Penders and Maggard Donate Two Grand

I have been very critical of head coach Tom Penders this season for not getting his Houston Cougars to the 2008 NCAA Tournament; and, yes, I've gone so far to say I'd like UH AD, Dave Maggard, to fire Penders for this season's failure.

However, though I've been critical of both men, I'll will acknowledge both men for putting their money where there mouths are.

Penders and Maggard committed Friday to donating $1,000 each for 200 student tickets and 200 tickets to be distributed to UH faculty and staff members for the Cougars' match-up against Valparaiso during the quarterfinals of the 2008 College Basketball Invitational on Monday.

The Cougars play host to Valparaiso at 8 p.m., Monday at Hofheinz Pavilion with a berth to the CBI semifinals on the line.

The first 100 UH faculty or staff members with a valid ID who visit the Athletics Ticket Office during regular business hours on Monday will receive two free tickets.

The student tickets will be given to the first 200 students with a valid ID that enter the Cullen Street entrance of Hofheinz Pavilion without a ticket.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m.