To wit: When Price scores in double-figures, Georgia is 13-1. I’m thinking it’s not a coincidence.
It’s not just that offense from Price gives the Bulldogs two threats on the interior, it’s that double-figure scoring indicates that Price was able to stay in the game to provide a stout defensive presence at the basket.
Price’s presence is the reason we may see Aziz N’Diaye in the Huskies’ starting lineup despite Terrence Ross’ stellar Pac-10 tourney performance. When Price is paired with 6-foot-10, 245-pound All-SEC forward Trey Thompkins, the Georgia front line is formidable. If Romar puts Ross in the lineup, 6-foot-6, 180-pound Justin Holiday would be battling with either Price or Thompkins. Holiday is probably best matched against 6-foot-4 leaper Travis Leslie, the Bulldogs’ most effective offensive player.
On the other hand, forcing Price to guard a much quicker offensive player could lure him into foul trouble, his year-long bugaboo. Price has fouled out of four games; he’s had four fouls 10 times.
So keep an eye on Price (he’s No. 50, in case you can’t identify him from his 270-pound frame), and how Romar has the Huskies attack him. The effectiveness of that strategy could decide the game.
What they’re saying…
“If we go small, maybe our quickness will benefit us.” — Lorenzo Romar
“Nkufo didnt want to do the dirty work.” — Anonymous Sounders insider
“The last couple of nights we were very sloppy. We’ve got to get better than that.” — Eric Wedge
In other news…
UW savior Jake Locker scored 20 on his Wonderlic test. That’s out of a million. Kidding! We love ya, Jake! (Note: Rick Mirer scored a 31, Dan Marino scored a 15. Alex Smith scored 40.)
M’s ace Felix Hernandez allowed nine hits in a 9-1 M’s loss last night.
Infield candidate Jack Wilson didn’t play due to an unidentified personal issue.
The Mariners sent down four pitchers, including former Red Sox Manny Delcarmen, who was considered a possible closer candidate.
M’s catcher Miguel Olivo’s groin is healing fast and might start Opening Day.
Our Stanley Holmes has the full story on Blaise Nkufo’s departure.
Here’s the Washington roster for the Northwest Shootout Washington versus Oregon high-school hoops game.
Seven days closer to a championship…
Friday, March 18
NCAA Tourney: Washington vs. Georgia in Charlotte, 6:45 p.m. (CBS-7)
Baseball: Mariners vs. Arizona, 1:05 p.m. (FSN)
Saturday, March 19
Baseball: Mariners @ Texas, 1:05 p.m. (710-AM)
Soccer: Sounders @ NY Red Bulls, 4:30 p.m. (KONG)
Sunday, March 20
Baseball: Mariners vs. San Diego, 1:05 p.m. (710-AM)
NCAA Tourney: Washington/Georgia winner vs. North Carolina/LIU-Brooklyn winner, Time TBD
Monday, March 21
Baseball: Mariners @ Cincinnati, 1:05 p.m. (no local radio, check MLB.com)
Tuesday, March 22
Baseball: Mariners vs. White Sox, 1:05 p.m. (no local radio, check MLB.com)
Wednesday, March 23
Baseball: Mariners @ Colorado, 6:40 p.m. (FSN)
Thursday, March 24
Baseball: Mariners @ Kansas City, 1:05 p.m. (no local radio, check MLB.com)
