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(11/15/11 5:04am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>With less than 20 seconds to go, senior forward Georgie Jones hit a jumper to put the Hoosiers up by one.But it was two free throws by junior center Sasha Chaplin with three seconds on the clock that sealed the Hoosiers’ win.In a close game that came down to free throws, IU earned its first season victory, 70-67.“We have to play until the clock runs out,” Jones said.And they did.“Those were the two biggest free throws of (Chaplin’s) career,” IU Coach Felisha Legette-Jack said. “She’s going to continue and get better everyday.”The Hoosiers were down for most of the game until they took the lead with 16 seconds to go off of Jones’s jumper.“You can’t have hesitation when your team needs you in a critical time,” Jones said about her last shot to take the lead at the end. “We have to protect our home court.”The Hoosiers had trouble in the first half with the Racers defense holding them on field goals to 26 percent.Legette-Jack said she had to use a variety of defenses to slow down the Racers fast-paced offense. The Racers used a full-court man-to-man defense that proved troubling for the Hoosiers. Through Legette-Jack’s halftime motivation, IU responded on the court.“They went out there and believed,” Legette-Jack said. “This team feeds off of good energy. They executed the best way they could."The second half was like a new game for IU, shooting almost 57 percent from the field. IU had two scorers finish with double-double games. Leading the charge was junior guard Jasmine McGhee, who finished with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Jones added 16 points and 13 rebounds of her own to contribute to the victory.“I felt really confident in my teammates,” sophomore point guard Andrea Newbauer said. “I felt that they could handle the pressure as well.”IU will face Belmont on Friday in its second road game of the season.“We have a lot of work to do, but we certainly made some improvements tonight,” Legette-Jack said.
(11/14/11 5:09am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>For the first time since IU Coach Felisha Legette-Jack has been in control, the IU women’s basketball team lost its regular season opener.IU fell to the Central Arkansas Sugar Bears, 58-46, Friday in Conway, Ark. The Hoosiers kept a 30-21 lead with 14:20 remaining in the game and won the rebounding battle 40-31, but it wasn’t enough in a match that featured four ties and nine lead changes.Junior center Sasha Chaplin had a strong performance to return from last year’s knee injury, leading the team in scoring with 13 and completing a double-double with 10 rebounds, her first since Dec. 22, 2009, versus Toledo and the fifth of her career. She also added two blocks and two steals.“It was great to Sasha (Chaplin) back out there and playing well,” Legette-Jack said.Two of the five newcomers started in their first game, junior forward Linda Rubene and junior guard Jasmine McGhee.McGhee made an impressive start to her Division I career by putting up 12 points and eight rebounds. For a team that usually likes to fire away behind the arc, the Hoosiers only attempted three triples and made one, all of which were by junior forward Aulani Sinclair.IU kept the Sugar Bears to just six field goals on 20.7 percent shooting in the first half, but Central Arkansas ended up with a field goal percentage of 36 after shooting 61.5 percent from long range and 57.1 percent overall in the second half.“We just let it slip away late in the second half in a tough road environment,” Legette-Jack said. “They hit some open outside shots and were able to size the momentum. We’ll get back in the gym this weekend and get some work in to be ready for Murray State at home on Monday.”IU will come home for its regular season opener at 7 p.m. Monday against Murray State at Assembly Hall.This game will be only the second meeting between the two schools. The first game was in 1980. Murray State won by a score of 71-56.The Racers finished last year with a 9-21 record overall and posting a 5-13 record for their conference. After defeating Evansville by 15 in their regular season opener, Murray State will be coming to Bloomington looking to start the year 2-0.If IU falls to the Racers, it will be the first time since the 2005-06 season that the Hoosiers open their season with two straight losses. The last time they did so, they lost to Baylor and Notre Dame.Height will be a strength for IU on Monday. The Hoosiers’ roster includes nine players at least 6 feet tall compared to only six for Murray State. The Racers’ tallest player is 6 feet 3 inches, while IU has five members of at least that height, including Chaplin and Rubene.Murray State has a high-pressure defense that forced Evansville into 31 turnovers in its first game, but Legette-Jack is already preparing for it. She tweeted Saturday that IU was getting ready for 40 minutes of pressure Monday. She ended the tweet by proclaiming, “We will b ready.”
(11/10/11 5:01am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>The Hoosiers brought in the No. 23 recruiting class to recuperate the loss of nearly 70 percent of scoring from last year.Three of the five newcomers are freshmen who have received quality minutes in the first two exhibition games.The top-25 recruiting class is due, in part, to the talent that IU Coach Felisha Legette-Jack built. IU won its first two exhibition games this season by a score of 92-39 against St. Ambrose and 50-47 against Indianapolis. “These kids are going to be competitive, fun and have that spirit of Indiana every single day,” Legette-Jack said in an IU Newsroom press release. Quaneisha McCurtyTrue freshman center Quaneisha McCurty was highly regarded out of Dalton High School in Dalton, Ga.She knows what it means to make the title game. In Georgia’s AAA State Championship, she posted a triple-double. She was named the Best of Preps North Georgia Player of the Year and was all-state selection by the Georgia Athletics Coaches Association. The 6-foot-6-inch center was the No. 42 prospect in the 2011 class, according to the All Star Girls Report.In high school, she averaged 14 points, 12 rebounds and about five blocks per game.In 2011’s first two exhibition games, McCurty recorded 21 points, 16 rebounds and four blocks.“Quaneisha is making the biggest strides right now,” Legette-Jack said. “The way she is running the floor, keeping her hands high, and she’s understanding the offensive segments that we are running with her down low.”McCurty’s height and basketball IQ add another element to the team.“She makes some mistakes out there but goes back after and is constantly getting rebounds and getting blocked shots, which we haven’t had in the past couple of years,” junior center Sasha Chaplin said. Candyce UsseryThe loss of point guard Whitney Lindsay from last season meant the Hoosiers needed a replacement.They found one with a member of the St. Louis American Girls “Fab Five,” true freshman point guard Candyce Ussery.Ussery elaborated about the reasons she was attracted to IU.“I like how Indiana likes to push the ball down the court and has a faster-paced game,” Ussery said. “I didn’t want to go too far away from home, and Coach Jack welcomed me like I was her daughter.”Ussery will split time at the point guard position with sophomore guard Andrea Newbauer.Ussery was the No. 59 point guard in the nation, according to ESPNHoopGurlz.com. The Missouri native averaged 12.5 points and 4.8 rebounds per game for Hazelwood Central in St. Louis. She led her team with 145 assists last season.“Candyce is doing a good job of running the team and keeping them organized,” Legette-Jack said. “I like the fact that she sees the whole floor.”Ussery said she wants to make a difference on the floor for the Hoosiers.“I just want to come in and make something happen, regardless if it’s a steal, or a shot or assist,” Ussery said. “I just want to come in and be a game changer.” Necole SterlingAdding to the trifecta of freshmen not from the Hoosier State is guard Necole Sterling from Manassas, Va.Sterling ranked as the No. 43 wing player in the nation, according to ESPNHoopGurlz.com. The Virginia High School Coaches Association also gave Sterling All-State honorable mention her senior year. She averaged 13.3 points, six rebounds and six assists per game in high school.“Necole is playing like a freshman,” Legette-Jack said. “If we can get her to have more energy, then I think we can have a great player.”The players have also noticed the freshmen’s development.“They’ve improved quite a bit since the summertime,” Chaplin said. “They are starting to understand coming in, playing college basketball and the role they have to play.”Sterling is coming off a senior season that included a career-best 22 assists in a game. Now, she’ll play in Branch McCracken Court.“We need our freshmen not to be like freshmen,” Legette-Jack said. “We need them to be like sophomores because we have to utilize everyone we have.”
(11/08/11 4:26am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Before the regular season begins Friday, the Hoosiers face the University of Indianapolis in an exhibition game today at Assembly Hall.The Hoosiers defeated St. Ambrose 92-39 in their first exhibition game Thursday.Offensively, three IU players scored in double-digits: junior forward Jasmine McGhee, senior forward Danilsa Andujar and freshman center Quaneisha McCurty.“Defense is going to create the offense,” IU Coach Felisha Legette-Jack said. IU recorded 20 steals, including seven by freshman point guard Candyce Ussery. At Big Ten Media Day, Legette-Jack elaborated on the importance of contributions from new additions such as Ussery. The five newcomers combined for 45 points, 24 rebounds and 11 steals against St. Ambrose.UIndy finished 17-13 last season with a conference record of 9-9.Changes have been made to the program since last season, including Constantin Popa’s appointment as UIndy’s head coach.The Greyhounds are led by guard Katy McIntosh, who averaged 10.5 points per game last year. Indianapolis lost its first exhibition game 58-41 against Xavier.As in the St. Ambrose game, the Hoosiers will have a size advantage Tuesday.“We are going to be a tough team to beat because of our size this year,” Legette-Jack said.After the UIndy game, IU starts the regular season on the road against Central Arkansas on Friday.Legette-Jack is confident she has a talented team but said it needs to stay unified to produce positive results.“If these young ladies stay together, then great things can come to our women’s basketball program,” she said.
(11/04/11 4:11am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Defense helped create offense as the IU women’s basketball defeated St. Ambrose 92-39 in the first exhibition game of the season.The Hoosiers kept the Queen Bees’ offense to a 30 percent field goal percentage.“Our defense matches up with the offense of the opponent,” IU Coach Felisha Legette-Jack said. “We try to maintain ball pressure and communicate.”Offensive rebounds created more scoring opportunities for IU. Of the 60 rebounds, 31 came from offensive possessions. Leading the Hoosiers in scoring was junior guard Jasmine McGhee with 18 points in her first game with the Hoosiers Assembly Hall’s environment aided McGhee’s play on the court, she said. “The atmosphere of just being here really got me ready,” McGhee said.Others players contributed to the offensive output, including senior forward Danilsa Andujar.“My goal this whole preseason is to step up as a leader,” Andujar said. “I think my defense is what really helped me out on the offensive side”.Andujar and freshman center Quaneisha McCurty recorded double-doubles. Andujar added 15 points and 12 rebounds and McCurty posted 13 points and 10 rebounds.“I just love the humility of the team this year,” Legette-Jack said. “We don’t really have a go-to player, but everyone is willing to step up and do what they need to do.”Of the 92 points scored, 45 came from the five newcomers. Legette-Jack used 13 of her 14 players in the opening game. Sophomore center Simone Deloach was the only Hoosier not to play in the game.The Hoosiers had seven players — without Deloach — at six-feet-one-inch or taller, compared to the Queen Bees only having one. “We are going to be a tough team to beat because of our size this year,” Legette- Jack said.The Hoosiers out-rebounded the Fighting Bees 60-31.Legette-Jack said the 53-point victory brings confidence to the Hoosiers, but it’s just the beginning of a lengthy season. “We are excited about where we are,” Legette-Jack said. “We are totally not content. We have a long way to go.”
(11/03/11 2:53am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Every November brings a new college basketball season and different team than the year before. “Every year is a new team,” IU Coach Felicia Legette-Jack said.The first two games are exhibition games against St. Ambrose today and Indianapolis on Nov. 8. This year’s woman’s basketball team has nine returners from last year and five new faces, including three freshmen and two junior-college transfers.The team must replace three starters, including leading scorer Jori Davis.“Hopefully, we can distribute the ball to everybody,” Legette-Jack said. “They have to recognize Jori isn’t coming back. We don’t have a good go-to player.“We are going to be experimenting and trying different things,” Legette-Jack said. “What you see on Thursday is not what you are going to see on Tuesday.”Unlike last season, the Hoosiers will use their exhibition games to find their starters.“I’m trying to figure out who can start, who can finish and who can play in the middle,” Legette-Jack said.The Hoosiers don’t play non-conference competition from major conferences until December, when they face Virginia on the road and Oklahoma State at home.Legette-Jack said she has some players in mind that she believes need to step up and help the team.“It has to be Jasmine McGhee and Linda Rubene, our two junior-college kids that have the experience of playing at a high level that they can bring right away to the program,” Legette-Jack said.Last season, junior center Sasha Chaplin played only two games due to injury and averaged seven points per game. Junior forward Aulani Sinclair said she has seen improvement in sophomore guard Andrea Newbauer.“Our point guards have improved, especially Andrea Newbauer, because she has kind of controlled the team on her offense,” Sinclair said.Legette-Jack elaborated on how important defense will be this year. “We want to speed up the game and have our defense make our offense,” Legette-Jack said. Sinclair agreed on the speed of the team defense. “I feel like we are doing a lot more press than last year because we have height and speed,” Sinclair said. “We are just using these two games as a stepping stone for our non-conference play.”
(10/28/11 1:33am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Nebraska’s addition to the league brings uncertainty for most teams.The uncertainty is built from the simple fact that most teams haven’t played Nebraska in recent years and are unsure of its style.At Big Ten Basketball Media Day, men’s and women’s basketball coaches and players expressed that consensus, but most talked about how another addition to the conference brings more competition for all teams involved.To Nebraska’s staff and players, one thing is certain: Not much is different in the level of competition within the Big 12 and Big Ten conferences.Men’s BasketballOne main change the Nebraska team is looking for is going from an NIT team to a NCAA tournament team.Nebraska has gone to the NIT tournament in four of the past five seasons.Nebraska Coach Doc Sadler took over the program in 2006, and since then, the team has averaged about 18 wins per season.“(Sadler’s) coached long enough, and he knows the drill, so I’m sure he’ll do fine,” Wisconsin Coach Bo Ryan said.The program’s last appearance in the NCAA tournament was in 1998.This year, the Cornhuskers were chosen to finish 11th in the conference by the 24 conference beat writers.Nebraska finished 19-13 last year with key wins against Texas and Oklahoma State.The Huskers are led by junior center Jorge Brian Diaz, who averaged 10.5 points and 4.4 rebounds per game last year.Nebraska wants to be consistent and competitive in every Big Ten game.“I hope the biggest thing that we bring is that we play hard and that it’s worth their time to watch Nebraska,” Sadler said.Iowa Coach Fran McCaffery explained Nebraska might be underrated.“They will step in and be a factor right away,” he said. “I don’t think there will be a learning curve like everyone thinks.”Nebraska junior forward Brandon Ubel said the Big 12 has more “one-and-dones” compared to the Big Ten’s upperclassmen experience, and Sadler added to that thought.“I don’t know that there is that big of a difference that I’ve seen,” he said. “I think its more of an experience league.” Women’s BasketballNebraska Coach Connie Yori has helped lead the Cornhuskers to three NCAA tournament births, which included a 32-win season and Sweet 16 finish just two years ago.However, the team finished just 13-18 last year and ended 3-13 in Big 12 conference play.“We are going to play an up-tempo style, which is different from last year because we had a lot of injuries,” Associate Coach Sunny Smallwood said.Last year, the Hoosiers faced the Cornhuskers in the Big 12/Big Ten challenge and came out with a 67-61 victory.Nebraska returns its two leading scorers from last season in sophomore forward Jordan Hooper and junior guard Lindsey Moore, with 14.6 and 14.1 points per game, respectively.Yori wasn’t in attendance for Big Ten Media Day due to her recent surgery.“I have no idea what’s on Connie’s team, but I do wish her a speedy recovery on the surgery,” IU Coach Felisha Legette-Jack said.Smallwood provided clarity about the team at Big Ten Media Day.“We are so excited about this team, despite missing our coach,” she said. “They are young (and) have a lot of passion, and they love our style of play.”The Hoosiers will face Nebraska Jan. 5, 2012, in Lincoln, Neb.
(10/26/11 3:28am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>When the program loses three of its top scorers due to graduation, there is only one thing to do.Rebuild.That rebuilding process for the women’s basketball team this year included the signing of five players: three freshman and two junior-college transfers.Junior guard Jasmine McGhee and junior forward Linda Rubene are the two pieces that made this IU year’s signing class No. 23 in the nation, according to the All-Star Girls Report at MichaelTWhite.com.“They were top-caliber players and a lot of people wanted them as well, but we are very fortunate to have them,” IU Associate Head Coach Jose Mori said. McGhee and Rubene will be important pieces to the “puzzle,” IU Coach Felisha Legette-Jack said.JASMINE MCGHEE“She was one of the top junior college players last year,” Legette-Jack said at Hoosier Hysteria on Oct. 15.According to the All-Star Girls Report, McGhee was ranked as the No. 2 junior college recruit.Last year at Vincennes University, she was named the WBCA Junior College/Community Player of the Year and earned junior college All-America honors. The Anderson, Ind., native averaged 16.5 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game for the year.“Jasmine is unstoppable off the dribble and just a great athlete,” Mori said.The sharpshooter shot 52.6 percent from the field. Not only does McGhee bring basketball skills to the court, Legette-Jack said, but the intangibles as well.“I bring a lot of hard work and commitment to the program,” McGhee said.LINDA RUBENERubene is one of two Latvian players on the Hoosier squad.“They came from all over the world to build this basketball program,” Legette-Jack said during Hoosier Hysteria about the international talent on the team. In Latvia, Rubene gained experience competing for the Latvian under-20 national team.“She brings a lot of experience,” Mori said. “She has a great shot and has a high basketball I.Q.”The All-Star Girls Report ranked Rubene as the No. 14 junior college prospect. While at Iowa Western Community College, Rubene averaged 7.9 points and 5.1 rebounds per game and tied the team record with 35 three-pointers.Aside from the skills McGhee and Rubene bring to the court, how they act off the court is also important, Mori said.“I think more importantly of how good of players they are is how good of people they are, students they are, and how well they represent this program,” Mori said.
(10/19/11 3:15am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>On Tuesday, IU women’s basketball had its annual media day to discuss the upcoming season. The Bloomington media had the opportunity to talk with any player or coach a part of the team. IU Coach Felisha Legette-Jack answered questions about this year’s team and the players that will fill in for the loss of last year’s top three scorers. After the media talked with Legette-Jack, every player and coach was able to take questions.» Junior center Sasha Chaplin has been injury-prone during her first three years at Indiana. The 6-foot-4-inch center previously tore both ACLs in her knee. “She’s healthy right now. She’s not thinking about injuries. She’s thinking about championships,” Jack said.»IU’s offense will be run by sophomore guard Andrea Newbauer. The Fort Wayne native will play many of the minutes as point guard. Legette-Jack compared Newbauer to WNBA Minnesota Lynx’s Lindsay Whalen and how she can attack inside and then pass it out to one of her scorers. »There is more depth in the backcourt with five players over the height of 6-foot-3-inch.»Legette-Jack said there will be a lot of lineups on court in the beginning of the season. »Legette-Jack said she is looking for leadership from the two captains, junior forward Aulani Sinclair and senior forward Georgie Jones.
(10/19/11 3:10am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Many people relate Indiana to one of the most famous sports movies of all time, “Hoosiers.”In the film, a small-town high school basketball team from fictional Hickory, Ind., competes and wins against some of the top high school teams in the Hoosier state.Junior forward Aulani Sinclair can relate to that small-town basketball feeling.The women’s basketball team jokes with Sinclair about the connection she has with the movie.“When we watched the movie ‘Hoosiers,’ they asked, ‘Aulani, is this the way you grew up?’” Sinclair said.Growing up in the small town of Eminence, Ind., allowed Sinclair to grow into not only a successful basketball player, but also one of the captains for this year’s Hoosiers.Small-town livingEminence is a small township less than an hour northwest of Bloomington with a sense of small-town livelihood that helped Sinclair grow as a person. “It’s a real small, tight-knit community where everyone is really supportive of each other, which created one giant family,” Sinclair said.The admiration for basketball began at an early age, but Sinclair needed resources to develop her ability.“When I was in first grade, I really wanted to play basketball, but our community didn’t have a recreation youth organization,” Sinclair said. “My mom and dad everyday drove me to Martinsville, and I played the little leagues there until I was old enough to join middle school ball with Eminence.”Sinclair’s parents supported her basketball endeavors by driving her wherever she needed to play AAU basketball.High school basketball also helped Sinclair develop into an all-around athlete.“On my high school team, I had to play everything from the point guard to the center,” Sinclair said.Sinclair said she wanted to represent Eminence as best as possible. “Growing up, I knew I wanted to stay here and do everything through Eminence,” Sinclair said.Through her four years at Eminence, she averaged 26.1 points, 14.4 rebounds, 4.4 blocks and 4.5 steals per game.She also set Eminence’s record for most career points for girls or boys with 1,776 points. She was Eminence’s first girl’s basketball player to make the Indiana All-Star team.“My community was so proud of me,” Sinclair said. “To have someone actually stay in Eminence and do so well meant a lot to them because they just love their basketball.”Then came Bloomington.Sinclair was the No. 9 recruit in the state of Indiana in the class of 2009.Since a young age, Sinclair said she wanted to play basketball for the Hoosiers.“I always grew up being an Indiana fan,” Sinclair said. “It’s always been my first choice since I was little, and when Coach Jack offered me the opportunity to come here, I jumped on it.”IU Coach Felisha Legette-Jack said she recruited Sinclair because of her 100-percent effort on the court, not where she was from.“We didn’t look at small-town or big town, city or suburbs,” Jack said. “She practiced with such an intensity and purpose that she would be a great player for me”.Junior Forward for the HoosiersFrom growing up as an Indiana fan and watching basketball games from the stands of Assembly Hall to playing on Branch McCracken Court, being a Hoosier basketball player has been a breathtaking experience for the Eminence native.Sinclair and Jack share a connection with both growing up and eventually playing at the college “in their backyard.” Sinclair now plays at Indiana, and Jack played at Syracuse.“She loves Indiana and the thought process of being a Hoosier was intriguing because it reminded me of myself,” Jack said.Last year, Sinclair appeared in all 29 games, averaging 6.9 points and 2.6 rebounds per game. With the losses of the top-three leading scorers from last year due to graduation, Sinclair was chosen as one of the team’s captains.Sinclair’s small-town roots have helped develop her in a leadership position with the team.Jack elaborated on Sinclair’s contagious energy that the other players thrive on.“She is going to give us these intangibles that we pray that she’s going to continue to bring,” Jack said. “We want that hard work, leave-it-on-the-line mentality for the Hoosiers, and hopefully one day (she will) leave her legacy.”
(10/17/11 3:27am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>IU Coach Felisha Legette-Jack did her best to hype up the women’s basketball team before the men’s team took over at Hoosier Hysteria. The first 30 minutes of the event were dedicated to the introductions, drills, and scrimmage for the women’s team.“I am thrilled to be a Hoosier,” the coach said to open her address to the crowd.Looking at the crowd of more than 16,000, Legette-Jack said this season was “the start of something big.” Among the reasons for optimism the coach mentioned were the team’s junior college transfers, including junior guard Jasmine McGhee, the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association Junior College player of the year, and junior forward Linda Reubene. Associate Head Coach Jose Mori introduced the five new players for team, which included Rubene, McGhee, freshman point guard Candyce Ussery,, freshman guard Necole Sterling and freshman center Quaneisha McCurty. New additions extended to the coaching staff, including assistant coaches Whitney Thomas and Charlene Thomas-Swinson and graduate assistant Jimmy Colloton.Legette-Jack also recognized the team’s veterans, calling the senior class of guard Alisha Goodwin, forward Danilsa Andujar and forward Georgia Jones, “The Rock”. After player and staff introductions, the Hoosiers started with the lay-up drill and a full-court weave drill. Following the drills was a three-point shootout between junior forward Aulani Sinclair and Rubene. Sinclair prevailed, defeating the Latvia-native 5-4. Finishing off the practice was a 10-minute intra-squad scrimmage. Junior center Sasha Chaplin played extensively in the scrimmage after being plagued with injuries during the past few years.The Hoosiers open the season with an exhibition game against St. Ambrose at 7 p.m. Nov. 3 in Assembly Hall.
(10/17/11 3:24am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>The IU volleyball team had a different script to the same ending. IU volleyball (8-11, 0-8) lost another two games this weekend at home against two Big Ten opponents. After winning eight of the first 10 games this season, the Hoosiers have lost their last 10.On Friday, No. 24 Ohio State (14-6, 4-3) defeated IU in four sets, 25-16, 23-25, 25-12 and 26-24, at University Gym.Emily Danks, OSU junior outside hitter, led both sides with 21 kills and played a crucial role, blocking in the Buckeyes’ front line defense. OSU finished with a .408 attack percentage to IU’s .137.The Hoosiers were led by junior right-side hitter Kelci Marschall with 13 kills and junior outside hitter Ivie Obeime with 10 kills.Senior libero Caitlin Cox recorded 19 digs, as well as one of the IU’s two serving aces in the game.“Our communication was better, our effort was better,” Marschall said. “I think we were a whole lot more aggressive with everything.”On Saturday, the same result was written into the record book, but this loss took three sets.No. 9 Penn State (14-6, 4-3) beat the Hoosiers in three sets, 25-18, 25-16 and 25-21.The crowd showed up with good attendance, even with Hoosier Hysteria the same night.“I was really happy with our crowd, even going against Hoosier Hysteria,” IU Coach Sherry Dunbar said.Marschall had six kills in the game.Junior middle blocker Samantha Thrower also added six kills.“We really made Penn State play hard,” Dunbar said. “Every point was a mini-battle for them.”So far, Big Ten play hasn’t been easy for the Hoosiers, and eight of the next 12 games are against ranked Big Ten opponents.“Every game and every point is going to be a fight,” Marschall said. “The harder we work, the better we get.”Dunbar discussed the game plan to improve at this point in the season.“We need to win the battles in practice,” Dunbar said. “Also, we still need to find that potential, and there are still a lot of games left.”
(09/30/11 2:13am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>The IU Athletics motto is “24 Sports, 1 Team”. But there is one sport missing that most Big Ten universities have — gymnastics. In women’s gymnastics, eight of the 12 Big Ten schools have a varsity in program. In men’s, seven of the 12 schools have programs (Michigan State has a women’s program, but not a men’s).Indiana did once have a gymnastics program in men’s and women’s, but they were both disbanded in the mid-1980s. IU hasn’t had a varsity gymnastics program in more than 25 years, but is there a possibility for the program to be brought back? IU Gymnastics HistoryIU did have a gymnastics program from 1949 to 1982. In 1982, IU Athletics dropped men’s gymnastics and women’s field hockey. These programs were cut off due to NCAA regulations making changes in scholarship distribution for Olympic sports. IU’s decision was to eliminate those two sports instead of hurting the strength of other Olympic sports. Also, men’s gymnastics and women’s field hockey were having recruiting troubles, due to instability of varsity high school programs in the southern Indiana area. To add to that, men’s gymnastics was a sport with insurance concerns. Rounding out the list of reasons to cut the program was that the facilities weren’t up to par. “We also had the poorest facilities available to support men’s gymnastics and women’s field hockey,” IU Sports Information Director JD Campbell said.The women’s gymnastics program only lasted eight years (1978-1985).In 1985, three years after the men’s program was ended, the women’s program followed for similar reasons. It was mainly due to declining high school sponsorship of gymnastics, which made recruiting tougher to get the best talent in nearby areas.IU Club GymnasticsSince the departure of both IU gymnastics programs in the ’80s, there has not been another resurgence of varsity gymnastics.However people can still get involved with gymnastics, not through the varsity level but at the club level. The Gymnastics club team ranges from beginners to high-level competitors. “The average competition level of our team is about a level seven, although we have a few gymnasts who compete at a level nine competition,” IU club gymnast Ashley Smith said. The levels range based off of experience and talent, which contribute to club traveling capabilities to competition in the region or other surrounding areas against various colleges. Recent members of the club team have tried to bring up the idea of a varsity team, but it never came to fruition. The last president of the club gymnastic squad, Billy Gruin, led the charge. “Gruin was working with some people to try and bring a varsity team to IU, but he was never successful,” IU club gymnast Caitlin Radke said.The Future of Gymnastics at IUIU club gymnastics is positive about a varsity program returning to IU because of the impact it would make.“The club team would love it if a varsity team was brought to IU, because that would improve the level of our club team,” Smith said.But the possibility looks dim at the moment from the IU Athletic Department’s perspective, due to the funding situation.“We are one of the most underfunded athletic programs in the Big Ten,” Campbell said. “It is more than unlikely that we would add any sports at the varsity level in the future.” So at the moment, the motto “24 Sports, 1 Team” will not change anytime soon.
(09/30/11 2:10am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>The IU Athletics motto is “24 Sports, 1 Team”. But there is one sport missing that most Big Ten universities have — gymnastics. In women’s gymnastics, eight of the 12 Big Ten schools have a varsity in program. In men’s, seven of the 12 schools have programs (Michigan State has a women’s program, but not a men’s).Indiana did once have a gymnastics program in men’s and women’s, but they were both disbanded in the mid-1980s. IU hasn’t had a varsity gymnastics program in more than 25 years, but is there a possibility for the program to be brought back? IU Gymnastics HistoryIU did have a gymnastics program from 1949 to 1982. In 1982, IU Athletics dropped men’s gymnastics and women’s field hockey. These programs were cut off due to NCAA regulations making changes in scholarship distribution for Olympic sports. IU’s decision was to eliminate those two sports instead of hurting the strength of other Olympic sports. Also, men’s gymnastics and women’s field hockey were having recruiting troubles, due to instability of varsity high school programs in the southern Indiana area. To add to that, men’s gymnastics was a sport with insurance concerns. Rounding out the list of reasons to cut the program was that the facilities weren’t up to par. “We also had the poorest facilities available to support men’s gymnastics and women’s field hockey,” IU Sports Information Director JD Campbell said.The women’s gymnastics program only lasted eight years (1978-1985).In 1985, three years after the men’s program was ended, the women’s program followed for similar reasons. It was mainly due to declining high school sponsorship of gymnastics, which made recruiting tougher to get the best talent in nearby areas.IU Club GymnasticsSince the departure of both IU gymnastics programs in the ’80s, there has not been another resurgence of varsity gymnastics.However people can still get involved with gymnastics, not through the varsity level but at the club level. The Gymnastics club team ranges from beginners to high-level competitors. “The average competition level of our team is about a level seven, although we have a few gymnasts who compete at a level nine competition,” IU club gymnast Ashley Smith said. The levels range based off of experience and talent, which contribute to club traveling capabilities to competition in the region or other surrounding areas against various colleges. Recent members of the club team have tried to bring up the idea of a varsity team, but it never came to fruition. The last president of the club gymnastic squad, Billy Gruin, led the charge. “Gruin was working with some people to try and bring a varsity team to IU, but he was never successful,” IU club gymnast Caitlin Radke said.The Future of Gymnastics at IUIU club gymnastics is positive about a varsity program returning to IU because of the impact it would make.“The club team would love it if a varsity team was brought to IU, because that would improve the level of our club team,” Smith said.But the possibility looks dim at the moment from the IU Athletic Department’s perspective, due to the funding situation.“We are one of the most underfunded athletic programs in the Big Ten,” Campbell said. “It is more than unlikely that we would add any sports at the varsity level in the future.” So at the moment, the motto “24 Sports, 1 Team” will not change anytime soon.
(04/28/11 2:25am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>With the NFL Draft today, talented prospects will have their fate sealed by one envelope.The draft brings a very talented quarterback class that could have seven or more quarterbacks going in the first three rounds.Players’ futures will be determined, and many will finally be themselves pros, even if the lockout still looms.First Five PicksNo. 1 Carolina PanthersWith the first selection, Carolina could select Auburn quarterback Cam Newton His 6-foot-6-inch size, as well as his strong arm, remind me of Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. He ran a 4.59 40-yard dash and can escape if pressured in the pocket. They do already have a young QB in Jimmy Clausen, but he under performed last season, throwing three touchdowns and nine interceptions. Will the team pass up on a possible franchise quarterback?No. 2 Denver BroncosAlabama DT Marcell Dareus is a safe choice for the Broncos. He could have an immediate effect on a defensive line that needs help. In 2010, the Broncos were 31st in the NFL in opponent rush yards. The Broncos finished last in sacks with 23. The Broncos could pass on him for cornerback Patrick Peterson, but the Broncos need more help against the run than the pass.No. 3 Buffalo BillsFor a team that lacked in sacks last season, Texas A&M linebacker Von Miller would be a good pick for the Bills. His freakish physical attributes make him a solid pick. His 4.46 40-yard dash shows that he has the speed to pressure the QB when needed. If Newton drops to the third pick, though, the Bills would take him.No. 4 Cincinnati BengalsGeorgia wide receiver A.J. Green would be a great addition to the Bengals because it would give QB Carson Palmer another weapon who could have an immediate effect on the field with his great height and phenomenal hands. Also, Green would be learning from one of the best wide receivers, Chad Ochocinco. The biggest issue with Green is his low Wonderlic score (10 points), but the Bengals probably won’t pass on Green due to his ability to put points on the board.No. 5 Arizona CardinalsMany people think the Cardinals will draft Missouri QB Blaine Gabbert with their fifth pick. However, they could hold off and pick up a QB with their second pick. Louisiana State University cornerback Patrick Peterson could be a good pick for Arizona’s secondary. He tied for the second fastest time at the Combine in the 40-yard dash at 4.34,. Peterson is by far the best cornerback in the draft. Will the Cardinals choose Gabbert for his talent or go with Peterson for the secondary help?
(04/21/11 3:15am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>It has become a hot topic for debate.College basketball talents have the choice of whether or not they want to go pro after only their freshman year.The NBA only found it necessary for a player to have one year of college experience before entering the pros, which has created the term “one-and-done.”This year will be different with the one-and-dones because of the possible NBA lockout.This situation leaves athletes in a dilemma.They can stay another year in college and wait to be drafted next year or enter this year’s draft and possibly force a lockout where they won’t get paid. Certain players have realized that staying an extra year might help them in the long run because they won’t have to deal with the lockout situation.North Carolina’s Harrison Barnes, Ohio State’s Jared Sullinger and Baylor’s Perry Jones all decided that staying another year would be the right move.These guys have made the right decision because now they have another year to develop their skills on and off the court.Players who aren’t nearly as highly touted as some of these young stars stay all four years to improve their chances and also earn a degree to be applied to a career if the NBA doesn’t pan out.Bob Knight was a clear advocate of not just helping student-athletes make it to NBA but also helping them earn a college degree.Knight stated his viewpoint on one-and-dones in a speech in Wabash, Ind., which reiterated his traditional college basketball coaching style.Still, some of these talented athletes elect to take the short-term approach. The NBA’s possible lockout would certainly affect this year’s draft, but it’s hard to tell what will happen.Regardless, the fact of the matter is that the draft is June 23 and the deadline for the new Collective Bargaining Agreement is July 1.John Calipari took the Kentucky job two years ago and has created a one-and-done team every year.Last year, Calipari sent six to the pros — four of them as freshmen. This year, three Wildcats have made the decision to declare for the draft.This trend could continue as long as there isn’t a rule in place to keep kids in school longer.I’m not saying one-and-dones can’t be players in the pros, but with a possible NBA lockout looming and an extra year for basketball development, staying might be the best option.These next few months will be interesting to watch if a new CBA can get figured out.One thing we do know is that without a rule change on eligibility in the future, this stigma of the one-and-done will continue, which isn’t necessarily good for college basketball.The paths of the NBA’s future stars will be hard to determine, but for now, the smarter move might be staying on a college campus. — amsiegal@indiana.edu
(04/15/11 4:19am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>As the NBA’s best are set to take flight, I look at which teams control the first round series and which dark horses have the potential to make some noise. Here are the teams to watch for: Chicago BullsThere is no shocker here.The Bulls are playing really good team basketball right now, averaging the ninth most assists per game in the NBA, and that makes them a heavy favorite.First-year coach Tom Thibodeau has done a great job taking over this team, but the production from his quality roster has certainly helped.Guard Derrick Rose is my pick to win MVP, leading the Bulls with 25.1 points per game and dishing out almost eight assists a game.Rose is a player that can do a little bit of everything on the court and could lead the Bulls back to the finals.Center Joakim Noah and forward Carlos Boozer have been monsters off the glass, contributing a combined 20.1 rebounds per game.Chicago should have an easy series against the Pacers but may have trouble in the later rounds to more experienced teams.New York KnicksThe Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire tandem is one of the best combos in the NBA, averaging almost half of the Knicks points per game.Anthony can score off those long jump shots while Stoudemire can use his strength inside to get points and clear the boards.The New York front court will need to stop the Celtics inside threat if they hope to make it past the first round.Point guard Chauncey Billups wasn’t the best transaction in the long term, but for now, the playoff experience he brings will definitely help.We will soon find out if the major trade before the deadline aids the Knicks in crucial times during the playoffs.Dallas MavericksStats show that the Mavericks are a very unselfish team, averaging 23.7 assists per game, second in the NBA.That unselfish play will certainly help them during their first round series against Portland.Dallas guard Jason Kidd is one of the NBA’s best distributors and complements the scoring ability of Dirk Nowitzki.The x-factor to this team is small forward Shawn Marion, who brings athleticism and versatility to the floor. But eventually the Mavericks will run into problems with the other team from the Lone Star State, the San Antonio Spurs.Oklahoma City ThunderThe Thunder may be the dark horse of the NBA playoffs because of its youthful talent and high scoring ability (fifth in the NBA in points per game).Oklahoma City is able to average 104.8 points per game because of one of the league’s best players, Kevin Durant, and his scoring sidekick guard, Russell Westbrook.One of the best additions any team made before the trade deadline was the Thunder trading for center Kendrick Perkins, which was needed because of the dominant Western Conference big men.Perkins adds an inside presence and physicality unlike any other player in the league.The Nuggets will be another tough team to play against in the first round, but home court advantage certainly helps.
(04/07/11 2:37am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Everyone knows that all sports have long-standing traditions: the seventh-inning stretch in baseball, rushing the court/field after an upset in college sports and giving a Gatorade bath to the winning football coach after a big win.Easily, the biggest sports tradition in the game of golf is putting on the green jacket.Since 1949, this tradition has been used to honor the winner of the Masters Tournament who is given the famous blazer in front of the crowd at Augusta.This Sunday that tradition will happen again, just like it has happened every year for the past 62 years. It is unlike any other golf tournament in the world. IU men’s golf coach Mike Mayer called the Masters “The Holy Grail of Professional Golf.”The hallowed grounds of Augusta, Ga., will be filled with golf enthusiasts from all around the world, and young players will be in the running for the top spot.The Augusta National course will challenge its golfers to play their best golf if they want a chance to wear the green jacket.It will be difficult to predict who will win this year’s Masters, but one thing we do know is that the world’s best golfers will be looking to cement their names among the greats this weekend.Players to followDustin JohnsonThe young star really shocked many people because of his long driving ability and precise iron shots.In seven of 23 events last year he finished in the top 10.Last year, Johnson didn’t always putt well in pressure situations during major tournaments.But last year’s follies will turn into this year’s successes, as he is in the top 20 on the total money board.Control of golf clubs has been key for Johnson, and he will need to have as few mistakes as possible.Will Johnson have poise, or will he crack under the pressure in one of the biggest golf tournaments of the year?Anthony KimKim finished third in last year’s Masters due to a third round 73 but then came back and shot seven under par on the last day.His style fits this golf course because he has good course management to shoot around the trees and other hazards.Kim is a player looking for that major win to take his career to the next level.His calm demeanor on the course will help him in the later rounds of the tourney like it did last year.Although Kim hasn’t done so well thus far in the season, he will be in contention to take home the green jacket. Luke DonaldThis English golfer is used to playing in difficult weather conditions, which could be a problem this weekend. If the weather proves to be an issue in the early rounds, don’t expect Donald to be flustered.The last five years he has finished in the top 50 in the final rankings.Confidence will also help Donald is his quest for golf history.Donald’s skills will be put to the test, but I believe he’ll do more than just crack the top 50.— amsiegal@indiana.edu
(03/31/11 2:53am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>This Final Four was anything but predictable.There are no No. 1 or 2 seeds left in the tourney, which has never happened.Two out of 5.9 million that filled out the bracket on ESPN.com got the Final Four right.As you see with this Final Four, there are great coaches, solid defenses and talented players on each team that have gotten them this far.But this Final Four still has no clear-cut favorite, and the only thing we know for sure is that a mid-major team will be in the National Championship ... again.No. 8 Butler vs. No. 11 VCUCBS 6:09 p.m.Experience does help, which leans toward the Bulldogs’ side. They played in this game last year and defeated Michigan State to eventually lose to Duke in the championship game.Butler is led by guard Shelvin Mack and forward Matt Howard, who have done a good job of filling the void left by last year’s star Gordon Hayward.Their ability to knock down clutch shots and limit second-chance points in the final minutes has been on their side for most of the tournament. VCU’s defense has been a major positive for the team, as we saw against Kansas and its ability to stop the Jayhawks from converting easy shots.VCU coach Shaka Smart will likely advise point guard Joey Rodriguez to get good ball movement through the vaunted Butler defense.Although VCU is a mid-major team that didn’t win its conference, the Rams are making their presence known especially from the scoring ability from forward Jamie Skeen.But Butler coach Brad Stevens’ ability to coach in crunch time will give the Bulldogs the slight edge.Butler 72 — VCU 69No. 4 Kentucky vs. No. 3 ConnecticutCBS 8:49 p.m.The Wildcats are a team of one-and-dones that have gotten better as the season has continued.Kentucky’s three freshman sensations, Brandon Knight, Doron Lamb and Terrance Jones, have scored the majority of the points.Senior forward Josh Harrelson is the unsung hero of this team because of all the behind-the-scenes things he does. Harrelson is constantly grabbing offensive rebounds, guarding dominant big men and bringing defensive physicality in the paint.All of those things contribute to what makes this Wildcat team well-rounded.On the other end, junior guard Kemba Walker leads UConn.Walker is a scorer that makes shots from the anywhere floor.Every star needs his or her supporting cast, and Walker has that in guard Jeremy Lamb and forward Alex Oriakhi.Lamb has grown as a player through the tourney and into another scoring weapon for Calhoun.Both have a very up-tempo style, but the key for Kentucky is stopping Walker.Walker will be slowed down by the Kentucky defense, which is one of the keys to the game.The talented youth of Kentucky helps them get the win in this one.Kentucky 76 — UConn 70 Championship Game — UK vs. ButlerApril 4 Butler’s game this year will be very different from last year’s championship due to a younger and higher-scoring opponent in Kentucky.If the Bulldogs don’t get in early foul trouble it will greatly increase their chances of winning their first national championship.But if Knight distributes like he has been doing throughout the tournament, then Butler could have the same finish like last year.Andrew Smith and Matt Howard will need to work together to stop Kentucky’s inside presence.I see another close game like last year, but this time the Bulldogs will come out as the victor due to Mack’s ability to hit the clutch shot in final minutes.Experience in pressure moments will help the Bulldogs, especially in this game.Last year’s devastation will turn into this year’s celebration for the Bulldogs.Butler 68 — UK 66— amsiegal@indiana.edu
(03/28/11 7:13pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>The road to Houston is set with four teams that were hard to predict.UConn is the team back in the spotlight, UK is the storied program, Butler is the never-say-die team and VCU is the Cinderella team. Although this Final Four may have been unpredictable, it’s what most people want to see happen in March Madness.Will the winner be Butler, a Horizon League team that has gone back-to-back in the Final Four, or VCU, a team that has never gotten past the second round until this year?This is the first time ever without a No. 1 or 2 seed playing in the Final Four.The quest for greatness is just two wins away.Which team will be cutting down the nets April 4 and which teams will be on a plane home without a championship trophy?UConnHead coach Jim Calhoun has experience in March and April.The Huskies have been in the Final Four three times before (1999, 2004 and 2009) with Calhoun at the helm.They have demonstrated that they have consistency after beating four then-ranked teams in four days to win the Big East Tournament crown.The team is led by one of the best players in the nation in guard Kemba Walker, who is averaging 24 points per game.The Bronx native was a part of the 2009 team that went to the Final Four and received Big East All-Rookie team honors that year.But the star has to have his supporting cast show up and continue to compete at a high level. Freshmen guards Jeremy Lamb and Shabazz Napier have been answering that call, especially in the tournament.Butler No mid-major conference team has ever been in the Final Four in consecutive years.But the Bulldogs defied the odds and did it again.Coach Brad Stevens may be young, but his leadership ability and never-say-die attitude has been emulated by the fight of his players.Even without last year’s star Gordon Hayward, Butler got back to the promised land thanks to the play of Shelvin Mack and Matt Howard.Facing a VCU squad that has gone through some of the tournament’s best teams will be a true test for the Bulldogs. VCU The Rams are the epitome of a Cinderella team because they had to play their way in the tourney (defeating USC) and haven’t stopped winning since.Including the win against the Trojans, VCU has defeated four straight teams in major conferences. It played its way in the tourney due to losing its conference championship game against Old Dominion.Only two No. 11 seeds have made it this far before, including another Virginia team, George Mason University, in 2006.Head coach Shaka Smart has done a phenomenal job preparing his team for each matchup.Point guard Joey Rodriguez leads his team on the floor and has done a great job so far of dishing the ball to players like Skeen.They will be facing a Butler team who was in their shoes last year, but will the pressure of the Final Four get to the Rams?KentuckyKentucky is used to being in the spotlight.In fact, this year makes it its 14th time in the Final Four.Out of those 14 times, it has won the Championship seven times, which puts it second-most of all time. Although the Wildcats might be a young team, they are a well-coached team.Kentucky has a fast-paced offense that is capable of putting up points in a hurry. All of Kentucky’s players were high-recruited coming out of college, unlike Butler’s or VCU’s players.The two freshman five-star recruits, guard Brandon Knight and forward Terrance Jones, have led the Wildcats to the point. Similar to UConn, Kentucky has a solid big man in forward Josh Harrellson.This Final Four matchup will test two great coaches with talented players and could easily come down to the final buzzer.— amsiegal@indiana.edu