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Show Daily Utah Chronicle 10 SUNS continued from page 8 defensively in both games against the Spurs, who looked like a group of owners feigning throws in a game of fetch with their inevitably gullible dogs. The Spurs rotated the ball and the Suns pursued too heavily, passing on open looks for easy shots. Phoenix was eventually forced to abandon the zone defense, allowing Tim Duncan free reign underneath. In the overtime win at Phoenix, the Suns' startingfiveaccounted for 120 points on 54 t1om(zmad£, pub-stylg: Food fluthenlie Irish fltmosphpre f)aily Specials & Sunday Brunch 1400 §. foothill ©rive, #166 ~ &loC OT 84(08 - 80I.5S2.31II percent shooting from the field—and they still lost because they didn't have a single defender versatile enough to stop Ginobili, who scored 48 on only 22 shots. The simple truth is that the Suns are suited to what they do best, and what they do best does not happen in the playoffs. They don't have any defensive stoppers besides Marion, and small forward isn't exactly basketball's most devastating position at the moment. Quentin Richardson doesn't play defense, having limited himself in a position on the break to hoist open threes—at a rate of over seven per game. Nash often tries to play defense, but he lacks the "You're not going to score on me, no WAY" persona needed to keep up with the likes of Tony Parker. Also, Derek Fisher SUCKED, but that single motivation made him the ideal championship piece for the Lakers against Bibby, Nash and Parker. It's not hard to see—the Suns lack any legitimate championship indicators, unless you count the regular season. And I'm not one who does. mpiper@chronicle.utah.edu Putting out a student publication? Need cash? Get funding for the 2005-2006 academic year. Pick up funding requests from Adam Ward in Union Room 236. Return requests by 4 p.m. March 25,2005 for consideration by the Publications Council. Thursday, March 10,2005 Round one to Utah Women knock off Falcons in opening game of MWC tournament Asad Kudlya Sports Writer • So far so good. The No. 2seed U women's basketball team took a step forward in its quest to win the MWC title, as it defeated the No. 7 seeded Air Force Falcons 63-42. The Utes were expected to win and they proved why they were one of the top-seeded teams in the conference with its suffocating defense and explosive offense. Air Force never had a chance, as the Utes quickly jumped out to a 15-3 lead, which comprised of four three-pointers, a jumper and a free throw. While the Utes were flourishing offensively with six three-pointers in the first half along with a 52-percent shooting percentage, Air Force was Utah's Shona Thorburn drives through the lane as Air Force's Lauren having trouble getting the Henderson guards her. ball in the bucket. The Falcons shot only 27 point first half. lead with about 15 minutes pet. from the field in the first Things didn't get much bet- left in the half. Utah then put half and only made one free ter for the Falcons in the sec- it on cruise control and coastthrow and one three pointer, ond half. The Utes extended ed to the 21-point victory. which led to an abysmal 18- their lead and took a 21-point The usual suspects led the Utes in the win. Kim Smith dominated with 19 points and nine rebounds, while Shona Thorburn had 15 points and nine assists. The Falcons only had one player in double figures in Lauren Henderson, who scored 14 points. Jacki Nocak was second on the team with eight points. The Utes will not have a much tougher challenge as You could qualify for a special blood program, they get set to face third-seed if you have recently been diagnosed with any of the following: BYU in the MWC semifinals on Friday. - Herpes Simplex l/ll - Mononucleosis akudiya@ - Chicken Pox/ Shingles - Epstein Banr Virus chronicle.utah.edu NEED MONEY? WE NEED YOU! - Chlamydia - Other conditions may bo suitable, call for details. Qualified Donors receive $ 2 0 0 pmr 4on4fion, Plus mileage reimbursement'1 Please Contact (888) 806-5215 for more information All Calls are Confidential Site #04-030 "Further screening may be necwsary In order ID qualify Express yourself. Send a letter to the editor. You may see it published in the Chronicle's opinion section. letters@chornicle.utah.edu SSf-/ '0 --vfei : i :.. vaJ >>'$&'>-mite i-y-\^m&.ri':^ •-;•-.•:;;,> w- % * ••* |