Long week finally over at WSU

COUGARS

One-game weeks seem to drag on and on. It seems like a week since Washington State has played a game – wait, it has been a week since the win over USC. Tonight the Huskies bring their interesting road record into a packed Beasley Coliseum, hoping to sweep the state rivalry for the second consecutive season. By the tip, we’ll know a lot more about the conference title and how the rest of the tournament will shake out. Read on.
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• Washington State: OK, so it is not only Nik Koprivica’s last game at home, but tonight’s battle would go a long way toward ensuring WSU a post-season berth. The Huskies are by far the best team (RPI of 64, Ken Pomeroy rating of 39) left on the Cougar schedule, baring an upset or two in the Pac-10 tourney. So tonight is a chance for WSU (RPI of 126, Pomeroy rating of 112) to help its cause. … It’s also for bragging rights of course. … Can Klay Thompson break out of his shooting funk? If he doesn’t, it won’t be because he isn’t working on it. He is. Hard. … Percy Allen has a scouting report in the Cougars. … The women are also playing today at Hec Ed.

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• Around the Pac-10: It’s been 50 years. But the Cal Bears can clinch at least a piece of the Pac-10 regular season crown today. … Win or lose, the Bears (RPI 24, Pom 22) seems to be a lock for the NCAA Tournament. But ASU (RPI 54, Pom 27) might need this win, not only to win the league title but to buttress its at-large credentials. … The other team in Arizona, which would be Arizona by the way, is going the other way and contemplating changes. … The Beavers are still looking for a team leader. … USC has one , but he’s not shooting too well right now. … The young Ducks were a little bit awed by their first trip to Pauley Pavilion. … The 2008 recruiting class has been a bust so far for UCLA. … Finally, a look at today’s games. Jon Wilner’s record this season reflects the strange nature of the conference.

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• That’s all we’ve got this morning. We’ll be back before the game. Until then …