Today’S Best Bets

Fri., Dec. 18, 1998

Western Hockey League

Seattle at Spokane

Time, site: 7 p.m., Arena.

Radio: KXLY 920-AM.

Summary:Thirty-two games into the season, the Chiefs finally get their first look at the Thunderbirds, who’ve lost only four of their last 20 behind the league’s second-leading goal-scorer, Brett DeCecco.

Chiefs are without the guy who runs thier power play, Brad Ference, who’s off with Team Canada in Winnipeg. Mike Lencucha gets the start in goal.

Women’s basketball Idaho at Eastern Washington

Time, site: 7 p.m., Reese Court, Cheney

Summary: The Eagles (2-6) have a 28-19 series edge against their former Big Sky Conference rivals, but the Vandals (6-4) have won four straight over EWU.

Tonight’s big attraction is Idaho’s Alli Nieman. The junior forward from Sandpoint is averaging 21.9 points, best in the Big West. Her 7.1 rebounds per game tops the Vandals.

The Eagles have shown improvement since last year, but still are struggling offensively, putting up 57.1 ppg to their opponents’ 69.9. Senior guard Courntey Horner has been their most exciting player, averaging a team-high 10.6 ppg. She’s not shy to put up the 3, hitting 17 of 53.

Gonzaga at Washington State

Time, site: 7 p.m., Friel Court, Pullman

Summary: WSU coach Harold Rhodes will miss the next two games because of the death of his mother.

However, this is a game the Cougars (5-2) have won handily in the past. They hold a 14-1 edge in the series and have won the last four.

In order to be successful, Gonzaga (3-5) must stop WSU’s transition game and its top scorers, Alke Dietel (19.6 ppg, 7.4 rpg) and Tricia Lamb (18.6). GU freshman Jessica Malone is off to an impressive start. With 26 points in a win over Weber State, she has increased her team-leading scoring average to 11.0 ppg.

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Today’S Best Bets

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

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