East Carolina

Carolinas/Region

Conference USA

January 29, 2006
Chinese New Year

From Bonesville.net
-Batten: Football Recruiting Report
� Stellar QB, big lineman plot course to Greenville
-AP: Rouse lifts Pirates out of doldrums
-BVL: ECU vs. Tulsa Box Score
-Nuggets: Notes from ECU, C-USA and beyond
� Diamond Bucs assign LeClair's No. 23 to Witter
� C-USA Basketball Scoreboard & Schedule

From ecupirates.com
-Men's Basketball Defeats Tulsa To Snap Five-Game Skid
   "It helps when the ball goes in the
LeClair's Jersey No. 23 Awarded To Senior Adam Witter
   Head coach Billy Godwin announced that senior first baseman Adam Witter would wear the honorary No. 23 jersey for the 2006 season.
-Swimming And Diving Teams Down Duke
   Sophomore Megan Pulaski set an East Carolina varsity and Minges Aquatic Center record in the 1,000-yard freestyle

From the Greenville Daily Reflector
-Pirates unload on Tulsa
   "It helps when the ball goes in the basket," Stokes said during his postgame press conference.
-Image of Conference USA continues to evolve
   It would be tough to argue with Conference USA's commissioner about the changing face of his league.
Diamond Bucs give Witter the chance to carry on tradition of uniform No. 23
   The emotional leadership torch of East Carolina's baseball program officially was passed on during a festive gathering on Saturday afternoon at the Murphy Center.

Pirates capture first conference win
   The Pirates snapped their five game losing streak Saturday night as they routed the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes 59-45. With the win, East Carolina captured (7-12, 1-5) its first Conference USA victory of the season
Washington Daily News

Pirates win first C-USA game
   Two and a half weeks of frustration came to an end for East Carolina Saturday night.
Kinston Free Press

Tulsa Falls at East Carolina 59-45
tulanehurricane.com

Pirates defeat Tulsa for first C-USA win
   Tulsa had a full week of basketball practice to prepare for Saturday night's game against last-place East Carolina.
Tulsa World (subscription)

True Blue to the end
   ...But now, Rachel Blue is leaving, off to East Carolina University on a swimming scholarship next fall.
Myrtle Beach Sun News

January 28, 2006

From Bonesville.net
-Nuggets: Notes from ECU, C-USA and beyond
� Tigers eye UCF as next victim in climb up polls
� C-USA Basketball Scoreboard & Schedule
WNCT: Talk of The Town

From the Greenville Daily Reflector
-ECU staying upbeat despite shooting woes
   After five consecutive losses and a 34 percent combined shooting percentage in those contests, some might feel it's time to hang your head and pack it in.
-Rebounding effort helps East Carolina topple SMU
   Even with a bum ankle, Cherie Mills was able to give the East Carolina women's basketball team a lift when it needed it the most.

Mills Leads Pirates To 75-63 Win Over SMU
   The East Carolina women's basketball team improved to 12-6 overall and 4-3 in Conference USA play Friday night
ecupirates.com

Pirates look to right course
   Mired in a five-game losing streak and winless in Conference USA, East Carolina seeks to change course tonight against Tulsa.
New Bern Sun Journal

Familiar faces return in NFLEL free agent draft
   In the free agent draft itself, another NFLEL veteran was chosen as the first pick overall when the Rhein Fire selected former East Carolina defensive tackle JA'WAREN BLAIR, who posted 26 tackles and a pair of sacks for the Amsterdam Admirls in 2004.
oursportscentral.com

January 27, 2006

From Bonesville.net
-Batten: Football Recruiting Report
� ECU receiving corps in for boost from Brumsey
-O'Brien: Slam Dunks No. 3
� Devils' Kryptonite exposed in loss to Hoyas
-Nuggets: Notes from ECU, C-USA and beyond
� Fun, not money, motivating DeAngelo Williams
� C-USA Basketball Scoreboard & Schedule
WNCT: Talk of The Town

From ecupirates.com
-From The Desk Of Terry Holland
   WE...must accept the challenge of helping our coaching staff and players continue to build on a promising foundation, even if the game results do not show the progress that has been made behind the scenes.
-McPhaul Named East Carolina Head Men's Golf Coach
   Current Vanderbilt head coach to take over at end of 2006 season; Pirates tab Kevin Miller as interim coach

From the Greenville Daily Reflector
-Narron returns to baseball roots
   After more than 32 years in professional baseball, Jerry Narron has seen just about every nook and cranny in the country. Narron, a native of Goldsboro...attended East Carolina
-Stokes speaks at Boys & Girls Club dinner
-East Carolina's Mills recovering from injury
   ECU center Cherie Mills injured her ankle against UCF on Sunday when she stepped out of bounds to grab a loose ball and twisted her ankle on the drop off around the edge of the court.
-ECU's No. 23 will be bestowed at Saturday's 'Meet the Pirates'
-Pirates hope to go where he's been
   Link Jarrett is one of a select few members of the East Carolina baseball program who truly understands what it means to reach the ultimate goal of the Pirates

Report- Long took his life by drinking antifreeze
   Long, an All-American at East Carolina, started at right guard for the Steelers from 1984-91. He was suspended in 1991 for violating the league�s substance-abuse policy and attempted suicide with rat poison.
Columbia (SC) The State

Broadhead Commits To USC
   OL Ryan Broadhead (6-6 265) of Leesburg, GA has officially switched his commitment over from East Carolina to USC. "He committed to South Carolina last night," his coach David Johnson said Wednesday. Broadhead visited USC last weekend.
palmettosports.com

January 26, 2006

From Bonesville.net
-Myatt: View From The 'ville
� Holtz shifts from Hula mode to final recruiting push
-AP: Knights trump Pirates
-BVL: ECU vs. UCF Box Score
-Nuggets: Notes from ECU, C-USA and beyond
� Marshall springs shocker on No. 9 West Virginia
� C-USA Basketball Scoreboard & Schedule
  WNCT: Talk of The Town

Men's Basketball Falls At Home To UCF
   Justin Rose scored 18 points and Anthony Williams dropped in 14 as UCF sent East Carolina to its fifth straight loss Wednesday night, 64-59
ecupirates.com

From the Greenville Daily Reflector
-ECU's recruiting efforts coming down the stretch
   Will there be an 11th-hour recruit that picks a purple helmet over all the rest?
-Pirate men tumble again
   With its floor leader missing and its shots still not falling, East Carolina's men's basketball team was saddled with a familiar result on Wednesday night.

Pirates plundered
   ECU goes cold in C-USA loss to Central Florida
New Bern Sun  Journal

East Carolina Pirates lose fifth in a row
Kinston Free Press

UCF holds on against East Carolina
   The UCF men's basketball team peaked early and struggled late, but it was enough to top East Carolina 64-59 on Wednesday.
Orlando Sentinel

Golden Knights, Rose Top East Carolina
ucfathletics.com

Diamond Bucs ready for trek to Omaha
   After a tumultuous off-season, that saw former head coach Randy Mazey forced into resignation, the East Carolina Pirate baseball team fires up the 2006 season
The East Carolinian

Source- Search for QBs coach down to 2
   Former East Carolina coach Steve Logan and former Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Tom Clements appear to be the two candidates for the Green Bay Packers ...
PackersNews.com

Virginia football schedule revealed
   The Cavaliers will host Wyoming (Sept. 9), Western Michigan (Sept. 16) and play at East Carolina (Oct. 7). In 2007, UVa will host Pitt and ECU, while traveling to Wyoming.
Charlottesville Daily Progress

Navy Announces 2006 Football Schedule
   Navy will open up the 2006 campaign with back-to-back home games against East Carolina (Sept. 2) and Massachusetts (Sept. 9). East Carolina finished 5-6 a year ago, including a narrow 20-15 loss to eventual Sugar Bowl Champion, West Virginia....The East Carolina, Massachusetts, Tulsa, Rutgers and Temple games will be televised by CSTV.
cstv.com

ACC sets football schedule
   NC State will have a home-field advantage early, playing five of its first six games in Carter-Finley Stadium. The Pack, which finished 7-5 last season with a Meineke Car Care Bowl victory over South Florida, concludes its season Nov. 25 with the renewal of its rivalry with East Carolina.
Raleigh News & Observer

January 25, 2006

From Bonesville.net
-Bradsher: The Bradsher Beat
� Diamond Bucs gearing up for potent schedule
-Nuggets: Notes from ECU, C-USA and beyond
� Loaded stogie nets trouble for Memphis player
� C-USA Basketball Scoreboard & Schedule
WNCT: Brian Bailey Show (guest Mack McCarthy)
WNCT: Talk of The Town

Right-hand man- McCarthy brings experience to Pirates' bench
   The 53-year-old McCarthy brings a history to the ECU bench which includes head coaching jobs at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga and Virginia Commonwealth
Greenville Daily Reflector

From the Kinston Free Press
-Pirates desperate for a win
    In desperate need of a win, East Carolina seeks its first Conference USA victory of the season tonight against conference newcomer Central Florida
-East Carolina University chancellor has high hopes for school, state

UCF Looking for C-USA Success on the Road
   The UCF men's basketball team will be seeking Conference USA success on the road when the squad faces host East Carolina
ucfathletics.com

NFL- It's Bears or bust in 2006 for veteran Blake
noticias.info

SEC Blitz- Garner again huge for UGA
   ... Wade is a 6-foot-3, 200-pound receiver with good speed. He was committed to East Carolina before switching to Arkansas this week.
rivals.com

January 24, 2006

From Bonesville.net
-Bailey: From The Anchor Desk
� Nothing like a little trip to Hawaii for recruiting
-Nuggets: Notes from ECU, C-USA and beyond
� C-USA slams refs for upholding 'T' on Penders
� NCAA to release RPI ratings for first time
� C-USA Basketball Scoreboard & Schedule
WNCT: Talk of The Town

Frasure Earns Weekly Conference USA Honors
   After jilting Va. Tech to sign with Gamecocks in February, Hannah now plans to transfer
ecupirates.com

From ecupirates.com
-Baseball's "Meet the Pirates" Is Sold Out
   The annual baseball "Meet the Pirates" luncheon scheduled for Jan. 28, 2006
-Frasure, Small Lead Men's Track at Gator Invitational
   Junior Eric Frasure captured his second straight weight throw title with a NCAA provisional qualifying effort of 19.70 meters while freshman Brandon Small highlighted the East Carolina's sprint performances with a second-place finish in the 400-meter dash in a time of 48.91
-East Carolina Women's Track Competes at Gator Invitational
   Sophomore Amy Hart recorded a new personal-best with a 3.66-meter effort in the pole vault

Liberty hires former USC administrator as new athletic director
   Jeff Barber will become the school's ninth athletic director when he starts Feb. 13. He is a 1981 graduate of East Carolina University and grew up in Greenville, NC.
Columbia (SC) The State

January 23, 2006

From Bonesville.net
-Mumau: Hoops Recruiting Report
� Blair sold on coaches, chance to play early
-Nuggets: Notes from ECU, C-USA and beyond
� Epic upset makes long bus ride a journey of joy
� C-USA Basketball Scoreboard & Schedule

Pirates Hit Key Free Throws Down The Stretch To Beat UCF
   The East Carolina women's basketball hit key free throws down the stretch Sunday afternoon to pull away with a 68-63 win over UCF for their third Conference USA victory of the season.
ecupirates.com

East Carolina Second Half Rally Defeats UCF
UCFAthletics.com

January 29, 2006

From the Winston Salem Journal
-Deacs' slide continues
   Unheralded Vassallo has 29 points to lead Hokies to 76-70 win
-Going- Another day, another defeat for Deacs
-Spiders down 49ers; Lutz gets 2 technicals
-Thompson carries Mountaineers

From the Columbia (SC) The State
-Selection committee has its eye on Tigers
   Clemson does not meet some tourney criteria, so a win vs. �Pack would be big
-Whitehurst turns heads at Senior Bowl
-Lofton heats up and USC gives in
   Tennessee guard finds touch and Gamecocks lose control in 2nd half
-USC football commitments
-Clemson football commitments

From the Raleigh News & Observer
-NHL: A perfect 10
   A full house cheers as the Hurricanes honor future Hall of Famer Ron Francis, who returns the favor by paying homage to the adoring fans in his adopted home area.
-NHL: Raleigh will host All-Stars, eventually
   Bettman says host city list backed up
-Redick's 'Rithmetic right on
   Duke star scores 40 on just 13 field-goal tries.
-Heels get back up to speed
-NBA: Hurting Bobcats reach a new low
   Charlotte loses 11th straight game.

NFL: Panthers face hard decisions
   The coming offseason could be challenging for Carolina, which has $98 million committed to a 2006 salary cap expected to be about $92 million, and hopes to re-sign several players to large contracts before free agency starts.
Charlotte Observer

January 28, 2006

From the Winston Salem Journal
-Struggling Deacons, Hokies to square off
   Two of the ACC's most disappointing teams will meet today at the Joel
-State adds a lineman to class but also has two recruits leave
-Mountaineers add three more commitments to football class
-NBA: DIS-MAYED- Knee problems have sabotaged the rookie season for May, and the high hopes the Bobcats had

From the Columbia (SC) The State
-Whitehurst suits up for one more Saturday
   Clemson QB hopes good Senior Bowl showing will boost his NFL draft status
-Listen up, USC not devoid of success

From the Raleigh News & Observer
-Yow brings battle against cancer to court
   Kay Yow paced the sideline Thursday, arms folded as she watched her N.C. State women's basketball team pull out a win over Miami.
-NHL: A night for Ronnie
   Hurricanes to honor Ron Francis by retiring his No. 10 jersey. Francis finished second in NHL history in assists.

Paladins to play at 'Heels
   A trip to Chapel Hill, N.C., to face the University of North Carolina and a return visit to Boone, N.C., to take on defending national champion Appalachian State are among the highlights of Furman University's 2006 football schedule.
Greenville (SC) News

AD for life
   Jim Jarrett's 36-year tenure as Old Dominion's athletic director is a remarkable - maybe even unheard of - study in longevity.
Hampton Roads (VA) Daily Press

January 27, 2006

From the Durham Herald-Sun
-Chapel Hill's Charlie Adams keeps prep sports on the move
   Adams, who served as president of the National Federation of State High School Associations in 1997-98, never has shied away from taking on controversial issues, whether it's been decrying the influence of shoe companies on high school sports or taking a defiant stand against televised college football games on Friday nights. That meant harshly criticizing his alma mater, East Carolina.
-Blue Devils roll past overmatched Hokies
   When Duke traveled to Cassell Coliseum a year ago, some Virginia Tech fans left their seats following the final buzzer and spilled onto the court to celebrate their Hokies' upset victory.

From the Hampton Roads Daily Press
-Monarch OK after shooting
   Monarchs' guard Brandon Johnson has a fractured clavicle and is expected to miss up to six weeks.
-ODU basketball player shot
   Old Dominion University basketball player Brandon Johnson was treated and released
-Running on fumes after a hectic night, Old Dominion rallies to win behind the new guy.
   Two days earlier, Old Dominion coach Blaine Taylor was asked about struggling forward...

Lawrence on verge of setting record
   Lawrence, who is looking at nearly a dozen colleges, including East Carolina and North Carolina A&T, is anxious to break the all-time win record.
Washington Daily News

Michael Vick says Tech overreacted in dismissing brother
The Virginian Pilot

What's up with the ACC?
   What a bummer of a Wednesday night for the N.C. State and North Carolina men's basketball teams, as both fell behind at home and eventually lost.
Raleigh News & Observer

Winthrop win a feather for Buzz, Coastal
   Noting the sports world: I went to Rock Hill on Tuesday night and saw some good basketball. Winthrop was hosting Coastal Carolina, now coached by Buzz Peterson.
Charlotte Observer

January 26, 2006

From the Durham Herald-Sun
-Eagles hassle Tar Heels into home loss
   North Carolina's victory over Florida State on Sunday was a momentum-changing event. Unfortunately for the Tar Heels, they couldn't keep the momentum in their favor for long.
-Wolfpack takes a tumble
   It was one of those results that nobody could have seen coming. Seton Hall made N.C. State look very bad on Wednesday night at the RBC Center
-NHL: Hurricanes Whip Panthers in Shootout
-Schedules a bit more favorable this season
   Extended homestands, road trips to college football meccas and relatively favorable bye weeks highlight the schedules released Wednesday for area ACC football teams.

From the Raleigh News & Observer
-Victim was an ardent UNC-CH fan
   Harry Alston died Tuesday night when the bus carrying his beloved team's opponents struck him as he rode his bicycle a little more than a mile from the UNC-Chapel Hill campus.
-BC a real headache
-Pirates give Pack a 'thorough whipping'
   Big East also-ran runs past NCSU.

Endurance may be factor for Clemson
   Clemson's 2006 football schedule should certainly test the Tigers' endurance.
Spartanburg Herald-Journal

Odom's team comes to life
   Gamecocks win their first at home against the Gators since the 2000-01 season
Greenville (SC) News

Deacons' offense is grasping at straws
   FSU, not exactly gifted defensively, limited WFU to just 68 points
Winston Salem Journal

January 25, 2006

From the Raleigh News & Observer
-Expansion shrinks ACC hoops
   When the Atlantic Coast Conference raided the Big East for three schools, there was an outcry about the ACC's greed and lack of scruples.
-A league of its own?
   ACC expansion may have weakened the Big East in football, but the revitalized basketball league could be the best in the nation after Georgetown's big win over then-No. 1 Duke.

Deacons lack punch against Noles
   An ACC basketball season going bad took another turn for the worse for Wake Forest on Tuesday night.
Greensboro News Record

Coastal ends Winthrop�s streak
   Chanticleers hand Eagles first Big South defeat in 25 games; Kentucky wins third SEC game in a row
Columbia (SC) The State

Best, worst of the Carolina Panthers season
   McCree showed up, the rookies didn't and Smith was among NFL's best
Charlotte Observer

From the Winston Salem Journal
-Seminoles top reeling Deacons
   Wake Forest falls to 1-5 in ACC when second-half rally comes up short
-Home School- Panthers should learn lesson

Reynolds' Harper commits to WCU
   Harper said Tuesday that he has given an oral commitment to the Catamounts, choosing WCU over a list of colleges that included East Carolina
Asheville Citizen Times

Olson lowers boom in relative silence
   "A lot of high schools don�t use the fullback position anymore, but if you look at the schools that offered Aram� � Alabama, Auburn, Ohio State, Florida State, East Carolina and Texas A&M � �they run a two-back offense."
Columbia (SC) The State

January 24, 2006

From the Durham Herald-Sun
-Devils dominate top-ranked Lady Vols
-Melchionni should play against Hokies; Nelson doubtful
-NHL: Canes bounce back with blowout

Brown twins top list of area football commitments
   ... Kempsville players have made commitments, cornerback Dante Barnes to Akron, lineman Josh Achor to Appalachian State and tight end Kevin Gidrey to East Carolina ...
The Virginian Pilot

From the Greensboro News-Record
-Spartans' defense gives them one for the road
   The Spartans finished a three-game stretch at home Monday night with a 65-46 victory against The Citadel. The result evened their Southern Conference mark at 3-3 and overall record at 10-10.
-NASCAR: Roush- Toyota could elevate expenses

From the Charlotte Observer
-49ers fans get glimpse of future
-NFL: Proehl still feels ready to roll

USC tight end calls another winter audible
   After jilting Va. Tech to sign with Gamecocks in February, Hannah now plans to transfer
Columbia (SC) The State

January 23, 2006

Helpless in Seattle- Hasselbeck has big game, leads Seahawks to 34-14 victory
   Overwhelmed: Panthers Fall Behind Early, Never Recover
Winston Salem Journal

From the Charlotte Observer
-Panthers hit end of the road
   Seahawks make Carolina's offense, defense stall, sputter
-This time, no breaks for Jake
   There is no way to say it other than what it was. Jake Delhomme played his worst game with the Carolina Panthers.

Injuries finally take toll
   Excuses, in pro football, are nothing more than useless baggage, and the Panthers didn't look for one after a 34-14 loss to Seattle in the NFC championship game.
Raleigh News & Observer

Fewer visits, but more subplots
   Ryan Broadhead has been committed to East Carolina but is considering a USC offer to enroll in January unless they have the room to bring him in earlier. He plans a decision this week.
Columbia (SC) The State

Wright is one of 20 Va. Tech commitments
   ... Devven Sutton, a 6-foot, 240-pound running back from Northeastern High in Elizabeth City, N.C. ...turned down an offer from East Carolina.
Hampton Roads Daily Press

From the Durham Herald-Sun
-UNC men top Florida State on road
-Yow gets win in 1000th game

January 29, 2006

From the Jackson (MS) Clarion-Ledger
-C-USA Roundup: Memphis brushes off UCF
-Eagles outgunned
   Southern Miss knew all about Alabama-Birmingham's full-court, pressure defense and full-tilt offense.
-Upon Further Review
   As the football recruiting season enters its stretch run, several highly sought prospects have yet to reveal where they will take their considerable football skills.
-2 who stumbled resurface at JCs
-Criminal checks stir up debate

Blazers topple Eagles
   Broooomm.
Hattiesburg American

Green Wave turns tables on Rice
   Tulane wanted revenge, a little payback after a three-point buzzer-beating home loss to Rice earlier this month.
New Orleans Times Picayune

From the Houston Chronicle
-Wilson blasts Owls after weak showing
   Rice coach Willis Wilson laid into his players after a baffling 70-53 loss to Tulane on Saturday, a defeat marred by the Owls' lack of discipline and focus.
-Cougars thunder ahead of Marshall despite obstacles
   Against all odds, UH cruises
-Top recruit set to walk out on Cougars
   Freshman Roberson fed up with playing time

Herd comes up short in bid for upset
Huntington Herald-Dispatch

From the Charleston (WV) Gazette
-Houston brings Herd back down to earth
-Can a Herd fan root for Ben and Steelers?

UTEP stays perfect in C-USA
   UTEP and SMU staged a bangfest Saturday night in the Don Haskins Center, a game predicated on defense and rebounding and just general toughness.
El Paso Times

Talent prevails
   Because Travis Long is the son of a high school basketball coach, it should come as no surprise that he started playing early. It began in the crib, drifted to the court, then led him to the University of Memphis, where the walk-on freshman has found it difficult to truly compete at this level.
Memphis Commercial Appeal

Memphis throttles UCF
   There would be no close call for the ranked team against the Knights this time.
Orlando Sentinel

From the Birmingham News
-Memphis looks exactly like a Final Four team
   Don't look at the scoreboard.  That's what John Calipari tells his Memphis basketball players.
-Services come under fire for influencing recruits' decisions
   One morning in early January, Rivals.com learned that Sam Young, a highly recruited offensive lineman from Florida, had decided to commit to a college and wanted to announce it on ESPN.
-Analysis says Scout.com is the best
   In the past four years, Texas, Southern Cal, Tennessee, Louisiana State and Nebraska each received a No. 1 ranking for a football recruiting class by at least one of the top four recruiting services.

Recruiters do Texas Two Step
   This year for the first time, the University of Central Florida is aboard. The Golden Knights have two assistants assigned to recruit in Texas, and seven coaches worked the metro Houston and Dallas areas during fall evaluations.
Biloxi Sun Herald

January 28, 2006

From the Charleston (WV) Gazette
-Film to be made of MU plane crash
   The story of the 1970 Marshall University plane crash is destined to thunder through movie theaters across the land, as Warner Brothers is poised to make a major film on the tragedy.
-Conference USA basketball notebook

Men's Basketball Notebook
conferenceusa.com

From the Birmingham News
-Blazers ready to move on
   UAB men's basketball coach Mike Anderson is fond of stressing to his team that every game is a big game.
-Blazers sign No.8 Super Senior
   UAB decided to take a chance, and it could play huge dividends in the future of the Blazers' program.
-Even Vanderbilt shows gains with its recruiting class
   The most recent addition is running back Kennard Reeves of Duluth, Ga., a 6-foot, 181-pounder with a 4.5-second 40 and a 1200 SAT. Reeves originally committed to East Carolina but reversed his field this week.

From the Memphis Commercial Appeal
-On the road to the No. 1 ranking?
   The time has come to decide. Are you a fanatic? Or just a fan? A supporter? Or observer? A diehard? Or hard to please?
-No. 3 Tigers vs. Central Florida
-Trimmed down center powers Tigers
-Tigers woo pair from Mississippi
   Terry Grant has taken official visits to Florida State, Alabama, Clemson and Southern Miss. He admits the recruiting process, especially for such a highly regarded running back, has been ''exhausting and confusing.''

UCF, Memphis clash in C-USA matchup
   One is an Orlando native who ventured to Memphis and has become one of the most highly touted point guards in the nation.
Orlando Sentinel

USM seeks end of travel woes
Biloxi Sun-Herald

Eagles' road to recovery could be bumpy
Jackson Clarion-Ledger

Recruiters making final push
   The first day that high school seniors can sign letters of intent is Wednesday and there are plenty of scenarios up in the air.
Hattiesburg American

UTEP seeks season sweep of SMU tonight
El Paso Times

Herd's Ross doesn't want this year to be like last year
   This Herd wants to build on the Mountaineer upset. This Marshall squad wants the stunning win over WVU to be meaningful for more than just one night.
Charleston (WV) Daily Mail

January 27, 2006

From the Birmingham News
-UAB comes up short
   The disappointment of defeat didn't erase Mike Anderson's optimism after his UAB basketball team faded in the final minutes against No.3 ranked Memphis on Thursday night at the FedEx Forum.
-Recruits' decisions hinged on Sullivan's fate
   Some sell facilities. Some focus on academics. Others stress the comfortable surroundings. UAB coaches tend to pinpoint the opportunity to get on the field early.

From the Memphis Commercial Appeal
-Defining victory
   When the final horn sounded, the majority of the players on the University of Memphis roster showered, dressed, sat in the locker room and relaxed. With deep breaths and body aches, they echoed each other, one after another. Great win. Glad it's over.
-Tigers replay
-Washington's got big shot sixth-sense

From conferenceusa.com
-Five C-USA Standouts Chosen In 2006 MLS SuperDraft
-Women's Basketball Notebook

Marshall men look to build on Classic win
Huntington (WV) Herald-Dispatch

The Herd played a complete game against the Mountaineers
   It was more than the law of averages that caught up with West Virginia's nation-longest, 12-game basketball winning streak.
Charleston (WV) Daily Mail

Prized recruit never made grades at UTEP
El Paso Times

TULANE'S CROWEL OUT FOR SEASON
New Orleans Times Picayune

Many show interest in UCF job
   UCF will have a new receivers coach within three weeks, Coach George O'Leary said, plenty of time for preparation for the mid-March start of spring practice.
Orlando Sentinel

Southern Miss switches games
   Southern Miss officials announced Wednesday that the football games with Virginia Tech and North Carolina State have been switched.
Hattiesburg American

January 26, 2006

Herd surprises WVU again
   Mirroring last year's upset, the Thundering Herd was committed defensively and connected on three-pointers from every angle and range, leading to a 58-52 shocker over No. 9 West Virginia before a sellout crowd of 12,500 at Charleston Civic Center.
Huntington Herald-Dispatch

From the Charleston (WV) Gazette
-They did it again
   Marshall shocks Mountaineers for second year in a row
-WVU pressed, MU dry-cleaned

Wanted- � perfect game'
   UAB men's basketball coach Mike Anderson camped out in his office earlier this week, watching game tapes of No.3-ranked Memphis.
Birmingham News

From the Memphis Commercial Appeal
-UAB's 'Burger King' lineup boasts Memphis-area sizzle
   When Mike Anderson speaks about the University of Memphis, he goes on and on about talent and athleticism, and how the Tigers have been so impressive this season that he wouldn't be surprised if they are eventually ranked No. 1 in the nation.
-No. 3 Tigers vs. UAB
-Tiger star's list of admirers growing
   With his offensive coordinator from the University of Memphis beside him and his media-savvy curtain momentarily lowered, DeAngelo Williams spoke the unpolished truth.

Cougars overrun Green Wave with 1st-half scoring outburst
   As Houston walked off of the court at Fogelman Arena at halftime Wednesday night, Cougars guard Oliver Lafayette and assistant coach Melvin Haralson were laughing and joking and having a good time.
New Orleans Times Picayune

From the Houston Chronicle
-UH puts it together on both ends
   Sizzling shooting, stifling defense overwhelm Tulane
-UH NOTEBOOK- Assistant coach surpassed Bryant's high-scoring triumph
-Williams' heroics lift Rice on road
   Southern Miss wowed by guard in second half

Owls hand Eagles another tough loss
   Yet another Conference USA opponent played tough.
Jackson (MS) Clarion-Ledger

Pender-ed! When life is a technical foul
   Has there ever been a more cold-hearted officiating crew than the one calling a recent Houston Cougars basketball game?
Charlotte Observer

January 25, 2006

Jan. 25 Men's Basketball Notebook
conferenceusa.com

Memphis, UAB set for league showdown
   Tonight is a busy night in Conference USA. Central Florida is at East Carolina. Houston is at Tulane. And Rice is at Southern Mississippi.
El Paso Times

From the Jackson Clarion-Ledger
-Mighty Memphis takes aim on national crown
   Many college basketball coaches are inclined to put the kibosh on any sort of talk of postseason greatness or Final Four potential.
-Inside C-USA basketball

From the Memphis Commercial Appeal
-U of M's Cooper suspended for drug arrest
-Carney misses another practice
-For trio of Blazers, a homecoming
-Two more say they'll be Tigers

Loss at Minnesota sparked 10-game winning streak
   The UAB men's basketball team's 10-game winning streak didn't begin on a snowy evening in Minneapolis, but its roots did.
Birmingham News

SMU men crush UT-Pan Am, 84-54
Dallas Morning News

From the New Orleans Times Picayune
-HOUSTON- NO PROBLEM
   When Houston athletic director Dave Maggard interviewed Tom Penders for the Cougars' basketball coaching job, it began as a frank conversation and quickly turned into a job offer.
-Five more defenders commit to Wave

From the Houston Chronicle
-Rice seeks remedy for road ills
-Change equals opportunity for Rice, Beasley
-UH NOTEBOOK- Assistant coach surpassed Bryant's high-scoring triumph

Herd must defend the arc against WVU
   Marshall's three-point shooting stole last year's Capital Classic show, but defense was the understated difference
Huntington Herald-Dispatch

Almond, Owls next in line for Eagles
   Rice star averages 29.5 in C-USA
Biloxi Sun Herald

From the Orlando Sentinel
-UCF committee OKs deal to keep O'Leary
   O'Leary, 59, has three years left on a $720,000-a-year contract. He guided the Golden Knights to an 8-5 record and their first bowl appearance after going 0-11 in 2004.
-Magic owner gives UCF $6.5 million

January 24, 2006

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

From the Memphis Commercial Appeal
-Tigers charge into third in AP poll
-U of M center arrested on drug charge
   Marijuana found in car after traffic stop in Millington
-Tiger duo rule in crunch time

Conference faults referees for foul called on Penders
   Referees should have rescinded the technical foul called on Houston basketball coach Tom Penders after the coach fell to the floor because of a medical ailment during Saturday's 82-79 loss at UAB, Conference USA officials said Monday.
Birmingham News

From the Houston Chronicle
-Refs faulted for call on Penders
-RICE NOTEBOOK- Preseason recognition bodes well for baseball team

Golden Eagles Baseball Opens 2006 Season With Two-Hour Practice
southernmiss.com

From the Charleston (WV) Daily Mail
-WVU maturity tough matchup for young Herd
-A family man
   Marshall's Patton has the support of his friends and relatives, win or lose

For Herd, yet another challenge
   Marshall�s rookie-loaded basketball team is preparing for yet another new challenge, playing a ninth-ranked West Virginia team chock full of veterans.
Charleston (WV) Gazette

Herd pumped for WVU showdown
Huntington (WV) Herald-Dispatch

Playmakers dot UTEP's new list of recruits
El Paso Times

Grant keeping USM on hold
   The Terry Grant watch could last until signing day on Feb. 1.
Jackson (MS) Clarion-Ledger

January 23, 2006

From the conferenceusa.com
-Men's Basketball Round-up
-Women's Basketball Round-up

Around Conference USA - Basketball
USA Today

Eustachy turning the corner
   Eustachy came to USM last season to instill discipline in a program that had not had much over the final few seasons of James Green.
Pascagoula Mississippi Press

From the Huntington Herald-Dispatch
-Herd seeking shooting touch
   Marshall consistently plays well in its men's basketball matchups with West Virginia. The annual series resumes on Wednesday, and the Thundering Herd certainly would welcome a repeat of last season's Charleston Civic Center shooting touch.
-Herd secures three verbal commitments
   Marshall's most obvious football recruiting concerns were eased Sunday with three verbal commitments.

Look for the Herd to make it ugly
   THE OVER-UNDER on Wednesday night�s Marshall-West Virginia game is 120. Keep in mind, the �under� has won the last two contests.
Charleston (WV) Gazette

Robbins sets TU record
   Tulsa moved into a three-way tie for second place with SMU and Southern Miss in C-USA, which sets up a showdown with conference leader Marshall on Friday.
Tulsa World (Subscription Required.)