Women's Basketball Hosts Syracuse
11/28/2000 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Nov. 28, 2000
Syracuse (2-1) at Marquette (2-2)
Nov. 28 * 7 p.m. *?U.S. Cellular Arena
Radio: WJYI 1340 AM, TV: None
Commentators: Kent Sommerfeld, Kareeda Chones
The Marquette women's basketball team comes off tournament weekend in which they were reminiscent of "Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde." The Golden Eagles showed flashes of brilliance in a 54-percent shooting first half against Northern Iowa and in a 19-4 second half run against Southern Utah. The ugly side also reared its head as Marquette was cold in the second against Northern Iowa, shooting 28.6 percent and was stagnant against Southern Utah not scoring a field goal for the first eight minutes of the game. However MU finds itself coming off a 2-1 week of action in which defense and rebounded still prove to be its strong suit.
SCOUTING SYRACUSE
Syracuse enters its contest with Marquette at 2-1, but it has some opponents with definite credentials.
The Orangewomen started the year by downing 12th ranked Old Dominion in double overtime, 85-84. Beth Record, the team's leading scorer, and Leaf Newman, the team's second leading scorer, each had 24 points.
Record scored 28 points and added 13 rebounds in the Orange's loss to 22nd ranked North Carolina, 81-68. Record also led SU with 21 points in its most recent win, an 82-55 downing of Long Island.
Record leads a team that likes to run and can score in bunches. Record's 24.3 points per game paces the Orangewomen's 78.3 points per game output. The Orange, who are hitting 41 percent of their shots, have struggled defensively, allowing 73.3 points per game.
Syracuse is also dominating on the glass, holding a 50.7-39.7 rebounds per game average over its foes this season. Leigh Aziz set a Syracuse season high with 20 boards in the 27-point win over Long Island. The battle on the boards will be vigorous as MU has not been outrebounded this season.
Head coach Marianna Freeman is in her eighth season at Syracuse where she holds a 65-128 record. In her 10th season as a head coach, Freeman holds an 86-156 record all time.
Last season: At the Manley Field House in Syracuse, Abbie Willenborg scored 20 points and added 11 rebounds, but six Syracuse players scored in double digits as the Orangewomen won 67-75.
Series History: Syracuse leads, 2-1.
SCOUTING OREGON STATE
The 3-0 Oregon State Beavers have showcased some of the best defense in the nation this season. Allowing their opponents just 47.3 points per game, the Beavers and Golden Eagles seem to be very similar, at least statistically. Both OSU and MU are allowing and scoring small amounts of points per game. Each squad has a distinct advantage in the rebounding, specifically offensively. Both teams are struggling shooting the three points shot this year. Both teams shooting percentages -- total field goals, three-point field goals and free throws -- are similar, varying by just a scant few percentage points.
One difference between Oregon State and Marquette is depth. The Golden Eagles have played all 12 players consistently this season. OSU has fielded just nine players with only seven playing all three games.
Oregon State has three double digit scorers -- Felicia Ragland (16.0 ppg), Nicole Finn (15.7 ppg), and Ericka Cook (13.7 ppg). Cook leads the team in rebounding with a 9.3 per game effort. Finn and Ragland each grab seven boards a game.
Under the direction of Judy Spoelstra, the Beavers have one opportunity to retain their perfect record before meeting Marquette. OSU travels to Ohio for a game on Nov. 30. In her sixth season with Oregon State, Spoelstra has accumulated a 64-77 record and a 162-145 record overall in her 12th season.
Last meeting: Abbie Willenborg scored 19 and Lisa Oldenburg scored 16 and had 10 rebounds as Marquette defeated Oregon State, 69-56, in Corvallis on Nov. 27, 1999.
Series History: Marquette leads, 1-0.
TOURNAMENT ACTION
The Golden Eagles took third place in the lone tournament played thus far in 2000-2001. Marquette fell to Northern Iowa and defeated Southern Utah in the consolation game. Scoring 20 against Northern Iowa and 15 against Southern Utah, Heidi Bowman was named to the all-tournament team, joining Jerkisha Dosty, Saint Mary's (Most Valuable Player), Jermisha Dosty, Saint Mary's, Nikki Spettel, Northern Iowa, and Sarah Mortenson, Southern Utah.
Marquette holds an all-time record of 53-65 in tournament action. The Golden Eagles have won five tournament titles in the history of the program, winning the fifth in last season's OSU Classic.
HOME SWEET HOME
With a 13-0 home record in 1999-2000 and a 1-0 home record in 2000-2001, Marquette has amassed a 22-game winning streak at home. Marquette suffered its last home loss on Jan. 1, 1999, a 61-58 defeat at the hands of Cincinnati.
Heading into the 2000-2001 season, Marquette has won 62 percent of all its home games in its 26 seasons. Marquette is 177-110 all-time at home and is 91-38 (.705) at the U.S. Cellular Arena.
In Terri Mitchell's five seasons, Marquette is 45-5 (.900) at home.
1,000-POINT CLUB
Last season, three Marquette players -- Abbie Willenborg, Lisa Oldenburg and Kiesha Oliver -- ended their careers with over 1,000 points. This season, with a little work, senior Heidi Bowman could join the 1,000-point club. Just 15 players in Marquette history have scored at least 1,000 points while at MU.
Needing 286 points this season, Bowman has 64 points for a total of 778 career points. Only one season in her career, however, has Bowman scored enough points in a season that would enable her to reach that feat. In 1998-99, Bowman scored 331 points for the season (11.4 points per game). Last season, Bowman scored 258 points.
1,000-Point Scorers 1. Abbie Willenborg 1997-2000 1,818 15. K. Christianson 1986-89 1,002 Heidi Bowman 1999-pres. 778
THREE-POINT MASTER, PASSING WIZARD
Junior Kristi Johnson has her sights on moving up on the all-time Marquette lists for a pair of shooting records and one for assists. Currently, Johnson is fourth on the all-time three point field goals made list and has moved into fifth on the attempted list. Johnson has 96 career three point baskets and 289 career attempts. Next on the list of three pointers made is Courtney Romesiser with 152. Johnson would have to set a personal season best for three pointers in a season as she needs 56 to tie Romesiser.
Johnson has moved into fifth in attempts with 289, passing Kerri Reaves 287. Next on the list is Kiesha Oliver who launched 303 career trifecta attempts.
Also within reach for Johnson is the top-10 list for assists. Beginning the 2000-2001 season, Johnson has 195 career assists. Oliver is 10th on the list with 261. Johnson needs 67 dishes to pass Oliver. Also within reach is ninth place. Debbie Stampley currently occupies ninth place with 268.
Three-point FGs made 1. Lori Goerlitz 1992-95 223 3. Courtney Romeiser 1990-93 152 4. Kristi Johnson 1999-pres. 96Three-point FGs attempted 1. Lori Goerlitz 1992-95 662 4. Kiesha Oliver 1997-2000 303 5. Kristi Johnson 1999-pres. 289
Assists 1. Joan Pitroff 1987-90 689 9. Debbie Stampley 1980-83 268 10. Kiesha Oliver 1997-2000 261 Kristi Johnson 1999-pres. 200
FRESHMEN CARRY BIG WEIGHT
With five first-year players on the roster, a lot is expected of the new crew. Four of the five saw significant action in the season opener against Iowa and all five have played significant minutes, with two earning starting time. Crystal Weaver and Kelly Schwerman each earned starts in the Saint Mary's Thanksgiving Classic.
All five have contributed to the Marquette cause this season, with Becky Stieber, Schwerman and Weaver each averaging at least 15 minutes per game this season. In all, the freshman five have contributed 25 percent of the Marquette scoring, 33 percent of the rebounding and 28 percent of all playing time.
LAST FIVE MINUTES OF PLAY
Many basketball games are decided in the final five minutes of play. In compiling a 2-2 overall record, Marquette has outscored its opponents during the final five minutes of each game, however it has struggled from the floor. Saving Marquette is its defensive ability in that same five minutes. On a positive note, MU is shooting better from the free throw line in the final five minutes of its games (.727) than it is over the course of the season (.651).
Final Five Minutes -- Season Stat MU Per Gm OPP Per Gm Points 42 10.5 34 8.5 Field Goals 9-31 .290 8-27 .296 Three Point Field Goals 0-14 .000 3-8 .375 Free Throws 24-33 .727 15-21 .714 Offensive Rebounds 15 3.8 6 1.5 Defensive Rebounds 16 4.0 14 3.5 Turnovers 10 2.5 11 2.8 Assists 3 0.8 6 1.5 Steals 5 1.3 5 1.3 Blocked Shots 4 1.0 1 0.3 Fouls 13 3.3 17 4.3
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
With the loss to Iowa, Marquette is 13-13 all-time in season-opening contests. The Golden Eagles, had won their last three season openers, prior to the road loss to Iowa. Last season, Marquette knocked off Iowa 69-64 in the beginner in Milwaukee. In games at home to open the season, Marquette is 8-7. When opening on the road, Marquette is 5-5. On neutral courts in openers, Marquette is 0-1.
In its first road contest of the year, Marquette maintains a 6-20 record all-time. In its first home game of the season, MU has a 15-10 record.
STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE
The Marquette women's basketball team pursues a fifth consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament with a schedule that includes 14 home contests, games with five NCAA tournament teams -- Notre Dame, Brigham Young, Michigan, UAB, and Tulane -- from a year ago, and the Conference USA Postseason tournament. Marquette faces the most difficult non conference schedule of any team in C-USA.
"We've had an outstanding schedule in previous years, and this year is no different," head coach Terri Mitchell stated.
MARQUETTE SIGNS TWO TO LETTERS OF INTENT
Katie Alsdurf and Lesley Juedes signed national letters of intent with Marquette. Alsdurf and Juedes will join the Marquette women's basketball team for the 2001-2002 season.
Alsdurf, a 6-foot guard from Forest Lake High School in Forest Lake, Minn., is a three-time all-state performer and is the backbone of her high school team. Playing for Jen Hesse at Forest Lake, Alsdurf has been named a Player-of-the-Year candidate in Minnesota, an Honorable Mention All-American in 1999 and 2000 by Street & Smith and an Honorable Mention All-American by USA Today. Alsdurf is also ranked 58th by the All Star Girls Report. An exceptional student, Alsdurf is the top student in her class of 558 and plays AAU for Brian Frye with the Burnsville Blaze. She chose Marquette over Notre Dame, Penn State and Georgia.
"Katie is one of the most competitive players I've ever recruited," Marquette head coach Terri Mitchell said. "She's a winner. She has a fire about her.
"(Alsdurf) gives us more size on the perimeter and a greater scoring threat," Mitchell added. "She's an immediate scoring threat and is very athletic."
Juedes, a 6-foot-1 forward from Ripon High School in Ripon, Wis., is her school's fourth leading scorer all-time and should be Ripon's all-time scorer after her senior season. Playing for Sheri Quamme, Juedes scored 19.8 points per game (a Ripon single-season record), 10.6 rebounds per game, and 1.8 assists per game as a junior. A two year starter, Juedes has been Ripon's MVP for the last two years, was first-team All-Conference in that same time period, and was first-team All-Area and Conference Player of the Year as a junior. Juedes was also a first-team All-State selection in 2000 by Wisconsin Basketball Yearbook.
"Lesley's a great inside-outside player," Mitchell said. "She had a breakthrough summer and has shown an ability to score inside. She's also a great passer and can set people up with her passing ability."
An AAU-All American on the 16 and under team, Juedes led Wisconsin Viking Club Velocity to a fifth place finish in the AAU 16 and under national tournament.
"She's a great athlete, runs the floor really well, and gives Marquette another dimension," said Keith Noll, Director of the Wisconsin Viking Club AAU program. "She can put the ball on the floor and go to the basket, which a lot of big girls can't do."
Mitchell said she was pleased with her signing class.
"We needed to address size needs and getting more scoring on the perimeter," Mitchell said. "I think we were able to meet our needs with Lesley and Katie."
MARQUETTE PICKED SECOND IN AMERICAN DIVISION BY COACHES
The two-time defending regular season Conference USA Champion Marquette women's basketball team is picked second in the American Division by the league's 12 coaches, the conference office announced.
Marquette, who went 22-7 overall and 14-2 in Conference USA play, trails DePaul in the American Division. The Golden Eagles return two starters from that team -- senior Heidi Bowman and junior Kristi Johnson. Bowman averaged 8.9 points a year ago, while Johnson scored 7.6 points per game and added 3.0 assists per game. Bowman and Johnson are part of a squad that has won back-to-back regular season Conference USA titles and has made four-straight trips to the NCAA Tournament.
Last season, Marquette split its games with DePaul. The Blue Demons are coming off an 18-12 year overall with a 10-6 conference record. DePaul returns all five of its starters, including preseason All-C-USA forward Lenae Williams.
Tulane, coming off its sixth-straight NCAA Tournament appearance and second consecutive conference tournament championship, is the favorite to win the National Division and Conference USA. The Green Wave return three starters -- Sarah Goree, Kelly Scanlon and Janell Burse -- who averaged a combined 30.4 points per game last year.
Picked second in the National Division, UAB is led by Preseason Player of the Year in Conference USA, Deanna Jackson. Jackson averaged 19.0 points and 11.7 rebounds as she led the Blazers to the NCAA Sweet 16.
ON THE AIR
Two stations will alternate airing Marquette women's basketball contests this season. The Golden Eagles can be heard on WJYI 1340 AM and on WISN 1130 AM in the Milwaukee area. Five broadcasts are scheduled for WISN, while nine contests will be broadcast by WJYI. The postseason tournament and other postseason games will be aired as well, with broadcast times and stations to be determined at a later date.
Play-by-play reporter Kent Sommerfeld and analyst Kareeda Chones describe the action on both stations. A complete list of games carried is included with this note.
Also, broadcast games can be heard over the internet. Games on WJYI games will can be accessed on www.joy1340.com and WISN games will be carried on www.radio1130online.com. All broadcast games can be accessed on the Marquette website at www.gomarquette.com.
"The Terri Mitchell Show" will be aired at 5 p.m. on Sundays on WISN and will begin on Nov. 12. Kent Sommerfeld and Terri Mitchell analyze and discuss Marquette Women's Basketball on the half-hour show.
"The Eagle's Edge," a television show, will be carried on MSC with host Bob Brainerd. The half-hour show will begin late in December and air on Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m.
Radio Schedule
Nov. 28 Syracuse WJYI
Dec. 2 Oregon State WJYI
Dec. 10 Michigan WISN
Dec. 21 Notre Dame WJYI
Jan. 8 Memphis WJYI
Jan. 12 Cincinnati WJYI
Jan. 14 Louisville WISN
Jan. 21 DePaul WJYI
Jan. 28 at Saint Louis WISN
Feb. 2 Tulane WJYI
Feb. 4 Southern Miss WJYI
Feb. 18 at South Florida WISN
Feb. 23 Saint Louis WJYI
Feb. 25 Charlotte WISN
Mar. 2-5 Conference USA TBA
Tournament
ON THE WEB
All Marquette women's basketball information will be available on the official website of Marquette athletics, www.gomarquette.com.
Notes, stories, features, recaps and radio broadcasts can be accessed by pointing your browser at www.gomarquette.com.
2000-2001 Conference USA Women's Basketball StandingsAmerican Division Pl. Team C-USA Overall 1. Saint Louis 0-0 3-0 Cincinnati 0-0 2-0 3. Marquette 0-0 2-2 4. DePaul 0-0 1-2 5. Charlotte 0-0 1-3 6. Louisivlle 0-0 0-4
National Division Pl. Team C-USA Overall 1. Southern Miss 0-0 4-0 Memphis 0-0 4-0 3. UAB 0-0 3-1 4. Houston 0-0 2-1 Tulane 0-0 3-2 6. South Florida 0-0 1-1