Drake...game #6

[jimk72]

For those who love statistics and the formulas that generate them: Lehigh currently ranked #233 out of 353 divison one baskeball programs by Kenpom. Not exactly a lofty position, and good for only 7th in the Patriot League. Drake is at #135, and a 9 point favorite according to Mr. Pomeroy and his computer. A great effort tonight (on ESPN+) and a road win would do a lot for this team's confidence. And mine for the rest of the season.

PS:A win-less Princeton team looked pretty good last night against Indiana in the first half. And the spotted ones from Easton have beaten Princeton and Penn, so Franny has them headed in the right direction early. We need to continue to get better.

[RichH]

A rebuilding year for us. Key is to exceed expectations. We'll know more when Nic returns. PL doing pretty well OOC. Perhaps we can get in that conversation come the PL games.

[jimk72]

As to Patriot OOC success.....very surprised Colgate has not been that competitive in their Power 5 games. They were up 1 mid second half with Clemson before losing by 13. But never really threatened Syracuse and got flattened by Auburn. Heavy duty schedule, but I expected more.

Biggest win for the league so far is Boston taking down South Carolina by 8. American beat maybe the A-10's worst team (G.W.). Having grown up across the river from Lewisburg I was a bit shocked that Bucky got taken to the woodshed at Happy Valley last night. Though the Nits look really good this year (drat!).

Holy Cross and their new regime seem a bit lost. 0-4 with a 57 point loss to Northeastern (ugh). Navy, Army, and Loyola all about as expected.

On balance Kenpom has us Patriots 20th out of 32 Division One conferences. At the upper section of our usual range. For comparison, Ivies are at 15th, Northeast at 29th.

[RichH]

Drake 74-58. Karnik 14pts,7r
Cohen 3-12.
We kept it a game for the 1st half. Drake took it to us in the 2nd. We had no answers on offense or defense

Is there a reason why Lieb isnt playing? Saw instagram with Lieb and teammates playing paddleball.

[jimk72]

Combination of poor shooting (or shot selection) and defensive breakdowns. They had way to many easy looks second half. We shot 39% from the field (30% from 3) to their 54% from the field.

Fortunately the St. Mary's game is not on local TV here.