[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 30 (Thursday, March 17, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 17, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                        RHODE ISLAND'S CHAMPIONS

                                 ______


                        HON. RONALD K. MACHTLEY

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 17, 1994

  Mr. MACHTLEY. Mr. Speaker, in this past week Rhode Island has become 
the new State of Champions. On Sunday, the Providence College Friars 
defeated the Georgetown Hoyas to take the Big East championships in New 
York. Also on Sunday, the Brown University Bruins won the Ivy League 
women's basketball championship by defeating Dartmouth in a one-game 
playoff.
  I would first like to congratulate the new beast of the east, the 
Providence College Friars. The Friars, coached by Rick Barnes, entered 
the Big East Tournament in sixth place in the conference and was 
thought not to have a chance by the so-called experts of reaching the 
final game. But with spirited wins over St. John's and then No. 2, 
Connecticut, the Friars reached the finals of the Big East 
Championships.
  Entering the finals on a seven-game winning streak, PC seemed 
destined to take this game. Led by the shooting ability of Rob Phelps, 
the sweet passes of Abdul Abullah, and the power rebounds by tournament 
MVP Michael Smith, the Friars went on to win the championship game for 
the first time.
  Providence now heads to the NCAA championships. The Friars look to 
make a strong showing this year. With the talent this team possesses, I 
believe the Friars will go a long way in the tournament.
  The Brown University women's team heads into the women's tournament 
ranked 16th and taking on top-ranked, University of Connecticut 
Huskies. Led by junior center Martina Jerant, the Bruins and coach Jean 
Marie Burr look to upset the favored Huskies.
  I congratulate the Friars and the Bruins for bringing the 
championships home to Rhode Island. I wish them the best of luck in the 
men's and women's basketball national championships.

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