K-D shines as Lacy’s deputy

Men’s college basketball:

Washington State coach Ken Bone admits that it’s an unfortunate circumstance. But there’s no denying that Dexter Kernich-Drew’s progression has been aided by the increased playing time he’s received while DaVonte Lacy recovers from a left knee injury.

Lacy, a sophomore guard, won’t play in WSU’s game against Portland at 7:30 tonight in Beasley Coliseum, and could also miss Wednesday’s game against Gonzaga.

In his place, though, Kernich-Drew has begun establishing himself as a possible scoring threat off the bench once Lacy returns.

The redshirt sophomore guard from Melbourne, Australia, has started WSU’s (4-3) last three games and is second on the team in scoring with 9.9 points per game. He set a career high by scoring 16 points in a Nov. 20 loss to Texas A&M, and has scored in double figures in four of WSU’s seven games this season.

“If DaVonte wasn’t out, Dex probably would not be receiving the minutes,” Bone said. “But it’s great for him – it’s great for us that he’s playing well – but it’s really good for him to gain some confidence in what he’s able to do.”

Portland (3-3) is led by junior forward Ryan Nicholas, who averages 12.8 points per game. Nicholas, a Spokane native, attended Gonzaga Prep.

Christian Caple

NBA fines Spurs $250,000

NBA: The NBA has fined the San Antonio Spurs $250,000 for sending four players home Thursday before their game that night in Miami.

Commissioner David Stern said in a statement Friday that the Spurs “did a disservice to the league and our fans” when they didn’t bring Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili or Danny Green to Miami.

Stern says the Spurs were penalized for not informing “the Heat, the media, or the league office in a timely way.”

The Heat rallied late to beat the Spurs 105-100.

Associated Press