East Carolina

Carolinas/Region

Conference USA

January 15, 2006

From Bonesville.net
-AP: Miners shut down Pirates
-BVL: ECU vs. UTEP Box Score
-Nuggets: Notes from ECU, C-USA and beyond
� Hawaii on itinerary of ECU's Moore, Whimper
� C-USA Basketball Scoreboard & Schedule

UTEP Downs East Carolina 58-45
   Jason Williams was 8-of-13 for 22 points and had 10 rebounds in UTEP's 58-45 win over East Carolina on Saturday night. East Carolina, which trailed 29-18 at the half, hit only about 33 percent of its shots while the Miners made almost 48 percent of theirs.
ecupirates.com

From El Paso Times
-Miners slam Pirates
   UTEP wins first C-USA home game
-Tofi collects 700th rebound

Williams Leads Miners to 2-0 Start in Conference USA
utepathletics.com

UTEP hands Pirates another C-USA road setback
   The East Carolina men's basketball team traveled more than 1,900 miles for its Conference USA matchup with UTEP on Saturday night. Somewhere along the way, the Pirates lost their shooting touch.
Greenville Daily Reflector

Running down a dream
   Kenyatta Campbell has a dream - and now he's going after it.
New Bern Sun Journal

McCarthy hires top assistant
   Former Pirate assistant Jeff Jagodzinski will be Packers offensive coordinator
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Mason dazzles
   The highly recruited tight end already has visited East Carolina and will take a trip to Temple before deciding where to play college football.
NorthJersey.com

Recruiting notebook
   Cornerback Fred Wilson and offensive lineman Willie Barton have committed to East Carolina.
Macon Telegraph

January 14, 2006

From Bonesville.net
-Nuggets: Notes from ECU, C-USA and beyond
� Former ECU assistant Berry joins staff at Miami
� C-USA Basketball Scoreboard & Schedule
WNCT: Talk of the Town

Lady Pirates Fall To Houston, 54-45, In First Home Conference Game
ecupirates.com

Pirate Gameday
Men's Basketball vs. UTEP
 9:00 pm ET - El Paso, TX
 AUDIO/VIDEO: CSTV All Access (PPV)

From the Greenville Daily Reflector
-Pirates land in Texas to play on 'Glory Road'
   Forty years ago, Texas Western changed the landscape of college sports forever...The film's release also has sparked more enthusiasm in the fan base of UTEP, which is the next stop for the East Carolina men's basketball team in Conference USA play.
-Horrific shooting dooms ECU women in loss

UTEP Shoots For 2-0 League Start on Saturday
utepathletics.com

From El Paso Times
-Miners ready for first C-USA home game
   UTEP will pay a brief tribute to the old and then ring in the new tonight when East Carolina visits the Don Haskins Center
-Miners on pace to set team assist record

Berry to coach UM QBs
   Coker has a long history with Berry, who he coached as a quarterback at Tulsa and mentored as a young coach.
Florida Sun Sentinel

January 13, 2006
Friday the Thirteenth

From Bonesville.net
-O'Brien: Slam Dunks No. 2
� League cakewalk not what Memphis needs
-AP: Calipari prods Tigers to best start in 20 years
BVL Audio: Calipari remarks after ECU-Memphis game
-Nuggets: Notes from ECU, C-USA and beyond
� Southern Miss punter wins prestigious award
� C-USA Basketball Scoreboard & Schedule
WNCT: Talk of the Town

From ecupirates.com
-Men's Basketball Travels To UTEP Saturday
   East Carolina makes its first Conference USA road trip of the season this weekend as it travels to El Paso, Texas for a first-ever meeting with league newcomer UTEP. The game is scheduled for 9 p.m. EST (7 p.m. MST) tip-off at the Don Haskins Center.
-From The Desk Of Terry Holland
   East Carolina University Director of Athletics Terry Holland offers his thoughts and hopes for the "Power of One", Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium sell-outs and the Pirate Nation as ECU begins preparations for a new "Game Day" environment and way of thinking in Greenville.

Women's Basketball Heads To ECU For Friday Night Matchup
   The University of Houston women's basketball team hits the road for the first time in nearly a month for a 7 p.m. EST Friday-night tilt against East Carolina in Williams Arena
uhcougars.com

UTEP hopes to build on 1-0 league start
   ... But the Miners know they have just begun. Saturday night UTEP will play host to East Carolina ... ... East Carolina was tied with Memphis 32-32 at the half.
El Paso Times

From the Greenville Daily Reflector
-Newcomers stepping up for Pirates
   Seven newcomers on this year's East Carolina men's basketball team got their first taste of Conference USA action on Wednesday night and, if their effort was any indication of what's to come, the Pirates could have a bright future in the new-look league.
-Pirate women back home to play Houston
-Spurrier- Thompson won't return to team

Thompson won�t rejoin USC�s staff
   Question of whether co-defensive coordinator resigned or was fired is central to his contract buyout
Columbia (SC) The State

FIBA- USA - Anne Donovan will lead USA Women Team
   Under Donovan, ECU bettered that mark in her first year as the Lady Pirates posted 11 wins during the 1995-96 campaign and in the 1996-97 season East Carolina scored 13 wins and advanced to the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Tournament championship game for the first time since 1992.
noticias.info

January 12, 2006
Batman TV Show Premier Anniversary

From Bonesville.net
-Myatt: View From The 'ville
� High praise from unexpected quarters
-AP: Tigers escape Pirates' lair
-BVL: ECU vs. Memphis Box Score
BVL Audio: ECU-Memphis postgame interviews
-Nuggets: Notes from ECU, C-USA and beyond
� I-A coaches ponder replay, Friday night games
� C-USA Basketball Scoreboard & Schedule
WNCT: Talk of the Town

From the Greenville Daily Reflector
-Pirates fail to tame Tigers
   Teams in the upper echelon of Conference USA are starting to realize that every time they step into East Carolina's Minges Coliseum, it's going to be a dogfight.
-Memphis freshmen utilizing bond built in NC
   Call it the Laurinburg Pipeline.
-Football recruit wowed by ECU
   As part of this year's East Carolina football signing class, defensive end Willie Smith stands apart from many of the others in that he didn't need any second opinions, and spent no time on other campuses.

ECU Falls In C-USA Opener, 77-67
ecupirates.com

ECU hangs tough vs. No. 5 Memphis
   We are getting better each day and are on the doorstep of being one of the better teams in the conference," East Carolina sophomore forward Jeremy Ingram said
Kinston Free Press

Pirates fall to Tigers
   As East Carolina headed into its first Conference USA matchup of the season Wednesday against the fifth-ranked Memphis Tigers, the big question was which Pirate team would show up.
Washington Daily News

Pirates just miss
   Memphis may not have shot the ball like a top-5 team Wednesday night, but it did just enough to win.
New Bern Sun Journal

From the Memphis Commercial Appeal
-Tigers floor 'em
   "They came out and played like it was the Final Four," he said. "They were there until there was a minute left. They could've easily won the game. So we were just lucky to get out of here with a win."
-Tigers replay

From the Raleigh News & Observer
-Memphis navigates past scrappy ECU
   Memphis is still figuring out the best way to attack a zone defense and play on the road with a target on its back.
-ECU offers advanced bassin'
   ECU's Continuing Education Department, in conjunction with ESPN Outdoors and BASS, will offer the Bassmaster University Masters Series classes

Idle veteran Blake still pitching in
   Blake, who was in the Super Bowl last season but didn't play with the Philadelphia Eagles, is getting a lot out of each day without knowing how much longer his career will span.
Chicago Sun Times

January 11, 2006
"Designated Hitter" Rule - Anniversary

From Bonesville.net
-Bradsher: The Bradsher Beat
� Ingram brings positive package to Pirates
-AP: C-USA opener: Tigers ready for zone at ECU
-Nuggets: Notes from ECU, C-USA and beyond
� Fan day signals approach of baseball season
� Area radio stations announce T-shirt promotion
� C-USA Basketball Scoreboard & Schedule
WNCT: Talk of the Town
WNCT: Brian Bailey Show

From ecupirates.com
-Pirates Open C-USA Play Wednesday Against No. 5 Memphis
-Kimberly Lewellen Named Head Women's Golf Coach At East Carolina
-ECU Announces Baseball's Annual "Meet the Pirates"

From the Greenville Daily Reflector
-Eyes on the Tigers
   For the first time ever, the East Carolina men's basketball team will host a top-five team when No. 5 Memphis comes to town to open up Conference USA play.
-Georgia running back opts to join Pirates
   At the tender age of 17, Kennard Reeves will be one of the youngest current college football players to do practically anything if he makes it onto the field as a true freshman next fall.

From the New Bern Sun Journal
-ECU hosts Memphis
-Minges will be rocking
   Just ask Louisville and Marquette. Both teams have experienced defeat on the Pirates home court as Top 25 teams.

East Carolina opens C-USA play against No. 5 Memphis
Kinston Free Press

From the Memphis Commercial Appeal
-Pirates coach has high hopes
   Here's why: Stokes was there at biggest hoops upset
-No. 5 Tigers vs. East Carolina
-The new Conference USA; From bad to worse
   As the most visible and high-profile ambassador regardless of sport or school affiliation in Conference USA, John Calipari has a responsibility. He must trumpet the league at each opportunity

Roundball Pirates continue to progress
The East Carolinian

Memphis Basketball Notes
gotigersgo.com

Preview- No. 5 Memphis at East Carolina
covers.com

January 10, 2006

From Bonesville.net
-Bailey: From The Anchor Desk
� Memphis presents unique historical challenge
-Nuggets: Notes from ECU, C-USA and beyond
� Injuries take toll on East Carolina hoops squad
� Tulane shifts baseball games to Zephyr Field
� C-USA Basketball Scoreboard & Schedule

From ecupirates.com
-Castro Out Indefinitely And Hammonds Out Next Game
-Marc Yellock Named Elon Defensive Line Coach

From palmettosports.com
-Broadhead Commits To ECU
-Andrews Visits East Carolina

Waiting game for Thompson
   According to his contract, Thompson would owe USC $100,000 for each year remaining on his deal if he leaves. Conversely, the university would pay Thompson $155,000 for each remaining year if he is fired without cause....�I did not resign,� said Thompson, who is owed $100,000 a year from East Carolina through Jan. 1, 2008.
Columbia (SC) The State

Who's laughing now?
   ECU Alum Maginnes calls it a career, trades sticks for mike
Charlotte Observer

January 9, 2006
President Richard M. Nixon's Birthday (37th President)

From Bonesville.net
-Hinton: Henry's Highlights
� Calipari & Company loom for evolving Pirates
-Nuggets: Notes from ECU, C-USA and beyond
� National title game drew blowout TV ratings
� C-USA Basketball Scoreboard & Schedule

ECU Closes Out Road Trip With 81-68 Victory Over Memphis
   The East Carolina women's basketball team capped off the season's longest road trip, spanning 11 days and five games, with a 81-68 victory over Memphis and at the same time won their second consecutive Conference USA game.
ecupirates.com

Lady Tigers' losing streak grows to five
Memphis Commercial Appeal

Reigning champions roll
   The Patriots sacked Leftwich four times before Del Rio replaced him with backup David Garrard midway through the fourth. Garrard, an East Carolina alumnus, was sacked twice.
Charlotte Observer

QB debate invades Jags locker room
Jacksonville Times-Union

January 15, 2006

From the Raleigh News & Observer
-Canes control Heels
   North Carolina's fans filed out of the Smith Center stands Saturday afternoon amid debris and defeat, the remnants left by the Hurricanes of Miami.
-Pack's balancing act
   No. 18 N.C. State uses a second-half surge to turn back upset-minded Georgia Tech.
-Devils survive tussle with Tigers
   Free-throw woes hurt host Clemson

From the Durham Herald-Sun
-Awful free-throw performance busts Clemson upset bid
-'Total breakdown,' Miami guard play doom Tar Heels
-Miami simply better than Heels
   May as well face it, Miami flat out deserved it.

From Columbia (SC) The State
-Stukes� buzzer-beater adds to USC�s woes
   Overtime loss leaves Odom�s team alone in SEC East�s cellar
-USC to recruits- Commit, play now
   Spurrier knows he needs a recruiting class that can take the field this fall
-Tigers ahead of �06 recruiting pack
   Clemson plans on wrapping up new class while others are left scrambling

Demon Deacons are missing the point
   Wake Forest is cutting itself with both sides of a basketball sword -- turnovers.
Greensboro News-Record

USF projects profit from bowl trip
Biloxi Sun Herald

From the Charlotte Observer
-NFL: Windy City no breeze
-Xavier puts muscle in win against 49ers
-Shinn's next team move the right one
   String of losses have undermined confidenc
-Winthrop pounds Radford inside, out
-Charlotte event to get boost in '07
   George Shinn isn't foolish enough to move his team back to New Orleans.

January 14, 2006

From the Durham Herald-Sun
-Duke looks to continue dominance of Clemson
-Duke star's numbers down, but Devils' depth is the reason
-Wolfpack looking to keep hot streak alive vs. Georgia Tech today
-Canes win on OT penalty shot

From Columbia (SC) The State
-Odom worried USC�s ego trip is all downhill
   String of losses have undermined confidence Gamecocks gained from NIT title and promising start
-Tigers brace for Duke�s 1-2 punch
   The key to upsetting the Blue Devils is simple; successfully doing it is hard

PGA Tour keeps CCG
   Greensboro tourney will become a part of FedEx Cup series
Winston Salem Journal

From the Raleigh News & Observer
-Seahawks 'alums' all business for Skins
-Line's objective- protect Delhomme

ODU, city near deal on land for football and women's sports
   Old Dominion University and the city have reached broad agreement on a land deal needed to field a football team by 2009 , the university's president and Norfolk's mayor said Friday .
The Virginian Pilot

January 13, 2006

From the Greensboro News-Record
-Like Boy Scouts, Duke is prepared
-College basketball notes- Tickets for Elon-UNCG game almost all gone

From the Charlotte Observer
-Man of big plays, few words
   20 questions for Julius Peppers
-Bobcats want more out of Brezec
-Life of solitude suits Fridge

Southern exposure in the new-look NHL
Durham Herald-Sun

January 12, 2006

Williams, Duke spoils Terps' visit
Durham Herald-Sun

From the Raleigh News & Observer
-Devils slam Terrapins
-Expanded Darlington track expects another sellout
-Hurricanes' Ward to miss 3-6 weeks

From Columbia (SC) The State
-The same �Ole� story
   Odom again tinkers with lineup, but another second-half funk seals USC�s fate vs. Mississippi
-Tigers take a right turn
   Clemson forces 22 turnovers, blocks 15 shots in overtime win against Wake Forest
-SoCon reprimands Charleston coach
   College of Charleston coach Tom Herrion was reprimanded by the Southern Conference on Wednesday for complaining about the officiating after a recent loss at Georgia Southern.

Clutch Shot- Clemson's Hammonds drills a 3
   Wake Forest rallies, only to fall in OT
Winston Salem Journal

From the Charlotte Observer
-PGA schedule shift likely to benefit Quail Hollow event
-Injuries catch up to Bobcats
-Winthrop clamps down on Asheville
-49ers muscle up to Atlantic 10 perch
   Goldwire's scoring, Charlotte's rebounding sink Explorers

Seahawks hit the road again
Wilmington Star-News

January 11, 2006

From the Durham Herald-Sun
-Terps hope for another upset at Cameron
-Heels top Hokies despite miscues
-First period blitz lifts Hurricanes

Bowden hopes to build on 2005
   Clemson recruiting class likely to be among the best in the nation
-USC hoping to reverse fortunes
   The University of South Carolina's second-half collapse against the University of Tennessee wasn't a first this season -- it was only the most glaring: The Volunteers came from 15 points behind to win.

Tigers hoping to play big against Wake
Anderson Independent

Wolfpack walks the talk
   N.C. State uses a balanced offense and a strong game from sophomore Cedric Simmons to rout Boston College
Raleigh News & Observer

From the Winston Salem Journal
-Deacons get ready for road trips
   Unranked WFU to play at Clemson tonight before game at Maryland on Sunday
-Davidson romps in win over Citadel

From Columbia (SC) The State
-Glass clearly reflects Tigers� success rate
   Rebounding figures to be key for their undersized lineup against Wake, Duke
-Second half collapses
   In each of USC�s five losses the story line has gone sour after intermission
-Simpson, Joseph going pro
   Departures mean team must replace three-quarters of starting secondary
-USC Notes | Backups Heffner, Ashcraft seeking action elsewhere
   Sophomore linebacker Lindsey ineligible for 2006 due to grades

January 10, 2006

From the Durham Herald-Sun
-Wolfpack's Morris, McCargo to enter 2006 NFL draft
   Two more North Carolina State players will forgo their senior years and enter the 2006 NFL draft, the university announced on Monday.
-Hokies' road is getting harder
   On one side, things couldn't be much better. On the other, things can't get much worse.

Frye commits to Wake
   Frye chose Wake Forest over scholarship offers from Duke, East Carolina, Vanderbilt and Virginia.
Fayetteville Observer

Marcus Vick now faces gun charges in Suffolk
The Virginian Pilot

From the Raleigh News & Observer
-Pack loses two more
   NCSU now has 4 leaving early.
-Panthers' TV win fuzzy
   the Panthers are winning the battle for central and eastern North Carolina, once Redskins country tried and true.
-Canes won't stop until they hit top

From the Columbia (SC) The State
-Recruiting | Weekend brings crush for USC, Clemson
-USC football | Simpson, Joseph expected to announce for NFL today

From the Winston Salem Journal
-Deacons say they had some missed opportunities against Blue Devils
-Rolling- Red-hot Carolina heading to Chicago
-Better Still- Panthers armed for Bear hunt

January 9, 2006

Odd night at Joel sees Duke victory
   Overcoming the relative, foul-induced absence of Williams with 14-for-28 3-point shooting, the No. 1 Blue Devils got their first win here in four years, a decisive 82-64 verdict over Wake Forest.
Greensboro News-Record

Duke men stuff Wake
Durham Herald-Sun

From the Winston Salem Journal
-No. 1 Blue Devils shoot their way to 82-64 win over Deacs
-Scary- Blue Devils likely to keep getting better
-Apps need win over Catamounts to stop their slide
-Panthers dominant in victory
   Defense pitches shutout as Giants are thoroughly beaten at home
-Shot At Redemption- Panthers eager to play Bears

No drama- Devils better than Deacs
Raleigh News & Observer

Panthers outfox Giants
   On the field where John Fox's reputation started growing, he officially became a genius Sunday.
Charlotte Observer

January 15, 2006

From the Houston Chronicle
-UH suffers a puzzling loss to UCF
   Cougars dropped to 0-2 in Conference USA after Saturday's 66-56 loss to Central Florida at Hofheinz Pavilion Saturday night, and this one was far more baffling than Wednesday's loss at Rice.
-Almond's 3 caps Rice's wild finish in beating Tulane

Wave loses heartbreaker to Rice
New Orleans Times Picayune

Blazers bounce Herd
   Big man Frank Holmes dominated inside, scoring a career-high 22 points, and reserve guard Paul Delaney added 14, leading the Blazers to a 76-64 men's basketball victory over Marshall Saturday night before an involved crowd of 4,561.
Huntington Herald-Dispatch

Surprise scorer lifts UAB past Herd
Charleston (WV) Gazette

Hurricane hits FTs to hold off Eagles
   Brett McDade scored 18 points and Tulsa hit eight of 10 free throws in the final two minutes to beat Southern Miss 72-63 on Saturday.
Jackson Clarion-Ledger

From the Memphis Commercial Appeal
-Tigers cruise by Mustangs
-U of M's new theme - Ignore the score
   SMU scored the first basket of the game. And then, well, this is the new Conference USA after all.
-Tigers replay

Defense helps UCF storm past Houston
Orlando Sentinel

January 14, 2006

Men's Basketball Notebook
conferenceusa.com

Blazers hoping to challenge Memphis in Conference USA
Biloxi Sun Herald

UAB a pressing concern for Marshall
   The Blazers press at every opportunity, an approach that smothered Tulsa in Wednesday's C-USA opener.
Huntington Herald-Dispatch

Blazers' rebounding causes big concerns for Anderson
Birmingham News

Herd has to take care of ball vs. UAB
Charleston (WV) Gazette

From the Memphis Commercial Appeal
-Peers get dose of Williams' magic
   All week long, DeAngelo Williams has been consumed with one thing here at the D1 Sports Training facility, where he is preparing for the 2006 NFL Draft.
-Recruits know U of M through DeAngelo
-Should Carney start or be sixth man?
-Tigers vs. SMU preview

Southern Miss plays at Tulsa in C-USA action
Hattiesburg American

Eagles seek 2-0 start in C-USA play
Biloxi Sun Herald

Forte has grown into USM bruiser
   When Jason Forte arrived at Southern Miss, he was a 200-pound, pop-a-shot scoring guard kind of feeling his way around the edges.
Jackson Clarion-Ledger

MU manager has close ties to tragedy
   Persinger is from the Buckhannon area. He lives in Tennerton, just one town before Tallmansville -- the site of the tragedy.
Charleston (WV) Daily Mail

Freshman brings confidence to floor off Houston bench
Houston Chronicle

Wave seeks to make turn over to smoother offense
   After Tulane's loss to Southern Mississippi this week, Coach Dave Dickerson couldn't help thinking what would have happened if the Green Wave had played better offensively.
New Orleans Times Picayune

January 13, 2006

From the Memphis Commercial Appeal
-Calipari- If you're open shoot the 3
   It got to the point where John Calipari was on the sideline making threats. Among his first targets was Darius Washington.
-Lady Tiger coach sees signs of hope

From the Huntington (WV) Herald-Dispatch
-Prospects to invade Marshall campus
   Recruiting season amps up today with a talented group of prospects touring Marshall's campus
-Herd bursting with confidence
   Morale wasn't exactly spiking on the eve of Marshall's venture into top 25 men's basketball. The Thundering Herd was facing No. 20 George Washington and expectations were modest with a 6-5 record.

Great start for Eagles
Hattiesburg American

Marshall earns big victory in league opener
Charleston (WV) Daily Mail

Eagles put priority on offensive linemen
Jackson (MS) Clarion Ledger

January 12, 2006

Eagles soar to win
   Forte lifts Southern Miss past Tulane
Biloxi Sun Herald

Eagles make fresh start in conference
   With Southern Miss clinging to half of what had been a 12-point lead only three minutes earlier against Tulane, USM freshman guard Courtney Beasley found himself having very bad flashbacks to the last time the Golden Eagles had played at Green Coliseum.
Jackson Clarion Ledger

USM tops Green Wave
   When Tulane committed 30 turnovers three weeks ago in an overtime loss to St. Edward's, it was a sign that the Green Wave had a major problem handling the basketball.
New Orleans Times Picayune

Miners open strong
   Tofi's giant game allows UTEP to win C-USA debut
El Paso Times

From the Houston Chronicle
-Owls make it 4 in a row against Cougars
   Unable to solve a simple zone defense, UH resorted to a barrage of off-target 3-pointers that doomed the Cougars to a 71-62 loss to the Owls in the Conference USA opener for both teams Wednesday night.
-Owls off to good C-USA start

Aikens, Herd win C-USA debut
   Marshall's first-ever Conference USA football game was a devastating loss to UCF in September. On Wednesday night, the Herd got revenge in its inaugural C-USA basketball game.
Huntington (WV) Herald-Dispatch

Marshall rallies to beat UCF
   For one half Wednesday, it seemed as if UCF was going to walk out of its Conference USA opener a step closer to regaining some swagger after stumbling through the past month. 
Orlando Sentinel

UAB 84, Tulsa 54
al.com

January 11, 2006

Defections costly
   The revamped Conference USA men's basketball lineup has lost a lot of its punch and at least one coach isn't very happy about it..."The bottom guys have to catch up," said Memphis' John Calipari
Jackson Clarion Ledger

From conferenceusa.com
-Tulane Baseball to Play 2006 Home Games at Zephyr Field
-USM's Johnson Selected For Woody Hayes Scholar Athlete Award
-Southern Miss Opens League Play Wednesday Against Tulane
-UAB Opens Conference USA Play Against Tulsa
-Owls Begin Conference USA Action against Houston
-Houston Baseball Begins 2006 Season with First Day of Practice

Herd, UCF ready for C-USA debut
   You might call it an eerily equal matchup.
Charleston (WV) Gazette

Herd sees similarities in UCF
   Mirror images clash tonight in Marshall's Conference USA men's basketball debut.
Huntington (WV) Herald-Dispatch

UCF set for C-USA debut
Orlando Sentinel

Golden Eagles to host Wave tonight
   Southern Miss, ready or not, opens Conference USA play against rival Tulane tonight at Reed Green Coliseum.
Biloxi Sun Herald

Wave to begin conference play
   First-year Tulane coach Dave Dickerson isn't pulling any punches with his team. The Green Wave opens play in Conference USA tonight at Southern Miss.
New Orleans Times Picayune

Blazers still getting to know new-look C-USA
   The familiar feeling of conference play doesn't feel so familiar in the new-look Conference USA.
Birmingham News

Reloaded Mustangs leap into C-USA fray
   SMU coach Jimmy Tubbs doesn't believe it's time to raise the level of play just because Conference USA action starts tonight against UT-El Paso.
Dallas Morning News

C-USA play begins today
   UTEP and SMU will begin Conference USA play tonight at Moody Coliseum in Dallas in a battle of two of the league's newest members and a battle of mirror teams.
El Paso Times

C-USA opener with Rice special to UH
   For the first time since their days in the Southwest Conference, Rice (6-7) and Houston (9-3) share a conference, which adds even more heat to the rivalry.
Houston Chronicle

January 10, 2006

From the Memphis Commercial Appeal
-U of M still in top five despite loss to Texas
   The University of Memphis, despite a loss to Texas, remained in the top five of the latest Associated Press poll released Monday. Now, John Calipari would appreciate it if his Tigers (13-2) got back to playing like one of the elite teams in the country.
-Cal says league play is often overrated
   Calipari's frustration comes from the growing opinion that Memphis (13-2) must finish the regular season with a 28-2 record -- or something very close to it -- to have any shot at garnering a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament

From the El Paso Times
-Miners targeting wide receivers
   As UTEP football coaches continue to woo talent on the road in preparation for National Signing Day on Feb. 1
-UTEP men set to begin C-USA
   UTEP is 7-5 going into Wednesday night's date with SMU in Dallas. The Miners just finished a tough three-game stretch -- losing to Georgetown, then losing to Texas Tech and Syracuse on the road.
-Senior center opts to leave UTEP men
   The 6-foot-9 Fuqua did not play in UTEP's last game against Syracuse and had not attended Miner practices the past two days.

Herd begins conference play
   New rivals in a new conference don't necessarily lead to a blank scouting report.
Huntington (WV) Herald-Dispatch

UCF new to Herd in hoops
   New rivals in a new conference don't necessarily lead to a blank scouting report.
Charleston (WV) Gazette

Marshall plays to its opponents' abilities
Charleston (WV) Daily Mail

From conferenceusa.com
-Men's Basketball Notebook
-Women's Basketball Notebook

January 9, 2006

From the Huntington (WV) Herald-Dispatch
-MU recruit killed in crash
   Marshall University football recruit David Gibson was killed late Saturday night while traveling to Huntington, according to his high school football coach, Ira Reynolds....In addition to Marshall, he was recruited by North Carolina, Oklahoma State, East Carolina and Iowa State.
-Herd's confidence unshaken after loss to GW

From the Charleston (WV) Gazette
-Marshall recruit killed in automobile crash
   Marshall University football recruit David Gibson was killed Saturday night in an automobile accident near Atlanta.
-Mark it down- Marshall will finish eighth
   WITH THE latest-starting league season in America ready to begin in the new Conference USA, I have a confession.

Men's Basketball Round-Up
conferenceusa.com

Around Conference USA - Basketball
USA Today

From the Memphis Commercial Appeal
-One for the RPI
   Even in closing and with a solid lead, John Calipari was still going strong, just begging and pleading and sweating like crazy, doing anything possible to ensure his University of Memphis Tigers would finish the game and escape with a win.
-Tigers replay

Winthrop comes up just short again against Memphis
   Bradshaw's 15 points not enough to lift Eagles over No. 4 Tigers
Rock Hill (SC) Herald

Rice makes Major move at offensive coordinator
   Applewhite thin on experience, but Graham says former UT star knows his stuff
Houston Chronicle