Alfred33

Sorry, this was an accident... was trying to edit my previous post and apparently hit quote and edited that instead. 🙄 Anyway, my edit was going to be about the post season run the Bearcats had been on. In the last 5 years, we've lost 2 post-season games (32-2)... the one a couple of weeks ago and one on a 55 foot buzzer beater in the championship game of the conference tournament a couple of years ago.

It was kind of a disappointing end to the season. That said, I don't think we necessarily played bad, so I don't want to take anything away from Southern Nazerene, but when every game, you're the hunted, eventually someone will get you. You really do get every ones best shot, so to have the streak that we had in post season play is pretty remarkable. But to answer your question, Nazerene did shoot really well... they made several tough guarded shots and answered every time it looked like we were about take control. It was one of those games that seemed like their Super Bowl, because 2 days later, SNU shot poorly and looked completely gassed in the regional final. I'd put our defense up against anybody's in D2, so watching them miss those shots was kind of frustrating. It's kind of cliché, but it seemed like they weren't able to bounce back from the emotional high of knocking us off.

If Ben ends up coaching the Bulls, I will for sure become a fan and follow the team. I doubt I make it to very many games though. 🤣 He's taken the NW program to heights that I don't think any of us could have imagined in our wildest of wild dreams, so he deserves the chance to move on and prove himself at the next level... I will definitely be rooting for that success to continue when and wherever that may be.

They aren't all like this, but this is a possession from the Final Four a couple of years ago. Every one of those guys can shoot the three (except number 4), but they pass up multiple shots to get a better one and the ball doesn't stop moving. And here is a shot chart during the 18-19 season, which is pretty typical of what we've seen over the last several years... hardly anything in that mid range area... lots of good shooters shooting 3s and shots around the basket.

I live in Maryville, MO, home of Northwest Missouri State University. I see the questions, so I thought I'd give a little insight on what you will see offensively if Ben becomes your next coach. They don't play fast, but they play efficient. NWMSU has led or been near the top of all levels of college basketball in offensive efficiency the last several years... points per possession. You will see a lot of player and ball movement, ball screens, and some isolations when there are mismatches. NWMSU's scoring has typically come from getting to the basket and/or making 3s... you don't see a lot of mid range shots taken. They will take the break off of a turnover or a long rebound if it's there, but they don't really attempt to push the ball off of made baskets. You will probably never see a guy come down the court and immediately pull up off the dribble, but that doesn't mean his teams are always trying to run clock... they'll take an early shot if it's a good shot. He doesn't want players turning down shots or penetration when its available. I've always been kind of a push the ball guy... play fast, but NW plays with some of the prettiest unselfish ball movement that makes it just as fun to watch. He's had exceptional point guards that can score and control the pace during his time in Maryville, so that will probably be a key for him to make happen wherever he lands. On the defensive end, his teams always guard hard... the intensity and intelligence that his teams play defense with is exceptional. We hate to lose him, but it is inevitable that we will... you're getting a good one if he ends up as your coach.