Western hoops squads begin tourney quests

Home sweet home is a nice concept, but the Western Washington University women’s basketball team’s greatest success this year has come when they’ve packed their toothbrushes.

That’s been more by necessity than design: the team (18-4 overall, 10-4 conference) has played just six games at home due to COVID-19 cancellations or postponements. Minty-fresh breath aside, that’s a lot of traveling.

They’re on the road again this week. Both Western Washington’s women’s and men’s teams open play in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) tournament starting today in Lacey, with the No. 8 seed men (14-13 overall, 7-10 conference) playing No. 9 Western Oregon at 4:30 p.m. today for a spot in the quarterfinals. 

The top-seeded women received a bye to Thursday’s 2:15 p.m. quarterfinal game, facing the winner of No. 8 Western Oregon and No. 9 St. Martin’s.

The tournament continues with semifinals Friday and championship games Saturday. Games will be shown via live webcast via YouTube on GNAC.tv.