Blogs > The Full-Court Press

Welcome back to the Trentonian's Full-Court Press blog. Yes, we're still alive, and with the 2015-16 season rapidly approaching, it's time to fire up the old blog for another season. Check back here throughout the year for updates on all things Rider and Princeton, including coverage of both the MAAC and Ivy League. Feel free to drop me a line on twitter @kj_franko (https://twitter.com/kj_franko) or email kfranko@trentonian.com.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Press MAAC Index, Week 7: Niagara wakes up

Joe Mihalich's team is worthy of a significant bump in the rankings.

For the first time in seven weeks, a team is making a dramatic move in the power rankings.

Niagara didn't erase all of its ills in what has been an extremely disappointing season with its blowout win Friday over Siena. But even given that shaky 8-8 league record and the no-show performances that have piled up, the Eagles have to be considered among the most dangerous teams in the league.

By doing what every other team had failed to do through 14 league games, the Eagles are moving on up. How far up? Check out the rankings to see.

1. Siena: Records: 22-5, 15-1; RPI: 35; Position: Same

An undefeated regular season would have been nice, but given the fact that the Saints had already wrapped up the regular season title before losing to Niagara, a win Saturday at Butler would be nicer.

2. Fairfield: Records: 18-8, 11-5; RPI: 100; Position: Same

Another impressive week for the Stags, who held off Rider in overtime and blasted an overmatched Manhattan team. That Fairfield finally won in Lawrenceville -- something they hadn't done in any of Ed Cooley's first three years -- helps demonstrate that this is a different, more dangerous team than in years past.

3. Niagara: Records: 15-13, 8-8; RPI 160; Position: Up 3

How is a .500 team ranked this high? Simple. Most teams could play their best and still not make it a one-possession game against Siena. The Eagles did far more than just make it close last Friday -- they blew Siena's doors off. None of this means Niagara is suddenly the same team that won 14 league games last year. It does mean, though, that they're one of thew few teams that could conceivably beat Siena next month.

4. Iona: Records: 19-8, 11-5; RPI: 96; Position: Down 1

As I wrote in last week's rankings post, Iona could lose all of its remaining games and still have far exceeded expectations this year. But with games at Fairfield and at Saint Peter's remaining on the schedule, what once looked like a great season could end as merely above average.

5. Rider: Records: 15-13, 8-8; RPI: 143: Position: Same

The Broncs are becoming a mainstay in the No. 5 spot -- a testament to how much they've improved over the last month but also to how much work they still have left to do. They're capable of beating almost anyone, but they remain vulnerable against lower-tier teams.

6. Saint Peter's: Records: 14-11. 9-6; Position: Down 2

Yes, I'm aware the Peacocks have a better league record than Niagara and Rider, and that they won both meetings against the Purple Eagles. But they're 1-2 in their last three games with the win coming at home by one point, and I wouldn't pick them to win a game right now against any of the teams listed above them.

7. Canisius: Records: 12-15, 7-9; RPI: 201; Position: Same

We'll find out a lot about the Griffs over their final two league games. They're both on the road -- at Loyola and Rider -- both they're both winnable. If they find a way to avoid the play-in round, it will be a sign that the program is headed in the right direction.

8. Loyola: Records: 12-13, 5-10; RPI: 181; Position: Same

Tomorrow's home game against Saint Peter's is a big one. Win that and the Hounds could be favored in their final two games, needing to win both for a shot at a top-six finish.

9. Manhattan: Records: 9-17, 4-12; RPI: 226; Position: Same

Give the Jaspers credit for upsetting Iona on the road. But getting blown out by a Fairfield team that, for all its strengths, doesn't often win by huge margins, was a setback.

10. Marist; Records: 1-25, 1-15; RPI: 334; Position: Same

For all its struggles, Marist actually managed to win a game in the MAAC tournament last year. At this point, it would be a miracle if the Red Foxes replicated that feat.

13 Comments:

Anonymous xyz said...

If Iona splits it's last 2 (or wins it's BB matchup) it would have 20 wins. I wouldn't consider that average based on where they have been the last few years.

February 17, 2010 at 12:12 PM 
Blogger Kyle Franko said...

xyz,

The phrase I used was "above average", not "average," and I made sure to start by saying how much of a success story they've been given where they came from.

You're right, though, that 20 wins is a hell of an accomplishment. Maybe "above average" would sell them short.

February 17, 2010 at 1:32 PM 
Anonymous xyz said...

Yes, after posting I went back and saw it stated above average instead of average, but still a 20 win season is a big accomplishment for a mid major. Still though I agree that Niagara if they play up to their capabilites are a very dangerous team in 2 weeks (as are the Broncs). 2 weeks, TREMENDOUS!

February 17, 2010 at 3:30 PM 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

20 wins, with all of the exempt events and 31 game regular seasons with additional games in conference tournaments, isn't what it used to be. 25 wins is the new 20 wins.

And if I was Rider, I would want to stay out of the 7/10 game - Rider has a history of losing MAAC Tournament games where they're favored and they've already been taken to the limit by Marist.

February 18, 2010 at 3:05 PM 
Anonymous tmd39 said...

I just want to stay out of the 4/5 spot. The 6 sounds just right.

February 18, 2010 at 3:51 PM 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

rider needs a win against canisius and the purps to win their final 2 to get the 6 spot which is probably right where they want to be

February 18, 2010 at 6:09 PM 
Anonymous Beagle said...

I would rather Rider Gets to the 4/5 game Siena will be easier to beat on Sunday then on Monday

February 18, 2010 at 8:00 PM 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

true but i think that niagara has the better shot to beat siena on that day than rider. but i'll make my final guess after feb 26

February 18, 2010 at 10:18 PM 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Final standings won't matter. Siena will crush everyone by 20+ points!

February 19, 2010 at 1:26 PM 
Anonymous FAZ said...

let's relax with Siena. they're not even close to the same team they were last year. They do get the unfair advantage of homecooking though...franny has won a championship on a nuetral (road) floor

February 19, 2010 at 3:20 PM 
Anonymous FAZ said...

SHOULD SAY...."franny has NOT won on a nuetral (road) floor

February 19, 2010 at 3:21 PM 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

FAZ, it's more fair to say Rider isn't even close to the same team as last year.

February 20, 2010 at 1:57 AM 
Anonymous xyz said...

Nice performance by the Saints today.

MAAC 1-1 in BB thus far.

February 20, 2010 at 2:18 PM 

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home