ON DECK: Break good for some, bad for others

The Arizona Western women's basketball team plays its first game in 17 days today.

My alma mater, Oregon State, plays the University of Texas in the Alamo Bowl today.

It's the Beavers' first game since Dec. 1.

This is a weird time of year for sports because it provides the biggest in-season breaks for the teams. For some teams — who are battered and bruised — the long break is a welcoming relief. For a team that is playing extremely well and clicking on all cylinders, the break is more of a nuisance.

Coaches, I'm sure, are hoping their players don't eat too much turkey and don't go back for seconds (or thirds) on that pie their grandma brought over. Many teams won't play another game until a week into January.

They are unusual circumstances, but like spring break earlier in the year, the break can go both ways for teams. I know some coaches who are happy for the break and others who would rather keep riding the hot hand their team's been having.