Sports

Volume 22, Issue 17

Women's BBall falls depsite strong showing

By Mark Brockett - Sports Reporter

When hosting the #18 team in the NAIA national poll and the number one team in your conference, some teams may tend to back down before the contest even starts. Not the UIS women’s basketball team. With an all out effort against a senior-dominated team, the Stars fell to Columbia College 95-74.
The score did not indicate how tough the team played. While only shooting 35.9 percent from the field compared to the 53.7 percent by the Cougars, the Stars managed to play strong defense, forcing turnovers and hustle throughout the 40 minutes of play. The team even had a double-digit lead early in the first half.
Columbia’s talent shined through in the end, mostly with great shot selection and scoring on offensive rebounds. In fact, the Cougars had four starters in double-digit point totals, including Charliss Ridley, who scored a game-high 25 points with the benefit of 4 three-pointers.
The Stars were led by senior center Ashley Barton. Barton scored 22 points with 12 of them coming from the free throw line. She also had seven rebounds. Senior Chikayla Moss had 14 points, six assists and three steals. Freshman LaTrice Nettles came off the bench and had 12 points and three steals.
With this loss, the Stars fall to 5-14 overall and 1-4 in the American Midwest Conference. They will host fellow AMC conference member Williams Baptist College this Saturday, February 5. Tip off is scheduled for 1 p.m.

Cougars take a bite out of UIS 93-68

By Jason Stuebe - Sports Editor

In the past week and a half, the UIS men suffered back-to-back losses against the apparent cream of the crop in the AMC, first to #9 McKendree and last Thursday to the Cougars of Columbia, who pounced on the Stars 93-68.
The Stars dug themselves an early hole getting into early foul trouble with playmakers Antonio Puckett and Curtis Collins getting the brunt of the whistles, but that was only the beginning of the woes.
The Stars just seemed flat right out of the box – which could have been expected playing two pinnacle teams in such a short amount of time.
“It hurt us,” said head coach Kevin Gamble, “we weren’t ready to match their intensity.”
Though the Stars were by-and-large sluggish, they were able to mount a few charges here and there to pull within striking difference on two different occasions.
The first came at the hands of a Joe Miller three-pointer with a little under 8:30 to go in the first, which pulled the Stars to within five points 19-24 but that was soon reversed by the relentless Cougar guards. It was the closest UIS would get for the rest of the game.
“To their credit (Columbia), they’ve got good guards,” said Gamble, “they really hurt us down the stretch.”
After the half, the Stars came out shooting and made yet another charge to get within striking distance, as UIS junior Michael Griffin hit a lay up and got the call sending him to the line. As Griffin earned three points the old fashioned way, UIS sliced the Cougar lead to 51-44 but once again, the resilience of Columbia paid off as they immediately went on a 15-4 run putting the nails in the coffin of a rapidly fading UIS team.
UIS senior Curtis Collins continued to impress all, this time leading UIS with 14 points and five rebounds off the bench. Miller wound up with 13 points on the night, while Puckett had 12.
The proof in the pudding was Columbia’s 56.9 percent field shooting compared to UIS’ 44.0 percent. The Stars also shot 42.1 percent from three-point range and 53.3 percent from the line and were out rebounded 37-20.
The loss dropped the Stars to 2-2 in the AMC and 6-14 overall heading into last Saturday’s game against Williams Baptist. The Stars now face Missouri Baptist tomorrow night at home with tip-off scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

Super Bowl XXXIX: Nothing New for New England

By Mark Brockett - Sports Reporter

In the midst of all the Terrell Owens injury updates and daily bulletin board material from the Philadelphia Eagles, one thing has remained evident: how great the New England Patriots team is. It’s really hard to compare them to any other successful dynasty in the past, since it has taken the work of everyone on staff to be on top of the football world.
Yet, there is another big task ahead of them. Philadelphia fans have been frothing at the mouth for so long for their beloved Eagles to finally win a championship. So, who has the edge in this highly anticipated contest? Look no further to find the answer, as yours truly will prognosticate the winner.
We start first and foremost with the quarterback analysis. Needless to say, we will not be disappointed as Donovan McNabb of the Eagles and Tom Brady of the Patriots are two of the most elite in the game. McNabb has finally gotten his team over the hump of the NFC championship game and will look to shine on the biggest stage of them all. Of all the running quarterbacks in the NFL, his passing is by far the best. He is able to escape the pass rush and confuse defenses with his mobility.
However, McNabb has not played all that well in big games. Prior to this year’s NFC championship game, he had thrown only one touchdown and five interceptions in the previous three that the Eagles had played in. Also, with not having Terrell Owens at 100 percent, he lacks a big target in the offense, which will hinder him against the vaunted Patriot defense. But with his skills and athleticism, he keeps this team in the game.
Tom Brady can really do no wrong. The Patriots quarterback has never lost a postseason game with a record of 8-0 and two Super Bowl rings because of it. With the media comparing him to the legendary Joe Montana, Brady is living the life that so many aspire to. While his stats aren’t always eye-popping, his win totals definitely are. This is what makes him the best quarterback in the game, in my opinion.
Yes, I love Peyton Manning and all the things he has accomplished, but until he is able to defeat Brady, you can’t give him the edge. However, while Brady has been magnificent, there is always the potential for a bad game and stranger things have happened. I go back to the last Patriot loss, which came from the hands of the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins forced Brady to throw four interceptions in the game and with the Eagles defense, this can reoccur on Sunday.
Corey Dillon of the Pats and Brian Westbrook of the Eagles are equally talented running the football. However, Westbrook is the best pass catching threat in the backfield today and that is what keys Philadelphia’s success. The Eagles have Terrell Owens, who may very well be the best wide receiver in football. He changes the game with his speed and toughness. But, he isn’t healthy and will not be able to play up to his billing in this game.
Defensively, the teams are equally matched. The Patriots scheme to their opponents’ strengths and force others to adjust to them. The Eagles allow few opportunities down the field to pass and their run defense has been solid all year. What will separate them will be the team that forces the turnovers and that’s a crapshoot.
So, after all of that, it is time to give you the answer as to who will win the Super Bowl. Yes, I know I picked Carolina last year and was wrong (though not by much). That’s why this year I will take the Patriots. It’s hard to argue against their success as they play their best football against all of the leagues best teams. Philadelphia will be no exception. Brady will win his third MVP award for the game and Boston will chalk up another title to their board. Now, take this sage advice and take care of yourselves. Thanks for reading.

Stuebe’s Sporting Goods
It’s the most wonderful time of the year

By Jason Stuebe - Sports Editor

It’s that time of year again, late January, snow on the ground, and the building excitement of one of the greatest American traditions we have to celebrate, the U.S. Figure Skating Championships!
Seriously.
No?
OK, so I lied. In case you’ve been sleeping under a rock, the Super Bowl is this weekend. And you know what that means? It means it’s a great excuse to throw a mad bash serving the greasy, fatty, carb-laden, smoky delicious goodness of good food and maybe more importantly, good beer.
The Super Bowl has surpassed New Year’s Eve as America’s party. With over 150 million TVs tuned in, it’s the media’s Christmas Day and simply the best reason outside of Arbor Day to mix and mingle and share in the company of good friends and good neighbors, so have fun with it!
Suffice it to say, Super Bowl parties are dominated by the male sex and the common menu fare is the perfect example of this sociological dominance. Goodbye parties serving up hors d’oeuvres of caviar and Brie; hello chili, chips, wings and beer!
Easy to eat food that is easy to prepare and has a cholesterol count high enough to clog the New Holland Tunnel is a must. As mentioned, chili and wings are a good start. Throw in some pizza, maybe finger sandwiches and a good helping of meatballs and you’re set.
Other party ideas might include going all out renting a big screen and decorating your abode for the occasion. Sure its hokey I admit, but it sets the overall festive tone for the celebration – trust me on this one.
And don’t be afraid to run a pool, cover that spread and throw a good game of Texas Hold ‘em together. No money should be exchanged of course (cough, cough).
As for the beverages, you can be as plain Jane or festive as you want. Generally, I have always tried to make a drink that is native to where the Super Bowl is being played, i.e. serving Hurricanes when it is played at the Super Dome in N’awlins. Jacksonville, however, is not as culturally aware you could say…so go ahead and make Hurricanes this time around too, but only if you’re of age, of course!
Now, you have about five days to throw something together, and unlike a pesky field research project this one cannot be procrastinated on…it’s more important, for pete’s sake.
Here are some recipe ideas for your palate and as always, Go Stars!
Peggy Hill’s Frito Pie
Take 2 cups of Fritos and spread them in a baking dish. Throw in some chopped onion and grated cheese then slop on some of your favorite chili. Top with another cup of Fritos and some more onion and cheese and bake at 350 ° for 15-20 minutes
Southern Hurricane
Mix some Southern Comfort, Sweet and Sour, orange juice, pineapple juice, Sprite and a splash of grenadine. Be playful – decide how much for yourself!

Praire Star of the Week

It might be easy to say that UIS got their money’s worth when they signed senior Curtis Collins to play ball.
But they didn’t.
Why? It’s hard to get your money’s worth when not a dime was spent. That’s right, this stick of dynamite walked on just in time for the regular season and is now walking all over the AMC’s inside players.
“He’s turned out to be a terrific player for us,” praised head coach Kevin Gamble, “he’s a garbage man that does the dirty work for us – he boxes out, rebounds, and makes the tough shots for us.”
Barely a month with the program and Collins has already made quite the splash, averaging eight points and 4.3 rebounds off the bench per game and notching double figure performances while leading the team to victories against Harris Stowe and Upper Iowa.
Collins led UIS in scoring against Columbia with 14 points and five rebounds and came back Saturday against Williams Baptist to score 10 points and have two rebounds to his credit.
“He’s the kind of player you want,” said Gamble, “if you had two or three guys like him it would make a coach’s job pretty easy.”

Campus Recreational Briefs

The annual Wisconsin Ski Trip to Cascade Mountain and Devil’s Head is Friday-Sunday, February 11-13, 2005. Check your e-mail or the website for further information on cost, registration, and other details.

After being delayed a week, the Intramural 5x5 Basketball League starts with games in the UIS Gym this Sunday, February 6 at 1:30pm. Check the league schedule listed on the website or posted on the bulletin board outside the Fitness Center for your team’s game time.

The Intramural Badminton Doubles play begins next week (February 7) in the UIS Gym. Check your e-mail, website, or the posted schedule on the bulletin board outside the Fitness Center for your team’s match time.

Registrations are still being accepted for the Toning & Conditioning classes. Toning & Conditioning meets on Mondays and Fridays in the UIS Gym. All classes meet from 12:10-12:50pm.

The Spring 2005 Milers Club is up and running. This 15-week activity promotes cardiovascular fitness through unstructured recreational activities in which participants choose when and where to exercise. A 150-mile goal (10 miles a week) is the minimum, but participants are encouraged to set a higher goal if they wish. You may choose walking, jogging, biking, or other measurable distance exercises. Participants are required to turn in weekly exercise slips on Mondays to the CRS Office so that the staff can make a progress chart. The Milers' Club is a free activity but you must sign up by registering at the CRS Office with a valid i-card. The Miler’s Club runs through Sunday, April 24.

Informal Open Recreation Hours for 2004-05 for the Rec Center (Fitness Center and Gym) are Monday-Thursday 8am-11pm; Friday 10am-8pm; Saturday 10am-4pm; and Sunday 2-8pm. These hours are subject to change during campus vacation periods or scheduled events. Participants wishing to use the above facilities must submit a valid i-card upon entering the Rec Center.

HOW CAN I LEARN ABOUT CAMPUS REC SPORTS NEWS?
(1) Send an Email to RecSports@uis.edu to be included in the 2004-2005 Campus Rec Sports News List to receive personal up-to-date information about future events and activities. (2) Click on “Public Folders>All Public Folders>UIS>Announcements>Campus” on your UIS e-mail account and read the e-mail announcements sent out by UIS Campus Rec Sports. (3) Check out the website at www.uis.edu/recsports/. (4) Contact the Campus Recreational Sports (CRS) Office located in the Fitness Center (SLB 118) or call 206-6658.

Snapshots

Men’s Basketball
UIS vs. Williams Baptist (Walnut Ridge, Ark.)
The UIS men fell for the third straight game in conference play, this time to the Owls of Williams Baptist College 77-70.
WAITING ON STATS
UIS falls to 6-15 on the season and 2-3 in the American Midwest Conference. Up next for the Stars is the preseason favorite Missouri Baptist at home tomorrow night, February 3, 2005 with a tip-off scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

American Midwest Conference Standings
(As of 2/31/05)
1. McKendree College 5-1
2. Missouri Baptist 4-1
3. Columbia College 4-1
4. Williams Baptist 2-3
5. UIS 2-3
6. Harris Stowe State 1-4
7. Hannibal LaGrange 0-5

Women’s Basketball
American Midwest Conference Standings
(As of 2/31/05)
1. Columbia College 6-0
2. McKendree College 6-0
3. William Woods 4-2
4. Williams Baptist 3-3
5. Missouri Baptist 2-4
6. Hannibal LaGrange 2-4
7. UIS 1-5
8. Harris Stowe State 0-6

Men’s Tennis
The Spring 2005 Men’s Tennis schedule has been released and is posted online at www.uis.edu/athletics. The Stars open their schedule on February 19 at St. Ambrose University and take to the home court for the first time on Sunday, April 3, at 9:00 a.m. as they face Quincy University.

Women’s Tennis
The Spring 2005 schedule for the defending Region V Champion Prairie Stars Women’s Tennis has also been released and you can ditto everything else from above. The Stars will open their season in sunny Pensacola, Fla., during spring break and play at Washington Park in the first home match on March 11, at 1:00 p.m. against Lindenwood University.