Zags, Cougs primed for a run

As the postseason league tournaments wind up, the hopes and fears of our Zags and Cougs are being realized. Both are back in the Top 25, they have been playing well at times, and they’re healthy. All this bodes well for a deep run into the NCAA men’s tournament.

Neither team will merit a particularly great seed (above a 3) nor should they suffer a poor one (10 or worse). Each has the talent and the skill to achieve a Sweet 16.

But the Bulldogs and Cougars face a real jungle out there beyond that level. Either one might survive a subpar game against another midmajor, but anything less than full 40-minute intensity and relatively error-free floor play against top-tier teams will doom them.

But with a little luck from other teams knocking off the big boys, and Gonzaga and WSU executing the game plans devised by Mark Few and Tony Bennett, two of the best coaches in the country, those of us in Zags and Cougs country won’t be a bit surprised if either goes deep into the Dance.

Simon Roloff

Spokane