48 On The 49ers

Just a reminder that within a few hours from now that this will be your first chance to see the hoop jerseys this season officially and extend the nations longest home winning streak to 48 over the visiting Long Beach 49ers at the Marriott Center. Yes, March Madness 2008-9 will be officially underway. This is where RPI (rankings per index) and the SOS (strength of schedule) all begins. It's a clean slate for everyone and a fresh new start. Last season the Cougars finished as MWC Champions with a 27-8 overall record. The series is knotted up at 4 games a piece with the 49ers coached by Dan Monson who took a squad to the Elite Eight (Gonzaga back in 1999). Monson is in his second season at Long Beach State with a 176-148 overall record covering 12 years. Pregame radio coverage begins at 6PM (tipoff at 7PM) on KSL 1160AM (Sorry but no tv, either hear it live or go check it out personally in surround-sound).

The visiting 49ers are led by preseason All Big West senior stud Donovan Morris (6.3G) who can lite it up. Morris has had 4 thirty point games and 22 twenty point games in his career. Of the opener coach Rose mentioned "This is a time that our players are excited for...the guys are excited for the season to start". Good luck Cougs and don't forget to rise and shout for the jerseys in blue will be taking court again!

"Stinging" From The Election?

Later tonight the mens hoop team will open exhibition against the Concordia Stingers 7pm at the Martiott Center. Tickets are still available by calling BYUs ticket office (800) 322-BYU1 (for those interested). The stingers are led by a pair of brothers from Montreal (Dwayne 6-3 and Damian Buckley 6-1). Tonights game will be televised of BYUtv with Greg Wrubell providing the play by play with former player Mark Durrant adding his analysis. Since the game is an exhibition it is great chance to tweak with playing time as well as possible starting lineups without risking any eligibility. Its a great opportunity to get a better look and indication of where some of the youth such as Charles Abouo and Noah Hartsock stand for the "blue"shirt possibility. Coach Dave Rose had mentioned "Its good to put the guys in game situations and get a true evaluation of how they are doing". The team captains were recently selected in Lee Cummmard and Jonathan Tavernari. (Photo credit Mark Philbrick)