A really nice win for the Knights. Not so much that they won (it was 'just' Kalamazoo), but they never really allowed the Hornets to get within striking distance during the home stretch. It seemed like the final ten minutes was played almost exclusively with a double-digit Calvin lead. It wasn't a twenty-something point blowout like the home meeting with Kalamazoo was, but it was still comfortable nonetheless.
Game Bullets
- The Massey Ratings called for a four point Calvin victory, so the twelve point win was a decent 'over-performance'. It's not that I'm looking to next year already, but I really like the experience that some of the younger players are getting. It should pay dividends next season and beyond.
- There was at least one time during the game where every Knight player on the court was either a freshman or a first year varsity player. It was both scary and exciting. These five players: Van Eck, Mast, Dykstra, Nadeau, and Huizenga combined for 71 minutes and 21 points.
- Tyler Kruis played like a man among boys on the offensive end. He didn't back down one bit against the Hornet big men -- even likely first team MIAA center Joe Prepolec -- choosing instead to power right through them. The result was 16 points and a perfect field goal percentage.
- If I had to pick a league MVP today, I'd give the nod to Nate Snuggerud of Hope, but Tom Snikkers has turned up his level of play big time. He's fifth in the league in scoring at 16.3 ppg, second in rebounding with 7.6 per game, and sixth in assists with 3.1 per game. If he keeps his scoring efficiency turned up for the last four games of the season, then he could end up on the short list of viable candidates.
- I bet Matt DeBoer's knee is barking today. He went down in a heap holding a knee late in the first half and had to be helped off the floor by a trainer. I had no doubt in my mind that his season was over, but he came back out after halftime to finish the game. Another serious injury was the last thing Calvin needed.
- Even though Adrian lost to Trine on Saturday -- leaving us with a three way tie for second -- Calvin's chances for the #2 seed in the MIAA tournament are quite low. The two losses to Adrian effectively keep the Bulldogs a game ahead of the Knights in the standings. The most likely tournament scenario still looks like Calvin at Adrian in the semifinals.
