Initial (Over)Reactions

I feel sick. Anyone who cares about the University of Washington men's basketball program should feel sick. This was Albany's first victory over a BCS conference team since they moved to D-1 in 2000.  I'm going to attempt to write something coherent, but it is extremely difficult to describe my frustration and put all of UW's struggles into words.

Alaska Airlines Arena was flat tonight. Sub-par student section. Sub-par non-student section. Within five minutes of the game Scott Suggs went down. Hard. Suggs took an elbow to the side of the head while running back on defense (I see absolutely zero reason why the elbow went up in the air and am still baffled as to why nobody seems to be talking about this action) and, while falling, took a knee straight to the back of the head. Suggs laid motionless for around ten seconds before attempting to get up. He almost lost his balance while standing up and proceeded to take two steps in completely opposite directions before being helped off the floor. If there was anyone interested in being especially loud before the injury, they certainly were no longer interested following the blows to the head. I would like to say that UW should be viewed as a team that protects its' home court. A home court is not a home court when the crowd provides minimal momentum to a game. The fans in Alaska Airlines Arena seem to wait for the players to do something before getting excited, whereas fans are loud and proud from the get-go at schools such as Gonzaga and New Mexico. On to the game itself.

The Basics
6:30 P.M. PST. Pac-12 Network. Alaska Airlines Arena

Ideas

Loyola of Maryland's mascot is the Greyhounds. Albany's mascot is the Great Danes. Man, there have been a lot of dogs in Seattle recently. Also, Albany's mascot is a dog (clearly) and their colors are purple in gold. Coincidence? I THINK NOT. The University of Albany wants to steal the University of Washington's identity. This game just became that much more important. There are simply too many story-lines tonight folks.

Somehow, the Seahawks only have six games remaining in the regular season. Is it just me, or does the NFL season go by faster and faster with each passing year? Nonetheless, Seattle is 6-4, and holds the 6th and final playoff spot in the NFC. So how did they get to this point? Let's take a position-by-position look at the team.

Quarterback: Russell Wilson has steadily improved his play and barring injury, he will be the Seahawks starter the rest of the way. In the first few games, the playcalling was way too conservative, leading some to believe if Wilson was the right choice at QB. The coaching staff eventually loosened the reins, and since then Wilson has been efficient. Wilson has 10 touchdowns and only two interceptions in the past five games. His mobility has always been there, but recently his ability to step up in the pocket and find throwing lanes down the middle has been great to watch. This added element makes him a threat in and out of the pocket. Moving forward, this seems to be another genius draft pick from the front office. Grade: B

Editor's Note: We are pleased to have Riley Peschon of "Welcome to Romarville" back for Huskies basketball coverage again this season. Be sure to check out his site as well for tons of UW content: welcometoromarville.blogspot.com

Initial (Over)Reactions
The first half of this basketball game was god-awful. I only watched the first half of this basketball game. Sigh. This is what happens when sports coincide with school. The Huskies turned the ball over 11 times and had just three assists on 12 baskets in the opening 20 minutes of their 2012-2013 campaign. Great way to start the season? No. Somehow the Dawgs were up two at half-time, despite Loyola guards being able to simply waltz to the hoop for layups against one-on-one defense on multiple occasions. This is what happens when I only watch one half! Apparently the second half kicked ass, so really I shouldn't be judging anyone or anything!

Finally, Seattle has its chance to shine.  After three seasons of being knocked out of the playoffs in the first round the Sounders have made it to the Western Conference Finals after defeating Real Salt Lake 1-0 in last night’s second leg of the Western Conference semi-finals.  The match was a nail biter but well worth the stress.

From the very start of the match it was clear the game was going to be a physical affair.  Both teams exchanged heavy tackles but fortunately no early cards were shown.  Both sides were evenly matched in the first half as each defense stifled any attacks that came their way.  In addition, both Salt Lake and Seattle were without their major playmakers; Seattle was without Rosales and until mid-way through the second half Salt Lake did not play Espindola.  Seattle had the best chance of the first half when Mario Martinez blasted a free kick which Nick Rimando parried onto the crossbar by his fingertips.

The first leg of MLS playoffs always tends to be a tense venture and last night’s match up between Seattle and Salt Lake was no exception.  Both teams displayed expert defensive prowess and as a result the match ended in a 0-0 draw.  But the game was by no means void of action.

The action got off to a fast start in the 23^rd minute as Nate Grabavoy dashed towards the top of Seattle’s eighteen yard box where he met an onrushing Michael Gspurning who made a spectacular sliding save.  Both keepers were kept busy as the Sounders peppered Salt Lake’s Nick Rimando with shot after shot.  Rimando finished the match with one of the most sound performances by a keeper in MLS this season, and Gspurning matched him save for save.

After both cruising through their Metro schedules with undefeated records, Nathan Hale and Eastside Catholic meet in the Metro championship game Friday night. With blowouts of Bainbridge and Lakeside respectively, O’Dea and Seattle Prep take on Rainier Beach and Chief Sealth in the other high profile crossover games.

Look for power rankings and predictions after the jump.

                                                                Photo Credit: Darigold/Linda Christensen/Duo PR

Darigold and renowned butter sculptor Linda Christensen have partnered to create a sculpture of what the potential new Seattle sports arena might look like. A 110-pound block of butter was the canvas. Christensen has been in the business for over 40 years. The local dairy company wanted to commemorate the arena proposal getting approved by the Seattle and King County councils last week.

                                                                     Photo Credit: Alex Gallant/SeaTown Sports

And just like that O’Dea’s reign over Metro Mountain has ended. In a statement victory, Eastside Catholic showed the Irish that they are top dog this year. In the Sound, Nathan Hale secured their spot in the Metro championship game with an easy victory over Ingraham. Seattle Prep won its second consecutive game over rival Blanchet who have now dropped three straight.

Power Rankings come after the jump.

Editor's note: We took time off from power rankings last week, but we are back for week 6 as the regular season starts to wind down.

This week saw Seattle Prep return to form, Eastside Catholic dominate Rainier Beach, and O’Dea win yet again. In the Sound Division, Nathan Hale stayed on top, and is in position to take the title if they win out. This upcoming week features some massive games in Metro Mountain, with number one Eastside Catholic taking on O’Dea, and bitter rivals Seattle Prep and Blanchet facing off on Saturday.

Look for the Power Rankings and Predictions after the jump.