Saturday, December 19, 2009

Daily dribble

Two games, one score.

Saturday's results:

Virginia Tech 68, UAB 66 (OT): Call her Ms. Biggs Shot. That would be Lindsay Biggs, whose three-point play with 1:09 left in OT vaulted the Hokies (7-3) ahead for good in the opening round of the St. John's Classic. Ironically, Biggs had struggled with her shot most of the game before scoring six of her 11 points in the extra period. Meanwhile, freshman Alyssa Fenyn was solid all game long with a game-high 15 points and 9 rebounds. Next up for the Hokies - the host school in Sunday's 2 p.m. title game.

UNLV 68, VCU 66 at Duel in the Desert: Rams led almost all the way, but it wasn't their night in Vegas. They sure made it look nice and neat with 11 turnovers, but rebounding or lack thereof continues to cost the Rams games. Rebels win the boards battle by 14 and sink the winning layup with two seconds left. A near-miss 3 by Ebony Patterson doesn't fall but Rams (5-3) do despite leading by eight at the break. And with the arctic temperatures out there, doesn't a Duel in the Desert sound pleasant?


Sunday's games:


No. 19 Virginia (7-2) at No. 11 Georgia (9-0), 2:30 p.m. The Cavaliers nipped Georgia 62-60 a year ago, but that result should mean little today as the 2009-10 Lady Bulldogs include six freshmen - including one of the nation's best in combo guard Jasmine James - and UVa. is also littered with first-year players. Of course, the coaches have been around forever - Georgia's Andy Landers and Virginia's Debbie Ryan have combined for 1,522 coaching victories. Also of note: Monica Wright needs 10 points to become the third UVa. player to reach 2,000 for her career.


Hampton (2-6) at Old Dominion (1-6), 2 p.m.

Typically this wouldn't seem like much of a matchup, a veritable Cupcake Classic for the vaunted Lady Monarchs before they scurry off for Christmas break. But this is hardly a typical ODU team, at least not yet. The Lady Pirates have struggled, too, having lost six in a row. But they're 2-0 versus the CAA and have been a extremely tough out against everyone else - their last three losses are by a combined eight points. Like most MEAC teams, Hampton lacks quality size inside, so we're not sure what the Lady Pirates can do if ODU's Tia Lewis or Jessica Canady (if healthy) start feeling their oats. But Hampton knows how to turn teams over (UNC Wilmington and William and Mary combined for 54 of them against these guys), so if the Lady Monarchs aren't strong and decisive with the ball, they won't have it for long. We're going to give ODU the benefit of the doubt today, but let's face it, all this season has shown us so far is who the Lady Monarchs can't beat. It's still not totally clear who they can. Old Dominion 77, Hampton 61


Virginia Tech (7-3) at St. John’s (10-1), final of the St. John’s Tournament, 2 p.m.

The Hokies will have their hands full with the Red Storm, which is receiving votes in the AP and ESPN/USA Today polls and whose lone loss was a 10-point setback at North Carolina on Dec. 6. St. John's is 5-0 at home. St. John's 78, Virginia Tech 65.


William and Mary (5-3) vs. High Point (4-6), First round of the Florida Gators Classic, 4:30 p.m.

Both teams looked rusty and ragged in their initial post-exams contests Friday. The difference was that sluggish play cost High Point a loss at home against Longwood. The Tribe stumbled and bumbled yet still won by 28 at Norfolk State. We expect a much cleaner performance today, which will almost certainly set the Tribe up for a winnable title-game showdown with the host school. But no matter what happens, we envy the Tribe for getting to hang out in Florida while we suffer through this storm. William and Mary 83, High Point 59


VCU vs. Kansas State at Duel in the Desert, 4:30 p.m.:
Wildcats' 10-point loss to Hawaii in late game sets up matchup with Rams. VCU needs to watch for the 3. K-State (4-6) buried 12 on Saturday with freshman Brittany Chambers knocking down five. Kansas State 67, VCU 60

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