NEWARK, N.J. - I ended up getting out of the media room at the Preseason NIT quickly enough that I was able to get my car out of the garage in Manhattan and make it over to Newark for the last half-dozen minutes of Tennessee's close victory over Bob Huggins' West Virginia team in the Legends Classic.

It was entertaining as Huggins' team had a couple of chances to win the game, but you can tell that he's still a year or so away from competing with the big-time programs on a regular basis. It's a combination of him still needing more depth - and his players getting used to his system.

I'll get a chance to see both teams again today when the Mountaineers play New Mexico State and Texas faces the Vols in the nightcap.

Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl said his team would have lost that same game a year ago and that his team was unable to get into its offense because of West Virginia's defense.

``They're a very physical team," Pearl said.

Chris Lofton's struggles continued with a 5-of-15 effort last night, including going just 3-of-10 from long distance.

``I've been thinking about it and I think I've been trying to please everyone," Lofton said after Friday night's win. "All the preseason rankings made me a little nervous. I've always been the underdog and that's what I'd rather be."

``Tonight I took some bad shots," added Lofton, one of the most low-key stars in college basketball. "Hopefully, I can learn from this."

Lofton said he'll need to let the game come to him a little more and be patient.

HUSKIES NEED APPLEBY

After watching Washington come up short against Syracuse, one thing is clear: The Huskies are a completely different team with guard Ryan Appleby.

Appleby, who broke his thumb in a rebounding drill, is hoping to get back for the Dec. 8 game against Pittsburgh.

``He's one of the best shooters in the country," Huskies coach Lorenzo Romar said. "But we're going to be alright. We took two steps tonight. Quincy (Pondexter) played well and so did Tim Morris."

``Ryan was lights out last year and he's gotten even better," added Washington junior big man Jon Brockman, who was swarmed by 'Cuse defenders on Friday. "We just don't have anyone else like him. It opens everything up."

ALL-RUCKER PARK TEAM

As I was watching Syracuse wing Paul Harris play, it got me thinking to a scenario: Who would be the four players in college basketball I'd want to take down to Rucker Park with me for a day in the famed playground.

Harris would be a shoo-in. He's got all the toughness and is a winner who never backs down. The big man version of Harris would go along as well - and that's Memphis' Joey Dorsey.

The backcourt wouldn't be quite as easy, especially at the point guard spot. I'd go with Indiana's unflappable freshman shooting guard Eric Gordon and there are three primary candidates to lead this group - Memphis' Derrick Rose, Virginia's Sean Singletary and Gonzaga's Jeremy Pargo.

Personally, I'd go with Singletary - the ex-football player who is able to score, distribute and defend.

My guess is we'd be on the court all day - even with me as the fifth player.

RANDOM NOTES: I have forgotten to mention that huge commitment that Arkansas head coach John Pelphrey received just prior to the end of the early signing period. Rotnei Clarke, our pick for the best perimeter shooter to come around since J.J. Redick, chose the Razorbacks over the Sutton boys - Sean at Oklahoma State and Scott at Oral Roberts (where his father, Conley Clarke works). ... Georgetown continues to get things done on the recruiting trail. John Thompson III received a pledge from one of the top players in the junior class - Loyola (Calif.) wing Hollis Thompson. ... New Harvard coach Tommy Amaker has completed arguably the top recruiting class in the Ivy when he landed his sixth player - 6-foot-7 power forward Keith Wright of Norfolk Collegiate (Va.).