Let's do this.
A little less than two hours till tip. How's the weather? The ticket site is shut down. When I checked earlier I would guess close to 4000. CC as an example was filled except the top 5 or 6 rows. A good walk up/drive up will get it to a very good crowd.
Weather' fine; partly cloudy, 42 degrees, snow melting (but still inches deep), roads clear.
Chairbacks less than half full for the Detroit game, but definitely some VU fans in evidence.
18-18 with 7:22 to go. Wright State really struggled in the early going, but Detroit didn't capitalize and Detroit trailed by as many as.. 5? A little more?
Detroit on a 5-0 run to tie.
WSU already has run 9 players out there. Detroit has 6.
[insert my autotext repetitive trope about detroit bench or lack thereof]
Wright State shoots ~60% for the first half, while committing ten turnovers. Detroit without many fast break points, however.
Ray 0-1 on the half.
29-29.
HL POY @ the half: 0-3, 1 reb, 0 ast, 3 steals
er...make that four stolen things in a week.
Let's go WSU!
I see us beating GB handily again, as Sykes can't handle Buggs:
Valpo 78
GB 65
regretfully friends, i won't be able to join you all in the chat tonight as i'm stuck at work. but rest assured i'll be watching, and may be in this thread a little bit.
Me as well, Go Crusaders! :thumbsup:
Eerily silent.
Until Broekhoff brings the roof down!!!
I cannot think of a time I have yelled that loud :). Fiancee had to come running in from across the house to watch what I was yelling 'OOOOOOOOOOOOOO' for. Clutch 3 by Kenney when it seemed like it wouldn't matter...and Broekhoff...nothing you can say but 'wow' on that shot. That is a primetime player, and I loved watching the faces of GB's players as it went in, especially Sykes ;D.
Different tournament, but how about winning 70-69 15 years from the shot? :)
Wow! My goodness. What a game. Way more competitive than I wanted. Way more drama. Sykyes playing way better than I'd have liked. I could have done without the injury (ice bath, now!, how will he play Tuesday?!).
More so than any game I remember, Broekhoff seemed to force the offense through him in the last ten minutes. Not all the time (see Kenney miss, and key redemptive make), note too excess, but he was taking significantly tougher shots than usual.
And, that last shot, my goodness! Good thing he had time to check his momentum, get back behind the line, and a lot of contest on that shot! Was he fouled as well?
My goodness.
Great game - great finish. Enormous heart from Kevin. Rest! Get better! Play Tuesday.
:bowdown: Ryan Brokeoven. Words cannot describe the level of pumped up I am right now.
UNBELIEVABLE!
I just ran around my house screaming my lungs off like an absolute madman for a good 30 seconds before my father calmed me down.
Ryan Broekhoff.... Wow.
Wow. Thanks to Ryan. Great game despite our poor free throw shooting and generally soft defense. At least our turnovers were down.
Although Brown missed an obviously key shot, how good would Valpo be if we had him inside? Only a junior, and we had no answer to him. During the entire second half, he made our big guys look like high school kids.
Well done. Both teams left it on the floor tonight. Our best just got hotter at the right time! Way to go Rowdy! And every one of the Crusaders for
giving it all. Now rest a little, before we really finish business Tuesday night! (Almost a mini-Pacer , coach Drew!). :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :clap:
Yeehaw! I was seconds away from a nepotism-related rant about squandering the most experienced team in the nation and yada yada yada. Glad I don't have to make that post. What a bloody amazing ending! In Broekhoff we trust. GO VALPO.
Quote from: jloose128 on March 09, 2013, 09:45:31 PM
UNBELIEVABLE!
I just ran around my house screaming my lungs off like an absolute madman for a good 30 seconds before my father calmed me down.
Ryan Broekhoff.... Wow.
And not voted POY?????????
After tonight's game...I think the voters are aware of their mistake!
And instead of a scathing rant, time for a victory shot of whiskey. Hot friggin damn, thank you Ryan. I might write a check to Valpo athletics tonight. Woot woot.
After a quick look at the World Baseball Classic or something like that, Marquette-Wright St-Valpo-Alabama buzzer beaters to lead SportsCenter
Very exciting games in the horizon league....
Way to go Ryan - that ending rocked!!! I totally think you deserved POY and you just showed everyone why.
That has to be #1. This is a conference tournament, and a completely contested off balance 3.
Also, good to see that the US has taken a 6-2 lead on Italy in the WBC :). They were down 2-1 when I last cared to check
Hell of a shot by Ryan, but without Kenney's three just before, that ending probably never happens.
Hell of a job by all the guys tonight. Win this damn thing!
Quote from: rink on March 09, 2013, 09:53:21 PM
And instead of a scathing rant, time for a victory shot of whiskey. Hot friggin damn, thank you Ryan. I might write a check to Valpo athletics tonight. Woot woot.
Just puored myself the biggest glass of scotch I've had in a long time. Got to slow my heart down. Truely amazing finish. What can you say about Rowdy - he's the real deal! Got a special single malt reserved for Tuesday. :thumbsup:
Another fine exhibit played out tonight as to why daddy's boy shouldn't represent the HL POY
Quote from: Goraiders93 on March 09, 2013, 10:14:50 PM
Another fine exhibit played out tonight as to why daddy's boy shouldn't represent the HL POY
Your Raiders were VERY impressive tonight at both ends of the court. Loved the way they kept Jr. from going left and driving to the hoop. They completely took him out of the game. Congratulations and good luck Tuesday.
My ears were still ringing 30 minutes after the game - never heard the ARC that loud!
That did sound like quite a 'pop' ;D. Only listed as 3,285 fans as well. I thought it looked like more? Glad to see the students there!
I've never been apart of anything like what took place tonight..
Quote from: valpotx on March 09, 2013, 11:14:26 PM
That did sound like quite a 'pop' ;D. Only listed as 3,285 fans as well. I thought it looked like more? Glad to see the students there!
That has to be a mistake. There were at least 4500. Every ticket in the lower level sections was sold (less a handful). The upper level looked nearly full.
There was a lot of empty seats in the upper deck. A lot meaning maybe a 1000. Last year, the Saturday games had a full house.
Didn't make the connection that this game was 70-69 and so was the Shot game. Also, we are now like 16-1 when scoring 70 or more. Wright State kept Detroit in the 50s. Detroit looked out of sync all night.
Quote from: valpotx on March 09, 2013, 09:42:16 PM
I cannot think of a time I have yelled that loud :). Fiancee had to come running in from across the house to watch what I was yelling 'OOOOOOOOOOOOOO' for. Clutch 3 by Kenney when it seemed like it wouldn't matter...and Broekhoff...nothing you can say but 'wow' on that shot. That is a primetime player, and I loved watching the faces of GB's players as it went in, especially Sykes ;D.
Different tournament, but how about winning 70-69 15 years from the shot? :)
I was surprised as well that no one else picked up on this until joe just did! Yes, I just quoted myself ;)
Dear God. I don't think I could scream in the tone I did after that shot went in. To come back from two possessions with ten seconds left is remarkable. I was complaining the whole game about missed fts, but we had a higher percentage than they did. Scared the hell outta me when Kevin went down. But he was back in there, hobbling to the scorers table but then playing like a champion. Lets get it done Tuesday.
Also, hats off to Green Bay. They played with a lot of class, unlike the team that lost before our game.
Could you see anyone from green bay or the rest of the conferance transfering...ie sykes....he was insain
Just got back from the game with lots of great photos. What a great night for the Horizon League with 2 of the top 3 plays on SportsCenter. You couldn't ask for much better promotion of the league. Here are a few of the pictures I took (more to come):
Rowdy Celebrating
(http://i50.tinypic.com/rciryb.jpg)
Hug from Buggs
(http://i47.tinypic.com/35hqph5.jpg)
Rowdy Describes His Shot in Postgame Interview
(http://i50.tinypic.com/2cmu3rm.jpg)
Dixon Describes His Shot in Postgame Interview
(http://i49.tinypic.com/34yr4ht.jpg)
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on March 09, 2013, 05:52:48 PM
HL POY @ the half: 0-3, 1 reb, 0 ast, 3 steals
er...make that four stolen things in a week.
I was told there were NBA scouts at the two games tonight taking notes. I'd love to see their comments.
Some thoughts....
- other than than "the shot", what other valpo buzzer beaters are on par with the one? The Tonegal half courter at home in '99 against Belmont? (Are my facts even right n that?) Not exactly a marquee game, and only one year after the sweet 16 year, but still the closest match? Thank you Ryan Broekhoff!!
- it looked like after the make and during all the excitement, Rowdy was pointing towards the scoring table as if doubting the legality of the shot and holding out enthusiasm until it was official ... the ultimate gesture of humility, in an era when most college players are trying to convine the officials that the player knows best
- maybe it's my soft spot for late 90s Marquette hoops, but Wardle's team played excellent and with tons of class ... deserved the win, and handled the disappointment with grace ... they wouldnt want to hear it, but it's commendabe
Quote from: crusaderjoe on March 09, 2013, 10:01:37 PM
Hell of a shot by Ryan, but without Kenney's three just before, that ending probably never happens.
Hell of a job by all the guys tonight. Win this damn thing!
The
REAL TRUTH. If Valpo makes it's normal percentage of free throws the Crusaders don't need the dramatic comeback. Thank God for Kenney and Broekhoff! Valpo pulled it off!!
Even Bogan misses a free throw in this game. Man!!!
There was a player named Terrance Price, I believe, who made 4 threes in the last 2 minutes or maybe even the last minute of a game to win it. Anyone remember all the details and if I have the correct guy? Was it Stalin Ortiz? That Soviet Colombian player?
Quote from: historyman on March 10, 2013, 07:11:51 AM
There was a player named Terrance Price, I believe, who made 4 threes in the last 2 minutes or maybe even the last minute of a game to win it. Anyone remember all the details and if I have the correct guy? Was it Stalin Ortiz? That Soviet Colombian player?
You have it right:
Price averaged 6.6 points and 2.5 rebounds during his two-year Crusader career, shooting 38.1% from three-point range and helping the Brown and Gold capture back-to-back Mid-Continent Conference Tournament titles. But Price was perhaps most well known for one singular performance, January 28, 1999 against Oakland, when he made four three-pointers in a 54 second span with the Crusaders down and just over two minutes remaining in the game, one Valpo would win 76-72.
wow. just wow. for most of the second half, we didn't deserve to win. but that last 30 seconds damn near killed me. sykes single-handedly almost killed us, and brown played better last night than in the first two games against us - if he had played like that for most of the season he would've repeated as first teamer.
i know kvw's ankle is gonna be sore today and tomorrow, but i really hope he'll be okay to play on tuesday. as he showed last night, he's a key cog in our offense.
Quote from: vuweathernerd on March 10, 2013, 07:49:19 AM
wow. just wow. for most of the second half, we didn't deserve to win. but that last 30 seconds damn near killed me. sykes single-handedly almost killed us, and brown played better last night than in the first two games against us - if he had played like that for most of the season he would've repeated as first teamer.
i know kvw's ankle is gonna be sore today and tomorrow, but i really hope he'll be okay to play on tuesday. as he showed last night, he's a key cog in our offense.
Once Kevin suffered the ankle injury he simply did not have the ability to get around screens and stay up with the play, which gave Brown open looks that he ordinarily would not have had. So yeah, he had a strong performance, but Kevin's injury had a lot to do with it.
Hell of a game...from the videos I saw, kinda reminds me of the atmosphere when Valpo beat Western Illinois to win the 1995 Mid Con Championship game in triple overtime... Need to get KVW some rest.
If anything, this gave the team their "oh s**t" moment that they needed, but also gave them some confidence on coming back late in the game...
I have to give a tip of the hat to Sykes. Until last night I couldn't see him as a HL 1st team player. No convincing needed now. ;)
Quote from: truth219 on March 10, 2013, 12:14:24 AMCould you see anyone from green bay or the rest of the conferance transfering...ie sykes....he was insain
Two words: Kyle Kelm
Quote from: wh on March 10, 2013, 08:00:43 AM
Quote from: vuweathernerd on March 10, 2013, 07:49:19 AM
wow. just wow. for most of the second half, we didn't deserve to win. but that last 30 seconds damn near killed me. sykes single-handedly almost killed us, and brown played better last night than in the first two games against us - if he had played like that for most of the season he would've repeated as first teamer.
i know kvw's ankle is gonna be sore today and tomorrow, but i really hope he'll be okay to play on tuesday. as he showed last night, he's a key cog in our offense.
Once Kevin suffered the ankle injury he simply did not have the ability to get around screens and stay up with the play, which gave Brown open looks that he ordinarily would not have had. So yeah, he had a strong performance, but Kevin's injury had a lot to do with it.
yes, but he was also making moves and getting better looks before kevin rolled his ankle. and when he curled around that screen and hit that jumper - that was a thing of beauty for a 7-footer.
The other late game winners that came to mind -- Lubos on the road with steal and bucket? And Buggy against Detroit coast to coast
Lubos did hit a game winner at IUPUI from just inside the top of the key. It hit the front rim and crawled in.
Anybody know how to watch the post game interview ?...
In addition to Rowdy, I have to give some recognition with a few of my photos to Matt and Kevin, who played unbelievably tough throughout the game.
Here is Matt with his mom just to his right looking as if she is praying for the shot.
(http://i47.tinypic.com/15mlo8w.jpg)
Matt enjoying answering questions at the postgame interview.
(http://i50.tinypic.com/2w722ow.jpg)
Kevin gets hurt, and everyone wondered if this would be a repeat of his injury in last year's tournament.
(http://i46.tinypic.com/2r7sfeu.jpg)
Kevin leaves the court totally exhausted after the celebrations. He couldn't participate in the postgame interviews because he was already getting rehab treatment.
(http://i49.tinypic.com/dbhc0x.jpg)
Quote from: valpo84 on March 10, 2013, 10:05:14 AM
The other late game winners that came to mind -- Lubos on the road with steal and bucket? And Buggy against Detroit coast to coast
How about B-Mac's New Year's Eve Miracle against Milwaukee? Half-court steal and a layup in the final seconds to defeat the Panthers
Quote from: KL31NY on March 10, 2013, 11:50:50 AM
Quote from: valpo84 on March 10, 2013, 10:05:14 AM
The other late game winners that came to mind -- Lubos on the road with steal and bucket? And Buggy against Detroit coast to coast
How about B-Mac's New Year's Eve Miracle against Milwaukee? Half-court steal and a layup in the final seconds to defeat the Panthers
Good job of remembering, '84 and KL. The Erik and Brandon plays were incredible. To be honest, I don't remember the Lubos steal and bucket. Could someone fill in the blanks on that one?
Anyone notice the clock not start right when KVW grabs the missed ft? I'd say about a half second goes by with no clock movement. I still say he gets the shot away.
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on March 09, 2013, 05:52:48 PM
HL POY @ the half: 0-3, 1 reb, 0 ast, 3 steals
er...make that four stolen things in a week.
In addition to Ryan deserving the POY award, I also thought Kevin deserved to be on the first team. Minnerath is a very good player, but I thought Kevin added more on the court. In fact, in his post-game interview Coach McCallum made a point of saying the reason Detroit lost was because their two first-team players did not score. Therefore, after last night's game, I thought it appropriate to bring back this favorite photo:
(http://i49.tinypic.com/2ym62x5.jpg)
2002, at the Jungle. I'm struggling to remember how the last defensive possession went, but I think Lubos did get a steal off a deflection with about 15 seconds left. After a timeout, with the clock winding down, Lubos took a contested 18 footer just inside the top of the key slightly right of center. It was just short, but he got a friendly bounce to give Valpo a 74-73 win in overtime. As for Tonegel's shot, I believe it was measured at 77 Feet, as he released it from Valpo's FT line. Bryce also made a shot from his own FT line just before halftime of a Mid-Con Tournament game versus Eastern Illinois.
Quote from: HC on March 10, 2013, 12:57:32 PM
Anyone notice the clock not start right when KVW grabs the missed ft? I'd say about a half second goes by with no clock movement. I still say he gets the shot away.
I've not looked at it. But, they seemed to mention it every time on ESPN. And that they thought the shot went off in time anyway.
While not a game winner we should give a mention to Mike Jones' layup as the clock ran out against ND to tie the game in '88 and send it to overtime, which ultimately resulted in a Valpo win. I thought the Anselm/Jones fast break was the most exciting play ever to happen at the ARC, until of course last night.
Don't forget Shawn Huff's 3-pointer to cap a 9-point comeback inside the final two minutes and send the final Oral Roberts home game to overtime, where we eventually won.
I was thinking Ivan Vujic's layup to beat ORU on a Saturday afternoon in January 2000 at the ARC.
Some other buzzer beaters - These are off the top of my head, so I may have a fact or two off. In the OT year 1992-93 - Casey Schmidt hit a 3 to force OT at UIC. Valpo winning in double OT. A few weeks later, Lance Barker hit a 3 to force OT at WIU. Valpo won that game. In 1997, Craig Brunes hit a 3 at the buzzer to win at C. Connecticut St. In 1998, Jamie Sykes hit a deep jumper from the left wing at the buzzer to give Valpo a win over Pacific in Hawaii. A few months later, Bryce hit a coast to coast floater to beat Buffalo at the buzzer.
Perhaps few of you will remember this, but in 1970 John Sears hit both ends of a 1 and 1 with no time left on the clock to beat (at that time one of our big rivals) St. Joseph's 85-84.
Paul
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on March 09, 2013, 05:52:48 PM
HL POY @ the half: 0-3, 1 reb, 0 ast, 3 steals
er...make that four stolen things in a week.
STARTERS M FG 3FG FT OR TR A TO STL BLK PF PTS
R. McCallum, G 39 1-7 0-2 3-6 2 7 0 4 5 0 2 5
R. Broekhoff, F 35 8-13 5-9 4-5 1 6 4 3 1 0 3 25
"Stolen" is the correct term.
In case anyone is wondering if Sykes outplayed Ryan because he scored 6 more points, compare his entire stat line.
K. Sykes, G 39 11-20 4-6 5-7 0 5 6 3 2 0 2 31
Valpo Crusaders (MBB) vs. Butler 1/29/2011 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XiVuZX6f0U#)
Not a buzzer beater, but the shot at the 4:44 mark is one of the biggest in the last few years.
I was at the Price game...amazing, amazing finish.
Quote from: chef on March 10, 2013, 01:44:32 PM
2002, at the Jungle. I'm struggling to remember how the last defensive possession went, but I think Lubos did get a steal off a deflection with about 15 seconds left. After a timeout, with the clock winding down, Lubos took a contested 18 footer just inside the top of the key slightly right of center. It was just short, but he got a friendly bounce to give Valpo a 74-73 win in overtime.
Do I recall correctly that the final shot was off an inbounds pass from Berdiel with 1.4 seconds to go or something? Also, if I'm not mistaken, didn't IUPUI jump out to a 20-9 lead in that game?
I vividly remember listening to that game.
I don't remember it coming off an inbounds, but I'm not sure. Paul Oren might have the answer, because he reminds me from time to time that the call was "Valpo 74 IUPUI 73, the Crusaders escape from Indianapolis."
Quote from: valporun on March 10, 2013, 02:29:36 PM
I was thinking Ivan Vujic's layup to beat ORU on a Saturday afternoon in January 2000 at the ARC.
That was a great game to watch. If I remember correctly, it was actually a hook shot from just inside the FT line, and Vu ran down the court holding up his 'VU/Vu' signal (symbol for OK) :)
Quote from: 78crusader on March 10, 2013, 02:53:52 PMPerhaps few of you will remember this, but in 1970 John Sears hit both ends of a 1 and 1 with no time left on the clock to beat (at that time one of our big rivals) St. Joseph's 85-84. Paul
I remember that play despite my being in 2nd grade at the time. I was sitting at mid court in the first row. Of course nobody wanted to sit there in Hilltop in those days because it was right on top of the action. Too on top because many players and basketballs would end up in our laps. I remember Wolfenburg falling on me one game. He was really sorry about it. I was a tough 2nd grader back then. I remember telling all my friends "Wolfy fell on me last night, it was great."
Just looking at the replay, the clock didn't start until Ryan touched the ball. That said it was 1.2 seconds when Ryan released the ball, so it was all good regardless.
Quote from: valpotx on March 11, 2013, 03:09:02 AM
Quote from: valporun on March 10, 2013, 02:29:36 PM
I was thinking Ivan Vujic's layup to beat ORU on a Saturday afternoon in January 2000 at the ARC.
That was a great game to watch. If I remember correctly, it was actually a hook shot from just inside the FT line, and Vu ran down the court holding up his 'VU/Vu' signal (symbol for OK) :)
You might be right about that, tx. After so many games over our 5 years at VU, the games, scores, game-winning shots, all seem to mesh together. It was a great shot though.
On the subject of buzzer-beaters that has been brought up in this read, obviously pgmado has done his reading
Broekhoff, Barton and Buzzer-Beaters
http://www.nwitimes.com/blogs/sports/valparaiso-university/broekhoff-barton-and-buzzer-beaters/article_40602bd6-8a3f-11e2-ad5a-001a4bcf887a.html (http://www.nwitimes.com/blogs/sports/valparaiso-university/broekhoff-barton-and-buzzer-beaters/article_40602bd6-8a3f-11e2-ad5a-001a4bcf887a.html)
I'd like to say how impressed I was with Ryan in this game. Not because he hit the game winning shot, because we all know that was great, but because he forced things a little bit when it was necessary. He hit some tough shots, but more importantly he took some tough shots. Ryan will have to play like that the rest of the way if Valpo's going to continue having success (define that however you choose). This team is better when he's just a tiny bit selfish.
Thanks for sharing that article.... Loved it - such a great read. i love that it included Lubos. He was a fun player to watch. (and i LOVED the dig on the HL POY who passed up a shot) ... What movie has the qoute - "I want the ball coach. Winners usually do"?
With Todd's call.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9x2BFYpOXs#ws (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9x2BFYpOXs#ws)
Love BMac's guttoral laughter!
The Replacements. "Pain heals, chicks dig scars, glory...lasts forever."
Great call by Todd and I loved Brandon in the background. He sounded like Bill Rogers in Oklahoma City. :)
I also enjoyed the Lubos part of your article Paul. It is amazing that he still remembers games from 11-12 years ago, as I am sure that he has played around 500+ since that time. The things that stick out most about our past players are how well-rounded and well-spoken they all are, and just good overall people :)
Quote from: govalpogo on March 11, 2013, 11:21:06 AM
With Todd's call.
Love BMac's guttoral laughter!
Great montage! Very happy to hear the call, and BMac's excited additions were great.
Quote from: Smj on March 11, 2013, 10:56:36 AM
Thanks for sharing that article.... Loved it - such a great read. i love that it included Lubos. He was a fun player to watch. (and i LOVED the dig on the HL POY who passed up a shot) ... What movie has the qoute - "I want the ball coach. Winners usually do"?
Yes, excellent article by Paul. I appreciate the way it puts the current season and particularly Rowdy's play into a historical perspective. This should remind readers why we ought to be thankful for the current group of seniors, as well as to especially savor these final times we get to watch Rowdy and the others play in a Valpo uniform.
Quote from: KL31NY on March 11, 2013, 10:34:26 AM
Broekhoff, Barton and Buzzer-Beaters
http://www.nwitimes.com/blogs/sports/valparaiso-university/broekhoff-barton-and-buzzer-beaters/article_40602bd6-8a3f-11e2-ad5a-001a4bcf887a.html (http://www.nwitimes.com/blogs/sports/valparaiso-university/broekhoff-barton-and-buzzer-beaters/article_40602bd6-8a3f-11e2-ad5a-001a4bcf887a.html)
Great piece - very inspirational. Might even sell a couple of tickets.
It really says a lot about the program that all these guys who leave keep rooting for them. B-Mac, who if not for his redshirt would not have shared the court with any of the current players, was as happy as any of the current roster, and Lubos was excited as well.
Lesser men like to see things collapse after they leave, to make it seem as though they were the ones holding everything up.
Quote from: Valpo89 on March 11, 2013, 11:36:17 AM
Great call by Todd and I loved Brandon in the background.
An instant classic! :clap: :clap: :clap:
Andy Katz blog:
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/blog/_/name/katz_andy/id/9039611/a-wooden-award-winner-other-march-madness-thoughts-college-basketball (http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/blog/_/name/katz_andy/id/9039611/a-wooden-award-winner-other-march-madness-thoughts-college-basketball)
• I loved seeing the complete opposite reactions from Valpo's Bryce Drew and Marquette's Buzz Williams after buzzer-beaters Saturday. Drew fell backward to the floor and rolled over. He experienced the thrill of making a last-second shot as a player and now knows what it's like to coach one. Williams never uncrossed his arms in the corner as Vander Blue hit the game-winning shot off the glass. I couldn't tell whether he even smiled. But I wouldn't have been surprised in the locker room if Williams didn't dive on the floor. He's not about himself in public, but he pours his passion into every possession, practice and game.
• The semifinal buzzer-beaters for the Horizon League (Wright State over Detroit, too) couldn't have come at a better time after the league took a hit with Butler's departure (I was the first to say it would take a step back). The Horizon League lost a top-25 presence, but the competitive balance and excitement didn't wilt.
Quote from: valpotx on March 11, 2013, 12:33:49 PMAndy Katz blog:
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/blog/_/name/katz_andy/id/9039611/a-wooden-award-winner-other-march-madness-thoughts-college-basketball (http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/blog/_/name/katz_andy/id/9039611/a-wooden-award-winner-other-march-madness-thoughts-college-basketball)
And, in the same blog,
Quote
I'm all for the hot team getting into the NCAA tournament with a run through the conference tournament, but it has to be made more difficult than just three or four games on a neutral court. That's why the top seeds should be rewarded either with a double bye or with getting to play the tournament on the campus site (NEC) of the highest remaining seed. Liberty might still be able to get out of the Big South in this scenario, but at least the league is making it harder to do so and the best representative is more likely to come out of the league. This is still more advantageous for the conference because it gives the league the opportunity to play out of the 16-seed game. A good example is the NEC. Robert Morris earned the top spot, hosted, then lost in the semifinals to Mount St. Mary's. So that's on Robert Morris. RMU had the chance.
Quote from: govalpogo on March 11, 2013, 11:21:06 AM
With Todd's call.
Love BMac's guttoral laughter!
All right, be honest. Who was tickling B-Mac? He was absolutely giddy after that play. :lol: :rotfl:
Quote from: KL31NY on March 11, 2013, 01:43:54 PM
Quote from: govalpogo on March 11, 2013, 11:21:06 AM
With Todd's call.
Love BMac's guttoral laughter!
All right, be honest. Who was tickling B-Mac? He was absolutely giddy after that play. :lol: :rotfl:
<Sheepishly raises hand> :-[
I was two seats away from him...at least a couple of those noises he made (not exactly sure what to call them) were directed at me...
Quote from: milanmiracle on March 11, 2013, 10:50:05 AM
I'd like to say how impressed I was with Ryan in this game. Not because he hit the game winning shot, because we all know that was great, but because he forced things a little bit when it was necessary. He hit some tough shots, but more importantly he took some tough shots. Ryan will have to play like that the rest of the way if Valpo's going to continue having success (define that however you choose). This team is better when he's just a tiny bit selfish.
Not only that, but every defensive rebound he got in the final minutes was ripped down with unprecedented ferocity. GB players tried to crowd him and poke at him, and I'm fairly sure their guts paid the price for it. There was a scowl on his face every single time. It was truly a sight to see.
Quote from: StlVUFan on March 11, 2013, 03:31:16 PMNot only that, but every defensive rebound he got in the final minutes was ripped down with unprecedented ferocity.
This is still my favorite image of Ryan. How ferociously he hangs on to rebounds.
Before this year, we had never beaten the Phoenix twice in a year.
Now we've beaten them twice in 150 hours...
Quote from: StlVUFan on March 11, 2013, 03:31:16 PM
Quote from: milanmiracle on March 11, 2013, 10:50:05 AM
I'd like to say how impressed I was with Ryan in this game. Not because he hit the game winning shot, because we all know that was great, but because he forced things a little bit when it was necessary. He hit some tough shots, but more importantly he took some tough shots. Ryan will have to play like that the rest of the way if Valpo's going to continue having success (define that however you choose). This team is better when he's just a tiny bit selfish.
Not only that, but every defensive rebound he got in the final minutes was ripped down with unprecedented ferocity. GB players tried to crowd him and poke at him, and I'm fairly sure their guts paid the price for it. There was a scowl on his face every single time. It was truly a sight to see.
Quote from: agibson on March 11, 2013, 03:32:46 PMThis is still my favorite image of Ryan. How ferociously he hangs on to rebounds.
When Ryan was fouled making a three-point shot near the end of the first half for a chance at the 4-point play, I was very close nearby. He lay on the court shaking and howled. I had never seen him that emotional, and I thought that would be the shot of the game (both the basket and my picture below). Little did I know what the second half would offer.
(http://i50.tinypic.com/hsntdx.jpg)
For those interested, I have now added about 25 more of my pictures from the game at the Valpo Basketball Photography web site:
http://photography226.wordpress.com/ (http://photography226.wordpress.com/)
I so look forward to your photos....
I also love this tenacity from Bryce.
http://photography226.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/bryce-angry.jpg (http://photography226.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/bryce-angry.jpg)
He is developing a style I always wished Homer had displayed more often that only Jim Kerwin could bring out.
Quote from: Smj on March 11, 2013, 07:00:24 PM
I so look forward to your photos....
Me too. I always play "Where's Kyle" when I look through them :)
Quote from: crusaderjoe on March 10, 2013, 02:07:20 PM
While not a game winner we should give a mention to Mike Jones' layup as the clock ran out against ND to tie the game in '88 and send it to overtime, which ultimately resulted in a Valpo win. I thought the Anselm/Jones fast break was the most exciting play ever to happen at the ARC, until of course last night.
I agree. I was there and also have it on VHS tape.
Quote from: agibson on March 11, 2013, 03:32:46 PM
Quote from: StlVUFan on March 11, 2013, 03:31:16 PMNot only that, but every defensive rebound he got in the final minutes was ripped down with unprecedented ferocity.
This is still my favorite image of Ryan. How ferociously he hangs on to rebounds.
I have always called Ryan "a rebounding machine".
Quote from: valpopal on March 11, 2013, 06:33:50 PMWhen Ryan was fouled making a three-point shot near the end of the first half for a chance at the 4-point play, I was very close nearby. He lay on the court shaking and howled. I had never seen him that emotional, and I thought that would be the shot of the game (both the basket and my picture below). Little did I know what the second half would offer.
This picture is amazing!!!!! I enjoy viewing all of your photos of the action as well as seeing if I can find myself in the crowd. Really great job.
I was surprised at seeing Bryce getting so caught up at one point during the GB game, and actually getting on an official about a call. Homer seemed to only do that when it seemed the team needed some kind of energy they didn't have. Bryce is very energetic, and has been just the impact coach we've needed.
Quote from: valporun on March 12, 2013, 10:07:00 AM
I was surprised at seeing Bryce getting so caught up at one point during the GB game, and actually getting on an official about a call. Homer seemed to only do that when it seemed the team needed some kind of energy they didn't have. Bryce is very energetic, and has been just the impact coach we've needed.
I know a lot of it had to do with pumping his team back up, but that call had to have been one of the worst non-calls Valpo has had this season. It's absolutely pathetic that the refs missed that trip.
They did, however grant Valpo a makeup call the next possession with the 5-second call. The ref wasn't even counting too fast. You could see his arm wave about 3 times. I think everybody on GB realized the refs were evening it back up and didn't protest.
Has Bryce been T'd up yet as head coach? Homer use to pick his spots and get the occasional T when it was needed. I have thought a couple of times this year that Bryce could a should a gotten one to pump up the team. The first Loyola game comes to mind.
Quote from: FWalum on March 12, 2013, 11:13:49 AMHas Bryce been T'd up yet as head coach? Homer use to pick his spots and get the occasional T when it was needed. I have thought a couple of times this year that Bryce could a should a gotten one to pump up the team. The first Loyola game comes to mind.
The first Detroit game also comes to mind. I don't remember him being T'd this year.
Quote from: agibson on March 11, 2013, 11:55:55 AM
Quote from: KL31NY on March 11, 2013, 10:34:26 AM
Broekhoff, Barton and Buzzer-Beaters
http://www.nwitimes.com/blogs/sports/valparaiso-university/broekhoff-barton-and-buzzer-beaters/article_40602bd6-8a3f-11e2-ad5a-001a4bcf887a.html (http://www.nwitimes.com/blogs/sports/valparaiso-university/broekhoff-barton-and-buzzer-beaters/article_40602bd6-8a3f-11e2-ad5a-001a4bcf887a.html)
Great piece - very inspirational. Might even sell a couple of tickets.
QuoteBarton played in four Mid-Con title games and went to the NCAA tournament three times. Losing the 2001 championship game against Southern Utah is one of Barton's most vivid memories of his four years at Valparaiso.
"We played terribly, always a step behind everywhere," Barton said. "We were getting embarrassed out there...it wasn't meant to be. We didn't deserve it"
Much like the Crusaders last year, the 2001 team was led mainly with juniors, but there was still a trio of seniors who ended their careers with a loss to the Thunderbirds. It was those players who Barton thought of as he prepared for his senior season.
"I remember the feeling after the game," Barton said. "I felt so bad for our seniors Marko Punda, Jason Jenkins and Dwayne Toatley. It was over for them! No trip to the NCAAs. Over. I felt bad and happy that I still had one more shot."
Barton and his senior teammates made the most of their last chance and throughout the season they displayed resiliency when their backs were against the wall.
Was on the bench for both the 2001 and 2002 tournaments. The 2001 championship tournament/game was very strange as Lubos says. That was the infamous Mono tournament, Toatley had just been cleared to play but Stovall had not. We met with the doctors every day with no success so I had to sit next to a very scary and upset Milo Stovall for the whole tournament. The next year the feeling was completely different and so of course was the result. Lets hope that this years team parallels the 2002 team culminating in a tournament VICTORY. I think winning in front of a packed ARC and home crowd would make things even that much better. I am praying that the boys play to the best of their God given abilities and if that happens we should be dancing!
Wasn't Gomes also out with an injury for that SUU game? I remember that we were missing some key cogs, in addition to Milo. The best/most embarrassing part of that game was that the ESPN cameras were focused on myself and one of my teammates for around 10 seconds, because of his sign that he was holding. Well, it was also the time that I was yelling at Jeff Monaco, who was chest-thumping throughout the game. You can see some 'not so nice' words coming out of my mouth :). Memories of being a Sophomore/19 year old lol.
Quote from: milanmiracle on March 11, 2013, 10:50:05 AMI'd like to say how impressed I was with Ryan in this game. Not because he hit the game winning shot, because we all know that was great, but because he forced things a little bit when it was necessary. He hit some tough shots, but more importantly he took some tough shots. Ryan will have to play like that the rest of the way if Valpo's going to continue having success (define that however you choose). This team is better when he's just a tiny bit selfish.
Excellent point. I've felt at times when the team is in a bit of a funk Rowdy should force things just a bit to shake things up.
Quote from: 70zboy on March 12, 2013, 03:22:10 PMI've felt at times when the team is in a bit of a funk Rowdy should force things just a bit to shake things up.
So true, but it's not in his personality the way it is in (for example) Kobe Bryant. For better and/or worse! LVD has that attitude, for sure (just not the shooting percentage yet).
There have been a number of games where Matt Kenney (who seems to have that character trait more, if not quite the ability to go with it) played in such a manner, and Rowdy been (for want of a better word) more "polite", that I wondered aloud three or so times in our gameday chats whether the two had switched jerseys! :)
Quote from: valpotx on March 12, 2013, 11:58:30 AM
Wasn't Gomes also out with an injury for that SUU game? I remember that we were missing some key cogs, in addition to Milo. The best/most embarrassing part of that game was that the ESPN cameras were focused on myself and one of my teammates for around 10 seconds, because of his sign that he was holding. Well, it was also the time that I was yelling at Jeff Monaco, who was chest-thumping throughout the game. You can see some 'not so nice' words coming out of my mouth :). Memories of being a Sophomore/19 year old lol.
Gomes did not play that game, I seem to remember that he had an ankle or knee injury??? Not sure it would have made a huge difference if Gomes had played, but we were missing our third and sixth leading scorers in that game.
Quote from: FWalum on March 12, 2013, 11:13:49 AM
Has Bryce been T'd up yet as head coach? Homer use to pick his spots and get the occasional T when it was needed. I have thought a couple of times this year that Bryce could a should a gotten one to pump up the team. The first Loyola game comes to mind.
He got T'd up at Bankers Life Stadium last year when we played IUPUI. Can't remember any others.
Quote from: StlVUFan on March 13, 2013, 03:02:17 PM
Quote from: FWalum on March 12, 2013, 11:13:49 AM
Has Bryce been T'd up yet as head coach? Homer use to pick his spots and get the occasional T when it was needed. I have thought a couple of times this year that Bryce could a should a gotten one to pump up the team. The first Loyola game comes to mind.
He got T'd up at Bankers Life Stadium last year when we played IUPUI. Can't remember any others.
I was thinking about bench behavior at the very beginning of the second half. The contrast in styles between Bryce and Donlon was dramatic. I noticed how intense he was and you could see the energy flow to his players. And we all saw what happened. Scared the snot out of me until the last few minutes and Rowdy's dagger. Bryce's behavior was same as ever, even under stress -- pretty level. Team personalities reflect the personality of their coach. For us, sometimes that works against us (e.g., the Detroit loss this year), but other times "not-too-high-not-to-low" works too, like last night. But there are times when my personality would like to see Bryce occasionally get in players' faces, yell at them a bit, maybe even drop a "darn" or "dang." Cuz sometimes when things appear to be going south, 'coaching' or reasoning doesn't snap a kid's head out his butt, but a raised voice does.
Quote from: VULB#62 on March 13, 2013, 04:06:07 PM
Quote from: StlVUFan on March 13, 2013, 03:02:17 PM
Quote from: FWalum on March 12, 2013, 11:13:49 AM
Has Bryce been T'd up yet as head coach? Homer use to pick his spots and get the occasional T when it was needed. I have thought a couple of times this year that Bryce could a should a gotten one to pump up the team. The first Loyola game comes to mind.
He got T'd up at Bankers Life Stadium last year when we played IUPUI. Can't remember any others.
I was thinking about bench behavior at the very beginning of the second half. The contrast in styles between Bryce and Donlon was dramatic. I noticed how intense he was and you could see the energy flow to his players. And we all saw what happened. Scared the snot out of me until the last few minutes and Rowdy's dagger. Bryce's behavior was same as ever, even under stress -- pretty level. Team personalities reflect the personality of their coach. For us, sometimes that works against us (e.g., the Detroit loss this year), but other times "not-too-high-not-to-low" works too, like last night. But there are times when my personality would like to see Bryce occasionally get in players' faces, yell at them a bit, maybe even drop a "darn" or "dang." Cuz sometimes when things appear to be going south, 'coaching' or reasoning doesn't snap a kid's head out his butt, but a raised voice does.
Bryce did get into the players' faces during timeouts in the second half. In fact, during the first timeout of the second half I think he shocked some around the bench with his anger, especially when he slammed the clipboard to the floor while sitting and facing the team. The sound of the clipboard echoed throughout the ARC.
That's great! That snippet wasn't available on ESPN or I missed it. Glad to know it happened.