St. Joseph's Phil Martelli: Do they sell marijuana in this town?

St. Joseph’s coach Phil Martelli was feeling pretty good on Friday night, as his team had just survived a thrilling matchup with Cincinnati to advance to the second round. He wasn’t the only one in Spokane, Washington in a relaxed mood. Near the end of his press conference he playfully interrupted a question from reporter Sean Kramer to make sure the freelance writer was OK.

“You all right? You need like a cushion or anything?” asked Martelli. “I've never been in a press conference where the guy has his feet up on the chair in front of him.”

“I’m just naturally comfortable,” said Kramer.

“This is like the West Coast. We're liking it. I'm cool.”

“Welcome to the Pacific Northwest,” greeted Kramer.

“Thank you,” said Martelli, before asking another question. “Appreciate that. Do they sell marijuana in this town?”

“Yes, actually. You might want to keep your team in the hotel.”

Marijuana became legal for those 21-and-over in the state of Washington in December 2012 after Iniative 502 was supported by 56 percent of voters in that year's election.

Martelli, who has been head coach for the Hawks since 1995, has reached the round of 32 for the first time since 2004, when St. Joe's went on their legendary Elite Eight run powered by Jameer Nelson and Delonte West. To return to the Sweet Sixteen, they’ll need to beat No. 1 Oregon on Sunday.

Kramer gave the coach a Twitter shoutout for the etiquette lesson.