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Show Saturday, March 11, 2006 DAILY Today Friday, March 10 H ERALD ‘Saturday, March 11 Wednesday, March 8 NO.4 Spsu (21.8, 13:3) Friday, March 10 Saturday, March 11, NO. 2 UTAH (21-6,12-4) NO. 4 SDSU (2248, 48-3) SDSU 64, CSU 52 UTAH 67. AIR FORCE 47 NO. 2 UTAH (226,124) NO. 8 COLO.ST.(16:14, 412) NO. 7 AIR FORCE (1315, 412) NO. 4 UNLV (16-12, 106) NO. 3 NEW MEXICO (21.9, 11-5) UTA 61, UNL 45, me 2s aan UNLV 57. NEW MEXICO45 NO. 6 UNLV (19-11, 97) UNLV 65. NEW MEXICO 64 NO. 5 N. MEXICO (17-12, 88) NO. 6 UNLV(18-11. 97) NO. 2 AIR FORCE (265, 12-4) NO. 4 BYU (23-4, 12.3) 4PM. ESPN2 BYU 65, COLORADO STATE 45 NO. 48YU (244, 12.3) WYOMING 57. AIR FORCE SS NO. 7 WYOMING (12-47, 5:11) NO. 3 BYU (207, 12-4) NO. 8 CSU (9:20, 214) NO. 1 BYU (25-4, 12:3) WYOMING 60. UTAH 47 NO. 4 TCU (17-11, 105) eee SS UTAH 74, BYU 70 NO. 6 UTAH (14-14, 6-10) TOU63. WoMine55 | NO. 6 UTAH (13.14, 6-10) Loss Cougars Continued from C1 toa third showdownwith the Utes. Theyhadsplit the series, each coachJeff Judkins. “When your as strong as Dani is, you wear the other team down. We winning at home. And BYU had momentumonits side, winning 10 of 11 games. just hada betterinside pres- ence.” That presenceincludes Thelast defeat, however, was also to Utah. Kubik, whotransferred to BYUfrom Auburn after her On Thursday, Ray Giacoletti’s breathtaking. They led by seven points at halftime and didn't re- linquish their margin until about six minutes remained. Keena Young led BYU with 17 points.Plaisted (15) and Balderson(13) went onindi- vidual spurts that triggered the comeback. BYU had twostats working againstit. Brock Reichner, the lone senior knownforclutch shooting,didn't take a shotuntil aboutnine minutes remained. Hefinished scoreless for the oe time this year. Rosecited Also, Utah's rebounding edge, 37-21, was difficult to overcome. “They did a good jobofreally attacking the offensive boards,” Plaisted said. “We maybe didn’t do such a good job of blocking them out.” BYUis full of maybes now. The NITselections will be made at 7 p.m. Sunday night. While Rose’s players weren't counting out their NCAA hopes,those have beenruined by another rough gameagainst therival. “I don't know,” Balderson said. “We'll see what hap- pens. It’s not in our hands. It would've beennice to get this win, be able to play more basketball. Wherever they put us, they put us. We'll just keep looking forward to playing the next gam » Going out with a bang?: Wyo- ming coachSteve McClainis apparently almost donein Laramie, buthe’s trying to go out strong. The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that the Cowboys’ eighth-yearcoachis finish- ingupat this week's MWC tournament. Nothing short of a league championship could save him, and maybethat’s not enough. “It’s true,” McClain said when the R-J askedif he would be fired by athletic director Gary Barta. “ButI have nothing to hang myhead about.” The schoolis declining such a plan. The seventh-seeded Cowboys 4 Teu(18-11. 10-5) NO. 5 WYOMING (20:8, 10-6) Continued from Cl team started strong andfinishedbetter. Freshman Luke Nevill had a career-high 29 points and 14 rebounds,an effort more amazing because he was takento the hospital earlier in the day. He complained of chest pains, ruled by doctors as muscle spasms. “To be honest with you,I thought he was havinga heart attack,” Giacoletti said. “He went down.Hehad shortness of breath.” In the end, the Utes were ‘WOMEN'S CHAMPION freshman year. Kubik said the chemistry with the Auburn team and the coachjust wasn't right, and her father started pushing BYU. Kubik’s uncle, E.J, Caffaro,is the football academicadvisor at BYU, and DAVID ZALUBOWSKI Associated Press Wyoming coach Steve McClaii confirmed a report that hewill befired at the conclusion of the MWC Tournament. upset Air Force, 57-55, in Thursday’s first round,setting upa vBim. gamelast night against ie Pokesare playing hard for their beleaguered coach. A 65 percent team from the foul line this year, they made 22-of23 against the Falcons to help snap a six-gamelosing streak. Kubik ended upin Provo. Judkinssaid Kubik has put in somehard work with assistant coach Jonas Chatterton andis the best offensive rebounderin the league. Plus,there's the fear factor. “Teamsare afraid of Dani,” Judkins admitted. They have good rightto be. Oncesheestablishes the low block, not much canstopher, and Kubik hit 9-of-12 shots from thefield against TCU. BYU's guards continueto find her and posted16 assists. “Our guards are amazing,” Kubik said. “This year we're very good D Competitive concern: As reported in the Daily Herald on Thursday, Air Force's men’s team hada practiceat the Pepsi Center abouta week ago. The revelation has caused concern from MWCofficials, whoare wary ofany team gaining such an advantage. “Wefoundout (Thursday),” MWCspokesmanJavan Hedlundsaid. “If we had known before it happened, we would've discouraged TheFalcons,first-roundlosers at the MWCtournamentfor the seventh consecutiveyear, had proximity and connections ontheir side. Just an hour from Denver, the teamis also coached byJeff Bzdelik, who spentthelast 2 ': seasons with the NBA’s Denver Nuggets. The tournament moves back to Las Vegas next year, where it will be held in UNLV's Thomas & MackCenter. Theleagueis trying to create a fair scenario in which the Rebels could notpractice in the are- na during the daysleading up to the tournament. Of course,that creates a few questions: Where would UNLV work out, and wouldit actually make anydifference fortheother eight teams?It will be discussed by athletic directors in the upcoming months. BYU.assistant coach Dave Rice, a former UNLV aide, does not see UNLV’s advantage as a hugeconcernfor the other teams. “I think therewill be a spark in attendance from fans that are gladit’s going back there,” Rice said. “It seems likeit’s best for the league.” » Jason Franchuk can be reachedat jfranchuk@heraldextra,com. at getting theball inside. 1 know if I get doubled I can kick it out andI'll getit back.” BYU gotoff to a quick start against TCU, jumping to a 123 lead. The Cougarstransition gameresulted in a 3-pointer from Gillespie, ‘a layup by Kubik, and five points from Anderson. That gaveBYU a cushionit would neverrelinquish.Gillespie (13 points), Kubik (10) and Anderson (10) combined for 33 points by halftime and TCU shotjust 29 percent(7-of-24) from the field as BYU took a 36-24 lead at the break. TCUrallied in the second half behind better shooting and somecareless BYU ballhandling (2! turnovers) but never gotcloserthanfive points. Kubik scored eight of BYU's first 10 pointsofthe half and NowJudkinsturnshis team’s attention to Utah. The two championship gamewill be alreadylocks for the NCAA canbe reached at 3442555 or bye-mail at 70-52 in Provo. Both teamsare tournament “T really believe to winthis aninside game and anoutside game,” Judkinssaid. “You can't have just one becauseit’s so hard whenyougettired. “We're tired and they're tired. I kind of wish we had have moredepthand that could bethe difference. Both teams knoweach othervery well. There won't be any sur- TCU fromgettingall the way >Tip-ins BYU'soverall record “Wedugourselves a big ae for wins.... BYU will play hole and BYUwas ee defensively today.” said J coachJeffMittie. saabwas outstanding today. Kubik was able to get us low and she was the difference in the gametoday. She's big and strong down there. I'm not sure we could play her the same way with whatthey areallowing herto do. Is that correct enough without getting mein trouble?” ddickson@heraldextra:com. NO.20 BYU 63, TCU 53 Tou (18-11), Player MR OFT R PFOA TR 0 2 7 Totals BYU (25-4) Player — 16-60 13-22 57 16 10 53 M FG FT OR PF whichsets a school re- in its fifth MWC title gamein sevenseasons. The Cougars are 1-3 in those games. The Utah-UNLV semifinal was delayed 21 minutes because of a shot clock malfunction. Utah had fourplayers in double figures, led by Shona Thorburn with 14. UNLVwas 0-for-11 from the 3-point line. BYU is 21-1 this season while leading at halftime. ...Andersontallied Franchuk “What'd | have, 24 points when welost and 13 when we won? I'll do whateverit takes. If that meansjustsetting up teammates,I'll be a screen queen for 40 minutesif | have to.” Continued from C1 putting others in. They'reall about thestats. Go figure she’s MVPevery year.” Beautiful. Judkinsis worried. He fears thetitle tilt will turn into an individualstruggle, that his playerwill try to forcetheis- sue against Smith. Anderson,through a reporter,tells him not to be Ambrosia Anderson BYU forward onher thoughts aboutscoringpointsvs. winning concerned. She cares about scoring, evenless than she does the Utes. “What'd I have, 24points whenwelost and 13 when we won?” Andersonasked,correct on both accountsof the two meetingsthis year.“I’ll do whateverit takes.If that » Daily Herald Sports Editor Darnell Dickson a daytorest. But I think we prises. back, showntape delayed on ESPN2 at 10:30 p.m. tournament youhave to haves 3-pointers from Gillespie and freshman Vanessa Hutsonkept hereighth double-double of the season. . The BYU-Utah MWC teamssplit the regular-season series. with BYU edging Utah 61-60in Salt Lake Cityon a Gillespietip-in at the buzzer and the Utes blasting the Cougars GEORGE FREY AssociatedPress a mistake. I think thatstarted for meat the beginning ofthis year,I started some games and I sawthatI had an impact my team counted on. WhenI did do something wrong,I didn’t haveto look over my shoulder means just setting up teammates, I'll be a screen queen Brigham Young forward Ambrosia Anderson,right, drives on TCU guard Natasha Lacy during a gameon Feb. 25. OnFridayin “I'm looking forwardto cutting downthose nets,” Anderson said, a smile draped on her nextstar. When Smith cameinto the Judkins scratching himself and didn’t crumble.” league, Judkins had never a Waythat must drive a coach Oh,yes,today will be good — the twostrongest players from a leaguethat's on the rise. tages over Anderson from the years. Andersonsaid she strove to be a starter, and her inconsistency was due to Judkins’ quick hook. Smith has looked muchmorefocused over four for 40 minutesif I haveto.” Thereare no doubtsin her mind about the outcome. face. The confidence, and a game worthyofthe talk, has pleased Judkins.Truthis, he’s sick of hearing about Smith, talking about her and playing her. He respects Smith, but is happy this is likely thelast time he'll faceher. Call it admitted envy, the kind the rest of the league had whenErin Thorn ruled in Provo. It took a while for the Cougarsto tap into Anderson,their Denver, Anderson soundedoff on Utah. heard of the Canadian. He thinks she’s had some advanfirst day on campus. Nationality has enabled her to play extensive summerball back home. That, and Smith was sedright awayin Salt LakeCity by Shona Thorburn, a point guard who sets up Smith andthe rest of the team, It’s a Stockton-to-Malone combination that was destined for success. Meanwhile, Anderson had andsee if I was getting pulled. I've handled the pressurewell, bald, She canbe indifferentin crazy,andthatled to her coming off the benchthe past three years, an argumentthat BYU's seniordetests. “People are talking about my consistency,” Anderson said, “butit’s easier to be consistent whenyou know you're going to play. andnot be pulled for “I don't knowif it will come downto those two,” Judkins said. “But | know those two will be big factors.” But don't daretry to get Andersoncrediting Smith for her game,or her appetite for success, “No, not by any means,” she said. “I haven't paid attention.” D Jason Franchuk can be reached at jfranchuk@heraldextra.com. UtahState exiges Lalech to advance to WACfinal vs. Nevada Carroll comes up big to move Aggies f within one gameof bid to NCAAs THE ASSOCIATED PRESS RENO,Nev. — Jaycee Carroll scored 18 points, including five free throwsin the final 23 seconds,to help Utah State beat Louisiana Tech 68-64 Friday night in the semifinals of the Western Athletic Conference tournament. David Pak added 14 points and Nate Harris 13 UTAH ST. 68 LA.TECH 64 7), W Loe won sevenoftheir last cht. aul Millsap had18 points andfive blocked shots and Trey McDowell added 14 points for Louisiana Tech (20-12). The Aggies held Millsap to seven ids, about half his NCAA- leading averageof 13.5 per game and outrebounded the Bulldogs 31-30. The Aggiesadvanceto Saturdaynight’s finals against the winnerof Friday night’s other semifinal between No, 21 Nevada (25-5) and New Mexico State (16-13), Utah State led by as much as nine when Harris’ free throws madeit 59-50 with 4:25left in the game then withstood the Bulldogs’ late rally thanks to Carroll's 5-of-6 free-throw shooting downthe stretch. Pak’s basket on a drive put Utah State ahead 63-55 with 2:12 left in the game. But Chad McKenzie madea pair of free throwsandMillsap scored inside to makeit 63-59 with 1:20 After Millsap blocked a shot, Jerome Richardson missed two frets throwsfor the Bulldogs roll made onefor a 6459. McDowell’s 3-pointer from the top of the key pulled Tech ee in 64-62 with 16 seconds But Carroll made twofree throws with 11 seconds left and after Millsap’s score off a rebound made it 66-64, Carroll made two morefree throws with 0.7 seconds on the clock to 29.- halftime lead. UTAH ST. 68 Harris madethree-of-four LOUISIANA TECH 64 field goals andall six free throw LOUISIANA TECH (20-12) attempts to go with seven rebounds anda blocked shot. Mon 7 001niente Disy Carroll and Harris each scored four points on an 8-0 run eehelhay) Matas 32-48,pans 946613, in thefirst half to put Utah State Caro6-17 214 5.616 Parson 0-20-00 Seoson 2222 eee 24-16 with 4:10left in the 8. 04Hanne 0-1 000, Spee 33848 Toa2247 Mattime—utan State Goste—Louisana ate Bulldogs answered tence 64atDaM1, with a 9-2 run capped by Mckenzie Ost Vans413 Paes HoreComal rs McKenzie’s 19-footerto pull Peterson 0-1. Hamme 0-1). Fouled Out—Matheus within 26-25, but Harris beat Tey 30 alten7 Ue8 31 tars 7) the buzzer with the 70-foot Mokena4), Utah St (Carrol, Peterson FouieLoan Teen 2 Uuh S18. AWA 3-pointer to give the Aggies a seal the victory. tM? |