Daily Egyptian Sports : These women can excite

The 2002-2003 Salukis have many attributes that should bring SIU students to the Arena to watch something other than Kent Williams' perfect stroke and Jermaine Dearman impersonating my athletic prowess.

No, the women's games are not B.Y.O.B. either. And although one could argue that would make for a tad bit more rowdy fans, the Shakers would end up getting harassed to no end, so for legal reasons it just isn't possible.

But for PG-oriented people, the reasons to come watch are as follows:

- Molly McDowell's final campaign -

When the guard was a player at Nokomis High School, she was a god, or goddess to be politically correct. I lived nowhere near her hometown or high school, and although I was just freshman when she was dawging up the competition, her name was one I was much familiar with, especially after "Good Golly Ms. Molly" reeled in the Illinois Ms. Basketball award.

Now the senior is leading the Saluki squad after three games with an11.3 points per game average. I can promise that number will only rise as the season goes on and her legs get in shape. It is only respectful to her and her career to show up for a few contests.

- Runnin' and gunnin' basketball -

Admittedly, watching the Salukis scream up and down the court can cause headaches, nosebleeds, and if you are pregnant or nursing, you should consult a doctor before trying to fixate your eyes on players during a game.

But if healthy, it is quite fun to watch.

They don't stop running, though, which I have heard has angered the Energizer Bunny. But the hare is short, pink and has short arms, which leads me to believe the bunny is a sissy and couldn't take on all 14 players that comprise the team.

Screw the long-eared rodent, run-and-gun basketball requires extreme hustle and hard-nosed play, which, as a poor college student, I can easily get into.

Trust me people, it is not like sweet potatoes or cocaine - their style is for everyone.

- The hired gun -

Junior college transfer Dana Pinkston is part Slim Shady, part "Pistol Pete" Marovich and a whole lot of attitude all packed in a 5-foot-4 female body. Jason Williams - the white one, not Jay or the future jailbird Jayson - does not even have the gall to pull off some of the flash Pinkston displays throughout a game.

You'll gasp and cringe and throw popcorn kernels toward her at times. But her exploits will kick you in the back repeatedly and often until you are sitting on the very tip of the seat.

Thirty-foot threes, behind-the-back passes, or a toss around another appendage is not abnormal for Pinkston to attempt.

There is no reason not to have a couple thousand fans in attendance at the SIU Arena. Thousands, not hundreds. Big difference.

This team probably will not take down the Vols of Tennessee and cause Pat Summit to quit being so Anti-christish. She does seem abnormally evil, even if it's just on TV. Enough of that, it is Christmas season. And this team is actually exciting to watch and root for.

Make it your New Year's resolution, because you're not going to lose any weight or quit smoking. But it is possible to get into SIU women's basketball.

Zack Creglow is a freshman in journalism. His views do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Egyptian.