Northwest Notes Jan. 8, 2011

NIC men, women prepared for rivals tonight

The North Idaho College men's and women's basketball teams will look to get back on track as they re-enter Scenic West Athletic Conference play today against rival Southern Idaho in Twin Falls.

The NIC men, which entered league play the top-ranked team in the nation, fell in their first two league games at Snow College and Eastern Utah. The 11th-ranked Cardinals (15-2) face 14th-ranked CSI (15-2, 1-1).

The NIC women (14-2) were ranked third in the nation before dropping to 25th after a pair of losses to start the conference season. CSI is 14-3, 1-1 and ranked 18th.

"I think we've learned the hard way about getting into the league coming into December," NIC coach Chris Carlson said. "After games this week (in Arizona), the team can't believe how badly we played in Utah. We're excited to get back into league play, especially going into CSI. Everyone on the team can't wait to get in there and play."

Games can be viewed by clicking the live webcast link at www.nic.edu/athletics. They can also be seen at www.niwebsports.com.

MMA event set

for Sandpoint

The emerging sport of MMA comes to the Bonner County Fairgrounds tonight at 8 as the 10-bout Sandpoint Stand Off comes to the Sandpoint area.

Tim Pepperdine (4-1), a former Sandpoint state wrestling champion will face Dustin Medwick (8-0) from Iron Lion Gym in Coeur d'Alene with the Northwest Combat League 125 pound championship on the line.

General admission tickets are available for $20 at the door.

Gates will open at 7 p.m., with fights scheduled to begin at 8.