Gonzaga Struggling In WCC, Lose To Upstart U. of San Francisco

Gonzaga has been the baddest team in the West Coast Conference for 15 years now but it appears the Bulldogs aren't so bad this year.

The Bulldogs are 3-2 in the West Coast Conference play, tied for 3rd, with St. Mary's and San Francisco ahead of Gonzaga in the standings.

Saturday night Gonzaga lost an overtime thriller to San Francisco 96-91 in a tough physical game that saw elbows flying.

Here's the highlights from USF. (Thanks USFDonsAthletics)



San Francisco is 4-1 in the West Coast Conference for the first time since 1981-82. Dons head coach Rex Walters believes now USF has set themselves up to get everyones "A" game.

Respect the Dons

DEVELOPING: BYU Formally Announces Independence

((HT: Fox13Now/KSTU-TV))

BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe says the Cougars' move to independence in football has plenty of risks and he hopes even bigger rewards.

Holmoe gave some details Wednesday about BYU's athletic future. While football will play without a conference, other sports are joining the West Coast Conference starting next year.

By leaving the Mountain West Conference, BYU was able to negotiate its own broadcast rights for football. BYU announced that the school has an eight-year deal with ESPN to televise the Cougars on one of the network's channels.

BYU said it has also agreed to a six-game deal with fellow independent Notre Dame. Holmoe says the two schools are still working out the details.

Here's Cecil Samuelson and Tom Holmoe at their emancipation presser...
 

DEVELOPING: Independence Day In Provo, BYU Football Goes It Alone...

Well, almost alone... they join Notre Dame, Army, and Navy...

They made the decision by the sum total of one day before the imposed deadline of the Mountain West Conference and the Cougars have decided to go it as a Division I independent in football. All other sports will register with the West Coast Conference.

BYU's original idea was to join the WAC in other sports while staying independent with football, but when Fresno State and Nevada decided to crossover from the MWC to the WAC that plan was scuttled.

The four letter has already jumped in and said they would be a partner with Cougar football in some capacity.

Shocker there....

There are issues with three BYU Sports that the West Coast Conference doesn't currently support: softball, swimming and diving, and track and field.

The presser to explain all of this is set for 2PM eastern time Wednesday.

Here's the latest from our friends at KSL-TV in Salt Lake...
FOSG Tom Kirkland sits at the adult table...

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

The WCC has eight members in its conference at present- seven of them are affiliated with the Catholic Church. Pepperdine is affilaited with the Churches of Christ. BYU will add more credibility to the basketball roster that currently has Gonzaga, St. Mary's, and Santa Clara.

((Insert holy war reference of your choosing here))

Here is an interview with Dick Harmon, sports columnist with the Deseret News, that Kirkland had in full with KSL-TV...

And here's Fox Salt Lake City's lead story on the move...
Rick Aaron is on campus...
((HT: Fox13Now/KSTU))
 

College Basketball: West Coast Conference Predictions

The West Coast conference gets plenty of attention thanks to the run Gonzaga has been on the last decade and received more last season when Eddie Sutton resurfaced at San Francisco to win his 800th game. It's Gonzaga's to win again this season.

Best Team In The West Coast Conference: Gonzaga Bulldogs

Gonzaga has the best talent in the league and should win the WCC easily. What I really respect about the Bulldogs is that they aren't afraid to challenge any team. This year Gonzaga has road games with Washington State, Utah and Tennessee plus have games with Oklahoma State and Connecticut. With Jeremy Pargo, Matt Bouldin and Josh Heytvelt on the roster, Gonzaga should make a deep NCAA tournament run, Final Four this year?

Best Player In The West Coast Conference: Jeremy Pargo - Gonzaga

Pargo is one of the most talented guards in the country. He won the WCC Player of the Year last season and should make it back to back.

Team That Could Surprise - San Diego

All 5 starters return from a team that upset Gonzaga in the WCC Tournament Final and Connecticut in the 1st Round of the NCAA Tournament. The Toreros have been in the heat of battles over the years and while they might not overtake Gonzaga, San Diego could be the runner up and sneak in the NCAA's again. One thing is for sure in Gonzaga's perspective, San Diego won't be fun to play against.

Teams That Will Go Dancing: Gonzaga

Who Will Play For Number 66: San Diego

West Coast Conference Notes:

3 new coaches join the WCC. Bill Bayno takes over at Loyola Marymount, Tom Asbury returns for another tour of duty at Pepperdine and Rex Walters is the new head coach at San Francisco. Walters has some talent to work with but will have to change the Dons reputation of not playing as a team.

West Coast Conference Predictions

1. Gonzaga

2. San Diego

3. Saint Mary's

4. San Francisco

5. Santa Clara

6. Portland
7. Loyola Marymount

8. Pepperdine

Photo Courtesy: AP