Mac men in tough facing Carleton, Ottawa cagers
November 26, 2009
LARRY MOKO
THE HAMILTON SPECTATOR
(Nov 26, 2009)
Keenan Jeppesen of the McMaster Marauders was selected an NCAA Division I all-star during his basketball stint with the Brown University Bears. He later transferred to Western, helping the Mustangs win back-to-back Ontario West Division titles.
But there are two significant achievements that have thus far eluded the Stoney Creek native. The multi-talented 6-foot-7 forward has yet to win a Canadian university championship. And, he's never been able to defeat the Carleton Ravens.
This Saturday, however, Jeppesen and the rest of the Marauders get another crack at Carleton (6-0). Game time is 8 p.m. at the Burridge Gym. That follows another tough opponent from Ottawa -- the Gee-Gees -- who visit tomorrow night.
"(Carleton) is the only team I haven't beat in my CIS career," Jeppesen said. "I'm 0-3. It's always fun to play them, though. It's a big challenge. It's huge for us ... our first opportunity to be an underdog."
The defending national champions from Carleton are ranked No. 1, despite losing three top-notch players (Aaron Doornekamp, Rob Saunders and Stu Turnbull) to graduation. Mac (5-1) is ranked No. 3 in Canada.
Under head coach Dave Smart, Carleton has rolled to six CIS championships in the past seven years.
"It's the same thing with some different faces," said Jeppesen of the Ravens' roster. "They're physically tough on the glass and they make shots."
This weekend's action completes the eight-game portion of Mac's schedule against East opponents.
"We beat Ottawa at the McGill tournament," said head coach Joe Raso of his Marauders squad, which has a 14-1 overall record. "We were down by a bunch and came back to win by 22. That was probably our best half of basketball."
Ottawa (4-2) is led by CIS second team all-Canadian guard Josh Gibson-Bascombe, who is averaging 17.8 points and 6.1 assists. Gee-Gees have qualified for three of the last five Final Eight events.
Said Raso: "Both Ottawa and Carleton are quality teams that you've got to equally prepare for. It's the advantage of having a very strong travel partner. RMC, being a weak team, makes it tough for Queen's (their Kingston travel partner)."
According to Raso, the secret of the Carleton program is "they've been able to convince very good players to sit and wait.
"They've got players who are provincial team captains who are playing minimal minutes. They could be starting at a lot of places."
McMaster has not defeated Carleton in conference play since the advent of the divisional interlocking schedule in 2001-02. Mac's last victory over Carleton came on March 16, 2001 at the CIS championship quarter-finals.
The maroon and grey has dropped nine consecutive games to the Ravens.
"Carleton is a team that doesn't beat themselves," Raso points out. "You have to be at your best. They make plays at both ends and don't turn the ball over a lot."
Mac has the stingiest defence in the OUA, holding opponents to an average of 64.7 points. Carleton ranks second at 65.3.
Carleton's top scorer is forward Kevin McCleary (averaging 18 points, 7.6 rebounds). Jeppesen is averaging 19.7 points, 9.2 boards.
"In terms of our record, every game is important," Jeppesen said. "We want to ensure we're considered for a wild card (CIS tournament). You want to have that as insurance."
The 4-1 Mac women's team plays 4-3 Ottawa and 4-3 Carleton. Game times are 6 p.m.
