Newswire: Cougs-Gaels all the buzz in the Bay

THE VIEW FROM the Bay Area is that Saint Mary's, stunned by its omission from the Big Dance, has been jolted back to attention by the reality of facing the "Calculating Cougars," who have defeated three Dance participants in the last three weeks.

Saint Mary’s gets over the hurt real fast
It didn't take long for the Saint Mary's College basketball team to find a cure for the common hangover. Less than three hours after being jilted by the NCAA Tournament on Sunday, the Gaels got their NIT assignment. "Once we found out we got Washington State at home, it helped us get out of our funk," junior center Omar Samhan said. "Washington State? Tuesday?" coach Randy Bennett said, recalling his reaction to the news. "It forces you to turn the page."
San Jose Mercury News

Gaels face big emotional challenge
Tonight's first-round National Invitation Tournament game against Washington State might be St. Mary's biggest psychological challenge of the season. Sunday's emotional letdown after not making the NCAA Tournament is still fresh in the players' minds, and now the Gaels (26-6) must pull themselves together to face an invigorated Washington State team that feels fortunate to be in the NIT.
San Francisco Chronicle

Cal, Saint Mary’s ADs highlight differences
Two indirect but intriguing lessons were learned in the aftermath of Selection Sunday, and they both involve athletic directors. Specifically, that it's good to be Sandy Barbour today, and it really stinks to be Mark Orr.
San Francisco Chronicle

Just another slap in the face for hoops’ great unwashed
There's a reason they refer to the West Coast Conference, and other alliances of its ilk, as mid-majors. It's because the phrase "hoi polloi" was already taken.
Contra Costa Times

St. Mary’s not lucky enough or good enough
It's understandable to weep for Saint Mary's. No college basketball team had worse luck this season, and the misfortune continued through the final hours of the regular season, as the NCAA Tournament bid that should have belonged to the Gaels was stolen by not one, not two, but three less qualified teams.
The Sporting News

THE COUGS AND GAELS TIP OFF TONIGHT AT 8 PM ON ESPN2. THE WINNER WILL FACE EITHER SOUTH CAROLINA OR DAVIDSON.