Sports

Recker, Fife reunited

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Dane Fife and Luke Recker embraced after No. 17 Iowa's 71-66 victory against IU. It was the first time the former roommates played against each other in a game that mattered.

Hoosiers lose close rematch

Every time the Hoosiers made a run at No. 19 Penn State, the Lady Lions roared back. That was how the game went for the women's basketball team in its 79-70 loss Thursday night.

Injury-plagued Buckeyes suit up goalie, volleyball player

After starting the season 10-0, Ohio State women's basketball coach Beth Burns couldn't help but have high hopes for the Big Ten season. But the Buckeyes' hopes of fighting for an NCAA tournament bid have taken a slight dive. Burns -- coaching a team plagued with injuries -- is now fighting to keep five healthy Buckeyes on the floor.

Ready for war

TAMPA, Fla. -- Making a guarantee he can't keep is one sure way for an NFL coach to quickly become an ex-coach. Another is to pepper every moment with bold, brash statements, then fail to produce a winner.

Hoosiers fall to Penn St.

IU's 79-70 loss to No. 19 Penn State cut two ways Thursday night at Assembly Hall. Along with the Hoosiers dropping their third consecutive conference game and falling further back in the Big Ten standings, they lost two players for the game.

From the other bench: Recker to face Hoosiers

Steve Alford broke the hearts of the rest of the Big Ten during his four-year stint at IU. Luke Recker did much of the same, but his Hoosier tenure lasted only two seasons.

Swimming team facing the pressure

Not that the men's swimming team needed any more motivation, but Saturday's noon meet at Counsilman-Billingsley Aquatic Center against Michigan is also Senior Day and the Hoosiers' final home meet of the season.

Hoosiers look to remain unbeaten

The old and the new will collide for the women's tennis team at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the IU Tennis Pavilion. The old -- classic rival Ball State, a team the Hoosiers have handled in all 10 of their prior meetings. The new -- Bowling Green, a team IU has seen once before in team competition. After a fall season with no team meets, the Hoosiers are 2-0 with wins last weekend against Western Michigan and Miami of Ohio. IU breezed by both teams with one loss in the 14 matches.

Swimmers to face Nittany Lions

As the women's swimming team prepares for its last meet of the regular season today, there is a feeling of confidence and determination. The 19th-ranked Hoosiers (7-0, 4-0 Big Ten) are having their best season since coach Dorsey Tierney took over three years ago and have their sights set on going undefeated.

Team to face Spartan rematch

After a weekend with one win and one loss to conference rival Miami of Ohio, the hockey team travels to East Lansing, Mich., tonight and Saturday to battle Michigan State.

Lopsided loss is motivation

Throughout this week's practice, IU's wrestlers prepared for Sunday's dual at No. 9 Ohio State. A 39-0 loss to fifth-ranked Illinois one week ago serves as their motivation. What will it take for No. 20 Indiana to recover from Sunday's loss and upset the Buckeyes? For head coach Duane Goldman, the answer is simple.

Hoosiers hope for revenge

The odds are stacked against the women's basketball team when it takes on No. 15 Penn State 7:30 p.m. today in Assembly Hall. Not only are the Hoosiers 0-3 against ranked teams this season, that list includes Penn State. The Lady Lions handed IU its worst defeat of the season, 89-68, 11 days ago. "Penn State is the best team I've coached against," coach Kathi Bennett said after the loss. "We played hard, but their size really hurt us."

Jumper brings spirit, substance to IU

One thing was missing from IU's indoor track meet Saturday against visiting Ohio State. That missing factor was one of the biggest sparks the Hoosiers rely on to build momentum.

Hoosiers gear up for first dual meet

After a rigorous fall individual season, the men's tennis team will begin its spring season at 3:30 p.m. Thursday at Notre Dame. It is the first dual meet of the year for the Hoosiers, ranked No. 25 by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association, and the team is eager to begin competitive play.

Wrestlers look to tame conference

The wrestling team will carry an overall record of 10-2 into this weekend. It's a record with which even the most pessimistic of college athletes would be happy. But you won't find any Hoosiers gloating about their winning percentage. They know numbers mean nothing in the Big Ten, by far the top conference in college wrestling.

Runner named athlete of week

Hoosiers keep bragging rights

Mike Davis wasn't going to let it happen again. Saturday in Minnesota, the Hoosiers blew a 13-point lead with fewer than three minutes remaining. Tuesday night against Purdue, IU didn't fall apart. The result was a 66-55 victory for the Hoosiers. After junior guard Dane Fife missed a pair of free throws, Davis, the interim head coach, called a time out with the Hoosiers up 52-45. The Boilermakers (12-6, 4-3 Big Ten) were surging and 3:20 remained. He didn't have to remind the players about the Minnesota game. They watched the game film as soon as they returned from the airport.

Coaches, players excited by 1st IU-Purdue battle

Purdue coach Gene Keady stood with his hand on his hip, his mouth gaping. Fife to Jeffries. Dunk. Keady crossed his arms and scowled. Fife to Haston. Dunk. Keady screamed.

Team seeks turnaround

Sophomore Tom Coverdale is a basketball junkie from Noblesville, Ind., but the former Mr. Basketball couldn't bring himself to watch one game after Saturday's loss to Minnesota. And junior guard Dane Fife, who had his most productive offensive game against the Golden Gophers, said he never felt worse after a basketball game. Saturday's loss hit the Hoosiers hard.

Pacers need new plan of attack

The NBA season is nearing its halfway point, and the Indiana Pacers are barely staying afloat in the Eastern Conference. Heading into tonight's matchup against Atlanta, the defending conference champion Pacers have struggled to a 20-21 record, placing them only a half-game ahead of Cleveland for the eighth and final playoff spot in the East.