University of Southern California Wins Men's `Compaq College Basketball Play of the Year'; Last-Second Heroics by USC Forward Bring Electrifying Win.

TAMPA--(BW SportsWire)--March 26, 1999--Celebrating the biggest weekend in college basketball, Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE:CPQ) today announced the winner of its "Compaq College Basketball Play of the Year" award. Honors for the most outstanding play in men's college basketball during the 1998-1999 regular season went to the Trojans of the University of Southern California (USC). Basketball broadcasting personality Dick Vitale made the announcement and presented the trophy to members of the USC Trojan basketball team at a press conference held earlier today in Tampa (photos available on AP wire).

The stage for the winning play was set as USC clashed with Pacific-10 rival University of Oregon on January 7 at McArthur Court in Eugene. USC trailed Oregon, 84-79, with only 2.8 seconds left in the game. After an Oregon timeout, USC inbounded the ball (under its own basket) to senior forward Adam Spanich, who immediately hit a three-point shot from the baseline bringing the score to 84-82. Spanich, who then dropped back to play defense, intercepted the halfcourt inbound pass lobbed by Oregon forward A.D. Smith. With only 0.8 seconds left on the clock, Spanich took one dribble and fired off a halfcourt shot at the buzzer that hit nothing but net and gave the Trojans an 85-84 victory.

A national panel of judges made up of college basketball sportswriters, sportscasters and sports information directors selected the winner after reviewing several hundred plays that were submitted by college sports information directors from NAIA and NCAA Division I, II, and III schools from across the country. These plays were submitted for consideration in categories such as Best Steal, Best Block, Best Shot, Best Assist, Most Unusual and Most Dramatic.

Today in San Jose, California, site of the Women's Final Four, Compaq also announced the winner of the women's "Compaq College Basketball Play of the Year." The Wildcats of the University of Kentucky were recognized for a buzzer-beating shot that brought them victory against conference rival University of South Carolina.

The University of Southern California and the University of Kentucky each will receive $7,500 in Compaq computer equipment. In addition, each team's "Compaq Play of the Year" will be commemorated in an oil painting that will be on display in the respective College Basketball Halls of Fame. A framed print will also be presented to each team during halftime ceremonies of a home game during the 1999 - 2000 season.

Through Compaq's vision, the seven-year old "College Football Plays of the Year" program has expanded to include men's and women's basketball. This is the first year that CoSIDA (College Sports Information Directors of America) members have submitted nominations for the college basketball play of the year.

About Compaq's NCAA Sponsorship

Compaq Computer Corporation is the NCAA's newest corporate partner and the "Official Computer for the NCAA." Compaq sponsors several programs including the Compaq College Football All-Star Challenge and the Compaq U.S. Collegiate Golf Championship. To view winning Compaq Plays of the Week/Plays of the Year visit http://www.totalcollegesports.com.

Compaq Background

Compaq Computer Corporation, a Fortune Global 100 company, is the second largest computer company in the world and the largest global supplier of computer systems. Compaq develops and markets hardware, software, solutions, and services, including industry-leading enterprise computing solutions, fault-tolerant business-critical solutions, enterprise and network storage solutions, commercial desktop and portable products and consumer PCs. The company is an industry leader in environmentally friendly programs and business practices.

Compaq products are sold and supported in more than 100 countries through a network of authorized Compaq marketing partners. Customer support and information about Compaq and its products are available at http://www.compaq.com.

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