This will be the thread to document the 7th annual Blue Earth Classic, held in Mankato, MN and named after Mankato’s county and the river that runs nearby. The tournament will run games 5-9. We’ll try to rotate some of the better teams into the tournament each season, and hopefully showcasing these strong teams can be a source of pride and competitiveness for conferences with a participating team. Schools in the tournament aren’t just in it for themselves, but they also represent their conference.

As always, guest commentary and contributions (see season 104) are always welcomed and encouraged.


SCHEDULE
Game #5:
Coker @ Pittsburgh, Johnstown
CSU, Stanislaus @ Alaska Fairbanks
Lewis @ Dowling

Game #6:
Pittsburgh, Johnstown @ Lewis
Alaska Fairbanks @ Coker
CSU, Stanislaus @ Dowling

Game #7:
Dowling @ Pittsburgh, Johnstown
Alaska Fairbanks @ Lewis
Coker @ CSU, Stanislaus

Game #8:
Pittsburgh, Johnstown @ CSU, Stanislaus
Dowling @ Alaska Fairbanks
Lewis @ Coker

Game #9:
Alaska Fairbanks @ Pittsburgh, Johnstown
CSU, Stanislaus @ Lewis
Dowling @ Coker



RANKINGS:
PS Team Current
#9 Pittsburgh, Johnstown #20
#12 Lewis #2
#15 Alaska Fairbanks #23
#16 Coker #12
#17 Dowling #19
#19 CSU, Stanislaus #6

PLAYERS TO WATCH
Pittsburgh, Johnstown - Douglas Pier, SF, Honorable Mention
On a forward heavy team with only two guys listed at guard, the SF’s get lots of time at guard. However, Doug Pier plays as the UPJ starting SF. An honorable mention All-American, Piers is what you think of when looking for a well-rounded player you’d expect to star at SF. In addition to elite athleticism (80) and defense (93), he has excellent SF speed (76) and can rebound well enough to play PF (52). He can score from the post (43) and perimeter (75) and can capitalize when getting fouled (B). He leads UPJ in scoring (14.8/gm) and rebounds (5.5/gm).

Lewis - Dustin Page, SG
While SF Daniel Frazier and his 99 PE at SF and Honorable Mention C Ronald Thornton with his 100 REB/ 90DEF/ 96BLK combo both make outsized contributions to the current #2 ranked team, the fortunes of Lewis in tight games will likely be most closely correlated to the fortunes of SG Dustin Page, current team lead in PPG (15.8), Assists (2.8/gm), and steals (1.8/gm). However, he also leads the team in fouls (3.8/gm). Where Page really stands out is elite speed (98) and tremendous passing ability (95) to go while his ability to score from the perimeter (81). His weakness is below average defense (43).

Alaska, Fairbanks - Jack Goodwin, PG, 3^rd Team All American
A converted SG, Goodwin showcases PG skills with 90 BH, but also still demonstrates his natural SG skills, leading Alaska Fairbanks in scoring with 15.5 PPG. Where Goodwin is particularly dangerous is a solid baseline of athleticism (76) and speed (89) combined with a dual threat from the perimeter (77) and post (70). Given that he has close to top end speed, the post skills are extremely impressive. While it hasn’t come to fruition just yet, you would expect Goodwin to draw plenty of fouls and get opposing guards into foul trouble. With a C+ FT rating, it remains to be seen if he can hit shots from the charity stripe at a high enough rate.

Coker - Charles Carbone, C
While Charles Cabrone has a fairly traditional profile for a star post player, such as great athleticism (88) and defense (84), solid rebound skills (80), and the ability to score from the post (71) that helped him average 16.9 ppg as a junior. However, what really separates Carbone are his 91 stamina, which is great for a guard, let alone a post player, and his B+ FT rating, also rare in a post player. Combined with his strong post skills, his stamina and ability to hit free throws can potentially make him a monster down the stretch as he wears opposing teams out and chips in with a high FT rate, where he has been above 75% his soph-o-more season (will that get censored?).

Dowling - Christopher Birkland, SF, Honorable Mention
While juniors Seth Herrington, PG, and Edward Railsback, C, are both making their presence felt this season, senior SF Birkland will be key to Dowling’s success, especially after a banner season that saw him average 23 ppg last season and has hi on pace to finish as the #3 all time-Dowling scorer. He starts off with top of the line athleticism (94) and defense (96). Add in SF versatility with speed (68) and rebounding skills (48) as well as a good combo of perimeter (68) and post skills (58) with a B- FT rating and 80% FT% this season, and you have a player that is difficult to game plan for that can change the outcome of gams against other top teams.

CSU, Stanislaus - William Orr, PG, 1^st Team All-American
While fellow PG Harold Strange is leading the team right now with D2 6^th best 22.5 PPG off the bench, William Orr is 15^th in D2 with 19.5 PPG. What helped make Orr a 1^st Team All American is the profile any D1 team would want in a PG. In addition to solid athleticism (70), he has top end speed (100), and great PG skills (BH – 93, P – 86) to go with an effective perimeter rating (86). The combo of Orr, Strange, and Lathan, all upperclass guards with 90+ speed changes the dynamics of the game since you will have a constant barrage facing guards of opposing teams trying to keep pace with this FB/FCP team. For context, realize CSU, Stanislaus has hit more FT (119) than the opposing teams have attempted against them (104), and just these 3 guards have alone almost attempted as many FT as opponents’ entire teams (92 to 104).

After having the NT champ come out of the Blue Earth Classic the last couple of seasons and 4 out of the first 6 seasons of this tournament, eyes should be on this field as a preview of contending F4 teams, with a combined record so far of 21-3. We have 4 teams that are Blue Earth veterans, including two defending champs in the same tournament (Coker and Alaska Fairbanks), while two first-time entrants, Dowling and CSU, Stanislaus, will also face off against these veteran squads. All teams entered the season in the top 20 and all teams are ranked going into the tournament.

Pittsburgh, Johnstown – Representing the host North Central Conference, tj43’s UPJ returns to the Blue Earth Classic for their 2^nd appearance. After falling from 12^th to 24^th in the recent dynasty rankings due to recent early exits, UPJ looks to have the team to again pursue deep NT runs. Over a dozen season from seasons 92 to 103, we saw UPJ make five F4 trips. After earlier stints in D3, D2, and D1, tj43 is entering his 47^th season at UPJ, where he is the senior coach of a strong and competitive conference, while amassing almost 1500 victories in Naismith.

Lewis – Representing the always powerful GLV conference, cherrycokeze is entering his 61^st season with Lewis and has a title from season 63 to go along with four other F4 seasons and nine E8 seasons, along with many S16 appearances. Most recently we saw Lewis reach the F4 five seasons ago in season 104. Cherrycokeze is also approaching 1500 victories in Naismith and has spend all but his first 4 seasons with Lewis. Consistently ranked in the dynasty rankings, Lewis is currently 14^th, and with their current #2 ranking looks like one of the favorites this year in their second Blue Earth and to make another long NT run.

Alaska Fairbanks – Representing the recently dominant NAAA, who has won the last two Classics, Alaska Fairbanks returns as a Defending Champ from their first appearance two seasons ago. That season, not only did they sweep the Blue Earth Classic, but they also went on to win the NT with a 35-0 record. While only being in his 6^th season at Alaska Fairbanks, mrslam34 has turned the team into a contender virtually overnight, making the NT every season and adding a couple of S16 appearances to go with the NT title. While the former coach, bfflcommish, had Alaska Fairbanks consistently making the NT, mrslam34 has accelerated the team’s success and lifted the school into the dynasty rankings at #8 currently.

Coker – Entering his second Blue Earth Classic and defending the title from 105, topdogggbm is now entering his 9^th season with Coker, out of the CVAC. In just the last 4 seasons, we’ve seen Coker make the E8 three times, and in each of those seasons they won at least 30 games. Topdogggbm has also won NCOY twice in those 4 seasons and has only lost 18 games in the previous 6 seasons. After quickly adding 3 titles in other worlds, topdogggbm looks to add another in Naismith, where his Coker team has been close and might have won one in season 105, the year they won the Classic, if it weren’t for a pesky 7^th seeded Dowling team.

Dowling - Entering their first Blue Earth Classic, Dowling out of the ECC is led by zorzii, entering his 8^th season with the school. While being around Naismith long enough to collect over 500 wins, zorzii is a veteran of other worlds, where he has collected 4 titles, including two in Iba. At Dowling in Naismith, however, he has made the NT each season and reached the NT finals in season 105, where he beat both Coker and MSUM before falling to Tiffin. With this season’s veteran squad, Dowling looks to make another run at a title and will make a tough team to deal with in the Classic.

CSU, Stanislaus – Also entering their first Blue Earth Classic while representing the Cal CAA, is CSU, Stanislaus led by danpilgrim1. Entering just his 5^th season with Stanislaus, danpilgrim has won, torn down, and rebuilt the squad under his own influence. Last season, while exiting earlier than expected in the S16 at the hands of Classic participant S Illinois Edwardsville, they had an exceptional season, being ranked #1 most of the season and were the top national seed and winning national coach of the year. After many stints in both D1 and D3, danpilgrim has won nearly 1300 games in Naismith and has 2 NT titles to show for during his seasons at D3 Dallas to go along with 1 during his time at D3 Manhattan, as well as 3 other titles from other worlds.



ROUND ONE
#12 Coker (0-0) -1 @ #20 Pittsburgh, Johnstown (0-0)
#6 CSU, Stanislaus (0-0) -6 @ #23 Alaska Fairbanks (0-0)
#2 Lewis (0-0) -8 @ #19 Dowling (0-0)

Some interesting match-ups tonight to kick off the Classic, and what stands out is that road teams are all favored against nationally ranked teams.

Quick note, some work stuff will keep me later than usual this evening. The Game 1 post will be out a little later than usual but will be out tonight.

Thanks for all that you do with this tourney, long_ge. I hope that I don't let the conference down, but with this field I could easily be shut out.

STANDINGS
Alaska Fairbanks 1-0
Dowling 1-0
Coker 1-0
Pittsburgh, Johnstown 0-1
CSU, Stanislaus 0-1
Lewis 0-1

ROUND ONE RESULTS

Coker 79 @ Pittsburgh, Johnstown 72

Key Stat: In a tale of two halves, Coker was surprisingly consistent, shooting 48% in the first and 50% in the second. For UPJ, on the other hand, that is what made all the difference with them going 57% in a first half they led by 11 and going 32% in the second half they trailed by 18.
Key Moment: While there were several points late in the game where the game was tight, the game boils down to Pittsburgh, Johnstown having a 12-point lead turn into a 4-point deficit over a 5 ½ minute period, when Coker went on a 16-point run, in which 6 separate players scored.
Key Performance: Winning POG honors off the bench, Coker’s PF Ronald Vita was 5-7 from the floor and 5-5 from the line for 15 points, while adding 6 boards and 2 blocks without committing a foul in 19 minutes.


CSU, Stanislaus 64 @ Alaska Fairbanks 75

Key Stat: Despite a comparatively good assist/turnover ratio (14:15 for CSU, 13:21 for Fairbanks) the Stanislaus team that usually beats teams from the line only got to the charity stripe 19 times compared to Alaska Fairbanks going 37 times, in what created 10 points of the margin.
Key Moment: While this did not decide the game as there was still plenty of time to go, Alaska Fairbanks went on a 16-point run out of the gates from which CSU Stanislaus was never able to fully recover from, getting within 6-points at the closest in the second. Every time CSU would get within striking distance, Alaska Fairbanks would answer the next time down the court.
Key Performance: In a POG effort, Alaska Fairbank’s PG Jack Goodwin led all scorers with 22 points, going 9 of 10 from the line. Despite going 1 of 5 from three and committing 5 turnovers, he only had one foul in a M2M defense paired opposite of star William Orr, held Orr to 2 of 8 shooting.


Lewis 65 @ Dowling 68

Key Stat: While Lewis forced Dowling into 19 turnovers (compared to 12) and had 14 steals (compared to 4), those advantages were not enough to overcome the shooting pct differential, where Lewis shot just 38% to Dowling’s 53.2%.
Key Moment: When both teams exchanged free throws in a 3-point game over the last half minute, Dowling missed a second free throw and grabbed a critical offensive rebound. Upon getting fouled again and hitting both free throws, Dowling established a 5-point lead with 18 seconds left. Despite another Lewis 3-pointer from Lewis, it was too much to overcome in just 15 seconds.
Key Performance: With nearly twice as many points as the second highest scorer, Dowling’s SF Christopher Birkland poured in 23 points and took nearly a quarter of Dowling’s shots in a POG effort.



ROUND TWO
Pittsburgh, Johnstown (0-1) +7 @ #5 Lewis (0-1)
#18 Alaska Fairbanks (1-0) +1 @ #7 Coker (1-0)
#13 CSU, Stanislaus (0-1) +1 @ #15 Dowling (1-0)

Last night, we saw 2 of the 3 road favorites fall in what promises to be a challenging tournament for all team involved. Tonight, we have an epic game with two defending champs facing off and an early 2-0 edge at stake, as #18 Alaska Fairbanks makes the short journey to Carolina to take on Coker. Vegas is favoring Coker at home by just 1. Also trying to keep pace with the winner of that game will be #13 Dowling, who after edging Lewis at home will again play host, this time to #13 CSU, Stanislaus, where they are a 1-point favorite. Finally, tournament host Pittsburgh, Johnstown goes on the road to take on #5 Lewis, as both teams try to avoid an early hole in the Classic.

STANDINGS
Coker 2-0
Alaska Fairbanks 1-1
Dowling 1-1
CSU, Stanislaus 1-1
Lewis 1-1
Pittsburgh, Johnstown 0-2


ROUND TWO RESULTS

Pittsburgh, Johnstown 60 @ Lewis 74

Key Stat: The combined steal (10) and turnovers (20) advantage the Lewis defense created was again a huge factor last night – UPJ caused 4 steals and 8 turnovers. This time it resulted in Lewis taking 57 shots from the floor compared to UPJ’s 46, and this time Lewis also had a better shooting night (.509 vs .413).
Key Moment: Going into the last minutes of the first half, Pittsburgh, Johnstown had closed the gap on an early Lewis lead to just 4 points. That’s when Lewis added 10 points to their lead over the last 6.5 minutes of the half to go in with a 14-point lead that was never really challenged in the second half.
Key Performance: While POG Dustin Page had a very productive game with 16 points and 3 steals, Jonathan Peterson had a surprisingly productive 5 minutes, going 4 of 4 for 9 points, along with 3 steals.


Alaska Fairbanks 63 @ Coker 67

Key Stat: In a game that was statistically close in a lot of areas, Alaska Fairbanks committed 25 fouls to Coker’s 18, which helped contribute to Coker collecting 13 more points for the line, well above the margin of victory. Alaska Fairbanks shooting 12 of 21 (.571) from the line might have cost them the game.
Key Moment: In an exciting game that lived up to its billing, we had multiple lead changes throughout the second half, never seeing more than a 4-point gap that half. It wasn’t really decided until Alaska Fairbanks’ guard Jack Goodwin missed a short jumper down by 2 with 7 seconds left. After a foul, Coker iced the game with 2 free throws.
Key Performance: While Carbone won POG with 15 points, the Coker C only had 3 boards. Perhaps more key was guard Gregory Crow, who also had 3 rebounds to go along with his 11 points, 2 steals and 3-3 from the line.


CSU, Stanislaus 77 @ Dowling 75

Key Stat: Despite 38% shooting on the night, CSU, Stanislaus was able to shoot 13 more shots than Dowling, triggered by causing 24 turnovers and leading Dowling on points off turnovers 22-8.
Key Moment: Not to be outdone by Fairbanks v Coker, Stanislaus and Dowling went down to the wire. After tying the game with a 3 with just 9 seconds, CSU Stanislaus made a game changing steal with 5 seconds remaining, leading to a game winning basket for CSU at the buzzer.
Key Performance: After a disappointing opening night performance, CSU guard William Orr won POG with a game-high 19 points. Fellow guard Timothy Lathan also deserves recognition for his key steal in the waning seconds and going 6 of 6 from the line.


ROUND THREE
#23 Dowling (1-1) -2 @ Pittsburgh, Johnstown (0-2)
#25 Alaska Fairbanks (1-1) +6 @ #4 Lewis (1-1)
#6 Coker (2-0) +1 @ #10 CSU, Stanislaus (1-1)


Last night, we saw a couple of game go down to the wire, while Coker took an early lead in the Classic. Tonight, the games seem to get even bigger. First off, #6 Coker visits #10 CSU, Stanislaus in a top-ten match-up. If Coker wins, they stay in the driver’s seat. However, as a 1-point underdog on the road against #10, that won’t be easy, and a loss means CSU, Stanislaus would move into a tie with Coker, while owning the tie-breaker. In another marquee game, #25 Alaska Fairbanks goes on the road as a 6-point underdog to face off against #4 Lewis. Where this game matters is that the winner stays right in the mix at 2-1, where the loser will have an uphill climb at 1-2, down an important tie-breaker. Pittsburgh, Johnstown will try to get back into the race as they host #23 Dowling, who is a bad last 10 seconds away from being 2-0.

Hey _ge.... you're very last line in the entire write up.... #23 was supposed to say Dowling right there. Just trying to help. Not pick at ya! Keep up the excellent work buddy!

Thanks for catching that. Sometimes I don't give these much of a review before posting, haha.

STANDINGS
CSU, Stanislaus 2-1
Coker 2-1
Dowling 2-1
Lewis 2-1
Alaska Fairbanks 1-2
Pittsburgh, Johnstown 0-3


ROUND THREE RESULTS

Dowling 69 @ Pittsburgh, Johnstown 66

Key Stat: For UPJ, like the first night of the tournament, there was a substantial difference in shooting % in the first and second halves, this time on the defensive end. While UPJ shot 35.7% in the first and 33% in the second, Dowling shot 37% in the first and 48% in the second. The 15% difference in shooting pct in the second between the teams was the difference.
Key Moment: Over the last minute, UPJ missed a chance to tie on a couple of instances. First, hitting 1 of 2 free throws with 46 seconds left UPJ trailing by one. Then, after a Dowling basket, UPJ trailing by 3 had a couple of shots in the last 12 seconds, ending on a missed 3-pt attempt with one second left.
Key Performance: Dowling’s Edward Railsback won POG with 16 points and 9 rebounds. On UPJ’s side, Douglas Pier took 40% of the team’s shots for 25 points, but wasn’t effective enough, going 8 of 22 with 5 turnovers.


Alaska Fairbanks 58 @ Lewis 64

Key Stat: In an otherwise tight game, three areas gave Lewis enough of an edge to prevail. The Lewis bench chipped in 31 points to UAF’s 22. Lewis also won the game under the basket, with 10 offensive rebounds to 6. Finally, despite committing more fouls (25 to 18), effective free throw shooting (84.2%) to not lose any margin from the line.
Key Moment: In a second half that remained locked within a few points with several lead changes, Lewis edged ahead by 3 by hitting 2 free throws with 16 seconds remaining. With 11 seconds left, Alaska Fairbanks' Jack Goodwin, 2 of 4 from three to that point, missed a chance to tie, where Lewis grabbed the key rebound. After hitting the first free throw, Lewis C Ronald Thornton grabbed his own rebound.
Key Performance: Despite only taking 4 shots from the floor, Lewis C Ronald Thorton had a big impact on the game in winning POG. He had 11 points by going 7 of 8 from the line, including the last 3 points of the game, while adding 7 rebounds and a couple of assists.


Coker 71 @ CSU, Stanislaus 80 - OT

Key Stat: In a game where every point mattered, CSU, Stanislaus shot over 90% from the line. Not only that, but starters, led by PG Timothy Lathan’s 16/16, CSU starters went a perfect 27 of 27 from the line.
Key Moment: In the last minute of regulation, CSU forged ahead by 6, before Coker SG Gregory Crow with ice in his veins hit two 3’s in the last 40 seconds to send the game into OT. In the extra period, this time Coker build the 5-point edge, before CSU Stanislaus then proceeded to score the last 16 points of the game in the last 2:30 of OT.
Key Performance: While committing 8 turnovers, CSU PG Timothy Lathan was otherwise impressive scoring a game high 28 points and causing a number of fouls in the aforementioned 16 of 16 from the charity stripe.


ROUND FOUR
Pittsburgh, Johnstown (0-3) +11 @ #7 CSU, Stanislaus (2-1)
#17 Dowling (2-1) -1 @ Alaska Fairbanks (1-2)
#4 Lewis (2-1) -3 @ #11 Coker (2-1)


Last night, we saw all three game go undecided into the last few seconds of regulation or later. The CSU Stanislaus overtime win over Coker has led to a 4-way tie at the top of the standings with just a couple of nights left. Tie-breakers are now becoming more relevant, and the only team that controls their own destiny completely is CSU, Stanislaus. Any other team would need some kind of help in other games to win the Classic. While Pittsburgh, Johnstown has been eliminated, Alaska Fairbanks would need every single game to go right to get into a tie (while it would be entertaining to see a 5-way tie, that scenario is highly unlikely).

Tonight, when #4 Lewis visits #11 Coker, the stakes will be high again. This essentially works as almost the semifinal round since the loser would have a nearly impossible time of winning, whereas the winner stays tied at the top. Vegas like Lewis on the road by 3 but winning at Coker will be a challenge for Lewis. #7 CSU, Stanislaus hosts Pittsburgh, Johnstown and will try to maintain their advantage going into the final night. However, UPJ has challenged teams deep into the second half and will not make it easy when they visit out west. Finally, #17 Dowling will travel to take on Alaska Fairbanks. While Vegas likes Dowling by 1, travelling to Alaska will be a tall task and losing this game would make it very hard for Dowling to win the Classic.

This coverage is fantastic long_ge.

Thanks! Good luck to Lewis and CSU, Stanislaus tonight. Look forward to seeing how that turns out.

STANDINGS
CSU, Stanislaus 3-1
Lewis 3-1
Coker 2-2
Dowling 2-2
Alaska Fairbanks 2-2
Pittsburgh, Johnstown 0-4



ROUND FOUR RESULTS

Pittsburgh, Johnstown 85 @ CSU, Stanislaus 102

Key Stat: CSU, Stanislas followed the recipe for how to succeed in a FB/FCP system. They caused 25 UPJ turnovers to their 15, and caused UPJ fouls to their 27, which combined with effective FT shooting (72.5%) led to an 11-point advantage from the line and 2 UPJ players fouling out on a shorter roster.
Key Moment: After UPJ led at the half and had kept the game close the second half, they only trailed by 2 with less than 7 minutes to go. At that point, CSU, Stanislaus went on a 13-2 run to lead by 13 with just over 3 minutes remaining. That 4-minute span was what made the difference.
Key Performance: The guard combo of Orr and Lathan was again impressive, as they combined for 37 points and for a second night in a row had stellar free throw shooting, going 17 of 18. Orr added 3 offensive rebounds from the Point, 3 assists and 2 steals as well to take home POG honors.


Dowling 42 @ Alaska Fairbanks 58

Key Stat: While Alaska Fairbanks had the edge in certain areas, like fouls (20 to 13) caused turnovers (14 to 10) and offensive rebounds (10-6), the biggest factor was shooting pct differences. Both shooting 38 times from the floor, Alaska Fairbanks was at 50%, where Dowling shot just under 37%.
Key Moment: With the game still undecided at halftime, Alaska Fairbanks, running slow tempo, opened the second with tremendous defensive intensity, holding Dowling to just 4 points the first 11 minutes of the half, building a 15-point lead by that point.
Key Performance: Alaska Fairbanks PG Jack Goodwin was again very effective last night going 6 of 9 from the floor and 4 of 4 from the line to chip in 17 of Alaska Fairbanks 58 points in winning POG.


Lewis 74 @ Coker 71

Key Stat: Despite creating an edge in various key categories (off rebounds 12-10, assists 16-10, forced turnovers 17-12, fouls 18-23), Lewis nearly gave the game away due to poor free throw shooting, going 11 of 23 for a .478 pct, whereas Coker took advantage to go 21-27 for a .778 clip.
Key Moment: Lots going on the last minute in what was an exciting finish. Lewis guard Dustin Page snagged a key rebound with the game tied to set up Daniel Frazier from three. After Page also intercepted a pass, he missed both free throws to give Coker another shot. Last night, Coker guard Gregory Crow was clutch from three in the last minute, hitting two to send the game into OT. However, tonight there was no repeat performance, as Crow missed from three twice in the last 8 seconds, in his attempt to send Coker into OT again.
Key Performance: With his eventual game-winning 3 in the last minute and 3 of 4 from three-point-land during the game, Lewis forward Daniel Frazier was given POG honors with his 14 points. Gregory Crow matched his 14 points from Coker’s side.


FINAL ROUND
#20 Alaska Fairbanks (2-2) -5 @ Pittsburgh, Johnstown (0-4)
#6 CSU, Stanislaus (3-1) Pickem @ #4 Lewis (3-1)
Dowling (2-2) +1 @ #14 Coker (2-2)


Last night, Coker and Dowling each suffered losses to put CSU Stanislaus and Lewis in a position to battle head-to-head for this season’s Blue Earth Classic title. There will not be any need for tie-breakers, as the winner of tonight’s game with #6 CSU, Stanislaus visiting #4 Lewis will win outright as the only 4-win team in the tournament. To add to the intrigue to the showcase between Cal CAA and GLV schools, Vegas considers the marquee top-10 decisive game and potential F4 preview a toss-up. #14 Coker will host Dowling in what could have just as easily been a game with title implications just a night ago in a contest that pairs teams in a rematch of the E8 four seasons ago. Odds-makers also expect this one to be essentially a toss-up, making the home-court squad just a 1-point favorite. Also, #20 Alaska Fairbanks will try to finish the Classic with a winning record, as host school Pittsburgh, Johnstown tries to end on a positive note.

STANDINGS
CSU, Stanislaus 4-1
Lewis 3-2
Coker 3-2
Alaska Fairbanks 3-2
Dowling 2-3
Pittsburgh, Johnstown 0-5


FINAL ROUND RESULTS

Alaska Fairbanks 76 @ Pittsburgh, Johnstown 70

Key Stat: Three critical areas tell the story. UPJ was able to make this game close by banging the boards, with 18 offensive rebounds compared to UAF’s 12. However, the assist/turnover ratio tilted the advantage back toward Fairbanks, where they had 17 assists and 8 turnovers compared to UPJ’s 13 assists and 15 turnovers. Finally, with drawing more fouls (26 to 16), Alaska Fairbanks was able to add 11 more points from the line.
Key Moment: After trailing by 13 at the half, Pittsburgh, Johnstown battled back and made it a close game for the majority of the second half. Trailing by 2 going into the final minute, UPJ saw missed shots and had turnovers as Alaska Fairbanks knocked down 8 of 8 from the line the last 41 seconds.
Key Performance: While Alaska Fairbanks C Roger Covington won POG with a game-high 23 points, teammate Jack Goodwin played an important role adding 20 points in 28 minutes. Notably, Goodwin only committed two fouls, while both UPJ starting guards fouled out.


CSU, Stanislaus 66 @ Lewis 58

Key Stat: In a defensive battle that was teams combined shoot for less than 40%, CSU, Stanislaus won with bench points (34-22) and drawing more fouls (27 to 19) leading to 14 more points from the free throw line.
Key Moment: After a tight second half with several momentum shifts, Lewis trailed by 3 with 40 seconds remaining when they got the offensive rebound on a missed free throw. However, after taking about half the remaining time off the clock, Lewis turned the ball over and had to foul. At that point, CSU added to their lead, followed by Lewis missing a 3 with 14 seconds left to put the game out of reach.
Key Performance: With the combo of Orr and Lathan causing trouble for many opponents, it was back-up guard Harold Strange that added the third punch, going 17 minutes and scoring a game-high 22 points in a POG effort where he sank 10 of 12 from the line.


Dowling 76 @ Coker 83

Key Stat: While the rebounding stats were similar for both schools, Coker won in a couple of key areas close to the basket, outscoring Dowling 36 to 22 in the paint, also winning the second chance battle 12 to 5.
Key Moment: After battling to stay close most of the second half, Dowling saw their deficit climb to as high as 12 points late, before coming back to make it a 4-point game going into the last minute and a half. However, Coker scored the next 6 points and took the clock down until the final seconds before Dowling could answer.
Key Performance: The night centered on big performances from individuals. On the Dowling side, forward Christopher Birkland and guard Seth Herrington combined for 46 points, including 20 of 22 from the line. For Coker, guard Gregory Crow and POG F John Benson combined for 36 points, while Benson also added 9 boards.


Last night wrapped up this season’s Blue Earth Classic, again with 3 games that were decided in the last couple of minutes. With the CSU, Stanislaus victory on the road at Lewis, danpilgrim’s team clinched the Classic title outright, as the only team with 4 wins. Congrats to danpilgrim and CSU, Stanislaus!! This is the first time a Cal CAA team has won the tournament and results in an automatic rolling invite to a future Blue Earth Classic. This means you can be in season 111 or wait until the when you think your team is at its most competitive. This season, we had examples of both as Alaska Fairbanks won 2 seasons ago and took the first available bid, and Coker won 4 seasons ago and elected to sit out a couple of seasons before re-entering the Classic.

I appreciate everyone for participating this season. I was quite pleased with the level of competitiveness in this season’s field and look forward to seeing a couple of rematches deep in the NT. Hope to see everyone back in the Classic before long.

Great job running this long_ge! It was a lot of fun! Stoked to take home the title to the CCAA, especially after starting 0-1 against Alaska Fairbanks! We'll chalk it up to first game jitters.

I'd love to return in season 111!

Great job long_ge. Always appreciated. Best non-con tourney in the game. Nice set of programs at the top half of the world, keep the tourney flowing