Another mixed night for the WAC

We don't necessarily subscribe to the premise that if league A is considered a 'higher' league than league B then its members should always beat the residents of league B. Having typed that, there are still some matchups where WAC teams are losing to teams they should beat.

Exhibit A - Louisiana Tech falls to McNeese State

Granted, this was a Tech team without Magnum Rolle and depth is an issue this season for the Bulldogs but we venture to say that not many LA TECH fans saw this 61-44 loss coming. Here's the writeup from the Bulldog athletics site:

Cowboys Outlast Bulldogs Monday
Dec. 15, 2008

LAKE CHARLES, La. -- Louisiana Tech (5-5) lost its first game in over two weeks Monday night to McNeese State (5-3) by a final score of 61-44 in the Lake Charles Civic Center.

The loss snapped a three-game winning streak for the Bulldogs and gives them a 5-1 record this season against instate rivals.

"I felt like we were unable to get into a rhythm at all tonight," Tech head coach Kerry Rupp said. "We've got to regroup as a team and come back strong. I told our guys that this is one game and the future is in our hands. We have to learn from this and toughen up and get our offense into a rhythm and flow...

Go here for the remainder.

Kyle Gibson scored 19 points but shot 4-15, the team went 5-26 on three-pojnt attempts and garnered just four assists.

For an overall look at Louisiana Tech this season, here is Ethan Conley's article in the News Star.

Here is Ron Tyler's take on the game at his A Closer Look At LA Tech Hoops site.

and

Hawaii continues with its long homestand and takes a win over Chicago State:

Strong start lifts 'Bows to victory
Dayton Morinaga
Honolulu Advertiser

Sometimes, the hare can beat the tortoise.

In this case, a quick start — and sluggish finish — was enough for the University of Hawai'i men's basketball team to hold off Chicago State, 85-75, last night.

The Rainbow Warriors led by as many as 24 points in the first half, but had to hold off a late rally by the Cougars.

A crowd of 3,131 at the Stan Sheriff Center watched the 'Bows improve to 5-3 with their fifth consecutive home victory. Chicago State dropped to 3-6.

"Happy with the win; wasn't very pleased with some of our mental deficiencies in the second half," Hawai'i head coach Bob Nash said. "I thought we tried to ride our lead to a victory (when) we wanted to try to extend the lead..."

Go here for the remainder.