The first half of the Arizona-Oklahoma game is over and the Wildcats are down at the break. They started strong and led for the first sixteen minutes but went cold from the field and Oklahoma went on a 13-2 run, took the lead with about four minutes left, and held it for the remainder. However, if you just listened to the commentary from Ann Meyers you would think that Arizona had trailed the entire game. It's clear to me that she likes Oklahoma more than Arizona. Most of the first sixteen minutes she spent in talking up the things the Sooners were doing well (um, excuse me, are we looking at the same scoreboard?). When she did make comments about Arizona, or the Pac-10 in general, they were always weaker than they could have been. Just a couple of examples. In talking about the success of the Pac-10 yesterday she said that they went four out of five. This is technically true but weaker than saying that the Pac-10 was 4 and 0. Two true statements. Two different impressions. About midway through the half, Dee Dee Wheeler took the ball on a solo fast break and manuevered her way through three defenders, putting in a lay-up for the score. All Meyers said was that this was an example of why it's important to be able to dribble with both hands. Once again, technically true but gives a weaker impression of the play and totally takes away any credit to the individual who made the great play.
It's pretty hard to listen to her commentary. And her partner? I think it's Mark Jones but he hasn't really distinguished himself to this point. Kind of generic. Ann Meyers would make a great press secretary, carefully choosing words to subtly hype up one side while playing down the accomplishments of their opponents.
So far, my favorite announcing crew is the one working the Fresno games. I really enjoy Kara Lawson, she's amazingly good at the commentary and she and her partner work well together. I sure wish they were doing the Arizona game.
* EDITTED TO ADD: Okay. They've gotten much better in the second half. Specifically, Ann Meyers is a lot more even-handed in her commentary. I'm actually enjoying this announcing team now.
