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News Nuggets, 02.04.06
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Compiled from staff reports and electronic dispatches

Here come Cougs and fully-cognizant Penders

Houston coach Tom Penders drew a technical foul for losing consciousness due to a heart condition against UAB last month, but the former Texas hardwood honcho had all his faculties as the Cougars handed Texas-El Paso its first Conference USA loss 63-57 on Wednesday night.

The Miners feature one of the top front lines in Conference USA, but Penders responded by going with a smaller lineup that accented his team's speed and quickness at a critical juncture of the contest at Hofheinz Pavillion in Houston.

"Jahmar Thorpe was in foul trouble, so we went with the smaller line-up," Penders said. "If we had tried to walk it up the floor and let them bang the ball inside we would have been in even worse foul trouble. I will always give up rebounding for great defense and quickness."

Penders will match tactical wits with the East Carolina coaching staff at a 5 p.m. tipoff at Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum today.

Wolfpack bats light up for A-Rod

Alex Rodriguez threw out the first pitch, and N.C. State marked the occasion with an A-Rod-like hitting performance, thrashing Delaware State 21-3 at Doak Field in the season opener for both teams.

Rodriguez made a surprise appearance in Raleigh to throw out the first pitch and spend the weekend with Wolfpack second baseman Ramon Corona and family, his across-the-street neighbors. Rodriguez will be back for Saturday's game at 2 p.m.

Corona responded to Rodriguez's presence with three hits and three RBIs. The entire Wolfpack lineup came to hit, bashing out 16 hits, including seven for extra bases.

East Carolina is scheduled to play NCSU three times during the 2006 regular season — March 29 and April 18 in Raleigh and April 12 in Greenville.

History of the NCAA now in print

“In the Arena. The NCAA’s First Century,” a history of the NCAA’s first 100 years, is now available.

The book, written by University of Nevada-Reno President Joseph N. Crowley, tells the complete story of the NCAA, including a meeting at the White House in October 1905. At that time, campus leaders from institutions that competed in football met with President Theodore Roosevelt, who was concerned about the number of deaths and serious injuries occurring in the sport.

The Association formed six months later with the mission of making certain that athletically gifted students are able to compete fairly and safely in an environment of higher education.

The book examines the successes and problems the Association has faced over the last 100 years as it has sought to remain true to its mission.

For ordering information, visit the NCAA publications ordering site at http://ncaa.sportgraphics.biz/.

C-USA Basketball Standings, Scores & Schedule

News Nuggets are compiled periodically based on material supplied by staff members; data published by ECU, Conference USA and its member schools; and reports from Associated Press and other sources. Copyright 2005 Bonesville.net and other publishers. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Page Updated: 02/23/2007 12:45 PM