Thursday, March 6, 2014

NEC Roundup/News and Notes:

What a wild, wild night in the NEC. The first round, usually straight forward, was anything but. For a full roundup, check out the recaps on NYC Buckets. It's well worth the read, because each and every game was pretty compelling.

We will get to those Colonials, but first a few thoughts on on the other games....

First off, the only game that went somewhat according to plan was Wagner vs Central Connecticut. The Blue Devils hung tough early, but Wagner --who has now won nine in a row--was just too much, pulling away for an 83-59 win. If Wagner puts up over 80 points they won't be beat. The Seahawks are rolling, but I still don't know how they will do if they have to play on the road against a team that can also plays stiff defense (cough, couch RMU).

Now to the madness.

Bryant, who was the three seed entering the tournament, was upset on their home court for the second straight year in the opening round of the NEC tournament. The Red Flash of St Francis PA picked up their biggest win in years. They used a late run to come back from double-digits and hung on by the skin of their teeth. Ronnie Drinnon was the biggest reason, as he finished with 20 points and 18 rebounds. That's a grown man game.

The final game of the night, chosen for National TV, was certainly the craziest. St Francis Brooklyn was rolling along, and then..BOOM! They hit a wall. With 10 minutes to go, the Terriers led by 19 points, but Rashad Whack caught fire, and St Francis forgot how to break a press. Some awful late game execution and missed free throws, and next thing you know, Whack hit a crazy three to win the game, 72-71. He finished with 28 points and a game winning three. Not a bad night. Mount went on to storm the court, which is really lame for a first round home game on your home court, but hey, who am I to judge.

The finish was so crazy to this game, I recommend you check out Ryan Peters full game story here: Mount St. Mary’s Stuns St. Francis Brooklyn in NEC Quarterfinals

Now about those RMU Colonials:

 #PackTheChuck

 First off, nice crowd but you can do better RMU! I know it's spring break, but Saturday the Chuck needs to be packed to the rafters, just like that Bryant game earlier this season. Two more games, and the Colonials get to go to the dance. Most of you, I'm assuming we're not on campus when RMU last made the tournament in 2009.


It made the whole week better, and it was an experience that is simply awesome (think UK build up, but about 10 days worth). Campus wide party during the Villanova game in 09. And who knows, maybe RMU gets placed in Dayton or Buffalo and you all will get to make a trip you will never forget? First off though, gotta get there! The students can help make it happen, so #PackTheChuck Saturday, and hopefully one last time Tuesday. #GetTheHellUp

I posted a few thoughts about the game last night: RMU Survives FDU

As noted in there, Lucky Jones and David Appolon were huge for the Colonials. Luck found his jumper at the right time and carried the offense. As for App, he did anything and everything to win. The "there's an App for that" phrase is so perfect for him, because he finds a way to do whatever Toole asks of him.

Now some other thoughts:

I don't think there is enough talk about the job that Stephen Hawkins has done for RMU the past two months.

He looked lost all season in 2012-2013, his freshman year. Coming into this season, a lot more was expected from the athletic forward. When the calender turned from December to January, it looked as if nothing had changed for Hawk. He just didn't seem like a viable division one basketball player. Toole was using him to spell Mike McFadden and Jeremiah Worthem but that was about it.

Then both McFadden and Worthem were removed from the team for various reasons, and Hawk was asked to be THE MAN in the middle for the Colonials. He's not only been adequate, he's been really good.

Take last night. The sophomore did a great job protecting the paint, recording three blocks and changing the path of many others. He knocked down that corner jumper on multiple occasions and that helps open up the paint for his teammates.

The ceiling is really high for Hawk, and we're starting to see some of that potential utilized. He's got a way to go, but his play has helped RMU get this far, and he will have to continue to play well if the Colonials want to make the NCAA tournament.

Charles Oliver was a lot better: 

You wouldn't confuse Chuck Oliver's performance for Lebron's 61 point night, but it was a lot better then his two games on RMU's final road trip. The junior went 2-4 from the floor for five points, but he played under control, and hit a huge three in the second half when RMU was desperate for offense.

Get Well Soon Karvel:

 It's been well documented that the NEC Player of the Year was ill last night, and it had a major effect on his off performance (still shocked RMU found a way to win without Karvel scoring a point). The Colonials have two days off, so hopefully Karvel get back to good health.

Chris --along with myself-- had asked a simple question for weeks now: Can RMU win when Anderson isn't on his game?

A scoreless 28 minutes, and a bench stint the final nine minutes of the game qualifies as "not being on your game." So yes, they can win without him.

Now lets hope that question won't come up until our "How will RMU replace Karvel Anderson?" article during the 2014-2015 season preview.

Get well soon MVP.

Onto the Next One:

 I noted this in the recap, but while luck wasn't on the Colonials side (not Lucky Jones, he's still a Colonial don't worry) with Vel's illness, it was on their side with the Red Flash upset.

That doesn't mean the Colonials are going to just walk over St Francis, but it is a team RMU has beaten 13 straight times. They have played RMU tough both games, and can really stretch that 2-3 with their ability to knock down the three.

Full preview out tomorrow on the semifinal, but for now, clear your plans for Saturday and get your tickets!

Oh yea, if you have extra meal plan money, go buy Karvel a hot tea.

--Lee Kunkel
--@Kunkel5
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