Complex sentence: Many consider this a dark age for the program, as despite still recording winning seasons and a NIT berth in 2003, the strength of schedule slid into decline, and players with questionable reputations filled the roster.
Split into simpler sentences: Many consider this a dark age for the program, as despite still recording winning seasons and a NIT berth in 2003. The Cougars' strength of schedule slid into decline and players with questionable reputations filled the roster.