Dance Card: BYU, WCC at-large

Who? The Cougars of Brigham Young University.

What? It started with a pair of fifty-cent cougar cubs in 1924, then became Cosmo, short for cosmopolitan, and yes, I do find it amusing that a Mormon school's mascot shares its name with a cocktail.

Where? Provo, Utah, ranked first for city optimism.

When? March 22nd, in Los Angeles, California.

Why? Either it's the RPI or Graham Hays made some very persuasive arguments (he's an ardent fan of Jennifer Hamson's).

How? They were an at-large selection.

Surprise? Predicted to finish fourth in the conference, they finished second, two games behind Gonzaga.

RPI: 41

SOS: 119

Record: 26-6 (14-4 West Coast)

Good wins: At Creighton.

Bad losses: Pacific.

Who's running this show? Jeff Judkins, since 2001, whose bio needs some serious updating.

Extra, Extra! The Daily Herald. Might get something from the Salt Lake Tribune, too.

Towering senior center Jennifer Hamson has been the big story, no pun intended, for the Cougars. 18.3 points, 11.2 rebounds, and four blocks per game do a lot of talking, as do 56.8% shooting and 72.2% from the line (for a center). Sophomore guard Lexi Eaton contributes 16.9 points per game, but on a lot of volume. Senior guard Kim Beeston holds down the fort with 11.6 points and 4.1 assists per game (one wonders how many she would have if her primary target didn't put the ball on the floor so often for a center).

Random things that please me: the ridiculous organization and cross-linking on BYU's roster. Go play with it. I'll still be here.