I watched a fair amount of basketball today, including parts of three Big East and two Pac-10 games. I tend to believe in the "East Coast Bias" theory but after watching these games today, I wonder if some of that isn't brought upon ourselves.

The Big East tournament was held in history-rich Madison Square Garden which appeared to be packed with raucious fans for each game. The conference is loaded with big-time coaches and I even saw former NBA tough-guy Anthony Mason in the stands watching his son play for St John's. The tournament even has a hip sponsor in Aeropostale.

In contrast, the Pacific Life (?!) Pac-10 tournament is being played in the Staples Center (does that name elicit any fond memories of past glory?) When I tuned in for the Cal/OSU game, the stands were virtually empty - although I did catch a shot of former NBA celibacy advocate A.C. Green cheering on his beloved Beavers... The closest thing to a big-time coach I saw was ASU's Herb Sendek who is the dead-on, spitting image of Vizzini from "The Princess Bride" (Inconceivable!)

Fortunately for me, I was only able to catch the second half of the ASU/UW game. I'm not sure I could have handled sitting through the whole thing with the way the announcers were gushing over the Huskies - and I really just can't stand looking at Ryan Appleby. On the ugly scale of 0 - Mark Rypien, he's an easy 9. I digress...

From what I heard of the first half and saw of the second, the Dawgs were less than impressive tonight. The inside tandem of Brockman and Hawes can be dominant but when the shots from the perimeter aren't falling, they can be keyed-on and contained. I love the way the WSU guards match up with theirs so once again, this game should come down to how well Cowgill, Baynes and Clark can attack on offense and shut down the "Ivory Towers" on D. One thing to watch for tomorrow is how well Ivory Clark responds after having been benched for all but 7 minutes in the regular season finale against USC. He was a key contributor on both ends in the first two games and should be called upon again as one-third of what has become a formidable frontcourt rotation.

After an up-and-down year, the young Huskies seem to be peaking and have become a sexy pick to make a run in this tournament. But let's not forget that it was less than a month ago when riding a mid-season wave of success, that the Dawgs were knocked off at home by a confident and disciplined Cougar squad. On the other side of every peak, lies another valley. Go Cougs!