Making a quick spin around local college hoops
GONZAGA, EASTERN, COLLEGE BASKETBALL UPDATED: 12:35 P.M.
As I asked in the post below, I want to know where you think the Zags rank right now. So far, the consensus seems to be that where they are is perfect, but I'm not convinced. Convince me.
And don't forget to vote on our reader poll.
For more on Zags' basketball, check Steve Bergum's blog.
UPDATE: A J.P. Batista sighting, courtesy of a reader. Follow this link for the SEB Baltic Basketball League website and the mention of Batista's 18-point, 21-rebound game. A little tough to translate, but readable.
Nevada may be in the top 25 like Gonzaga, but the Wolfpack seem to feel the GU game is their biggest of the season. The student newspaper, in its advance of the upcoming Cal game, puts a lot of emphasis on the meeting with GU.
A writer at CollegeHoops.net is picking the Bulldogs as a Final Four team. He qualifies it some, but was really impressed with their NIT play. He points out they are playing team basketball – where have you read that before – and that team chemistry will carry them a long way in March.
••••••••••
I went to a track meet last night and a basketball game broke out (insert rim shot here). Actually, Eastern's win was entertaining if you like basketball spelled without a d – and I'm not a big fan of that style. The Cal State Fullerton Titan's idea of defense is to force you to make a layup, so they can make a 3-pointer on the other end. If they make enough, they win.
Eastern struggled for most of the game defending what was basically a five-guard Fullerton alignment, but in one key stretch the Eagles defense came through, they put together a 10-0 run and they won by 10.
The Eagles return home Wednesday night, hosting Eastern Oregon (7:05; 790-AM), a team populated with Spokane-area talent, including Ferris' Jeremy Templeton and Mt. Spokane's Derek Brown. The Mountaineers (8-1) are coached by Central Valley graduate Ryan Looney.
For more on EWU, check Dave Trimmer's blog.
••••••••••
Huskies make a lineup change for their game with Idaho on Wednesday, dropping Ryan Appleby from the starting five and replacing him with freshman Adrian Oliver at shooting guard. That means UW will start three freshmen against the Vandals.