Wednesday's bunch o' links

Kyle Goon quotes a national source about the Utah State non-conference schedule.

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Louisiana Tech is making sure things are lively in the upcoming matchup with Idaho. By the way, when is the local/regional press going to recognize what Coach White and his staff have accomplished so quickly? It's not like LSU deserves all that much print this season.

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Shawn Harrison writes that stepping up is not just a gym exercise.

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Texas State Sports interviewed Coach Doug Davalos and Bobcats Matt Staff and Vonn Jones.

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Jason Groves checks in with a contenders/pretenders column as a number of teams will find out about themselves by Sunday.

Friday: three game reports & three previews

Texas State got Chippewa-ed by host Central Michigan 92-80 last night. Joel Wright went for a 20/10 double-double and Matt Staff scored 18 points (including sinking his only free throw) but such wasn't enough.Cm was at the foul line for 31 attempts as opposed to 10 for the Bobcats.

Texas State athletics game reports as does Central Michigan athletics.

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Utah State started its tourney versus Nicholls State and led 43-22 at the half. But the lead closed to 60-54 at the eight minute mark with the Aggies finally winning 79-72. Kyisean Reed went for a 20/12 double-double (how appropriate!) and added a quartet of blocked shots while Jarred Shaw enjoyed his own 19/11 double-double. Freshman poin t Marcel Davis started, took but one shot but passed for seven assists. USU took 47 shots to 69 for Nicholls State but the free throw count was reversed at 34 to 18.

Kyle Goon tweeted the game.

Kyle, Matt Sonnenberg,Tavin Stucki, Kyle Heywood and Shawn Harrison game report. Curtis Ripplinger offers game photos.

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Idaho enjoyed a 37-29 lead after the first 20 minutes in a rivalry matchup with Boise State but the Broncos busted out in the second half to win 78-68. Kyle Barone posted a double-double of 22 points and 10 boards plus three blocked shots while Stephen Madison put up 14 points and five rebounds. The Vandals shot 2-10 from three-point range.

Vandal Nation tweeted the game.

Josh Wright game reports.

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Friday brings:

* Denver hosting Southern Utah -- Pioneer athletics game previews.

* Texas San Antonio at Texas A&M Corpus Christi -- Roadrunner athletics game previews.

* Utah State is back in action right away versus UC Davis

Congrats to Matt Staff

Worthy of a stand alone entry is Texas State's Matt Staff, all 6-10 of him at that, and someone who is perfect at the free throw line so far this season. The senior out of Houston is 29-29. Hopefully, PTW didn't jinx him for tonight's game.

Monday's game previews

The WAC schedule was blank yesterday but tonight it's Texas State in The Land of Lincoln to battle Northwestern, Louisiana Tech in Orval Faubus territory versus Arkansas Little Rock and Seattle hosting Jackson State.

Northwestern athletics previews.

LA TECH athletics previews.

Seattle athletics previews.

Jerry Brewer takes a look at Seattle hoops from the inside in a fascinating read.

Thursday's three WAC game reports plus one preview

San Jose State University went into the bicycle-riding capital of the United States -- Davis, CA -- and pedaled away with a 73-64 victory. It was Spartan guard James Kinney again leading the way, this time with 27 points (plus five rebounds and four steals). Ryan Sypkens led the Aggies with 18 points (5-10 from long distance).

UC Davis athletics game reports.

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Mercer proved to be just the right tonic for Denver as the host Pioneers romped 69-40. Royce O'Neale went for 22 points (9-14 overall, 3-6 from long distance) and Chris Udofia added 12 points. UD shot 55% to Mercer's 35%.

Denver athletics game reports as does Irv Moss.

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Host Texas State got blasphemied by Oral Roberts 86-77, or more positively, the Bobcats turned the other cheek. For the Bobcats, Matt Staff produced 19 points and six rebounds while Joel Wright turned in a 17/5 performance.

Texas State athletics game reports.

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Idaho visits Eastern Washington tonight. Vandal athletics previews.

Saturday: two game reports plus five previews

In the Louisiana Tech - Georgia State matchup, the visiting Bulldogs succeeded 86-68 with Raheem Appleby exploding for 34 points (14-19 overall, 3-5 from long distance). Just as remarkable was Kenneth Smith committing six turnovers although he also posted 15 points, six assists and five rebounds.

LA Tech athletics game reports.

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Host Texas State got beehived by the Utes 74-69. Joel Wright achieved a 17/11 double-double for the Bobcats, Matt Staff went for his own via 16 points plus 10 boards and guard Vonn Jones also scored 16. Utah shot 53%, Texas State 37%.

Texas State athletics game reports.

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Five games are on tap for tonight.

UT Arlington travels to Austin to face Texas. UTA athletics previews the game.

San Jose State University is in Bozeman versus Montana State. Bobcat athletics previews the game.

New Mexico State hosts Southern Mississippi. Jason Groves game  previews, then offers his three keys and a prediction. Jason also writes about the toughness of Daniel Mullings.

UTSA is in California to battle Cal State Bakersfield. San Antonio athletics previews the game.

Idaho welcomes Big West Conference member UC Davis. Vandal athletics previews the game.

Friday's one game roundup, links and previews

Texas San Antonio went to Eugene, Oregon to battle the webfoots and it was 51-40 Oregon at the half. The Duckies won it 95-78 despite a trio of Roadrunners in high double figures. Jeromie Hill led SA with 19 points, Michael Hale turned in 18 and Kannon Burrage finished with 17 points, plus six assists. Coach Brooks Thompson's crew shot 57% overall but allowed their opponents to hit at a 63% rate. Plus, UTSA committed 23 turnovers, 14 of which were steals.

TSA athletics has a game report.

Inside Runner Sports provides an informative take.

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Is Pan-American flying into the Western Athletic Conference?

Mile High Mids offers a very insightful look at the makeup of the WAC a year hence and further out.

Mile High Mids then offers more.

Teddy Feinberg weighs in on New Mexico State's moving on.

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Kyle Goon analyzes Utah State's Wednesday night win in Santa Clara.

Kyle Hislop lauds the road work of Stew Morrill.

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On to Friday's contests:

It's too bad that Louisiana Tech doesn't have a Sherman on its roster as the Bulldogs are in Atlanta to take on Georgia State. But then again, that would be quite the touchy, probably verboten subject.

Also, Texas State welcomes Utah of the Pac-12 Conference into San Marcos.

Sunday's roundup of last night's games

Texas State handled UC Riverside 81-69 up in Anchorage -- this despite losing the battle of the boards 41-26. JC newcomer forward Corey Stern paced the Bobcats with 17 points while frontcourter Matt Staff contributed 16. Guard Vonn Jones contributed 10 points plus seven assists.

TS athletics game reports.

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In a Beehive State battle, host Utah State and Weber State were tied at 28 after the first 20 minutes. It became a foul fest, one with USU nabbing a 65-55 victory. Jarred Shaw achieved a 16/12 double-double and Preston Medlin just missed with 17 points and nine rebounds plus four assists and three steals.

Kyle Goon tweeted the matchup.

Randy Hollis, Shawn Harrison, Kyle Goon, Roy Burton and Kevin Meacham each game reports. Curtis Ripplinger has game photos.

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Louisiana Tech turned back Louisiana Monroe 68-52. Cordarius Johnson provided 23 points (8-11 overall, 5-7 from three-point range) and eight boards while Raheem Appleby scored 18. But the Bulldogs shot just 22-53 in the game.

Matt Vines/The News Star game reports as does LT athletics.

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Texas Arlington went into Alabama and took a 65-58 victory over Samford as center Jordan Reves post a 14/12 double-double along with a trio of blocked shots. Kevin Butler aided the cause with 15 points plus five assists. TA shot 51% for the game while holding the hosts to 37%.

UTA athletics game reports.

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No games are scheduled for today.

Saturday's recap of last night's game plus tongiht's contests

Idaho challenged perennial Mountain West Conference power New Mexico in The Pit and got spanked 73-58 but it was 36-36 after twenty minutes. Kyle Barone posted 16 points plus six boards and sharpshooter Connor Hill led the Vandals with 20 (six of 12 from long distance). New Mexico shot 51% for the game to 41% for Don Verlin's crew. Idaho also shot but eight free throws.

Idaho athletics game reports.

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New Mexico State proved to be rude hosts to Louisiana Lafayette as the Aggies sprinted out to a 41-18 halftime lead and won 79-57. It was Bandja Sy Night as the senior produced 16 points (6-8 shooting), five boards and four blocked shots. NMSU also won the battle of the boards 49-27 but did commit 25 turnovers. Play at the point remains muddled, owning too many of those TOs.

Jason Groves tweeted the contest. Jason also has a game report.

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Still up in Anchorage, Texas State tangled with Loyola Marymount and fell 78-63. Backcourter Vonn Jones the Bobcats with 14 points and five assists while Corey Sterns enjoyed 10 points and seven rebounds.

Texas State athletics game reports.

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Blue Zertuche/TexasHoops (a Rivals sub is required) recently offered this about a Texas Antonio signee: "Luke Wilshire 6-foot-5 SG Johnson -- Wilshire found his grove against Brennan Wednesday afternoon. He started looking like the shooter that everyone wanted to see in the summer. Wilshire shot the ball with confidence and range proving that he might have been overlooked throughout the July period, and a steal for UTSA. He carried his team as much as he could, adding assist and rebounds to his stat line. He has a big frame that he uses on the defensive side of the ball. Wilshire led his team with 25 points."

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Utah State hosts Weber State tonight. Shawn Harrison, Kraig Williams and Kyle Goon each offers a preview.

LA TECH welcomes UL Monroe. LT athletics game previews.

UT Arlington travels to Birmingham to face Samford. UT Arlington athletics game previews.

Texas State faces UC Riverside, again up in Anchorage.

Friday's WAC wrap: one game report, three previews, and more

Texas State dueled North Carolina Charlotte up in Anchorage. With temps at 10 degrees for game time, it's good they weren't matching up on the deck of an aircraft carrier or a frozen lake, but we digress. NCC prevailed 73-64 despite Wesley Davis' line of 15 points, four rebounds, four assists and three steals plus 14 points from Matt Staff and 13 via Joel Wright. The Bobcats shot 36.5% for the game and were out-boarded by 11. It was a turnover-marred matchup with TS at 20 and Charlotte with 22.

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Texas State is back at it again tonight versus Loyola Marymount.

Plus, New Mexico State welcomes Louisiana Lafayette. A snippet about the Aggies opponent: "...With a lineup featuring six freshmen and four sophomores, third year head coach Bob Marlin is excited about the possibilities for the 2012-13 season, knowing that the team that takes the court in November will grow and improve all season.  As the new faces get acclimated to the collegiate game, the Cajuns will lean heavily on junior Bryant Mbamalu (12.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg) and sophomore sensation Elfrid Payton (13.0, 4.8, 6.0).  Guard Alan-Michael Thompson (5.8 ppg), the lone senior on the squad, should also play an increased role this year.  Freshman forward Shawn Long (15.0 ppg, 8.5 rpg), a transfer from Mississippi State, and power forward Elridge Moore (8.3, 4.8, 2.0 steals), a JC transfer from Lamar State, will unite to form the nucleus of the inside game..."

Additionally, Idaho is in the Land of Enchantment to face New Mexico. Richard Stevens provides a preview.

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Steve Coulter profiles Denver's Chris Udofia.

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USU Stats reached out for the record books in looking at the early season production of the Aggie players.

Sunday's report on Saturday's contests, plus previews

It was an in-state matchup between Texas State and SMU and the latter prevailed by three, 78-75. Newcomer Joel Wright exploded for 28 points for the Bobcats while sophomore guard Wesley Davis added 14 points plus four steals. Texas State was outshot 49% to 40% by the Mustangs and lost the battle of the boards 35-23.

Texas State athletics game reports.

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Seattle traveled to Tony Bennett land (the coach at Virginia, not the crooner) and the Redhawks fell 83-43 after trailing 44-13 at halftime.

Seattle athletics posted a game report.

Coach Cameron Dollar tweeted: "Anytime a team is tougher than you, in my opinion it's the coaches fault. I will take it and get better"

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It's rare when teams like New Mexico State and Bucknell face off and the former will probably want to make sure it remains that way after falling 62-49. The Aggies shot 14-48 for the game as Daniel Mullings led with 22 points.

NMSU athletics game reported. Jason Groves does likewise.

Jason also tweeted the game.

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Texas San Antonio hosted USC Upstate and nabbed a 67-59 victory behind 22 points from tha aptly named Kannon Burrage. Jeromie Hill contributed 14 points plus eight boards.

UTSA athletics has the game report as does Inside Runner Sports.

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Utah State faced a far lesser challenge than the other night, this time welcoming Texas A&M Corpus Christi of the Southland Conference. The northern Aggies were ahead 31-25 after the initial 20 minutes and won 77-68. USU shot 57% and won the rebounding battle 32-20 as Jarred Shaw went for 17/7, Preston Medlin also totaled 17 plus Kyisean Reed contributed 15 points, six boards and three blocked shots.

Kraig Williams and Kyle Goon tweeted the game.

Williams provides a report, plus analysis. Goon, Rhett Wilkinson, Shawn Harrison and Kraig Williams all also check in.

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Idaho and Montana went at one another in Moscow, a preview of matters to come when the Vandals join the Big Sky Conference. Don Verlin's bunch was ahead 34-30 at the half and bolted to a 10 point lead soon in the second 20 minutes. Then it got to 15. But Montana came back, got close and crept ahead near the end, winning 66-63.

Stephen Madison posted 22 points and eight boards with Kyle Barone going for 19/7. The Vandals shot 42% for the game, 26% on 5-19 three-point attempts.

Idaho athletics game reports. Josh Wright offers his take.

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It's Louisiana Tech versus Troy today, followed by matchups with Southeast Missouri State and then tourney host Chattanooga the next two days.

LT athletics previews all three pairings.

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Niagara welcomes New Mexico State University today. Will the Las Cruces squad take a row boat over the falls or right the ship so to speak?

Jason Groves serves up the keys plus a prediction.

Saturday's recap of last night's games plus tonight's previews

Host Texas Arlington led early, fell behind, crept back near the end, then tied the score but Oklahoma prevailed last night 63-59. Kevin Butler led the Navs with 16 points, Karol Gurszecki scored 15 and Jordan Reves produced 10 rebounds plus four blocks.

A record crowd of 6,421 showed up for the game.

UTA athletics offers the game report.

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Denver tangled with visiting Cal and fell 72-61. Soph backcourter Brett Olson topped the Pioneers with 17 points and Chris Udofia produced a 16/10 double-double. Denver shot 37% overall to 51% for the Bears and also lost the rebounding battle 40-28.

UD athletics serves up the game report.

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It's Texas State hosting Southern Methodist (and Coach Larry Brown) tonight -- two bright stars for the Bobcats: "...Texas State is 2-0 heading into the weekend. Matt Staff is the Bobcats leading scorer and rebounder with an average of 22.5 ppg and 10.0 rpg. Staff and Joel Wright each have a double-double on record and have shined in the Bobcats two wins. Texas State enters the weekend having scored 86 points in each of their first two games..."  

Randy Stevens game previews.


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Seattle is on the road versus Virginia, a squad sporting a 1-2 record and struggling offensively: "...As a team, Virginia is shooting 38.5 percent from the field, including 28.0 percent from behind the three-point line, and 64.0 percent from the free throw line..."

Seattle U Hoops previews.


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Also, NMSU is in Niagara Falls, NY to first face Bucknell. Jason Groves previews and also provides his game keys plus a prediction.

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Shawn Harrison looks at the Utah State - Texas A&M Corpus Christi matchup.

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Idaho has Montana coming in and Sean Kramer assesses the matchup.

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Per Doug Hoffman, Stew Morrill signed a third player (besides Jalen Moore and Carson Shanks).

A little more for today

Jason Jones (a Rivals sub is required) writes about a Michigan - Louisiana Tech connection, the article spurred by LT's signing of a pair of talents with Wolverine state roots.

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Seattle U Hoops has tweeted: "Alright, here goes: I'm hearing that British big man Shore Adenekan, from Lamar CC, has committed to @seattleu!"

He's a 6-foot-9, 235 pound frontcourter out of London who averaged 10.5 points and 8.1 rebounds a game last season for Lamar, shooting 53% overall and 53% from the foul line.

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As part of Louisiana Tech recruiting efforts after last season, PTW recalls Northwest Florida State College's Demetrius Moore signing with the Bulldogs last November.

But then we noticed his absence on the current LT roster.

Something obviously came up because he is listed at the NFSC site as being at Troy University this season. But he isn't on the 2012-13 official Troy roster so maybe he is redshirting there. We're guessing it was academics that caused the change.

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The University Star editorializes on Texas State basketball

Tuesday's WAC roundup

San Jose State University welcomes Houston -- an 81-76 winner over Florida A&M in its initial game -- tonight in the Spartan home opener. From that Houston - FAM contest:

"...Against the Rattlers, the Houston frontcourt of senior Leon Gibson and sophomore TaShawn Thomas combined for 31 points and 30 rebounds in the first meeting between the two teams. Gibson, the lone senior among the 2012-13 Cougars, scored a career-high 20 points and added 10 rebounds for the 10th double-double of his career.

Thomas posted 11 points and a career-high 20 rebounds against Florida A&M...

...Making his first start in his collegiate debut, redshirt freshman guard Jherrod Stiggers scored 19 points, thanks to a game-high five 3-pointers..."

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Texas State hosts D-III UT Tyler, a team whose 17 members include 16 from the Lone Star State, in an exhibition game.

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Crimson Illustrated gets to the point.

loobh8er analyzes the opening game play of a few of a few of Coach Marvin Menzies' bunch at the Aggie Alert MB.

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Jason Jones/BleedTechBlue confirms prep guard Dominic Jackson will be signing with Coach Mike White and Company tomorrow.

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Chris Udofia and Denver hoops are getting heaped with praise as Denver athletics details.

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Seattle U Hoops reviews the Redhawk victory over Montana State, liking what Clarence Trent and Deshaun Sunderhaus showed.

Thursday's WAC group hug

Check out the Bobcat Experience, described as:

"The guide gives fans an inside look into the life of students at Texas State and in the surrounding community.

The Bobcat Experience includes videos of current Texas State student-athletes on a variety of subjects as well as pictures of the athletic facilities on campus.

The interactive guide includes information on all 16 Texas State sports as well as academic information for students' lives in the classroom."

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Jaycee Carroll deserves a mention in this article. A state without a club basketball team in 2012? Amazing.

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Yep, non WAC-relayed but...

Coach Rodney Terry keeps at it. The Bulldogs are heading to the top of the Mountain West Conference and soon.

Nathan Kotisso writes that Terry is crowding into Big 12 territory.

Fresno State can't be happier. PTW keeps waiting for Leon Rice/Boise State to make a move up in the basketball world.

The Thursday WAC roundball digest

Backcourter Leon Cooper, formerly of a redshirt year at Utah State, will be playing for Maine this year. The Bahamas to Orono is quite the climate change.

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Seattle is headed to China for some hoops.

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Texas State disposed of another Costa Rican opponent as former Idaho Vandal Corey Stern scored 13 points. Will fans in Moscow remember this season?

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It's apparently final -- Boise State is moving its Olympic sports programs to the Big West Conference. What seems particularly torturous to follow is that both Hawaii and San Diego State are Big West basketball entities, although UH football is in the Mountain West Conference and the gridiron Aztecs in the Big East Conference. Got all that?

Thursday's WAC digest

Sad news out of Ruston.

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From Hoop Dirt: "Multiple sources have told me that Washington State DBO Tim Marrion will join the staff at San Jose State as an assistant. Marrion is a WSU alum who has been on the Cougars staff for the past three seasons. He has previously worked at San Jose State – he held various roles on the SJSU staff from 2006-2009. The official announcement is expected shortly."

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Denver received some positive national pub from Sports Illustrated.

Utah State was also included in Andy Glockner's piece.

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Texas State is spending a week in Costa Rica this summer. Former Idaho Vandal Corey Stern is a member of the Bobcats, at 6-foot-7 but 270 pounds. He wasn't anywhere near the latter while in Moscow.

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Hey, there are many reasons Prospect X didn't sign (or did) with your favorite college team. Eric Prisbell (now with USA TODAY) is out with another in the never-ending supply of stories involving benjamins, college recruiting and the I-got-to-get-mine crowd.

Opportunity produces motivation which leads to what we have the so-called adults doing now, a 'system' in which the individuals possessing the talent are bartered like pork bellies while being recipients of the least of the largesse.

Rob Dauster provides a guessing game -- and if you can't guess the winner then any of the Las Vegas casinos will gladly fly you free-of-charge to Sin City.

Thursday's WAC roundball roundup

It's Mark Brown at #16 for Matt Sonnenberg.

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Cody Futrell writes that former LT backcourter Lonnie Cooper has chosen family over overseas ball.

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A pair of Texas State basketballers are also recognized for their classroom achievements.

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Denver has five student-athletes honored for academic achievements.

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A former Texas Arlington hoopster is headed to the Olympics representing Nigeria.

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You won't believe this story.

Three new basketballers for Texas State

One of the newest members of the WAC, Coach Doug Davalos' Texas State Bobcats, have signed a trio of talents. Two put pen to paper back in November and one just inked his letter of intent.

The latest is Joel Wright, a 6-foot-7, 225-pound forward out of Blinn College (TX).He in out of New York City and played previously at Duquesne.

Ray Dorsey

Darius Richardson

Guards Ray Dorsey and Darius Richardson came aboard in early November. Richardson was at Texas Arlington earlier. Here's video on Dorsey.