The one that got away

Monday's recap

N.C. State 62, Old Dominion 52
- Kudos to ODU for breaking out the pink uniforms in honor of the late Kay Yow, the legendary former N.C. State coach. But it was an otherwise disappointing night for the Lady Monarchs (0-3), who after being overmatched in their first two outings were simply outplayed Monday. Defensively, ODU did a decent job on the perimeter but too often were unable to control the defensive boards and allowed the more aggressive Wolfpack second- and third-shot opportunities. But the offense was the real culprit. With leading scorer Jasmine Parker suffering through a tough shooting night (understandable given the circumstances) and Tia Lewis (1 of 9 FGs) surprisingly tentative in the low post, the turnover-prone Lady Monarchs were rarely able to string consecutive scores together and a winnable game slipped away. Yes, the Lady Monarchs are young and losing to N.C. State is hardly a disgrace, especially when your best player (Jessica Canady) remains sidelined by a balky knee. But with the Wolfpack kind of stumbling around at times themselves, an ODU victory was there for the taking. The Lady Monarchs just couldn't take it.

George Mason 57, Jacksonville 49
- Nice defensive effort by the Patriots (2-2), who held the Dolphins to 34-percent shooting, won the rebounding battle and forced 23 turnovers. Now, about that 48-percent free throw shooting....

Today's action

Hampton (2-0) at Richmond (2-1), 4 p.m.
- After impressive victories over CAA foes William and Mary and UNC Wilmington, David's Six Shooters step up in class to take on a Spiders team chagrined by a subpar effort in last Friday's loss to Drexel. Richmond 82, Hampton 68

Longwood (1-3) at Troy (1-1), 7 p.m.
- In Sunday's loss to Kennesaw State, Longwood's top three scorers were freshmen - Heather Tobeck (16 points), Richmond's Crystal Smith (16) and ex-Hanover High standout Chelsea Coward (13). Troy 75, Longwood 58

James Madison (2-0) at Austin Peay (0-2), 7 p.m.
- Otherwise known as the Dawn Evans Invitational, as the game will be played in the Dukes star's hometown. Expect Evans to really put on a show; then again, doesn't the Sports Illustrated preseason All-American do that every night? JMU 78, Austin Peay 74

William and Mary (2-1) at Iowa (3-1), 8 p.m.
- After shuttling between Hampton and Williamsburg for their first three games, the Tribe will begin their first real road trip with this visit to Iowa City followed by two dates in Washington state Friday and Saturday for the Seattle Redhawks Classic. Iowa 76, William and Mary 70