Pilots vs. Idaho - Saturday, 2pm tip off

Well, its time for the Pilots to rebound from Wednesday's disaster and battle the Vandals on Saturday.

Anyone have any idea why the tipoff is 2pm? It is not on TV...?

The Vandals are 4-3, with wins over Evergreen St (by 22), N Dakota St (by 9), @ Sac St (by 14), and UC Irvine (101-47 ), and losses @ Mich St (by 38 ), @ Gonzaga (by 34) and @ EWU (by 10).

Idaho is coached by 1st year Head Coach Don Verlin (previous Asst. at Utah St.). Interestingly, Ray Lopes, former Fresno St. coach, is an Assistant for Verlin (Lopes was forced to resign at FSU due to recruiting violations). It sounds like only 4 players from last year's roster are back (?!), and they lost 5 of the 6 top scorers. Transfers include Mac Hopson from Wazzu.

Discuss.

I think we can win by 10 or so...of course, I thought we'd win the last game too. But, EWU has been sort of tough over the years...at least for teams like Gonzaga that play them regularly. We can take them... I expect Raivio to play better than in the last game...

I believe the Pilot's will win. However, I feel bad for the players. I've seen and heard more enthusiam at GRADE SCHOOL basketball games. I guess that's what happens when one schedules pre-WCC home games at absolutely the wrong time for an improving team with breaks,finals, etc.....conflicting with attendance. I'm really disapointed with Portland area fan's after hearing of their reputation for supporting Basketball.

Oh well, enough of that B.S.,I'll get off my soapbox. One positive this stretch of the season is Ethan's injury provides more P/T for B.J. Outside of TJ this team doesn't have too many "natural" athlete's. Were going to need him this year and next to keep up with the Gray's,etc in the WCC that our current guards,3's can't challenge athletically. It's always nice to see someone who can ignite a crowd with athletism too. Did anyone see TJ try to throw a pass to Luke that BJ would have caught and "slammed" home in the 2nd half. It was way over his jumping ability and reminded me of that movie Woody Harrelson was in during the 90's. I think a few of TJ's pass's that result in turnover's are not always his fault. The returning players are not on the same page,and hopefully will be able to get used to crisp ,slick passing(Rev has mentioned their inability to receive his passing and made it clear it was not TJ's fault). The previous pt guard for two years had always thrown slower, telegraphed passes with plenty of time to prepare and catch them.

I think this game will be different then the miserable outing against EWU.
I just hope Idaho doesnt shoot the lights out in the beginning. That "killed" the Pilots from the git go.


MesaPilot1

Final: UP 68, Idaho 65

It was not easy. UI shot 53%, while Pilots were under 40%. Jared 2 of 12, Robin 3 of 12. Jared's shot is just off. Robin got good shots, but so many rolled off the rim. Nik sealed the win with free throws down the stretch. Idaho was quick, with a good active big man. Both Kramer and Jasonn fouled out.

The team still looks out of sync. Don't know if it is due to Ethan's absence, or what. Three road games coming up now. Could be tough to stay above .500 by the next home game.