Watch out for Wazzu! Klay Thompson hit a clutch 26-foot three with a hand in his face (video) as the Cougs beat #15 Baylor 77-71. Wazzu plays Butler in the championship game of the Diamondhead Classic Christmas night, and if they win, will probably leapfrog the Huskies into the top 25.
Husky Women Truly Dismal: The Dawgs lady hoopsters had just 27 points in a home loss to Georgia Tech last night. They narrowly avoided their lowest point total ever, 24 points in a 1975 game. Remember when Tia Jackson was hired to bring excitement back? Unless you enjoy the sound of basketballs clanking against rims, there’s no excitement around this program, just misery.
What they’re saying…
“(Matt Hasselbeck) is our best player on offense.” — Seahawks offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates, explaining why the team’s offense stinks.
“Whoever does make it to the playoffs is going to have won (these last) two games probably, and then get on a roll, be hot, and host a game at home. We’ll see. Who knows? First ones first and we’ve got to take care of business if we want that to happen.” — Matt Hasselbeck
“Just ran into ken griffey Jr at the mall in Orlando, he rep the 206 so tough #WordAApp! Much respect for #24 Seattle will always be home 4 u.” — Nate Robinson, via Twitter
In other news…
Local hip-hop artist Macklemore released this tribute to Dave Niehaus.
This UW-produced video of highlights from the Nevada game is awesome. With audio from Bob Rondeau.
Former Mariner reliever Arthur Rhodes signed with the Rangers. Next season will be Rhodes’ 20th in the majors.
Today in SPNW…
Doug Farrar on Tampa Bay’s “smoke and mirrors” defense.
Art Thiel says the Seahawks should start Charlie Whitehurst
This weekend’s action…
Friday
Hawaii Bowl: Tulsa vs. Hawaii, 5 p.m. (ESPN)
Saturday
NBA: Boston @ Orlando, 11:30 a.m. (ABC/KOMO-4)
NBA: Miami @ L.A. Lakers, 2 p.m. (ABC/KOMO-4)
NFL: Dallas @ Arizona, 4:30 p.m. (NFL Network)
NCAA Hoops: Wazzu vs. Butler, Diamondhead Classic championship game, 6:30 p.m. (ESPN2)
Sunday
NFL: N.Y. Jets @ Chicago, 10 a.m. (CBS/KIRO-7)
NFL: San Francisco @ St. Louis, 10 a.m. (FOX/KCPQ-13)
NFL: Seattle @ Tampa Bay, 1:15 p.m. (FOX/KCPQ-13)
NFL: Minnesota @ Philadelphia, 5:15 p.m. (NBC/KING-5)
Little Caesars Bowl: Toledo vs. Florida International, 5:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Merry Christmas, everyone! If you have a tip or a comment, email me at sethkolloen@sportspressnw.wpengine.com or message me on Twitter, @SethKolloen. Cool? Thanks!