Possible Reunion Awaits Occidental in Tournament

Occidental College basketball Coach Brian Newhall has penciled “golf with Westy” in his date book to remind him of Sunday’s commitment to Bill Westphal. However, if things go as planned for Newhall, his relationship with the Grand Canyon College coach will be far less amicable Saturday night.

The Tigers’ first-year coach, who took over for Westphal last year, is hoping to square off with his predecessor in the final of the Occidental tournament.

The teams are not a lock to meet in the title game, however. There is a little matter of disposing with respective first-round opponents tonight.

Grand Canyon (11-1), the defending National Assn. of Intercollegiate Athletics national champion, will play Southern California College in the opener at 6. The Antelopes’ leading scorer, Danl Williams (23.9 points per game), will not play because of a broken foot, so Westphal will look to guard Craig Johnson (17.4), brother of the Boston Celtics’ Dennis, to pick up the scoring slack. Southern California College (10-1) is led in scoring by sophomore center Jeff Bickmore (18.9) and guard Todd Dixon (16).

The Tigers (8-1), led by center Chris Anderson (16.3 points per game) and swingman John Keister (21.4) open against Christ College at 8. Occidental beat the Eagles (4-8) earlier this season, 109-89.

Last season, Grand Canyons beat Occidental, 70-60, in Arizona.