Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

SportsLink

ASU leads by three at half


COUGARS

So what did you expect from the two teams that sit atop the Pac-10 shooting percentage defense statistic? An offensive shootout? Well, you would have been sorely disappointed. And not too smart. These are teams that play the same type of defense, just one in a matchup zone and the other in a pack man-to-man. Usually the difference would be James Harden, who leads the Pac-10 in scoring at 21 points a game. But the Cougars have shut him down – he has three points – at the expense of giving up open looks from 3 – ASU is 5 of 8 from there. Still, with the halftime score 23-20, you have to believe both teams feel good about their defense. One prediction: Harden will not finish with six points. He'll get his shots and points in the second half. By the way, WSU trailed by three at half in Tempe. We'll be back at the end.



Vince Grippi

Vince Grippi is a freelance local sports blogger for spokesman.com. He also contributes to the SportsLink Blog.

Follow Vince online:






Looking for a Grip on Sports?

Vince Grippi's daily take on all things regional sports has been moved to our main sports section online. You can find a collection of these columns here.