (NY) and Monmouth/FDU could be the most competitive matchups (Quinnipiac/Sacred Heart shouldn't disappoint either) on paper, there's also the matter of the league's hottest team (Robert Morris) taking its seven-game win streak on the road. The Colonials visit Saint Francis (PA) tonight, where they'll have to deal with the reigning Choice Hotels Player of the Week in Devin Sweetney.

RMU head coach Mike Rice was kind enough to spend a few minutes with me on the phone this morning, crediting the NEC for "trying something new" in regards to Rivalry Week but also noted that it may be better for the games to have a wider split instead of back-to-back 48 hours apart. The reason: the team you may see tonight could be an entirely different outfit a month from now due to injuries or the way in which they're playing, but you don't get that opportunity to do much tinkering with just one day of preparation. Below is the rest of our conversation followed by a preview of tonight's games.

RJ: What's been the difference defensively for your team in conference play (RMU leads the conference in both field goal and three-point percentage defense in league games)?

MR: Not an exorbitant amount to be honest with you. We've got four freshmen averaging eighteen minutes per game and they had some defensive lapses earlier in the year.

RJ: Even with the current win streak you've had some bouts with inconsistency due to that youth. How much of that could be attributed to the loss of Jimmy Langhurst (subsequent adjustment)?

MR: Because of what he did for us we had to reinvent ourselves, and once we found the formula we've hit our stride. It was tough for the seniors to adjust and it was a learning process for them.

RJ: Speaking of the newcomers, what's one area that they've improved in as the season's progressed that most people won't notice?

MR: Having a sense of urgency in practice. At the beginning of the year they'd wonder why I was screaming at them in practice; they (their body language) looked disinterested. We sat them down and had them watch film because they had to see it to believe it. They've gotten a lot better in that area.

RJ: What's something that you'd like to see Rob Robinson and Dallas Green improve upon in the next month as you get closer to tournament play?

MR: They both need to be more aggressive rebounding. Robinson is one of the best help-side defenders I've seen but he's got to have more of a motor rebounding and the same goes for Dallas.

RJ: How important has the development of Mezi Newigwe been?

MR: He's finally confident with his role and allowing himself to play to his strengths.

7:30p Robert Morris (14-8, 9-1) at Saint Francis (PA) (7-14, 5-5)
The Red Flash come into this one boasting a win streak of their own, having taken care of SFNY and LIU last week. Devin Sweetney went 20-20 from the foul line in those two games, and given his versatility he's a tough matchup for anyone in the NEC. As for how the Colonials will look to slow the senior down, Coach Rice noted that they'll have to "follow their gameplan and have someone physical and athletic enough to slow him down. But we can't afford to send him to the foul line." Who would be the likely candidates? Either Robinson or Green, both of whom need to play at a higher level in regards to their effort on the boards.

The key for Saint Francis will be to slow down those RMU guards, especially Karon Abraham and Velton Jones, who was named Choice Hotels Rookie of the Week. SFPA ranks eighth in the NEC in field goal percentage defense (conference games), an area they're going to need to perform better in tonight. RMU has done a good job in regards to finding good looks in league play, making 44.5% of their shots in league play. They've also taken the third-fewest three pointers in the conference; their understanding of their strengths is one reason why they're 9-1. If Sweetney can receive ample scoring help from Umar Shannon the Red Flash have a shot, but they're fighting an uphill battle.

7:30p Quinnipiac (14-7, 8-2) at Sacred Heart (12-9, 5-5)
The Bobcats had their eight-game win streak ended by The Mount on Saturday and they're forced with another tough road game against a team in need of wins for its NEC Tournament hopes in the Pioneers. Corey Hassan is one of the players who should be up for NEC Player of the Year consideration, averaging a league-best 19.3 ppg in league games. He's also third in the conference in rebounding with an average of 7.5 rpg, and his perimeter shooting ability makes him a tough matchup for opponents to deal with.

But turnovers have been an issue for Dave Bike's team, and that can't be a problem against a team that leads the NEC in turnover margin and is also one of the league's best defensive teams. James Feldeine and Justin Rutty lead the way for the Bobcats while players such as James Johnson, Jeremy Baker and Deontay Twyman have all contributed to the success of Tom Moore's team. These are also the top two rebounding teams in conference games so the battle on the boards will also be important to the success of both teams. Should be a close affair in Fairfield.

7:30p LIU (8-13, 6-4) at St. Francis (NY) (9-12, 6-4)
The battle of Brooklyn this weekend, and both teams need to keep themselves above the fight for those final NEC Tournament spots. Both were swept last week, going from possible title contenders to teams in the fight to at best host an NEC Tournament game and at worse being involved in the fight for the final slots. Three of the better guards in the NEC will be on display in LIU's Jaytornah Wisseh and Kyle Johnson and SFNY's Ricky Cadell. But the Terriers have played solid defense in conference play, ranking fourth in field goal percentage defense and second in three-point percentage defense in league games. And Akeem Bennett has the ability to be the difference-maker in this one, ranking ninth in the conference in scoring in league games.

7:30p Wagner (4-19, 2-8) at Mount St. Mary's (7-14, 4-6)
The Seahawks have actually won more games on the road (two) than they have at Spiro (one) so maybe it's a good thing that they get Jeremy Goode and company in Emmitsburg tonight. But with the Mountaineers having won two straight at home that brand of thinking would be a stretch to say the least. And while The Mount has had its share of difficulties when it comes to scoring Wagner's been worse, averaging just over sixty points per game in conference play. Add to this their overall youth and it's tough to see them knocking off a veteran team that's in desperate need of victories as we approach March. Wagner is last in the NEC in scoring defense as well, and that's not the best recipe for being a consistent winner on the road.

7:30p Monmouth (10-12, 6-4) at FDU (6-16, 5-5)
Bragging right are on the line in the Garden State as well, with these two having played a pair of wild contests last season with the Knights winning both. FDU is averaging more points per game and they're also the more efficient club when it comes to offense. However, Greg Vetrone's team has its fair share of issues when it comes to defending people, ranking tenth in defensive efficiency and scoring defense. Of course they tend to have more possessions in their games than the Hawks, who lead the conference in scoring defense (league games), but that's only a difference of three possessions per contest (67-64). If Sean Baptiste and Mike Scott can play well in the backcourt FDU has the ability to make Monmouth pay. But it isn't as if Dave Calloway's team is lacking for offensive threats themselves, with Will Campbell and Whitney Coleman both ranking in the Top 30 in scoring. This could very well be the most entertaining game of the night in the NEC.

7:30p CCSU (7-14, 4-6) at Bryant (0-10, 0-22)
This isn't a rivalry in the sense of history but since the two schools are relatively close that's the matchup we have. Tim O'Shea's Bulldogs are still without a win this season and their struggles offensively have put them behind the proverbial 8-ball early and often this season. Despite averaging the second-fewest possessions per game (64) the Bulldogs have the worst points per possession average (0.86) in the NEC and their defense has suffered as well, ranking last in the conference with a defensive efficiency of 107.4. Central has struggled offensively at times but they're a better team when it comes to defense and rebounding, which will likely be what prevents Bryant from pulling off the upset.

Northeast Conference