Whitworth falls to No.2 in rankings

Whitworth University’s first men’s basketball loss of the season last week cost the Pirates first place in the D3hoops.com poll.

But the Pirates, who rode the crest of a 23-game winning streak to occupy the top spot for two weeks, only fell one spot.

When this week’s poll was released Monday, Whitworth (24-1) found itself in second place, behind Williams (24-1), which swapped places with the Pirates. Whitworth did pick up six first-place votes and leads No. 3 Middlebury (23-1) by five points.

The regular-season champion Pirates open the Northwest Conference playoffs at home on Thursday night against Pacific Lutheran (15-9).

Arena football

Former Washington State wide receiver Michael Bumpus was among two players released by the Spokane Shock, who also added three players.

Offensive lineman Tim Walters was also released.

Added were wide receiver Eddie Thompson, who had four touchdowns and 121 all-purpose yards for the Shock in an injury-shortened 2010 season; offensive lineman Shannon Tevaga (UCLA) and defensive back Patrick Stoudamire (Western Illinois).