Grier brings improving Toreros to Spokane

San Diego is perking up just in time for former Gonzaga assistant coach Bill Grier’s annual return to Spokane.

The Toreros (7-11, 2-4 WCC) have won two of their last three, both by double figures on the road, heading into tonight’s contest with Gonzaga (15-3, 5-1) at 5 at McCarthey Athletic Center. USD tied a school record with 14 3-pointers (on 19 attempts) in Thursday’s 82-63 win at Portland.

“They have some young guards that are really starting to play well,” GU coach Mark Few said. “Obviously, Billy is a great coach and nobody knows us better than he does. You just can’t take a night off in this league. Loyola Marymount goes into BYU and wins by 14 – I think that tells you the quality of some of the other teams. You have to bring it every night.”

Grier has a 62-86 record in his fifth season. The Toreros were picked to finish last in the preseason poll, but they’re tied for fifth.

Jim Meehan