Some pregame thoughts from WSU

• The watch word tonight for the Cougars is athleticism. As in Long Beach State has an edge in athleticism. Which is a worry. John Wooden used to feel if he had a quickness edge at three positions, he would win. Four, a sure thing. Well, Long Beach has quickness edge in a couple places. But there are ways to combat that, including limiting the transition game, attacking any size advantage and changing defenses to slow down the half-court attack. Expect the Cougars to try to do all those things. … Talking with Long Beach coach Dan Monson before the game, he’s still not sure how mentally ready his 49ers are for tonight’s game. The loss to UC Santa Barbara with an NCAA tournament berth on the line is still pretty fresh. Others in the Long Beach traveling party were even more concerned. So those darn intangibles that no one likes to acknowledge effect 19-, 20- and 21-year olds, might rear their ugly heads tonight. You would think the team that lost Thursday, came home on the weekend and had a few days to get ready here would have an edge in mental preparation, wouldn’t you? … There is a good chance if the Cougars win they’ll play here again either Sunday or Monday night, with the smart money on the latter day. The students would be back for either and Beasley would have a much different atmosphere then. That’s if they get by LB State. … Klay Thompson has a personal ax to grind tonight. Long Beach State’s Larry Anderson and his Long Beach Jordan team defeated Thompson and his Santa Margarita High group four years ago in he CIF semifinals. Thompson hasn’t forgotten. … Don’t expect to see Steven Bjornstad tonight. The 6-11 center is out for sure with an ankle injury suffered this week. … Well, that’s about it. You’ll get to see the game on ESPNU, so I’m sure you’ll have plenty to say afterward.

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• That’s about it for now. We’ll be back at halftime with a quick post and will be on Twitter throughout at vinceg55. Until later …