A wise man once said, "You can't be afraid of losing."

He was, or is, San Jose State coach George Nessman. He told me this Monday evening as his Spartans made their final preparations for the Western Athletic Conference tournament. Play-in game. No. 8 vs. No. 9.

It's a phrase even we journalists use: Can't be afraid to fail when trying something new - differnt angle, unusual lede.

Nessman's words made a lot of sense. How many of us can look defeat in the eyes and embrace it? Somtimes coaches sound more like skrinks, and this is another example... It worked as San Jose State edged LaTech last night at the Pan American Center.

We'll see on Thursday how Nessman handles his next challenge: top-seeded Utah State.