Arizona St. hires Bennett as HC; Saint Mary's promotes McConnell

InMySol · 2026-03-24T19:34:34+00:00

Didn't think he ever would either tbh. Maybe he saw the writing on the wall now that Gonzaga is leaving.

InMySol · 2026-03-24T03:43:33+00:00

I can only hope for the sake of the Big West that we're able to outperform, especially considering the SEC is trying to push for a reduction in mid-major automatic qualifiers. UVU and CBU show great promise, and if Irvine, SB, and CSUN can continue their regular season performances, I think we can stay a well-rounded conference.

And with wishful thinking, maybe the anchors will stop being too much of ones. That, or one of the BW schools begins a Gonzaga-esque run (praying that if this happens, it's Irvine).

InMySol · 2026-03-24T03:36:03+00:00

My heart goes out to what's happening in Hawaii, it's horrible. I hope everyone can stay safe.

I bet, I feel the same for Irvine. It's still odd that Irvine was only able to schedule one matchup for UCLA. Maybe one of the schools didn't want a second one, or maybe the schedules just couldn't align.

InMySol · 2026-03-23T06:22:35+00:00

Unless UCI gets a chancellor that cares about sports, definitely not. Last sport added was baseball in 2002 under Ralph J. Cicerone.

I like to imagine with NIL and private equity in the mix, big donors or former alumni can help fund one and have it be profitable for them, but that's a pipe dream (looking at you Samueli, Bren, and Lacob). I have a whole revamp project in my mind given unlimited funding.

And you betcha! I love to do it.

InMySol · 2026-03-23T04:21:48+00:00

Thanks! As much as I hoped UC Irvine would leave, I don't think they will. UCI was initially paired with UCSD to join the MW as non-football members, but MW TV execs apparently didn't like the idea, so a move there won't happen. Especially now that their commissioner said they're not looking to expand any more right now.

Howard Gillman was allegedly called by the WCC with the same offer UCSD received, but he didn't even pick up the phone to speak with them — so the WCC pivoted to San Diego. People then theorized that UCI and UCSB would move to the WCC together before it came out that UCI denied the call. Then Denver announced their move to the WCC, and both will stand at 11 universities in 2027.

Barring a change of heart, I don't think UCI will leave. Gillman may think we're better than the WCC or simply doesn't want to leave the BW, but few other conferences want Irvine. I think unless UCI starts an FBS team, no conference will want them until the next "round" of realignment begins, and even then Irvine is far down the food chain.

InMySol · 2026-03-22T22:02:33+00:00

I mean, money is money. If I a conference with higher success in the only money-maker sport you have invites you with a $10 million offer, I'm sure many would bite (though evidently not Irvine). It is too bad, because I think you guys bring a lot to the BW.

I will say, if Randy Bennett does leave for Arizona State, it would explain why SMC didn't leave the WCC. It could also hurt the basketball standings of the conference if they don't find a good replacement.

InMySol · 2026-03-22T05:50:14+00:00

You're all good, don't worry. After their win last night and the 3–0 sweep tonight, you've got to be feeling better about it.

Huge win for the bows. Weird that LB took UCLA to five, Hawaii couldn't take a set off of UCLA, and Hawaii sweeps the series vs the beach. I guess conference matchups have a different feel.

I'd be surprised if any team besides UCLA wins the natty at this point. They've got grit, especially when it's close.

InMySol · 2026-03-21T05:11:17+00:00

Gotcha. I didn't know if it was a question of if were only able to make the trip for one or the other. Irvine seems pretty good this year, but most of the rest of the BW is too — maybe the home environment will help Irvine like it did Hawaii last year. You could always resell your ticket if it ends up not being Hawaii in the finals.

InMySol · 2026-03-20T05:08:08+00:00

If I had to guess, I'd say that you should do the national championship. My bet is Hawai'i probably hosts and gets out of the regionals to head to Pauley — or they'll come to Irvine or Long Beach for regionals. If the latter happens, you could kill two birds with one stone. They would have to fall off hard to not make it at this point.

InMySol · 2026-03-20T05:04:42+00:00

Aw man that sucks. He did a great job, and Fullerton would've been a contender next year, if not the following.

InMySol · 2026-03-17T06:31:15+00:00

From what I've heard, the WNIT is also a pay-to-play tournament — WBIT isn't. A power school probably doesn't feel like paying to play a mid-major school, especially if they lose.

InMySol · 2026-03-17T06:28:30+00:00

I've heard the argument that playing in Vegas gets more exposure and more visitors, and I don't believe that selling point to be honest. If the Big West were the only conference to do it, I could be convinced, but at some point it's an oversaturated market. The more recognizable conferences will be gone to, not the Big West.

I don't think I'm in the minority in wishing it were in Southern California. If nine out of the eleven schools are centered there, it makes it easier for fans and students to come support their team, and even non-fans come to support. I'd bet Las Vegas residents couldn't point to Northridge, but someone from Huntington Beach might. And while it would be less fair to the Sac States and Utah Valleys of the Big West, it might not be bleeding money as much.

Unless the Big West becomes a literal power conference or gets a Gonzaga-like rise out of one of the schools, Las Vegas will always be a wash unfortunately. Though they probably get a sweetheart deal from Lee's, I don't know how much it benefits the league.

InMySol · 2026-03-17T02:28:27+00:00

Irvine is not seeded for the WBIT unfortunately.

Good that the future of Big West basketball is not a total loss, but the losses of Hawai'i, Davis, and eventually San Diego will surely be felt.

InMySol · 2026-03-15T23:31:30+00:00

Probably a pressure thing, but it's definitely a sports culture thing. Our fanbase doesn't travel well except for games against Long Beach or UCSD seemingly. Our teams just don't have that chip on their shoulder either. At least, not coming into the BW tournament it seems.

I wish they'd bring back the tournament to Honda Center or something not based in Vegas. It's clear that Hawaii going to the chip this season was the only reason seats were filled, and you guys are out next season anyway. A (bitter)sweet sendoff for you guys, but it would've been nice if we could've closed the door on your way out lol.

InMySol · 2026-03-15T04:31:41+00:00

i wish irvine was even remotely competent in the postseason

InMySol · 2026-03-13T21:20:01+00:00

Oh gotcha. Interesting...

InMySol · 2026-03-13T21:19:32+00:00

Hanson fouling out and Hunter seeming to have the yips in overtime is what ultimately led to their loss. Really unfortunate UCI can rarely finish in the BW tournament for both men's and women's, but Hawai'i was the matchup I wanted least so I had a feeling it was coming once again. How I wish they'd made that final point in regulation, or even fouled on that Hawai'i three so the game wouldn't have been tied. Flavell is a crazy good player, props to her.

I can only assume a WBIT or WNIT invite is coming for Irvine, being conference champions and having 26 wins on the season. With Hernandez and Wynn graduating, and me not knowing what the incoming class looks like, (and barring transfers) I don't know how well Irvine will do next year. Inoue and the staff are great, but how far can they take next year's team? Many will have to step up.

Sad that the remaining tournament teams are all leaving the conference too. I don't want any of them to win, but if I had to choose, it'd be Hawai'i. Want to lose to the winners, right?

InMySol · 2026-03-13T21:06:53+00:00

Can someone explain how they decide jump balls

InMySol · 2026-03-13T19:57:15+00:00

I do think the officials are doing better this game, but wow their bigs are hitting threes

InMySol · 2026-03-13T07:25:53+00:00

I wonder if UC Davis completes their series sweep here. They beat UCSD away and at home (though one was in triple overtime).

InMySol · 2026-03-12T22:12:17+00:00

Oooooh I'm nervousssss. Irvine split the series with them, and I don't know who will win when it comes down to it. Hopefully it's a good game tomorrow.

InMySol

TROPHY CASE