UC Riverside
Of all the teams that populate a very even conference, one that would be wise not to sleep on is UC Riverside. Picked to finish fourth in the Big West according to the preseason polls, the Highlanders look to build off of a 2008-09 campaign that went down in the books as one of their most successful seasons in program history. UCR (7-7 overall, 1-1 in Big West) finished tied for fourth in conference a season ago, their highest finish in school history, with their first winning season as a Division I school. Furthermore, that same 17-13 record marked Riverside’s best finish since the 1996-97 season, numbers that after 14 regular season games seem very attainable for an encore.
UC Davis
The Aggies started off the season with injuries plaguing the team, but their recent play has shown they are indeed a contender for the conference title. The team had just a 4-8 record going in to conference play, but are now sitting on top with a 2-0 conference record amid a three-game winning streak. Davis certainly has the talent needed to win the Big West and it seems as if they have finally put all the pieces together to play some excellent team basketball.
Cal State Northridge
The reigning Big West Champion Northridge Matadors entered the 2009-10 season looking to build on their success from last season. Just last year, under the leadership of Head Coach Bobby Braswell, the Matadors took the Big West by storm, entering the season ranked first in the conference and winning 11 of their last 15 games to finish with a record of 17-14. Northridge went on to capture their first Big West title, and, as the conference champions, were awarded the 15th seed in the NCAA tournament. Though they were ousted in the first round by second-seeded Memphis in a surprisingly competitive contest, the Matadors undoubtedly enjoyed last season’s outcome.
Pacific
Entering the heart of Big West league play, the University of the Pacific men’s basketball team has reason for optimism. The Tigers have started the season 8-5 and, after their first conference game, are atop the Big West standings early on for the second year in a row.
Cal State Fullerton
The story of the Fullerton men’s basketball team this season has been like a rollercoaster: lots of ups and lots of downs.
UC Irvine
A senior, a junior and a sophomore could make or break the 2010 UC Irvine season. The seasoned sharpshooter Michael Hunter, the versatile Darren Moore and the freshman-sensation-turned-sophomore Eric Wise figure to carry the Anteaters on their backs this season. The question is: How far will they take them?
Cal Poly
Tempered expectations is the name of the game for the Cal Poly men’s basketball team this year, as a new coach hopes to lead the Mustangs from the doldrums of the Big West and back into contention.
Have a Little Faith
“Have a little faith in me.” Okay, who said this and why? I’ve heard the song and everything, but I don’t get it.
‘Chos Set for Season Opener
Today is the day that the UC Santa Barbara men’s volleyball team opens its 2010 campaign in the Thunderdome. The Gauchos are set to play host to Cal State Northridge at 11 a.m. in the first round of the 46th annual Santa Barbara Invitational, followed by a 7:30 p.m. matchup against either Cal Baptist or Long Beach State. Heading into the year, Santa Barbara is ranked 14th nationally in the AVCA Preseason Division I-II Coaches Poll. Northridge, who defeated the Gauchos in the season opener last year, is ranked ninth.
New Year’s Tips for the Holiday Hangover
The new year is upon us, and what does that mean? A million annoying top-10 lists from 2009! Holy mother of a Buick, does anyone really care what the top 10 flavors of pistachios were in 2009? Or does it really matter where the 2009 top-10 most popular destinations involving the “world’s largest ball of twine” were? Can’t we just say Cawker City, Kan. is a nice place to visit and move on? Though I have to admit that attending the annual Twine-A-Thon does sound exciting…