Tomorrow night, the men's basketball team of Appalachian faces another NAIA squad with a better record. The Apps (3-8) enter a home tilt with Bluefield (6-2) looking for its second straight win over NAIA opponents. They dispatched an 8-4 Milligan team 100-68 just before the Christmas break.

Bluefield is coached by former UVA all-ACC standout and former ECU and ASU assistant coach Richard Morgan. Morgan is very capably assisted by former ETSU Bucs All-American PG Keith "Mister" Jennings--a guy whose ghost still haunts Varsity Gym because of his spirited play there against the Apps from 1987 to 1991. The tiny 5-7 Jennings is a member of the ETSU athletics hall of fame and was a four year part-time starter in the NBA with Golden State and Denver. He led his ETSU team to three straight SoCon titles and three straight appearances in the NCAA Tourney. Thankfully, Morgan and Jennings will not be in uniform tomorrow night or the Apps would be in a lot of trouble.

Bluefield has played well in games against 'like" competition, but dropped an exhibition match at UNC-Asheville by a 92-56 count. This game, in all reality, should allow Coach Capel to give everybody enough minutes to shake off the turkey and dressing and get their timing back before a Jan. 2 visit to Pittsburg, PA to take on the Dukes of Duquesne (6-5)--recent blow-out victors over Texas-Pan American in Edinburg, TX.

Prediction: ASU by 25+...again minus Jay Canty.

So is this a preview for the upcoming game or an endorsement ad for Morgan and Jennings for the probable App job?

appdaze wrote:So is this a preview for the upcoming game or an endorsement ad for Morgan and Jennings for the probable App job?

Couldn't it be both?

I believe Morgan has already been on our staff.

Edit: After rereading Chuck's post, I see he mentioned that already.

Well Canty is on the roster for tonight and his first court date is missing from the docket. Don't see him on the court for warm ups at this time.

Bigger issue, no sign of Baskin.

Baskin and Canty are both in street clothes. If anyone is bothering to listen to this on the radio, if you would please relay in DJ says what is up, I'm @ HCC

I caught the end of DJ's comments. There was mention of two players who were injured. Toney was one and I didn't catch the other. Toney is considered to be questionable for play tonight.

Just checked the Game Notes on GoAppState.com. It lists Baskin as recovering from a neck strain injury. Also says Canty could return for tonight's game. If he's in street clothes, sounds as if he's still being held to account for something.

ASU 97
Bluefield 70