34th and Eighth

NOTE: This post was originally supposed to appear this morning, but I made an error and had it scheduled to begin tomorrow morning. 

Well another solid, if unspectacular game by the Cougs last night has us one win away from the NIT Final Four at Madison Square Garden (the intersection of W 34th and 8th Ave in the Big Apple).

Last week, I mentioned that I really don’t care about the NIT and that I would rather lose an NCAA Tournament Play-In game than the NIT Championship.   While that is absolutely true and you will never hear me thump my crimson chest about winning the NIT, it’s definitely an extended season is better than the alternative. 

A season that stretches on will allow this group of players to continue practicing and competing against top notch talent.  Additional practices with Bone and Co. are invaluable for this group of youngsters.  In addition to the extended season, it will allow little old Wazzu to get some much needed national exposure it has lacked since March of 2008.  Having games played in front of a nationally televised ESPN audience is never a bad thing.

I was livid  ESPN preempted our game for the final 90 seconds of two different blowouts in the Women’s NCAA Tourney.  While it was cute and all that Gonzaga upset UCLA, honestly, nobody cares.  The game had been over for a few minutes and watching pointless fouls and free throws is absolutely a waste of my time.

A couple of summers ago, I had the chance to visit New York City as I was on the east coast with Miss Dani Buff for her brother’s wedding.  The size alone of Madison Square Garden was insane!  It was the middle of August, so not a lot going on (besides a Britney Spears concert that night) and I was able to walk around the lobby/foyer of MSG.  There were a lot of large photos of all the historic events MSG has been home to.  It sure would be cool if Seattle had something half that nice.

If the Cougs take care of business of Wednesday night, we will get to see them there this time next week.  Lines haven’t come out for Wednesday night’s tilt with Northwestern, but with last night’s line WSU -8.5, I would be shocked if we give any less to the Wildcats.

Finally, a few thoughts on the Oklahoma State game:

• I am still frustrated with our ability to completely bury a team.  The nice thing is the only true run the Pokes went on was very early in the game when we had a nine point lead.  Okie St briefly took the lead, but we didn’t look back from there.  Just once, let’s step on our opponent’s proverbial throat!

• 85% from the charity stripe is a great night.  Coming on 26 attempts is an even better night!
• How is Klay the 40th best prospect on Chad Ford’s latest Mock Draft? 
• As much fun as it is to watch Marcus and Casto finish around the basket, are either better at finishing than Brock Motum?  The lefty from down under is so incredibly reliable.

• I know Faisal Aden was averaging 17.5 PPG the past four contests, but when he can’t hit the broadside of a barn, why not yank his license to shoot?  I know shooters eventually shoot their way out of slumps, but his timing seems to always kill our rhythm and allow our opponents to get out in transition.

Have a great Tuesday!