Iup basketball

[IUPbigINDIANS]

For the sake of comparison, WLU is only 3-2 against regionally ranked opponents. They're 3-1 in the Atlantic with 2 wins vs. Charleston and one vs. UPJ. The stinker against Fairmont is the in-region loss, and falling asleep for the final 5 minutes of the Lubbock Christian game accounts for the second regionally ranked loss. WLU can likely only grab 1-3 more regionally ranked wins (they play Fairmont this weekend and they'll likely run into one or two of those teams in the MEC tourney).

I think it's safe to say that the Hilton Garden-Indiana should start blocking rooms. I'm just not sure anyone can catch IUP for hosting honors at this point.

I don't think the Lubbock game counts for you guys as it's not a 'bordering' region. The D2 loss counts, obviously, but I don't think it hits you in the 'record vs regionally ranked' category.

There's a long way to go. IUP has a tough game tomorrow and then a trip to face a suddenly-hot California. I wouldn't book any rooms just yet.

[Scrub]

Joe has an impressive 5-1 record vs (officially) regionally ranked teams within the Atlantic.

He also has two more wins against teams officially ranked in other regions (New Haven and Walsh). Those are 'bordering' regions so I'm not sure how they factor. I think they do count, so that would make IUP 7-1 vs regionally ranked teams. That's good resume stuff.

For the sake of comparison, WLU is only 3-2 against regionally ranked opponents. They're 3-1 in the Atlantic with 2 wins vs. Charleston and one vs. UPJ. The stinker against Fairmont is the in-region loss, and falling asleep for the final 5 minutes of the Lubbock Christian game accounts for the second regionally ranked loss. WLU can likely only grab 1-3 more regionally ranked wins (they play Fairmont this weekend and they'll likely run into one or two of those teams in the MEC tourney).

I think it's safe to say that the Hilton Garden-Indiana should start blocking rooms. I'm just not sure anyone can catch IUP for hosting honors at this point.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Joe has an impressive 5-1 record vs (officially) regionally ranked teams within the Atlantic.

He also has two more wins against teams officially ranked in other regions (New Haven and Walsh). Those are 'bordering' regions so I'm not sure how they factor. I think they do count, so that would make IUP 7-1 vs regionally ranked teams. That's good resume stuff.

[EyeoftheHawk]

Not sure what's up with the Gazette lately but it again didn't run a game story (at least not in the online edition).

The Penn did have a good article on the game. They usually have player quotes (IG rarely does). Ethan's comments on coming out of the bullpen were interesting.

I can say one thing, if Ethan wasn't available last night, they weren't going to win that game. Joe didn't come out and say it ... but said he wasn't sure.

They ran a story and it contained quotes. I’m a subscriber but only get the .pdf version of the actual paper. They may not have posted it on the website.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

That's the thing, when Ethan got on the floor they starting running the offense through him. Guess what, IT WORKED!!! Running sets makes your offense more efficient. Now when teams adjust then you run plays to the next guy. Since early January, most teams have worked to take Shawndale out of the game and when it worked, IUP didn't adjust well. I haven't understood why they haven't run the offense through Ethan more often other than he hasn't practiced. He's efficient and tough to guard inside out. All teams know Shawndale isn't a great outside shooter and they give him that which is why why he drives there is always 2/3 guys waiting.

RUN PLAYS!!! This team has to many weapons to not use them.

They have so many capable scorers. Trying to run the whole offense through two guys is very frustrating to watch.

This is a much different (i.e. deeper) roster than Joe's ever had here. I don't think he's fully embraced or figured out how to use it. They are still playing, night after night, as if everything has to run through 1-2 guys.

I'd build the whole offense around Tomiwa -- and they don't run a single play for him. He's not being guarded in D2. He's too big, strong and fast. He's either scoring or getting fouled just about every time he touches the ball.

You nailed it. The more set stuff they run, the more it will open up Shawndale's lanes for the occasional drive. Lately, as you said, teams are just waiting for him.

They've become extremely predictable -- and with so many capable scorers, they should be anything but predictable.

They aren't getting another Clarion, Edinboro or some other dreg in 48 hours. SRU, on occasion, can be very good. I suspect IUP will be 'up' for this game.

[IUPalum]

Not sure what's up with the Gazette lately but it again didn't run a game story (at least not in the online edition).

The Penn did have a good article on the game. They usually have player quotes (IG rarely does). Ethan's comments on coming out of the bullpen were interesting.

I can say one thing, if Ethan wasn't available last night, they weren't going to win that game. Joe didn't come out and say it ... but said he wasn't sure.

That's the thing, when Ethan got on the floor they starting running the offense through him. Guess what, IT WORKED!!! Running sets makes your offense more efficient. Now when teams adjust then you run plays to the next guy. Since early January, most teams have worked to take Shawndale out of the game and when it worked, IUP didn't adjust well. I haven't understood why they haven't run the offense through Ethan more often other than he hasn't practiced. He's efficient and tough to guard inside out. All teams know Shawndale isn't a great outside shooter and they give him that which is why why he drives there is always 2/3 guys waiting.

RUN PLAYS!!! This team has to many weapons to not use them.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Not sure what's up with the Gazette lately but it again didn't run a game story (at least not in the online edition).

The Penn did have a good article on the game. They usually have player quotes (IG rarely does). Ethan's comments on coming out of the bullpen were interesting.

I can say one thing, if Ethan wasn't available last night, they weren't going to win that game. Joe didn't come out and say it ... but said he wasn't sure.

[IUPalum]

IUP fans should enjoy what they have. They usually have a good team out there, but 24-1 doesn't come along that often, especially following a season like they had last year. Ship has lost at least seven winnable games this season and has had me reaching for a strong drink more than once. Chris Fite will be lucky not to have an ulcer after this season, and if he doesn't have a very good offseason recruiting, next year could be the longest for the Raiders in a while. And if you follow any team in the PSAC East this season you've certainly had reason to wonder WTH is going on some of these nights.

Oh we're enjoying what we have. We just know that there is unexpected holes in this offense if this team is going to make the promise land again this year. It's getting pretty darn close to being too late to fix. That's the concern. IUP will already be the #1 seed in the PSAC Tourney but that's not what we're talking here. This team was to host and win the regional. That is the goal! In order to accomplish that goal, the offense must be more efficient and will take some pressure off that defense.

[Ship69]

You make a good point. Those of us who are fans of blue bloods have the luxury of complaining about performance in a double-digit win. As I was watching WLU last night, I was fuming at the defensive effort in the 2nd half against a mediocre Frostburg team. But that lousy defensive effort still earned them a 16-point victory in the doldrums of February--something that Charleston, WVSU, ESU, & Ship would love to be able to claim on a night when they didn't get the job done.

Playing a sub-par game (or at least a game that is below expectation) but still winning by a comfortable margin is a "first-world problem" for us fans of top teams.

IUP fans should enjoy what they have. They usually have a good team out there, but 24-1 doesn't come along that often, especially following a season like they had last year. Ship has lost at least seven winnable games this season and has had me reaching for a strong drink more than once. Chris Fite will be lucky not to have an ulcer after this season, and if he doesn't have a very good offseason recruiting, next year could be the longest for the Raiders in a while. And if you follow any team in the PSAC East this season you've certainly had reason to wonder WTH is going on some of these nights.

[Chuck Norris]

The item that causes me the largest trepidation is simply their shooting.

I don't know what has happened to it since Christmas but this team is ice cold. I'm not sure that's a 'flip a switch' item, either, which is alarming. Joe's tried to let them 'shoot out of it' but it hasn't worked thus far.

Stats are facts, as they say, and 7 of their last 8 games have been horrendous. Outside shooting since New Year's (in order):

GAME	3-PT MADE/ATTEMPTS	3-PT PERCENTAGE
SH	6-27	.222
Mercy	9-22	.409
Gannon	11-33	.333
UPJ	9-27	.333
Clarion	8-15	.533
Cal	9-23	.391
Edinboro	10-31	.323
SRU	6-23	.261
ESU	6-22	.273
SH	11-22	.500
Gannon	8-29	.276
Mercy	6-22	.273
UPJ	6-20	.300
Clarion	7-23	.304
Edinboro	5-23	.217

Shawndale is in a pretty big funk from the outside. His last (5) games he's hit just 5 of 32. On the season, he is 38 for 132 (.288).

Their best pure shooter (per some) is Jaylen Stewart. Problem is they are running nothing for him and he gets next to no shots. I'm having trouble grasping why you have a 6'5" shooting guard who isn't allowed to shoot. Dallis Dillard shoots at the second highest percentage on the team, yet doesn't get near enough opportunities. Kyle Polce is another very strong shooter -- with just 36 attempts on the season.

They aren't playing 'team' offensive basketball. That's abundantly clear when you watch them. When they do, they look fantastic. When they don't, well, we are seeing the product. They've morphed in to some form of an NBA offense, style-wise.


Also of note: Dillard obviously didn't play last night. He did dress, but is now wearing a hefty device on his knee. He was injured at the end of the Clarion game. I'd think it was a good sign he did at least dress last night. That likely means he was available in the event of an extreme emergency. That said, he was visibly limping.

I’ve thought for awhile that Shawndale has fallen a bit too in love with the three ball, but I’m sure part of that is how teams play him knowing how effective he is going to the basket. There are problems on offense for sure and I think Ethan’s inability to practice plays a part and, from what we’re told, that not changing.

Dallis is a concern. Hopefully he heals up fully and quickly, or that’s a problem. He’s too valuable as a defender and guy who does the little things.

Maybe they won’t flip the switch. But they didn’t get to be 25-1 by beating a bunch of cupcakes. They have beat a number of good teams. The potential is still there, especially if they have everybody in relatively good health.

[IUPalum]

The numbers don’t lie about the shooting, that’s for sure. I am pretty concerned about Dallis though. He’s a key component to IUP’s success, even if it doesn’t show up in a major way on the scoresheet. Let’s hope he works it out and can get back to 100%.

I think Dallis will be fine. He was suited up and ready yesterday if needed. He wasn't but unfortunately Ethan was.

[EyeoftheHawk]

The numbers don’t lie about the shooting, that’s for sure. I am pretty concerned about Dallis though. He’s a key component to IUP’s success, even if it doesn’t show up in a major way on the scoresheet. Let’s hope he works it out and can get back to 100%.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

I think regular season fatigue hits a little differently when you know you have bigger goals ahead as opposed to knowing your season, or your career, is over in a week and a half. The guys on those weaker teams know a February game against IUP is probably their last chance for a big upset win so it’s probably easier to get motivated. While IUP still has things to play for, it may take them awhile to adjust to the spirited effort they’re getting from a team they know they are better than, because it’s human nature.

That’s not to say IUP doesn’t really need to pick up their play. And it’s not to say that they don’t have issues that might not be fixable and may doom them earlier than we had thought and hoped. Ethan not practicing and having to gut out games at well under 100% may eventually be too much to overcome. I still think they’ll “flip the switch” when the games really matter. I’m not giving a eulogy on this season just yet.

The item that causes me the largest trepidation is simply their shooting.

I don't know what has happened to it since Christmas but this team is ice cold. I'm not sure that's a 'flip a switch' item, either, which is alarming. Joe's tried to let them 'shoot out of it' but it hasn't worked thus far.

Stats are facts, as they say, and 7 of their last 8 games have been horrendous. Outside shooting since New Year's (in order):

GAME	3-PT MADE/ATTEMPTS	3-PT PERCENTAGE
SH	6-27	.222
Mercy	9-22	.409
Gannon	11-33	.333
UPJ	9-27	.333
Clarion	8-15	.533
Cal	9-23	.391
Edinboro	10-31	.323
SRU	6-23	.261
ESU	6-22	.273
SH	11-22	.500
Gannon	8-29	.276
Mercy	6-22	.273
UPJ	6-20	.300
Clarion	7-23	.304
Edinboro	5-23	.217

Shawndale is in a pretty big funk from the outside. His last (5) games he's hit just 5 of 32. On the season, he is 38 for 132 (.288).

Their best pure shooter (per some) is Jaylen Stewart. Problem is they are running nothing for him and he gets next to no shots. I'm having trouble grasping why you have a 6'5" shooting guard who isn't allowed to shoot. Dallis Dillard shoots at the second highest percentage on the team, yet doesn't get near enough opportunities. Kyle Polce is another very strong shooter -- with just 36 attempts on the season.

They aren't playing 'team' offensive basketball. That's abundantly clear when you watch them. When they do, they look fantastic. When they don't, well, we are seeing the product. They've morphed in to some form of an NBA offense, style-wise.


Also of note: Dillard obviously didn't play last night. He did dress, but is now wearing a hefty device on his knee. He was injured at the end of the Clarion game. I'd think it was a good sign he did at least dress last night. That likely means he was available in the event of an extreme emergency. That said, he was visibly limping.

[Chuck Norris]

I agree, but if every team is tired, the on court impact is relative. Meaning what’s going on with this IUP team shouldn’t be what we are seeing against terrible teams.

I think regular season fatigue hits a little differently when you know you have bigger goals ahead as opposed to knowing your season, or your career, is over in a week and a half. The guys on those weaker teams know a February game against IUP is probably their last chance for a big upset win so it’s probably easier to get motivated. While IUP still has things to play for, it may take them awhile to adjust to the spirited effort they’re getting from a team they know they are better than, because it’s human nature.

That’s not to say IUP doesn’t really need to pick up their play. And it’s not to say that they don’t have issues that might not be fixable and may doom them earlier than we had thought and hoped. Ethan not practicing and having to gut out games at well under 100% may eventually be too much to overcome. I still think they’ll “flip the switch” when the games really matter. I’m not giving a eulogy on this season just yet.

[Scrub]

Wait. Did IUP not win by 20+ last night? I think we may have taken winning a little for granted. .

You make a good point. Those of us who are fans of blue bloods have the luxury of complaining about performance in a double-digit win. As I was watching WLU last night, I was fuming at the defensive effort in the 2nd half against a mediocre Frostburg team. But that lousy defensive effort still earned them a 16-point victory in the doldrums of February--something that Charleston, WVSU, ESU, & Ship would love to be able to claim on a night when they didn't get the job done.

Playing a sub-par game (or at least a game that is below expectation) but still winning by a comfortable margin is a "first-world problem" for us fans of top teams.