Sports Briefs

James Starks Impresses in NFL Debut

Former Bulls running back James Starks made his NFL debut on Sunday in the Green Bay Packers' 34-16 win over the San Francisco 49ers. An injury to starter Brandon Jackson gave an opportunity to the former Bull, and Starks made the most of it. He ran for 73 yards on 18 attempts for Green Bay, and he ran over one of the best linebackers in the league, Patrick Willis, on a 16-yard run. Starks was excited to get back on the field for the first time since the International Bowl two seasons ago.

"I was anxious to get out there and play with my teammates, play with A-Rod [Aaron Rodgers]," Starks said in an interview on the official Packers website. "You know the fans here at Lambeau, finally getting to run out there, it was an exciting moment for me. I just took it all in; I was just like an excited little kid out there."

Men's Basketball Adds Another Home Game to Schedule

The men's basketball team is adding an extra home game to its 2010-2011 schedule. On Dec. 18, the Bulls (4-3) will host Houghton College (4-2). The game will be part of a four-game home stand that begins on Wednesday night against Niagara (2-6, 0-2 Metro-Atlantic Athletic Conference).

"We really needed a game between Dec. 11 and Dec. 30," said head coach Reggie Witherspoon in a press release. "It's important that we stay sharp heading into conference play."

The game against Houghton College is scheduled for a 1 p.m. tip-off.

Mulkey Named MAC Scholar Athlete of the Week

Senior guard Byron Mulkey was named Mid-American Conference Scholar Athlete of the Week. Mulkey has maintained a 3.37 grade point average.

Mulkey, who redshirted last season, is currently leading the team in assists and the entire country in steals, with an average of 4.1 per game. He scored a career-high 23 points in the Bulls' 81-64 victory over Canisius and was a combined 12-of-12 from the free-throw line against Canisius and Indiana State.

Brown and Aronica Named Athletes of the Week

Senior forward Kourtney Brown of the women's basketball team and freshman Phil Aronica of the men's swimming team were announced as the Bulls Athletes of the Week.

Brown, who currently leads the Bulls in points and rebounds, had a huge game in Buffalo's 79-50 victory against Canisius. Her 26 points and 15 rebounds gave Brown her 33rd career double-double.

Aronica won the 100-yard backstroke at Akron's Zippy Invitational with a season-best time of 50.11. Aronica was also part of the winning 200-yard medley relay (1:32.06) and 400-yard medley relay (1:32.06).

Baseball 2011 Schedule Revealed

The baseball team recently released its 2011 schedule. The Bulls, who finished with a 23-29 (9-18 MAC) record last season, begin play with a four-game series at New Mexico State on Feb. 26. They will play their first home game on Apr. 1 against Northern Michigan.

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