RCA Dome kind to IU as women also win

In their fifth straight game away from Assembly Hall, three seniors led the way for the Hoosiers on Saturday. The three players combined for 48 points, nearly enough to top Boston University's team total of 54. \nFour other Hoosiers made up the rest of the team's 14 points as IU defeated Boston 62-54 Saturday at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis. \nThe trio of seniors was led by guard Cyndi Valentin's game-high 24 points. Valentin made all 11 of her free throw attempts, extending her streak to 27 straight attempts without a miss.\n"We practice free throws every day," Valentin said in a statement. "If you aren't hitting your shots, then you have to hit them when you get to the free-throw line. I think we did that today, and it really helped us win the game."\nForward Angela Hawkins recorded her first double-double of the season as she put up 12 points and pulled down 16 rebounds.\nGuard Jenny DeMuth's 12 points and nine rebounds left her just one rebound short of her fourth double-double of the season.\nAfter a slow start for the Hoosiers, DeMuth got the team back in the game by driving hard to the basket, drawing a foul and tying the game at 6-6. \nThe Terriers didn't back down, however, and responded by going on an 8-0 run. And then it was Valentin who stepped up for IU, knocking down a deep three-pointer to bring the Hoosiers to within three. With six minutes remaining in the first half, Valentin connected on another three to give IU its first lead of the game.\nSparked by Valentin, the Hoosiers carried a 29-27 lead into the break.\nIU opened the second half on a 6-0 run and held Boston scoreless for the first four minutes of the second. \nThe Hoosiers led throughout the half, never allowing Boston to get closer than four points. \nIU coach Sharon Versyp said the win was important for the Hoosiers, as they wrapped up the road swing with four wins and one loss.\n"It's big for this team," Versyp said in a statement. "We've played five road games in 11 days, and for us to do that and find ways to win says a lot. We are gaining a lot of confidence. The team is enjoying it and having fun, and they know when they mess up and that's what you want out of them. We are feeling good about ourselves right now and need to finish these next two games strong."\nWith two games remaining before Big Ten play begins Dec. 29., the Hoosiers, at 5-4, are above .500 for the first time this season.