THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, November 12, 1994 TAG: 9411120340
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C6 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ED MILLER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Short : 35 lines
For coaches, pre-season basketball games, like the one Norfolk State plays tonight against Team Bonus of Latvia (7:30, Echols Arena), are all about answering questions.
And if Norfolk State coach Mike Bernard has learned one thing over the years, it's that, ``You're much better off answering those questions with a win than a loss.''
So while Bernard will be looking for some answers tonight, first and foremost, he says, he's looking for a victory.
``We'll play everybody,'' Bernard said. ``Everybody will have ample opportunity to show the coaching staff where they are with respect to understanding our system.
``But we want to the result and conclusion of all this to be a win.''
Their chances look pretty good. Norfolk State, 27-6 last season, has four starters returning, and five newcomers who are expected to help right away.
The Spartans have been ranked in the top five in most pre-season polls, and have the consensus Division II pre-season player of the year in forward Corey Williams.
Team Bonus, like many European clubs, has good size and likes to shoot three-pointers.
Bonus lost to Mount Olive College Tuesday and Furman Wednesday.
Tickets are $3 general admission. by CNB