Showing posts with label Central Region. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Central Region. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Friday, March 14, 2014
Monday, March 18, 2013
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Wow! What a game. On to the championship game.
As Minnesota State coach Matt Margenthaler said after Sunday's 69-65 victory over Metro State, "Wow."
The hard-fought semifinal victory in the NCAA Division II Central Region men's basketball tournament had something for everybody. It was a tough-guy game, there were some unbelievably athletic plays, the game was close throughout.
There was the agony of two missed free throws by Metro superstar Reggie Evans, followed by the joy of two clinching free throws by Jefferson Mason.
If you didn't enjoy this one, you have no heart or emotion.
The Mavericks looked tired early, then got a spark from Taylor Morrow and Stephen Kirschbaum in the second half. Then with the game on the line, Mason started attacking the basket and Metro's shot blockers to provide 16 second-half points.
The Mavericks had the rebounding advantage, which hasn't happened much in the last month, and 23 offensive rebounds, usually the other team's number.
Now it's on to the championship game against Fort Lewis, a team that Minnesota State has had success in the past. This is the best Fort Lewis team of the last five or six, but it's a favorable matchup for Minnesota State.
Marcus Hill has played 80 minutes in the last two games, and Margenthaler said he'll play 40 on Tuesday. Mason has played 76 minutes and Cameron Hodges 63. Expect each to log a lot of minutes in every game from here on out.
Minnesota State has only playe din one regional championship game, losing to Winona State in 2006. This team is much better prepared to win that elusive title.
The hard-fought semifinal victory in the NCAA Division II Central Region men's basketball tournament had something for everybody. It was a tough-guy game, there were some unbelievably athletic plays, the game was close throughout.
There was the agony of two missed free throws by Metro superstar Reggie Evans, followed by the joy of two clinching free throws by Jefferson Mason.
If you didn't enjoy this one, you have no heart or emotion.
The Mavericks looked tired early, then got a spark from Taylor Morrow and Stephen Kirschbaum in the second half. Then with the game on the line, Mason started attacking the basket and Metro's shot blockers to provide 16 second-half points.
The Mavericks had the rebounding advantage, which hasn't happened much in the last month, and 23 offensive rebounds, usually the other team's number.
Now it's on to the championship game against Fort Lewis, a team that Minnesota State has had success in the past. This is the best Fort Lewis team of the last five or six, but it's a favorable matchup for Minnesota State.
Marcus Hill has played 80 minutes in the last two games, and Margenthaler said he'll play 40 on Tuesday. Mason has played 76 minutes and Cameron Hodges 63. Expect each to log a lot of minutes in every game from here on out.
Minnesota State has only playe din one regional championship game, losing to Winona State in 2006. This team is much better prepared to win that elusive title.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Few thouhts from first day of Central Region
Been at Bresnan Arena for 12 hours, watching four quarterfinal games from the NCAA Division II men's basketball tournament.
Here's a few thoughts:
Three of the four games today were rematches. In fact, three matchups were between teams that were playing for the fourth time this season.
It's inevitable with only two teams in each region, but something has to be done so that you get more teams facing each other for the first time. Too much RMAC vs. RMAC and Northern Sun vs. Northern Sun.
Colorado School of Mines really struggled to defeat Adams State, and I think that getting that victory will allow Mines to play better in the semifinals.
Fort Lewis demolished Mesa State. Hard to believe that Mesa State beat Fort Lewis twice during the regular season. Mesa State didn't look like it belonged in the tournament today.
Minnesota State was impressive in dispatching Winona State for the third time this season. Marcus Hill was unbelievable, and the big thre eof Hill, Cameron Hodges and Jefferson Mason combined for 70 points.
But the role players also contributed to the surprisingly easy win.
The best game was the last, when Metro State defeated Mary 78-73. Reggie vans is for real, and Metro has some other nice parts. Anthony Moody really struggled for Mary.
Sunday night's semifinals match Mines against Fort Lewis and Minnesota State vs. Metro State. It should be fun.
Here's a few thoughts:
Three of the four games today were rematches. In fact, three matchups were between teams that were playing for the fourth time this season.
It's inevitable with only two teams in each region, but something has to be done so that you get more teams facing each other for the first time. Too much RMAC vs. RMAC and Northern Sun vs. Northern Sun.
Colorado School of Mines really struggled to defeat Adams State, and I think that getting that victory will allow Mines to play better in the semifinals.
Fort Lewis demolished Mesa State. Hard to believe that Mesa State beat Fort Lewis twice during the regular season. Mesa State didn't look like it belonged in the tournament today.
Minnesota State was impressive in dispatching Winona State for the third time this season. Marcus Hill was unbelievable, and the big thre eof Hill, Cameron Hodges and Jefferson Mason combined for 70 points.
But the role players also contributed to the surprisingly easy win.
The best game was the last, when Metro State defeated Mary 78-73. Reggie vans is for real, and Metro has some other nice parts. Anthony Moody really struggled for Mary.
Sunday night's semifinals match Mines against Fort Lewis and Minnesota State vs. Metro State. It should be fun.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Region tournament begins Saturday
Minnesota State again hosts the NCAA Division II men's basketball tournament, which begins Saturday and runs through Tuesday.
The best eight teams in the region are in town, and judging by last season's tourney, there is a lot of good basketball to watch at Bresnan Arena.
There are some intriguing story lines.
Minnesota State is the No. 1 seed, and for five straight years, the top seed had won the region championship and advanced to the Elite Eight. That streak ended last season when the Mavericks lost in the semifinals.
Will the Mavericks finally claim a region championship in its seventh straight appearance at the tournament?
Minnesota State's opponent is Winona State, which might be the best eighth seed in any region. The Warriors got in by winning the Northern Sun tournament, a three-game stretch of impressive play after suspending leading scorer, and top headache, Anthony Tucker.
Can the shorthanded Warriors stay on a roll?
You might remember Colorado School of Mines, who nearly took out the Mavericks in the quarterfinals last season as an eighth seed. The Orediggers have all five starters back, and as the No. 3 seed, look like the best team in that bracket.
Can Mines use last season's loss as motivation for a better finish?
Adams State must be a hoot to watch. The Grizzlies commit more than 26 fouls per game, and they turn the ball over at an alarming rate. But this is the first 20-win season in school history so they must do other things right.
Will Adams State's frenetic pace be effective in a halfcourt game that is the norm in national tournaments?
Fort Lewis has been to the national tournament seven times since 2002, but the Skyhawks are 0-6 at this level. Fort Lewis was the No. 1-rated team when the first region rankings came out, then slipped to 6 before jumping back to 2 after winning the RMAC tournament.
Can Fort Lewis finally win a national-tournament game?
You can go to Bresnan Arena to watch the games, or you can follow my live blog during each game. It should be fun.
The best eight teams in the region are in town, and judging by last season's tourney, there is a lot of good basketball to watch at Bresnan Arena.
There are some intriguing story lines.
Minnesota State is the No. 1 seed, and for five straight years, the top seed had won the region championship and advanced to the Elite Eight. That streak ended last season when the Mavericks lost in the semifinals.
Will the Mavericks finally claim a region championship in its seventh straight appearance at the tournament?
Minnesota State's opponent is Winona State, which might be the best eighth seed in any region. The Warriors got in by winning the Northern Sun tournament, a three-game stretch of impressive play after suspending leading scorer, and top headache, Anthony Tucker.
Can the shorthanded Warriors stay on a roll?
You might remember Colorado School of Mines, who nearly took out the Mavericks in the quarterfinals last season as an eighth seed. The Orediggers have all five starters back, and as the No. 3 seed, look like the best team in that bracket.
Can Mines use last season's loss as motivation for a better finish?
Adams State must be a hoot to watch. The Grizzlies commit more than 26 fouls per game, and they turn the ball over at an alarming rate. But this is the first 20-win season in school history so they must do other things right.
Will Adams State's frenetic pace be effective in a halfcourt game that is the norm in national tournaments?
Fort Lewis has been to the national tournament seven times since 2002, but the Skyhawks are 0-6 at this level. Fort Lewis was the No. 1-rated team when the first region rankings came out, then slipped to 6 before jumping back to 2 after winning the RMAC tournament.
Can Fort Lewis finally win a national-tournament game?
You can go to Bresnan Arena to watch the games, or you can follow my live blog during each game. It should be fun.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Tough day for MSU hoops, but things may work out
The Minnesota State men's basketball team lost 82-74 to Winona State in Saturday's semifinals of the Northern Sun tournament, but the opportunity to host next week's Central Region tournament may not be lost.
It was a day of upsets in the Northern Sun as in all four semifinals, two for men and two for women, the lower-seeded team won.
In the men's tournament, Winona State and St. Cloud State will play for the championship, and since the winner gets an automatic berth into the national tournament, an neither team is ranked in the top 10 in the region, some team is going to get bumped, likely either Augustana or Adams State.
Minnesota State was ranked No. 1 in the region before this weekend's games, followed by Colorado School of Mines, Mary and Metro State. All four lost this weekend so the seedings will probably remain the same.
Minnesota State is hosting a viewing party for the NCAA selection show at 9 p.m. Sunday at the downtown Buffalo Wild Wings. The best guess is that Minnesota State will retain the No. 1 ranking and host the Central Region tournament next weekend.
Here's a guess at the pairings: Minnesota State vs. the winner of Winona State and St. Cloud State, Mines vs. Augustana, Mary vs. Metro State and Fort Lewis vs. Mesa State.
The NCAA could choose not to have so many matchups between teams of the same conference, so we'll see Sunday.
Will it matter for MSU? Not if they play so passively as in Saturday's loss. Winona State attacked the offensive glass, and Minnesota State didn't match the physical play. The referees allowed a lot of contact, and the Mavericks didn't adjust.
Unfortunately, Minnesota State has a reputation for great regular seasons and postseason losses. So far, that's the story on this season.
It was a day of upsets in the Northern Sun as in all four semifinals, two for men and two for women, the lower-seeded team won.
In the men's tournament, Winona State and St. Cloud State will play for the championship, and since the winner gets an automatic berth into the national tournament, an neither team is ranked in the top 10 in the region, some team is going to get bumped, likely either Augustana or Adams State.
Minnesota State was ranked No. 1 in the region before this weekend's games, followed by Colorado School of Mines, Mary and Metro State. All four lost this weekend so the seedings will probably remain the same.
Minnesota State is hosting a viewing party for the NCAA selection show at 9 p.m. Sunday at the downtown Buffalo Wild Wings. The best guess is that Minnesota State will retain the No. 1 ranking and host the Central Region tournament next weekend.
Here's a guess at the pairings: Minnesota State vs. the winner of Winona State and St. Cloud State, Mines vs. Augustana, Mary vs. Metro State and Fort Lewis vs. Mesa State.
The NCAA could choose not to have so many matchups between teams of the same conference, so we'll see Sunday.
Will it matter for MSU? Not if they play so passively as in Saturday's loss. Winona State attacked the offensive glass, and Minnesota State didn't match the physical play. The referees allowed a lot of contact, and the Mavericks didn't adjust.
Unfortunately, Minnesota State has a reputation for great regular seasons and postseason losses. So far, that's the story on this season.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
MSU men stay at No. 1 in region
Despite Saturday's loss to Concordia-St. Paul, the Minnesota State men's basketball team remained atop the NCAA Division II Central Region rankings, which were released Wednesday.
Colorado School of Mines jumped up to No. 2, followed by Fort Lewis, Mary, Augustana, Fort Lewis, Mesa State and New Mexico Highlands.
The Mavericks probably need to win the final three regular-season games against Minnesota Duluth, Bemidji State and Southwest Minnesota State, all on the road to stay at No. 1. Minnesota State might also have to win a couple games in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference tournament.
Te Mavericks had a similar loss last year, falling at home to Augustana near the end of the regular season. Minnesota State then lost to Southwest in the opening round of the conference tournament but held onto the top ranking in the region and hosted the regional tournament.
Can the Mavericks take another loss? Probably not. Mines and Fort Lewis play each other this week so that eliminates one of those teams from jumping to No. 1. However, the winner seriously increases its schedule strength.
It would be best for the Mavericks to win these next three games, all against teams from the bottom half of the Northern Sun. That's something Minnesota State controls.
Colorado School of Mines jumped up to No. 2, followed by Fort Lewis, Mary, Augustana, Fort Lewis, Mesa State and New Mexico Highlands.
The Mavericks probably need to win the final three regular-season games against Minnesota Duluth, Bemidji State and Southwest Minnesota State, all on the road to stay at No. 1. Minnesota State might also have to win a couple games in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference tournament.
Te Mavericks had a similar loss last year, falling at home to Augustana near the end of the regular season. Minnesota State then lost to Southwest in the opening round of the conference tournament but held onto the top ranking in the region and hosted the regional tournament.
Can the Mavericks take another loss? Probably not. Mines and Fort Lewis play each other this week so that eliminates one of those teams from jumping to No. 1. However, the winner seriously increases its schedule strength.
It would be best for the Mavericks to win these next three games, all against teams from the bottom half of the Northern Sun. That's something Minnesota State controls.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
MSU men move to No. 1 in region rankings
Two road victories last weekend not only strengthened the Minnesota State men's basketball team's chances of winning the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference championship, they also put the Mavericks in position to host the NCAA tournament's Central Region.
Minnesota State (19-2) moved into the No. 1 spot in the region rankings, which were released Wednesday.
Fort Lewis, which had been ranked No. 1, lost twice last weekend and slipped to No. 2, followed by Metro State, Colorado School of Mines, Mary, Augustana, New Mexico Highlands and Winona State.
The Mavericks host St. Cloud State on Friday (8 p.m.)and Concordia-St. Paul on Saturday (6 p.m.. The regular season ends with road games at Minnesota Duluth, Bemidji State and Southwest Minnesota State.
The Mavericks have a two-game over Mary in the conference and could clinch the Northern Sun title with two wins this weekend and two losses by Mary. If the Mavericks win four of the five remaining games, they will be the No. 1 seed for the conference tournament.
However, the big prize is hosting the region tournament. Minnesota State hosted that event last season but lost in the semifinals, but the No. 1 seed has been very successful in the last 10 seasons.
Minnesota State (19-2) moved into the No. 1 spot in the region rankings, which were released Wednesday.
Fort Lewis, which had been ranked No. 1, lost twice last weekend and slipped to No. 2, followed by Metro State, Colorado School of Mines, Mary, Augustana, New Mexico Highlands and Winona State.
The Mavericks host St. Cloud State on Friday (8 p.m.)and Concordia-St. Paul on Saturday (6 p.m.. The regular season ends with road games at Minnesota Duluth, Bemidji State and Southwest Minnesota State.
The Mavericks have a two-game over Mary in the conference and could clinch the Northern Sun title with two wins this weekend and two losses by Mary. If the Mavericks win four of the five remaining games, they will be the No. 1 seed for the conference tournament.
However, the big prize is hosting the region tournament. Minnesota State hosted that event last season but lost in the semifinals, but the No. 1 seed has been very successful in the last 10 seasons.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
St. Cloud State celebrates basketball championship
The championship game of the Central Region men's basketball tournament wasn't artful or pretty, but St. Cloud State sure likes the way it turned out.
The Huskies scored the last 13 points over the final 1:30 to defeat Augustana 84-75 in overtime to advance to the Elite Eight.
The Huskies made 18 turnovers and hit only 25 of 39 free throws, but they proved that they were better than the No. 4 seed in the tournament, taking out top-seeded Minnesota State in the semifinals and third-seeded Augustana in the championship.
Again, the Huskies' role players were key as Josh Ortmann scored 17 points, Brett Putz had 13 points and Theo Rothstein added 10 points. And starter Andrew Bernstetter, who didn't score in regulation time, had six points in the overtime, including a go-ahead 3-pointer.
Many fans thought St. Cloud State was the best team coming in, and it's no surprise that they won. It'll be interesting to see how this team plays at the Elite Eight because it's built for halfcourt, grind-it-out basketball that's usually successful as the games become more important.
The Huskies scored the last 13 points over the final 1:30 to defeat Augustana 84-75 in overtime to advance to the Elite Eight.
The Huskies made 18 turnovers and hit only 25 of 39 free throws, but they proved that they were better than the No. 4 seed in the tournament, taking out top-seeded Minnesota State in the semifinals and third-seeded Augustana in the championship.
Again, the Huskies' role players were key as Josh Ortmann scored 17 points, Brett Putz had 13 points and Theo Rothstein added 10 points. And starter Andrew Bernstetter, who didn't score in regulation time, had six points in the overtime, including a go-ahead 3-pointer.
Many fans thought St. Cloud State was the best team coming in, and it's no surprise that they won. It'll be interesting to see how this team plays at the Elite Eight because it's built for halfcourt, grind-it-out basketball that's usually successful as the games become more important.
Monday, March 15, 2010
No Minnesota State, but still good basketball in town
Even though Minnesota State was eliminated from the Central Region men's basketball tournament Sunday, there's still going to be an interesting championship game Tuesday between Augustana and St. Cloud State at Bresnan Arena.
Augustana and St. Cloud State were the best teams in this tournament. The Vikings' fullcourt, 3-point shooting attack has been effective, though the defensive prowess of their two opponents in questionable. If Augustana is able to control the pace, and get open shots from the arc for Cody Schilling, David Foster and Cameron McCaffrey, the Vikings will win.
The Huskies favor more of a halfcourt game that features rugged Matt Schneck, a post player without peer in this tournament. If St. Cloud State can make it a halfcourt game, and the inside-outside duo of point guard Taylor Witt and Schneck dominates, the Huskies will win.
The contrast of styles makes this an intriguing matchup, made even more appealing if you don't care who wins. And there should be plenty of good tickets available.
Augustana and St. Cloud State were the best teams in this tournament. The Vikings' fullcourt, 3-point shooting attack has been effective, though the defensive prowess of their two opponents in questionable. If Augustana is able to control the pace, and get open shots from the arc for Cody Schilling, David Foster and Cameron McCaffrey, the Vikings will win.
The Huskies favor more of a halfcourt game that features rugged Matt Schneck, a post player without peer in this tournament. If St. Cloud State can make it a halfcourt game, and the inside-outside duo of point guard Taylor Witt and Schneck dominates, the Huskies will win.
The contrast of styles makes this an intriguing matchup, made even more appealing if you don't care who wins. And there should be plenty of good tickets available.
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