In the WAC today and tonight (Saturday)

The schedule was lighter than last night and two of the three WAC teams playing earned victories.

Tech men open season with victory
November 14, 2009

EDINBURG, Texas – Sophomore Olu Ashaolu recorded his second-career double-double as Louisiana Tech opened the season with an 80-62 win at Texas Pan-American today.

It is the second consecutive 1-0 start for the Bulldogs who were led by Ashaolu’s 18-point, 12-rebound performance. Both were career highs for the Toronto, Ontario native.

Tech had three other players join Ashaolu in double figures as senior Kyle Gibson had 16, junior DeAndre Brown had 13 and senior Magnum Rolle with 12...

Here's what jumped out of the box score to us:

Magnum Rolle played but 17 minutes. He was called for three fouls so maybe that limited some of his expected court time. Rolle 12 points came on a perfect 5-5 from the floor. He was credited with three rebounds. Rolle must get more than five shots and a board threesome for LT to be successful in the WAC.

Newcomer DeAndre Brown's 13 points were matched with two assists and four turnovers -- gotta reverse that.

Tech shot 30-49 shooting overall, 17-26 in the second half.

+++++

Montana 95 Boise State 82

The Grizzlies liked their home cooking and won by more than double figures against Greg Graham's squad.

Montana shot 32-59 overall, 12-20 from three-point range. The Broncos connected on just 2-10 three-point attempts.

Senior 'big' Kurt Cunningham averaged a point a minute with 13 but wasn't credited with a single rebound.

Maybe more importantly, Anthony Thomas continued to surprise but not in a positive vein. Against LMU yesterday, he put up five points, two assists and three turnovers in 31 minutes. Versus Montana, he notched seven points. three assists and three TOs, again in 31 minutes. His positive numbers need to take the elevator.

+++++

Nevada 75 Montana State 61

Reno -- Luke Babbitt scored a game-high 26 points as Nevada cruised past Montana State 75-61 in the season opener for both teams Saturday night. Armon Johnson added 16 points for the Wolf Pack.

The Bobcats played with just eight players because two starters (Marquis Navarre and Will Bynum) are ineligible for the first three games of the season...

It was 50-31 after 20 minutes. The Pack shot 52% for the game -- Babbitt 11-17, Johnson 7-11 -- but surprisingly was out-boarded by eight.