Bonnie Ryan
GoSycamores.com

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. -- The Indiana State men's and women's basketball teams began preseason preparations for 2009-10 with the fifth annual Big Blue Block Party Friday evening at Hulman Center.

The event, which was open to the public, featured free food, music, entertainment, a kids zone and a beer garden sponsored by the Ballyhoo Tavern. Student-athletes and coaches from both squads interacted with fans and signed autographs outside in the Clabber Girl parking lot, while the ISU band, cheerleaders and Sparkettes dance team also made an appearance at the event.

Following the block party, fans were invited to Hulman Center for an open mini practice and scrimmage by the women's team.

After a team warm-up, four student-athletes paired off in a one-minute 3-point shooting contest. Senior Kelsey Luna narrowly won the overall contest with 17 total 3-pointers made, over sophomore Chelsea Buher's 16.

In a short team scrimmage, the White squad prevailed over Blue, 20-11. Junior Kelsie Cooley and sophomore Deja Mattox each tallied six points for White, while Pedro finished with four for Blue.

The ISU men's squad then held a two-hour practice, complete with drills and scrimmaging.

The Sycamore women's team opens the season with a home exhibition game with Bellarmine on Sunday, Nov. 1 at 2 p.m. It begins regular-season play against 2009 NCAA Tournament qualifier Kansas State on Saturday, Nov. 14 in Manhattan, Kan.

Indiana State's men's season starts up with an exhibition at Hulman Center with the University of Indianapolis on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 7:05 p.m., followed by the Dick's Sporting Goods NIT Season Tip-Off with LSU on Monday, Nov. 16 at 8 p.m. in Baton Rouge, La.