It does appear that the Aggies have been mired in mediocrity the last 6 years, but I just want to point out that two of those years were afflicted by COVID and the 2021-22 Big West season was especially bad for UC Davis eight league games were cancelled whereas some other Big West teams lost only 2 games and none lost more then the Ags. Taking those two years out, Coach Les' league record for the four years was 40-31.

Another factor to consider in looking at the future Mountain West is that with the MWC losing their best teams (this year's average net rank for those five is 92.2) and some weaker teams moving in, the MWCs average net ranking from this year (excluding UCD) is 206.3. That sure does not sound all that formidable.

The Anteaters big men just wore down Cal Poly and won 96-78 to set up the finals match we all expected.

Cal Poly is giving UCI all it can handle at the half, up 39-38 despite Owen Koonce only scoring 2 points. Mustangs have hit 7 of 16 treys.

The game is on ESPN2 now, after a delay for the Big 12 game.

UCSD 69, UCSB 51. I think this cements the Tritons for a ticket to the Big Dance even if they lose tomorrow.

At the half: UCSB 27, UCSD 26

Note that the game between CalPoly and UCI is one ESPN2 at 8:30 PDT.

I recall some comments made during one of the later games in which Bob Williams (I think) said that there was some disadvantage to the bye teams in that they had to sit around while the teams playing in earlier games stayed relatively sharp. But then he noted that playing three games in three days brought i a fatigue factor that counter-balanced that effect. Today's games might show which of these is the more important factor, especially given the big difference in talent between the top ntow seeds and the 5th and 7th seeds.

What I'm getting is that the better Big West teams have been able to put more money into basketball because unlike us Hawai`i and Ca Poly, they don't have football?

Looks like Cal Poly is going to move on. They way the Mustangs are playing, I won't be surprised if they beat UC Irvine tomorrow. I tend to dislike teams that beat the ones I root for, but in college tournaments, I tend to root for them because it shows that the team I like lost to a pretty good school.

Cal Poly 45, UCR 36 at the half. I'm not surprised.

UCSB 78, CSUN 72. Is this discussion site superfluous?

Gauchos win, 78-72. Sorry Dr. Mike

UCSB 35, CSUN 28 at the half.

We have often bemoaned the lack of big men on Aggie squads over the years, but Coach Les seems to like the 6'6" to 6'9" power forward types who are quick and athletic such as Josh Fox, Chima Moneke and Christian Anigwe. They were good defenders, rebounders and scorers. While Niko was good at two of those three, he had little offense and the lack of any other good scorers besides TY this past season amplified that problem. I don't see anyone on the current roster who can fill that role, so maybe one of the new recruits or a transfer can do that. A big question is whether that strategy will work in the MWC. \

That's a really good question and I hope someone who has some coaching experience can answer it because it seems like an odd thing to do.

ditto

When a team seems to lack energy after coming out for a second half with a 9 point lead, to me there's something psychological going on. It's not the first time either. I certainly don't blame Coach Les. One bad season and it's "time to fire the coach?" A sports columnist our her has publicly called for the firing of Eran Ganot, after Hawai`i failed to make the tournament. We're talking about two proven coaches who both won NCAA tourney games.

Sure. He's only 62.

I would not be at all surprised if Cal Poly makes a deep run in the tournament, possibly getting to the semifinals. Riverside is favored by 4.5.