Thursday, March 6, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.
When the brackets for the WAC Tournament came out Sunday, one potential matchup jumped off the page.
And thanks to Texas Christian's rally from a 15-point deficit which overtook Wyoming 72-61 in Tuesday's opening round, the stage is set for today's WAC Ratball Classic -- TCU vs. Fresno State.
They should move the 3 p.m. game out of the Thomas & Mack Center and play it at Sunset Park. No refs. No coaches. Just roll out the ball and let the Bulldogs and Horned Frogs run. First to 120 wins.
In today's other game, UNLV met Tulsa. Tonight's quarterfinals matchups have SMU going against No. 3 Utah at 6 and Hawaii against No. 14 New Mexico at 9.
"I don't think the shot clock's going to be a factor," said TCU's Billy Tubbs, anticipating the Fresno shootout.
Really? No kidding. TCU averages 85 points a game, Fresno State almost 83. Both teams are going to fire it up early and often. It may come down to which team has the hot hand from the perimeter to see who advances to Friday's semifinals.
And if that's the case, keep an eye on FSU senior guard Dominick Young.
After struggling a good part of the season with his shot, Young has regained his touch. He had 28 points against Colorado State and 14 against San Diego State in recent games. The Bulldogs' career leader in 3-point field goals, assists and steals said he never lost confidence, even when others had written him off.
"I've been working on my shot in the gym," he said. "I just felt the shot was there and with us back winning, it helps everyone's confidence."
Young said he still tried to help the Bulldogs, even when his shot wasn't falling.
"I tried to do the things I do to help the team," he said. "I tried to play good defense and work hard when I'm out there."
Young expects a wild game today with TCU. And he said if the Horned Frogs want to run, the Bulldogs are prepared to accommodate them.
"I'm pretty sure it's going to be an up-and-down game," he said. "I think we'll play our game and whatever they try to do, we'll try to defend it."
Coach Jerry Tarkanian has his usual fears about his team, even though it has won four straight.
"I never know what my guys are going to do," he said. "We never have everyone at practice. It's unbelievable. It's something every day."
The other day, it was freshman forward Terrance Roberson spraining his ankle. Roberson still is battling a stress fracture in his foot from a month ago. But since losing to UNLV Feb. 17, Tark's team is playing well, as Young has regained his form.
"Dominick's playing better because he's not looking to score," Tarkanian said. "He's just looking to be a playmaker and the shots are falling."
Still, this will not be a game for the faint of heart. Look for both teams to get after each other and try to pressure the other into mistakes.
"In this game, I don't think a 20-point lead is sacred," Tubbs said.
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