Great weekend of basketball.  RPI takes over first place by virtue of a tie breaking result against Vassar (RPI swept Vassar, Union has a loss).  Going to be an exciting finish, there's a ton at stake.

Out of nowhere Clarkson has vaulted up into the final playoff spot after completing the season sweep against Ithaca. They've always had the coaching and ability, it's always been a matter of executing.  Next weekend will be critical for Clarkson and Hobart in that head to head matchup.  Statesmen are going to be out for blood to end the losing skid.

There's theoretically a chance for SLU to get up into 3rd when it's all said and done, but I think the top 3 are finalized, it's only a matter of seeding at this point. SLU shoots 50% from 3 today against RIT, and going back to last year's game in Rochester the Saints have made a combined 31 threes in those 2 games against the Tigers.  They seem to love playing in that gym, and it was only a matter of time when they would get some positive mean regression in the shooting department.

Potsdam, man.  That's really sad to see.  I hope things can turn around there.

I've said it before and I'll say it again:  The Amherst coach's decision to quit the obsession with d1 size is a huge reason for their season.  If a player has d1 size in their position and is playing d3, that's for a reason.  Yes, there are exceptions with the occasional unicorn but one or 2 skillsets are why they are not playing up a level and are therefore at a disadvantage against NESCAC caliber competition.  Guards are the engine of d3 basketball.  Always have, always will.

Add yet ANOTHER game to the heap of games SLU blows at the end after overcoming a 15 point+ deficit.  Just a baffling coaching decision to not call a timeout or call off the press after getting it within 2 with 1:48 left.  As soon as they did that Ithaca got 2 layups in a row to seal the game. Another winnable game lost in the last minute in this dynamic. I just do not understand not playing the last 1:48 out normally.

By my count SLU has now lost games in the final minute after erasing 15+ point deficits to get it within 1 possession against: Oswego, Naz, Union, RPI, WPI, Ithaca x2.  I have never seen a season like this, ever. Borderline insane.

SLU is an atrocious team on offense when playing on the road. Also every game on the road so far the opponent has gotten free points for a SLU player being injured on the other end.  I've never seen a season like this.

I'm surprised there haven't been more comments on Middlebury losing to CCNY.  A NESCAC team losing to Massey #375 is pretty much unheard of.

RPI takes over the lead in the standings by virtue of a tie breaker result against Vassar.  Looks like RPI got Union to play into their hands by winning in a very typical RPI scoreline. 
 
Skidmore getting some home results to sneak back into the playoff picture. 

Ithaca almost tripped by RIT who keep getting close to knocking everyone off but falling short.

SLU put down probably the biggest beat down I have ever seen by a SLU team. All available players got onto the score sheet. Racking my brain but I can't think of a margin of victory like that at Burkman before, let alone ever.  There was a potential recruit attending this game so that's not the worst way to showcase your program.

I don't think it's a coincidence Amherst started winning once the coach ditched the obsession with d1 height.

Downs with his best coaching job of the year so far to get the win against Vassar. Shea Fitzgerald hit 2 threes to start the game and Downs made the adjustment during the first media timeout to swarm him the rest of the game and trade 2's for 3's. Fitzgerald had 1 field goal the rest of the game. Really big win for the Saints who are dialing in on defense finally with such a young team.

I checked the Union Ithaca score during halftime of the SLU game and paid no attention after. wtf happened??     Talk about a tale of two halves.

When is the last time a CUNYAC team beat a NESCAC, let alone Middlebury?

Guess I'm not sure why the former Drew coach left for Ithaca.  Drew is now 14-4 with 2 wins against Scranton, while Ithaca has had a subpar season to say the least, and that's with taking one of Drew's best players from last year along with him.  It's not like Drew is a bad job.

Ithaca breaks SLU's home win streak by hanging on to win a game by 3 where they led 17 in the 2nd half.  Another game where SLU erases a major deficit to get it within 2, but nobody could make the big shot in the last 2 minutes.  4 wide open missed threes in the final minute. You can't shoot 18% from 3 in your own gym and expect to win.  Ithaca's press was the deciding factor, completely threw SLU off in the first half to get them a 16 point lead by having them discombobulated on offense.  I've lost count the amount of games SLU has erased near 20 point deficits only to lose by a possession or 2. Gotta live with it when you have such a young team.

I would say the playoff field as is will likely be the final 6 when it's all said and done.  Can't see Skidmore getting above anyone 4-6 right now. 

I can't imagine it has played a large role if any, but are financials playing a role here?  Ithaca has been significantly affected by a decline in enrollment (who hasn't), and Forbes has their financial health graded as a B-.  I would imagine the HC position compensation is competitive, but I'm not privy to anything regarding the process.

Clarkson with the underrated win the of the night.  Impressive showing at home against Ithaca.

SLU got some unfortunate injury news with Downs Jr having an upper body injury that will probably keep him out a while if not the rest of the season.  I didn't think it was too bad when he got the injury against Hobart but it turned out to be more serious. However, the freshmen class for the Saints showed out tonight against RIT. With Suriano hitting his shots from deep and being Downs' replacement in the starting lineup SLU did not miss a beat.