Wheaton 86, Calvin 64
Carthage 88, Calvin 80
Disappointing, I know. I really thought Calvin had a chance to win one or even both games, but it didn't happen. Calvin showed their youth a little bit, especially in the Wheaton game, but I think (and Hope) they'll get better from this.
The first thing we learned is that it's tough to get a lot of blogging done when you're on the road. You think you're gonna do it, but then you don't because the one year old won't fall asleep with the light on and the keys tapping, and the wife wants you to help out and stuff. Oh well, live and learn I guess.
The second thing we learned is that the opposition shoots a high percentage from beyond the arc if you leave them wide open. Wheaton hit on 52% of their three point opportunities, and Carthage hit on 54% of theirs. If we go back to the Cornerstone game (they shot 59% from three point range) we see a disturbing trend developing. You just won't win consistently if you allow that many open looks. And most of these shots were open looks.
Let's just go ahead and chalk the 22 point loss up to being "one of those days." after watching both Calvin games, as well as the Hope/Wheaton game, I'm confident that Calvin isn't 22 points worse than Wheaton. I think Wheaton (and Hope and Carthage) are probably a bit ahead of the Knights at this point, but I think they're all still pretty close. I wouldn't expect another blowout if they met again.
In that same vein, it was nice to see the Knights fight back against Carthage after trailing by 13 at the half. They fought their way to within four with around seven to play, and even though they would never get closer than two, they put themselves in position to win.
The good news is that neither of the Calvin games were in-region, so they won't count in the primary criteria come selection Sunday. The only in-region game was the Hope/Wheaton contest, and the Dutchmen won that, so that will help out Calvin.
A special round of applause goes out to the Carthage cheerleading squad. My wife was escorting a slightly fussy one year old girl around the gym on Friday night, and the "Red Hots" provided some entertainment by inviting the little one to dance with them while they warmed up. We appreciate it ladies!
Calvin has Trinity and Aquinas coming up the next two Saturdays. Those both look like wins right now.
Stats and stuff to come once I get around the pond.
