Is it basketball or Football?

I have seen a lot of basketball games early in the season that couldnt match Saturday's Navy-North Texas game.

The Mids, somewhat dejected by the result, confirm as a result of their feeling the higher standards they hold themselves too under Paul Johnson. NOTE: Navy would have excepted any victory by 12 in which it scored 74 int he 90's.

This week, Northern Illinois. No Garrett Wolf...thank goodness.

Kudos to the turtles for a good effort against BC. Ralph Friedgen has done a very good coaching job keeping his team above water when it could have packed it in with all the injuries.

With the start of hoops season, lets take a quick look at some of the locals so far.

MARYLAND
Struggled late with MEAC Power Hampton. Mr. West nearly derailed Maryland's trip west to KC on Monday night. Maryland committed some foolish fouls, but Gist looks like he is growing into solid post man for Maryland who is solid at guard with Hayes and Vasquez.

NAVY
Mids split a pair to open the season. Besting Longwood on Friday Greg sprink fired in 28 in an 88-72 win in which the Mids posted 13 three-point shots. After a struggle in the first 20 minutes against Drexel, Navy outscored the Dragons by four in the second half after cutting 20-point deficit to eight. This group is ready to elevate in the Patriot League standings.

LOYOLA
This will be a fun team to watch. They can score, with Brown and Israel. Jimmy Patsos has a real shot with two MAJOR scorers to go to the NCAA Tournament.

TOWSON
Tigers beat Loyola handily, the question is, how does Towson compete in a brutal CAA this year? I mean come on, Mason, VCU, ODU, Drexel just off the top.

GEORGE MASON
See above. The CAA is loaded. Home wins will be a premium. Mason has enoug veterans though to get road wins which will be the ultimate decider in this league. Laranaga is CAA's best bench boss in a league of underrated coaches.