The Bethune-Cookman men’s basketball team will play in the Southwestern Athletic Conference semifinals this afternoon against Grambling, but the lack of rest between that game and their 73-58 quarterfinal win over Southern Thursday night isn’t sitting well with Wildcats coach Reggie Theus.
“It’s a flaw in the system, and I’m pretty upset about it,” Theus said of his team playing a late-night game, then an afternoon game the very next day.
“It’s a competitive advantage for the team who has had a day off. I know the coaches voted for it, but it’s something that should not happen. It helps in the championship game, but it hurts in this game. There’s gotta be a better way. It’s just not right.”
When asked how his team would prepare under those circumstances, Theus said, “Get some sleep, lace ’em up tighter, and be ready to go. There’s no time to talk about anything. Nobody feels sorry for us.”
The Wildcats played Southern at 9:30 p.m. CST on Thursday and will face the top-seeded Tigers at 3 p.m. Grambling was off Thursday following their 56-50 win over Alabama State Wednesday.
Theus, who doubles as the school’s athletic director, went on to say that Grambling’s regular season championship afforded them too many added bonuses.
“If you win the league, you should have a perk,” he said. “But getting a day off and the early game is two perks. That’s where the problem is for me.”
