Just got through watching D-II semi final game on CBS-Sports. Ashland is really, really good. They are undefeated on the season at 36-0, after tonight's victory. I'm wondering if any other BAer watched this game. It was on a "neutral" floor in Columbus. I saw one fan in the stands with an OHIO cap on. Didn't see any OSU gear, for what it is worth.

If anyone else did see this game, I'd be curious how you thought this Ashland team would do in the MAC. My own perception was that they would be pretty competitive. I know that D-2 ball is sometimes hard to evaluate. I remember watching some NKU men's D-2 teams in the NCAA tournament and they looked darn good to me, and I thought they would have held their own at the D-1 level. Thoughts?

Problem there is always depth. WIth only half the schollies the Depth wears on you. Bellarmine's Scotty Davenport and I had this conversation. He "steals" about 2 D1 guys a year to play for him..... but is quite sure, and happy, that he does not want to compete vs even lower D1 opponents and their resources

Long time asst at Louisville to Denny Crum he has made a D2 juggernaut out of Bellarmine and is in FF again this year. Louisville hoops FANS have more than one game in town to follow to National Championships.

FF game on CBS SPorts

https://twitter.com/freelancehack/status/844662447403347968

Will have to jump n Ashland Twitter to Find out when they play on the women's side

Bellarmine men facing Fairmont St (WV) in the semis.

I've been following Fairmont some this year. I have a colleague in education here in Jackson who played football for Fairmont back in the late 60s when they won an NAIA national title.

Bellarmine is a great program. Fairmont roster is loaded with Ohio HS guys. Should be a good game tonight, streamed live on NCAA.com.

A friend alerted me to your thread. If you were not aware, when there were (are) no conflicts, I have been calling Ashland basketball on radio on this year. That question has crossed my mind a great deal, especially as I spent 13 years calling Ohio State women's basketball. Ashland's depth is, in my pinion, what sets this team apart. They can come at opponent 8-to-10 deep, and not really skip a beat. They force opponents out of their "comfort zone", or to play faster than they would like to. You can't "catch your breath" against Ashland, even after a made bucket, as the ball is right back up the floor. That's where the depth factor works in their favor. The post players are match up issues, as they run the floor, can handle the ball, and step out and shoot. Could they compete in the MAC? I say they would win their share of games for the reasons stated above....probably in the 10 game range. They played at Ohio St in an exhibition, and lost 88-79. In the MAC, the depth for the upper tier teams (like Ohio) is better than across almost all of D2. The team they meet tomorrow night (Friday) for the national title, Virginia Union, has similar qualities, should be a good game. Hope that helped you some

Thanks, Marty.

I was able to catch parts of several Ashland games on TV this year. My impression was that they are relentless and they come at you in waves. They have good fan support at home.

Entire roster is from Ohio, from some of the really good tradition ladies basketball programs in the state. Caroline Mast daughter is a key player and another daughter is an assistant coach.

I saw them play multiple times due to sister's team playing them at Hillsdale and trust me, they could go compete in MAC. Former OU girls asst. told me the same thing that their lineup from top to bottom would go compete in the MAC due to their awareness on the floor and style. Heck they only lost to Ohio State by 9 this year. So yes, after seeing them in person, no question.

Ashland ladies complete their undefeated season and win a National Championship in front of a sell out crowd at Ohio Dominican. They have their three top players back next year and some help from the bench to go with them.