The B-Ballers have officially met and exceeded my league play expectations. I would have to go back but this may be the first time Army has swept the seasonal 2 game series against 2 league foes ( Navy and Colgate). The team continues to grow and the future is looking brighter.
At 5-6 in league play, the Black Knights have secured no lower than a 6th place finish which eclispes last season's last place finish and 4-10 record. If you recall, Army was an all but unamimous pick to finish last again this season.
When sizing up the Patriot League, it would be surprise from this observer if anyone other than Bucknell & Lehigh end up in the conference championship game and auto bid to the NCAA tournement. What I see is 4 very clear quartile's in the league - 1st - Bucknell & Lehigh 2nd - American and Lafayette. 3rd - Holy Cross & Army and holding up the rear Colgate and Navy. League play has not been all that exciting as more than half of all games have been decided by double digits. Every one of Army's losses have come by 12 or more . 3 of the 5 wins have been by 12 or more. That's how it's gone all season. The only possible blimp on the scale might be between Lafayette and Holy Cross. The Crusaders have picked it up a notch and seem to be playing to expected form. For Army to earn a home game, it would take wins in 2 of the final 3 with the best chances coming agaist American today and Holy Cross on Wednesday. ( Our final game is at Lehigh - very unlikely "W"). Winning both home tilts would be more than impressive. It would mean Army would be .500 in league play for the first time ever in the Patriot League which encompasses over 20 years. It could also allow for the team's 2nd home game ever in the conference tournement.
When all is said an done, the program is moving forward but still a second class citizen in this league. A win today could help change that perception with more than a few Patriot League observers. PS - Ella Ellis is looking very good in his bid to make 1st team all-league.
At 5-6 in league play, the Black Knights have secured no lower than a 6th place finish which eclispes last season's last place finish and 4-10 record. If you recall, Army was an all but unamimous pick to finish last again this season.
When sizing up the Patriot League, it would be surprise from this observer if anyone other than Bucknell & Lehigh end up in the conference championship game and auto bid to the NCAA tournement. What I see is 4 very clear quartile's in the league - 1st - Bucknell & Lehigh 2nd - American and Lafayette. 3rd - Holy Cross & Army and holding up the rear Colgate and Navy. League play has not been all that exciting as more than half of all games have been decided by double digits. Every one of Army's losses have come by 12 or more . 3 of the 5 wins have been by 12 or more. That's how it's gone all season. The only possible blimp on the scale might be between Lafayette and Holy Cross. The Crusaders have picked it up a notch and seem to be playing to expected form. For Army to earn a home game, it would take wins in 2 of the final 3 with the best chances coming agaist American today and Holy Cross on Wednesday. ( Our final game is at Lehigh - very unlikely "W"). Winning both home tilts would be more than impressive. It would mean Army would be .500 in league play for the first time ever in the Patriot League which encompasses over 20 years. It could also allow for the team's 2nd home game ever in the conference tournement.
When all is said an done, the program is moving forward but still a second class citizen in this league. A win today could help change that perception with more than a few Patriot League observers. PS - Ella Ellis is looking very good in his bid to make 1st team all-league.