Nice second half showing from Williams to beat Worcester State, a team that played Wesleyan very close. Williams' two best players are their sophomores Yates and Rein. Not far off is Belcher, forming quite a sophomore class. Belcher is getting better quickly and will someday be an all-league guard. Keep an eye on the progress of Matt Devine, who can deliver a significant scoring punch off the bench. The trio of wing scoring can take these Ephs a long way this year and next. Most exciting to see is EJ Sommers who has a rim running, and early sealing presence that Williams hasn't had in years. He's got a nice first step as a straight line driver and a great motor on the offensive glass. He will also develop into an all-NESCAC talent. If Hudson Hansen can settle into his role as this team's leader, I like the Ephs to take two at home in this first NESCAC weekend.

Don't be surprised to see Linton at Tufts on the "jump seat". They execute their stuff better than anyone in the league. His players have defined roles and know exactly who and what they are. Linton would be a very attractive hire for a Columbia or Lehigh for example.

Always a good sign for the Ephs when Jumbo Mumbo makes a anti-Ephs score prediction. Hopefully we get something similar out of Jumbo Mumbo ahead of Middlebury this Saturday. Thanks Jumbo!

Quote from: jumbomumbo on January 10, 2025, 10:47:28 AM

Quote from: names jaismith on January 09, 2025, 12:54:04 PMSome predictions, likely way off, for the first weekend of conference play.  Some crucial games for those teams hoping to stake a claim as a contender for a playoff spot, while others more certain of a place in the conference tournament will be wanting to make a case as a part of the upper tier.

Friday
Colby 71 @ Conn 74
Bowdoin 65 @ Tufts 83
Williams 61 @ Wesleyan 74
Middlebury 62 @ Trinity 83
Amherst 67 @ Bates 63

Saturday
Middlebury 66 @ Wesleyan 82
Williams 64 @ Trinity 71
Bowdoin 69 @ Conn 65
Colby 71 @ Tufts 84
Hamilton 67 @ Bates 65

So Trinity, Tufts and Wesleyan flex their muscles; work to do, in some cases a lot of work, for everyone else.

I'll also take the over on Williams losing by a combined 20 points this weekend.

You said 30 last week- the Ephs are growing on Jumbo Mumbo