News Nuggets, 02.04.04
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Compiled from staff reports and electronic dispatches

Christmas is here for college football nuts

It's the day the most fanatical aficionados of college football anticipate, analyze and swap rumors about the other 364 days of the year and East Carolina coach John Thompson plans to let the fans celebrate it in fashion for the second year in a row.

The hoopla is all about national signing day, of course, and Thompson will officially unveil his class of 2004 recruits this afternoon during a special party to celebrate the occasion at 5:30 p.m. in the Harvey Banquet Hall at the Murphy Center.

ECU's coaching staff will be on hand to meet fans at the extravaganza, which will include light refreshments and is open to the public and free of charge.

Thompson will formally announce the signees in a presentation that will feature video highlights and a tally board with details on each new player.

Today's Live@5 program on WGHB-AM will also feature a segment with Thompson discussing East Carolina's incoming crop of recruits. The show begins at 5 p.m. and can be heard by tuning to Pirate Radio 1250 or by clicking here to listen to Bonesville.net's live stream.

ECUPirates.com, the official web site of the Pirates, will list complete details of the 2004 signing class late Wednesday.

Bearcats brought down to earth — again

CINCINNATI — No profane taunts, no technical fouls, no on-court tussles. The city's basketball rivalry was more civil this time around.

Until Xavier got 'em again, that is.

Lionel Chalmers scored 20 points and hit a fadeaway jumper with 27 seconds left Tuesday night, leading Xavier to a 71-69 victory over No. 10 Cincinnati.

The Musketeers (11-9) pulled off another stunning upset of their crosstown rival by getting big games from their two senior guards.

Chalmers repeatedly drove to the basket and made floating jumpers over the outstretched arms of the Bearcats' brawnier front line. Romain Sato added 18 points with a game-high 11 rebounds for the home team.

Cincinnati (15-3) has lost six of its past eight games against Xavier, which usually plays its best against its crosstown rival. That eight-year stretch includes two upsets when Cincinnati was ranked No. 1.

Cincinnati coach Bob Huggins criticized Xavier fans leading up to the game, and Bearcats players said the game was more important to the Musketeers — a way of belittling the small Jesuit school.

Chalmers would have none of it. "Our fans were amazing," he said. "That had a lot to do with the win. Those guys talk trash."

After a pause, Chalmers added, "By the way, we've still got the trophy."

They do, thanks to Chalmers. He made a 3-pointer that tied it for the third and final time in the second half. Two minutes later, he stepped back from a double-team and made an 18-foot jumper for a 70-69 lead with 27 seconds left.

Cincinnati then threw away a chance for the last shot. Nick Williams' crosscourt pass for Armein Kirkland flew over his head with 4.9 seconds left, Cincinnati's 18th turnover.

Air Force moves home game with Huskies to Seattle

SEATTLE — Air Force will move its 2005 opener against Washington from the academy's Falcon Stadium to Seattle, with the teams meeting downtown at Seahawks Stadium, the schools have agreed.

Air Force will be considered the home team, but Washington will receive 35,000 tickets at the 67,000-seat NFL stadium.

Washington State is considering whether to move a home game next fall against Colorado to the stadium.

News Nuggets are compiled periodically from staff, ECU, Conference USA and its member schools, and from Associated Press and other reports. Copyright 2004 Bonesville.net and other publishers. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Page Updated: 02/23/2007