The 2012 WCC Championships are upon us, and the University of Portland men's and women's basketball teams have arrived in Las Vegas, Nev. We want to share the experience with you, so Sarah Griffin of the women's hoops program will be checking in with a blog throughout her stay in Vegas.
***Scroll down for previous entries
ENTRY #4
Monday, March 5, 2012
Sarah Griffin has put together another video for her final entry of the Vegas Blog.
VEGAS VIDEO #2
ENTRY #3
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Editor's Note: This entry of the Vegas Blog is a video entry, which Sarah Griffin put together on Portland's first day at the 2012 WCC Championships...
WATCH VIDEO
ENTRY #2
Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012
Hey Pilot Fans,
Day 2 in Las Vegas, and first day of the Zappos.com West Coast Conference Championship. The Pilots were busy today (Wednesday), waking up bright and early for shoot-around at the Orleans Arena. While we were at the arena the Orleans and WCC were making final preparations for the tournament.
After shoot-around, the Pilots returned to The Palms for brunch. Following brunch, some Pilots enjoyed a little r&r, while others hit the books. Amy had to write a paper for her history course, and Philly and Nikki studied for exams. As for ReZina (my roommate) and myself, well, we watched Jersey Shore.
The Pilots reconvened for film in “The Mint” conference room. Coach Cheryl led the film session and reviewed the game film from when the Pilots and Broncos last met. The Broncos defeated the Pilots 70-71, and shot an impressive 7/12 (58%) from the 3-point range in the second half – wow! The Pilots had a difficult time shutting down the Bronco’s Sr. PG, Alyssa Shoji, who scored 24 or her 28 points from outside the arc.
With that being said, it will be crucial for us to keep them off the arc and to contest ALL shots!
Once we finished film it was time for practice. I have been experimenting with iMovie and YouTube. Below is a short video of today’s practice.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzVqi4LixME&context=C31c2393ADOEgsToPDskIYsLspYHVKaE-sRp02I3e1
Later in the evening, we returned to the Orleans Arena to support our men’s team. The men faced the Santa Clara Broncos in a thrilling first round match-up. They set the tone for Pilot Hoops as they defeated the Broncos 74-70 (Recap). On Thursday the men will play after us against the San Francisco Dons at 6:00 p.m. You can catch both games on BYUtv, or listen online.
It’s our turn now to take care of business. Wish us luck!
GO PILOTS!
ENTRY #1
Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2012
Hey Pilot Fans,
Sarah Griffin here, and I will be taking over blogging duties for the Pilots’ trip to Las Vegas for the WCC Tournament. I know many of you cannot join us in Las Vegas; however, we still want our fans to be able to experience the tournament with us. Therefore, I will post blogs regularly and you can also follow us via Twitter (PilotsWBB)… so, what happens in Vegas… well, doesn’t really stay in Vegas.
The Pilots departed The Bluff early this morning (Tuesday) and landed in Las Vegas just shy of noon (Welcome home, Byrdie!). Upon arriving at The Palms it was time for lunch. The Pilots thoroughly enjoyed the buffet located downstairs, which accommodated every player’s craving. There was salad, soup, international, Asian, soul food, plenty of desserts… you name it! As Keisha said, “Buffet: You’re a jack of many trades.”
After lunch, the Pilots had time to digest their lunch before practice, which I think was wise and necessary considering the bizarre lunch combos that were consumed by some of the girls. I can’t imagine ribs, pad Thai and frozen yogurt settles well… anyway, some Pilots squeezed in a short nap, while others watched some T.V. before we left for practice.
Practices are held at UNLV’s Thomas & Mack Center. In fact, I am currently sitting on the sideline keeping busy, writing this post. The Pilots (7) are preparing for their contest versus the Santa Clara Broncos (6), Thursday at 2:30 p.m. You can watch the game live on BYUtv, or
listen online.
Not only have the Pilots suffered a recent heartbreaking loss to the Broncos (
recap), but the Pilots and Broncos also share a history of first-round meetings at the WCC Tournament. This will be the third year in a row that the Pilots and Broncos meet in first-round play. In 2010, the Pilots made an early exit as they fell to the Broncos, 61-74. However, the following year, the Pilots defeated the Broncos 75-64, and advanced to the semifinals.
Considering the Pilots recent loss to the Broncos, coupled with the teams’ cutthroat history at the Tournament, Thursday’s match-up will undoubtedly be an exciting game. Anyway, I am totally pumped for the game, but we still have one whole day before the girl’s take the stage.
I will touch base with you all tomorrow. Until then…
GO PILOTS!
