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.

Looks like Arden Tobolski transferred to Davidson. 3 straight years of top Liberty League players transferring elsewhere.

deutschfan has previously said he would not be surprised if he transferred. In fact I think he even mentioned Davidson as a likely destination.

Quote from: Hopkins92 on January 21, 2026, 10:42:13 AMIt's a great topic, but I don't think you're going to find a like-for-like in any sport. The closest thing I think of in the NFL is a hypothetical where the Jets somehow go from - whatever that is -- to winning a Super Bowl.

Leicester City doesn't really work and I don't feel like typing out why.

Miracle on Ice in 80 has a very close vibe, in that the US was getting absolutely wrecked in its exhibition games leading into the Olympics. And the US hadn't won gold for 20 years... And they hadn't been particularly competitive since that win on the international stage.

But looking at the D3 champions, as you've already done... You'd need something like a bottom dwelling NESCAC, NJAC, Centennial or UAA team to come out of nowhere to becomes a national contender/champion and we just haven't seen that. (Unless I'm missing something.)

When I look at teams like Bethany, E-town and San Diego... I don't have time to dig into their history, but I highly doubt they were rags-to-riches stories.

I don't mean to be that guy, but I would contest the notion about the hockey team. They got wrecked in the 1 game against the Soviets before the Olympics, but they had a really good lead up.  The played about 60 games before that and won ~40 of them

Quote from: mrhoopfan on January 18, 2026, 06:18:57 PM

Quote from: stlawus on January 16, 2026, 10:31:54 PMVery bizarre coaching from who was at one point the premier coach in the Liberty League.  Skidmore was down 15-20 points most of the game, with SLU taking out starters with 7 minutes left.  Burke leaves all of his starters in including his point guard who played all 40 minutes, as well as the team's leading scorer for 38 minutes (did not sub the 2nd half). You're playing on the road in the first game of a back to back.  Just incredibly bizarre.

What made him the "premier coach in the league"?.Recruiter? Sure...Coach, I disagree....Skidmore has always had several guys that were scholarship level players

Between 2010-2020 Skidmore won 4 regular season titles and 5 tournament championships. Can say it was just because of recruiting but recruiting is part of coaching. And you still have to win the games. I don't think many would have disagreed with that moniker in 2019.  Now it's no longer the case.