A sellout crowd filled Alaska Airlines Arena last night. Yes, a basketball game was scheduled, but most fans came to see the incredible new sights of this amazing new facility. Stepping into the arena light, their eyes went immediately to the jewel of the structure: the two illegible Alaska Airlines advertisements on the court.
After that the game started and some stuff happened. Like Isaiah Thomas (lauded for his “improved stroke” in a disturbing FSN graphic) throwing ridiculous dime after ridiculous dime, including an alley-oop to Venoy Overton that was worthy of a trapeze show. And Matthew Bryan-Amaning taking over when the Huskies fell behind with 15:50 left. 124 seconds later, MBA had scored 8 straight points and the Dawgs had a five-point lead.
Just like Sunday at Cal, Thomas, Bryan-Amaning and Justin Holiday did most of the scoring for Huskies. Whether it’s been their own initiative, or in response to directions from the coaches, the three upperclassmen are being more aggressive, with winning results. They have combined for 134 points in the past two games, 76% of the Dawgs’ total points.
What they’re saying…
“It’s not even close. There’s not one player in the country that is disrespected more than Isaiah Thomas.” — Arizona coach Sean Miller
“Isaiah Thomas is playing out of his mind right now. #TakeNoticeAmerica” — @nwnscrfan
“Isaiah Thomas was incredible again tonite, and has clearly turned a corner in his career. 20 and 10 assists? He is dominating as a PG.” — KJR’s Elise Woodward, via Twitter
In other news…
The Seahawks announced they’ve hired Darrell Bevell as offensive coordinator. Bevell was a three-year starter at QB for Wisconsin, then immediately went into coaching. He rose from the small college ranks to the NFL, where he served as Minnesota’s offensive coordinator the past five seasons.
Love the Bevell hire. Just think of the headline possibilities:
–Today: “Seahawks Make Pact with Bevell.”
–First shutout: “Bevelled Egg.”
–First blowout: “Oh God, You Bevell.”
The Mariners signed OF Jody Gerut and SP Nate Robertson to minor league contracts. You know how some players have flashes of brilliance? These guys have had flashes of competence.
New Mariners hitting coach Chris Chambliss talked to our John Hickey about his Mission: Impossible.
The Rat City Rollergirl of the Month is former actress Fighty Almighty.
Gonzaga lost to Santa Clara, allowing 36 points to a “Kevin Foster.”
This weekend’s action…
Saturday
Pac-10 Hoops: Stanford @ UCLA, 11 a.m. (CBS-7)
Pac-10 Hoops: Arizona St. @ Washington, 1 p.m. (FSN)
Pac-10 Hoops: Oregon @ Oregon St., 3 p.m. (FSN)
WCC Hoops: Gonzaga @ San Francisco, 5 p.m. (FSN)
Pac-10 Hoops: Arizona @ Washington St., 7 p.m. (FSN)
Sunday
NFC Championship: Green Bay @ Chicago, Noon, (FOX-13)
AFC Championship: New York Jets @ Pittsburgh, 3:30 p.m. (CBS-7)
1 Comment
Exactly as Tom said. This story is actually quite typical of the age group. It just doesn’t usually go out in the media for all to see. The reality is that what happened that night should not have been anyones’ business, but the girl made the false accusation and the family went to the media. If he wasn’t a star athlete, no one would know about it, which is how it should be.