Malik Pope's game Wednesday

Mark Ziegler: "His stat line didn’t necessarily reflect it: seven points, 2 of 6 free throws, four rebounds, one block, one turnover in 17 minutes.

But the much maligned Malik Pope appeared to turn an invisible corner in the first half Wednesday night. He looked engaged and assertive and – dare we say it? – confident.

Forty seconds after subbing in, he grabbed an offensive rebound, spun under the basket and dunked emphatically on the other side. On SDSU’s next possession, he got out on the break, was fouled and made both free throws. Twice more in the first half, he attacked the rim and tried to dunk. He didn’t hesitate on his shot, even when he launched the seemingly obligatory air ball. He moved his feet more on defense. He didn’t get pushed around as much under the boards.

It’s still not the guy projected by some as an NBA lottery pick. But it’s perceptible progress..."

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