CSNbbs

Coming off one of the flatter home losses in the recent memory, the Flashes travel to Savannah Georgia for two games against Valparaiso and Loyola Chicago.

First, I would like to say that Savannah Georgia is a gem. What a wonderful city.

As for the basketball; Valpo is unbeaten on the season with wins over Robert Morris, Chicago State, Samford and Southeast Louisiana (83-50). The Crusaders are outscoring the competition 87 - 55 and have three players averaging double digit points so far this year. Tevvon Walker, a 6'2 senior guard from Canada is averaging 16 points per game. Walker is joined in the backcourt by a pair of 6'6 wings in Joe Burton (13 ppg) and Markus Golder (11 ppg).

Valparaiso also has two 7 footers under the hoop. Sophomore Derrik Smits (7'2/240) averages 9 points and 5 boards in 20 minutes per night and sophomore Jaume Sorolla (7'0/240) of Spain averages about 4 points and 2 rebounds in 13 minutes of action. Smits is the son of Rik Smits who I thoroughly enjoyed watching compete against the Cavs and in the NBA playoffs years ago. He was tough, edgy and played within himself for some darn good Pacer teams.

Otherwise, there are a handful of guys between 6'2-6'6 who seem to produce quite well for the Crusaders of the Missouri Valley.

While I expect the tired argument of how the season "only matters for one week in March" this is a big ballgame. Competing with and beating programs like Valpo is what put Kent State basketball on the map years ago. This group may not quite be ready to do that, and that is fine. But a twenty five point loss won't do much for attendance and excitement when the Flashes return home to take on CSU in early December. We will take a look at Loyola on the same thread sometime tomorrow during the....Michigan....game!

Go Flashes!

When I was a senior in high school Loyola of Chicago won the NCAA championship. Hard to believe. They haven't been much since, except for a nice season here and there, with one sweet sixteen appearance about thirty years ago. I watched the game on our old black and white Muntz TV. I was really pulling for them! Their coach at the time whose name I can't recall, was really the one who first truly integrated college basketball (outside the South), breaking all the unspoken rules. I always felt he never got the credit he deserves. Well, that was a long time ago and of course has nothing to do with the upcoming game.

I was never one to say that only that week in March matters. The entire MAC season matters. But, unless and until the university decides to act on their statement that basketball is the top priority, the non-league games will continue to matter only as preparation for the MAC season.

(11-24-2017 11:38 AM)Muskrat Wrote: [ -> ]I was never one to say that only that week in March matters. The entire MAC season matters. But, unless and until the university decides to act on their statement that basketball is the top priority, the non-league games will continue to matter only as preparation for the MAC season.

I agree with that.

While I must admit that I am watching HS football tonight, the ESPN tracker shows that KSU is keeping it close (down 28-22 late in the half). Had leads early but dry spells on offense let Valpo take control. .

Sounds like too many turnovers, too many fouls, and too many three point attempts is hurting us tonight. But we're staying in it.

Chance to grab the lead at the two minute mark fails as Walker turns it over. 68-65 Valp with about 2 left.

It sounds like Zabo is really hurting us down the stretch. Missed a layup that sounded pretty open, got caught dribbling and burnt the last timeout with 4 on the shot clock then missed the three off the inbound after the time out.

Couldn't make a three, couldn't defend the three when it counted. ugh. Good effort, tough loss. I hope both teams realize how lousy it is to chuck the ball all night.

Wow, what a deflating end. Glad we stayed in it at least.

Tough loss. Avery makes his one and only turnover with about 20 seconds left.

way to many TO's and poor shot selection, no FG in last 4 min?????

Down 1 with under a minute to go, end up losing by 10.

Loyola is 6-0 and coming off an offensive explosion against Wilmington Hopefully the Flashes play some good defense and find a rhythm on the other end. Nobody likes a three game skid.

Not looking good in Savannah Ga. but the auburn game is awesome

Offensively, it could be a long year for the good guys.

(11-25-2017 06:43 PM)fallsdog Wrote: [ -> ]Offensively, it could be a long year for the good guys.

Agreed. Letting teams shoot the lights out certainly doesn't help, either.

My initial optimism has been tempered.

I don't like losing. Let's go back to winning.

(11-25-2017 06:43 PM)fallsdog Wrote: [ -> ]Offensively, it could be a long year for the good guys.

Peterson ???
Duling ???
Avery ???
Somebody ???

has to become a consistent double-figure scorer and judging from the game-by-game box scores its tough to figure out who that is going to be ... if anybody ... to join ADR and JW ...