Ladies and gentlemen, we have two upsets in the Big West Tournament. Remain calm! It’s only the first round of games and already we’re off to a rousing start that reeks of the uncertainty we’ve been predicting on this website for the past three weeks. It’s bedlam in the Anaheim Convention Center!
Here’s a recap of last night’s matchups, previews for tonight’s games, and why it all matters.
What Happened
UC Davis (#8) beats UC Irvine (#5), 69-68
Why You Should Care
I called it! So, the UC Davis Aggies didn’t finish fourth in the conference like I predicted, but I did favor them over UCI in this round. Dominic Calegari, Joe Harden and Vince Oliver combined for 44 of their team’s 69, and Mark Payne hit two free throws in the final minute to give Davis the upset. The Aggies’ strength is in their depth and scoring diversity, and they made a surge down the stretch with a 16-7 run to capture the lead. Mostly though, I called it!
What Happened
Cal State Fullerton (#7) beat UC Riverside (#6), 59-46
Why You Should Care
J.J. called it! All you need to know is in the official game write-up from THE ASSOCIATED PRESS:
Akognon had more points than Riverside’s entire team late in the second half, prompting Fullerton fans to point at the scoreboard and chant, “Josh is winning!”
Fullerton’s Mr. Everything scored 37 on 14-22 shooting, including seven threes. If there was any doubt that he deserved the conference’s Player of the Year award, it’s officially been squashed. Let us not forget, also, that Riverside defeated Long Beach State twice during the conference schedule (breathe a sigh of relief, 49er faithful). Seriously, though, J.J. called it.
Who’s Playing Tonight
UC Davis (#8) vs, Pacific (#3) – Regular season matchups: Pacific 2-0
Why You Should Care
If you were Pacific, would you rather play Davis or Irvine? My money’s on Irvine, even though they beat Pacific once during the season. Davis is simply more dangerous and capable of offensive outbursts. No doubt the Tigers will be well-prepared, but Davis is riding an emotional high after last night’s close upset and could get the ball rolling early. If the Aggies pull off the nearly-impossible, they’ll face Northridge (#1) on Friday night. If not, Pacific squares off against Long Beach. Use that information as you see fit.
Who’s Playing Tonight
Cal State Fullerton (#7) vs. UC Santa Barbara (#4) – Regular season match-ups: Fullerton 2-0
Why You Should Care
UC Santa Barbara is the conference’s hottest team right now, finishing the season winning six of their last seven. I can’t imagine the Gauchos are too confident about having to face Josh Akognon, though. After his 37-point outburst against the defensive-oriented Highlanders last night, I’d be shaking in my boots if I had to guard Akognon. The Gauchos must feel like they just watched a lion hunt and kill an antelope, only to realize that the lion is headed for them next. As noted in yesterday’s Big West Tournament Preview, the Gauchos are 7-3 when their opponent scores less than 70 points, and 1-5 when they score more than 70. Let’s see if they have more success against the conference’s most lethal weapon.
See you back here tomorrow night for the Thursday night recap!