Strick-ly speaking

Take a deep breath Hoosier fans, the bleeding has finally stopped. After losing five straight games and falling out of contention in the Big Ten race, the Hoosiers earned a home victory against Penn State last night, 69-65. IU was able to secure the win because they had a huge rebounding margin (plus 12), played hard throughout and senior guard Marshall Strickland was simply on fire.\nThe Winfield, Md. native set a new career-high with seven 3-pointers and finished 7-for-11 from beyond the arc. Most of his damage came in the second half, as two early fouls limited him to only 10 minutes in the first half. Included in his second half barrage was a 3-pointer with 14:40 remaining that put him over 1,000 points in his college career, the 40th player in school history to accomplish that feat. He also moved into sixth place all-time in 3-pointers made with 170, passing Damon Bailey. Strickland finished with 22 points and four rebounds on the night, but what was more impressive was his poise.\nMost of his points came in crucial situations including his final 3-pointer. After Robert Vaden fouled out with 6:28 remaining, the Hoosiers lost the guy they seem to look to in clutch situations. So with 1:06 remaining and the shot clock winding down, the Hoosier nation was wondering who would step up. Strickland answered the call, with a head fake and a dribble from the right wing he got separation, rose up and canned a three to put IU up for good, 66-63. A senior in his second-to-last home game doing what seniors are supposed to do -- take over and win the game.\nIt's been a rough three years for Strickland. He came in as a top recruit along with Bracey Wright and was moved to point guard to accommodate Wright's desire to play off the ball. He basically sacrificed his game for the good of the team for three years. But this year, as a senior, he has moved back to his natural position at shooting guard and has been the Hoosiers most consistent scorer from the perimeter. \nAt his last home game this Sunday against Michigan State, the Hoosier faithful need to help send Strickland out on a high note. This is a guy who has sacrificed personal achievement and ego for the good of the team. A guy who's been through all the turmoil of the past four seasons, yet toughed it out and shined as a result. He's also the epitome of the "student-athlete," majoring in Biology, not basketball. He's everything we could ask for in the players we cheer on. \nSimply put, he's a true Hoosier.