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Thursday, November 20, 2008

Cancun Adventure Starts in Pit Tonight

By Mark Smith
Journal Staff Writer
       So what is this Cancun deal anyway?
    Is it in Mexico or New Mexico?
    Is it a winners-advance tournament or a semi-round robin?
    Do participants play three games or four?
    Is there a champion — and is every team eligible for the title?
    If you answered "both" to the first three questions, you are ahead of the curve.
    If you answered "yes — and no" to the last question, you are probably a tournament organizer.
    "I'm not really sure if there's a title to win or not," says University of New Mexico men's basketball coach Steve Alford, whose Lobos make their debut in the inaugural Cancun Challenge tonight in the Pit against Grambling State. "I just know it gives us some really good games that we need at this time of the year."
    The Lobos are one of 10 teams in the tournament that spans two weeks and two countries. But they are one of only four teams eligible for the crown.
    "I know we play VCU, then either Drake or Vanderbilt," says Lobo senior post Daniel Faris.
    And the other teams in it?
    "I know Grambling State and Central Florida," Faris says, pausing to look for an assist from nearby teammates. "After that — who else is in it?"
    Good question, Daniel.
    But it doesn't matter, because you won't play any of the others.
    It's doubtful even tournament officials could immediately tell you who all the teams are without looking at a schedule.
    So here goes.
    Grambling State is one of six schools playing the role of cannon fodder for the big guns — the Lobos, Virginia Commonwealth, Vanderbilt and Drake. The latter four battle for the championship next week in Cancun, Mexico.
    Still confused?
    You're not alone.
    The event actually started Sunday with VCU ripping The Citadel 82-59 and Vandy rolling Morehead State 75-48. Both winners played at home.
    On Wednesday night, the tournament continued with South Dakota State visiting VCU and Morehead State playing at Drake.
    Besides tonight's game, the event also has the Lobos playing host to Central Florida on Saturday and South Dakota State visiting Drake on Sunday.
    Central Arkansas is at
    Vanderbilt in the final game on U.S. soil on Nov. 26.
    Got it?
    If not, don't worry. None of the eight games means diddly when it comes to determining the champion.
    "No, just the four host schools can compete for the title," says Jeff Strohm of Triple Crown Sports, the promoter of the Challenge. "Hopefully, it will work out for the host teams in the U.S. games."
    Meaning Grambling State can't win it, even if it shocks UNM tonight.
    Then again, the chances of that happening are about as likely as Barack Obama naming George W. as his main economic adviser.
    The Lobos are still smarting from their 82-75 loss at Creighton on Sunday, in which they blew a 16-point lead with 10 minutes left and a 72-63 advantage in the final 3:24.
    After giving his team the day off on Monday, Alford was breathing fire during Tuesday's practice. The Lobos spent extra time in the film room, then came out looking like whipped puppies.
    After an intense practice, they looked more like pit bulls.
    When asked what he was hoping to see from his team tonight, Alford said "toughness — I just want to see them take it out on somebody. I can't help it if it's Grambling."
    Even before Tuesday's heated practice, sophomore point guard Dairese Gary said getting tough wouldn't be a problem.
    "Having a coach like coach Alford, he strives for excellence," Gary says. "I don't think (games like Sunday) will be a problem down the stretch. And if it is, I feel sorry for us, just knowing the coach he is. I think we're going to get it fixed and we're going to be good."
    The Lobos actually get three chances to fix things before hitting the road again. After the UCF game Saturday, they play host to Cal State Northridge on Monday in a game that's not part of the Cancun Challenge.
    The Lobos then travel to Cancun, where they play VCU on Nov. 29. Drake takes on Vanderbilt on the same night, and the winners of those games will meet for the title Nov. 30. The losers of the Nov. 29 games also meet the following night in the consolation game.
    The six smaller schools all head to Cancun as well, but just play games against each other.Today
       Grambling at New Mexico, the Pit, 7:07 p.m. TV: KASY Radio: KKOB-AM (770) Inside
       Tony Danridge is still building his stamina Page B2

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