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(01/10/03 7:14pm)
Going into winter break, the IU women's basketball team wanted to go undefeated in their four games. Although a loss in their penultimate game against Illinois spoiled those hopes, the team bounced back Thursday night with a win over Northwestern.\nIU improved to 8-4 this year and evened its Big Ten record to 1-1 with the 62-52 win over Northwestern. The Wildcats, who fell to 6-8 overall and 1-2 in the conference, controlled the momentum in the first half, leading by as many as 11 points and leading by seven at half, 30-23. But in the second half, the Hoosiers used a full-court press to increase the pace of the game and trigger easy scoring opportunities. \n"We want to play like we did in the second half all the time," IU coach Kathi Bennett said. "If we were going to win this game we needed to out-hustle (Northwestern)."\nIU did out-hustle the Wildcats on the glass, out-rebounding them by seven for the game, even though Northwestern controlled the rebounds in the first half 22-21. Also, the Wildcats had eight turnovers in the second half compared to just five in the first, most of which came as a result of IU's press.\n"Our intensity was just better in the second half," said sophomore Jenny DeMuth, who scored 17 points and grabbed nine rebounds. "We have a young team and need to learn to play well for the full 40 minutes."\nMeanwhile, senior Lisa Eckart tallied 10 points and recorded nine rebounds. Eckart agreed with DeMuth's assessment of the game and spoke of the team's struggles in the first period.\n"Coach had us very prepared for this game, we were just lazy on defense," she said. "They were quicker than we thought. On offense in the first half we simply settled for the outside shot. In the second half we drove the ball to the basket much more and that helped us."\nFreshman center Angela Hawkins netted 11 points and corralled 11 rebounds. It was her third double-double this season.\nIU struggled from the free-throw line in the first half, but responded in the second. The Hoosiers shot a mere 4-12 from the charity stripe in the first, but shot 14-18 from the line in the second half. DeMuth was 3-5 from the line for the contest.\nIU next takes on Ohio State on Sunday at Assembly Hall with tip-off at 2 p.m.\n"We proved to ourselves we can play like we did in the second half tonight," Eckart said. "We had a deficit and battled our way back and never gave up. That confidence we can use for later in the season."\nThe Hoosiers began winter break with a win over South Florida 67-60 on Saturday, Dec. 21 in Bloomington to begin the four-game stretch. Next, IU upended Illinois State 71-64 in Normal, Ill. on Monday, Dec. 30. Searching for its fifth win in its last six games, the Hoosiers strolled into Champaign, Ill. to battle Illinois in IU's first conference game of the season. The Hoosiers dropped the contest to the Fighting Illini 63-58 on Jan. 2. \nBefore the four games even began, bad news arrived. Freshman guard Kali Kullberg suffered a season-ending ACL tear in practice Dec. 17. Kullberg scored a career-high 18 points versus Georgetown 10 days earlier.\nEckart recorded 17 points and corralled 15 rebounds in the victory against South Florida on Dec. 21. DeMuth notched 20 points and added nine rebounds. IU forced 23 turnovers by the Bulls en route to the seven-point victory. \nIn the win over Illinois State on Dec. 30, freshman Cyndi Valentin tallied a career-high 22 points.\n"As a whole, it was a hard fought game against Illinois State," Bennett said. "We got some key stops and some key shots. I'm happy with the win."\nBesides Valentin, who was 8-13 from the field, senior Kristen Bodine netted 15 points and chipped in seven assists. DeMuth sat on the bench just six minutes into the second half in foul trouble while Valentin and Bodine responded. DeMuth still added nine points in 29 minutes of action.
(01/10/03 7:13pm)
The students weren't back yet and Assembly Hall was well short of capacity, but the 13,677 fans in attendance still had plenty to cheer about as the No. 15 Hoosiers defeated Penn State 78-65 Wednesday night.\nIU trailed by as many as eight in the first half but shook off the slow start to win their Big Ten opener. IU (11-2, 1-0 Big Ten) used two small runs in the second half to pull away from the Nittany Lions.\nThe Hoosiers led by only three at the half, but hot shooting by senior guard Kyle Hornsby got IU off to a quick second half start. Hornsby scored seven of his 12 points in the first three minutes of the second half.\nA basket and a foul led to a three point play by junior center George Leach and pushed the IU lead to 12 with 11:34 left to play. Penn State would get no closer than nine the rest of the way. \nCoach Mike Davis said he talked to Leach during halftime about playing with more intensity. \n"He did a great job tonight of really establishing himself," Davis said. "He got some rebounds he normally wouldn't get and made some plays offensively that he normally wouldn't make. Defensively he still needs to get his hands up. Guys get the ball and shoot over him."\nLeach and Davis exchanged words early in the first half when Leach was pulled. Leach sat the rest of the half, but Davis' talk put a spark into the junior center. He responded by scoring all eight of his points in the second half, pulling down four rebounds and blocking two shots.\n"It's about going out and doing the things I'm supposed to do: block shots, rebound, stay between my man and the basket, which I didn't do," Leach said. "I'm learning every game. Hopefully I get better. I felt fine both halves, but I felt like a factor in the second half."\nPenn State (5-7, 0-1) was led in the first half by senior guard Brandon Watkins. Watkins scored 14 of his game high 21 in the first half. Penn State played tough defense in the first half which limited IU's outside game. Penn State coach Jerry Dunn said that was the game plan against IU.\nThe Hoosiers responded with senior forward Jeff Newton. Newton scored 13 in the first half on his way to a 17 point, 12 rebound performance. PSU center Jan Jagla said the interior was tough to defend.\n"(IU's post players) are very athletic and very agile," Jagla said. "It's always hard to play against someone like that especially when they have an outside shot as well."\nIU led by as many as 17 points with nearly six minutes to go. Watkins said the lack of defensive intensity hurt Penn State. Dunn said his team could have done better late in the game.\n"I don't think we played one of our better games tonight," Dunn said. "But I thought we played well enough to put ourselves into position to have a chance to win. In order to finish it off, we got to do some things down the stretch, and I certainly don't feel like we did."\nThe Hoosiers had four players in double figures. Newton and freshman guard Bracey Wright each had 17 while senior guard Tom Coverdale added 14 points.\nDavis said he was impressed with the play of Penn State, adding they will win some Big Ten games if they continue to play at that level. He was also happy in the way the Hoosiers won the game. IU hit only five three pointers but still won by 13.\nWright said that Penn State came out and put up a good fight. But, Coverdale said the Hoosiers came out a little flat.\n"We overlooked them and looked at their record, but you can't do that," Coverdale said. "Any team can beat anybody on any given night. We just played a little more intense in the second half"
(01/10/03 7:12pm)
The No. 15 Hoosiers (11-2, 1-0 Big Ten) will face their first Big Ten road test Saturday night when they travel to Columbus, Ohio, to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes (7-5, 0-1 Big Ten). \nIU's only two losses have been on the road this season. The first came against Kentucky at Freedom Hall in Louisville, which was followed by a 71-64 loss at Temple in the next game. Although Kentucky fans are known for being rabid, and the Temple fans got behind their underdog team to provide momentum, senior point guard Tom Coverdale said a Big Ten road game is different. And it is something he looks forward to.\n"I love playing (in a hostile environment)," he said. "I hope the freshman love it too. They're really going to be thrown into the fire. They've got to be ready to go. I think (Ohio State) is one of the toughest places to play in the Big Ten. If we get that win, we'll be ahead at the beginning part of winning the Big Ten."\nCoverdale, who played with his trademark intensity Wednesday against Penn State, is averaging 12.8 points and 4.5 assists per game. Freshman shooting guard Bracey Wright, who has also been a centerpiece for the Hoosiers, will be relied on heavily during conference play as well. Wright was named Big Ten Player of the Week for the second time this season after scoring 31 points against Ball State to match his season high. \nIf the past provides any indication, Saturday's game will be a battle down to the wire. Nine of the last 12 IU-OSU games have been decided by six points or less.\nAlthough the Buckeyes lost four games in their pre-conference season, they weren't exactly playing against cupcake teams. They lost 54-48 to No. 4 Alabama, 91-76 to No. 1 Duke, 69-49 to No. 6 Pittsburgh and 72-64 in overtime to No. 19 Louisville. \nLast night they began their Big Ten schedule at one of the toughest road arenas in the country, No. 25 Michigan State's Breslin Center. The Buckeyes lost that game 66-55.\n"We're anxious to get into the conference part of our schedule, even though our first couple of games are against two of the better teams in the country," Ohio State coach Jim O'Brien said in a Jan. 6 teleconference.\nThe Buckeyes have been led this season by senior point guard Brent Darby, who is averaging 18.3 points, 4.9 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game. Senior guard Sean Connolly has also been a strong presence in the backcourt with averages of 15.4 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game.\nJunior forward Zach Williams has led Ohio State's frontcourt attack this season, scoring 11.3 points and pulling down 6.3 boards per game. \nBefore the game gets underway on Saturday night, the fans will honor the National Champion football team. Indiana Coach Mike Davis said he hopes the crowd doesn't get too fired up.\n"They're National Champs in football and what a great opportunity to give them the trophy before our game…hopefully the students won't be back," he said. "It's going to be a tough game. What we have to do is go in and keep our composure no matter what the score is"
(01/10/03 7:12pm)
IU women's soccer coach Mick Lyon is the newest addition to the University of Evansville's Athletic Hall of Fame. Lyon played for the Purple Aces and later became an assistant coach for the men's team and the first coach for the women's squad in the school's history.\n"I feel honored to receive such a distinction from Evansville," said Lyon. "I am proud of my accomplishments as both a player and coach and I am grateful to be inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame."\nLyon left UE in 2002 to become coach of the IU women's soccer team. In his first year, Lyon led the team to a 10-7-2 record and its first postseason appearance since 1998. \nThe UE Athletic Hall of Fame is in its 31st year and recognizes 172 members.\nThree squads head for tourney \nThe IU Pom and Cheerleading squads begin competition today in Orlando, Fla at the National Championships. IU is sending all three of their teams -- the co-ed Cream Squad, the all-women Crimson Squad and the Pom Squad -- for the first time in school history. \n"Coaching three teams to the national championships has been the biggest challenge in my 15 years of coaching," coach Julie Clements said in a statement. "For Indiana University it's huge, what this accomplishment says about our program. To send three teams to the national championships, that's a huge achievement, and I am thrilled for what it means to IU and this program."\nThe Cream Squad is making its first trip to the national championship in three years while the Crimson Squad returns to nationals for the second straight year after finishing fourth in 2002. The Pom squad were national runners-up last year.\nClements said she has high expectations for all three teams.\n"The teams believe in what they are doing and they believe they can do well. In my heart, I believe that they are going to do well," she said. "I will be happy with anything in the top five."\nHolmes is top offensive player\nPriest Holmes accomplished in 14 games what many players can't in two full seasons. His reward: The Associated Press NFL Offensive Player of the Year award.\nThe dynamic running back for the Kansas City Chiefs was on pace to shatter several NFL records before a deep hip bruise sidelined him for the final two games of 2002. Still, Holmes set 10 team records, including 1,615 yards rushing and 21 TDs. He also had three scores as a receiver, and the 24 TDs were two short of Marshall Faulk's league mark.
(12/17/02 10:16pm)
'Tis the season to be a sports fan. The recipe for the perfect holiday dish is simple: Just add three or four cups controversy, a dash of violence, a sprinkle of feel good story and top it off with a scoop of scandal. Your sports salad, if you will, should be low in calories and high in entertainment. \nDon't eat it all at once. Take a couple weeks (12 days to be exact) and remember to chew slowly and never talk with your mouth full. \nGrab a large glass of egg nog, turn down Dick Vitale, and enjoy some of the truly great gifts sports have to offer. So as not to mislead you, this version has no turtle doves and no French hens. Also, this is in no way similar to Adam Sandler's "The Hanukkah Song," although those Trailblazers can't seem to stay away from that marajuanic-ah. Cue the carolers, please.
(12/16/02 5:02pm)
INDIANAPOLIS -- A pivotal reason why the IU women's basketball team lost by a mere two points to arch-rival No. 6 Purdue Saturday was the performance of freshman center Angela Hawkins. The 6-foot-3-inch center grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds in addition to scoring nine points. \n"This was her second back-to-back wonderful game," coach Kathi Bennett said. "She has been especially good defensively."\nIn the Hoosier's last game, Hawkins exploded with 18 rebounds and 15 points against North Texas Wednesday, in only 24 minutes of action.\nBennett said she was satisfied with Hawkins' effort, especially on the defensive side of the ball against the Boliermakers.\n"Defensively she was solid," Bennett said. "She will only get better. But defensively she really gave us a lift."\nThanks in large part to Hawkins, IU limited Purdue senior center Mary Jo Noon. Despite a two inch advantage over any Hoosier player, Noon, who was averaging 12.7 points per game coming into this contest, was held scoreless with no rebounds deep into the second half. Noon did not score until the five-minute mark of the game as she hit a pair of free throws. The Purdue center finished the game with four points and only two rebounds.\nMeanwhile, Hawkins has grown accustomed to rebounding as she recorded her sixth double-figure rebounding game this year. However, she said she was more impressed with her defensive performance against the more physically mature Noon.\n"I played her very well," Hawkins said. "But it wasn't just me, we had so many people stepping up. We helped well on defense. That was important."\nHawkins play rubbed off on other IU players. Besides Hawkins, senior forward Lisa Eckart tallied 10 rebounds.\nBut Hawkins, who recorded five rebounds in the final nine minutes, demonstrated that she was not intimated by the more experienced Noon or the intense environment. \nWith under 10 minutes remaining in the second half, Hawkins made a field goal to give the Hoosiers a six point lead. Less than a minute later, she corralled an offensive rebound on a miss by freshman guard Kali Kullberg and immediately was fouled. She made both free throws to give IU a six point lead again. But Hawkins struggled from the free throw line in the game and down the stretch. She only made 5-12 from the charity-strip for the game. As a team, IU missed 13 free throws. \nHawkins described the team's rebounding performance and the part she played in that effort. She said the team was dominating on the boards. She was trying to do whatever she could, Hawkins said. \n"We depend on each other for help on defense," Eckart said. "Angie seemed to be everywhere helping on defense. She was a real presence and stopped Noon."\nHawkins did not take sole credit for her performance. She said all of the freshmen stepped up and took on the pressure in the raucous and spacious RCA Dome. She said all of the freshmen should be really good by the end of the season and cannot wait to see them in the future.\nBennett does not disagree with Hawkins and praised her defense.\n"Her defense has improved tremendously, and her offensive skills are progressing," Bennett said. "If Angie keeps improving who knows where she could be"
(12/16/02 5:02pm)
INDIANAPOLIS -- The RCA Dome generally doesn't host a college basketball game until the NCAA or Big Ten tournament. But when IU and Purdue faced off in a pre-conference showdown Saturday night, many of the characteristics of a high-stakes conference or March Madness game were present.\nThe "Duel in the Dome" did not run short on aggressive play, and it was not missing an emotional crowd. \nFans clad in cream and crimson in some sections and gold and black in others erupted in loud cheers as IU and Purdue took the court for the opening tip.\n"Tonight was a perfect atmosphere, and we expected a fight," junior guard A.J. Moye said. "We tried to prepare for this mentally, and I think we did a good job of it. I wasn't at all surprised with Purdue's intensity. This is one of the better Purdue teams I have seen. They are tough, quick and are loaded with good ballplayers."\nThe Boilermakers scrappy defensive effort provided them with a two point lead at 29-27 heading into the locker room at half time. \nAs the game came down to the wire in the second half and the teams began exchanging the lead, the intensity of both teams was elevated.\nWith just under fifteen minutes to go in the game, junior center George Leach tied the game up at 33 all when he hit a jump hook in post. Purdue forward junior Chris Booker was fouled by Leach on the next possession, however, and put the Boilers back up by two. \nAs senior point guard Tom Coverdale brought the ball back up for the Hoosiers, Purdue senior guard Willie Deane stole the ball and was fouled hard by Coverdale on the ensuing fast break. \nThe referee called it a flagrant foul, which sent Hoosier fans into loud protest and Boiler fans into raucous cheers. \nBoth teams maintained the physical play for the remainder of the game.\n"Every time you play Purdue it's gonna be physical, and we knew that coming in," Coverdale said. "I just thought we did a good job of not backing down to the way they were playing. We knew it was gonna be that way coming in, and we were just glad we got the win."\nIU senior forward Jeff Newton, who had no points and two rebounds in the first half, came out in the second half attacking the basket. He drove the ball from the top of the key, posted up inside and drew six fouls from the Boilermakers. He ended the game with sixteen points and twelve rebounds for his fifth straight double-double, which helped the Hoosiers secure the 66-63 victory.\nNewton credited Purdue's defense with his slow start.\n"I think this was the best defense we have seen all year," he said. "This was Big Ten basketball. We knew going in it was going to be our toughest game yet. You get in this atmosphere and anything can happen. In the second half, we just tried to take it to the hole on them and break down their defense."\nIU coach Mike Davis said Newton's game was at its best when he was playing near the basket, rather than settling for outside shots.\n"Jeff is giving us some of the things that (Jared) Jeffries did last year," he said. "He's averaging a double-double, which Jeffries never did. He's really good at taking the ball to the basket…I told him to forget about the pull-jumper." \nLeach also provided strong inside play against the Boilers. He scored 11 points, grabbed 14 boards and blocked 4 shots in only 24 minutes of play.\nHe said the refs allowed both teams to maintain aggressive play. \n"It was a very intense game, and the refs actually let us play tonight too, so that was fun," he said. "(The refs) called a good game; it wasn't just one-sided calls. It was a good, physical game"
(12/16/02 4:55pm)
INDIANAPOLIS -- The women's basketball team was looking for the ultimate upset over 6th ranked Purdue Saturday in the RCA Dome. A repeat of last year's victory over the Boilermakers would have been the perfect way to prove they were a team worth competing with. While the final score was in Purdue's favor 51-53, it turned out to be a loss that showed IU can compete.\n"I really like where my team is at right now," coach Kathi Bennett said. "We started coming together, and it's a positive step for us."\nThe intensity and tension could be felt the moment the now 7-0 Boilermakers and 5-3 Hoosiers stepped on the hardwood. There was a lot of support from the Hoosier bench as the players who didn't see action did all they could to cheer the team on.\nThe first half was in IU's favor for the majority of the time, which was a nice change from their usual slow starts so far this season. Their largest lead was by 11 with just 5:00 to go in the first half. The half time score of 27-27 was thanks in large part to Purdue junior forward Shereka Wright.\nWright scored 26 points in the game and was an asset to Purdue's victory. Wright said that although it wasn't a pretty win, they were glad they won.\n"We know they're (IU) going to give us their best game, and they did," Wright said. "They came out and played very well, and we just had to match up with that."\nMatching up with the Hoosiers is something that took Purdue some time to do, even in the second half. The Hoosiers, who had 38 on the board with 13:25 left in the game, once again held the largest lead by eight points in the second half.\nIt was a game that came down to some crucial free throws and serious coaching decisions on Bennett's part. With just seconds to go, Wright shot two good free throws giving the Boilermakers a two-point lead. \nIt was a long 4.7 seconds for the Hoosiers, as the team went down to the wire. Sophomore guard Jenny DeMuth attempted a lay-up that rolled right off the rim as the buzzer sounded.\nPurdue coach Kristy Curry said DeMuth took a great shot.\n"That's exactly what you teach your kids to do in that type of situation," Curry said. "She made a great decision. That's great coaching on Kathi's part."\nBennett said she was also proud of DeMuth's attempt and said it was a great take that just didn't go in. DeMuth, who scored nine points in the game, did a great job of getting the ball to the rim, Bennett said.\nLeading the Hoosiers was senior forward Lisa Eckart who scored 14 points in the game and made four of the Hoosiers seven 3-point baskets. Late in the second half Eckart fouled out.\nPurdue's junior guard Beth Jones scored 12 points Saturday and said IU deserves a lot of credit for the good game they played.\n"They had a really good pressure defense, and from the get-go they were pressuring us a lot," Jones said. "It wasn't until the end of the game when we really started to put things together."\nCurry acknowledged the win was an ugly one for Purdue but said it doesn't matter what it looked like.\n"I'm really proud of our kids because they showed heart and character, as did Indiana," Curry said. "It says 7-0 for us now, not 7-0 with an ugly win, so I'll take it."\nFreshman guard Cyndi Valentin said she was amazed at the atmosphere in the RCA Dome and didn't expect the game to be as huge as it was.\n"I learned how to play with competition that was a lot more physical," Valentin said. "You have to be strong, play your game and have confidence."\nIU wasn't disappointed after the loss to Purdue. The team said the game showed they're ready for Big Ten play, and they are a team that will be competition for the Big Ten Conference.\n"I respect Purdue so much; they've been on top for awhile," Bennett said. "I think we're very competitive though. That taste of losing, hopefully that's going to stay and keep us even more hungry"
(12/11/02 3:28pm)
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida quarterback Rex Grossman is still deciding whether to leave college for the NFL or stay with the Gators for his senior season.\n"I actually haven't made up my mind yet," he said Tuesday.\nGrossman, a junior who was Indiana's 1998 high school Mr. Football at Bloomington South, also said he probably won't submit his name to the NFL Draft Advisory Board, which informs players where they will likely be drafted. Grossman said he has information from last year that he can rely on.\n"I'm still 6-foot-1, I'm still not the prototypical NFL quarterback," he said. "They know what I can do."\nNo. 22 Florida is preparing for the Outback Bowl against No. 12 Michigan, on Jan. 1. Grossman said he will decide on his future over the next few weeks. Most underclassmen announce their decisions after the bowl game.\nOn Monday, the quarterback said: "I think I pretty much know whether I'll come out or not." But on Tuesday he said he hadn't made up his mind.\nConsidered a top Heisman candidate at the beginning of the year, he finished with 3,079 yards, 20 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. That compares to 3,896 yards, 34 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 2001 when he was a Heisman finalist.\nFlorida coach Ron Zook said he will call his NFL contacts to try to help Grossman determine where he could be drafted. Zook, though, did not indicate that a decision has been made.
(12/11/02 3:34am)
The IU women's basketball team hits the road again and continues its long-traveled pre-conference season tonight. The Hoosiers duel with North Texas in Denton, Texas at 8 p.m. tonight.\nThe Lady Eagles, who have the fourth longest home winning streak in the nation, finished first in the Sun Belt conference last year and compiled an overall record of 21-9 before losing in the first round of the WNIT. \nCoach Kathi Bennett, who is in her third year at IU, is eager for the challenge against North Texas, who have won 15 consecutive home games. \n"All their strengths are stuff we struggle with," said Bennett, who has achieved five 20-win seasons in her 14-year coaching career. "They are a very good team in transition, so we will have to take care of the ball and not turn it over and give them easy scoring opportunities. It will be a great test for us."\nTonight's game marks the first-ever meeting between the two schools. North Texas is 4-2 this year.\nMeanwhile, the Hoosiers are used to traveling on long road trips. In the three trips, IU will have logged 9,046 miles in under 20 days. A week and a half ago, the Hoosiers played in the Great Alaska Shootout where they fell to Nevada in the Championship on Nov. 27. Next, it was to Tallahassee, Fla. where IU dropped its last road contest to Florida State, a 58-47 decision on Tuesday Dec. 3.\nAfter losing to the Seminoles, the Hoosiers recovered by defeating Georgetown 72-65 on Saturday at Assembly Hall. \nWhile IU earned a victory this past weekend to improve to 4-2, Bennett said she would like to see her team improve defensively. IU finished third in scoring defense in the Big Ten last year with teams averaging 63.8 points per game. This season, the Hoosiers are allowing 61.5 points per contest. Nonetheless, Bennett said they could be good defensively and she wants the team to work harder towards that goal.\n"I want us to be a better competitive team for 40 minutes," Bennett said. "Second, I want us to be tough with the ball. Third, we need to finish around the rim. If we do those things, we will have success."\nWith an abundance of freshmen on this team the seniors have taken it upon themselves to lead and show the younger players how to do things. \n"All seniors have the responsibility to be leaders," Bodine said. "(Jill) Hartman shows emotion. Me, I direct on the floor as a point guard. The older players all have responsibility."\nKalli Kullberg, another point guard, has been leading as a true freshman. She said that the Hoosiers are still feeling their way around on the road and the next game is the biggest game of the season. Kullberg added that is how the team has to view every game. \nBennett said it is extremely important to win and establish some momentum heading into the showdown with Purdue on Saturday at the RCA Dome.\n"A victory would be huge," Bennett said. "A win puts the bounce in your step and makes you believe"
(12/09/02 3:41am)
The split squad women's swim team -- half competing at the US Open in Minneapolis and half at the Miami (OH) Invitational -- had impressive showings at both meets over the weekend. IU tied for second place with Big Ten rival Minnesota in the Female University category at the US Open, while the rest of the team placed third at the Miami (OH) Invitational.\nIn Minneapolis, the Hoosier swimmers earned four national cut times and recorded ten season best times. Seniors Tina Gretlund and Anne Williams paired with juniors Sarah Fiden and Meghan Medendorp to finish sixth with a time of 3:55.87, earning a National Cut time in the 400-meter freestyle relay.\nJunior Brooke Taflinger helped led the way for IU, finishing third in the 400 IM with a time of 4:53.71, which was good enough for an Olympic Trial cut time as well as an NCAA cut time.\n"Swimming in the US Nationals this summer helped out a lot," Taflinger said. "There was a lot of hard training, but it is all paying off now."\nContinuing the success for the Hoosiers was senior Jenny Bechem, who improved her weekend by placing fifth in the 200 butterfly. Bechem swam two consistent heats, going near identical times in her preliminary and final swims at 2:17.16 and 2:17.17. The times were both national and NCAA cuts.\nSenior Kristy Martin also swam well on the final day of competition, as she won the C Final of the 200 butterfly. Martin, a senior from Gardner, Mass., swam a 2:19.59 on her way to winning the final. Also swimming the butterfly event was Gretlund and fellow senior Maggie Helmers. Gretlund swam a 2:24.94, placing 29th, while Maggie Helmers went 2:24.67, placing 37th.\nThe distance freestylers continued IU's strong showing, placing three swimmers in the top 30 of the 800 meter freestyle event. Fiden led the way, finishing tenth with Bechem placing 18th and junior Erin Gorlesky finishing 30th. Bechem's time converted to a season best of 10:22.59.\n"We are swimming pretty well," Taflinger said. "We are not fully in shape, yet. But overall I thought we looked good. We need to concentrate on the little things to get better for the rest of the season."\nIn Oxford, Ohio, the rest of the team continued to improve on their great start to the season. Freshman Doherty Colgin won her second individual title of the Invitational by winning the 500 freestyle. The Hoosiers placed four girls in the finals of the 500 freestyle event, with Colgin and classmate Lauren Torpey finishing 1-2. Torpey, who set a season best lead the freshman class as Kristen Bradley and Nina Thurston completed the sweep in the finals, with Thurston placing eighth and Bradley finishing fifth. Bradley improved on her season best by swimming a 5:03.58 in the finals. Thurston went 5:06.11 in the finals, following up a season best performance in the prelims.\nThe Hoosiers will not be in action again until after their winter break training in Islamorada, Fla. IU's next competition will be in the Founders Park College Invite Jan. 3.
(12/09/02 3:40am)
The IU men's swimming and diving team faced stiff competition this weekend at the Texas Invitational in Austin, Tex. and the Miami Invitational in Oxford, Ohio. The top eleven swimmers competed in Texas against many ranked teams where they tied for ninth with Texas Christian University with 93 points. The Texas Aggies won the meet with 721 points. The remainder of the Hoosier squad and the diving team competed in Miami, and finished eighth in a field of thirteen with 489 points. Kenyon College won the meet with a score of 2,209.5 points. \nAt both invites, the competition was fierce, which led the Hoosiers to put in many season best performances.\nThe most impressive performance of the weekend came from the diving team who went 2-3-4-5-6 in the finals on the one-meter at Miami. Junior Marc Carlton placed second with a score of 328.15, while freshmen Brian Mariano and Ryan Fagan came in third and fourth with scores of 283.10 and 281.28 respectively. Junior Alex Burns followed closely behind finishing fifth with a score of 281.05 points, and senior Adam Hazes placed sixth scoring 274.35 points. In the preliminaries of the one-meter event, Carlton placed first, Mariano placed second, Hazes placed third, and Fagan placed fourth. But the divers did not compete in the one-meter finals because they had to head back to Bloomington.\n"I thought they did some great stuff," coach Jeff Huber said. "I think our guys have returned home really feeling like a lot of their hard work is starting to pay off. We did some good things, but we still need to do better to do well at the Big Ten's." \nSophomore Richard Bryant led the way for the Hoosiers at the Texas Invite by placing seventh in the finals of the 1650-yard freestyle event with a career best time of 15:36.39, and placed eighth in the finals of the 500 free with a time of 4:29.32. Bryant also swam a time of 1:40.81 in the 200 free placing 19th overall in the event.\nSenior Dave Schulze placed 11th overall in the 200-yard breaststroke with a season best time of 2:01.83 at the Texas Invite. Schulze's time was only six tenths of a second short of an NCAA B cut time. Also in Texas, sophomore Murph Halasz swam a time of 1:50.48 placing 15th in the 200 fly. Schulze and Halasz were joined by juniors Matt Leach and Dale Ramsy in the 200 medley relay where they swam a season best time of 1:31.76 placing 11th. In the 400 medley relay, Leach, Schulze, and Halasz were joined by junior Claes Andersson where they also finished 11th with a season best time of 3:20.88. \nThe Hoosier sprinting force of Ramsy, Andersson, junior Mike Payne, and sophomore Nicolas Burgess placed 15th in the 400 free relay with a time of 3:06.42.\nAt the Miami meet, several Hoosiers also bettered their season best times in both individual and relay events. \nFreshman Hank Baldwin had a good showing in the breaststroke events placing 13th in the 200 breast and 14th in the 100 breast with times of 2:10.52 and 59.59 Sophomore Niles Madison beat his season best time in the 200-yard backstroke by two seconds finishing 11th in the event. \nThe Hoosier 'A' relay placed ninth overall while the 'B' relay finished 12th in the 800-yard free relay. The 'A' relay team consisting of Baldwin, junior Adam Goff, and sophomores Brian Ellsworth and Temujin Gold swam a time of 7:06.73, while the 'B' team of Madison, freshman Blake Wallace, and sophomores Jonathan Burgess and David Doerr swam a time of 7:17.88 respectively. Burgess, Goff, Wallace, and Madison teamed up to swim in the 200 free relay placing 11th in the finals with a time of 1:26.89. Wallace, Baldwin, Burgess, and Goff finished 12th in the 200 medley relay with a time of 1:37.27 and 10th in the 400 free relay with a time of 3:10.42. \nThe Hoosiers will return to the pool in the new year on Jan. 11 at 1 p.m. in a dual meet at Ohio State. The diving team will next compete Jan. 7-12 when they host the America's Cup Diving Meet at the Counsilman-Billingsley Aquatic Center.
(12/09/02 3:37am)
Two masked warriors stand facing each other, 20 yards apart. They bow, step 15 feet closer and bow again. Then, on the judge's command, the two warriors raise their wooden swords to do battle. While the casual observer might think Star Wars has gone old-fashioned, the martial art of Kendo was developed from warriors possibly a little older than Skywalker, the samurai. \nGraduate student Melissa Kocias is the president of IU's Kendo Club, and on Saturday, the club hosted their fourth Semi-Annual In-House Tournament at the the HPER. The tournament divided the club's 25 members into two divisions: advanced and beginner. And men and women fought each other Saturday afternoon for their respective division's crown in the spirit of the samurai.\n"Kendo is a Japanese martial art developed from the practices, philosophies and techniques of the Samurai," Kocias said. "Obviously, it's greatly modified today from what it was back in the day."\nPart of this modification comes from the equipment that the club members use. Instead of a bladed sword, club members use a sword called a "shinai," which is made out of bamboo and held together by leather. Members also wear traditional robes, helmets called "men," gloves called "kote" and body armor named "do." \nAlthough most participants in martial arts wear robes, kendo separates itself from other martial arts through it's fighting.\n"I don't think you can compare (Kendo) to any of them because it is so unique," Kocias said. "We don't hit with our hands, and we don't kick. There's really not a lot of grappling involved. It's all hitting with the sword."\nKocias defines Kendo as "the way of the sword." And participants have three ways to strike their opponent: on the head, torso or the wrist. While the two opponents are sparring, three judges observe the action. If two out of the three think the hit was successful in the respected area, a point is awarded, and earning two points wins during the five minute regulation period. If the regulation period ends in a tie, a sudden-death overtime decides the match.\nBut Kendo requires more than just the physical aspect of fighting. In addition to a successful strike, a fighter must also display "zanshin," which Kocias defines as multiple character traits combined into one.\n"(It's) ferocity, pride, confidence, spirituality and energy all rolled up into one," Kocias said. "So if all of those are in alignment a point is awarded."\nTwo of these judges are Hajime Sugawara and Tomoji Kubo. Sugawara, 33, has been participating in Kendo since he was six-years-old, and the six-time Midwest Kendo Champ founded IU's Kendo Club in 1998. Since then, Sugawara has seen membership reach an all time high in 2002, doubling since last year.\nSugawara said the university setting is difficult because many of the people who start in September end up dropping by the end of the semester because of various reasons. But Sugawara credits Kubo, one of the club's instructors, for the club's increased and maintained membership. And Kubo said adjusting the logistics was the key.\n"I've made the practices more enjoyable, and increased the number of practice times," Kubo said. "We use to practice two times a week, and now we practice three times a week so people have more chances to come to practice."\nAll of their practice came together Saturday for the tournament. Junior Koki Hagiwara defeated Paul Marko for the championship of the Advanced Division. And in the beginners division, in which no one has been doing Kendo longer than September, second-year grad student Laura Kaspar won the division over senior Evan Crawford.\nKaspar said Crawford introduced her to Kendo, and she "fell in love with it." It brings out a whole new side of her, she said.\n"It's really exciting for me because it's really nice to see the assertive side of myself come out," Kaspar said, "and the warrior spirit also coming out of me. It's very nice, and I really, really like it"
(12/09/02 3:36am)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- If sore ribs and turf toe can't stop Steve McNair, the Indianapolis Colts certainly didn't have much of a chance.\nMcNair missed practice for a second straight week because of pain in his ribs. But he looked healthy Sunday, throwing for 237 yards and a touchdown as the Titans beat the Colts 27-17 Sunday to take control of the AFC South.\n"His play speaks for itself," Titans coach Jeff Fisher said. "It is hard to describe what he is doing."\nMcNair completed 14 straight passes at one point, and he kept drives alive by scrambling for 49 yards despite turf toe on his right foot. Colts tackle Brad Scioli even had him by the jersey at one point, but McNair pulled away for a 16-yard gain.\nAs a result, the Titans (8-5) swept the season series from the Colts and won for the seventh time in their last eight games. Tennessee, which also got two rushing TDs from Eddie George, improved to 4-0 in the division.\n"To do what he did today and last week without the benefit of practice is really unbelievable," Colts coach Tony Dungy said. "I have a lot of respect for him."\nMcNair had plenty of help. Indianapolis (8-5) had won four straight games, but Peyton Manning threw three interceptions.\nThe Colts needed to score twice to tie the game in the final minute, and Manning got them to first-and-5 at the Tennessee 26. But Dungy chose to let Mike Vanderjagt try his second 44-yarder, and this time he was wide right. Dungy said he was trying to save some time.\n"We were going to have to get an onsides kick anyway and get a desperation play," Dungy said.\nThe Titans, who have now won six of their last seven in this series, ran out the remaining 17 seconds to set themselves up for what would be their first division title since 2000.\nIndianapolis now may need some help to reach the playoffs.\n"It has been tight all year long, and I don't think anyone has catapulted ahead yet," Colts end Chad Bratzke said. "This is the NFL. The races should be tight."\nThe Titans jumped out to an early lead -- just like they did on Nov. 3, when they beat the Colts 23-15.\nThis time they led 14-0 after 17 minutes and 21-10 at halftime, and the team that leads the NFL in time of possession held the ball for more than 32 minutes.\nIndianapolis outgained Tennessee on offense 389-348, but 202 of the Colts' yards came when they were trying to play catch-up.\nManning, who last week became the only quarterback in NFL history to begin his career with five straight 3,000 yard passing seasons, tried to rally the Colts. His third interception came in the end zone in the third quarter.\n"I'll take all the responsibility," Manning said. "Obviously, I would've liked to have done my job better."\nHe drove them 78 yards in the fourth, and James Mungro capped the drive with a 3-yard TD run with 6:36 left that cut the lead to 24-17.\nIt wasn't enough.\nMcNair had no problems with the NFL's second-best pass defense, which had been giving up an average of 163.1 yards. He was 12-of-14 for 160 yards in the first half alone, and he helped the Titans pad their fourth-quarter lead by scrambling to set up two Joe Nedney field goals, from 35 and 29 yards.\nMcNair finished 19-of-23, and he had a passer rating of 124.1. He said he can't explain why he plays so well despite the pain.\n"It goes back to high school when my coach told me that when you're in pain, you tend to stay more focused on what you have to do," McNair said. "I took that to heart, and I think that's how I play now. I can just concentrate better when I'm playing in pain."\nIndianapolis came in wanting revenge for last month's loss in which the Titans jumped to a 20-0 halftime lead. This time, they had Edgerrin James at running back, and he carried 18 times for 70 yards.\nTennessee jumped on the Colts early as McNair needed only seven plays to put the Titans up 7-0 with a 42-yard touchdown pass on their opening drive.\nNotes:@ Manning had some swelling in his right knee after the game. He said he will have it checked by the team doctor. ... His three interceptions tied his season high. He had been intercepted only twice in 133 attempts during the Colts' winning streak. ... The Titans now are 17-2 against teams making their first visit to The Coliseum. ... Titans FS Lance Schulters tied his career-high with his sixth interception this season. SS Tank Williams had the first interception of his career. ... Dungy now is 0-4 against the Titans as a head coach.
(12/09/02 3:35am)
Looking to recover from a disappointing road trip last weekend, the IU wrestling team took to the mats of the University of Northern Iowa Dome Saturday along with nearly 300 other wrestlers for the 52nd annual Northern Iowa Open. \nThe hosting Panthers dominated their tournament, earning six of the ten weight class titles. Northern Iowa sophomores Mark Manchio (133-pounds), Eric Hauan (174-pounds), Jordan Holm (184-pounds) and Sean Stender (197-pounds), and juniors Jon Garvin (149-pounds) and Drew Kelly (165-pounds) all won their weight class titles. \nBut IU was able to steal some of Northern Iowa's thunder. Once again, junior Coyte Cooper led the way for the Hoosiers, improving his overall record to 5-1 after defeating Northwestern senior John Giacche 3-1 to win the 141-pound weight class title. Cooper was IU's only first place finisher. \n"Coyte wrestled very well," coach Duane Goldman said in a statement. "He is getting close to his old form."\nFreshman Joe Dubuque wrestled well in the125-pound weight class, earning fourth place. Dubuque was injured in his semi-final bout and could not wrestle in the third place bout. There has been no word as to the extent of the injury. \nSophomore Pat DeGain lost to Stender in the semi-finals of the 197-pound weight class. Stender went on to take first place, and DeGain had to settle for third. \nSenior Greg Schaefer earned fifth place in the 133-pound weight class by defeating Iowa's Trent Goodale. Freshman Brady Richardson went to overtime to defeat Northern Illinois junior Bryce Hasseman 7-5 to earn fifth place in the 174-pound weight class. And freshman Andy Rios won sixth place honors in the 184-pound weight class to round up IU's top finishers.\n"We are continuing to develop as a team," Goldman said. "This weekend was a good stepping stone for a lot of individuals."\nThis was IU's last competition before winter break. IU's next competition will be Saturday, Dec. 21, when they open their home season by hosting Missouri.
(12/09/02 3:33am)
IU was looking to gain some ground this weekend in the Great Midwest Hockey League, but ended up taking just one point away from a tough weekend matchup with rival Miami (OH).\nMU started strong Friday, but the Hoosiers hung around, finishing the period down 1-2. Freshman forward Pete Johnson moved the puck through traffic and put a move on MU goaltender Billy Fadel to get the Hoosiers on the board.\nIU suffered a breakdown in the second, allowing four unanswered goals in a stretch of eight minutes. MU took advantage of IU turnovers and poor team defense to go ahead 6-1 by the seven-minute mark of the second period.\nCoach Rich Holdeman took a timeout and IU ended the game strong, getting a goal from junior forward Clint Heiber and shutting down the Miami offensive attack to finish the game with a 6-2 loss.\nSaturday, IU came back to Bloomington looking for revenge. The Hoosiers came out strong in the first and went up early. Sophomore forward Adam Trussell finished a play by knocking in a bouncing rebound past Fadel. The first period ended with IU up 1-0.\nThe second period featured physical play by both teams and a fight that resulted in a four minute advantage for IU. The powerplay was interrupted one minute later by an IU penalty, and the Hoosiers failed to convert. The period ended without a goal, and IU took its thin lead into the third.\nThe teams traded powerplay opportunities throughout the third. With just over two minutes to play, IU took a penalty that gave MU a 5-4 advantage. The Hawks ran a break-out play to give them a 3-on-2 opportunity. Junior goalie Josh Block stopped the initial shot, but couldn't scoop up the rebound that came straight out in front of the IU net. The MU shot cleared Block's legs to tie the game with less than two minutes to play.\nMiami (OH) gained three points in conference standings, and IU came away with one point for the tie. IU (8-6-1, 2-3-1) moved into fourth place in the GMHL with five points. Michigan (10-3-1) retained first place with 11 points. MU (5-2-1, 3-2-1) gained sole possession of third.\n"Our guys felt pretty disappointed," Holdeman said. "We felt we could have won one or both of these games this weekend."\nHoldeman said the team will concentrate on playing well for the remainder of the conference schedule so they can move up and get a bye in the first round of the GMHL tournament.
(12/05/02 5:12am)
INDIANAPOLIS -- Indianapolis knows a victory Sunday over Tennessee makes postseason play a greater possibility. A loss and it might prove tough for the Colts to even make the postseason.\nThe Colts are in first place in the AFC South with an 8-4 record. They have the No. 1 seed in the conference and could control home-field advantage throughout the playoffs if they remain in that position over the final four games of the season.\nThat could all change against the Titans (7-5).\nThe Colts have a one-game lead in the division, but a victory by the Titans would put them in first place in the division based on a 2-0 lead in head-to-head meetings.\nA Colts win, however, would give them a two-game lead with three remaining. Indianapolis could then clinch the division with two victories in their last three games or one victory and at least one Titans loss.\nFor Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, the game is his first regular season appearance in the state of Tennessee, where he starred for the University of Tennessee.\n"When the schedule came out, we knew this would be a big game in the AFC South," Manning said Wednesday. "We certainly hoped to be competitive in this division. We knew the Titans would be competitive in this division, and that these December games are going to be the ones that are going to kind of decide the division."\nBut Manning downplayed his return to the Volunteer State and said it wouldn't provide a distraction. He said his focus is only on winning.\n"That's only fair for me to do that for my teammates," Manning said. "Obviously, I have a lot of friends and certainly fans there. The Tennessee Volunteer fans were super to me during my time in college, and they are still great to me during the time that I spend in Tennessee, whether it's Knoxville, Nashville or Memphis."\nManning is aware though, that there will be more than a few of his college fans wearing No. 16 University of Tennessee jerseys with his name on the back who will be rooting against him -- at least for this week anyway.\n"They're going to be there to support the Titans," he said. "We're coming in there as the outsiders, and that's why it's tough to go on the road, and it'll be tough this Sunday. It's kind of a unique situation, but it's a big game. The game's going to be decided on the field"
(12/05/02 5:08am)
INDIANAPOLIS -- Outgoing NCAA president Cedric Dempsey hopes university leaders will take another step toward academic reform next October by voting on a proposal that would make postseason eligibility contingent on academic success.\nDempsey is retiring later this month after nine years in charge of college sports' largest governing body, and he met with reporters Wednesday to discuss his achievements and his vision for the future.\nIU President Myles Brand replaces Dempsey in January.\nThe key component to moving forward, Dempsey believes, is to make academic success a factor in determining whether teams can compete in NCAA tournaments.\n"We will send a very strong message when we do that," he said. "To me, it's the lynchpin of the whole academic-reform movement."\nDempsey said he believed proposals would be made in April and could be voted on by next October, although he cautioned it may take an additional six months before reaching a vote.\nBrand, best known as the man who fired Bob Knight, has been a vocal proponent of academic reform. He even gave a speech to the National Press Club in January 2001, four months after firing Knight, in which he proposed an "academics first" approach to college athletics.\nIn October, the NCAA adopted a package of proposals that will place a greater emphasis on grade-point averages rather than standardized test scores and will require student-athletes to earn a greater percentage of credits each year to remain eligible.\nDempsey called that a good first step.\n"There will likely be another element ready for a vote next year that will deal with academic standards for teams competing in postseason competition and that will not be based solely on graduation rates," he said.\nGraduation rates have been criticized in the past. Student-athletes who transfer or declare early for professional drafts are counted against an institution, and in a sport such as basketball, where recruiting classes are five or fewer, that can greatly affect the final number.\nBrand said last month that the NCAA needed to update its process. He wants quicker snapshots of academic progress and believes there should be a more equitable way to measure whether student-athletes are making the grade.\n"If you leave in good academic standing right now, it counts against a coach and that's not fair," Brand said.\nDempsey believes the NCAA should create a formula to measure academic progress but did not elaborate on what may be included.\nThe biggest issue is likely to be determining penalties.\nBrit Kirwan, former chairman of the NCAA's board of directors, suggested in January that universities could earn "extra" scholarships for higher rates and could be penalized by losing scholarships if they fall below a certain standard. He also discussed making teams with repeatedly bad records ineligible for postseason play.\nBrand reiterated that point last month.\nBut Dempsey thinks the NCAA must make the penalties hit hard.\n"I'm not sure that taking away or adding a grant is that strong a message," he said. "I really favor a strong position. That, obviously, would be the most difficult piece of the legislation"
(12/05/02 4:59am)
The Hoosier volleyball team will enter its first NCAA Tournament bid in three years to face the Texas Longhorns tonight. IU's match marks the opening of the Pacific Regional with the winner facing either No. 10 Arizona or University of Texas-Arlington in the second round. \nThe Hoosier bid for the NCAA Tournament was in jeopardy after last Saturday's loss against Illinois which placed IU in a three-way tie for sixth place. With 48 teams in the tournament and seven Big Ten teams already named, the Hoosiers were finally placed within the tournament. \nThe Longhorns come into the match sporting a 22-8 record and three players on the All-Big 12 team. Texas has received 20 tournament bids in 21 years and has a perfect 16-0 first round record under its belt. IU's previous bout with the Longhorns occurred in 1990 where the Hoosiers were swept 3-0.\nSophomore outside hitter Mira Topic leads the Longhorns offensive attack with a 4.70 kills per game average and is second on the team for service aces (38) and digs with 2.63 per game. Flanking Topic's efforts are sophomore middle blocker Kathy Hahn and sophomore outside hitter Bethany Howden. Hahn is the team leader in hitting with a .344 hitting percentage and is second on the team with 1.11 blocks per game. Howden leads the Longhorns with 1.23 blocks per game and adds 3.72 kills per game. All three players were all named to the 2002 All-Big 12 team.\nWith Texas' past accolades and current impressive play, the Longhorns have earned respect from IU.\n"(The Longhorns) are traditionally one of the top teams in the Big 12 Conference and consistently made the Elite 8 throughout the 1990s, including an appearance in the NCAA finals," IU coach Katie Weismiller said in a press release.\nDespite a very formidable opponent, the 20-12 Hoosiers have some weapons of their own. Junior middle blocker Melissa Brewer leads IU with a .312 average and is second on the team in total blocks (137) and kills (470). With these impressive numbers, Brewer was named to the All-Big Ten first team. Sophomore outside hitter Christina Archibald is the Hoosiers' offensive leader with an IU single season record 539 kills and is second on the team with 310 digs. Archibald was named as the Big Ten Player of the Week on September 23rd, becoming only the eleventh player in team history to receive that honor. Sophomore middle blocker Katie Pollom leads the Hoosier squad with a 1.18 blocks per game average and is second on the team with a .257 hitting percentage. Both Archibald and Pollom were named as All-Big Ten honorable mentions. With three players on the 20 person All-Big Ten team, only Penn State and Ohio State had more players named to the All-Big Ten team. \nA "One point at a time" mentality has held strong throughout the season for the Hoosier volleyball team, and reaching its first 20 game season and NCAA Tourney bid in three years, it seams to have worked.\n"We're happy with our success this season," Brewer said earlier this season. "But it's still just one point, one match at a time"
(12/04/02 7:08am)
INDIANAPOLIS -- The rematch began sloppy.\nIt ended with an NCAA tournament feel.\nIU exacted revenge Tuesday night beating Maryland 80-74 in an overtime thriller that was a rematch to last year's NCAA championship. \n"It was a match up between two teams who are really good and wanted to win," said freshman guard Bracey Wright, who finished the game with 19 points. "It was a dogfight the whole way."\nIU called a 30-second timeout with 36.1 seconds remaining in the game after scratching back from a double-digit first half deficit. On the inbound, Kline got the ball to senior Tom Coverdale who hit a huge three at the top of the key that brought the Hoosiers within one, 68-67.\n"I think he's the most underrated player in the country…you can never count Coverdale out," IU Coach Mike Davis said of his senior point guard, who lead all scorers with 30 points last night. "No matter who he faces, no matter how he ranks as a guard, nine times out of 10, he always wins the battle." \nAs Maryland attempted to bring the ball back up the court, senior forward Jeff Newton tapped it loose and dove to the floor with senior point guard Steve Blake in a battle for possession. A jump ball was called, granting IU possession.\nOn the Hoosiers' next play however, another jump ball was called and the Terps regained possession. \nBlake, who finished the game with 24 points, brought the ball up and attempted to dish it to senior guard Drew Nicholas on the wing. IU freshman Marshall Strickland intercepted the pass, however and got the ball to Kline who was again fouled on a layup with the Terps still up one and 7.1 seconds remaining on the clock. \nThe Hoosier fans again made their presence felt as Kline stepped to the line. They quieted down as he prepared to shoot and, when the ball went though, tying the game at 68, they resumed their deafening cheers. Kline missed his second shot, which gave Maryland one last chance.\nBlake threw up a 50-foot prayer that swished through the net as the buzzer was sounding. The referees went to the replay to determine whether or not the miracle shot would count. \nFor a tense couple of minutes they deliberated on the matter and finally called both coaches to mid-court, informing them the shot would not count. \nThe two teams prepared for another five minutes of play.\nThe Terps were the first to score in overtime, as Nicholas was fouled by Strickland on a drive into the lane. He made both free throws to put the team ahead 70-68.\nOn the Hoosiers next two possessions they again looked to the charity stripe for scoring. Coverdale and Kline both went one for two on their trips to the line, making the score 72-70 in favor of Maryland.\nWith 2:35 remaining in OT, Kline was again fouled and again split his free throws. Newton rebounded the miss on his second attempt however. He was blocked on his first try, but regained possession of ball and laid it in to put the Hoosiers up 73-72.\nAfter the two teams traded layups, Strickland knocked down a baseline jumper that put IU ahead by 3. \nWith 17.2 seconds left, Kline split another pair of free throws to extend the lead to 78-74. Blake made a final attempt from long range that rattled in and out. Wright grabbed the rebound and dished it to Coverdale who was immediately fouled with 7.4 seconds left in the game. \nAs he walked back to the Hoosier's end of the court with the game all but won, he slapped the hands of fans in the front row. He then calmly stepped to the free throw line and sunk both shots, putting the game away at 80-74 and exacting revenge on the team that beat them for the National Championship.\n"I've been thinking about this (game) all summer." Coverdale, who finished the game with a game-high 30 points, said. "That's what me and Coach Treloar talked about before the game, we've been waiting for this all summer. We wanted to be undefeated coming into this game and then get some revenge back and we did and we're happy about it"
