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The Secondary Break: Monday’s Links

bairstow

Bairstow’s success story is 23 years in the making (Albuquerque Journal)
Of the three members of New Mexico’s “big three,” senior forward Cameron Bairstow may be the most overlooked. But to this point in the season he’s been outstanding, averaging 20.1 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. And Bairstow’s path to becoming one of the Mountain West’s best players is one that’s been 23 years in the making.

Unforgettable hurt from bullying (ESPN)
In recent years bullying has received greater attention in American society, with there being a greater level of understanding of what the experiences do to people. ESPN color commentator Dick Vitale shared his own experiences with bullying, and his journey to becoming one of the sport’s most recognizable personalities is certainly an inspiring one.

Loyola’s SJ Tuohy enjoying life after “The Blind Side” (Baltimore Sun)
Loyola (MD) guard SJ Tuohy was a part of the life depicted in the movie “The Blind Side,” with his family taking in a young man in Michael Oher who is now a starting offensive lineman for the Baltimore Ravens. Oher’s presence in Baltimore played a role in Tuohy’s decision to join the Loyola program a couple years ago.

Tennessee, Virginia seeking to gain momentum (Associated Press)
One of the bigger non-conference games of the upcoming week is Virginia’s game at Tennessee, with both teams in a position where they can use a quality win ahead of the start of play in their respective leagues. Both teams have endured their struggles thus far as well, leaving players on both teams hopeful to gain some momentum in their final game of 2013.

Toledo caps a turnaround by taking on a giant (New York Times)
Tod Kowalczyk’s Toledo Rockets are one of eight remaining undefeated teams in college basketball, which is quite the achievement when considering the fact that they were ineligible for postseason play last season. But the Rockets will be tested on Monday night when they visit No. 16 Kansas.

Big East teams have much to prove in league play (USA Today)
With many of the league’s members failing to rack up the signature non-conference victories, the first season of conference play in the new Big East takes on added importance. The fun kicks off on Tuesday, with all ten conference teams taking the floor in the first conference games of the new era.

Illinois basketball’s Rayvonte Rice in shape on, off basketball court (Chicago Sun-Times)
In Illinois’ 74-60 win over UIC on Saturday afternoon Drake transfer Rayvonte Rice stole the show, scoring a game-high 28 points to lead the way. And it was the latest step forward for Rice, who lost 45 pounds and cut his body fat by some ten percent according to head coach John Groce. As a result, he’s been one of the best transfers in the country to this point in the season.

Utes appear to be headed in the (Delon) Wright direction (Salt Lake Tribune)
One of the best junior college transfers in the nation to this point in the season has been Utah’s Delon Wright, whose versatility has proven to be a major asset for Larry Krystkowiak’s Utes. How good can the brother of Portland Trailblazer Dorell Wright and his teammates be this season? We’ll learn a bit more about Utah on Thursday night when they host No. 12 Oregon.

Patsos pleased with Saints’ progress (Troy Record)
Given how far Siena tumbled in the three seasons following Fran McCaffery’s move to Iowa, it was clear that new head coach Jimmy Patsos had a lot of work ahead of him this season. And despite the Saints having a 4-8 record entering Monday night’s game against Fordham, the former Loyola (MD) head coach is pleased with the team’s progress.

Cougars trying to find some joy in Malibu amid three-game gloom (Provo Daily Herald)
Dave Rose’s BYU Cougars dropped their third straight game on Saturday afternoon as they lost 87-76 at Loyola Marymount. With just one day off before they play at Pepperdine, the Cougars are hopeful that the trip to beautiful Malibu will serve as a catalyst of sorts.

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