The Indianapolis Star from Indianapolis, Indiana • Page 39

THE INDIANAPOLIS STAR- PAGE 39 Xtetwv.vAi Games AT TONIGHT IN COLISEUM FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 1972 Marian liasehnll Off To 5-0 Start Pacers9 Rockets Open Fire IAVZJ By Max Stultz. Probable Starters PACfRS ROCKITS McOlnnlt U-7) lack () N. Ullcky 0) Kaya a-10) Danlili U-) Rablich a-10 R. Brawn OJ) Slmsuit Liwii (- L. ifown (-) Tlpoflt a.m.

Broadcast WIRI (an lha Facar nalwark). By DAVE OVERPECK The night for which the Indiana Pacers have been waiting for a month cynics will say it's more like six months is finally at hand. For better or worse, the playoffs are what counts in professional basketball. The regular season pays the bills and division championships are nice. But the league title and the prize money go up in the playoffs.

Bobby Leonard says the Pacers are "as ready as they'll ever be" for tonight's tournament opener against the Denver Rockets at the Coliseum. They've had three games and two practices to get their playoff offense ready. They like it and they've been picking it up well. They have confidence in it. The attack is designed especially for the on another.

That was one of three straight tilts in which he blocked nine shots. If he is allowed to lurk around the basket as a goal-tender, the Pacers are going to have a hard time getting their inside game going. The quick, effective way to negate a double-team is to move the ball. The Pacers have been doing that with the new attack and getting the shots they want. Defensively the Pacers must contain Ralph Simpson.

That means keeping him away from his spots and making him force shots. Inside, center Dave Robisch is the biggest problem. Since he became a starter around the first of the year, the 6-10 rookie has been averaging better than 20 points a game. He shoots well enough outside that Mel Daniels or Bob Netolicky will have to come out on him. The Rockets, as a team, aren't great shooters.

But they hit the boards well, so the Pacers are going to have to check out. The scries is scheduled for the best four out of seven games. But the Pacers have settled on the minimum four in the first round the last two years. In fact, they'll carry an 11-game winning streak in first-round play into tonight's game. That figures to grow a little more before it is snipped.

The Rockets are not exactly a sensational road team, winning only nine times as visitors during the regular season. Even that is a little tainted since at least three of those triumphs came on neutral hardwood. The Coliseum has been one of the Rockets least successful stops. In 18 games here over five years, they've won twice. Game 2 in the series comes up tomorrow night at the Coliseum before action moves to Denver for tilts next Tuesday and Thursday.

If a fifth game is necessary, it will be back at the Coliseum a week from tomorrow. Rockets. The season series between the two clubs ended 7-5 in the Pacers' favor. Denver's success was in direct proportion to how effective it was in double-teaming the Indiana offense. This new offense, one with maybe 17 options off three basic plays, is designed to prevent that doubling up.

The key man to neutralize is forward Julius Keye. Last Friday in a 93-92 Denver victory at Fort Wayne, Keye blocked nine shots, many of them when he came off his man to help Art Still Respects Pacer Front Line FAST THREESOME Jim Molloy (left). Billy Vukovich (center) and Bobby Un Unser hit 190.8, Vuky 183.5 and Mal-loy 179-plus. (Star Photo By Charles A. Berry) cars after tire tests.

ser Iright) pose with their yesterday's quick Goodyear MARIAN COLLEGE has got this thing going in its department of athletics. First, Ed Schilling, the former Butler pivot ace, stepped in as basketball coach last winter and guided the Knights to a school record of 19 victories. Seven came at the season's outset before a 111-100 setback at Earlham snapped the string. Now, Lynn Morrell has his baseball squad off and running with five consecutive triumphs, an achievement that represents the best start in the college's history. Morrell also is a first-year coach who spent the winter helping whip Schilling's cage proteges into shape.

A Colorado Springs (Colo.) native who earned his diploma from Missouri State Teachers, he did graduate work two years at Eastern Kentucky before coming to Marian. Despite having yet to play a game on their home diamond, the Knights have decked Indiana Central and DePauw in doubleheaders and the University of Dayton in a single contest. The opposition has scored only five runs in 42 innings. Three of them were unearned and Marian hurlers have come up with a trio of shutouts. Morrell, who qualifies as a master of the understatement, said, "Our pitching has been predominant." Though not going the route this early, Mike Brunette has won twice, with Jim Fisher, Russ Pawlak and Mark Simko each picking up one triumph.

Brunette, a senior from Cathedral High School and regarded by Morrell as his No. 1 flinger, got credit last Saturday when the Knights stretched their string to five with a 4-0 verdict at Dayton. Fisher, a lean 6-3 sophomore out of Decatur took over in the sixth and protected a 2-0 lead. A "flame thrower in Morrell's words, Fisher beat Indiana Central's defending Indiana Collegiate co-champions, 5-0, eight days ago in the second half of Marian's season-opening twin bill. The Knights had copped the first game, 3-2, with Brunette going four innings for the decision and soph Pat Zapp, another Cathedral product, mopping up.

In between, Marian handled DePauw, 3-0 and 5-3, both battles decided in extra innings. Alex Karason, Larry Armbrecht and Pawlak held the Tigers to two hits in the 10-frame lid-lifter. Then Dan Hayden and Simko prevailed in the eight-inning nightcap. Marian's strength is down the middle with senior John Jones of Wheatfield handling the catching, an 11-man mound corps and senior Larry Unser roaming center field. A brother of major leaguer Del Unser, with Cleveland this year after four summers with Washington when it still was in the American League, Larry "looks like a big league prospect" to Morrell.

A right-hander all the way, Unser needs only to improve his hitting. That problem apparently is being solved since he is swatting at a .368 clip. Unser also is an excellent base-runner and possesses "one of the best arms I've ever seen," according to Morrell. Anchoring the infield are shortstop Ted Ahaus, Guilford sophomore, and second baseman Mike Einier, also from Decatur, HI. Eimer took charge of the team last spring when then-coach John Haskins became ill during the season and Morrell declares, "He has more baseball savvy than any collegian around he is firmly established in the fundamentals of the game." Eimer's uncle, Swede Thompson, is a scout for the San Francisco Giants.

Eimer, who transferred from Bradley University, is a topflight student and recently was chosen one of the nation's outstanding athletes by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Taking a spring break in lieu of a southern trip, Marian returns to action Thursday with a doubleheader at ISU-Evans-ville. The Knights then play two at St. Joseph's next Saturday before getting their home campaign underway in a pair of tilts with Thomas More of Covington, Ky. AND THEN THERE WERE EIGHT.

Ball State University, seeking a basketball coach to replace Bud Getchell, lost one of its nine candidates yesterday when Purdue assistant Joe Scxon announced withdrawal of his name from consideration. Sexson, also Boilermaker baseball coach, takes his team to Texas today for an eight-day junket. That responsibility combined with the fact he would be out of the state when Cardinal Athletic Director Ray Louthen wants to make a decision, determined Sexson's move. Bobby U. Tops 190 In Speedway Tests Indiana has been balanced against the Rockets.

Brown averaged 19.2 points per game, Neto 16.8, Daniels 15.9 and 15 rebounds, McGinnis 15.3, Freddie Lewis 15.1, Rick' Mount 12.3, Billy Keller 8.4 and Darnell Hillman 8.2 and seven rebounds. "Roger will turn on," states Becker, "whether be plays guard or forward. George is tough and strong and Neto is always ready. Rick has played well defensively against Simp and he was on fire offensively last Friday. "I heard that somebody said Mel had a miserable year," said Becker.

"Three-fourths of the players should have a miserable year like that. Maybe he hasn't been as great as last season (when he was MVP) but he'll bo plenty tough, you can bet on that." Becker is aware that the Pacers have had their problems both on and off the court this year but he believes they could be the team still standing at the close of the firing. "The Pacers have always been a good playoff team and they'll get going again I'm said Art. "They've been together a long time and that experience shows up when money is at stake. "It should be interesting and it just might be a lot of fun before it's all over." By ROBIN MILLER Art Becker, a main member of the Indiana Pacers' front line in 1969, will be in Indianapolis tonight as a Denver Rocket and he still has plenty of respect for his former teammates.

The Rockets open the first round of the Western Division playoffs at the Coliseum at 8:10 p.m. and Becker has no doubts as to where the key to the seven-game series lies. "It's the same old story," says Becker, the ex-point-a-minute man off the bench for Indiana in its No. 1 year. "We'll be trying to stop some strong, jumping shooters.

I know it sounds trite, but to beat Indiana you have to hold down Mel (Daniels), Neto (Bob Netolicky) and Roger (Brown). And George (McGinnis) has compounded the problem." Denver, fourth-place finisher, won only 34 of 84 games but Indiana won the season series by just a 7-5 margin and outscored the Rockets only 112-108 points per contest. "We'll probably go with Byron (Beck) and Julie (Keye) at the corners, Dave (Robisch) at pivot and Brownie (Larry Brown) and Simp (Ralph Simpson) out back," predicts Denver's sixth man. "Al Smith and Chuck Williams have both played pretty well against Indiana and they should make a big contribution. "We've been poor on the road (nine victories) and since we may have to play the Pacers four times at Indianapolis, it will take some luck.

"Obviously, we're going to ART BECKER have to come up w.th some good ball games but we played well at Fort Wayne (last Friday when Denver won, 93-92) and that helped a little. "We play control ball pretty well and if we run our patterns right, our shots will come," explained the Arizona State grad. Simpson, the young, strong 6-6 backcourt ace, has averaged 25.3 points per game against the Pacers. Robisch, a vastly underrated rookie center, scored 13.9 and got 10 rebounds. Becker averaged 12.7, Beck 12.1, Williams 9.9, Smith 9.1, Brown 7.5 and seven assists and Keye 6.5 and 10 rebounds.

"Byron has been playing very consistently the last few months," said Becker, "and when he's hitting his hook shot he's murder. "Robisch is a good outside shooter and he's done a hell of a job in his first year. Brownie is the key to our offense, he moves the ball. "Ralph is nearly unstopable when he's on and he's had some great games against the Pacers. And Julie has been blocking a lot of shots lately plus hitting the boards." By RAY MARQUETTE Bobby Unser held i breath for 47.176 seconds yesterday which may not be a world record for lung power but sure as heck is close to one for horsepower.

The 1968 Indianapolis 500 winner set the teeth and nerves of his speed competitors on edge with the fastest lap ever recorded at the Indianapoils Motor Speedway a fantastic 190.8 miles an hour. "It's a whole new world; a brand-new concept of speed," admitted the handsome hustler from Albuquerque, N.M., after zipping off the quick one during Goodyear tire tests. IT'S SUCH A NEW world that most of the Speedway drivers might just have soon Bobby hadn't opened the door with his Olsonite Eagle. Bobby's wasn't the only Eagle in the speed test yester NEW BRANCH STORE OPENING SOON! A. Aisssssssssfem i ft College Golf At Crookad Stick Wabash Indiana Central Medalist John Davis (IC) n.

day. Billy Vukovich, driving eye ana Jim Malloy, after only 13 "hot" laps of practice with his Thermo-King Eagle, was clocked at 178.2 and "gotten the feel of the car yet." This was a tremendous showing by three of the eight 1972 Eagles Gurney has built and no one could have been prouder than Gurney, the All-American racer who may have retired from the driving seat but still can't sit or stand still when his machines are running. Bobby, whose crew caught him at 191.2 mph by stopwatch, wouldn't confirm or deny reports that there is still speed left in the brand-new car that has been driven less than 250 miles in its two days of Goodyear trials. "This is the same engine we used to go 196.9 mph at Ontario Motor Speedway," he said, "and John Miller has built a beauty of an engine. Basically, the engine is the only real difference between my car and the ones Billy and Jim are driving.

"Don't let anyone tell you the speed isn't felt by the driver. It's so much different than last May when I had a practice lap at 176. The depth perception is so different you can't believe it. "The car is so sure that I can drive into the corners a heck of a lot harder than I ever thought possible. You're through the short chutes before you know it and all of a sudden you have to turn left again.

"I'll have to use my neck strap in practice this year because the centrifugal force is so much. It really sits you down when you go through the turns. "I'm not about to say what our straightaway speeds are but they're tremendous; a heck of a lot. faster than I ever thought they would be. it's frightening.

When you're going that fast you have to be scared of what could happen. Everything's wound so tight and if you get in trouble, it could hurt bad. "Let's just say that if the throttle would stick on me going into the first turn, the next stop would be the Holiday Inn across 16th Street. THE ONLY PERSON at the Speedway who was happier than Bobby U. had to be Gurney, who admitted this season at least the start is the high point of his racing career, as driver or owner.

"I would never have believed the 190 lap a year ago either," he admitted. "But now, who knows? "Sure, it's helped to get an early start on the test program. We ran the prototype the first time at Ontario around the first of December and we've tested maybe 2,500 miles. "The best thing about it is that the other cars did so well their first time out. We delivered them with the same setup we had when we ran 191Vi at Ontario and I've helped the other crews whenever they ask.

It feels good to know that all the Eagles are "going so well. "A year ago, I didn't think we'd be going 190 here, either. But we are and it's all so new. No one knows what could happen at these speeds and, frankly, it scares you." "Right," said Bobby, "but how sweet it is!" Almost lost in the excitement of the fast lap was Gordon Johncock's 181.4 m.p.h. in last year's McLaren.

"Not bad for a year old car, Gordie," a friend needled. "Yep," replied Gordie, "not bad at all." A year ago, that 181.4 in tire tests would have made the headlines of the world's racing press. But Gordie will have his new McLaren here when the a opens April 29. "The new cars arc finished," said Teddy Maicr, the man in charge of the McLaren program. "But we never intended to have them here until the track opened.

We've had enough copying." only his second day of tests with the Sugarripe Prune Eagle, turned a lap at 183.5 miles an hour on the electric BOBBY LEONARD Does Nof Coach Outlook Called Grim In Baseball Dispute Miller disputed the statement by Commissioner Bowie Kuhn Wednesday that the two sides were talking around the clock. at the Executives Health Club But He Does RELAX HERE "Gentlemen, I wish to endors the excellent service and facilities of the Executives Health Club. Even with my busy schedule and pressure of professional Basketball I always find time to use the Club. The relaxation and health boost I receive after using their facilities is tremendous. I highly recommend the Executives Health Club to all businessmen of Indianapolis." PRO BASKETBALL SCOREBOARD YESTERDAY'S RESULTS NATIONAL ASSOCIATION First Round Playoffs Milwaukee ill.

Golden Slata 7 sents tied, 1-1). Lot Anaalai 131, Chicago 114. Las An-alot loads bast of tavan sorias, 2-0. TODAY'S GAMES Bobby Leonard Coach, Indiana Pacers (Used by permission) aW AMERICAN ASSOCIATION Denvtr at Indiana p.m. 1st iimi btst of 7 Watt Division playoffs).

Flondian at Virginia (1st sama bast Of 7 East Division playoffs). NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Boston at Atlanta (2d tamo East Con- ahead with the meeting of player representatives from the 24 major league clubs in Dallas today to decide on the next course of action. "We have a solid mandate from the players," he said. "Milwaukee was the final club to vote for a strike. The vote among the players now is 663 for a strike, 10 against and two absenlions." He said the players had three strike alternatives if the owners continue to hold out against demands for increased pension payments: 1.

Strike immediately. 2. Strike at the start of the season, April 5. 3. Strike the first Game of the Week on national television, Detroit at Boston, Saturday, April 8, NBC-TV.

The players have modified their demands, Miller said, to the point that acceptance by the owners would cost each club less than $25,000. The crux of the dispute lies In contributions to the players' pension fund. The players arc asking a 17 per cent increase to meet cost of living standards. The owners have agreed to a raise of $100,000. "We preferred a four-year agreement but have said we would accept one year with an increase of $850,000" Miller said.

"I read where Gahcrin snys It would cost each club $310,000 more. That's ridiculous. The whole plan doesn't cost that." New York (AP) The club owners are trying to grind the players in the dust," Marvin Miller charged yesterday in reporting that the owners abruptly broke off talks aimed at forestalling a threatened strike by baseball players. "Wc met at noon Wednesday," the executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association told The Associated Press by telephone from Scottsdalc, Ariz. "They didn't budge a cent from their stand," he said.

"They packed up and went home with no agreement for future talks. Obviously they nro intent on dividing and destroying the association." MIl.LKIt SAID that he had urged Hint the dispute over peiiNlon payments be mediated by Homo high-ranking pcr-mnwillly. "Wo Niih! we were willing to piil our case in the hands of I'ionIiIimiI Nixon, former President Lyndon Johnson, former Court Justice Earl Win ifii or miy other figure of tlml Mature." Miller said the outlook was gi'lm. There was no immedi-nle comment' from the owners. Their labor consultant, John Gahcrin, was en route from Scottsdalc to New York.

MILLEIt SAID ho would go rtrvneo piaronsj. New York at II Baltimore (1st tamo btst of 7 East Con fart not playoffs). FINAL DAYS NOW Will Be Until March 31 After March 31 Initiation Fee $3000 $5000 Monthly Dues 15-00 J1700 For An Appointment With Health and Vigor CALL 636-1535 JACK WIGNALL JOHN SQUIERS Still time but hurry Get Your Ready-to-wear Easter Suit from LEON'S All Suits Guaranteed In Time For Easter Wearing Also Shirrs Ties Hats Accessories to complement your new spring suit. or TED FELLOWS NHL Standi tigs EASTERN DIVISION Pta OF 6A Boston 53 12 11 11? ill New York 41 IS 11 100 311 34 Montreal 44 It 104 Its lit Toronto 3J 30 1 4 71 lt 1 Oalrolt 33 34 10 74 25? 254 Buffalo IS 43 10 40 200 207 Vancouver IV SO 7 45 HO 2tt WESTERN DIVISION Pts Of CA Clllcaoo 44 17 IS 103 )l us Mlnnotolo II II II 14 200 114 St. Louis 21 37 11 07 304 lit Philadelphia 24 37 13 45 104 220 Pltlsburiri 35 31 11 41 310 252 California 31 37 II 40 311 377 Lot Antrim I 40 44 11 207 YESTERDAY'S RESULTS Philadelphia 1.

Buffalo I. Only Gimi Schedule. WEI3NESI)AY'S RESULTS New York 2, Otlroil 3, tie. Plttsburoh S. California 4.

Toronto 4. Boston t. Monlraal S. Cti-cego S. tlo.

Los Anoolot 4. Vanrouvor 2. Only aarnes scheduled. TONIGHT'S SCHEDULE Los Aneelos ot Vancouver, mshl. Minnosota at California mint.

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