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Show StatesmanSportS Page 6 Wednesday, March 19, 2008 Ags looking up for NIT first round By SAMMY HISLOP sports editor It's not the NCAA Tournament, but it is the postseason. That's the way the USU men's basketball team is looking at Wednesday's 8 p.m. National Invitation Tournament game when they visit the Illinois State Redbirds. "When you look at the whole scheme of things from when we were 5-5 (earlier this season), this team has come a long way," Aggie head coach Stew Morrill said. "It's the first time we've finished at the top (of the Western Athletic Conference). There's lots of positives, and those are the things we'll stress with the kids. You have to look at the big picture and get excited that we can still play." The Aggies are the No. 7 seed, the Redbirds the No. 2. Illinois State finished second in the Missouri Valley Conference with a 13-5 league record. They played in the MVC championship game, losing 79-49 to Drake. H See NIT, page 7 AGGIE FRESHMAN TYLER NEWBOLD (24) shoots over a Boise State defender last Friday at the WAC Tournament The Aggies open up in the NIT Wednesday night TYLER LARSON photo Save A Wee Bit O Green [" FREE State Inspection ~] I with Full Service Oil Change j $29.95 i I • lwlurtf! ii|i In 'J qH NVWCXI WlW. th*«l* Uibt\ Top OH t tuttti.Cl»tk Iteftt, Hows Air I itier. Tire Prtvuw tVTih CHU/XM iVf/y N<H vo^rf ^ i h «'r/ plhc/ offfr. OfWfel (U/06 j BRAKFS7ECIAL WNEX $59.95 COMPLETE CAR CARE I I | j Rtg. 93.77 I'nmt ttiw or ntar drum, moil van and Hutu truck*. | Not valid with any oihtr offer. Hxptrv* 04109 • 2000 N 55 E North Logan (435) 755-9997 WE DO IT ALL! [TUCKY LEPRECHAUNWiLDCARD| I i ffngfoi Ptrfomunct/Ripf/r • Computer 0/«0ftottfcs • Bnktt • CV M i • fm/tifona • tototy /niptctfoni | • Itownlulm • A/0 • C/utehM • A/rtmitort • Uwd Cv ivtluttiont * Coding Syttomi 00 MO iv vrr OFF i Any I tavict. Th* President invites nominations for th* IS1*1 Annual UtahState UNIVERSITY DIVERSITY AWARDS Awardrecipient*witl b» announced in Spring 2008 and witl rtcetvt recognition by Prtnidtnt Albrtcht at an appropriate Jbrum nmctfall Award Award Criteriat One Individual or organ lea lion from each oFlhc following catcgorich will be rucognlitcti for funhcrihg the principles and values ofafnt-mfttlv*; action, equal opportunlly, nntl diverBltyi 1. Models behavior that promotes diversity* 2. NourlaheB acceptance of individual differences, 3. Striven to enhance academic, employment, or community relations among people who are different. 4> Integrates diversity concepts and values Into academic curriculum, management functions, or community Bcrvlce. 5, Develops methods for Increasing and valuing diversity among students, faculty, staff, or locnl buDlncsscs/assoclatlona. 6. Maximises opportunities to achieve diversity. Student Faculty Atlmlnlstfalor Staff Community Member | COPPIN STATE FORWARD ROBERT PRESSEY, BACK, dunks as Mount St. Mary's forward Markus Mitchell (45) watches during the first half of the opening round in the NCAA men's basketball tournament Tuesday in Dayton, Ohio. AP Photo/Skip Peterson Mt. Saint Mary s wins play-in game DAYTON, Ohio (AP) — The Mount finally got The Win. Mount St. Mary's, a Maryland school known for getting drubbed in its previous two appearances in the NCAA tournament, got this one started with a nice-looking win Tuesday night in the opening game. A 69-60 victory over Coppin State set up a daunting second game for the Mountaineers (19-14), who immediately started preparing for their next opponent. Anybody up for playing North Carolina? In its own backyard, no less? "I envisioned playing against them when I was little," said guard Jeremy Goode,. a Carolina native who led the way with 21 points. "To play against them means a lot." It means a season that seemed to be a lost cause only a few weeks ago can go on for at least a few more days. The Mountaineers won their lastfivegames to shed their losing record and make the tournament, then got the one victory that's always been well out of reach. In its two other NCAA games, Mount St. Mary's lost to Kentucky by 46 points in 1995 and to Michigan State by 23 in 1999. "It's a relief," said Kelly Beidler, who had 15 rebounds. "It just felt good to say we've actually won an NCAA game." No time to savor it. Tournament reality hits on Friday, when the Mount plays the top-seeded Tar Heels in Raleigh. Fans in the crowd of 8,464 at University of Dayton Arena held up signs calling on the play-in winner to "Bury N. Carolina." Tough chance for that. A 16th seed has never taken down a No. 1. But, that's something for later. For a few sweet minutes on Tuesday night, Mount St. Mary's got to savor its breakthrough over another Maryland school, located about 60 miles away. Coppin State (16-21) became the first team to reach the tournament with 20 losses, and the Eagles played as if they were in over their heads during the closing minutes. With the pressure on, they went five minutes without scoring, allowing Mount St. Mary's to break it open. Sensing the enormity of the moment, they missed eight straight shots and a pair of free throws. Several times, the ball started to roll in, then agonizingly spun out. "We had a lot of opportunities," said Tywain McKee, who had a team-high 15 points. "We just couldn't put them in." GEIC0.A15-minutecall could save you 15% on car insurance. Nomination Guideline!! • Write a nomination letter of not more than 1 pages, formatted to address the six criteria staled above, * Nomination letter muBt be received by 8)00 p.m. on Wtda»id*y, Mitch 36, 9001, by letter, fax, e-mail or in person, Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Office Utah State University 9535 Old Main Hill Military Science Building, Room 216 Logan, UT 84322-9535 Telephone: (435(797-1266 F*x: (435) 797-0291 Email; (ctrolyn.whelantftusu.edul 7Wt coU/or nominations IM avattabte (n latge print, audio, ami braille format upon request Piease contact the AA/EQ Office at 797-1266 forfurther Information. 1513 N. Hillfield R d , Suite 3 (801) 752-O485 |