West Liberty Hilltopper Basketball

[Scrub]

I'm pretty sure IUP is going to host.

And if so, they've certainly earned it. No argument from down here.

[IUPalum]

Impeccable, irrefutable logic. However, my understanding is that only in-region losses apply for regional seeding purposes. However, I am not sure about other factors, such as relative weights of bad losses versus strength of schedule.
I would not complain if IUP still hosted. Great venue.

I know what you're saying BUT IUP would still have 1 less loss than WL and the Wheeling loss looks pretty bad in the metrics vs a possible loss to Call. I'm pretty sure IUP is going to host.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

I personally think IUP is hosting regardless. At this point, they can only get one more loss (if that) prior to the tourney. I'd say we're heading to Indiana.

We've seen some whacky stuff over the years so who knows. Historically, a lot of weight is given to conference tournament winners.

WL winning this week is certainly no lock. I'd assume they'll have to go through WVSU and Fairmont State (on neutral floors). IUP has to not only beat a hot Cal team tomorrow but then play in the East this weekend. If they both win out then yes it's going to be in Indiana for sure.

[Columbuseer]

A loss is a loss! .

Impeccable, irrefutable logic. However, my understanding is that only in-region losses apply for regional seeding purposes. However, I am not sure about other factors, such as relative weights of bad losses versus strength of schedule.
I would not complain if IUP still hosted. Great venue.

[Scrub]

A loss is a loss! They have 3 D2 losses. A loss to Wheeling looks far worse than a possible loss to Cal.

I personally think IUP is hosting regardless. At this point, they can only get one more loss (if that) prior to the tourney. I'd say we're heading to Indiana.

[IUPalum]

Two huge ifs:
1. IUP loses to Cal
2. WLU wins the MEC tourney,

WLU could host. Their loss to Lubbock Christian does not count as an in-region game, so both have 2 losses for seeding purposes.

A loss is a loss! They have 3 D2 losses. A loss to Wheeling looks far worse than a possible loss to Cal.

[Columbuseer]

FYI NCAA stats west liberty as of Feb 27 2023 after Wheeling Game
Improving in turnovers forced, steals, and offensive rebounds
Worsening in 3 pt % and turnovers per game



1st- 3pt attempts per game 33.6 Nova SE is #44 at 25.4
1st- Assist to turnover ratio 1.94 Nova SE is #4 at 1.64
1st- 3pt made per game 12.7 Nova SE #23 at 10.1
1st - assists per game 22.9 Nova SE is #2 at 22.1

2nd- scoring 101.1 Nova SE is #1 at 104.4
2nd- Forced turnovers 19.89 Nova se is #1 at 23.30

3rd -Turnover margin 8.1 Nova se is #1 at 10.0
3rd - Scoring margin 19 Nova se is #1 at 27
3rd - Steals per game 11.1 Nova se is #1 at 12.2


20th - FG % 49.14 Nova SE #3 at 51.95%
26th - Offensive rebounds per game 12.82 Nova SE #3 at 14.48
42th - 3 pt % 37.83 Nova SE #9 at 39.94

59th – Turnovers per Game 11.8 Nova SE 144th at 13.1
101st - FT % 73.56 Nova SE 51^st 75.85
148th - Rebound margin 0.4 Nova SE 14^th 6.8

[Columbuseer]

Two huge ifs:
1. IUP loses to Cal
2. WLU wins the MEC tourney,

WLU could host. Their loss to Lubbock Christian does not count as an in-region game, so both have 2 losses for seeding purposes.

[Columbuseer]

I tend to agree. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if Butler used his last year elsewhere.

But in the case of either Lombardi or Howlett, they will have no problem finding guys in the portal who want to play their brand of winning basketball. I'm not sure it's ever a rebuild with those coaches--more of a reload.

No decision made yet.
No d1 school has contacted him as that would be against the rules, and d1 sports are all about character and integrity, ROFL.

[Columbuseer]

Sampson is an odd one. He went from starting 29 games and playing 34 mpg at ND to making no starts and being a pine rider (12 mpg) this year.

He's good depth for WL but I can't imagine he wanted to be a depth guy and sit on the bench all year.

The wlu style is unlike anything he has played before. Minimal reliance on set plays. Requires real time situation identification, assessment, and response. He is getting better every game. With his athletic ability, when it clicks, he could be a force.
if he stays the course, he will be a much more complete player.
In fairness to him, the starting 5 had an all american, three all conference level players and a big with 2 prior years of experience. Opportunity awaits next year.

[Scrub]

Sounds like Butler is going to make the jump. We are very worried about Porterfield and Tomiwa up here.

If they stay, it should be business as usual next year. If they both leave, the run is over (and in for a rebuild year). Not to say Joe couldn't land two big transfers but hopefully we don't have to cross that bridge.

I tend to agree. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if Butler used his last year elsewhere.

But in the case of either Lombardi or Howlett, they will have no problem finding guys in the portal who want to play their brand of winning basketball. I'm not sure it's ever a rebuild with those coaches--more of a reload.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Can we talk about the fact that 3 guys who officially have "Junior" status on the roster walked in tonight's Senior Night ceremony (including Bryce Butler)? Anyone know what's going on?

Obviously, Cannady & McKinney are finished--no more eligibility. That's who was expected to walk today.

But Butler, Montague, & Sampson also walked. Have they already declared their intent to go D1 with the last year (like Bolon & Robinson) or are they heading down to Ft. Lauderdale (like Yoakum)? Cannady & McKinney are losses for sure, but if Howlett has to replace Cannady & McKinney AND Butler, Mont, & Sampson, the recruiting task just got a lot steeper.

Sounds like Butler is going to make the jump. We are very worried about Porterfield and Tomiwa up here.

If they stay, it should be business as usual next year. If they both leave, the run is over (and in for a rebuild year). Not to say Joe couldn't land two big transfers but hopefully we don't have to cross that bridge.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

All who walked are graduating.
Montague and Cannady - masters degrees
Sampson and Butler - bachelors degree
not sure whether malik got bachelors or Master's.

For the three with eligibility remaining , we will likely know their plans after NCAA tourney.

There is no shortage of players who want to play this style.
The 2 guard recruits are among the top 30 players in ohio (all positions). I will be surprised if they redshirt.

Sampson is an odd one. He went from starting 29 games and playing 34 mpg at ND to making no starts and being a pine rider (12 mpg) this year.

He's good depth for WL but I can't imagine he wanted to be a depth guy and sit on the bench all year.

[Columbuseer]

All who walked are graduating.
Montague and Cannady - masters degrees
Sampson and Butler - bachelors degree
not sure whether malik got bachelors or Master's.

For the three with eligibility remaining , we will likely know their plans after NCAA tourney.

There is no shortage of players who want to play this style.
The 2 guard recruits are among the top 30 players in ohio (all positions). I will be surprised if they redshirt.

[Scrub]

Can we talk about the fact that 3 guys who officially have "Junior" status on the roster walked in tonight's Senior Night ceremony (including Bryce Butler)? Anyone know what's going on?

Obviously, Cannady & McKinney are finished--no more eligibility. That's who was expected to walk today.

But Butler, Montague, & Sampson also walked. Have they already declared their intent to go D1 with the last year (like Bolon & Robinson) or are they heading down to Ft. Lauderdale (like Yoakum)? Cannady & McKinney are losses for sure, but if Howlett has to replace Cannady & McKinney AND Butler, Mont, & Sampson, the recruiting task just got a lot steeper.