Purdue, Iowa and Vanderbilt all share two common elements: Each is highly seeded in the NCAA women's basketball tournament and was pounded by the Lady Lions.

Yes, the Lady Lions have done it again. Although the Associated Press Coaches' Poll ranks the Lady Lions No. 2, the women's basketball team again proved its worth after a spectacular season.

It is time for us to support the Lady Lions in post-season hoops and pack Rec Hall for the home tournament games. The women's basketball team needs to have the "6th (Wo)man" factor for all tournament games in Rec Hall.

The crowd has done wonders for the women's team already this year, and it helped the men complete a respectable year in tough conference play. Crowds have proven their worth and must come through for the women now that it really counts.

The Lady Lions slam dunked a top seed in the tournament when they completed their regular season Saturday. They are a legitimate national title contender and deserve nothing less than a world-class crowd to send them off toward the crown.

The Lady Lions will certainly add Fordham to the grave of other victims. Show up so you can kiss the Lady Rams goodbye.

Help topple the attendance record tonight when the Lady Lions take on Fordham at 7 in the first round of the tournament in Rec Hall. The game costs $3 for students with student identification.