Women's Basketball Seeks End to Two-Game Slide
12/8/2000 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Dec. 8, 2000
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Michigan (6-2) at Marquette (3-4) Dec. 10 * 4 p.m. *?Bradley Center (19,150) Radio: WISN 1130 AM, Milwaukee Live Audio Commentators: Kent Sommerfeld, Kareeda Chones
Amidst a two-game losing streak, Marquette has a change of scenery in hopes of ending its two-game slide and returning to .500 on the year. A trip across the street to the Bradley Center is what's in store for the Golden Eagles on Sunday as they host Michigan. Michigan and Marquette meet for the first time since 1995. This is the third ever meeting between the schools. All tickets for the game are being sold for $1.
SCOUTING MICHIGAN
The 6-2 Michigan Wolverines are Marquette's next foe. Michigan defeated Syracuse, 82-65, New Hampshire, 81-49, and Western Michigan, 84-56, in recent action to improve to that mark. Five players scored in double figures in Michigan's win over Syracuse on Thursday night.
Like Marquette, Michigan is faced with a daunting schedule, with 13 of its opponents having played in the post season a year ago. The Wolverines come into the season with impressive credentials, as they received several votes for the top 25 before the year. A loss to Washington in the second game of the year and a fifth place finish in the eight-team Rainbow Wahine Classic have kept the Wolverines from the national rankings despite an upset of eighth-ranked Louisiana Tech in the season opener.
Led by the tandem of junior forward Raina Goodlow and junior guard Elaine Ingram, the Wolverines are averaging 73.3 points per game and are only allowing 61.1. Goodlow leads the squad with 13.4 points per game, while Ingram adds 12.9 points per outing. Senior Anne Thorius has 4.8 assists per game to support Goodlow and Ingram.
The Wolverines, however, are a young team. Two freshman are regulars in the starting lineup -- forward Stephanie Gandy and center Jennifer Smith. Gandy averages 6.9 points per game and 3.3 rebounds per game. Smith is hitting 59 percent of her shots.
Off the bench, sophomore center LeeAnn Bies is third on the team averaging 10.4 points per game and scored 14 in a non-starting role against Syracuse.
Last meeting: Michigan came to Marquette on Nov. 26, 1995, and won, 80-68.
Series History: Series tied, 1-1.
Possible Starters Marquette Ht. Yr. Stats G Kristi Johnson 5-6 Jr. 5.7 ppg, 2.0 apg G Kelly Schwerman 5-9 Fr. 6.0 ppg, 3.1 rpg G Heidi Bowman 6-0 Sr. 14.9 ppg, 3.1 rpg F Rachel Klug 6-1 So. 5.7 ppg, 3.7 rpg C Sarah Zawodny 6-4 Jr. 9.3 ppg, 6.3 rpgMichigan Ht. Yr. Stats G Anne Thorius 5-10 Fr. 7.8 ppg, 4.8 apg G Alayne Ingram 5-7 Jr. 12.9 ppg, 4.3 rpg F Stephanie Gandy 5-10 Fr. 6.9 ppg, 3.3 rpg F Raina Goodlow 6-2 Jr. 13.4 ppg, 4.3 rpg C Jennifer Smith 6-3 Fr. 8.4 ppg, 4.4 rpg
SCOUTING BRIGHAM YOUNG
Brigham Young has proven itself tough on the road, winning three games in a recent four game road trip. The Cougars were able to down Southern Utah, Washington State and Gonzaga before Arkansas (who defeated Michigan at the Rainbow Wahine Classic) ended their chance at a perfect road trip.
The 5-2 BYU women's basketball squad begins a four-game home stand, of which Marquette is the final team to come to the Marriott Center. Northern Iowa, Montana and Weber State take on BYU before Marquette gets its turn on Dec. 19. The Cougars defeated Northern Iowa, 69-68 in overtime on Thursday to open the stand.
After dropping its first contest of the year in a 76-71 decision at Arizona, BYU has won five of its last six, including the successful road trip.
The biggest reason for the success of the Cougars this year is sophomore guard Erin Thorn. A 13.2 points per game scorer a year ago, Thorn's production has increased dramatically to 21.0 points per game going into the Northern Iowa contest. Thorn scored 20 in the win over Northern Iowa. A 42 percent shooter on the year, Thorn is just one of many accurate shooters the Cougars have. As a whole BYU shoots 43 percent on the year and is even deadlier from three-point range, hitting 44 percent. Thorn is the Y's most active long-distance sharpshooter, hitting 26-of-67 (39 percent). Senior guard Kaly Gilette Shippen is the Cougars most deadly threat from downtown, hitting 71 percent of her long range bombs (10-of-14).
BYU is coached by Trent Shippen. He is in his fourth year at BYU where he has amassed a 58-64 record. In his seven seasons as a head coach, Shippen maintains a 129-64 record.
HOME WIN STREAK HALTED
Oregon State and Cincinnati have something in common. They are amongst the select few who have defeated Marquette on its home floor. Oregon State ended MU's 23-game home winning streak with a 64-50 decision on Dec. 2, 2000.
With a 13-0 home record in 1999-2000 and a 2-0 home record in 2000-2001 prior to the OSU loss, Marquette had amassed a 23-game winning streak at home. Marquette suffered its last home loss before the Oregon State decision 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 178-111 all-time at home and is 92-39 (.702) at the U.S. Cellular Arena.
Marquette looks to return to its home winning ways against Michigan. The last time a Marquette had a losing streak at home was Feb. 6-8, 1998, continuing to Nov. 16, 1998.. Marquette fell to Cincinnati, 68-64, and Louisville, 79-74, to end its home 1997-1998 season and lost to Drake, 85-71, to open its home 1998-1999 year.
In Terri Mitchell's five seasons, Marquette is 46-6 (.885) 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 104 points for a total of 818 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. However, Bowman is on pace to score 401 points this season, which would easily eclipse the 1,000-point mark for her.
1,000-Point Scorers 1. Abbie Willenborg 1996-2000 1,818 15. K. Christianson 1986-89 1,002 Heidi Bowman 1997-pres. 818
JOHNSON AND JOHNSON
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 99 career three point baskets and 299 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 53 to tie Romesiser.
Johnson has moved into fifth in attempts with 299, 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 209 career assists. Oliver is 10th on the list with 261. Johnson needs 55 dishes to pass Oliver. Also within reach is ninth place. Debbie Stampley currently occupies ninth place with 268. At this point, Johnson is projected to have 54 assists on the year.
Three-point FGs made 1. Lori Goerlitz 1992-95 223 3. Courtney Romeiser 1990-93 152 4. Kristi Johnson 1999-pres. 99Three-point FGs attempted 1. Lori Goerlitz 1992-95 662 4. Kiesha Oliver 1997-2000 303 5. Kristi Johnson 1999-pres. 299
Assists 1. Joan Pitroff 1987-90 689 9. Debbie Stampley 1980-83 268 10. Kiesha Oliver 1997-2000 261 Kristi Johnson 1999-pres. 209
TALES OF TWO HALVES
A season long trend with Marquette has been having one very good shooting half and one not so good shooting half. The Golden Eagles are shooting 37.4 percent as a team and are outshooting their opponents (37.1), but have struggled to put 40 solid minutes of shooting together. So far this season, Marquette has, without exception, put together games in which it shot 40 percent or better in one half and less than 40 percent in another. In its 40-percent-or-better half, Marquette is shooting 45.5 percent (86-189), and in the other halves, the Golden Eagles are shooting 29.5 percent (56-190).
The Season by Halves Opponent 1st Score Pct. 2nd Score Pct. at Iowa 30 40.0 27 37.9 Wis.-Milwaukee 25 37.0 34 43.5 vs. Northern Iowa 32 54.2 30 28.6 vs. Southern Utah 16 19.2 42 50.0 Syracuse 30 27.6 35 43.5 Oregon State 16 28.6 34 41.9 at Dayton 33 44.0 24 29.4
FOR THE DEFENSE
While the offense has been inconsistent through the early portion of the year, the one thing that has been consistent is the MU defense. The nation's 10th best defense and Conference USA's best defense a year ago, the Golden Eagle defense is still stingy, allowing its opponents to shoot just 37.1 percent on the year, the second best total in Conference USA. It's 59.9 points per game allowed is also the second best figure in C-USA.
C-USA Scoring Defense 1. Saint Louis 50.0 ppg 2. Marquette 59.9 ppgC-USA FG Percentage Defense 1. Saint Louis 33.0 percent 2. Marquette 37.1 percent
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. Schwerman has started four games in a row.
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 26 percent of the Marquette scoring, 31 percent of the rebounding and 30 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 3-4 overall record, Marquette has outscored its opponents during the final five minutes of each game by just under a point, however it has struggled from the floor. MU's scoring is up in the closing moments thanks to 35 free throws. Marquette has scored 16 percent of its total points this season in the last five minutes. MU's shooting percentage drops 10 percent in the last minutes of the game. Saving Marquette is its defensive ability in that same five minutes. MU drops its opponents shooting percentage by two percentage points in the crunch time. On a positive note, MU is shooting better from the free throw line in the final five minutes of its games (.714) than it is over the course of the season (.701).
Last Five Minutes -- SeasonStat MU Per Gm OPP Per Gm Points 64 9.1 58 8.3 Field Goals 14-51 .275 16-45 .356 Three Point Field Goals 1-21 .048 6-13 .462 Free Throws 35-49 .714 28-36 .778 Offensive Rebounds 22 3.1 11 1.6 Defensive Rebounds 23 3.3 24 3.4 Turnovers 17 2.4 15 2.1 Assists 5 0.7 10 1.4 Steals 7 1.0 6 0.9 Blocked Shots 8 1.1 1 0.1 Fouls 22 3.1 25 3.6
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.
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 16-10 record.
TOURNAMENT PLAY
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 of the Saint Mary's Thanksgiving Classic. 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.
MU 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
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 1310 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 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
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.
Record by Starting LineupLineup Record Results Bowman, Johnson, Seffern, Williams, Zawodny 0-1 L-Iowa Bowman, Johnson, Klug, Seffern, Williams 1-0 W-Wis.-Milwaukee Bowman, Johnson, Klug, Seffern, Weaver 0-1 L-Northern Iowa Bogott, Bowman, Johnson, Schwerman, Zawodny 1-0 W-Southern Utah Bowman, Johnson, Schwerman, Seffern, Zawodny 1-1 W-Syracuse, L-Oregon State Bowman, Johnson, Klug, Schwerman, Zawodny 0-1 L-Dayton
2000-2001 Conference USA Women's Basketball Standings
American Division Pl. Team C-USA Overall 1. Saint Louis 0-0 5-1 2. Cincinnati 0-0 3-1 3. Marquette 0-0 3-4 4. DePaul 0-0 2-3 5. Charlotte 0-0 2-5 6. Louisivlle 0-0 1-5
National Division Pl. Team C-USA Overall 1. Memphis 0-0 5-2 2. UAB 0-0 5-3 3. Southern Miss 0-0 4-2 4. Houston 0-0 4-3 5. Tulane 0-0 4-4 6. South Florida 0-0 2-4