Techster foe ousted from Arizona

Surprising women's baksetball news came out of Arizona today when Joan Bonvicini, one of the most recognizable faces in the women's game, was fired after 17 seasons at the school.

Lady Techsters fans will remember Bonvicini from her Long Beach State coaching days, when she took that team to two NCAA Final Fours. The veteran coach was one of just three coaches to defeat Leon Barmore's Techsters during that club's 30-3, National Finalist season of 1986-87. Bonvicini defeated the Techster 99-95 in overtime that year.

Bonvicini got Arizona in the NCAA Tournament seven times, but her last three teams were a combined 29-63.

Arizona's opening is one of nine women's division I openings currently listed. Other vacancies are at Nicholls State, North Texas and UCLA.