The game has been moved to noon (from 2:30) due to inclement weather.
The matchup is Ben Wetzler (3-0, 4.70) vs Justin Jones (2-1, 4.05).
Beavs are 26-31 all-time at Cal. They swept there last year, but only 7 guys remain on the roster. Cal is 11-4 so far this year and have a good team. This will be a tough series if the pitching doesn't show up.
Can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm actually looking forward to the CBI. Mainly because there are some good teams who've had recent NCAA success playing in it, and I'd like to see the Beavs advance tonight and get a shot at them. Beating a Butler or Pitt, even if they're down, would be something to build off going into next season.
I hope the Beavers take this tournament seriously. There might be a tendency to say, "Oh, it's just the CBI, who cares?", and it's easy to understand the mentality. But, it's games like this that don't really matter where teams build character and learn how to "get up" (that's what she said?) for every opponent.
Check out CR's press conference here.
Gametime is 7pm.
Something that hasn't been mentioned is that people (and hence Universities) tend to lead lifestyles that match their income. You don't see Donald Trump or Bill Gates driving Chevettes, you know?
Well, this afternoon I came across an article saying Kyle Wittingham gave his DC a $225,000 raise. But that's not it. He gave his OC a $105,000 raise. Tosh Lupoi received a $340,000 increase to move to Washington. Mike Leach got 2 mil from Washington State. Keith Heyward probably got 100k more.
You can see the pattern.
Point being, coaches will be after these windfall profits. OSU didn't pay Keith Heyward, and he moved on. Expect to see more musical chairs as coaches follow the money. This is a normal phenomena and natural human behavior, but realize that while 22mil seems like a lot, it will go fast if everyone expects their cut. I suppose Riley's 1mil salary is his one benefit. Probably a good "value" that should allow the AD to focus on building/projects.
Looks like the Beavs are going to fall short.
That bracket looks right, and if the committee does go to the Pac-12 for another team, it will likely be UCLA.
Bummer. These guys need post season tournament experience, and not the CBI. Speaking of the CBI, would you rather they play it and gain more experience or decline it and keep their pride? I'm thinking the CBI is a bad idea. Financially, it's bad, but also bad for their confidence if they don't win it. I just don't see much to gain.
Sooners have a good squad, so this is a big test for the Beavs. A win and they'll crack the top 25.
Barring weather, first pitch will be11am (and remember, Daylight Savings Time).