UMBC

This topic contains 9 replies, has 4 voices, and was last updated by jimk72 jimk72 10 years, 1 month ago.

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  • #17453

    LU65
    Participant

    Game Notes

    We await word from both sides.

    KenPom Rankings and Projection

    LU (5-5) and ranked 183rd
    @
    UMBC (2-9) and ranked 335th
    LU by 6

    Sagarin Rankings and Projection

    LU (5-5) and ranked 161st
    @
    UMBC (2-9) and ranked 331st
    LU by 14

    Warnings

      1. We are to UMBC what ASU was to us

    Some 150 pegs up the KenPom ranking ladder from where the Retrivers sit, we are a most inviting target for UMBC. Dare I say, much the same ASU was to us seven days ago. It’s not likeUMBC haven’t faced tough competition before. They have, losing as they did to 3 Top 100 teams (Minnesota, George Washington and Iowa). This will be their last chance to make a statement – particularly to those who follow the American East Conference.

      2. UMBC is on a 2-game roll

    Say what you will, but a win is a win. And, UMBC can point to having won their last two setting down both Longwood and Kennesaw State. Of note was their ability to hold both opponents to limited numbers of 2nd chance and fast break points, limiting Longwood and Kennesaw State to a combined 16 second effort points and just 8 on breakaways. The team is led by Cody Joyce (6’8” junior forward) and Wayne Sparrow (6’3” senior guard and Richmond transfer ). They combine for 22.1 ppg.

      3. Will all eyes be on Colgate and the start of the PL season?

    Sixty-nine hours following the tip in Baltimore we play, in my opinion, our first meaningful game of the year. Coaches and players thinking ahead?

    4

      . Will there be a “Holiday Hangover?”

    Will we be both physically and mentally ready to compete, considering the unique travel requirements we’ll face, i.e., for many of our players, i.e., travel to/from home for Christmas followed by bus transport to/from Baltimore three days removed from both Christmas and our New Year’s Eve date with Colgate?

    #17454
    jimk72
    jimk72
    Participant

    With the way the season started, who’d a thunk we would be talking about a “trap” game. But here it is. On the road against, on paper, an inferior team on the upswing. Following one of the biggest wins in program history. Followed by the league opener. Plus the holiday lay off as mentioned above. The UMBC website is even calling Lehigh “giant killers” so they should be up for us.

    Originally set for 2pm, I was all in for a 2 ½ hour Sunday trip to Baltimore when the schedule came out. Now with the change to 5pm and a chance for a big letdown, not so much. But the team has certainly earned our support , so hopefully I won’t be alone tomorrow. And hopefully far from alone Wednesday afternoon. If they can get a road win under these circumstances it should bode well for league play and improved consistency.

    #17455

    LU65
    Participant

    Prior commitments keep me away from B’more but I’ll be on hand for Colgate. Anyone else coming? When and where to meet?

    #17456

    toddcudd
    Participant

    By pure stroke of luck, I’m going to be in b’more to see my dad today. Gonna drag my daughters, my sister, and her family to the game! I’ll wear an orange Durham bulls hat, would be happy to meet Jim or others!

    #17462

    toddcudd
    Participant

    Not a great showing, but got the win. And we had a great time at the game. Might be turning my older daughter into a hoops fan – woo-hoo!
    Goldy has been so rock-solid. Arguably mvp so far, imo.

    #17463
    jimk72
    jimk72
    Participant

    Todd, sorry I missed you. Didn’t see your note ’til this a.m. Did have a few minutes well before game time with coach’s father who is east for the holidays. A very nice guy and proud father.

    This game scared me for all the reasons mentioned above, particularly that UMBC would be way up for their last non-conference game against a “better” opponent. Agree totally on JG. Now apparently the (much deserved) full time starter.

    Somehow we got it done in a nail biter. Had no offensive flow the entire game. But they gutted it out with tough defense when they needed it. Only non-box score items for me; GP not present, KM present but in a suit, and JRG with three very impressive minutes off the bench.

    #17465

    lehigh90
    Participant

    BA with 4 fouls in only 9 minutes? Going to have to solve that problem if he wants to get bigger minutes.

    #17467
    jimk72
    jimk72
    Participant

    They put BA on their best offensive player, Sparrow. He picked up two cheap fouls quickly, and sat. Then a real one late in first half, and sat. He came back in second half and got another one, again rather quickly. Sparrow was a load to handle when he got up a head of steam.

    #17471

    toddcudd
    Participant

    A couple funny take-always for me at this game. Dragged my sister and her sons with me. She’s no serious hoops fan, but enjoys it, and goes to my nephew’s junior high games. Her two primary observations:
    “they really don’t go after their own rebounds, do they? It’s driving me nuts!”
    And “i really like number 40.”
    I guess we are related…

    #17472
    jimk72
    jimk72
    Participant

    Todd, I hate texting abbreviations…..but LOL……

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