Virginia stopped its bleeding - thank you, Monica Wright - and Virginia Tech came back to earth in Monday's regionally televised Commonwealth showdown.
No. 24 Virginia 70 , Virginia Tech 56: The Hokies (11-6, 1-2 ACC) looked good early but when Monica Wright got hot, they went cold and were unable to ride the momentum from last week's stirring victory over North Carolina. The Hokies led 27-25, but Ariana Moorer bumped the Cavaliers (12-5, 1-2 ACC) ahead, and they did not trail again thanks to 17-second half points from Wright. Utahya Drye scored 18 with 7 rebounds and 6 assists for Tech, but the Cavaliers defense held Lindsay Biggs (4-of-11 for 11 points) in check.
Radford 59, Presyterian 34: We want to give the Highlanders (5-11, 4-1 Big South) all the respect they're due for the win, but just the same, it's remarkable to point out that Presbyterian's only field goal in the first half was at the 4:43 mark. Radford, meanwhile, shot 50 percent in the half, so that pretty much explains the outcome. We will add that the five points in a half is the fewest ever in Presbyterian history. One nod to the Blue Hose, though. They do know how to rebound. They outdid Radford on the boards and put together a 21-6 run in the second to shoot a respectable 41.7 percent.
Liberty 82, UNC Asheville 40: Another dominating defensive effort by the Lady Flames (12-4, 3-1 Big South), who hold their fourth straight opponent to under 35 percent shooting from the field. Liberty coach Carey Green is thrilled with his team's ability to rack up steals on the stat sheet; the Lady Flames had 18 in this game. "With that we're getting runouts and good transition, some easy points, "Green said. "A lot of defensive energy is creating a lot of offense." Devon Morgan, Rachel McLeod and LaKendra Washington had four steals apiece. Five different Lady Flames drained 3s and four of them canned two apiece for a 9-of-17 arc mark. Lady Flames close out the five-game homestand 5-0.
North Carolina A&T 82, Hampton 81: The Lady Pirates (6-10, 2-3 MEAC) have now lost four games by four points or less. And this one may sting the most, and not just because it's a conference game. In addition to wasting a career night from forward Quanneisha Perry (31 points on 14-of-20 shooting and 14 rebounds), the Lady Pirates fell despite setting a season high for points and obliterating their previous high in field goal percentage (50.7 percent, just the third time all year the Lady Pirates have exceeded 40 percent). But you can't score if you don't have the ball, and after tying the game with 1:41 to play, the Lady Pirates turned it over on their next two possessions and weren't even able to let one fly until Whitney Hill's desperation 3-pointer at the buzzer.
Howard 55, Norfolk State 46: Pretty nice second-half effort by the Spartans (2-11, 0-5 MEAC), but not enough to recover from the 15-point hole they dug for themselves in a shaky opening stanza. It was NSU's fifth straight loss, but a couple of winnable opportunities are ahead this weekend with road games at Winston-Salem St. and South Carolina St.
Utah Valley 75, Longwood 60: In November, the Lancers (4-15) beat these guys by 22. Amazing the difference a couple thousand miles can make. The victory allowed the Wolverines to snap a school record-tying 10-game losing streak. Longwood is now mired in a seven-game losing streak.
Tuesday's game
George Washington (3-12, 0-3 Atlantic 10) at Richmond (13-4, 2-0 Atlantic 10), 7 p.m.
The sizzling Spiders have won five in a row and if their current form holds, they should find this little more than a tune-up in advance of Saturday's showdown at Dayton. Injuries have crippled the Colonials; on Nov. 27 GW had a 2-1 record and was leading then-No. 25 Michigan State when freshman point guard Danni Jackson, the former Forest Park High star, went down with a broken leg. The Colonials went on to lose that game and 10 of the other 11 since. Jackson's injury is one of three season-enders suffered by the Colonials, who are expected to dress only seven players for tonight's contest.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Halfway mark: VCU, ODU, Virginia, Liberty and surpise Hampton looking pretty
We're halfway done, the ride's been fun so far and we're pressing ahead for March. Here are some thoughts that stuck with us when we took a look back. If we're missing something, be sure to let us know.
Oh, what a night
*Dawn Evans scores 30 to lead James Madison over Virginia in Charlottesville
Virginia's Monica Wright's 20 points made her the Cavaliers' all-time leading scorer (Dawn Staley is now 2). Her 39 against BC was pretty memorable, too.
A block vs. ODU made W&M's Tiffany Benson the CAA's all-time leading shot blocker with 238.
*Lindsay Biggs comes up big again with 19 for Virginia Tech, a winner over No. 10 North Carolina
*Whitney Long bags 30 as Norfolk State whips Savannah State
*Old Dominion's Jasmine Parker wins the guttiest performance award for a career-high 24 point effort to go with four assists and three steals against Maryland after losing her brother the day before.
*Pick a game for Devon Brown, Liberty's high scorer for all but two games. The freshman Flame scored 52 in her first two college games.
*Richmond's Brittani Shells scoring 23 with five boards in a victory over LaSalle.
*Longwood's Crystal Smith stat line of 16 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists as the Lancers stunned High Point
*Sophomore Taysha Pye's line of 26 points, 11 rebounds and three assists as Tribe beat host Seattle University in its own tournament.
*Brittany Poindexter shooting a school record 83 percent from the field (10-of-12) for 27 points to get the Patriots past High Point.
*Virginia coach Debbie Ryan picking up her 700th win in the Cavaliers season opener over UMBC
*VCU's Kita Waller setting a school record with 35 points to defeat UNC Wilmington. The senior guard added five boards, five steals, four assists and did not turn it over.
*VCU's D'Andra Moss's draining a buzzer-beating 3 to defeat Delaware.
* Hampton's Quanneisha Perry, an 11.6 ppg scorer, racking up a career-high 31 points and 14 rebounds against defending MEAC champion North Carolina A&T
* Longwood freshman Chelsea Coward nailing five straight 3-pointers in the opening 6:41 against Campbell - including one off glass from the corner - then scoring just two more points the rest of the game.
*Da'Nar Erwinspencer's 11 assists and 10 points in Radford's 61-50 defeat of UNC Asheville.
*Da'Nar Erwinspencer's 11 assists and 10 points in Radford's 61-50 defeat of UNC Asheville.
*ODU's seven-point victory over Hofstra was anything but pretty, but it marked the 900 victory for the program. Only Tennessee and Louisiana Tech have won more among NCAA Division I teams.
We didn't predict this:
*Tech romping over North Carolina for the Hokies first victory over a Top 10 team since 1998
*ODU holding James Madison to a season-low 58 points and breaking a five-year losing streak in Harrisonburg
*Radford, 1-10 at the time, upending a 12-2 Gardner-Webb team
*George Mason winning its first seven at home
*ODU's Vicki Collier, banged up with knee injuries for three years, earning a starting spot.
*Virginia Commonwealth starting CAA play at 6-0
We didn't predict this:
*Tech romping over North Carolina for the Hokies first victory over a Top 10 team since 1998
*ODU holding James Madison to a season-low 58 points and breaking a five-year losing streak in Harrisonburg
*Radford, 1-10 at the time, upending a 12-2 Gardner-Webb team
*George Mason winning its first seven at home
*ODU's Vicki Collier, banged up with knee injuries for three years, earning a starting spot.
*Virginia Commonwealth starting CAA play at 6-0
* Towson 67, No. 25 Maryland 55
Glad they're back:
*James Madison's Dawn Evans, back after a kidney ailment
*ODU's Jessica Canady, whose offseason knee surgery slowed her senior season
*William and Mary's Tiffany Benson, in Debbie Taylor's doghouse early, averaging 23 minutes along with 7.1 ppg and 7.2 rpg
*Lauren Jimenez, pained from knee and ankle injuries the last two years, re-emerging for James Madison.
*Norfolk State, the worst team in Division I last year with only one victory, has won three games.
How disappointing:
*Virginia freshman China Crosby's ACL tear
* Another of the Cavaliers' heralded freshmen, center Erinn Thompson, had been sidelined with a leg injury since November. Her status for the rest of the season remains uncertain.
*VCU senior La'Tavia Rorie ending her career after tearing her ACL
* Richmond's Sam Bilney remaining on the mend. Bilney is out for the season after tearing the ACL in her left knee late last season. In high school, Bilney twice tore the ACL in her right knee.
* Norfolk State redshirt senior Tiffany McNair finally shutting it down after recurring shoulder problems. McNair had already missed two full seasons with shoulder ailments.
* Virginia Tech junior center Elizabeth Basham re-injured her right shoulder during preseason practice and is doubtful for the rest of the season.
*Richmond's Crystal Goring, who has yet to play in an ACC game due to a bum shoulder.
George Mason's Brittany Poindexter has yet to return since an injury a week ago vs. Georgia State.
*Richmond's Crystal Goring, who has yet to play in an ACC game due to a bum shoulder.
George Mason's Brittany Poindexter has yet to return since an injury a week ago vs. Georgia State.
Where are they now?
*ODU sophomore guard Pryncess Tate-Dublin, who did not take the floor in five straight games, logged 56 seconds in a 30-point blowout of George Mason. Tate-Dublin has played in 10 of ODU's 19 games, logging 13 points overall.
*Radford's Brooke McElroy, who, a year ago, played in all 30 games after transferring from Monmouth, listed as inactive.
* JMU reserve guard Brittany Crowell and junior-college transfer Nichelle Glover, a 6-1 forward who is averaging 5.5 points and 4.1 rebounds and has started seven games. Neither has played since early January for personal reasons.
* Radford junior forward Ciara Hayes, who averaged 10.2 minutes per game through the Highlanders' first four games but is now listed as inactive.
Head scratchers:
*Longwood coach Kirsten Caruso sidelined by school administration for one week for undisclosed personnel issues.
*Virginia falling 61-60 at home to Maryland
*ODU scoring a season-low 32 against Syracuse in Cancun
*Dayton 83, Richmond 31
*Maryland 80, Longwood 45: Why did the Terps go to Longwood in the middle of ACC season?
Radford (1-10 at the time) cruising over a 12-3 Gardner-Webb team.
Here's how it looks to us
We're high on Virginia, Old Dominion, Liberty and VCU. Virginia started the season as our No. 1 team, had it taken away when James Madison beat them in Charlottesville and now looks to be playing as good a ball as anyone in the ACC (minus Duke). They lost freshman point guard China Crosby to a knee injury, but have gained a starting five with the addition of Lexie Gerson that's starting to click. Even better, Debbie Ryan, a regular tweeter, seems like she's having a blast hanging with this young squad.
Admittedly the Lady Monarchs limped into conference and even after starting off CAA season with a one-point victory at Delaware, the triple OT loss to Northeastern appeared a sign of things to come. Instead ODU hasn't lost since. Jessica Canady, who was never healthy during nonconference, is on top of her game and Tia Lewis is an real complement. Jasmine Parker, so rattled by point guard duties early that she lost her own scoring prowess, is a threat again and potent behind the arc. Many of their wins aren't pretty, but these Lady Monarchs aren't the LMs who won all those CAA titles. They one constant: Wendy Larry. She knows a thing or two about what works and doesn't in the CAA.
As for VCU, it seemed as if they would be in rebuilding mode. It figured to take time to get used to life without Quanitra Hollingsworth. Then La'Tavia Rorie went down and so went the season. Or so we thought. We didn't count on Courtney Hurt or Kita Waller or obviously D'Andra Moss shouldering the load so well. It was only three years ago that VCU lost Q to an Achilles injury halfway through the season. We thought they were done then, too. Instead they advanced to the CAA title game.
Liberty looks to be Liberty as always. This team rarely misses a beat, no matter who comes and who goes. Feenstra and the Frazees are in the past and Devon Brown has started the path to a new era. The freshman could very well be the Big South Conference Player of the Year, but Liberty's trademark is defense. On average, the Flames hold opponents to 33 percent and 26 percent from the arc. A Big South title seems inevitable but that one loss in the last nine games came to Gardner-Webb. Eight games later, we'd bet they'd beat the Runnin' Bulldogs.
We've by no means given up on James Madison, but at Christmastime we wondered if they had peaked too soon. Now we really wonder. Wonderful as she is, Dawn Evans is taking too many low-percentage shots and the Dukes post game, as in Lauren Jimenez and Sarah Williams, is hard to predict night to night. Freshman Tarik Hislop has cooled off just a bit from the sizzling numbers she put up at the beginning of the season. Evans is great, no doubt. But will she have any legs for the CAA tournament?
Virginia Tech only won two conference games a year ago and has already matched that. The North Carolina win lifted a program that has needed a boost for years. Beating Miami on the road was another nice result. But like so many teams in the state, the Hokies struggle to score. They had all kinds of chances to upend Virginia in Cassell, but couldn't take advantage of the Cavaliers' scoring lapses. Lindsay Biggs' shooting percentage is 28 percent.
Quite honestly we expected a bit more from George Mason. Nice recruiting class. Great nonconference start. Can't score in the CAA. And if you can't score, you surely can't win. GMU averages 56 ppg.
We also hoped for more with William and Mary. Debbie Taylor has herself a stable of athletes, all of whom can shoot. Katherine DeHenzel, Tiffany Benson, Taysha Pye and all the freshmen who made an early-season impact seemed as if they could give league teams fits. But this group turns it over all the time and can't seem to find that formula that makes winning routine. Losing in Florida to High Point in December was foreshadowing to a season that has produced mixed results. Bottom line is W&M finds itself fighting not to play in the first round of the conference tournament.
We've taken a long time to mention Richmond. We can't figure the Spiders. They layed an egg against Dayton, where they were embarrassed by a 53-point loss. A-10 leading scorer Brittani Shells scored 2. They were our top team in the state three weeks ago. Dayton doesn't appear to be just a blip given the Spiders fell by 19 at home against Duquesne on Saturday, allowing a 24-0 run.
Hampton impresses us. Coach David Six has stepped from high school coaching into the college ranks with the greatest of ease. The Pirates are 10-10 and could just as easily be 14-6 (heartbreakers against Temple, Howard, East Carolina and Coppin State prevented that). They've won four in a row and their shooting percentage is up from 30 percent to 35 percent.
Hampton impresses us. Coach David Six has stepped from high school coaching into the college ranks with the greatest of ease. The Pirates are 10-10 and could just as easily be 14-6 (heartbreakers against Temple, Howard, East Carolina and Coppin State prevented that). They've won four in a row and their shooting percentage is up from 30 percent to 35 percent.
We wish Norfolk State would get a MEAC win, but we congratulate coach Debra Clark for raising the team from the ashes. NSU had one win a year ago. The Spartans weren't competitive. They're 3-13 and have lost a couple of heartbreakers (Hampton OT, South Carolina State by one, Wofford and UAB by two). They could use a post game, but it's hard to have that without some height. We hear the height is coming in the pending recruiting class.
Radford could use some offense to overcome a couple of humps: 1-10 in the conference, 0-7 away. Kudos to Kymesha Alston for leading the way, but the Highlanders need more than 52 points a game.
Being an independent is tough, just ask Longwood. And then to have your head coach removed for a week only to be reinstated? Having freshman Chelsea Coward and soph Brittani Billups lead your team in scoring is promising, but as we said before, it's tough to be in independent in this landscape.
Monday dribble: UVa., Tech tangle on TV
Today's Commonwealth showcase is much more than just the television appetizer to ESPN2's 7 p.m. UConn-Duke game. Besides, we pretty much know how that one's going to turn out. Comcast's 5 p.m. Virginia-Virginia Tech clash offers much more intrigue, as it features a Virginia team on a continuous search for offensive rhythm against a motivated Tech squad eager to bag another big-name scalp.
Monday's games
Virginia (11-5, 0-2 ACC) at Virginia Tech (11-5, 1-1 ACC), 5 p.m. (Comcast)
Not sure what to expect here, from either team. Virginia's effort isn't in question, but the Cavaliers' offensive execution has been, how to put this gently, problematic in their two ACC games. The much-discussed final play of UVa.'s 61-60 loss to Maryland last Monday was a metaphor for the team's offensive woes - Monica Wright forcing up a shot surrounded by four defenders. Some of the struggles can be laid off on youth, some the result of Virginia lacking a true facilitator. The good news is Virginia has had a full week to prepare for this one, and we're sure they can execute better. They'll have to. As for the Hokies, their stunning 15-point romp over then-No. 10 North Carolina no doubt generated a lot of buzz on the Blacksburg campus, and the players have probably spent the past couple of days figuratively riding atop the shoulders of jubilant classmates. Can the Hokies shrug off all this newfound praise and apply the same laser-like focus tonight they targeted on the Tar Heels? And if those classmates really want to do some good, they'll show up at Cassell Coliseum in droves and turn the joint into a real pit for a Hokies team that is 9-1 at home and will be looking for the program's first victory over the Cavaliers in Blacksburg since 2002. Virginia Tech 66, Virginia 64
Hampton (5-9, 2-2 MEAC) at North Carolina A&T (9-7. 4-0 MEAC), 6 p.m.
Rematch of the 2009 MEAC tournament title game in which the Lady Aggies rolled to a 22-point victory. A&T returns much of that cast and as its conference record suggests again appears to be the class of the MEAC. The Lady Pirates can force turnovers out of anyone and distinguished themselves throughout a fairly rigorous non-conference schedule by playing quality teams tough. But until they can do something about those shooting percentages in the low 30s, they'll always have trouble closing good teams out. North Carolina A&T 71, Hampton 62
Howard (6-9, 2-2 MEAC) at Norfolk St. (2-10, 0-4 MEAC), 6 p.m.
Anyone looking for a reason to check this game out - what, watching the Spartans play isn't reason enough? - should note that the contest will double as Breast Cancer Awareness Night. Fans are encouraged to wear pink and halftime will include a Celebration of Life parade featuring breast cancer survivors. As for the game, interesting team, this Bison. Stars Zykia Brown (18.3 ppg) and redshirt freshman Saadia Doyle (15.6 ppg, 11.6 rpg) combine to average about 34 points a game; the other three starters combine to average about five. And the seven-player bench consists of one junior and six freshmen. Somehow, the combination works (just ask Hampton). As usual, the Spartans will compete, especially at home. But when a big shot needs to be made come crunch time, who's got the goods to knock it down? Howard 55, Norfolk State 54
UNC Asheville (5-12, 1-4 Big South) at Liberty (11-4, 2-1 Big South), 7 p.m.
Presented with a five-game homestand, the Lady Flames have handled their business in style, going 4-0 so far with an average victory margin of 26 points. Hard to imagine these Bulldogs, losers of four straight, being anything other than victim No. 5, especially since Liberty has the added motivation - as though they need any - of knowing UNC Asheville was the last Big South team to defeat the Lady Flames at the Vines Center (2007). Also, keep an eye on Liberty freshman Jelena Antic, who has made 10 straight field goals over her last two games. Liberty 70, UNC Asheville 40
Presbyterian (2-13, 1-2 Big South) at Radford (4-11, 3-1 Big South), 7 p.m.
Funny headline on the Presbyterian official site - Liberty outlasts Blue Hose 73-27. Outlasts? Guess "destroys" or "obliterates" would be rubbing it in. The Blue Hose figure to be more competitive tonight - how could they not be? - but there are reasons these guys have lost 37 straight road games. Unless the Highlanders fail to take these guys seriously - and we're betting senior Kymesha Alston will make sure that doesn't happen - Alston and Radford's other starters should be able to watch much of the second half from their courtside folding chairs. Radford 68, Presbyterian 52
Longwood (4-14) at Utah Valley (3-15), 9:05 p.m.
Orem, Utah is a long way to go to get a victory, but when you're 4-14, er, what time's the flight? Once upon a time, the Wolverines showed up in Farmville with a 2-2 record. We even picked them to win. Instead, Longwood dismantled them 73-51, and that loss apparently spooked the Wolverines so much they've gone 1-13 since and are currently riding a 10-game losing streak. Now we're not crazy about the Lancers when they have to travel (1-11 in road/neutral games this season). But we don't want to get caught holding the Utah Valley bag again. P.S. - All kidding aside, Longwood's record may be anemic, but when you consider that 42 percent of its scoring is coming from freshmen Chelsea Coward, Crystal Smith, Heather Tobeck and Erin Neal, it appears as though a lot of the foundation is being laid this year for future success. Longwood 62, Utah Valley 58
Monday's games
Virginia (11-5, 0-2 ACC) at Virginia Tech (11-5, 1-1 ACC), 5 p.m. (Comcast)
Not sure what to expect here, from either team. Virginia's effort isn't in question, but the Cavaliers' offensive execution has been, how to put this gently, problematic in their two ACC games. The much-discussed final play of UVa.'s 61-60 loss to Maryland last Monday was a metaphor for the team's offensive woes - Monica Wright forcing up a shot surrounded by four defenders. Some of the struggles can be laid off on youth, some the result of Virginia lacking a true facilitator. The good news is Virginia has had a full week to prepare for this one, and we're sure they can execute better. They'll have to. As for the Hokies, their stunning 15-point romp over then-No. 10 North Carolina no doubt generated a lot of buzz on the Blacksburg campus, and the players have probably spent the past couple of days figuratively riding atop the shoulders of jubilant classmates. Can the Hokies shrug off all this newfound praise and apply the same laser-like focus tonight they targeted on the Tar Heels? And if those classmates really want to do some good, they'll show up at Cassell Coliseum in droves and turn the joint into a real pit for a Hokies team that is 9-1 at home and will be looking for the program's first victory over the Cavaliers in Blacksburg since 2002. Virginia Tech 66, Virginia 64
Hampton (5-9, 2-2 MEAC) at North Carolina A&T (9-7. 4-0 MEAC), 6 p.m.
Rematch of the 2009 MEAC tournament title game in which the Lady Aggies rolled to a 22-point victory. A&T returns much of that cast and as its conference record suggests again appears to be the class of the MEAC. The Lady Pirates can force turnovers out of anyone and distinguished themselves throughout a fairly rigorous non-conference schedule by playing quality teams tough. But until they can do something about those shooting percentages in the low 30s, they'll always have trouble closing good teams out. North Carolina A&T 71, Hampton 62
Howard (6-9, 2-2 MEAC) at Norfolk St. (2-10, 0-4 MEAC), 6 p.m.
Anyone looking for a reason to check this game out - what, watching the Spartans play isn't reason enough? - should note that the contest will double as Breast Cancer Awareness Night. Fans are encouraged to wear pink and halftime will include a Celebration of Life parade featuring breast cancer survivors. As for the game, interesting team, this Bison. Stars Zykia Brown (18.3 ppg) and redshirt freshman Saadia Doyle (15.6 ppg, 11.6 rpg) combine to average about 34 points a game; the other three starters combine to average about five. And the seven-player bench consists of one junior and six freshmen. Somehow, the combination works (just ask Hampton). As usual, the Spartans will compete, especially at home. But when a big shot needs to be made come crunch time, who's got the goods to knock it down? Howard 55, Norfolk State 54
UNC Asheville (5-12, 1-4 Big South) at Liberty (11-4, 2-1 Big South), 7 p.m.
Presented with a five-game homestand, the Lady Flames have handled their business in style, going 4-0 so far with an average victory margin of 26 points. Hard to imagine these Bulldogs, losers of four straight, being anything other than victim No. 5, especially since Liberty has the added motivation - as though they need any - of knowing UNC Asheville was the last Big South team to defeat the Lady Flames at the Vines Center (2007). Also, keep an eye on Liberty freshman Jelena Antic, who has made 10 straight field goals over her last two games. Liberty 70, UNC Asheville 40
Presbyterian (2-13, 1-2 Big South) at Radford (4-11, 3-1 Big South), 7 p.m.
Funny headline on the Presbyterian official site - Liberty outlasts Blue Hose 73-27. Outlasts? Guess "destroys" or "obliterates" would be rubbing it in. The Blue Hose figure to be more competitive tonight - how could they not be? - but there are reasons these guys have lost 37 straight road games. Unless the Highlanders fail to take these guys seriously - and we're betting senior Kymesha Alston will make sure that doesn't happen - Alston and Radford's other starters should be able to watch much of the second half from their courtside folding chairs. Radford 68, Presbyterian 52
Longwood (4-14) at Utah Valley (3-15), 9:05 p.m.
Orem, Utah is a long way to go to get a victory, but when you're 4-14, er, what time's the flight? Once upon a time, the Wolverines showed up in Farmville with a 2-2 record. We even picked them to win. Instead, Longwood dismantled them 73-51, and that loss apparently spooked the Wolverines so much they've gone 1-13 since and are currently riding a 10-game losing streak. Now we're not crazy about the Lancers when they have to travel (1-11 in road/neutral games this season). But we don't want to get caught holding the Utah Valley bag again. P.S. - All kidding aside, Longwood's record may be anemic, but when you consider that 42 percent of its scoring is coming from freshmen Chelsea Coward, Crystal Smith, Heather Tobeck and Erin Neal, it appears as though a lot of the foundation is being laid this year for future success. Longwood 62, Utah Valley 58
Old Dominion beats JMU in Harrisonburg; VCU remains on top of CAA
Virginia Commonwealth continues its win streak despite the loss of La'Tavia Rorie, but Old Dominion upsetting James Madison is the story of this day. Harrisonburg has been a dreaded place to play for ODU, which hadn't beaten JMU there since 2005 and lost there first CAA tournament game ever there last year against Drexel.
The Lady Monarchs have now won games at Delaware and at JMU and pronounced themselves as contenders in the CAA. We confess we picked against them, but we've stayed steady in repeating: Don't count out a program that has owned this conference 17 of the last 18 years.
Sunday's results:
Old Dominion 67, James Madison 58:
ODU exorcised the ghosts in Harrisonburg by defeating the Dukes there for the first time in five years. The Lady Monarchs (6-9, 4-1 CAA) were patient with the shot clock in ringing up a 15-point halftime lead behind six 3-pointers. They harassed weary Dawn Evans on defense (the NCAA scoring leader is coming off a double OT game versus Towson), and though the junior finished with 22 points and four assists (that's four of JMU's six assists), she struggled from the arc where she blanked on 12 of her 14 attempts. Evans' second 3 of the game came at the 2:04 mark to cut it to 64-56, but the Dukes (13-3, 3-2 CAA) failed to take advantage of a miss by Tia Lewis and an errant free throw from Shadasia Green and drew no closer. ODU got 13 second-half points from Green and 13 points and nine rebounds from Jasmine Parker, who handed out six assists.
George Mason 72, Northeastern 61:
We welcome the Patriots (8-8. 1-4 CAA) to the CAA win column and salute Amber Easter's 19 points. GMU snaps a five-game losing skid in taking advantage of a pair of first-half runs to take a 45-25 lead into the break. Critical in the stretch was a trio of 3s by Ashleigh Braxton. Huskies cut it to single digits with under a minute remaining, but the Patriots stretch their edge with free throws to improve to 8-1 on their home court.
Virginia Commonwealth 85, William and Mary 77
Rams(12-5, 5-0) remain atop the CAA at 5-0 after surviving a 16-5 Tribe run that erased a 19-point VCU lead. But the Rams come up big at the foul line, draining 27 of 35 shots (D'Andra Moss and Courtney Hurt combine for 12 of 14). Hurt scores a game-high 21 and VCU makes W&M (9-7, 2-3) pay for 29 turnovers and 29 personal fouls.
Drexel 70, Delaware 67 2OT
Elena Delle Donne rallied the Blue Hens(11-5, 3-2 CAA) to force overtime and scored nine points in the extra period but just missed from the foul line with seven seconds left in OT. Marisa Crane secured the Dragons' victory with a pair of free throws. Gabriela Marginean and Jasmina Rosseel each pour in 20 for Drexel (10-6, 4-1 CAA) and Delle Donne finishes with 25.
The Lady Monarchs have now won games at Delaware and at JMU and pronounced themselves as contenders in the CAA. We confess we picked against them, but we've stayed steady in repeating: Don't count out a program that has owned this conference 17 of the last 18 years.
Sunday's results:
Old Dominion 67, James Madison 58:
ODU exorcised the ghosts in Harrisonburg by defeating the Dukes there for the first time in five years. The Lady Monarchs (6-9, 4-1 CAA) were patient with the shot clock in ringing up a 15-point halftime lead behind six 3-pointers. They harassed weary Dawn Evans on defense (the NCAA scoring leader is coming off a double OT game versus Towson), and though the junior finished with 22 points and four assists (that's four of JMU's six assists), she struggled from the arc where she blanked on 12 of her 14 attempts. Evans' second 3 of the game came at the 2:04 mark to cut it to 64-56, but the Dukes (13-3, 3-2 CAA) failed to take advantage of a miss by Tia Lewis and an errant free throw from Shadasia Green and drew no closer. ODU got 13 second-half points from Green and 13 points and nine rebounds from Jasmine Parker, who handed out six assists.
George Mason 72, Northeastern 61:
We welcome the Patriots (8-8. 1-4 CAA) to the CAA win column and salute Amber Easter's 19 points. GMU snaps a five-game losing skid in taking advantage of a pair of first-half runs to take a 45-25 lead into the break. Critical in the stretch was a trio of 3s by Ashleigh Braxton. Huskies cut it to single digits with under a minute remaining, but the Patriots stretch their edge with free throws to improve to 8-1 on their home court.
Virginia Commonwealth 85, William and Mary 77
Rams(12-5, 5-0) remain atop the CAA at 5-0 after surviving a 16-5 Tribe run that erased a 19-point VCU lead. But the Rams come up big at the foul line, draining 27 of 35 shots (D'Andra Moss and Courtney Hurt combine for 12 of 14). Hurt scores a game-high 21 and VCU makes W&M (9-7, 2-3) pay for 29 turnovers and 29 personal fouls.
Drexel 70, Delaware 67 2OT
Elena Delle Donne rallied the Blue Hens(11-5, 3-2 CAA) to force overtime and scored nine points in the extra period but just missed from the foul line with seven seconds left in OT. Marisa Crane secured the Dragons' victory with a pair of free throws. Gabriela Marginean and Jasmina Rosseel each pour in 20 for Drexel (10-6, 4-1 CAA) and Delle Donne finishes with 25.
Under the Radar: ODU's Russia
We start a new feature this week: the "Ladyswish Under the Radar Player of the Week." We figure the respective conferences around the state (minus Longwood) recognize the players with the top performances. Monica Wright, Dawn Evans and Brittani Shells already have their share of those honors.
Ladyswish will honor those players who might not have the guadiest stat line but contribute those little things that are often overlooked on a stat sheet. Old Dominion's Alena Voronova is our first such player.
She's "Russia" to Lady Monarchs fans, named for her native country, and a spare part for ODU until this season. Almost a permanent fixture on the bench, the 6-2 forward only appeared in 13 of ODU's 30 games a year ago. She's got the scars to show for it, too.
"See all the bruises," Voronina said, rolling up pants legs and sleeves that reveal black and blue marks of all shapes and sizes.
Don't be fooled by her adorable accent that she is proud to note is not Austrlian, where Voronina moved at age 12. ("Thank God. That sounds too country to me.") Voronia can bang with the best of them.
"I got banged up once, twice, three times," she said. "You know what? I finally said, 'You gonna push me? I'm going to push you back."
Voronina rarely left the floor at Forstyth Country Day, but ankle and foot injuries slowed her collegiate career. Players earn their minutes under coach Wendy Larry by playing defense, and Voronina has started to shine in that role, drawing top assignments against Delaware rookie sensation Elena Delle Donne and going toe to toe with reigning Player of the Year Gabriela Marginean.
How did Larry put the fire in Voronina's belly at the start of the season.
"It's all about you, baby," Larry told her.
Finally Voronina has made efficient use of her minutes, cleaning up her turnovers and occasionally finding the confidence to shoot the 3. When it swishes in, Voronina can't hide her brilliant smile.
"I'm slow -- not that good at moving side to side," Voronina said. "I love to shoot 3s. In high school they told me not to shoot it."
A junior majoring in international business, Voronina is unsure what path her career will take, but she loves travel and big cities. She fell in love with New York City when she took a solo trip there over Christmas break 2008.
"I love big cities. As soon as I got to New York, my eyes sparkled," she said. "I went to Sak's, Macy's. I didn't buy a lot, but I liked looking. I saw a Broadway show - 'Chicago.' Just walking around, there's so many people. I went to Little Odessa. It was cool walking around hearing Russian people talk. You don't get that way here.
"Norfolk's OK, but really, there's nothing to do. I used to just lay in my bed and play Playstation."
Her other indulgences: "Family Guy" and a wonderful treat her mother consistently sends her called Turkish Delight. and best of all, no chocolate. Voronina pigged out on chocolate growing up, thanks to a grandmother who couldn't say no.
"I used to eat boxes and boxes of Milky Ways," she said. "Now I have to go to the dentist like every month."
Saturday, January 16, 2010
CAA Sunday: ODU visits JMU
A look at some of the key games on another big CAA Sunday:
Old Dominion (5-9, 3-1 CAA) at JMU (13-2, 3-1), 2 p.m. Oh, man. Just when the Lady Monarchs have won two in a row, they have a date in Harrisonburg, where they haven't won since 2005. The Dukes have hardly looked invincible in this short conference season, falling to Drexel by one and needing overtime to defeat Towson. NCAA scoring leader Dawn Evans (27.1 ppg) always has the ball in her hand and thrives on hitting the big shot (Evans scored 38 when JMU upset Virginia). She's not always efficient (shooting 40 percent from the field), but she's effective in big spots. No surprise that Evans rallied the Dukes on Thursday, draining a 3 to force overtime against the Tigers. Earlier this season, Evans was the dominant answer to the WBCA's poll question: "Who do you want to take a last second shot?" (Maya Moore was a distant second.) Evans dumped 36 on ODU the last time the teams played (and that was in the Constant Center) and JMU will be stoked to host a Lady Monarchs team that has to go back there for the CAA tournament. ODU has the goods to win this, but they have been unable to match JMU's intensity inside the Convocation Center since Jan. 6 of '05. James Madison 81, Old Dominion 74
VCU (11-5, 5-0 CAA) at William and Mary, (9-6, 2-2 CAA) 2 p.m. It was a huge blow to lose La'Tavia Rorie for the season to a knee injury, but the resilant Rams didn't miss a beat on Thursday, defeating UNC Wilmington to remain the CAA's only unbeaten team. VCU looks to win its seventh straight on Sunday and await a delicious matchup with Delle Donne, ah Delaware, on Thursday. Getting by a Tribe defense that has been holding opponents to 33 percent shooting from the field won't be easy. Nor will be stopping sophomore captain Katherine DeHenzel, whose hot shooting touch has her averaing 15.5 points and 5 assists in the last week. Tripping up the Tribe are turnovers and poor free-throw shooting, and we suspect VCU will be able to take advantage of that in this one. VCU 74, William and Mary 62
Northeastern (6-9, 1-3 CAA) at George Mason (7-8, 0-4 CAA), 2 p.m.: Here's the good news. George Mason is 7-1 at home. Here's the bad news. The Patriots haven't won a game since Dec. 22. Brittany Poindexter (13.8 ppg; 50 percent from the field) is their engine, but the rest of the GMU offense has had trouble getting started. GMU averages 56.5 ppg, and has failed to crack 50 in three of its last four games. Huskies have won the last five between the teams, but have dropped four of its last five (their lone CAA win was in triple OT versus ODU). We're sticking with the Patriots at home, but we're not betting the house on it. George Mason 61, Northeastern 58
Saturday's recap
The Notre Dame-UConn "contest" wasn't the only exposure women's basketball received Saturday from ESPN. During halftime of an afternoon men's game, the self-proclaimed Worldwide Leader (humble folks, those guys) aired footage of the pre-game fight that broke out during warmups of the Louisville-Georgetown game. Not surprisingly, Georgetown's official release about the game makes no mention of any fisticuffs (Fight? What fight?) And since officials hadn't taken jurisdiction of the game yet, no ejections or technical fouls were assessed. But you have to believe the Big East will weigh in quickly with punishment/suspensions, especially since everyone with cable TV saw what went down. Could this mean Sugar-free Hoyas? Not saying Suffolk's Sugar Rodgers was involved; I couldn't tell. But it looked like just about everyone was involved. If so, just about everyone could be in line for some sort of sanction. Such action would certainly put the Hoyas' 14-game winning streak in peril. Georgetown's next three games are at Cincinnati (8-8, 1-3 Big East), at home against DePaul (12-6, 1-3) and at Marquette (12-6, 3-2).
Also, how 'bout that score of Arizona's victory over Oregon - 119-112 (the highest-scoring game in Pac-10 history). We knew former Phoenix Mercury coach/mad scientist Paul Westhead would liven up the Pac 10 once he took that Oregon job. Said Arizona coach Niya Butts: "I wonder if it's possible to take some of these points and add them to the next game."
As for Saturday's action that hit much closer to home:
Richmond 73, UMass 62: This is why we love the Spiders (13-4, 2-0 A-10, 5 straight wins), because at their best, they're a wonderfully efficient team to watch. Check out these first-half stats: 69-percent shooting, 7-of-10 3-pointers, 16 assists on 20 baskets and a season-high 48 points. Reminded us of the Spiders' tour-de-force effort against Clemson earlier this season. We believe that when Richmond is at its best, the Spiders can handle just about anyone. Now let's hope the Spiders can confirm that belief by springing such a performance on Dayton or Xavier.
Hampton 63, Norfolk State 59 (OT): Must have been some atmosphere at Echols Arena. The announced attendance was 1,354 - nearly double NSU's previous high - and significantly more fans were probably in seats by game's end as 4,550 turned out for the Hampton-NSU men's game that followed. As for the game, credit the Spartans (2-10, 0-4 MEAC) for yet another valiant effort. But Hampton (6-9, 2-2 MEAC) continues to own this rivalry, and they continue to prove that poor shooting (30 percent) isn't necessarily fatal.
Radford 61, UNC Asheville 50: The Highlanders (4-11, 3-1 Big South) win back-to-back games for the first time all season thanks in part to a second straight season-high career-high scoring night from Denay Wood. Wood finished with 20 points, three more than her previous career best established Monday against Winthrop. A considerably more accurate 3-point shot has been key for Wood, who made just 7 of 27 3-pointers against non-conference foes but is shooting a blistering 62.5 percent from distance (10 of 16) against Big South foes.
Liberty 73, Presbyterian 27: A straight-up beatdown. And it wasn't as though Lady Flames coach Carey Green wore the Blue Hose out (there's a joke in there somewhere) with just his starters, as no one played more than 25 minutes and 10 Lady Flames played at least 15 minutes. Special mention to freshman Jelena Antic, who was 7 for 7 from the field and has now made 10 straight shots over two games for Liberty (11-4, 2-1 Big South).
Old Dominion (5-9, 3-1 CAA) at JMU (13-2, 3-1), 2 p.m. Oh, man. Just when the Lady Monarchs have won two in a row, they have a date in Harrisonburg, where they haven't won since 2005. The Dukes have hardly looked invincible in this short conference season, falling to Drexel by one and needing overtime to defeat Towson. NCAA scoring leader Dawn Evans (27.1 ppg) always has the ball in her hand and thrives on hitting the big shot (Evans scored 38 when JMU upset Virginia). She's not always efficient (shooting 40 percent from the field), but she's effective in big spots. No surprise that Evans rallied the Dukes on Thursday, draining a 3 to force overtime against the Tigers. Earlier this season, Evans was the dominant answer to the WBCA's poll question: "Who do you want to take a last second shot?" (Maya Moore was a distant second.) Evans dumped 36 on ODU the last time the teams played (and that was in the Constant Center) and JMU will be stoked to host a Lady Monarchs team that has to go back there for the CAA tournament. ODU has the goods to win this, but they have been unable to match JMU's intensity inside the Convocation Center since Jan. 6 of '05. James Madison 81, Old Dominion 74
VCU (11-5, 5-0 CAA) at William and Mary, (9-6, 2-2 CAA) 2 p.m. It was a huge blow to lose La'Tavia Rorie for the season to a knee injury, but the resilant Rams didn't miss a beat on Thursday, defeating UNC Wilmington to remain the CAA's only unbeaten team. VCU looks to win its seventh straight on Sunday and await a delicious matchup with Delle Donne, ah Delaware, on Thursday. Getting by a Tribe defense that has been holding opponents to 33 percent shooting from the field won't be easy. Nor will be stopping sophomore captain Katherine DeHenzel, whose hot shooting touch has her averaing 15.5 points and 5 assists in the last week. Tripping up the Tribe are turnovers and poor free-throw shooting, and we suspect VCU will be able to take advantage of that in this one. VCU 74, William and Mary 62
Northeastern (6-9, 1-3 CAA) at George Mason (7-8, 0-4 CAA), 2 p.m.: Here's the good news. George Mason is 7-1 at home. Here's the bad news. The Patriots haven't won a game since Dec. 22. Brittany Poindexter (13.8 ppg; 50 percent from the field) is their engine, but the rest of the GMU offense has had trouble getting started. GMU averages 56.5 ppg, and has failed to crack 50 in three of its last four games. Huskies have won the last five between the teams, but have dropped four of its last five (their lone CAA win was in triple OT versus ODU). We're sticking with the Patriots at home, but we're not betting the house on it. George Mason 61, Northeastern 58
Saturday's recap
The Notre Dame-UConn "contest" wasn't the only exposure women's basketball received Saturday from ESPN. During halftime of an afternoon men's game, the self-proclaimed Worldwide Leader (humble folks, those guys) aired footage of the pre-game fight that broke out during warmups of the Louisville-Georgetown game. Not surprisingly, Georgetown's official release about the game makes no mention of any fisticuffs (Fight? What fight?) And since officials hadn't taken jurisdiction of the game yet, no ejections or technical fouls were assessed. But you have to believe the Big East will weigh in quickly with punishment/suspensions, especially since everyone with cable TV saw what went down. Could this mean Sugar-free Hoyas? Not saying Suffolk's Sugar Rodgers was involved; I couldn't tell. But it looked like just about everyone was involved. If so, just about everyone could be in line for some sort of sanction. Such action would certainly put the Hoyas' 14-game winning streak in peril. Georgetown's next three games are at Cincinnati (8-8, 1-3 Big East), at home against DePaul (12-6, 1-3) and at Marquette (12-6, 3-2).
Also, how 'bout that score of Arizona's victory over Oregon - 119-112 (the highest-scoring game in Pac-10 history). We knew former Phoenix Mercury coach/mad scientist Paul Westhead would liven up the Pac 10 once he took that Oregon job. Said Arizona coach Niya Butts: "I wonder if it's possible to take some of these points and add them to the next game."
As for Saturday's action that hit much closer to home:
Richmond 73, UMass 62: This is why we love the Spiders (13-4, 2-0 A-10, 5 straight wins), because at their best, they're a wonderfully efficient team to watch. Check out these first-half stats: 69-percent shooting, 7-of-10 3-pointers, 16 assists on 20 baskets and a season-high 48 points. Reminded us of the Spiders' tour-de-force effort against Clemson earlier this season. We believe that when Richmond is at its best, the Spiders can handle just about anyone. Now let's hope the Spiders can confirm that belief by springing such a performance on Dayton or Xavier.
Hampton 63, Norfolk State 59 (OT): Must have been some atmosphere at Echols Arena. The announced attendance was 1,354 - nearly double NSU's previous high - and significantly more fans were probably in seats by game's end as 4,550 turned out for the Hampton-NSU men's game that followed. As for the game, credit the Spartans (2-10, 0-4 MEAC) for yet another valiant effort. But Hampton (6-9, 2-2 MEAC) continues to own this rivalry, and they continue to prove that poor shooting (30 percent) isn't necessarily fatal.
Radford 61, UNC Asheville 50: The Highlanders (4-11, 3-1 Big South) win back-to-back games for the first time all season thanks in part to a second straight season-high career-high scoring night from Denay Wood. Wood finished with 20 points, three more than her previous career best established Monday against Winthrop. A considerably more accurate 3-point shot has been key for Wood, who made just 7 of 27 3-pointers against non-conference foes but is shooting a blistering 62.5 percent from distance (10 of 16) against Big South foes.
Liberty 73, Presbyterian 27: A straight-up beatdown. And it wasn't as though Lady Flames coach Carey Green wore the Blue Hose out (there's a joke in there somewhere) with just his starters, as no one played more than 25 minutes and 10 Lady Flames played at least 15 minutes. Special mention to freshman Jelena Antic, who was 7 for 7 from the field and has now made 10 straight shots over two games for Liberty (11-4, 2-1 Big South).
Friday, January 15, 2010
Saturday dribble: A-10, HU-NSU highlight slate
It's a huge day for women's basketball, and it starts in the morning as ESPN Gameday program, usually reserved for the men, settles in at Storrs for a marquee matchup between top-ranked UConn and No. 3 Notre Dame. The actual game doesn't air until 9 p.m., and there's plenty on tap around the state before that.
Saturday's games
Richmond (12-4, 1-0 Atlantic 10) at UMass (6-10, 0-1 Atlantic 10), 2 p.m.
The UMass nickname is Minutewomen. Isn't this kind of silly? Minutemen is a generic term and should apply to both. This is kind of like that announcer who keeps calling it a player-to-player defense. Way too politically correct. As for the game, the Spiders have won four in a row; the MinuteWOMEN have dropped four straight. It's always tough to win conference games on the road, but with a full week to prepare for this one, we like the Spiders chances. Richmond 77, UMass 59
Presbyterian (2-12, 1-1 Big South) at Liberty (10-4, 1-1 Big South), 4 p.m.
Fun fact - add an 's' to Presbyterian - Presbyterians - and you have an anagram for Britney Spears. And we love the team's nickname - the Blue Hose. Is that what they wear. As you might imagine, the story behind the name is quite interesting. Saturday's game, on the other hand, shouldn't be nearly as compelling. Consider this - remember the Winston-Salem team Liberty pummeled 71-26? The Blue Hose lost to those guys. Liberty 72, Presbyterian 43
UNC Asheville (5-11, 1-3 Big South) at Radford (3-11, 2-1 Big South), 3 p.m.
We've been waiting all season to say the following - this is a game Radford should win. Given their play of late, we're now comfortable calling the Highlanders Big South contenders. They'll be hosting a Bulldogs team that has dropped three straight conference games, including an 11-point loss at woeful Presbyterian. The Highlanders' resurgence have dovetailed with the emergence of senior Kymesha Alston, who is averaging 18.4 ppg and 7 rpg in her last five games. Radford 65, UNC Asheville 49
Hampton (5-9, 1-2 MEAC) at Norfolk St. (2-9, 0-3 MEAC), 4 p.m.
Don't know how compelling a game this will be, but don't miss the halftime show, featuring the comic stylings of the Harlem MagicMasters. This Battle of the Bay is actually a doubleheader with the men -- the women are obviously the opening act -- but they're asking folks to Pack the House. The women average 495, and we know the Lady Spartans fans will top that Saturday afternoon. We're going with Hampton in this one, though it gives us pause that the Lady Pirates are 0-4 on the road. Hampton 55, Norfolk State 52VCU's Rorie not forgotten
Classy touch by the VCU Rams, who draped senior La'Tavia Rorie's jersey over a seat on the bench for Thursday night's 76-60 victory at Georgia State. Rorie was lost for the season after tearing an ACL Sunday. (Source: vcuathletics.com)Choice chatter
Sound bites after Thursday's hectic night of hoops
"This team is making me grey. I love my players but they are wearing me out lol....my blood pressure goes way up during the season." - Twitter post from Delaware coach Tina Martin after the Blue Hens survived UNC Wilmington Thursday night.
“I guess it’s like Kobe and LeBron, going back and forth. She played well. You know, you can’t stop her.” - Towson's Shanae Baker-Brice on her duel with JMU's Dawn Evans. Baker-Brice won the battle (32 points to Evans' 30); the Dukes won the war in OT. (Towerlight Online)
"It hit me with like a minute to go. I looked up and I was like, 'Wow, we're about to win this game.' " - Virginia Tech's Lindsay Biggs on the Hokies' stunning 79-64 win over No. 10 North Carolina, Tech's first over the Tar Heels since 1984. (Hokiesports.com)
"Obviously we've got to figure out a way to put more than 49 points on the board to get some conference wins." - George Mason coach Jeri Porter after the Patriots' 79-49 loss at Old Dominion. Mason is averaging 47.2 ppg in its 0-4 CAA start. (gomason.com)
"We will have our hands full with Elena Delle Donne." - Drexel coach Denise Dillon, stating the obvious in advance of Sunday's Drexel at Delaware showdown. (Triangle.com)
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Virginia Tech stuns UNC
On a night when the CAA schedule was full, Virginia Tech stole the thunder with a monster win over 10th-ranked North Carolina.
Virginia Tech 79, No. 10 North Carolina 64:
Rank this as the defining victory of the Beth Dunkenberger era. Tech (11-5, 1-1 ACC) hadn't beaten a ranked team since 2006, hadn't beaten a Top 10 team since 1998 (Duke) and hadn't beaten the Tar Heels since 1984 (Dunkenberger was 0-7 vs NC). Five Hokies scored in double figures led by Lindsay Biggs' 19; Nikki Davis added 11 assists. NC didn't resemble the traditional Tar Heels, producing just eight fastbreak points. Perhaps it was UConn hangover (Tar Heels fell by 41 to Huskies on Saturday), but UNC had an abysmal night. Tar Heels shot 12-of-24 from the foul line and Cetera DeGraffenreid's connected on 1 of 11 shots.
William and Mary 74, Northeastern 65:
Katherine DeHenzel starts the game with a pair of 3s and buries three more en route to a career-high 20 points (makes us forgive those seven turnovers on her stat line). God love Taysha Pye, too (she scored 14), but she matched DeHenzel in giveaways. Tribe (9-6, 2-2 CAA) comes up big on the boards, though (plus 11) and Tiffany Benson records the 28th double-double of her career. Loss spoils a terrific night from Kenda Walton, who nailed 7 of her 9 three-pointers, tying a single-game school record. Walton, who averages 11.4 ppg, scored a career-best 23.
Old Dominion 79, George Mason 49:
ODU wins CAA game by 30. That's not exactly stop the presses. But it is this season when winning large hasn't been a luxury for the Lady Monarchs (5-9, 3-1 CAA), but tonight a season-low 11 turnovers and a pair of 11-0 runs in both halves helped the cause. Jasmine Parker battled foul trouble all night but scored five points with five assists. But ODU's balance made up for it. Shadasia Green and Tia Lewis returned to form, combining for 25 points. And what a confidence boost for rookie point Carolann Cloutier, who came off the bench to score 11 (3-of-4 from behind the arc). ODU might be getting the hang of this, but wait. They're headed to James Madison on Sunday. GMU, meanwhile, drops to 7-8, 0-4 CAA.
James Madison 72, Towson 68 OT:
Down seven with 2:39 left in regulation, Dukes claw their way back with the obvious - Dawn Evans hits a pair of 3s to bring them back, including the one to tie it with 54 seconds left. Shanae Baker-Brice was the high scorer of the night with 32, but Evans' 30 (that's 30 for the 13th time in her career) got the job done for JMU. (An aside, Evans had a career-high nine rebounds.) Baker-Brice became the Tigers' all-time leading scorer with 1,557 career points.
Virginia Commonwealth 76, Georgia State 60:
Call this the "we won it for La'Tavia Rorie" game. The senior ended her collegiate career in devastating fashion Sunday with the all-too-common ACL tear. In her absence, Kita Waller and D'Andra Moss combined for 46 points to keep VCU perfect in the CAA (11-4, 4-0). The Rams shot better from 3 (62 percent) than from the field (52 percent). Panthers, meanwhile, shoot even better from the field (53 percent) but fail to hit a 3. Rams score 30 off 22 turnovers to win their sixth straight.
Virginia Tech 79, No. 10 North Carolina 64:
Rank this as the defining victory of the Beth Dunkenberger era. Tech (11-5, 1-1 ACC) hadn't beaten a ranked team since 2006, hadn't beaten a Top 10 team since 1998 (Duke) and hadn't beaten the Tar Heels since 1984 (Dunkenberger was 0-7 vs NC). Five Hokies scored in double figures led by Lindsay Biggs' 19; Nikki Davis added 11 assists. NC didn't resemble the traditional Tar Heels, producing just eight fastbreak points. Perhaps it was UConn hangover (Tar Heels fell by 41 to Huskies on Saturday), but UNC had an abysmal night. Tar Heels shot 12-of-24 from the foul line and Cetera DeGraffenreid's connected on 1 of 11 shots.
William and Mary 74, Northeastern 65:
Katherine DeHenzel starts the game with a pair of 3s and buries three more en route to a career-high 20 points (makes us forgive those seven turnovers on her stat line). God love Taysha Pye, too (she scored 14), but she matched DeHenzel in giveaways. Tribe (9-6, 2-2 CAA) comes up big on the boards, though (plus 11) and Tiffany Benson records the 28th double-double of her career. Loss spoils a terrific night from Kenda Walton, who nailed 7 of her 9 three-pointers, tying a single-game school record. Walton, who averages 11.4 ppg, scored a career-best 23.
Old Dominion 79, George Mason 49:
ODU wins CAA game by 30. That's not exactly stop the presses. But it is this season when winning large hasn't been a luxury for the Lady Monarchs (5-9, 3-1 CAA), but tonight a season-low 11 turnovers and a pair of 11-0 runs in both halves helped the cause. Jasmine Parker battled foul trouble all night but scored five points with five assists. But ODU's balance made up for it. Shadasia Green and Tia Lewis returned to form, combining for 25 points. And what a confidence boost for rookie point Carolann Cloutier, who came off the bench to score 11 (3-of-4 from behind the arc). ODU might be getting the hang of this, but wait. They're headed to James Madison on Sunday. GMU, meanwhile, drops to 7-8, 0-4 CAA.
James Madison 72, Towson 68 OT:
Down seven with 2:39 left in regulation, Dukes claw their way back with the obvious - Dawn Evans hits a pair of 3s to bring them back, including the one to tie it with 54 seconds left. Shanae Baker-Brice was the high scorer of the night with 32, but Evans' 30 (that's 30 for the 13th time in her career) got the job done for JMU. (An aside, Evans had a career-high nine rebounds.) Baker-Brice became the Tigers' all-time leading scorer with 1,557 career points.
Virginia Commonwealth 76, Georgia State 60:
Call this the "we won it for La'Tavia Rorie" game. The senior ended her collegiate career in devastating fashion Sunday with the all-too-common ACL tear. In her absence, Kita Waller and D'Andra Moss combined for 46 points to keep VCU perfect in the CAA (11-4, 4-0). The Rams shot better from 3 (62 percent) than from the field (52 percent). Panthers, meanwhile, shoot even better from the field (53 percent) but fail to hit a 3. Rams score 30 off 22 turnovers to win their sixth straight.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Thursday dribble: ACL bug bites VCU's Rorie
More devastating ACL injury news: VCU senior La'Tavia Rorie is out for her college career after wrecking a knee late in Sunday's 75-51 rout of Towson. Rorie had started 79 of VCU's last 81 games and was averaging 13.8 points per game. "She literally never missed a practice or an individual workout from the day she arrived," VCU coach Beth Cunningham told the Richmond Times-Dispatch's Vic Dorr. "It's so disappointing to see her career end like this. I just feel awful for her." In a Twitter post earlier Wednesday, Rorie wrote: "Nobody knows how I feel, but I am very thankful for the support. It all feels like a nightmare that I am waiting to wake up from."
The injury comes as VCU was playing its best ball of the season. The now Rorie-less Rams will try to remain the only unbeaten team in CAA play tonight when they visit Georgia State. Elsewhere around the league, ODU tries to start a streak by winning two in a row for the first time this season; George Mason seeks its first road win; William and Mary looks to win its fourth home game and JMU would like to extend its dominance over a Towson team that is 6-1 in its own building. And in ACC play, Virginia Tech would love to upset a powerhouse and they'll have several opportunities over the next two weeks.
Thursday's games
Northeastern (6-8, 1-2 CAA) at William and Mary (8-6, 1-2 CAA), 4 p.m.
Tribe had held four straight opponents to 48 points or less before Sunday's 70-63 loss at UNC Wilmington. W&M must deny Huskies dribble penetration and force them to settle for contested 3-pointers, which Northeastern shoots often (120 more attempts than any other CAA team) but not particularly well (26.9 percent). In its last 8 games, Northeastern, which is 1-6 in its last seven games, has played one overtime, one triple-overtime and two double-overtime contests (Huskies are e 2-2 in those games). W&M has shot 45.5 percent from the free throw line in three CAA games. Thursday's game kicks off a two-game homestand for the Tribe (W&M hosts VCU Sunday). W&M is 3-1, 1-0 at home this season. William and Mary 55, Northeastern 53
JMU (12-2, 2-1 CAA) at Towson (8-6, 2-1 CAA), 7 p.m.
Game could boil down to which team's pint-sized superstar receives the most help. On Sunday, 6-5 senior Shanae Baker-Brice, the CAA Co-Player of the Week, scored 28 of her team's 51 points in a 24-point loss to VCU. Baker averages 18.5 ppg; no other Tiger averages more than 7.3. As for the Dukes, 5-7 junior Dawn Evans leads the nation in scoring (26.8 ppg). But the Dukes are at their best - and Evans her most efficient - when at least two from a group led by Tarik Hislop, Lauren Jimenez and Sarah Williams contribute double-figure scoring. Towson prevailed 61-51 the last time these teams met at the Towson Center on Jan. 29, 2009. Tigers have won four straight at home (6-1 overall), while JMU has lost its last 2 road games (at Duke, at Drexel). Tigers don't resemble Duke or Drexel, and while we love Baker-Brice's aggressiveness, our nod goes to Evans and the Dukes. JMU 66, Towson 63
VCU (10-5, 3-0 CAA) at Georgia St. (10-4, 1-2 CAA), 6 p.m.
Prepare for a track meet - both times like to go up and down and thrive on picking pockets to ignite the running game (Ga.State and VCU rank 1-2 in the CAA in steals). The Rams have won five straight - all impressively - since last month's Duel in the Desert debacle, but this road game figures to be their most significant test yet and the impact of Rorie's absence remains to be seen. Having said that, suspicions that the Panthers' record and lofty individual stats were severely schedule-inflated were given weight by their lifeless performance in Sunday's 58-49 loss at Hofstra. Bottom line - tonight should tell us a lot about both teams. VCU 72, Georgia State 68
No. 10 North Carolina (13-2, 1-0 ACC) at Virginia Tech (10-5, 0-1 ACC), 7 p.m.
The first in a brutal four-game stretch for the Hokies - Virginia, Duke and Miami are up next - and matchup-wise this may be the most challenging. The Tar Heels have won 9 straight in the series, as like most teams the Hokies have been unable to slow the Carolina running game. The Tar Heels have scored 90 or more points in four of the last six games against Tech. This year's Tar Heels rank 5th nationally in scoring (83.3 ppg). North Carolina 81, Virginia Tech 71
George Mason (7-7, 0-3 CAA) at Old Dominion (4-9, 2-1 CAA), 7 p.m.
ODU is a close as whisker to being undefeated in the CAA after defeats of Delaware and Drexel and a heartbreaking triple overtime loss to Northeastern. The Patriots are winless on the road (0-6) in large part because they simply can't threaten an opponent offensively. In the all-important CAA-only stats, Mason is averaging just 46.7 ppg, seven fewer than any other league team. The Patriots also shoot just 32 percent from the field and have made only four three-pointers in their 3 CAA games. Unless the Lady Monarchs cough up a rash of unforced turnovers -and we can't totally rule that out with this team considering they had a school record 40 against the Huskies - we can't see how Mason will keep up. That said, keep in mind that a far worse Mason team stunned the Lady Monarchs last year 63-57 at the Patriot Center to halt GMU's 44-game losing streak to ODU. ODU 72, George Mason 52
The injury comes as VCU was playing its best ball of the season. The now Rorie-less Rams will try to remain the only unbeaten team in CAA play tonight when they visit Georgia State. Elsewhere around the league, ODU tries to start a streak by winning two in a row for the first time this season; George Mason seeks its first road win; William and Mary looks to win its fourth home game and JMU would like to extend its dominance over a Towson team that is 6-1 in its own building. And in ACC play, Virginia Tech would love to upset a powerhouse and they'll have several opportunities over the next two weeks.
Thursday's games
Northeastern (6-8, 1-2 CAA) at William and Mary (8-6, 1-2 CAA), 4 p.m.
Tribe had held four straight opponents to 48 points or less before Sunday's 70-63 loss at UNC Wilmington. W&M must deny Huskies dribble penetration and force them to settle for contested 3-pointers, which Northeastern shoots often (120 more attempts than any other CAA team) but not particularly well (26.9 percent). In its last 8 games, Northeastern, which is 1-6 in its last seven games, has played one overtime, one triple-overtime and two double-overtime contests (Huskies are e 2-2 in those games). W&M has shot 45.5 percent from the free throw line in three CAA games. Thursday's game kicks off a two-game homestand for the Tribe (W&M hosts VCU Sunday). W&M is 3-1, 1-0 at home this season. William and Mary 55, Northeastern 53
JMU (12-2, 2-1 CAA) at Towson (8-6, 2-1 CAA), 7 p.m.
Game could boil down to which team's pint-sized superstar receives the most help. On Sunday, 6-5 senior Shanae Baker-Brice, the CAA Co-Player of the Week, scored 28 of her team's 51 points in a 24-point loss to VCU. Baker averages 18.5 ppg; no other Tiger averages more than 7.3. As for the Dukes, 5-7 junior Dawn Evans leads the nation in scoring (26.8 ppg). But the Dukes are at their best - and Evans her most efficient - when at least two from a group led by Tarik Hislop, Lauren Jimenez and Sarah Williams contribute double-figure scoring. Towson prevailed 61-51 the last time these teams met at the Towson Center on Jan. 29, 2009. Tigers have won four straight at home (6-1 overall), while JMU has lost its last 2 road games (at Duke, at Drexel). Tigers don't resemble Duke or Drexel, and while we love Baker-Brice's aggressiveness, our nod goes to Evans and the Dukes. JMU 66, Towson 63
VCU (10-5, 3-0 CAA) at Georgia St. (10-4, 1-2 CAA), 6 p.m.
Prepare for a track meet - both times like to go up and down and thrive on picking pockets to ignite the running game (Ga.State and VCU rank 1-2 in the CAA in steals). The Rams have won five straight - all impressively - since last month's Duel in the Desert debacle, but this road game figures to be their most significant test yet and the impact of Rorie's absence remains to be seen. Having said that, suspicions that the Panthers' record and lofty individual stats were severely schedule-inflated were given weight by their lifeless performance in Sunday's 58-49 loss at Hofstra. Bottom line - tonight should tell us a lot about both teams. VCU 72, Georgia State 68
No. 10 North Carolina (13-2, 1-0 ACC) at Virginia Tech (10-5, 0-1 ACC), 7 p.m.
The first in a brutal four-game stretch for the Hokies - Virginia, Duke and Miami are up next - and matchup-wise this may be the most challenging. The Tar Heels have won 9 straight in the series, as like most teams the Hokies have been unable to slow the Carolina running game. The Tar Heels have scored 90 or more points in four of the last six games against Tech. This year's Tar Heels rank 5th nationally in scoring (83.3 ppg). North Carolina 81, Virginia Tech 71
George Mason (7-7, 0-3 CAA) at Old Dominion (4-9, 2-1 CAA), 7 p.m.
ODU is a close as whisker to being undefeated in the CAA after defeats of Delaware and Drexel and a heartbreaking triple overtime loss to Northeastern. The Patriots are winless on the road (0-6) in large part because they simply can't threaten an opponent offensively. In the all-important CAA-only stats, Mason is averaging just 46.7 ppg, seven fewer than any other league team. The Patriots also shoot just 32 percent from the field and have made only four three-pointers in their 3 CAA games. Unless the Lady Monarchs cough up a rash of unforced turnovers -and we can't totally rule that out with this team considering they had a school record 40 against the Huskies - we can't see how Mason will keep up. That said, keep in mind that a far worse Mason team stunned the Lady Monarchs last year 63-57 at the Patriot Center to halt GMU's 44-game losing streak to ODU. ODU 72, George Mason 52
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)