Bison137
Professor
Posts: 16147
Reg: 01-23-06
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12-01-17 11:32 PM - Post#238727
Bucknell Game Article:
Mid-Major Powers Collide Saturday at Sojka as Bison Host Vermont
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HuskyColonial
PhD Student
Posts: 1976
Age: 50
Reg: 02-17-12
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12-02-17 10:10 AM - Post#238735
In response to Bison137
Vermont may be the best team the Bison have played this year. At some point their road schedule has got to catch up with them.
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Bison137
Professor
Posts: 16147
Reg: 01-23-06
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Vermont Game 12-02-17 11:22 AM - Post#238738
In response to HuskyColonial
Vermont is certainly a good team, having beaten Yale and Richmond in their last two games - and having lost at Kentucky by only four points. Pomeroy ranks them 66th in the nation at present. I don't think they belong in the class of Arkansas or UNC at this point. But we'll see. In any event, the Bison injuries and lack of depth are going to make this a really tough game.
I took a quick look at the best teams (Pomeroy rankings) that have ever played in Sojka. Here is what I came up with. (Years shown are the ending year of the season, not necessarily the one when the game was played.)
OOC:
5 Villanova 2006
41 St. Joes 2006
46 Cornell 2010
50 LaSalle 2013
54 Richmond 2010
58 Princeton 2017
66 VERMONT 2018
69 UNI 2007
73 Penn 2004
82 Penn State 2015
92 Richmond 2017
93 ODU 2009
95 Ohio 2008
100 Princeton 2012
100 Princeton 2014
102 Wake Forest 2007
PL:
66 Holy Cross 2003
66 Holy Cross 205
79 Lehigh 2012 (twice)
91 Lehigh 2013 *
93 Holy Cross 2007
* That Lehigh team wasn't nearly as good at that point due to the absence of CJ McCollum.
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bison63
Postdoc
Posts: 3857
Reg: 01-23-06
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12-02-17 11:47 AM - Post#238739
In response to Bison137
A win in this one goes a long way towards erasing Monmouth/Maryland/St Jos! Another loss reinforces the belief that this team is not quite ready for prime time.
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Bison137
Professor
Posts: 16147
Reg: 01-23-06
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12-02-17 12:15 PM - Post#238741
In response to bison63
Another loss reinforces the belief that this team is not quite ready for prime time.
Or at least reinforces that they're not an elite team when they are down two starters.
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Old Bison
Masters Student
Posts: 619
Age: 65
Reg: 07-09-17
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12-02-17 12:55 PM - Post#238743
In response to Bison137
What does elite mean? They only have to be good enough to beat VT and that they are more than capable of.
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bison63
Postdoc
Posts: 3857
Reg: 01-23-06
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12-02-17 01:42 PM - Post#238748
In response to Bison137
Another loss reinforces the belief that this team is not quite ready for prime time.
Or at least reinforces that they're not an elite team when they are down two starters.
I’d argue that they took Md to the brink, and then won 3 straight without Avi, and a case could be made that Kimbal hasbeen missing all year. This is home against a good team, though not a power conference team, Bison need to win. They are not uleaving shooters wide open or giving them free access to the basket because of injuries. Once upon a time in Lewisburg it was defense first. Maybe we need some more of that.
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candyfan
Masters Student
Posts: 459
Reg: 01-10-10
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Vermont Game 12-02-17 03:40 PM - Post#238751
In response to bison63
he said "Or at least reinforces that they're not an elite team when they are down two starters."
I completely agree with him re: Vermont at Bucknell.
PLUS, Jimmy Sotos WAS college ready when he arrived and is quickly ascending as one of the better guards in the PL. He's due for a big breakout game with more playing time. Could it be tonight?
Edited by candyfan on 12-02-17 03:42 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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crd012
Junior
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Age: 35
Reg: 12-02-12
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Re: Vermont Game 12-02-17 03:53 PM - Post#238754
In response to candyfan
I just feel like we need a signature win. One to foster the confidence come tournament time, that they aren't happy to be there, but know that they can win. And two to help improve their seeding.
I really believe one very good win, brings about a swagger. I'm not saying this team doesn't have a swagger, but at some point, you have to get over the top. I know we're hurt, but we need to win. That St. Joes game was painful, a win vs Vermont would be a welcome antidote.
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MrPhillie
Postdoc
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Loc: NE PA
Reg: 07-14-08
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12-02-17 04:25 PM - Post#238756
In response to crd012
Missing Avi and Kimbal absolutely hurts. But even with those two there was something missing (and I know Kimbal was less than healthy.) This team had a ton of experience coming back but had made quite a few mistakes inexperienced teams make. Seems like Sotos is not a typical first year player with regard to his confidence, ability and IQ. At some point you have to overcome those things that are out of your control, like injuries. I believe St. Joe’s was missing their best player yet they made the game a blowout...we looked awful on defense and obviously shooting the ball. So I think everyone has to step up their play and coaching. This team still has too many good pieces not to do that.
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bison63
Postdoc
Posts: 3857
Reg: 01-23-06
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12-02-17 06:48 PM - Post#238764
In response to MrPhillie
Well said Phillie!
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BUFan
PhD Student
Posts: 1936
Reg: 01-24-06
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12-02-17 08:43 PM - Post#238770
In response to bison63
High quality game so far. Both teams playing well...
Kudos to the color man with Birdsong. He said he was the high bidder in an auction at the golf outing, and he is doing a great job especially considering he presumably has no experience.
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bison63
Postdoc
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Reg: 01-23-06
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12-02-17 10:02 PM - Post#238810
In response to BUFan
YUGE
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MrPhillie
Postdoc
Posts: 2757
Loc: NE PA
Reg: 07-14-08
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Vermont Game 12-02-17 10:07 PM - Post#238813
In response to bison63
Excellent win! Of course, shooting the ball and having them go in always helps. But all the way around, just a great effort. Sestina with some huge 3’’s, Sotos huge FT’s....awesome.
Edited by MrPhillie on 12-02-17 10:09 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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jkrun80
Postdoc
Posts: 3305
Age: 65
Reg: 05-07-12
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Re: Vermont Game 12-02-17 10:24 PM - Post#238828
In response to MrPhillie
Excellent win! Of course, shooting the ball and having them go in always helps. But all the way around, just a great effort. Sestina with some huge 3’’s, Sotos huge FT’s....awesome.
Great effort all the way around. Played good defense overall and got open for good shots. Clutch FT shooting at the end by Zach and Jimmy. Vermont is very talented. Already looking forward to the rematch in Burlington.
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BisonRoadWarrior
Professor
Posts: 5203
Loc: Where the Bison Roam
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12-02-17 11:37 PM - Post#238849
In response to BUFan
Kudos to the color man with Birdsong. He said he was the high bidder in an auction at the golf outing, and he is doing a great job
I thought so, too...for the first few minutes.
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BisonRoadWarrior
Professor
Posts: 5203
Loc: Where the Bison Roam
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12-03-17 12:22 AM - Post#238852
In response to BisonRoadWarrior
Pretty brief but here's some press conference video:
https://youtu.be/m32FoDHP40E
Outstanding bounce-back from Wednesday.
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GoBison13
Pre-Frosh
Posts: 2
Age: 32
Reg: 01-21-17
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12-03-17 12:32 AM - Post#238854
In response to BisonRoadWarrior
Finally!!! Played very well tonight. Much better then Wednesday. Sotos looked ALOT more comfortable at the 2 tonight. Thought Wednesday he looked shaky running in the offense without the ball
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Bison7882
Junior
Posts: 253
Reg: 11-24-13
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12-03-17 12:47 AM - Post#238855
In response to GoBison13
We just arrived home from the game. It was a great game between two evenly matched, talented teams. I think if it were played in Burlington, then Vermont wins. In my opinion Bucknell played its best basketball of the season. At start of each half it opened a lead of between 5-10 points but Vermont came back to take the lead. Then Bucknell went on another run to regain the lead. They really fed off the crowd's energy. Our guys looked exhausted in the second half. My wife and I both commented that exams can't come fast enough. The team needs some rest. Hopefully, they can win at Northeastern and hit the break at .500. If Avi and Kimbal are 100% for PL play, then this team should be very tough to beat.
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BisonRoadWarrior
Professor
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12-03-17 12:51 AM - Post#238857
In response to Bison7882
Video highlights, including that ferocious Nana dunk
https://youtu.be/RgJfm1OlY5k
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crd012
Junior
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Age: 35
Reg: 12-02-12
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Vermont Game 12-03-17 01:13 AM - Post#238860
In response to BisonRoadWarrior
Wasn’t able to watch the game because I was at an engagement party but ecstatic to see this win. This was a must win for us. Now I’d like to see us keep this rolling with wins at Northeastern and La salle. A VCU win be huge, but not expected from my end. But this is the kind of win that gives us the confidence to roll.
Edited by crd012 on 12-03-17 01:30 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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Old Bison
Masters Student
Posts: 619
Age: 65
Reg: 07-09-17
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12-03-17 09:45 AM - Post#238870
In response to BisonRoadWarrior
Thought we were much more consistent in hedging the ball screen. Nana and Bruce hedged hard a number of times and Zach was at least showing an occasional ghost (very ghost!) hedge. Don’t know why we were running the weak side guy to assist in the first half other than we wanted to defend potential pick and pop - Nate Jones came WAY off his man and we got burnt for a 3 and JS did dame and we got lucky. Not sure I liked that scheme. Also, we started doubling Lamb by running Nana over down the stretch and it got them out of sorts on a couple possessions (thought that was overdue but better late than never). Probably a pick your poison decision (vis-a-vis giving up a 3) but type of tactical call I think you got to make. Nate Davis is a much better coach when we go 7-9 from 3 in the second half. Thought we got bad calls on offensive rebounds in the 2nd half in Bruce and Nate and on Nana’s drive where replay clearly showed defender left his feet. Sniffing .500 again - time to get road tough. Bruce with nice 3 in second half and I was happy to eat crow on that. Nate J has to stop fouling 3 point shooters but I was THRILLED to see him forego a pull up jumper and go aggressive to the hoop b4 dishing to Nana for a dunk. Well done Nate! Good win...congrats to the kids and staff.
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Paulie777
PhD Student
Posts: 1767
Reg: 11-11-07
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Vermont Game 12-03-17 10:26 AM - Post#238873
In response to Old Bison
I thought their energy was a lot better this game. Bruce Moore got things started by having the courage to take a three and he made it which set the tone for the game. Nana was a beast underneath and Zach Thomas played exactly like a smart biomedical engineer should-successfully. Sotos played well and was better than their preppy good looking guard. If the teams energy is good that day and the ball bounces their way, they are tough to beat. If not then they are vulnerable. If they are not on their game against Army at Kristl or away at Lehigh they will get beat. But last night they looked good.
Edited by Paulie777 on 12-03-17 10:27 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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res
Masters Student
Posts: 839
Reg: 03-21-06
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12-03-17 10:27 AM - Post#238874
In response to Old Bison
"Nate Davis is a much better coach when we go 7-9 from 3 in the second half."
Funny how that works, isn't it?
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BisonFan4
Junior
Posts: 211
Age: 45
Reg: 12-30-16
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12-03-17 11:01 AM - Post#238877
In response to BisonRoadWarrior
Has anyone tried watching the replay on Stadium yet? I haven't been able to get the sound to work on it all morning.
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jkrun80
Postdoc
Posts: 3305
Age: 65
Reg: 05-07-12
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12-03-17 11:19 AM - Post#238879
In response to BisonFan4
I am able to watch it OK. Try reloading or using a different browser.
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bison63
Postdoc
Posts: 3857
Reg: 01-23-06
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12-03-17 03:09 PM - Post#238905
In response to jkrun80
Are you sure the “ mute†is off (lower left by the play button) For some reason Stadium is muted until you unmute it.
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candyfan
Masters Student
Posts: 459
Reg: 01-10-10
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12-04-17 10:35 AM - Post#238954
In response to BisonRoadWarrior
Kudos to the color man with Birdsong. He said he was the high bidder in an auction at the golf outing, and he is doing a great job
I thought so, too...for the first few minutes.
=============
Right! First few minutes until the contest winner faded badly.
The real problem is WHY Bucknell insists on Doug Birdsong doing games solo??? He badly needs someone to carry the load with any number of former BU players qualified to sit next to him? For some reason, (saving money $$ ?) they leave Doug to hang by himself.
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MrPhillie
Postdoc
Posts: 2757
Loc: NE PA
Reg: 07-14-08
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12-04-17 10:47 AM - Post#238956
In response to candyfan
Haha...my take is that they can’t find anybody willing to do it with him. Recently when Ed Sigl and Terry Conrad did color they hardly could get a word in edgewise, lol.
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bison63
Postdoc
Posts: 3857
Reg: 01-23-06
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12-04-17 12:19 PM - Post#238972
In response to MrPhillie
IMO Doug is in the perfect spot for him, and he is good for Bucknell too. Yes he will never be confused with Al Michaels, but “BIIINNNGGOO†after the Navy game was his “Do you believe in miracles?†moment. Nothing wrong with a homer in Lewisburg. A color guy just for perspective would be nice.
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res
Masters Student
Posts: 839
Reg: 03-21-06
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12-04-17 12:26 PM - Post#238974
In response to bison63
There are homers and then there is Doug.
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BisonRoadWarrior
Professor
Posts: 5203
Loc: Where the Bison Roam
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12-04-17 01:04 PM - Post#238980
In response to res
I'm certain it's a budgetary thing.
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Bison89
Professor
Posts: 5370
Loc: Philadelphia
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12-04-17 01:10 PM - Post#238982
In response to res
There are homers and then there is Doug.
Well said. Birdsong is a homer, and he is our homer!
New season, new team, new dream . . . |
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