Game Notes | Live Video
INDIANAPOLIS -- The IUPUI Department of Athletics has announced that in conjunction with the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund, the Jaguars will be hosting "Think Pink" on Saturday, February 16, during their 4:30 p.m. game versus Oral Roberts to raise awareness for breast cancer research.
IUPUI (11-14, 7-6 Summit) will be looking to snap an untimely two-game losing streak, while Oral Roberts (14-9, 8-4 Summit) appears to be peaking at the right time, as they enter the game with a four-game winning streak.
The Jaguars received double-doubles from both Jernisha Cann and Julia Whitted in their loss to South Dakota State on Monday, with Cann posting 17 points and 14 boards, while Whitted had 13 and 10, respectively.
Having participated in "Think Pink" events at both North Dakota State and South Dakota State the previous weekend, the Jaguars will warm up in pink shirts and recognize breast cancer survivors during halftime of their contest. All fans are asked to wear pink to Saturday’s game.
"I am pleased that IUPUI is participating as one of over 900 universities and colleges across the country in the WBCA’s Think Pink promotion to assist in raising breast cancer awareness," Associate A.D. for External Affairs John Rasmussen said. "I hope our fans and community will rally around this cause on Saturday by wearing pink to the basketball game as they come out to cheer on the Jaguars."
The "Think Pink" initiative, which runs Feb. 8-17, is a global, unified effort for the WBCA’s nation of coaches to assist in raising breast cancer awareness on the court, across campuses, in communities and beyond.
"We are proud to be one of the many teams across the country participating in ‘Think Pink,’" IUPUI head coach Shann Hart said. "Hopefully, we will be able to raise awareness for breast cancer research and continue to work towards a cure for this disease."
Through the opening weekend of the initiative, over $65,000 has been raised for the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund.
"The WBCA is very excited to promote an initiative that touches all levels of our membership and unifies them for such a great cause," said WBCA CEO Beth Bass in a release. "It has been remarkable to watch the support of this initiative grow from 120 teams last year to over 900 teams from a variety for sports for 2008. With the help of each of our members, the women’s basketball community and beyond can make a difference in the fight against breast cancer."
The Association’s original goal for this year’s "Think Pink" was 750 participants, which was surpassed late January. The "Think Pink" initiative has also crossed over to other sports, including swimming and diving, gymnastics, tennis and men’s basketball.
Thus far, several WBCA partners and sponsors have chosen to get involved in the WBCA’s "Think Pink" initiative. ESPN joined the initiative by dedicating their annual "February Frenzy" and "Big Monday" women’s college basketball games on ESPN2 and ESPN360.com to promoting breast cancer awareness and supporting the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund in partnership with The V Foundation. The NCAA has also joined the "Think Pink" initiative by implementing the "Calling for a Cure" campaign where all NCAA women’s basketball officials will be blowing a pink whistle Feb. 8-17.
Following the women’s game, the second-place IUPUI men’s team will take on first-place Oral Roberts. Tickets are still available for both games and can be purchased by calling (317) 274-5453.
