Monday's games
Liberty 63, Radford 45: That's nine straight victories for the now-first place Lady Flames (16-4, 7-1 Big South). The win also capped an extremely impressive weekend, as by going on the road and whipping High Point and Radford Liberty has, at least for now, turned the Big South into a two-team race between itself and Gardner-Webb. Devon Brown averaged 24.5 points and 11 rebounds in the two games, and it's starting to look as though Big South teams haven't a clue as to how to slow her down. The Highlanders (5-14, 4-4 Big South) lost its third straight and while not quite in freefall could use something good to happen pretty quickly. That won't be easy, either, as revenge-minded Gardner-Webb (18-3, 7-1 Big South) comes calling on Saturday. On Jan. 4, the Highlanders went to Boiling Springs, N.C. and handed the Lady Bulldogs their only conference loss.
Hampton 64, Maryland-Eastern Shore 48: The fourth straight victory for the Lady Pirates (10-10, 6-3 MEAC), and if it seems as though they're on a mission, it's because they are. "We are trying to end the (regular) season going 12-0," Pirates guard Whitney Hill said. "We've got four wins and we're looking for eight more." Bold words, indeed. But based on the way this team has played of late, we're certainly not ruling it out.
Coppin State 75, Norfolk State 55: Genor Dalton led the Spartans (3-14, 0-8 MEAC) with 11 points, and also posted a team-high 20 in Sunday's loss to Morgan State. It marks the first time since late November a Spartan has been the team's scoring leader in consecutive games. On some teams, this would suggest great balance. For the Spartans, it points up the lack of even one consistent offensive threat.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Monday, February 1, 2010
I like dreamin': ODU vs. Baylor
Would you like to see Old Dominion play Baylor in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at the Constant Center? ESPN prognasticator Charlie Creme projects just that in his latest bracketology. Creme predicts the Lady Monarchs will win the CAA and receive a No. 13 seed. He has them pitted against an unpredictable Baylor team, seeded fourth, which started the season in the Top 5.
Know what else? Creme figures the CAA for an at-large bid and gives it to James Madison due to the Dukes' impressive nonconference results. He pits No. 10 James Madison against No. 7 Georgia Tech.
As for Drexel, the defending CAA champions are in his last four out.
We have one question: Where for art thou VCU?
Virginia is also in the mix as a No. 6, projected to meet Mississippi, an 11 seed. One caveat: The Cavaliers need to find a way to avoid icky losses such as the one to Wake Forest over the weekend.
We're halfway through, so who knows what will happen? But isn't it fun to dream about seeing 6-foot-8 Brittney Griner up close in Norfolk? Has Griner ever been to Hampton Roads? Tell us if you know the answer. We'll answer the question ourselves on Tuesday.
Know what else? Creme figures the CAA for an at-large bid and gives it to James Madison due to the Dukes' impressive nonconference results. He pits No. 10 James Madison against No. 7 Georgia Tech.
As for Drexel, the defending CAA champions are in his last four out.
We have one question: Where for art thou VCU?
Virginia is also in the mix as a No. 6, projected to meet Mississippi, an 11 seed. One caveat: The Cavaliers need to find a way to avoid icky losses such as the one to Wake Forest over the weekend.
We're halfway through, so who knows what will happen? But isn't it fun to dream about seeing 6-foot-8 Brittney Griner up close in Norfolk? Has Griner ever been to Hampton Roads? Tell us if you know the answer. We'll answer the question ourselves on Tuesday.
Monday dribble: Radford's big chance
Monday's games
Liberty (15-4, 6-1 Big South) at Radford (5-13, 4-3 Big South), 7 p.m.
This could be a defining week for the Highlanders, who will close the first half of league play tonight against the defending conference champion Lady Flames and open the second half Saturday by hosting current league-leader Gardner-Webb. Radford has won three straight at the Dedmon Center, so if they're going to make a move in the Big South race, this is the week. The Lady Flames have won eight straight, but here are our favorite stats - 72.8 percent of their points and 75.8 percent of their rebounds are delivered by freshmen and sophomores. We continue to be amazed at how coach Carey Green has turned over so much of the roster from last season with no loss in productivity. Liberty 57, Radford 52
Hampton (9-10, 5-3 MEAC) at Maryland-Eastern Shore (7-10, 4-3 MEAC), 6 p.m.
The Lady Pirates' average victory margin during their current three-game winning streak is 23 points, and they're coming off a 19-point rout at Delaware State. Still, Hampton is just 2-2 in MEAC road games, and one of the victories was an overtime affair at MEAC-winless Norfolk State. In short, although the Lady Pirates are playing well, they'd better not take this one for granted. Hampton 60, UMES 57
Coppin State (7-11, 3-4 MEAC) at Norfolk State (3-13, 0-7 MEAC), 6 p.m.
School may be closed at the NSU campus, but the game will go on as scheduled. Tough turnarounds for both teams as NSU and Coppin State had scheduled Saturday games postponed until Sunday and will be playing on back-to-back days. But it's probably tougher on a Spartans squad which because of injuries is down to just nine players. Coppin State 60, Norfolk State 50
Liberty (15-4, 6-1 Big South) at Radford (5-13, 4-3 Big South), 7 p.m.
This could be a defining week for the Highlanders, who will close the first half of league play tonight against the defending conference champion Lady Flames and open the second half Saturday by hosting current league-leader Gardner-Webb. Radford has won three straight at the Dedmon Center, so if they're going to make a move in the Big South race, this is the week. The Lady Flames have won eight straight, but here are our favorite stats - 72.8 percent of their points and 75.8 percent of their rebounds are delivered by freshmen and sophomores. We continue to be amazed at how coach Carey Green has turned over so much of the roster from last season with no loss in productivity. Liberty 57, Radford 52
Hampton (9-10, 5-3 MEAC) at Maryland-Eastern Shore (7-10, 4-3 MEAC), 6 p.m.
The Lady Pirates' average victory margin during their current three-game winning streak is 23 points, and they're coming off a 19-point rout at Delaware State. Still, Hampton is just 2-2 in MEAC road games, and one of the victories was an overtime affair at MEAC-winless Norfolk State. In short, although the Lady Pirates are playing well, they'd better not take this one for granted. Hampton 60, UMES 57
Coppin State (7-11, 3-4 MEAC) at Norfolk State (3-13, 0-7 MEAC), 6 p.m.
School may be closed at the NSU campus, but the game will go on as scheduled. Tough turnarounds for both teams as NSU and Coppin State had scheduled Saturday games postponed until Sunday and will be playing on back-to-back days. But it's probably tougher on a Spartans squad which because of injuries is down to just nine players. Coppin State 60, Norfolk State 50
Sunday, January 31, 2010
ODU, VCU, Drexel survive atop CAA
Enjoy free-flowing, pretty basketball and lots of offense? Our condolences, then, if you braved the elements and took in any of these games. We exempt JMU from this rant because the Dukes were the one team that really put it together. George Mason is excused, too because, well, Mason has trouble scoring all the time. But this was also a day where ODU and VCU barely broke 50 points, and VCU threw in 27 turnovers. Virginia Tech and Longwood didn't even reach 50. And Virginia got only one half of scoring from one of the nation's top producers. Then again, finding a way to win on days when the shots aren't falling is the mark of a good team. On this day, ODU and VCU hit the mark; Virginia and Virginia Tech fell a bit short.
Sunday's games
Old Dominion 51, Hofstra 46: No style points again. But we're actually starting to enjoy the awkward resilience of these Lady Monarchs (10-9, 8-1 CAA), the way they continually work themselves into trouble, then figure their way out. As is usually the case, today's solution involved Jasmine Parker (14 points, 4 steals), who darted out on a fastbreak and fed Carolann Cloutier for the go-ahead 3-pointer with 2:33 remaining. Parker continues to make a lot of things happen at crunch time, most of them good. Also, we wonder what magic words Wendy Larry delivered at halftime to Tia Lewis, who was a non-factor early but went to the basket strong and scored all 12 of her points after the break. And we hope Jackie Cook's nose is OK; she took a pretty good elbow to the schnozzola at 8:22 of the second half. Finally, congratulations, Lady Monarchs, on delivering the program's 900th victory. But when you hear about how only ODU, Tennessee and Louisiana Tech have that many wins, that's just the NCAA trying to co-op women's basketball history again. For example, Wayland Baptist's Flying Queens, who now play in the NAIA but were once a power in the AIAW, has more than 1,300 victories. But the NCAA sometimes acts as though if it doesn't happen on their watch, it doesn't happen at all. Again, full credit to ODU for their 900. This is just a reminder that there was a lot of good basketball before the NCAA decided to take the sport seriously, too - and some of those teams are still ballin'.
VCU 53, Georgia State 39: Love the headline writers for the VCU website. When Kita Waller went for 35 Thursday, they offered up "Waller the Baller." And Sunday, they termed Waller's 28 points "The Ki-Ta Victory." Can't wait to see what Waller, and the headline folks, come up with next. By the way, prior to Thursday, Waller's career high was 23 points. The victory was the ninth in 10 games for the Rams (15-6, 8-1 CAA).
Drexel 60, Delaware 58 (OT): Marisa Crane's jumper with three seconds left kept the doing-it-the-hard-way Dragons (14-6, 8-1 CAA) tied with VCU and ODU atop the CAA race at the midway point. Elena Delle Donne, who sat out Thursday's second half against Towson with an elbow injury, never left the floor Sunday and finished with 31 points and 11 rebounds. But the result was yet another heartbreaker for the Blue Hens, whose four CAA losses are by one point against ODU, one point against VCU, in double OT against Drexel in addition to today's OT loss to the Dragons.
JMU 67, Towson 35: Ah, the Dukes of December are back! You remember, the team that rocked Georgetown and Virginia and inserted itself into the Top 25? We were wondering what happened to those guys. Well, they showed up on Sunday, scored the first 11 points and generally treated the Tigers like redheaded stepchildren. Granted, Towson cooperated with 19 percent (!) shooting. But we've also got to believe the Dukes (16-4, 6-3 CAA) were humbled by Thursday's overtime loss to Hofstra on their own floor and set out Sunday to do something about it. Best of all, JMU thrived by establishing some often MIA low-post offense and without relying primarily on Dawn Evans, who wound up shooting less (14 points) but enjoying it more (9 assists). Nice job, Dukes. Now let's see if you can keep it up Thursday at VCU.
Northeastern 70, George Mason 57: The Patriots (8-12, 1-8 CAA) executed well in the first half. But Northeastern must have figured them out during the break as the Huskies opened the final 20 minutes with a 14-0 run. A disappointed coach Jeri Porter called it an "effort issue", or more accurately an lack-of-effort issue, that left the Patriots flat-footed after intermission. A lack of Brittany Poindexter issue certainly didn't help, either - Poindexter sat out the game with an injury. Two weeks ago, the junior guard had 14 points and 10 rebounds in a 72-61 victory over these same Huskies in Fairfax.
UNC Wilmington 69, William and Mary 59: Result capped a disappointing two-game set of home games for the Tribe (10-10, 3-6 CAA), who on Thursday got blown out of Kaplan Arena by Old Dominion. The Lady Monarchs might be the best team in the CAA, but these Seahawks presented an excellent winning opportunity the Tribe failed to capitalize on. The lone bright spot - Tiffany Benson had two blocks and is now the CAA's all-time leading shot blocker (237).
Wake Forest 64, No. 20 Virginia 57: It's a challenge to win any conference road game, but frankly we expected a better showing from a Cavaliers team that had appeared to find its stride. We're also not sure what happened to Cavs star Monica Wright (13 points) in the second half, as the Cavaliers' most dynamic weapon - and one of the best in the country - failed to score over the final 19:10.
No. 25 Georgia Tech 61, Virginia Tech 47: If we told you Nikki Davis didn't play, Lindsay Biggs didn't make a field goal and the Hokies (12-9, 2-5 ACC) barely shot 30 percent from the field, you wouldn't expect them to do much against the No. 25 team in the nation, right? Well, Nikki Davis didn't play, Lindsay Biggs didn't make a field goal....
Maryland 85, Longwood 40: No disrespect to either of these teams, but if anyone out there knows why the Terrapins signed up to visit Farmville in late January, drop us an e-mail.
Morgan State 70, Norfolk State 55: Tough matchup for the Spartans (3-13, 0-7 MEAC) as the Lady Bears are one of the best teams in the MEAC. But NSU competed well throughout the first half before Morgan exerted its superiority after the break. Game was originally scheduled for Saturday but was postponed because of the snowstorm. This means two games in two days for the Spartans, who will host Coppin State Monday.
Sunday's games
Old Dominion 51, Hofstra 46: No style points again. But we're actually starting to enjoy the awkward resilience of these Lady Monarchs (10-9, 8-1 CAA), the way they continually work themselves into trouble, then figure their way out. As is usually the case, today's solution involved Jasmine Parker (14 points, 4 steals), who darted out on a fastbreak and fed Carolann Cloutier for the go-ahead 3-pointer with 2:33 remaining. Parker continues to make a lot of things happen at crunch time, most of them good. Also, we wonder what magic words Wendy Larry delivered at halftime to Tia Lewis, who was a non-factor early but went to the basket strong and scored all 12 of her points after the break. And we hope Jackie Cook's nose is OK; she took a pretty good elbow to the schnozzola at 8:22 of the second half. Finally, congratulations, Lady Monarchs, on delivering the program's 900th victory. But when you hear about how only ODU, Tennessee and Louisiana Tech have that many wins, that's just the NCAA trying to co-op women's basketball history again. For example, Wayland Baptist's Flying Queens, who now play in the NAIA but were once a power in the AIAW, has more than 1,300 victories. But the NCAA sometimes acts as though if it doesn't happen on their watch, it doesn't happen at all. Again, full credit to ODU for their 900. This is just a reminder that there was a lot of good basketball before the NCAA decided to take the sport seriously, too - and some of those teams are still ballin'.
VCU 53, Georgia State 39: Love the headline writers for the VCU website. When Kita Waller went for 35 Thursday, they offered up "Waller the Baller." And Sunday, they termed Waller's 28 points "The Ki-Ta Victory." Can't wait to see what Waller, and the headline folks, come up with next. By the way, prior to Thursday, Waller's career high was 23 points. The victory was the ninth in 10 games for the Rams (15-6, 8-1 CAA).
Drexel 60, Delaware 58 (OT): Marisa Crane's jumper with three seconds left kept the doing-it-the-hard-way Dragons (14-6, 8-1 CAA) tied with VCU and ODU atop the CAA race at the midway point. Elena Delle Donne, who sat out Thursday's second half against Towson with an elbow injury, never left the floor Sunday and finished with 31 points and 11 rebounds. But the result was yet another heartbreaker for the Blue Hens, whose four CAA losses are by one point against ODU, one point against VCU, in double OT against Drexel in addition to today's OT loss to the Dragons.
JMU 67, Towson 35: Ah, the Dukes of December are back! You remember, the team that rocked Georgetown and Virginia and inserted itself into the Top 25? We were wondering what happened to those guys. Well, they showed up on Sunday, scored the first 11 points and generally treated the Tigers like redheaded stepchildren. Granted, Towson cooperated with 19 percent (!) shooting. But we've also got to believe the Dukes (16-4, 6-3 CAA) were humbled by Thursday's overtime loss to Hofstra on their own floor and set out Sunday to do something about it. Best of all, JMU thrived by establishing some often MIA low-post offense and without relying primarily on Dawn Evans, who wound up shooting less (14 points) but enjoying it more (9 assists). Nice job, Dukes. Now let's see if you can keep it up Thursday at VCU.
Northeastern 70, George Mason 57: The Patriots (8-12, 1-8 CAA) executed well in the first half. But Northeastern must have figured them out during the break as the Huskies opened the final 20 minutes with a 14-0 run. A disappointed coach Jeri Porter called it an "effort issue", or more accurately an lack-of-effort issue, that left the Patriots flat-footed after intermission. A lack of Brittany Poindexter issue certainly didn't help, either - Poindexter sat out the game with an injury. Two weeks ago, the junior guard had 14 points and 10 rebounds in a 72-61 victory over these same Huskies in Fairfax.
UNC Wilmington 69, William and Mary 59: Result capped a disappointing two-game set of home games for the Tribe (10-10, 3-6 CAA), who on Thursday got blown out of Kaplan Arena by Old Dominion. The Lady Monarchs might be the best team in the CAA, but these Seahawks presented an excellent winning opportunity the Tribe failed to capitalize on. The lone bright spot - Tiffany Benson had two blocks and is now the CAA's all-time leading shot blocker (237).
Wake Forest 64, No. 20 Virginia 57: It's a challenge to win any conference road game, but frankly we expected a better showing from a Cavaliers team that had appeared to find its stride. We're also not sure what happened to Cavs star Monica Wright (13 points) in the second half, as the Cavaliers' most dynamic weapon - and one of the best in the country - failed to score over the final 19:10.
No. 25 Georgia Tech 61, Virginia Tech 47: If we told you Nikki Davis didn't play, Lindsay Biggs didn't make a field goal and the Hokies (12-9, 2-5 ACC) barely shot 30 percent from the field, you wouldn't expect them to do much against the No. 25 team in the nation, right? Well, Nikki Davis didn't play, Lindsay Biggs didn't make a field goal....
Maryland 85, Longwood 40: No disrespect to either of these teams, but if anyone out there knows why the Terrapins signed up to visit Farmville in late January, drop us an e-mail.
Morgan State 70, Norfolk State 55: Tough matchup for the Spartans (3-13, 0-7 MEAC) as the Lady Bears are one of the best teams in the MEAC. But NSU competed well throughout the first half before Morgan exerted its superiority after the break. Game was originally scheduled for Saturday but was postponed because of the snowstorm. This means two games in two days for the Spartans, who will host Coppin State Monday.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Sunday dribble: Can VCU and ODU hold serve?
As you can probably tell from that headline, we've been watching a lot of Australian Open tennis lately, too. But we digress....
You don't get a trophy for being the CAA's best team for the first half of the conference season - that honor and 89 cents will get you a five-layer burrito at Taco Bell. Still, it'll be interesting today to see if one of the three teams tied for first place will separate itself as conference play reaches its mid-point. Although we take nothing for granted in this league this year, VCU and Old Dominion both look to have winnable home games. Drexel is also home, but the Dragons' task appears more formidable as they'll be facing a Delaware team that took them to double overtime two weeks ago. Blue Hens superstar Elena Delle Donne is expected to play after sitting out the second half of Thursday's victory over Towson. Tesia Harris, Delaware's second-leading scorer, is also expected back. Harris has missed Delaware's last two games with an ankle injury.
Also Sunday, the Morgan State-Norfolk State game postponed Saturday because of inclement weather will be played today at noon at NSU's Echols Arena.
Saturday's games
Duquesne 79, Richmond 60: A couple of days ago, we suggested it was soul-searching time for struggling James Madison. Today, coach Michael Shafer targeted that same phrase at his reeling Spiders, who over the past eight days have been hammered three times by a combined 85 points. As was the case Wednesday at Charlotte, the Spiders (14-7, 3-3 Atlantic 10) played reasonably well in stretches. But just like against the 49ers, when the Spiders fell, they couldn't get up. Duquesne broke the game open with a 24-0 second-half run as the once-poised Spiders panicked in the face of the Dukes press. Duquesne finished with 14 steals and scored 29 points off Richmond turnovers - the kind of numbers the Spiders routinely produced until recently. And is the weight of being the focal point of Richmond's offense finally slowing down Brittani Shells? After leading her team in scoring in all but one of the first 18 games, the A-10's No. 1 scorer was held in single digits (9 points) for the second time during this three-game swoon. But here's where the soul-searching comes in. After the game, Shafer suggested a part of Richmond's problem could be less-than-ideal effort. He singled out one play late in the second half, with the game already decided, when Abby Oliver (16 points) still flung herself to the floor to retrieve a loose ball. "But how many times did we do that? Once? Twice?" Shafer asked during his post-game radio interview. The coach then said that if his key players aren't willing to exert Oliver-like intensity, he'll look down his bench in search of players that will. "If we have some people with different agendas, people looking to do other things instead of compete, we'll have to find some different lineups of people that will compete," Shafer said.
Liberty 75, High Point 62: The Lady Flames' eighth straight win and easily their most of impressive of that streak - the Panthers had won nine of their last 10, lost just once at home all season and in recent years had become the one Big South team most likely to stare Liberty down (5-5 against the Lady Flames in their past 10 meetings). Monster games by Devon Brown (29 points, 11 rebounds) and Avery Warley (26 and 14) naturally were key for the Lady Flames (15-4, 6-1 Big South), but so was Liberty's resolve as the Panthers hung tough most of the way. In fact, High Point led by six at halftime, and the game was tied at 53 midway through the second half before Brown, Warley and Co. took over.
Hampton 62, Delaware State 43: The struggling Lady Hornets' only chance was to catch the Lady Pirates not paying full attention. But Hampton was locked in from the jump, as the Lady Pirates (9-10, 5-3 MEAC) scored 14 of the game's first 16 points. That's three straight victories and five wins in their last six, with the loss coming by one point at defending MEAC champion and current league unbeaten North Carolina A&T. We loved the way Hampton competed during the non-conference season and projected them as a real MEAC heavyweight. Eight games into conference play, we're happy to paraphrase Denny Green - without the rancor - and report that the Lady Pirates are who we thought they were.
Sunday's games
No. 21 Virginia (15-5, 4-2 ACC) at Wake Forest, (12-8, 3-3 ACC) 1 p.m.
Debbie Ryan is 58-2 versus Wake Forest. Demon Deacons coach Mike Peterson is 0-6 against Virginia. Intriguing as that is, what will likely factor into this game is Monica Wright and the Cavaliers seeking to win their fifth straight. They're playing their best ball of the season and are 4-0 since freshman guard Lexie Gerson entered the starting lineup. No reason for any of the aforementioned streaks to be interrupted Sunday. Virginia 77, Wake Forest 61
Maryland (15-6) at Longwood (5-16), 2 p.m.
It's tough to be an independent. The best news for the Lancers is they're playing at home. The worst news is they're playing Maryland. This is a "Pack the House" occasion and Willett Hall has never welcomed an ACC team. Hopefully Lancer fans surpass their 352 average. Maryland 81, Longwood 44
Towson (9-10, 3-5 CAA) at JMU (15-4, 5-3 CAA), 2 p.m.
Didn't these teams just play five minutes ago? Actually it was Jan. 14 when the Dukes survived in overtime. Shanae Baker-Brice outdid Dawn Evans with 32 points to Evans' 30. JMU has already suffered two losses in its own building this season, including Thursday's game against Hofstra. Their games revolves around the prolific Evans, who has struggled with low percentage shots of late. Evans is shooting 33 percent in league games for a 24.7 average. Tigers tend to trip up down the stretch, especially on the road, against league opponents. Evans needs some help and if she gets it, JMU should win. James Madison 73, Towson 59
Georgia St. (12-7, 3-5) at VCU 14-6, 7-1 CAA), 2 p.m.
How can you pick against a team that's lone league loss is on the road by two to defending CAA champs Drexel? You can't, you shouldn't and we won't. VCU 69, Georgia State 55
Virginia Tech (12-8, 2-4 ACC) at No. 25 Georgia Tech (17-5, 3-3 ACC), 2 p.m.
Virginia, Duke, Miami, Maryland and now a ranked Yellow Jacket team? Life sure isn't easy in the ACC, and although the Hokies picked up a road win over the Hurricanes, winning a conference game in another's gym is no easy feat. Lindsay Biggs needs to regain her early-season form; she's shooting 25 percent from the field and 19 percent from the arc in her last four games. Until she does, we like the senior-laden Tech from Georgia to score a win over the Tech from Virginia. Georgia Tech 82, Virginia Tech 71
Hofstra (11-9, 4-4 CAA) at Old Dominion (9-9, 7-1 CAA), 2 p.m.
The Lady Monarchs are playing the best ball in the league. Jessica Canady and Tia Lewis are 1-2 in the conference in field-goal percentage. With every game, they are playing more effective as a unit, and if the perimeter shots are falling, they're a challenge to defend. They've beaten Hofstra 11 of the last 12 (though the lone Pride win was last year in New York). Hofstra boasts the league's second best rookie in Shante Evans and Jess Fuller is the league's best shot blocker. The Pride is also playing pretty good ball, having taken Delaware to the wire a week ago and upsetting JMU four days ago in OT. A win today marks ODU's 900th as a program, a milestone only Tennessee and La. Tech have surpassed. The coaches will be wearing sneakers to support the Coaches vs. Cancer Initiative. Old Dominion 75, Hofstra 67
UNC Wilmington (6-13, 1-7 CAA) at William and Mary (10-9, 3-5 CAA), 2 p.m.
Be sure and get your Pink Zone T-shirt to wear to on Feb. 14. Shirts are $15 apiece and $5 of that money goes toward the Kay Yow/WBCA cancer fund. Turnovers and 57 percent free-throw shooting continue to haunt the Tribe, which has dropped three of its last four. Five straight losses would seem to rule out Wilmington here, but consider the Seahawks' only CAA win is over W&M 70-63 on Jan. 10. Neither team is playing particularly well and Willmington is 1-7 on the road. Home team prevails. William and Mary 74, Wilmington 65
George Mason (8-11, 1-7 CAA) at Northeastern, (7-12, 2-6 CAA) 2 p.m.
Shalyse Smallwood isn't exactly a household name in these parts, but the former Husky, fourth on the school's all-time scoring list, will be on hand as part of Saturday's alumni game. Northeastern has played one triple overtime game, two double OT games and two plain old OT games. They're 2-3 in those contests so you'd think they must be tired. But they don't have to leave Boston for this one and injury-ridden George Mason needs to figure out an offense. Northeastern 69, George Mason 50
You don't get a trophy for being the CAA's best team for the first half of the conference season - that honor and 89 cents will get you a five-layer burrito at Taco Bell. Still, it'll be interesting today to see if one of the three teams tied for first place will separate itself as conference play reaches its mid-point. Although we take nothing for granted in this league this year, VCU and Old Dominion both look to have winnable home games. Drexel is also home, but the Dragons' task appears more formidable as they'll be facing a Delaware team that took them to double overtime two weeks ago. Blue Hens superstar Elena Delle Donne is expected to play after sitting out the second half of Thursday's victory over Towson. Tesia Harris, Delaware's second-leading scorer, is also expected back. Harris has missed Delaware's last two games with an ankle injury.
Also Sunday, the Morgan State-Norfolk State game postponed Saturday because of inclement weather will be played today at noon at NSU's Echols Arena.
Saturday's games
Duquesne 79, Richmond 60: A couple of days ago, we suggested it was soul-searching time for struggling James Madison. Today, coach Michael Shafer targeted that same phrase at his reeling Spiders, who over the past eight days have been hammered three times by a combined 85 points. As was the case Wednesday at Charlotte, the Spiders (14-7, 3-3 Atlantic 10) played reasonably well in stretches. But just like against the 49ers, when the Spiders fell, they couldn't get up. Duquesne broke the game open with a 24-0 second-half run as the once-poised Spiders panicked in the face of the Dukes press. Duquesne finished with 14 steals and scored 29 points off Richmond turnovers - the kind of numbers the Spiders routinely produced until recently. And is the weight of being the focal point of Richmond's offense finally slowing down Brittani Shells? After leading her team in scoring in all but one of the first 18 games, the A-10's No. 1 scorer was held in single digits (9 points) for the second time during this three-game swoon. But here's where the soul-searching comes in. After the game, Shafer suggested a part of Richmond's problem could be less-than-ideal effort. He singled out one play late in the second half, with the game already decided, when Abby Oliver (16 points) still flung herself to the floor to retrieve a loose ball. "But how many times did we do that? Once? Twice?" Shafer asked during his post-game radio interview. The coach then said that if his key players aren't willing to exert Oliver-like intensity, he'll look down his bench in search of players that will. "If we have some people with different agendas, people looking to do other things instead of compete, we'll have to find some different lineups of people that will compete," Shafer said.
Liberty 75, High Point 62: The Lady Flames' eighth straight win and easily their most of impressive of that streak - the Panthers had won nine of their last 10, lost just once at home all season and in recent years had become the one Big South team most likely to stare Liberty down (5-5 against the Lady Flames in their past 10 meetings). Monster games by Devon Brown (29 points, 11 rebounds) and Avery Warley (26 and 14) naturally were key for the Lady Flames (15-4, 6-1 Big South), but so was Liberty's resolve as the Panthers hung tough most of the way. In fact, High Point led by six at halftime, and the game was tied at 53 midway through the second half before Brown, Warley and Co. took over.
Hampton 62, Delaware State 43: The struggling Lady Hornets' only chance was to catch the Lady Pirates not paying full attention. But Hampton was locked in from the jump, as the Lady Pirates (9-10, 5-3 MEAC) scored 14 of the game's first 16 points. That's three straight victories and five wins in their last six, with the loss coming by one point at defending MEAC champion and current league unbeaten North Carolina A&T. We loved the way Hampton competed during the non-conference season and projected them as a real MEAC heavyweight. Eight games into conference play, we're happy to paraphrase Denny Green - without the rancor - and report that the Lady Pirates are who we thought they were.
Sunday's games
No. 21 Virginia (15-5, 4-2 ACC) at Wake Forest, (12-8, 3-3 ACC) 1 p.m.
Debbie Ryan is 58-2 versus Wake Forest. Demon Deacons coach Mike Peterson is 0-6 against Virginia. Intriguing as that is, what will likely factor into this game is Monica Wright and the Cavaliers seeking to win their fifth straight. They're playing their best ball of the season and are 4-0 since freshman guard Lexie Gerson entered the starting lineup. No reason for any of the aforementioned streaks to be interrupted Sunday. Virginia 77, Wake Forest 61
Maryland (15-6) at Longwood (5-16), 2 p.m.
It's tough to be an independent. The best news for the Lancers is they're playing at home. The worst news is they're playing Maryland. This is a "Pack the House" occasion and Willett Hall has never welcomed an ACC team. Hopefully Lancer fans surpass their 352 average. Maryland 81, Longwood 44
Towson (9-10, 3-5 CAA) at JMU (15-4, 5-3 CAA), 2 p.m.
Didn't these teams just play five minutes ago? Actually it was Jan. 14 when the Dukes survived in overtime. Shanae Baker-Brice outdid Dawn Evans with 32 points to Evans' 30. JMU has already suffered two losses in its own building this season, including Thursday's game against Hofstra. Their games revolves around the prolific Evans, who has struggled with low percentage shots of late. Evans is shooting 33 percent in league games for a 24.7 average. Tigers tend to trip up down the stretch, especially on the road, against league opponents. Evans needs some help and if she gets it, JMU should win. James Madison 73, Towson 59
Georgia St. (12-7, 3-5) at VCU 14-6, 7-1 CAA), 2 p.m.
How can you pick against a team that's lone league loss is on the road by two to defending CAA champs Drexel? You can't, you shouldn't and we won't. VCU 69, Georgia State 55
Virginia Tech (12-8, 2-4 ACC) at No. 25 Georgia Tech (17-5, 3-3 ACC), 2 p.m.
Virginia, Duke, Miami, Maryland and now a ranked Yellow Jacket team? Life sure isn't easy in the ACC, and although the Hokies picked up a road win over the Hurricanes, winning a conference game in another's gym is no easy feat. Lindsay Biggs needs to regain her early-season form; she's shooting 25 percent from the field and 19 percent from the arc in her last four games. Until she does, we like the senior-laden Tech from Georgia to score a win over the Tech from Virginia. Georgia Tech 82, Virginia Tech 71
Hofstra (11-9, 4-4 CAA) at Old Dominion (9-9, 7-1 CAA), 2 p.m.
The Lady Monarchs are playing the best ball in the league. Jessica Canady and Tia Lewis are 1-2 in the conference in field-goal percentage. With every game, they are playing more effective as a unit, and if the perimeter shots are falling, they're a challenge to defend. They've beaten Hofstra 11 of the last 12 (though the lone Pride win was last year in New York). Hofstra boasts the league's second best rookie in Shante Evans and Jess Fuller is the league's best shot blocker. The Pride is also playing pretty good ball, having taken Delaware to the wire a week ago and upsetting JMU four days ago in OT. A win today marks ODU's 900th as a program, a milestone only Tennessee and La. Tech have surpassed. The coaches will be wearing sneakers to support the Coaches vs. Cancer Initiative. Old Dominion 75, Hofstra 67
UNC Wilmington (6-13, 1-7 CAA) at William and Mary (10-9, 3-5 CAA), 2 p.m.
Be sure and get your Pink Zone T-shirt to wear to on Feb. 14. Shirts are $15 apiece and $5 of that money goes toward the Kay Yow/WBCA cancer fund. Turnovers and 57 percent free-throw shooting continue to haunt the Tribe, which has dropped three of its last four. Five straight losses would seem to rule out Wilmington here, but consider the Seahawks' only CAA win is over W&M 70-63 on Jan. 10. Neither team is playing particularly well and Willmington is 1-7 on the road. Home team prevails. William and Mary 74, Wilmington 65
George Mason (8-11, 1-7 CAA) at Northeastern, (7-12, 2-6 CAA) 2 p.m.
Shalyse Smallwood isn't exactly a household name in these parts, but the former Husky, fourth on the school's all-time scoring list, will be on hand as part of Saturday's alumni game. Northeastern has played one triple overtime game, two double OT games and two plain old OT games. They're 2-3 in those contests so you'd think they must be tired. But they don't have to leave Boston for this one and injury-ridden George Mason needs to figure out an offense. Northeastern 69, George Mason 50
Friday, January 29, 2010
Saturday dribble - Richmond tries to regroup
Virginia is braced for a major storm this weekend - at least that's what they weather folks keep breathlessly exclaiming - so the schedule over the next couple of days could be pretty fluid. Already Radford has canceled Friday's game against Davidson, and Richmond has changed its start time for today's game. Be prepared, as more adjustments could be on the way.
Saturday's games
Duquesne (14-6, 4-1 Atlantic 10) at Richmond (14-6, 3-2 Atlantic 10), 11 a.m.
Start time was moved from 4:30 p.m. in anticipation of the storm. The Spiders sent out a release, but since they're averaging just 348 fans per game they probably could have called each one of them personally (we kid because we care; get out and support this team, Spider Nation!). The Spiders are back home after a humbling two-game trip to Charlotte (a 14-point loss) and Dayton (the inexplicable 52-point debacle). The Dukes can relate, though, as on Wednesday Dayton spanked them by 22 in Pittsburgh. Makes us wonder just how good this Dayton club really is, and we'll get some answers today as the Flyers will visit No. 10 Xavier tonight at 6 p.m. As for the Duquesne-Richmond game, the Spiders may be able to solve some of their recent offensive woes by getting their running game going again. The Spiders enjoyed healthy advantages in fast-break points in their first three A-10 games (including a 24-0 advantage against George Washington), but were outscored in transition by a combined 37-8 against Charlotte and Dayton. Richmond 58, Duquesne 52
Liberty (14-4, 5-1 Big South) at High Point (13-7, 6-1 Big South), 4 p.m.
The Lady Flames can prove a lot with a victory here. Full credit to Liberty for integrating several new players and maintaining its standing as a Big South force. But while this year's Lady Flames have crushed inferior opposition, their resume is pretty light on signature wins. Now High Point isn't UConn, but the Panthers have won 9 of their last 10 and traditionally have given the Lady Flames fits. Beating these guys on the road would be nice work. An added bonus - the Big South tournament will be held at High Point's Mills Center. Why not get used to winning on the Panthers' floor now? Liberty 63, High Point 61
Hampton (8-10, 4-3 MEAC) at Delaware St. (3-16, 1-5 MEAC), 4 p.m.
How difficult this game becomes is entirely up to Hampton. If the surging Lady Pirates play anywhere close to the way they've been playing of late, the offensively challenged Lady Hornets (17 percent shooting in their last game) won't be able to keep up. If Hampton doesn't take these guys seriously, well, the Lady Hornets are still playing hard and are 3-4 in home games. Hampton 70, Delaware State 49
Morgan St. (9-9, 5-1 MEAC) at Norfolk St. (3-12, 0-6 MEAC), 4 p.m.
The Lady Bears have won four straight and feature one of the league's top players in MEAC scoring leader Tiny Adams. But they haven't had much luck with Virginia schools and will come in 0-3 against the Commonwealth after losses to VCU, Richmond and Hampton. The Spartans played these guys tough in Baltimore last season (65-57) and will put a much better team on the floor today, so who knows? Morgan State 66, Norfolk State 64
Saturday's games
Duquesne (14-6, 4-1 Atlantic 10) at Richmond (14-6, 3-2 Atlantic 10), 11 a.m.
Start time was moved from 4:30 p.m. in anticipation of the storm. The Spiders sent out a release, but since they're averaging just 348 fans per game they probably could have called each one of them personally (we kid because we care; get out and support this team, Spider Nation!). The Spiders are back home after a humbling two-game trip to Charlotte (a 14-point loss) and Dayton (the inexplicable 52-point debacle). The Dukes can relate, though, as on Wednesday Dayton spanked them by 22 in Pittsburgh. Makes us wonder just how good this Dayton club really is, and we'll get some answers today as the Flyers will visit No. 10 Xavier tonight at 6 p.m. As for the Duquesne-Richmond game, the Spiders may be able to solve some of their recent offensive woes by getting their running game going again. The Spiders enjoyed healthy advantages in fast-break points in their first three A-10 games (including a 24-0 advantage against George Washington), but were outscored in transition by a combined 37-8 against Charlotte and Dayton. Richmond 58, Duquesne 52
Liberty (14-4, 5-1 Big South) at High Point (13-7, 6-1 Big South), 4 p.m.
The Lady Flames can prove a lot with a victory here. Full credit to Liberty for integrating several new players and maintaining its standing as a Big South force. But while this year's Lady Flames have crushed inferior opposition, their resume is pretty light on signature wins. Now High Point isn't UConn, but the Panthers have won 9 of their last 10 and traditionally have given the Lady Flames fits. Beating these guys on the road would be nice work. An added bonus - the Big South tournament will be held at High Point's Mills Center. Why not get used to winning on the Panthers' floor now? Liberty 63, High Point 61
Hampton (8-10, 4-3 MEAC) at Delaware St. (3-16, 1-5 MEAC), 4 p.m.
How difficult this game becomes is entirely up to Hampton. If the surging Lady Pirates play anywhere close to the way they've been playing of late, the offensively challenged Lady Hornets (17 percent shooting in their last game) won't be able to keep up. If Hampton doesn't take these guys seriously, well, the Lady Hornets are still playing hard and are 3-4 in home games. Hampton 70, Delaware State 49
Morgan St. (9-9, 5-1 MEAC) at Norfolk St. (3-12, 0-6 MEAC), 4 p.m.
The Lady Bears have won four straight and feature one of the league's top players in MEAC scoring leader Tiny Adams. But they haven't had much luck with Virginia schools and will come in 0-3 against the Commonwealth after losses to VCU, Richmond and Hampton. The Spartans played these guys tough in Baltimore last season (65-57) and will put a much better team on the floor today, so who knows? Morgan State 66, Norfolk State 64
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Friday dribble - What happened to JMU?
It's soul-searching time for James Madison, which began the month as a Top-25 juggernaut and will end it a CAA also-ran unable to defend its once-vaunted homecourt. There's still plenty of season left, of course, and the Dukes have shown they're capable of superior play. Let's see if they can figure this out.
Elsewhere in the CAA, VCU and ODU cruised while Drexel survived in overtime to maintain the three-way first-place tie. Thursday was also a night for key injuries, as Virginia Tech's Nikki Davis didn't play and George Mason's Brittany Poindexter and Delaware's Elena Delle Donne went down early. After scoring 18 points in the first half, Delle Donne sat out the second half of the Blue Hens' 72-49 rout of Towson with an injury to her right elbow.
"It's a nerve thing," Delaware coach Tina Martin told the News-Journal of Delle Donne's injury. "Obviously it's scary when something like that happens. She was getting some feeling back. "She's like, 'I can shoot with my left hand.' And I said, 'Elena, you sit right there. We have a lead. We're not going to risk it.' Hopefully, as the hours pass, the feeling will start to come back."
Thursday's games
Hofstra 69, James Madison 62 (OT):
We keep talking about how anything can happen in this year's CAA. But honestly, we didn't think this would happen, that the formerly nationally ranked Dukes would spit the bit on their own floor for the second straight game. As has been the case through much of their conference season, the Dukes shot the ball hastily and poorly (31 percent for the game, 13 percent in OT). Of greater concern, though, was coach Kenny Brooks' postgame assessments that his team was done in by poor decision-making and that Hofstra played harder. "We didn't deserve to win the game," Brooks said. No team is immune from the occasional bad shooting night. But playing smart and with great effort are things a team can control, especially a team with JMU's postseason upside. We're confident Brooks is delivering this message to his players. When Towson visits Sunday, we'll see how well they listened.
VCU 75, UNC Wilmington 63: VCU's athletic web site has it right - Waller really is a baller. And this was especially true Thursday night, when senior guard Kita Waller torched the Seahawks for a school record-tying 35 points as the Rams (14-6, 7-1 CAA) won for the ninth time in 10 games. Waller hit 13 of 21 field goals, 7 of 8 from the line and also added 5 steals and four assists while not committing a turnover. But here's why basketball is truly a team game. The Rams broke the game open late in the first half by going on a 17-0 run. D'Andra Moss scored eight of those points, Ebony Patterson had five and Courtney Hurt four. In other words, for all of Waller's brilliance, none of her points came when the Rams actually decided the game.
Old Dominion 88, William and Mary 65
Remember the days when Old Dominion (9-9, 7-1 CAA) went on a monster CAA win streak? Thursday's victory makes it six straight for the Lady Monarchs, whose resurgence continues after a disappointing nonconference season. The Tribe (10-9, 3-5 CAA) has given them trouble two of the last three years in Williamsburg, but ODU vaulted to a 27-3 lead. ODU's 62 percent first-half shooting effort was a season high, and we continue to say this about the Lady Monarchs: We're believers. Side note: Tiffany Benson two knockdowns on Friday tied her with former George Mason star Trish Halpin as the all-time leading shot blockers in CAA history. Both have 236 rejections.
Georgia State 46, George Mason 36
Has anybody seen the Patriots offense? It was a painful night for the Patriots (8-11, 1-7 CAA), who shot 23 percent, 0-of-12 from long range Angelique Burtts and Danyiell McKeller outscored the Patriots, who lost Brittany Poindexter four minutes into the game and were already missing Ashleigh Braxton, who took a finger to the eye on Sunday. On the same night Tina Martin celebrated a milestone by winning her 250th, Panthers coach Lea Henry records No. 300. Simply put said GMU coach Jeri Porter, "We've got to find a way to score the basketball." By the way, love that phrase, "score the basketball." It's as though Porter wants to make sure we don't think she meant score the baseball, or score the casaba melon. And we're not picking on Porter - well, I guess we are, sort of - because most coaches do this. I once heard a coach say something like, "This basketball team has to score the basketball if we want to win the basketball game." Classic. And it's not just basketball coaches. How many times on a Sunday afternoon do you hear the phrase, "run the football?" We figured as much, Mr. FOOTBALL Coach. But thanks for clearing it up.
Maryland 60, Virginia Tech 42
We hoped it would be a big night in Cassell for the Hokies (12-8, 2-4 ACC), fresh off a road win over Miami. What we didn't know was that starting point guard Nikki Davis strained her left knee in practice on Tuesday and wouldn't play. Forget the fact that Davis was coming off the performance of her life. According to Tech coach Beth Dunkenberger, the absence of the junior floor general threw the Hokies' whole offense out of whack, which sort of explains Tech's 29-percent shooting. Clearly the Hokies have to find a way to make things work without Davis on the floor - and they'll need to do it quickly as Davis is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game at No. 25 Georgia Tech.
Elsewhere in the CAA, VCU and ODU cruised while Drexel survived in overtime to maintain the three-way first-place tie. Thursday was also a night for key injuries, as Virginia Tech's Nikki Davis didn't play and George Mason's Brittany Poindexter and Delaware's Elena Delle Donne went down early. After scoring 18 points in the first half, Delle Donne sat out the second half of the Blue Hens' 72-49 rout of Towson with an injury to her right elbow.
"It's a nerve thing," Delaware coach Tina Martin told the News-Journal of Delle Donne's injury. "Obviously it's scary when something like that happens. She was getting some feeling back. "She's like, 'I can shoot with my left hand.' And I said, 'Elena, you sit right there. We have a lead. We're not going to risk it.' Hopefully, as the hours pass, the feeling will start to come back."
Thursday's games
Hofstra 69, James Madison 62 (OT):
We keep talking about how anything can happen in this year's CAA. But honestly, we didn't think this would happen, that the formerly nationally ranked Dukes would spit the bit on their own floor for the second straight game. As has been the case through much of their conference season, the Dukes shot the ball hastily and poorly (31 percent for the game, 13 percent in OT). Of greater concern, though, was coach Kenny Brooks' postgame assessments that his team was done in by poor decision-making and that Hofstra played harder. "We didn't deserve to win the game," Brooks said. No team is immune from the occasional bad shooting night. But playing smart and with great effort are things a team can control, especially a team with JMU's postseason upside. We're confident Brooks is delivering this message to his players. When Towson visits Sunday, we'll see how well they listened.
VCU 75, UNC Wilmington 63: VCU's athletic web site has it right - Waller really is a baller. And this was especially true Thursday night, when senior guard Kita Waller torched the Seahawks for a school record-tying 35 points as the Rams (14-6, 7-1 CAA) won for the ninth time in 10 games. Waller hit 13 of 21 field goals, 7 of 8 from the line and also added 5 steals and four assists while not committing a turnover. But here's why basketball is truly a team game. The Rams broke the game open late in the first half by going on a 17-0 run. D'Andra Moss scored eight of those points, Ebony Patterson had five and Courtney Hurt four. In other words, for all of Waller's brilliance, none of her points came when the Rams actually decided the game.
Old Dominion 88, William and Mary 65
Remember the days when Old Dominion (9-9, 7-1 CAA) went on a monster CAA win streak? Thursday's victory makes it six straight for the Lady Monarchs, whose resurgence continues after a disappointing nonconference season. The Tribe (10-9, 3-5 CAA) has given them trouble two of the last three years in Williamsburg, but ODU vaulted to a 27-3 lead. ODU's 62 percent first-half shooting effort was a season high, and we continue to say this about the Lady Monarchs: We're believers. Side note: Tiffany Benson two knockdowns on Friday tied her with former George Mason star Trish Halpin as the all-time leading shot blockers in CAA history. Both have 236 rejections.
Georgia State 46, George Mason 36
Has anybody seen the Patriots offense? It was a painful night for the Patriots (8-11, 1-7 CAA), who shot 23 percent, 0-of-12 from long range Angelique Burtts and Danyiell McKeller outscored the Patriots, who lost Brittany Poindexter four minutes into the game and were already missing Ashleigh Braxton, who took a finger to the eye on Sunday. On the same night Tina Martin celebrated a milestone by winning her 250th, Panthers coach Lea Henry records No. 300. Simply put said GMU coach Jeri Porter, "We've got to find a way to score the basketball." By the way, love that phrase, "score the basketball." It's as though Porter wants to make sure we don't think she meant score the baseball, or score the casaba melon. And we're not picking on Porter - well, I guess we are, sort of - because most coaches do this. I once heard a coach say something like, "This basketball team has to score the basketball if we want to win the basketball game." Classic. And it's not just basketball coaches. How many times on a Sunday afternoon do you hear the phrase, "run the football?" We figured as much, Mr. FOOTBALL Coach. But thanks for clearing it up.
Maryland 60, Virginia Tech 42
We hoped it would be a big night in Cassell for the Hokies (12-8, 2-4 ACC), fresh off a road win over Miami. What we didn't know was that starting point guard Nikki Davis strained her left knee in practice on Tuesday and wouldn't play. Forget the fact that Davis was coming off the performance of her life. According to Tech coach Beth Dunkenberger, the absence of the junior floor general threw the Hokies' whole offense out of whack, which sort of explains Tech's 29-percent shooting. Clearly the Hokies have to find a way to make things work without Davis on the floor - and they'll need to do it quickly as Davis is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game at No. 25 Georgia Tech.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Thursday dribble: Cavaliers roll, CAA on tap
In the only action involving a state team Wednesday, Virginia continued to Wright itself after a sluggish start to ACC play. A much fuller slate is on tap on another CAA Thursday, and it should also be interesting to see if Virginia Tech can build on Sunday's impressive victory at Miami by defending its home court against rapidly improving Maryland.
Wednesday's game
No. 21 Virginia 73, N.C. State 60: Debbie Ryan is fond of saying her team gets better every day, but we're not at UVa. practices so for a while there we just had to take her word for it. Now we're getting to see for ourselves. Monica Wright had 26 points and 6 steals in UVa.'s fourth straight victory, but the most encouraging development is the emergence of a supporting cast capable of filling in the blanks around their star. Wednesday's headliners from this group were Whitny Edwards, who scored 10 points and nailed the back-to-back 3-pointers in the second half that put the Wolfpack away, and freshman Lexie Gerson, who chipped in 11 points and 3 steals in her fourth straight start. That Gerson was on the floor 36 minutes suggests that the Cavaliers' once-dysfunctional offense runs much better with her on the floor. Indeed, the Cavaliers (15-5, 4-2 ACC) shot 57.1 percent in the second half, the third time in four games they've made at least half their shots over the final 20 minutes.
Thursday's games
Hofstra (10-9, 3-4 CAA) at James Madison (15-3, 5-3 CAA), 7 p.m.
The Dukes have a habit of making these games exciting with Dawn Evans coming up with the pizazz at the end to pull out the victory. A big lead against Georgia State evaporated on Sunday, but the Dukes prevailed by six. Shante Evans did not get Freshman of the Week recognition from the CAA (some girl named Elena got it), but she is the GoHofstra.com Player of the Week after notching a double-double 18 points and 19 rebounds against UNC Wilmington. James Madison 79, Hofstra 63
I don't know about you, but the fact that George Mason reminds us that this is the 250th game played in the Patriot Center since it opened in 1985 is pretty juicy. Seriously, that hollow arena might be great for seeing Springsteen, but the Patriots and their few fans would be better off in a more intimate facility. Patriots need a conference win. So does Georgia State. We'll go with the home team. George Mason 59, Georgia State 52
Wednesday's game
No. 21 Virginia 73, N.C. State 60: Debbie Ryan is fond of saying her team gets better every day, but we're not at UVa. practices so for a while there we just had to take her word for it. Now we're getting to see for ourselves. Monica Wright had 26 points and 6 steals in UVa.'s fourth straight victory, but the most encouraging development is the emergence of a supporting cast capable of filling in the blanks around their star. Wednesday's headliners from this group were Whitny Edwards, who scored 10 points and nailed the back-to-back 3-pointers in the second half that put the Wolfpack away, and freshman Lexie Gerson, who chipped in 11 points and 3 steals in her fourth straight start. That Gerson was on the floor 36 minutes suggests that the Cavaliers' once-dysfunctional offense runs much better with her on the floor. Indeed, the Cavaliers (15-5, 4-2 ACC) shot 57.1 percent in the second half, the third time in four games they've made at least half their shots over the final 20 minutes.
Thursday's games
Hofstra (10-9, 3-4 CAA) at James Madison (15-3, 5-3 CAA), 7 p.m.
The Dukes have a habit of making these games exciting with Dawn Evans coming up with the pizazz at the end to pull out the victory. A big lead against Georgia State evaporated on Sunday, but the Dukes prevailed by six. Shante Evans did not get Freshman of the Week recognition from the CAA (some girl named Elena got it), but she is the GoHofstra.com Player of the Week after notching a double-double 18 points and 19 rebounds against UNC Wilmington. James Madison 79, Hofstra 63
Old Dominion (8-9, 6-1 CAA) at William and Mary (10-8, 3-4 CAA), 7 p.m. A win here and ODU is .500, something that seemed almost unattainable a few weeks ago. It sounds like a done deal as the Tribe has lost an astonishing 46 straight games to ODU. But the Lady Monarchs have struggled of late at Kaplan Arena. They had an easy time with the Tribe last year, but struggled in 2007 and 2008 before pulling those games out. Tribe has dropped four of its last six, but better athleticism in the past and their shooting touch from the perimeter could make this game anyone's. Old Dominion 77, William and Mary 65
I don't know about you, but the fact that George Mason reminds us that this is the 250th game played in the Patriot Center since it opened in 1985 is pretty juicy. Seriously, that hollow arena might be great for seeing Springsteen, but the Patriots and their few fans would be better off in a more intimate facility. Patriots need a conference win. So does Georgia State. We'll go with the home team. George Mason 59, Georgia State 52
Virginia Commonwealth (13-6, 6-1 CAA) at UNC Wilmington (1-6, 6-12 CAA)
Rams are looking to sweep this series after 67-54 win in Wilmington earlier this season. VCU is in Richmond. Seahawks are on a three-game slide. Nuff said. VCU 70, UNC Wilmington 59, 7 p.m.
Maryland (14-6, 2-4 ACC) at Virginia Tech (12-7, 2-3 ACC), 7 p.m.
This is not the Maryland team of old, but nor is it the Maryland team that lost to Towson and Mississippi State. Despite dropping four of its last six, the Terps are rounding into form behind two freshmen and a pair of sophomores (including Virginia's own Kim Rodgers) in the starting lineup. One point separated them from Duke on Monday. This is a great opportunity for the Hokies to make a statement at home against an ACC stalwart. Let's hope Tech builds on its wins versus North Carolina and Miami. Virginia Tech 80, Maryland 77
Ladyswish state rankings
1. Virginia (14-5, 3-2 ACC) Last week: 2
RPI: 13
The ACC confirmed the obvious Monday, tabbing Monica Wright its Player of the Week - for the third time this season - after the Cavaliers' superstar lugged her team to road victories at Virginia Tech and Boston College. The league can probably go ahead and ship the Player of the Year award to Charlottesville, too - barring injury, it's hard to imagine it winding up anywhere else. Next: Tonight vs. N.C. State
2. VCU (13-6, 6-1 CAA) Last week: 3
RPI: 106
Given the wafer-thin margin of victory in several CAA games this season, it's fitting that three teams - VCU, ODU and Drexel - share the league lead. Trading buzzer-beaters with Delaware and Drexel last week proved the Rams belong in the title conversation. But the real test will come beginning Feb. 4, when VCU begins the following four-game stretch - vs. JMU, at Old Dominion, at Hofstra and a home rematch with Drexel. Next: Thursday vs. UNC Wilmington
3. ODU (8-9, 6-1 CAA) Last week: 4
RPI: 62
What we're about to write may have gotten us committed a month ago. But if the Lady Monarchs keep piling up wins but finish short of claiming the CAA Tournament title, they may be able to make a fairly decent case for an at-large NCAA Tournament bid (although being able to close the deal against Florida and/or N.C. State would have helped considerably). But just to be on the safe side, guys, go ahead and win the CAA Tournament. Next: Thursday at William and Mary
4. James Madison (15-3, 5-2 CAA) Last week: 5
RPI: 30
Not sure if this qualifies as news, but Dawn Evans is the CAA Player of the Week, her fourth such honor of the season. When you consider Evans at JMU, Wright at UVa., Gabriela Marginean at Drexel, Elena Delle Donne at Delaware and even Brittani Shells at Richmond, has there every been a year when so many of the top state/regional teams have been so centered around one player? Next: Thursday vs. Hofstra
5. Richmond (14-6, 3-2 Atlantic 10) Last week: 1
RPI: 52
Extremely disappointing two-game swing through Dayton - a 52-point loss - and Charlotte - Spiders in a 46-46 tie before failing to score over the final 5:28 - leaves Richmond searching for answers. No disgrace in losing to either team, especially on the road, it's the manner in which the Spiders went down that's perplexing. Strange, too, because up until Saturday, consistency of performance seemed to be a Richmond strength. Next: Saturday vs. Duquesne
6. Virginia Tech (12-7, 2-3 ACC)
Last week: 6
RPI: 71
We would have given the Hokies a lot of credit for coming up with even one victory in the four-game gauntlet of North Carolina, Virginia, at Duke and at Miami. Major props to coach Beth Dunkenberger and Co. for finding ways to pull off two, and both fairly decisively. The Hokies now have as many ACC victories as they managed in either of the previous two seasons. Next: Thursday vs. Maryland
7. Liberty (14-4, 5-1 Big South) Last week: 7
RPI: 113
More amazing defense by the Lady Flames, who on Monday held their fourth Big South opponent to 40 points or less in a 57-38 suffocation of Coastal Carolina. Hard to believe Gardner-Webb singed Liberty for 70 a few weeks ago. Next: Saturday at High Point
8. Hampton (8-10, 4-3 MEAC) Last week: 8
RPI: 181
This is the Lady Pirates team we've been waiting to see, as they've added scoring punch to their stingy defense and won four of their last five. And all this despite injuries having slowed expected stalwarts Laura Lewis (a preseason second-team All-MEAC pick) and Whitney Hill. If those two round into top form, watch out. Next: Saturday at Delaware St.
9. William and Mary (10-8, 3-4 CAA) Last week: 9
RPI: 177
Lots of nice, young pieces assembled here, but we're still waiting for the Tribe to rise up and beat someone they're not supposed to beat - they'll get another chance Thursday. Tiffany Benson needs only three more blocked shots to become the conference's all-time leader. Next: Thursday vs. Old Dominion
10. Radford (5-13, 4-3 Big South) Last week: 10
RPI: 222
Given the difficulties most teams have in winning conference games on the road, it wasn't that surprising to see the Highlanders stumble twice on their two-game swing through South Carolina. We'll learn a lot more about whether these guys are contenders or pretenders during their upcoming three-game homestand, which includes games against Liberty and Gardner-Webb. Next: Friday vs. Davidson
11. George Mason (8-10, 1-6 CAA) Last week: 11
RPI: 188
Even their heavily relied-upon homecourt advantage couldn't save the Patriots Sunday against William and Mary. Without a true low-post game to speak of, Mason continues to be the easiest team in the CAA to defend. Next: Thursday vs. Georgia State
12. Longwood (5-16) Last week: 12
RPI: 284
Tuesday's victory over Winthrop was the Lancers' first since Dec. 18 and boosted their record to an extremely respectable 4-3 in home games. Longwood is one game into a four-game homestand so they'll have chances to improve that record. But they'll have to really bring it against their next opponent. Next: Sunday vs. Maryland.
13. Norfolk State (3-12, 0-6 MEAC) Last week: 13
RPI: 339
The silver lining in Monday's 74-73 loss at South Carolina State was that NSU's point total represented the team's highest in regulation against a Division I team this season. Four straight home games will give the Spartans a fighting chance to get in the MEAC win column. Next: Saturday vs. Morgan State
RPI: 13
The ACC confirmed the obvious Monday, tabbing Monica Wright its Player of the Week - for the third time this season - after the Cavaliers' superstar lugged her team to road victories at Virginia Tech and Boston College. The league can probably go ahead and ship the Player of the Year award to Charlottesville, too - barring injury, it's hard to imagine it winding up anywhere else. Next: Tonight vs. N.C. State
2. VCU (13-6, 6-1 CAA) Last week: 3
RPI: 106
Given the wafer-thin margin of victory in several CAA games this season, it's fitting that three teams - VCU, ODU and Drexel - share the league lead. Trading buzzer-beaters with Delaware and Drexel last week proved the Rams belong in the title conversation. But the real test will come beginning Feb. 4, when VCU begins the following four-game stretch - vs. JMU, at Old Dominion, at Hofstra and a home rematch with Drexel. Next: Thursday vs. UNC Wilmington
3. ODU (8-9, 6-1 CAA) Last week: 4
RPI: 62
What we're about to write may have gotten us committed a month ago. But if the Lady Monarchs keep piling up wins but finish short of claiming the CAA Tournament title, they may be able to make a fairly decent case for an at-large NCAA Tournament bid (although being able to close the deal against Florida and/or N.C. State would have helped considerably). But just to be on the safe side, guys, go ahead and win the CAA Tournament. Next: Thursday at William and Mary
4. James Madison (15-3, 5-2 CAA) Last week: 5
RPI: 30
Not sure if this qualifies as news, but Dawn Evans is the CAA Player of the Week, her fourth such honor of the season. When you consider Evans at JMU, Wright at UVa., Gabriela Marginean at Drexel, Elena Delle Donne at Delaware and even Brittani Shells at Richmond, has there every been a year when so many of the top state/regional teams have been so centered around one player? Next: Thursday vs. Hofstra
5. Richmond (14-6, 3-2 Atlantic 10) Last week: 1
RPI: 52
Extremely disappointing two-game swing through Dayton - a 52-point loss - and Charlotte - Spiders in a 46-46 tie before failing to score over the final 5:28 - leaves Richmond searching for answers. No disgrace in losing to either team, especially on the road, it's the manner in which the Spiders went down that's perplexing. Strange, too, because up until Saturday, consistency of performance seemed to be a Richmond strength. Next: Saturday vs. Duquesne
6. Virginia Tech (12-7, 2-3 ACC)
Last week: 6
RPI: 71
We would have given the Hokies a lot of credit for coming up with even one victory in the four-game gauntlet of North Carolina, Virginia, at Duke and at Miami. Major props to coach Beth Dunkenberger and Co. for finding ways to pull off two, and both fairly decisively. The Hokies now have as many ACC victories as they managed in either of the previous two seasons. Next: Thursday vs. Maryland
7. Liberty (14-4, 5-1 Big South) Last week: 7
RPI: 113
More amazing defense by the Lady Flames, who on Monday held their fourth Big South opponent to 40 points or less in a 57-38 suffocation of Coastal Carolina. Hard to believe Gardner-Webb singed Liberty for 70 a few weeks ago. Next: Saturday at High Point
8. Hampton (8-10, 4-3 MEAC) Last week: 8
RPI: 181
This is the Lady Pirates team we've been waiting to see, as they've added scoring punch to their stingy defense and won four of their last five. And all this despite injuries having slowed expected stalwarts Laura Lewis (a preseason second-team All-MEAC pick) and Whitney Hill. If those two round into top form, watch out. Next: Saturday at Delaware St.
9. William and Mary (10-8, 3-4 CAA) Last week: 9
RPI: 177
Lots of nice, young pieces assembled here, but we're still waiting for the Tribe to rise up and beat someone they're not supposed to beat - they'll get another chance Thursday. Tiffany Benson needs only three more blocked shots to become the conference's all-time leader. Next: Thursday vs. Old Dominion
10. Radford (5-13, 4-3 Big South) Last week: 10
RPI: 222
Given the difficulties most teams have in winning conference games on the road, it wasn't that surprising to see the Highlanders stumble twice on their two-game swing through South Carolina. We'll learn a lot more about whether these guys are contenders or pretenders during their upcoming three-game homestand, which includes games against Liberty and Gardner-Webb. Next: Friday vs. Davidson
11. George Mason (8-10, 1-6 CAA) Last week: 11
RPI: 188
Even their heavily relied-upon homecourt advantage couldn't save the Patriots Sunday against William and Mary. Without a true low-post game to speak of, Mason continues to be the easiest team in the CAA to defend. Next: Thursday vs. Georgia State
12. Longwood (5-16) Last week: 12
RPI: 284
Tuesday's victory over Winthrop was the Lancers' first since Dec. 18 and boosted their record to an extremely respectable 4-3 in home games. Longwood is one game into a four-game homestand so they'll have chances to improve that record. But they'll have to really bring it against their next opponent. Next: Sunday vs. Maryland.
13. Norfolk State (3-12, 0-6 MEAC) Last week: 13
RPI: 339
The silver lining in Monday's 74-73 loss at South Carolina State was that NSU's point total represented the team's highest in regulation against a Division I team this season. Four straight home games will give the Spartans a fighting chance to get in the MEAC win column. Next: Saturday vs. Morgan State
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Wednesday dribble: Slumping Richmond falls again
The Spiders put air back in their tires, filled up the gas tank and got back on the road to competitive basketball Tuesday night. They didn't win, but this time, at least they competed.
Tuesday's games
Charlotte 60, Richmond 46: The Spiders (14-6, 3-2 Atlantic 10) were in position to win tied at 46 before the 49ers closed them out by scoring the game's final 14 points. Unlike Saturday's Dayton debacle, there's no shame in losing a knock-down, drag-out affair at the defending A-10 champions. Still, the fact remains that late last week, the Spiders left Virginia with a six-game winning streak and an unbeaten record in the A-10. It will be interesting to see how they regroup.
Longwood 62, Winthrop 51: Lancers snap an eight-game losing streak while providing more evidence that when allowed to play in familiar surroundings, they're actually pretty good. The Lancers are now 4-3 in Farmville, 1-13 everywhere else. Sophomore Brittanni Billups went off for 24 points and 13 rebounds as the Lancers prevailed in their first home game since Dec. 28.
Wednesday's game
N.C. State (12-8, 2-3 ACC) at No. 21 Virginia (14-5, 3-2 ACC), 7 p.m.
Better efficiency and more judicious shot selection has spurred the Cavaliers to three straight victories after an 0-2 conference start. Oh, and Monica Wright has been pretty good, too. Still, there's little difference in quality between most ACC teams - UVa's last two victories each came by two points - and we don't expect anything to come easily for them today against a Wolfpack program that has won five of the last six meetings in this series. Virginia 67, N.C. State 63
Tuesday's games
Charlotte 60, Richmond 46: The Spiders (14-6, 3-2 Atlantic 10) were in position to win tied at 46 before the 49ers closed them out by scoring the game's final 14 points. Unlike Saturday's Dayton debacle, there's no shame in losing a knock-down, drag-out affair at the defending A-10 champions. Still, the fact remains that late last week, the Spiders left Virginia with a six-game winning streak and an unbeaten record in the A-10. It will be interesting to see how they regroup.
Longwood 62, Winthrop 51: Lancers snap an eight-game losing streak while providing more evidence that when allowed to play in familiar surroundings, they're actually pretty good. The Lancers are now 4-3 in Farmville, 1-13 everywhere else. Sophomore Brittanni Billups went off for 24 points and 13 rebounds as the Lancers prevailed in their first home game since Dec. 28.
Wednesday's game
N.C. State (12-8, 2-3 ACC) at No. 21 Virginia (14-5, 3-2 ACC), 7 p.m.
Better efficiency and more judicious shot selection has spurred the Cavaliers to three straight victories after an 0-2 conference start. Oh, and Monica Wright has been pretty good, too. Still, there's little difference in quality between most ACC teams - UVa's last two victories each came by two points - and we don't expect anything to come easily for them today against a Wolfpack program that has won five of the last six meetings in this series. Virginia 67, N.C. State 63
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