Thursday, January 24, 2008

Courtside live

SAN LUIS OBISPO -- Greetings from Mott Gym, which smells strongly of popcorn this evening. There seems to be some general jealousy on the part of Cal Poly staff at UC Davis' football schedule, which came out this week. Cal Poly is still at nine games and struggling to fill dates. But it's not football season. It's basketball and these games are just as crucial. There's not much news in the pregame. There are no surprises in terms of the starting line-ups and everyone is present and accounted for.

The Mustangs probably rate a little higher on the desperation meter. Cal Poly has lost six of its last seven and is languishing at the bottom of the league. A year ago, the Mustangs held off a furious rally to win this fixture and start their charge up the Big West table. That run ended in the conference championship game. Gary Stewart described himself as concerned at Cal Poly's offensive woes this year. In his estimation, Cal Poly has plenty of players that score, just not many who actually are. Struggling offensive teams have had a tendency to find their stride against the Aggies. So concern is warranted. For what it's worth, Mustangs coach Kevin Bromley promised big changes after a 15-point home loss against UC Santa Barbara last week.

UCD split last weekend at home, and would probably be happy with another split this weekend. Clearly this is the far more winnable game, given that Santa Barbara looms on Saturday. The Aggies can also hope that tonight's Big West battle royale between Pacific and Santa Barbara going on 90 miles south goes to five OTs.

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