Nov. 20, 2007

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BELLINGHAM, Wash. - Seeking its sixth straight title, Western Washington University hosts the 10th annual Chuck Randall Thanksgiving Men's Basketball Classic this weekend on Haggen Court at Sam Carver Gymnasium.

The Vikings have won their last 10 games at the tourney and 15 of 18 overall, while tying or winning six of the first nine championships. They meet Northwest University on Friday (7 p.m.) and Bloomfield College on Saturday (7 p.m.).

Seattle Pacific plays Bloomfield on Friday (3 p.m.) and Northwest on Saturday (3 p.m.).

Western, 2-1, is coming off an 87-75 win over Cal State Monterey Bay on Monday in which guard Ira Graham (Jr., Fontana, CA) scored a career-high 32 points.

Graham earned all-tournament honors at the Seattle Pacific Tip-Off Classic, helping the Vikings split a pair of games. They defeated CSUMB, 82-77, after losing to NCAA Division II semifinalist Cal State San Bernardino, 74-68.

Graham leads Western with a 22.3 scoring average, shooting 54.5 percent (24-of-44) from the floor and 94.1 percent (16-of-17) at the free throw line. He also is averaging a team-best 4.0 assists per game.

Forward Calin Schell (Jr., Chelan) is averaging 10.7 points on 50.0 percent (12-of-24) field goal accuracy, and 7.0 rebounds.

Two junior college all-star transfers from Bakersfield College, guard Andrew Ready (Jr., Chicago, IL/Westinghouse) and forward Steve Alford (Jr., Bakersfield, CA/South), are each averaging 9.7 points.

Completing the Vikings' starters is center Steve Severin (So. Richland/Hanford), who is averaging 8.0 points and grabbing a team-high 8.7 rebounds. He also leads the team with seven blocked shots.

First off the bench for coach Brad Jackson's (23rd year, 411-240) squad is transfer guard Derrick Webb (Jr., Port Orchard/South Kitsap), who was co-MVP of the NWAACC Western Region at Highline CC. He is averaging 8.7 points.

Northwest, off to a 3-2 start, is led by former WWU guard Eddie Coulson, who is averaging 14.0 points. He has made 24-of-27 free throws, 88.9 percent, for the Eagles.

Bloomfield is 2-0. The Deacons are paced by guard Omari Knox, who is averaging 24.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.0 steals.