Editor's note: Ball State's Tamara Bowie, last season's Mid-American Conference Player of the Year, will share a weekly diary with ESPN.com throughout the season.

Dec. 10, 2001

Happy Holidays! This week will be a light week, even though it is finals week at Ball State. I have two finals -- accounting and exercise science 190. I took my math final last week and in my other classes I have projects to turn in. This semester went by really fast, I guess because I am having so much fun in school and with basketball.

	Tamara Bowie averaged 18.6 points and 8.4 rebounds as a sophomore in 2000-01.

Last week we had two games -- at Illinois State and at home vs. Butler. The Illinois State game was a different kind of game. It was a game we knew we should win, but they challenged us to the end. We just weren't clicking that night. At the same time though, we all stuck together for the 78-61 win. I was proud of our team that night because we haven't always been able to do that.

I didn't play the last 10 minutes because I landed on someone's foot and rolled my ankle. I thought I had broke it because I heard something pop; however, it was just a sprain. The ride home was a painful one, but it's getting better now. I guess that's part of the game.

On Saturday, we hosted the Hoosier State Classic. In the first game, Valparaiso beat Indiana State 69-65. We played state-rival Butler, and anybody from Indiana, or anyone who goes to school in Indiana knows what kind of rivalry exists between the two schools.

We started off very intense and hitting from all angles. We shot 70 percent from the field in the first half! The "postinians" -- that's what we post players call ourselves -- had a good start. Myself and senior Amy Fuller finished the first half 12-for-12 for a combined 29 points.

The second half against Butler wasn't as good as the first. Let's just say we didn't shoot 70 percent again. It was a slower half, which we are not used to. I think we became a little frustrated as a team. We were able to build on our big halftime lead and had a 20-point cushion for most of the game. The final score was 89-68 to complete the week 2-0.

'I am Tiger Woods!'
With finals week and limited practices, I have some time for Christmas shopping this week. I would love to be able to tell you what I am shopping for, but because my family reads this diary, I can't. For anyone reading this, I can tell you what I want for Christmas -- a set of golf clubs and a new watch.

I have always wanted to learn how to play golf, but I don't actually know why. This past summer has changed my view of the sport though, because I actually hit the driving range. After a few "practice swings," I started to hit the ball pretty good -- about 175 yards with a 7-iron. Golf feels like it comes naturally -- I am Tiger Woods!

We also have our annual Christmas party as a team coming up. I need to go shopping for my secret-Santa. I'll tell you more about the party and what I get next time!

One love,

Bowie