J.J. Jenkins (JJ) is a Cal Poly business administration sophomore and Jordan Doucette (JD) is a University of Northern Colorado journalism sophomore. They attended high school together in Denver where they wrote a column entitled “Quadruple J: Question of the Day” for the school newspaper.
The Big West and Big Sky conferences matched up in an ESPN Bracketbuster showcase on Saturday night featuring Cal Poly and Northern Colorado. Jordan Doucette, a student at UNC, was in attendance and gives his take on the two teams along with Mustang Daily sports editor J.J. Jenkins, who watched from California.
JJ: The Cal Poly Mustangs traveled to face UNC on Saturday night and went down in defeat. But no, UNC doesn’t mean North Carolina — The University of Northern Colorado Bears, a team which made the NCAA tournament last year. So, for the man who attended the game, what could be more exciting than watching two middle-of-the-pack, mid-major teams square off in non-conference play?
JD: I’m trying to find something more exciting. The Nuggets versus Thunder game certainly came close. But all I’ve got to say is: Mustangs, effort is everything. And to Jordan Lewis, that one-handed throw-down sure was impressive. It’s hard to believe the Bears made the tournament this year, given that we have only won nine games.
JJ: Lewis has been an under-the-radar player for a few years now, being overshadowed by Shawn Lewis much of his time at Cal Poly. To me, the Mustangs have been completely and utterly unpredictable this season. They can throw down 100 and lead Long Beach State by double-digits at the half, but then they go and lose on the road to a nine-win team. Is there anything that can explain the Mustangs’ woes in Greeley? Can they pull the altitude card?
JD: Considering we are only 5-8 at home, the altitude doesn’t seem to affect just about anyone. I mean, seriously, we lost to a Division II team earlier in the year. Needless to say, we have struggled. But we’ve got a solid true freshman at the point in Tevin Svihovec out of Texas, so we feel good about our chances in the future. But what can you expect? We lost our superstar in Big Sky Player of the Year Devon Beitzel. But when it’s all said and done, we beat you guys, so I can talk trash all I want.
JJ: Taking a look at the box score, Svihovec completely dominated the game, scoring 34 points while playing nearly the entire game. What made him so successful against the usually staunch Mustang defense?
JD: To be honest, he hit some incredible shots. The dude can pull up and hit from just about anywhere. The Mustangs had no answer. Let’s not forget the key of the game though: the Bear’s shooting— It’s hard to win if a team shoots 60 percent against you.
JJ: The game was clearly not a defensive showcase. The Mustangs hit 10 of 22 three-pointers, while UNC drilled eight of 16. Neither team could get traction against the other’s scorers as breakout star Chris Eversley led Cal Poly with 18 points, his fifth consecutive game scoring in the double-digits. But speaking of traction, I hear head coaches Joe Callero and BJ Hill went all hipster during the game and didn’t wear shoes. What’s up with that?
JD: Admittedly, I was pretty confused to see both coaches without any shoes. In fact, Callero was being mocked by certain UNC fans during the first half. As it turns out, the odd gesture was for a good cause. The coaches did this in an effort to support Samaritan’s Feet, a non-profit organization that donates thousands of shoes to the less fortunate every year. Pretty cool, eh?
JJ: Always good to see sport transcending the game. But you know what would be pretty cool too? A rematch. OK, I know it’s far fetched that Cal Poly and UNC both run the table in their conference tournaments, and then find themselves pitted against one another in the NCAA tournament. But what would you expect to change and what would you expect to stay the same in round two?
JD: You know, I’d expect another exciting game. It really was wire to wire. Both teams were fighting extremely hard. We got a spectacular effort out of our point guard. I can honestly say that I would expect a similar contest. That being said, UNC by 40. Somewhere around there.
JJ: Ha! Well I wasn’t there but I think if UNC made a trip to SoCal, the Mustangs might feel a bit more comfortable, and Dylan Royer would have one heck of a game against the Bears lax defense and drop a game-winning 3. But that probably won’t happen. Nevertheless, the Cal Pol football team will make a trip east to Greeley this fall in the Mustangs’ inaugural Big Sky season. What should we see from the Bears on the gridiron next season?
JD: It’s hard to say. It’s also hard to be hopeful for the upcoming season. We didn’t even pull a single win this season. You’re gonna have to make the trip out to stink town and watch the game for yourself.
JJ: We’re used to the “ag” smell ourselves here in San Luis Obispo, so Andre Broadous and company will feel right at home. I suspect that we will have round two as well after the game on (Oct. 13 in Alex G. Spanos Stadium). But for now, enjoy the cold and snow in Colorado. I’ll soak up the San Luis Obispo sun for you. J.J. out.
JD: It’s good to be back.