Happy Leap Day and actual last day of February! Here are some links to read for your slow Wednesday:
Preview of UCI-LBSU game
Anteaters travel to the Walter Pyramid in hopes of blemishing the 49ers perfect conference record.
Preview of the Northridge-Fullerton game
Biggest question to be answered in my opinion: will the Titans fall to another bottom feeder?
Honda Center and the Big West name ampm official convieniece store
Does this mean that we can get Hostess pies and Rockstar's during the tourney because I would be all over that!
WBB: Pacific beats 49ers
The Tigers shot well from behind the 3-pt line (47.4%), and from behind the free throw line (although 62.1% is not a good percentage at all from the line).
Baseball recaps from Tuesday's games
Biggest news is that Pacific won their first game of the season against Sacramento State racking up 18 hits and 13 runs.
Did you see anything I missed? Comment below!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Morning Links 2/28/12
Welcome to the last second to last day of the month! Here's the morning Big West news:
49ers look to go undefeated in conference play
If it happens they will be the 9th team ever to do so in men's basketball. Fun fact: 3 other 49ers teams have done the same before this team.
Lady Mustangs push to the top of the standings
With two games left, the No. 1 seed is still wide open as Cal Poly and Northridge are both fighting to get it.
Make up game to be played today between Pacific and LBSU
In women's basketball, Pacific sits alone in 4th place while LBSU is in 7th and needing a win to stay in that top 8 for conference tourney.
Have a good morning! If there's anything I missed, leave in the comments below.
49ers look to go undefeated in conference play
If it happens they will be the 9th team ever to do so in men's basketball. Fun fact: 3 other 49ers teams have done the same before this team.
Lady Mustangs push to the top of the standings
With two games left, the No. 1 seed is still wide open as Cal Poly and Northridge are both fighting to get it.
Make up game to be played today between Pacific and LBSU
In women's basketball, Pacific sits alone in 4th place while LBSU is in 7th and needing a win to stay in that top 8 for conference tourney.
Have a good morning! If there's anything I missed, leave in the comments below.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Potential Expansion: UCSD and Cal State Bakersfield
With SDSU and Hawaii all set to become members in the Fall of 2013, one would think that expansion is done with the Big West; however, it could be the beginning of a very short expansion. The UCSD Guardian gave a very realistic introduction of the explanation of the vote, the pros and cons. And as it mentions in the article, the vote won't mean anything if the Big West doesn't invite the Tritons.
Why would the Big West want UCSD though? First and foremost, the Tritons are an ideal school to add, academically and athletically for the conference. They would have natural rivalries with UCR and UCI, but even more so, it would be an in-city rivalry for SDSU if they were invited. That alone would provide some high intensity matchups for the Big West, and with the regional FS San Diego starting in March, more games to highlight the city's athletics. Academically, they would be a perfect fit as well, as there are already 4 other UC schools, 4 of the top CSU schools, and Pacific. And travel costs wouldn't be an issue, with the exception of Hawaii.
The main reason not to expand, is just having to split revenues more, and for some, that's reason enough. Also, UCSD has already applied and gotten turned down once, so who's to say that they won't do it again. My personal sneaking suspicion though is if the student vote is a "yes," then the Big West will not say "no."
All this is fine and dandy if the vote goes through and the league says yes, however, there is another lurker in the midst as well. CSU-Bakersfield has applied and been denied once as well, and they are not giving up. They are already Division I and part of the WAC (baseball), Pac12 (wrestling), Great West (track and field and women's tennis) and Independent. While they were turned down originally for Hawaii (2010 vote), there is no reason why they shouldn't get in if UCSD's interest goes through. Academically, they are ranked No. 88 regionally in the West according to US News and World Reports, and it looks like they are still going up. They would provide another Central-Northern California school to form rivals with (UCD, UCSB, Cal Poly) and it would provide another potential larger city to bring in a media market. Once again, the biggest downside to bringing in the Roadrunners is splitting another piece of the money pie.
My personal opinion is that it is worth the student fees to move to Div I. Having graduated undergrad from a Div I school, and going to a Div I grad school, there is definitely an enhanced pride for the school.
For now though, everything comes down to the vote this week.
Why would the Big West want UCSD though? First and foremost, the Tritons are an ideal school to add, academically and athletically for the conference. They would have natural rivalries with UCR and UCI, but even more so, it would be an in-city rivalry for SDSU if they were invited. That alone would provide some high intensity matchups for the Big West, and with the regional FS San Diego starting in March, more games to highlight the city's athletics. Academically, they would be a perfect fit as well, as there are already 4 other UC schools, 4 of the top CSU schools, and Pacific. And travel costs wouldn't be an issue, with the exception of Hawaii.
The main reason not to expand, is just having to split revenues more, and for some, that's reason enough. Also, UCSD has already applied and gotten turned down once, so who's to say that they won't do it again. My personal sneaking suspicion though is if the student vote is a "yes," then the Big West will not say "no."
All this is fine and dandy if the vote goes through and the league says yes, however, there is another lurker in the midst as well. CSU-Bakersfield has applied and been denied once as well, and they are not giving up. They are already Division I and part of the WAC (baseball), Pac12 (wrestling), Great West (track and field and women's tennis) and Independent. While they were turned down originally for Hawaii (2010 vote), there is no reason why they shouldn't get in if UCSD's interest goes through. Academically, they are ranked No. 88 regionally in the West according to US News and World Reports, and it looks like they are still going up. They would provide another Central-Northern California school to form rivals with (UCD, UCSB, Cal Poly) and it would provide another potential larger city to bring in a media market. Once again, the biggest downside to bringing in the Roadrunners is splitting another piece of the money pie.
My personal opinion is that it is worth the student fees to move to Div I. Having graduated undergrad from a Div I school, and going to a Div I grad school, there is definitely an enhanced pride for the school.
For now though, everything comes down to the vote this week.
Morning Links 2/27/12
The weekend is over and there is a lot of news to go over, so lets hop to it:
LBSU clinches conference title with low scoring, but dominating effort over UCR
If "Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting" I hate to think what the conference tourney is going to be like...
Davis beats Fullerton in shocking victory
If you had watched this game, Davis started out on a 12-0 run and never looked back. If Fullerton wants to have a shot at LBSU in the conference tourney, they better look more alive than last Saturday night.
Lady Mustangs win a share of the title over in Women's BB
Interesting to note that the only team that can share with them is the team that they beat (Northridge).
Gauchos move into a tie for second as they beat Cal Poly
The Blue-Green rivalry intensified as UCSB evened up the season series to 1 a piece. Orlando Johnson had 16 points to become UCSB's all-time leading scorer.
The Big Vote occurs all this week
It's an older article but relevant specifically to this week as UCSD students are voting to either move the Tritons to Div I (and with that the Big West) or keep them in Div II. UCSD is the largest academic institution with an athletics program not in Div I.
Baseball weekend recaps
Fullerton takes the series from the Horned Frogs, Gauchos sweep the Spartans, Dirtbags beat Cal to take the series, Mustangs sweep LMU, Aggies drop series to CSU-Bakersfield, Anteaters go 1-2 against Washington, Pacific falls to the San Diego schools, UCR falls hard to ASU, goes 1-2 in the series.
UCI Invitational: UCLA upsets Stanford in final
In actual Big West news: it wasn't a great showing as UCI was the highest placed BWC team (9th).
Softball weekend recaps
Gauchos split their games in the Gaucho Classic I, Cal Poly splits their games, LBSU and Northridge drop both their matches in the Cathedral City Classic, UCR goes 3-1 in the aTen Construction Tournament
As always, leave your comments below, especially if I missed something.
LBSU clinches conference title with low scoring, but dominating effort over UCR
If "Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting" I hate to think what the conference tourney is going to be like...
Davis beats Fullerton in shocking victory
If you had watched this game, Davis started out on a 12-0 run and never looked back. If Fullerton wants to have a shot at LBSU in the conference tourney, they better look more alive than last Saturday night.
Lady Mustangs win a share of the title over in Women's BB
Interesting to note that the only team that can share with them is the team that they beat (Northridge).
Gauchos move into a tie for second as they beat Cal Poly
The Blue-Green rivalry intensified as UCSB evened up the season series to 1 a piece. Orlando Johnson had 16 points to become UCSB's all-time leading scorer.
The Big Vote occurs all this week
It's an older article but relevant specifically to this week as UCSD students are voting to either move the Tritons to Div I (and with that the Big West) or keep them in Div II. UCSD is the largest academic institution with an athletics program not in Div I.
Baseball weekend recaps
Fullerton takes the series from the Horned Frogs, Gauchos sweep the Spartans, Dirtbags beat Cal to take the series, Mustangs sweep LMU, Aggies drop series to CSU-Bakersfield, Anteaters go 1-2 against Washington, Pacific falls to the San Diego schools, UCR falls hard to ASU, goes 1-2 in the series.
UCI Invitational: UCLA upsets Stanford in final
In actual Big West news: it wasn't a great showing as UCI was the highest placed BWC team (9th).
Softball weekend recaps
Gauchos split their games in the Gaucho Classic I, Cal Poly splits their games, LBSU and Northridge drop both their matches in the Cathedral City Classic, UCR goes 3-1 in the aTen Construction Tournament
As always, leave your comments below, especially if I missed something.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Introducing the Big West teams: Cal Poly Mustangs
Over the next few weeks, I'm going to introduce the current members of the Big West conference. This introduction will focus on the school, the fans, the athletics and other random trivial facts. Hopefully, this will be an educational and fun introduction. Of course, if you the alumni/fan of that team would like to correct me, feel free to do so in the comment section below or shoot me an email.
With that, allow me to introduce (in alphabetical order) the first member of the current Big West Conference: Cal Poly Mustangs.
With that, allow me to introduce (in alphabetical order) the first member of the current Big West Conference: Cal Poly Mustangs.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Big West Baseball: One week done in the season with a big weekend coming up
We are one week done with the season and so far, the teams have not really managed to follow the Preseason Poll. Only 4 games have been played though, with a huge slate of 3 game series this weekend. Let's look at them:
Cal Poly (3-1): @Loyola Marymount (Feb 24-26)
UC Davis (3-1): @Cal State Bakersfield (Feb 24-26)
UC Irvine (3-1): vs Washington (Feb 24-26)
Cal State Northridge (2-2): vs Northwestern (Feb 25-26, Feb 24 game was cancelled)
LBSU (2-2): vs Cal (Feb 24-26)
UC Riverside (2-2): @ASU (Feb 24-26)
Cal State Fullerton (1-2): vs TCU (Feb 24-26)
UCSB (1-3): @San Jose State (Feb 24-26)
Pacific (0-5): @USD (Feb 24, 26) @SDSU (Feb 25)
So what can we predict from the outcomes? The big ones obviously are UCR traveling to Tempe to take on the No. 13 Sun Devils and the Titans hosting No. 15 TCU. Both of these series' will obviously be a success if UCR and Fullerton can take 2 of 3 or sweep, reestablishing Big West competitiveness against other western conferences. Cal Poly is going to take on a very tough LMU (2-1) who scores a lot of runs, but gives up a lot as well. The Aggies are going to have a challenge themselves against potential future Big West members Cal State Bakersfield (3-1). The Roadrunners have outscored their opponents (Kansas State and Fresno State) 24-11. The Anteaters are facing off against a high octane Washington (2-2) team who, like LMU give up runs as much as they score: the Huskies have scored and given up 29 through 4 games. If UCI can force Washington in a pitchers duel, I can see them winning the series. Due to weather conditions in the Midwest, the first game of the three game series between the Matadors and the Wildcats (1-2) was cancelled. However, Northridge should like their chances as Northwestern didn't fare so well in the Big Ten/Big East Challenge. LBSU will have to play their best if they want to win against Cal (3-0). However Cal beat up on Pacific, so they haven't really been tested yet. UCSB has a very evenly matched series with the Spartans (1-3) who have seemed to have a hard time finding an offensive rhythm. Pacific looks to gain their first win against either USD (2-2) or future Big West mates SDSU (1-4). Look for the Tigers to gain that first win against the Aztecs because the Toreros put the whipping on KSU 15-1 in their last game.
Good luck to all Big West teams this weekend.
Cal Poly (3-1): @Loyola Marymount (Feb 24-26)
UC Davis (3-1): @Cal State Bakersfield (Feb 24-26)
UC Irvine (3-1): vs Washington (Feb 24-26)
Cal State Northridge (2-2): vs Northwestern (Feb 25-26, Feb 24 game was cancelled)
LBSU (2-2): vs Cal (Feb 24-26)
UC Riverside (2-2): @ASU (Feb 24-26)
Cal State Fullerton (1-2): vs TCU (Feb 24-26)
UCSB (1-3): @San Jose State (Feb 24-26)
Pacific (0-5): @USD (Feb 24, 26) @SDSU (Feb 25)
So what can we predict from the outcomes? The big ones obviously are UCR traveling to Tempe to take on the No. 13 Sun Devils and the Titans hosting No. 15 TCU. Both of these series' will obviously be a success if UCR and Fullerton can take 2 of 3 or sweep, reestablishing Big West competitiveness against other western conferences. Cal Poly is going to take on a very tough LMU (2-1) who scores a lot of runs, but gives up a lot as well. The Aggies are going to have a challenge themselves against potential future Big West members Cal State Bakersfield (3-1). The Roadrunners have outscored their opponents (Kansas State and Fresno State) 24-11. The Anteaters are facing off against a high octane Washington (2-2) team who, like LMU give up runs as much as they score: the Huskies have scored and given up 29 through 4 games. If UCI can force Washington in a pitchers duel, I can see them winning the series. Due to weather conditions in the Midwest, the first game of the three game series between the Matadors and the Wildcats (1-2) was cancelled. However, Northridge should like their chances as Northwestern didn't fare so well in the Big Ten/Big East Challenge. LBSU will have to play their best if they want to win against Cal (3-0). However Cal beat up on Pacific, so they haven't really been tested yet. UCSB has a very evenly matched series with the Spartans (1-3) who have seemed to have a hard time finding an offensive rhythm. Pacific looks to gain their first win against either USD (2-2) or future Big West mates SDSU (1-4). Look for the Tigers to gain that first win against the Aztecs because the Toreros put the whipping on KSU 15-1 in their last game.
Good luck to all Big West teams this weekend.
Morning Links 2/24/12
Morning all, here's your daily dose of that all important sports page of internet Big West news:
Titans pull out win at Pacific
Cal State Fullerton won the match with 13 seconds left to keep pace for second. Talk about hanging by a thread...
A full day of softball action has a whole bunch of recaps
Between the Gaucho Classic and the Cathedral City Classic, the Big West teams have started off towards the right direction, with UCSB sweeping No. 23 Houston, Pacific beating No. 21 Oklahoma State and LBSU splitting their games.
Pacific loses a close one at USD against No. 21 Oregon State
It was the top three batters that kept the Tigers in this game going 6-14 with 2 doubles and 6 of the 7 RBIs
Titans pull out win at Pacific
Cal State Fullerton won the match with 13 seconds left to keep pace for second. Talk about hanging by a thread...
A full day of softball action has a whole bunch of recaps
Between the Gaucho Classic and the Cathedral City Classic, the Big West teams have started off towards the right direction, with UCSB sweeping No. 23 Houston, Pacific beating No. 21 Oklahoma State and LBSU splitting their games.
Pacific loses a close one at USD against No. 21 Oregon State
It was the top three batters that kept the Tigers in this game going 6-14 with 2 doubles and 6 of the 7 RBIs
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Bracketology: Can the Big West get 2 teams in the Big Dance?
In the latest Brackets predicted by ESPN's Joe Lunardi, Long Beach State stands as the only Big West representative in the tourney. If we look at the standings, the 49ers are still undefeated in conference play, with the Titans in second and UCSB in third. There is almost no way for the conference to get a 2nd team in the Dance unless the 49ers go undefeated all the way only to lose the conference championship game. Right now the RPI of the conference is 25th, with LBSU at 41, UCSB at 126 and CSUF at 154.*
LBSU should be able to finish up the season undefeated with their final three games against UCR, UCI and at Fullerton. Likewise, the Titans should be able to finish their season by winning 3 of 4 (at Pacific, at Davis, home against Northridge) before that huge matchup with the 49ers. The Gauchos should also be able to sweep their final 3 games (Cal Poly, Pacific, UCD) and will be hoping for that all important #2 seed.
The way the Big West Tournament is set up is 1 v 8, 2 v7, 3 v 6 and 4 v 5 >. So most likely we'll be seeing the Gauchos and the Titans battling against each other for the final spot in the conference championship, unless something crazy happens (which is always possible). If an upset of LBSU occurs in the championship game, I can picture the AutoBid in the 13 seed and LBSU at 14-16 seed.
What do you think? Leave your comments below.
*stats provided by http://realtimerpi.com/rpi_bigw_Men.html
> Tournament info provided from http://www.bigwest.org/sports/mbball/info/champs/
LBSU should be able to finish up the season undefeated with their final three games against UCR, UCI and at Fullerton. Likewise, the Titans should be able to finish their season by winning 3 of 4 (at Pacific, at Davis, home against Northridge) before that huge matchup with the 49ers. The Gauchos should also be able to sweep their final 3 games (Cal Poly, Pacific, UCD) and will be hoping for that all important #2 seed.
The way the Big West Tournament is set up is 1 v 8, 2 v7, 3 v 6 and 4 v 5 >. So most likely we'll be seeing the Gauchos and the Titans battling against each other for the final spot in the conference championship, unless something crazy happens (which is always possible). If an upset of LBSU occurs in the championship game, I can picture the AutoBid in the 13 seed and LBSU at 14-16 seed.
What do you think? Leave your comments below.
*stats provided by http://realtimerpi.com/rpi_bigw_Men.html
> Tournament info provided from http://www.bigwest.org/sports/mbball/info/champs/
Morning Links 2/23/2012
Long Beach State wins a share of 1st place going into the Big West Tourney
The 49ers beat the UCSB Gauchos 70-58 at the Walter Pyramid to give themselves the #1 seed going into the conference tournament and also clinching the share of the title.
Highlanders edge out the Matadors
Another ugly win for UCR as they took it to Northridge in the Matadome. Definitely this year's theme for the Highlanders: scrappy.
Titan Women beat out Highlanders to snap 5 game losing streak
In a battle of the bottom feeders, Fullerton dominated nearly every aspect of the game.
The 49ers beat the UCSB Gauchos 70-58 at the Walter Pyramid to give themselves the #1 seed going into the conference tournament and also clinching the share of the title.
Highlanders edge out the Matadors
Another ugly win for UCR as they took it to Northridge in the Matadome. Definitely this year's theme for the Highlanders: scrappy.
Titan Women beat out Highlanders to snap 5 game losing streak
In a battle of the bottom feeders, Fullerton dominated nearly every aspect of the game.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Welcome to the Big West Confidential!
Greetings,
If you're reading this then you have found a brand spanking new blog dedicated to the Big West Conference. Why the BWC? I firmly believe that with all the college football conference realignment going on, the Big West will play an important role in keeping the non-football sports alive. The conference is already set to receive the University of Hawaii in 2012 (later this year) and San Diego State in 2013; who will it gain next?
The Big West currently has 16 men and women Division I sports it sponsors.
As of 2012, its current members are: Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo, Cal State Fullerton, Cal State Long Beach, Cal State Northridge, University of California, Davis, University of California, Irvine, University of California, Riverside, University of California, Santa Barbara and the University of the Pacific.
As we're getting in the Spring season, most of the focus will be on March Madness, baseball and softball, with occasional updates from other sports.
So sit back, grab that drink, relax and let me do the work!
If you're reading this then you have found a brand spanking new blog dedicated to the Big West Conference. Why the BWC? I firmly believe that with all the college football conference realignment going on, the Big West will play an important role in keeping the non-football sports alive. The conference is already set to receive the University of Hawaii in 2012 (later this year) and San Diego State in 2013; who will it gain next?
The Big West currently has 16 men and women Division I sports it sponsors.
As of 2012, its current members are: Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo, Cal State Fullerton, Cal State Long Beach, Cal State Northridge, University of California, Davis, University of California, Irvine, University of California, Riverside, University of California, Santa Barbara and the University of the Pacific.
As we're getting in the Spring season, most of the focus will be on March Madness, baseball and softball, with occasional updates from other sports.
So sit back, grab that drink, relax and let me do the work!
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