Fairfield 101, Bucknell 91: Tough Start For Nathan Davis And Bison

(photo courtesy: Fairfield Athletics)

LEWISBURG, Pa. – It’s never easy for first-year head coaches, but that can be doubly true when trying to step in at a program that’s used to having success.

Nathan Davis has plenty going for him at Bucknell, not the least of which is his tenure as an assistant coach on the most successful Bucknell teams of all-time: the 2004-05 team that upset Kansas (and won an ESPY for doing so), and the squad the following year that went undefeated in the Patriot League (and 28-5 overall), getting a No. 9 seed in the NCAAs and beating Arkansas in the first round.

Continue reading “Fairfield 101, Bucknell 91: Tough Start For Nathan Davis And Bison” →

Saint Peter’s 56, St. Francis Brooklyn 45: Time For A Break

JERSEY CITY, N.J. – Sometimes, we all just need a break, don’t we? College basketball teams have been going since late September, and with Christmas fast approaching, almost everyone appeared in need of some time off Wednesday afternoon at the Yanitelli Center. Saint Peter’s and St. Francis Brooklyn had plenty of will, and eventually it will go down as a solid 56-45 win for the Peacocks, who will resume MAAC play next week at 2-0, but it was far from pretty.

To be fair, when we talk about taking a little break, we’re talking about everybody. It was not the best of days for the officials. This is the time of year where it will become difficult to continue with the freedom of movement initiative as the game was marred with interesting calls, numerous lengthy reviews, and technical fouls. Neither John Dunne nor Glenn Braica are among the more demonstrative coaches around (although Dunne does have his moments, it’s usually not directed at the officials).

Continue reading “Saint Peter’s 56, St. Francis Brooklyn 45: Time For A Break” →

Khallid Hart, Marist Hoping Patience Pays Off In MAAC

UNCASVILLE, Conn. – Winning a non-conference game over what might be the worst team in the Ivy League at the moment isn’t usually classified as a “program” win, but when you have the recent history of Marist and have to fight back from adversity a couple times to prevail in double overtime, well.

“Things didn’t go our way,” head coach Mike Maker said. We could have folded twice and we didn’t. And that’s why I’m really proud of our guys.”

Things have been rough in Poughkeepsie pretty much since Matt Brady left in 2008 for James Madison after four successful seasons. The Red Foxes haven’t had a winning season since, went 1-29 in 2009-10, and recently went through three coaches (Chuck Martin, Jeff Bower, and Maker) in three seasons, which doesn’t exactly foster continuity or consistency.

Continue reading “Khallid Hart, Marist Hoping Patience Pays Off In MAAC” →