Sadly, it's now official - Virginia point guard China Crosby will miss the rest of the season with another ACL injury to her left knee.
It's the latest in a series of setbacks for the Cavaliers junior, a former McDonald's All-American and the jewel of the Cavaliers' 2009 recruiting class. As a freshman, Crosby made it through only 13 games before tearing her left knee ACL the first time on Jan. 2 at Colorado. In last year's season opener at Hofstra, Crosby sprained her left knee and suffered a bone bruise that kept her out for nine games. And this year, Crosby started Virginia's first 12 games, then went down 35 seconds into the Cavaliers game against JMU on Dec. 20.
The school announced that Crosby (7.9 ppg,, 2.3 apg) underwent surgery Wednesday. She will have one year of eligibility remaining.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
VCU invades JMU; UNC visits Virginia
Thursday's games:
In the spotlight
VCU (8-4, 1-0 CAA at JMU (9-3, 0-1), 7 p.m.
An especially huge game for the Dukes, who need to defend their home court and obviously do not want to fall to 0-2 in conference play. JMU has owned this series of late, winning the last seven - including CAA semifinals wins the past two seasons - and taking all three meetings last season by double figures. JMU's defense was the key in last season's victories as evidenced by the Rams' shooting percentages (36.4, 26.9 and 30.3) in the three games. Not surprisingly, Courtney Hurt and Andrea Barbour took most of VCU's shots. But Hurt made just 32.7 percent of hers (20 of 61), Barbour only 30.7 percent of hers (16 of 52) Clearly, the Rams stars are getting plenty of shots against JMU, but not the shots they want. JMU's defense looked to be in rock-solid shape during Tuesday's 56-49 win over Duquesne. Let's see if the Rams have finally figured out how to solve it. JMU 64, VCU 58
The Rams may regain the services of senior point guard Jennifer Lane, who because of a violation of team rules has sat out VCU's last six games. Prior to that, Lane had started 103 of 104 games during her Rams career, coming off the bench only for last season's Senior Day. During her CAA conference call this week, VCU coach Beth Cunningham said Lane is practicing and could see action tonight. Also, Cunningham said that freshman forward Melanie Royster had surgery to repair her ACL earlier this week. Royster suffered the injury during VCU's victory over Winthrop on Nov. 27.
No. 25 North Carolina (11-2, 1-0) at Virginia (12-3, 0-1), 7 p.m.
An especially huge game for the Dukes, who need to defend their home court and obviously do not want to fall to 0-2 in conference play. JMU has owned this series of late, winning the last seven - including CAA semifinals wins the past two seasons - and taking all three meetings last season by double figures. JMU's defense was the key in last season's victories as evidenced by the Rams' shooting percentages (36.4, 26.9 and 30.3) in the three games. Not surprisingly, Courtney Hurt and Andrea Barbour took most of VCU's shots. But Hurt made just 32.7 percent of hers (20 of 61), Barbour only 30.7 percent of hers (16 of 52) Clearly, the Rams stars are getting plenty of shots against JMU, but not the shots they want. JMU's defense looked to be in rock-solid shape during Tuesday's 56-49 win over Duquesne. Let's see if the Rams have finally figured out how to solve it. JMU 64, VCU 58
The Rams may regain the services of senior point guard Jennifer Lane, who because of a violation of team rules has sat out VCU's last six games. Prior to that, Lane had started 103 of 104 games during her Rams career, coming off the bench only for last season's Senior Day. During her CAA conference call this week, VCU coach Beth Cunningham said Lane is practicing and could see action tonight. Also, Cunningham said that freshman forward Melanie Royster had surgery to repair her ACL earlier this week. Royster suffered the injury during VCU's victory over Winthrop on Nov. 27.
Not sure what to make of this one. Both teams played like CAA contenders at times during the non-conference schedule, but both are also prone to throw in some head-scratching efforts (William and Mary's 74-66 home loss to George Washington; George Mason's 60-57 setback at Norfolk State). We like the Patriots' ability to pressure William and Mary's guards in this matchup, but we're not crazy about how Mason plays away from home. So, slight edge to the Tribe. William and Mary 69, George Mason 62
Also in the CAA
Northeastern at UNC Wilmington, 11:30 a.m.
Drexel at Hofstra, 7 p.m.
Towson at Delaware, 7 p.m.
Click here to read about Wednesday night's Old Dominion victory over Georgia State.
Related: CAA primer
Also in the CAA
Northeastern at UNC Wilmington, 11:30 a.m.
Drexel at Hofstra, 7 p.m.
Towson at Delaware, 7 p.m.
Click here to read about Wednesday night's Old Dominion victory over Georgia State.
Related: CAA primer
ACC
No. 25 North Carolina (11-2, 1-0) at Virginia (12-3, 0-1), 7 p.m.
Cavaliers forward Chelsea Shine is listed as probable for tonight's game; Shine had to leave Virginia's 77-66 loss at Duke Monday after getting a couple of her teeth re-arranged. No word yet on third-year point guard China Crosby, who submitted to further evaluation of her injured left knee on Wednesday. Cavaliers point guard Lexie Gerson has stepped up well in Crosby's absence and currently ranks third in the ACC in steals (3.1 spg). Game sets up as a classic battle of Virginia's ACC-leading defense vs. Carolina's typically high-scoring offense (79.3). The Tar Heels have even more injury woes that Virginia and probably lost another player Monday in UNC's victory over Miami when senior guard She'la White, the former Norfolk Collegiate star, went down with an ankle injury. The Tar Heels say she is unlikely to play tonight. Because of their injuries, we think the Tar Heels have been a bit overrated all season. In their only true road game this season, the Tar Heels lost by 19 at Penn State. The Cavaliers are 9-0 at home, and if they play to their established standard, we think they'll get this one, too. Virginia 69. North Carolina 59
Virginia Tech (5-9, 1-0 ACC) at Boston College (5-8, 0-0), 7 p.m.
Fresh off Monday's 55-33 dismantling of Clemson, the Hokies will look to make it three straight wins against the struggling Eagles. Three of Tech's five victories have come in road games this season. Hokies guard Aerial Wilson is coming off a career-high 24-point effort against Clemson. Virginia Tech 57, Boston College 52
Also in the ACC
Clemson at Florida State, 7 p.m.
N.C. State at Miami, 7 p.m.
Related: ACC primer
Fresh off Monday's 55-33 dismantling of Clemson, the Hokies will look to make it three straight wins against the struggling Eagles. Three of Tech's five victories have come in road games this season. Hokies guard Aerial Wilson is coming off a career-high 24-point effort against Clemson. Virginia Tech 57, Boston College 52
Also in the ACC
Clemson at Florida State, 7 p.m.
N.C. State at Miami, 7 p.m.
Related: ACC primer
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
ODU rolls over Georgia State in CAA home opener
Old Dominion 68, Georgia State 59
This is how it's supposed to work for Old Dominion, right? A defense-feastin', Tia Lewis-beastin' machine making thing happen at both ends, right?
Well, Karen Barefoot's grand design was in full flower Wednesday as the Lady Monarchs got the 2012 portion of their schedule off to a rousing start in a triumphant CAA home opener at the Constant Center.
Lewis, a transplanted Georgia girl herself (Poulan, Ga.), went for a career-high 30 points on 11-of-14 shooting. She scored 18 of her points in the first half, when the Lady Monarchs (4-10, 1-1 CAA) took command with aggressive, disruptive defense and an attack mentality on offense.
So flummoxed were the Panthers (6-7, 1-1) that coach Sharon Baldwin-Tener had subbed out her entire starting lineup before the game was five minutes old. The Lady Monarchs continued to pick Georgia State apart en route to a 13-point halftime lead, at which point Baldwin-Tener was so fed up she went with reserves for virtually the entire second half.
But not before airing her team out during the break.
"We came out flat at the start and I was not pleased with the effort, and (I) certainly tried to let the team know that at halftime," the Georgia State coach said.
The spirited Lady Monarchs surely had a lot to do with the Panthers' lethargy. For the game they forced 22 turnovers and turned those mistakes into 25 points. And their aggressiveness on offense was rewarded by 26 trips to the free throw line, where they were successful 21 times.
Lewis, who also had 10 rebounds for her sixth double-double, obviously gets the gold star for this one. But ODU also got 12 points and 6 rebounds from Jo Guilford, 7 assists (with just 2 turnovers) and 4 steals from three-time CAA Rookie of the Week Ashley Betz-White, 8 points from Mairi Buchan and 7 points, 6 rebounds out of Jackie Cook to complete the well-rounded effort.
The victory was ODU's third in their last four home games, and more than any of the others it showcased the kind of passion and energy Barefoot has been advertising as the staple of her teams since the day she arrived from Elon. Another dose of this Sunday at Northeastern and the Lady Monarchs will have a great opportunity to take a running start at the rest of their conference schedule.
This is how it's supposed to work for Old Dominion, right? A defense-feastin', Tia Lewis-beastin' machine making thing happen at both ends, right?
Well, Karen Barefoot's grand design was in full flower Wednesday as the Lady Monarchs got the 2012 portion of their schedule off to a rousing start in a triumphant CAA home opener at the Constant Center.
Lewis, a transplanted Georgia girl herself (Poulan, Ga.), went for a career-high 30 points on 11-of-14 shooting. She scored 18 of her points in the first half, when the Lady Monarchs (4-10, 1-1 CAA) took command with aggressive, disruptive defense and an attack mentality on offense.
So flummoxed were the Panthers (6-7, 1-1) that coach Sharon Baldwin-Tener had subbed out her entire starting lineup before the game was five minutes old. The Lady Monarchs continued to pick Georgia State apart en route to a 13-point halftime lead, at which point Baldwin-Tener was so fed up she went with reserves for virtually the entire second half.
But not before airing her team out during the break.
"We came out flat at the start and I was not pleased with the effort, and (I) certainly tried to let the team know that at halftime," the Georgia State coach said.
The spirited Lady Monarchs surely had a lot to do with the Panthers' lethargy. For the game they forced 22 turnovers and turned those mistakes into 25 points. And their aggressiveness on offense was rewarded by 26 trips to the free throw line, where they were successful 21 times.
Lewis, who also had 10 rebounds for her sixth double-double, obviously gets the gold star for this one. But ODU also got 12 points and 6 rebounds from Jo Guilford, 7 assists (with just 2 turnovers) and 4 steals from three-time CAA Rookie of the Week Ashley Betz-White, 8 points from Mairi Buchan and 7 points, 6 rebounds out of Jackie Cook to complete the well-rounded effort.
The victory was ODU's third in their last four home games, and more than any of the others it showcased the kind of passion and energy Barefoot has been advertising as the staple of her teams since the day she arrived from Elon. Another dose of this Sunday at Northeastern and the Lady Monarchs will have a great opportunity to take a running start at the rest of their conference schedule.
Getting set for more CAA play
With Colonial Athletic Association play set to resume tonight when Georgia State visits Old Dominion, here's a primer on what has happened so far in a league that looks to be, top to bottom, stronger than it's ever been:
Preseason poll
1. Delaware; 2. VCU; 3.James Madison; 4. Hofstra; 5 (tie). Old Dominion, Drexel; 7. UNC Wilmington; 8. George Mason; 9. William and Mary; 10. Georgia State; 11. Towson; 12. Northeastern
If we were doing the poll today
1. Delaware (10-1, 1-0); 2. Hofstra (9-3, 1-0); 3. James Madison (9-3, 0-1); 4. VCU (8-4, 1-0); 5. Towson (10-2, 1-0); 6. Drexel (5-6, 1-0); 7. UNC Wilmington (7-5, 0-1); 8. William and Mary (7-5, 0-1); 9. George Mason (7-5, 1-0); 10.Old Dominion (3-10, 0-1); 11. Georgia State (6-6, 0-1); 12. Northeastern (2-10, 0-1)
Best non-conference wins
Delaware 80, No. 11 Penn State 71: In just their second game of the season, the Blue Hens emphatically announced themselves as Top-25 material.
Hofstra 65, Kansas State 54: A real resume-enhancer - K-State currently sits at No. 18 in the NCAA RPI.
James Madison 56, Duquesne 49: Superior defensive effort allowed JMU to survive this battle of the Dukes.
Toughest non-conference loss
Norfolk State 60, George Mason 57: The Spartans are much-improved from the team that lost by 27 at Mason last year, and this year's game was at NSU. Still, the Spartans have the lowest RPI (303) of any team to beat a CAA team.
At-large candidates
Delaware, Hofstra and JMU notched the kind of quality non-conference wins that should make the NCAA selection committee take notice. Of course, any league team that beats one of these teams moves into this category as well, so go ahead and add Towson, which upset JMU on Dec. 4, to this list.
Best individual performance
Elena Delle Donne fueled Delaware's historic win over Penn State with 40 points (on 15-of-23 shooting), 12 rebounds, 4 blocks and 0 turnovers. Two days after that game, VCU's Courtney Hurt also went for 40 points and added 9 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 blocks in a win over Missouri-Kansas City.
Most improved performer
A year ago, George Mason's Taleia Moton finished 11th in the CAA in scoring (12.2 ppg). Today, she's at No. 12 - in the entire country (21.2).
Preseason All-CAA updates
First team
Elena Delle Donne, Delaware (Preseason Player of the Year) - National scoring leader and super-efficient all-around performer. Strong contender for National POY honors.
Courtney Hurt, VCU - Double-double machine has essentially picked up where she left off last season (24.6 ppg, 11.8 rpg).
Shante Evans, Hofstra - Scoring and rebounding numbers down slightly (16.5 ppg, 10.0 rpg) because of improved team, but can still go off when necessary (29 points, 18 rebounds vs. Marist)
Andrea Barbour, VCU - Fifth in the league in scoring (17.7 ppg)
Kamile Nacickaite, Drexel - Fourth in the league in scoring (17.8 ppg), shoots better from 3-point range (39.4 percent) than overall (38.7).
Second team
Alisha Andrews, UNCW - Only holder from last season's starting five (14.4 ppg, 5.4 apg); second to GMU's Moton in minutes played (35.7)
Chan Harris, Georgia State - Averaging 10.9 ppg and 8.6 rpg
Tarik Hislop, James Madison - Averaging a team-best 15.0 ppg despite just 32.8-percent shooting.
Tia Lewis, Old Dominion - Unquestioned leader and go-to player for the Lady Monarchs, is averaging 17.3 ppg, 9.5 rpg.
Taysha Pye, William and Mary - Sat out first three games (suspension) and has been coming off the bench. Averaging 12.1 ppg, third on team.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
JMU gets defensive, downs Duquesne
JMU 56, Duquesne 49: How strong was JMU's defensive effort in fueling their best victory of the season? Consider:
- The Dukes (yeah, that's their nickname, too) came in averaging about 14 turnovers a game. JMU turned them over 21 times;
- Duquesne (12-3) usually shares the ball better than all but a handful of teams in the country (17 assists per game). They had 8 assists Tuesday night;
- Those other Dukes averaged 73.9 points per game. Their 49-point output tied for their lowest of the season.
- JMU was plus-eight in rebounding margin.
JMU's success in taking away what explosive Duquesne does well - much as the Dukes did earlier this season against high-powered Middle Tennessee State - was especially important on this night because the home Dukes weren't exactly the Showtime Lakers on offense themselves. But while there's nothing flashy about Lauren Whitehurst's game, the redshirt senior forward from Chesapeake was extremely effective with a career-high 18 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks. Whitehurst was particularly on point in the second half as JMU (9-3) weathered a series of Duquesne mini-runs to hang on. The victory allowed the Dukes to close out a tougher-than-you-think non-conference schedule with a 8-3 record. No time to relax, though - JMU's CAA slate resumes in earnest Thursday when VCU comes calling.
- The Dukes (yeah, that's their nickname, too) came in averaging about 14 turnovers a game. JMU turned them over 21 times;
- Duquesne (12-3) usually shares the ball better than all but a handful of teams in the country (17 assists per game). They had 8 assists Tuesday night;
- Those other Dukes averaged 73.9 points per game. Their 49-point output tied for their lowest of the season.
- JMU was plus-eight in rebounding margin.
JMU's success in taking away what explosive Duquesne does well - much as the Dukes did earlier this season against high-powered Middle Tennessee State - was especially important on this night because the home Dukes weren't exactly the Showtime Lakers on offense themselves. But while there's nothing flashy about Lauren Whitehurst's game, the redshirt senior forward from Chesapeake was extremely effective with a career-high 18 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks. Whitehurst was particularly on point in the second half as JMU (9-3) weathered a series of Duquesne mini-runs to hang on. The victory allowed the Dukes to close out a tougher-than-you-think non-conference schedule with a 8-3 record. No time to relax, though - JMU's CAA slate resumes in earnest Thursday when VCU comes calling.
Richmond's Oliver - she (almost) never misses
According to the NCAA's latest statistics (through games of Jan. 1), the best free throw shooter in Division I is currently Richmond's own Abby Oliver, who is knocking 'em down at a 94.3 percent clip. With Oliver's expert marksmanship leading the way, the Spiders, who have led Division I in free-throw shooting most of the season, are currently ranked second (82.7 percent), two-tenths behind national leader Delaware. Blue Hens star Elena Delle Donne ranks third individually at 92.8 percent (77 of 83).
As you probably know, Richmond's associate head coach is Ginny Doyle, who made a then-Division I-record 66 straight free throws for the Spiders in 1991-92. The record stood until last season, when Bowling Green's Lauren Prochaska canned 70 straight.
In August, when we asked Doyle which of the current Spiders most reminded her of herself as a player, she said the one that comes closest is Oliver.
"Abby usually is the one who grabs me after our practices to challenge me to a free throw-shooting contest. We've had many over the past three years; it's an ongoing contest that becomes very fun and competitive."
We bet they're more competitive than ever these days.
As far as streaks go, Oliver isn't exactly breathing down Doyle or Prochaska's necks yet. But she has made 22 in a row since her last miss on Dec. 10 with 6:04 remaining in the second half against UNC Greensboro. The streak includes five perfect games and a 10-for-10 effort against Liberty on Dec. 20.
As you probably know, Richmond's associate head coach is Ginny Doyle, who made a then-Division I-record 66 straight free throws for the Spiders in 1991-92. The record stood until last season, when Bowling Green's Lauren Prochaska canned 70 straight.
In August, when we asked Doyle which of the current Spiders most reminded her of herself as a player, she said the one that comes closest is Oliver.
"Abby usually is the one who grabs me after our practices to challenge me to a free throw-shooting contest. We've had many over the past three years; it's an ongoing contest that becomes very fun and competitive."
We bet they're more competitive than ever these days.
As far as streaks go, Oliver isn't exactly breathing down Doyle or Prochaska's necks yet. But she has made 22 in a row since her last miss on Dec. 10 with 6:04 remaining in the second half against UNC Greensboro. The streak includes five perfect games and a 10-for-10 effort against Liberty on Dec. 20.
Has Virginia Tech finally found its mojo?
Got caught up doing other things and missed a bunch of the games last night. So we're left with a few questions:
Has Virginia Tech turned a corner?
After last week's opening-day loss to Cincinnati in the Hokie Classic, Tech coach Dennis Wolff praised his team's effort over the final 12 minutes. We thought it might be a simple case of trying to put lipstick on a ugly loss. Then the Hokies rebounded with a win over a solid UMBC team. And on Monday night, they blitzed Clemson by opening the game with a 17-0 run and storming out to a 32-3 lead en route to a 55-33 victory. Tech now has back-to-back victories for the first time this season. There's still plenty of rebuilding to do in Blacksburg. But if this effort level keeps up, maybe we'll all look back at those last 12 minutes against Cincinnati as the point where a lot of good things finally kicked in.
Is this the real Alyssa Bennett?
After spending the past two years getting her mind, body and grades in order, the former ESPN Top-40 recruit from Hampton got off to an understandably quiet start at the Division I level for the Lady Pirates (5.9 ppg, 4.7 rpg through her first 11 games). But on Monday, Bennett opened up a can on East Carolina with a season-high 18 points on 9-of-15 shooting in Hampton's 76-48 victory. If this is a signal that Bennett is ready to take off, the rest of the MEAC had better recognize.
When will China Crosby return from her knee injury?
It's still unclear. After Virginia's 77-66 loss at Duke Monday, Cavaliers coach Joanne Boyle said the following:
"She's going to have a scope on Wednesday. They're going to look in there and see what's going on. They took an MRI, but they're not really sure. It's not clear what's going on, so hopefully we'll know more on Wednesday." The Cavaliers junior point guard suffered the injury 30 seconds into Virginia's game against James Madison on Dec. 20 and has been sidelined ever since.
Virginia knew it would be facing Duke without Crosby. But midway through the second half, they also lost forward Chelsea Shine when she took a blow to the mouth. "She got two of her teeth knocked back, and they were just sitting there," Boyle said. "They were able to talk to a dentist over the phone and get them back in place. We'll get her to a dentist (Tuesday)."
Physical game. Tough kid.
Click here for more on Norfolk State's 60-57 victory over George Mason.
Has Virginia Tech turned a corner?
After last week's opening-day loss to Cincinnati in the Hokie Classic, Tech coach Dennis Wolff praised his team's effort over the final 12 minutes. We thought it might be a simple case of trying to put lipstick on a ugly loss. Then the Hokies rebounded with a win over a solid UMBC team. And on Monday night, they blitzed Clemson by opening the game with a 17-0 run and storming out to a 32-3 lead en route to a 55-33 victory. Tech now has back-to-back victories for the first time this season. There's still plenty of rebuilding to do in Blacksburg. But if this effort level keeps up, maybe we'll all look back at those last 12 minutes against Cincinnati as the point where a lot of good things finally kicked in.
Is this the real Alyssa Bennett?
After spending the past two years getting her mind, body and grades in order, the former ESPN Top-40 recruit from Hampton got off to an understandably quiet start at the Division I level for the Lady Pirates (5.9 ppg, 4.7 rpg through her first 11 games). But on Monday, Bennett opened up a can on East Carolina with a season-high 18 points on 9-of-15 shooting in Hampton's 76-48 victory. If this is a signal that Bennett is ready to take off, the rest of the MEAC had better recognize.
When will China Crosby return from her knee injury?
It's still unclear. After Virginia's 77-66 loss at Duke Monday, Cavaliers coach Joanne Boyle said the following:
"She's going to have a scope on Wednesday. They're going to look in there and see what's going on. They took an MRI, but they're not really sure. It's not clear what's going on, so hopefully we'll know more on Wednesday." The Cavaliers junior point guard suffered the injury 30 seconds into Virginia's game against James Madison on Dec. 20 and has been sidelined ever since.
Virginia knew it would be facing Duke without Crosby. But midway through the second half, they also lost forward Chelsea Shine when she took a blow to the mouth. "She got two of her teeth knocked back, and they were just sitting there," Boyle said. "They were able to talk to a dentist over the phone and get them back in place. We'll get her to a dentist (Tuesday)."
Physical game. Tough kid.
Click here for more on Norfolk State's 60-57 victory over George Mason.
Norfolk State takes down George Mason
Maybe Norfolk State's women's basketball team should petition for membership in the Colonial Athletic Association. Because CAA teams sure seem to bring out the best in these Spartans.
Last month, the Spartans nearly took down William and Mary before bowing in double overtime. And on Monday, the Spartans broke through against George Mason, riding the low-post superiority of Rachel Gordon (14 points, 11 rebounds) and Batavia Owens (16 points) and some clutch plays late to a 60-57 victory at Echols Arena.
The Spartans (6-7) came in on a five-game losing streak, a stretch that included particularly disappointing results at home against South Carolina State and Radford. But NSU had it going on against Mason, particularly Gordon and Owens, who often had their way in the paint.
It wasn't just those two getting it done for NSU, either. Whitney Long scored 15 points and hit the driving layup with 47 seconds left to give the Spartans a 56-55 lead. Rae Corbo added a pair of free throws with 8 seconds to go to boost NSU's lead to three. And Recca Trice dished out 6 assists and generally held up well against Mason's often-tenacious ball pressure.
The result was a signature win for the Spartans against an in-state rival that beat them by 27 points a year ago in Fairfax, a team that beat Old Dominion by 17 points earlier this season. If the Spartans can replicate Monday's level the rest of the season, they should find themselves with a bunch of MEAC wins come March.
Then again, this non-conference season should have also taught them that if they fall short of that level, they can lose to just about anyone, too. Still, it wasn't too long ago that the NSU program was at a point where no matter how hard the players played, they still couldn't beat a team of consequence. It speaks well of how far the program has come that how much success the Spartans have against virtually any team on their remaining schedule is pretty much up to them.
Meanwhile, the Patriots (7-5) were hurt by a tough second half by leading scorer/catalyst Taleia Moton. Moton had 11 points on 5-of-8 shooting and 4 steals in the first half, but went scoreless on 0-of-9 shooting (0-of-2 from the free throw line) and no steals after the break.
Reserve guard Christine Weithman picked up Moton's scoring slack with 4 second-half 3-pointers and 14 points in the final 20 minutes. But little else worked well for the Patriots after the break. They grabbed only 8 defensive rebounds and forced just 7 turnovers, numbers that cut down on their opportunities to get out in transition. Amber Easter, the Patriots' second-leading scorer, was held to just 6 points and missed the front end of a one-and-one with 30 seconds left and the Pats down one. And Easter and Mason's other bigs could do little to stop Gordon and Owens from getting what they wanted inside.
Also, it continues to look like the Patriots are one team at their Patriot Center (5-2), and something a good bit less than that team in most other gyms (2-3). With 9 of their final 17 games on the road, this is something Mason needs to address, and quickly.
Last month, the Spartans nearly took down William and Mary before bowing in double overtime. And on Monday, the Spartans broke through against George Mason, riding the low-post superiority of Rachel Gordon (14 points, 11 rebounds) and Batavia Owens (16 points) and some clutch plays late to a 60-57 victory at Echols Arena.
The Spartans (6-7) came in on a five-game losing streak, a stretch that included particularly disappointing results at home against South Carolina State and Radford. But NSU had it going on against Mason, particularly Gordon and Owens, who often had their way in the paint.
It wasn't just those two getting it done for NSU, either. Whitney Long scored 15 points and hit the driving layup with 47 seconds left to give the Spartans a 56-55 lead. Rae Corbo added a pair of free throws with 8 seconds to go to boost NSU's lead to three. And Recca Trice dished out 6 assists and generally held up well against Mason's often-tenacious ball pressure.
The result was a signature win for the Spartans against an in-state rival that beat them by 27 points a year ago in Fairfax, a team that beat Old Dominion by 17 points earlier this season. If the Spartans can replicate Monday's level the rest of the season, they should find themselves with a bunch of MEAC wins come March.
Then again, this non-conference season should have also taught them that if they fall short of that level, they can lose to just about anyone, too. Still, it wasn't too long ago that the NSU program was at a point where no matter how hard the players played, they still couldn't beat a team of consequence. It speaks well of how far the program has come that how much success the Spartans have against virtually any team on their remaining schedule is pretty much up to them.
Meanwhile, the Patriots (7-5) were hurt by a tough second half by leading scorer/catalyst Taleia Moton. Moton had 11 points on 5-of-8 shooting and 4 steals in the first half, but went scoreless on 0-of-9 shooting (0-of-2 from the free throw line) and no steals after the break.
Reserve guard Christine Weithman picked up Moton's scoring slack with 4 second-half 3-pointers and 14 points in the final 20 minutes. But little else worked well for the Patriots after the break. They grabbed only 8 defensive rebounds and forced just 7 turnovers, numbers that cut down on their opportunities to get out in transition. Amber Easter, the Patriots' second-leading scorer, was held to just 6 points and missed the front end of a one-and-one with 30 seconds left and the Pats down one. And Easter and Mason's other bigs could do little to stop Gordon and Owens from getting what they wanted inside.
Also, it continues to look like the Patriots are one team at their Patriot Center (5-2), and something a good bit less than that team in most other gyms (2-3). With 9 of their final 17 games on the road, this is something Mason needs to address, and quickly.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Virginia visits Duke, VTech travels to Clemson in ACC openers
Monday's games:
Coppin State (4-9) at Longwood (2-13), 1 p.m.
Road-weary Lancers will be playing at Willett Hall for the first time in nearly a month (Dec. 3). Hope they recognize the place. But we also hope they don't get too comfortable, as they'll be at San Diego State on Wednesday. Still, this is the gym where they've gone 2-1 this season, and if they aren't too worn out from their extensive travels of late, we like their chances of making that 3-1. Longwood 57, Coppin State 52
Road-weary Lancers will be playing at Willett Hall for the first time in nearly a month (Dec. 3). Hope they recognize the place. But we also hope they don't get too comfortable, as they'll be at San Diego State on Wednesday. Still, this is the gym where they've gone 2-1 this season, and if they aren't too worn out from their extensive travels of late, we like their chances of making that 3-1. Longwood 57, Coppin State 52
Virginia Tech (4-9) at Clemson (4-7), 7 p.m.
The Hokies picked up one of their two ACC victories at Clemson last year. In fact, they've won in their last two trips to Littlejohn Coliseum and have taken the last three meetings in this series overall. That doesn't guarantee anything today, of course, but if the Hokies can hold their own on the boards and exhibit the level of intensity they displayed last week against UMBC, they'll give themselves a good shot. Virginia Tech 58, Clemson 55
The Hokies picked up one of their two ACC victories at Clemson last year. In fact, they've won in their last two trips to Littlejohn Coliseum and have taken the last three meetings in this series overall. That doesn't guarantee anything today, of course, but if the Hokies can hold their own on the boards and exhibit the level of intensity they displayed last week against UMBC, they'll give themselves a good shot. Virginia Tech 58, Clemson 55
George Mason (7-4) at Norfolk State (5-7), 6 p.m.
Spartans have dropped five straight but put on an encouraging second-half effort in a 10-point loss to St. Bonaventure their last time out. The Patriots got lit up by a hot-shooting Ohio team on the road last week and will be looking to regain the defensive form that has become their trademark. George Mason 71, Norfolk State 55
Spartans have dropped five straight but put on an encouraging second-half effort in a 10-point loss to St. Bonaventure their last time out. The Patriots got lit up by a hot-shooting Ohio team on the road last week and will be looking to regain the defensive form that has become their trademark. George Mason 71, Norfolk State 55
Virginia (12-2) at No. 7 Duke (9-2), 7 p.m.
Super-tough assignment for the Cavaliers at a place where Virginia teams have lost 10 straight in the series and against a team that has beaten Virginia 18 straight times overall. No update on the status of Virginia guard China Crosby, who sat out last week's Cavalier Classic with a knee injury. Her absence could be particularly problematic against a Blue Devils team that ranks third in the nation in steals (16.0 spg). The key will be which team's outstanding defense can dictate the terms of play. Game marks the return of Cavaliers coach Joanne Boyle, who played for, graduated from and was a assistant coach at Duke. Cool side note: Duke's Haley Peters and Virginia's Lexie Gerson were high school teammates at The Peddie School (N.J.), and they each scored their 1,000th point in the same quarter of the same game (thanks, goduke.com). Peters also teamed with Gerson and Virginia forward Chelsea Shine on the Philly Belles AAU team. Duke 65, Virginia 54
Super-tough assignment for the Cavaliers at a place where Virginia teams have lost 10 straight in the series and against a team that has beaten Virginia 18 straight times overall. No update on the status of Virginia guard China Crosby, who sat out last week's Cavalier Classic with a knee injury. Her absence could be particularly problematic against a Blue Devils team that ranks third in the nation in steals (16.0 spg). The key will be which team's outstanding defense can dictate the terms of play. Game marks the return of Cavaliers coach Joanne Boyle, who played for, graduated from and was a assistant coach at Duke. Cool side note: Duke's Haley Peters and Virginia's Lexie Gerson were high school teammates at The Peddie School (N.J.), and they each scored their 1,000th point in the same quarter of the same game (thanks, goduke.com). Peters also teamed with Gerson and Virginia forward Chelsea Shine on the Philly Belles AAU team. Duke 65, Virginia 54
East Carolina (6-6) at Hampton (9-3), 7 p.m.
The Lady Pirates will be playing at home for just the fourth time this season. They've gone 3-0 at the Convocation Center, while ECU is 1-5 in road/neutral site games. Big edge to the Lady Pirates in what will be their final tuneup before MEAC play commences Saturday with a game against the team that looms as their top contender for conference supremacy, Howard. Hampton 75, ECU 53
The Lady Pirates will be playing at home for just the fourth time this season. They've gone 3-0 at the Convocation Center, while ECU is 1-5 in road/neutral site games. Big edge to the Lady Pirates in what will be their final tuneup before MEAC play commences Saturday with a game against the team that looms as their top contender for conference supremacy, Howard. Hampton 75, ECU 53
ACC teams gear up for conference play
ACC play gets started Monday, with Virginia visiting Duke and Virginia Tech traveling to Clemson part of the five-game opening-day package. To help get you ready, here's a primer on the ACC through the teams' non-conference schedules:
1. Miami; 2. Duke; 3. Maryland; 4. Florida State; 5. Georgia Tech; 6. North Carolina; 7. N.C. State; 8. Virginia; 9. Boston College; 10. Wake Forest; 11. Clemson; 12. Virginia Tech.
1. Maryland; 2. Duke; 3. Miami; 4. Virginia; 5. Georgia Tech; 6. N.C. State; 7. Florida State; 8. North Carolina; 9. Wake Forest; 10. Boston College; 11. Clemson; 12. Virginia Tech
In terms of cache, RPI muscle and surprise value, no victory registered higher than Virginia's 69-64 overtime stunner over then-No. 3 Tennessee.
North Carolina A&T 77, Clemson 67
Duke's Chelsea Gray's triple-double (14 points, a school-record 13 assists and 11 rebounds) against Pitt was terrific. But given the quality of the opponent, our nod goes to Miami's Riquna Williams, who poured in 31 of her 36 points after intermission as the Hurricanes rallied from a 16-point deficit to beat Rutgers 92-81 in double-overtime. The 36 points are the most by any ACC player this season.
"(Georgetown) smacked us in the face and we ran and called our moms and asked for help instead of turning to each other." Miami coach Katie Meier after the Hurricanes' 71-46 loss to the Hoyas.
Maryland (13-0)
One of only six undefeated teams left in Division I (Baylor, Ohio State, Green Bay, Colorado, Texas Tech). Still want to see how the Terrapins fare against a quality team in legitimately hostile territory - all but four of their games so far have been either at home or somewhere in the Washington/Baltimore area, at places where Maryland often had more fans in attendance than the home team.
Duke (9-2)
Offensively challenged no more? This year's Blue Devils have scored at least 92 points four times so far.
Miami (11-2)
Hurricanes have won 32 straight at home, but are just 11-7 in road/neutral site games since the start of the 2010-11 season.
Virginia (12-2)
The (zone) defense never rests for Joanne Boyle's Cavaliers, who have held eight opponents to 49 points or less.
Georgia Tech (10-3)
Probably should have finished off Green Bay in the San Juan Shootout - the Yellow Jackets led by 9 points in the second half and by five in overtime before dropping a 67-62 decision.
Florida State (8-6)
All of the Seminoles' losses are to quality teams (Arkansas, Florida, Louisville, Nebraska, Ohio State, Vanderbilt), and five of the six were by single digits.
N.C. State (10-3)
Nice bounceback campaign for the Wolfpack, winners of six of their last seven including quality victories over South Carolina, Vanderbilt and Florida Gulf Coast.
North Carolina (10-2)
Talented but injury-riddled Tar Heels cruised through their typically Charmin-soft schedule, but in their only two games against Top-50 caliber foes UNC lost by 19 at Penn State and by 31 on a neutral court against South Carolina.
Wake Forest (10-3)
The Demon Deacons played 11 of their 13 non-conference games at home. To their credit, they did win both of their road games (at Seton Hall, at SMU).
Boston College (4-8)
Disappointing start includes a humbling 70-62 loss to crosstown rival Boston University, the Terriers first win over the Eagles since 1990.
Clemson (4-7)
Tigers have dropped five of their last six, with the lone victory in that span coming over MEAC newcomer North Carolina Central (1-12)..
Virginia Tech (4-9)
Rebuilding Hokies lost in the opening game of their own tournament (to Cincinnati) for the first time in the 22-year history of the event. Sophomore guard Monet Tellier scored 31 points in a loss to William and Mary. Tellier joins Miami's Williams as the only ACC players to score at least 30 points in a game this season.
Preseason poll
1. Miami; 2. Duke; 3. Maryland; 4. Florida State; 5. Georgia Tech; 6. North Carolina; 7. N.C. State; 8. Virginia; 9. Boston College; 10. Wake Forest; 11. Clemson; 12. Virginia Tech.
If we were doing the poll today....
1. Maryland; 2. Duke; 3. Miami; 4. Virginia; 5. Georgia Tech; 6. N.C. State; 7. Florida State; 8. North Carolina; 9. Wake Forest; 10. Boston College; 11. Clemson; 12. Virginia Tech
Best non-conference win
In terms of cache, RPI muscle and surprise value, no victory registered higher than Virginia's 69-64 overtime stunner over then-No. 3 Tennessee.
Worst non-conference loss
North Carolina A&T 77, Clemson 67
Best individual performance
Duke's Chelsea Gray's triple-double (14 points, a school-record 13 assists and 11 rebounds) against Pitt was terrific. But given the quality of the opponent, our nod goes to Miami's Riquna Williams, who poured in 31 of her 36 points after intermission as the Hurricanes rallied from a 16-point deficit to beat Rutgers 92-81 in double-overtime. The 36 points are the most by any ACC player this season.
Best quote
"(Georgetown) smacked us in the face and we ran and called our moms and asked for help instead of turning to each other." Miami coach Katie Meier after the Hurricanes' 71-46 loss to the Hoyas.
Team-by-team
Maryland (13-0)
One of only six undefeated teams left in Division I (Baylor, Ohio State, Green Bay, Colorado, Texas Tech). Still want to see how the Terrapins fare against a quality team in legitimately hostile territory - all but four of their games so far have been either at home or somewhere in the Washington/Baltimore area, at places where Maryland often had more fans in attendance than the home team.
Duke (9-2)
Offensively challenged no more? This year's Blue Devils have scored at least 92 points four times so far.
Miami (11-2)
Hurricanes have won 32 straight at home, but are just 11-7 in road/neutral site games since the start of the 2010-11 season.
Virginia (12-2)
The (zone) defense never rests for Joanne Boyle's Cavaliers, who have held eight opponents to 49 points or less.
Georgia Tech (10-3)
Probably should have finished off Green Bay in the San Juan Shootout - the Yellow Jackets led by 9 points in the second half and by five in overtime before dropping a 67-62 decision.
Florida State (8-6)
All of the Seminoles' losses are to quality teams (Arkansas, Florida, Louisville, Nebraska, Ohio State, Vanderbilt), and five of the six were by single digits.
N.C. State (10-3)
Nice bounceback campaign for the Wolfpack, winners of six of their last seven including quality victories over South Carolina, Vanderbilt and Florida Gulf Coast.
North Carolina (10-2)
Talented but injury-riddled Tar Heels cruised through their typically Charmin-soft schedule, but in their only two games against Top-50 caliber foes UNC lost by 19 at Penn State and by 31 on a neutral court against South Carolina.
Wake Forest (10-3)
The Demon Deacons played 11 of their 13 non-conference games at home. To their credit, they did win both of their road games (at Seton Hall, at SMU).
Boston College (4-8)
Disappointing start includes a humbling 70-62 loss to crosstown rival Boston University, the Terriers first win over the Eagles since 1990.
Clemson (4-7)
Tigers have dropped five of their last six, with the lone victory in that span coming over MEAC newcomer North Carolina Central (1-12)..
Virginia Tech (4-9)
Rebuilding Hokies lost in the opening game of their own tournament (to Cincinnati) for the first time in the 22-year history of the event. Sophomore guard Monet Tellier scored 31 points in a loss to William and Mary. Tellier joins Miami's Williams as the only ACC players to score at least 30 points in a game this season.
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