Marquette University Athletics
Marquette Hosts #13/11 DePaul On Saturday Night
1/6/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Longtime Rivals Face Off in BIG EAST Matchup
Click here for Marquette/DePaul gamenotes
Marquette is set to play its second BIG EAST conference game against a common foe tomorrow night, as the Golden Eagles host #13/11 DePaul at the Al McGuire Center.
Both members of Conference USA from 1995-2005, the Golden Eagles and Blue Demons continue their rivalry in the best women's basketball conference in the country.
"To begin the remainder of our BIG EAST season with a rivalry like DePaul is terrific." said head coach Terri Mitchell. "We have had so many memorable and hard-fought games over the years with them, tomorrow should be no different."
Last time out, on Jan. 4, Marquette had its season-best eight-game win streak snapped, losing 64-56 to Virginia at home. Christina Quaye led all scorers with 17 points, while senior point guard Carolyn Kieger logged her third straight nine-assist performance.
"One of the main reasons you play a tough out-of-conference schedule is to prepare your team for conference games." explained Mitchell. "This season, we played some tough teams, both on the road and at home, and have a good record to show from it. But more important than that record is the way our team has shown that it fights and competes every night."
Despite the loss, the Golden Eagles' 10-2 start is still one of the best in program history. During the 1997-98 campaign, MU began the season 10-2, en route to a 17-2 start. And this season's eight-game win streak is the second-best in program history, behind a 12-game stretch during the 97-98 season.
DePaul and Marquette have met 45 times on the hardwood, with the Blue Demons holding a 27-18 lead in the all-time series. However, MU has captured three of the last four meetings, including a 77-56 win on Feb. 27, 2005 at the Al McGuire Center. The two teams split their regular season series during the 04-05 campaign, with both winning on their respective homecourts.
"Tomorrow with DePaul and then Tuesday at Notre Dame, we face two familiar opponents in BIG EAST play." Mitchell said. "And as the league is the best in the country and has some of the best players and teams, it also has some of the best coaches. It brings the best out of you to face a coach like Doug Bruno or Muffet McGraw, as well as the rest of the coaches in this league."
The Blue Demons, 14-1 overall on the season and 1-1 in BIG EAST play - are led by All-American Khara Smith, who ranks fifth in the league in scoring (18.0) and is tops in rebounding (10.7). Allie Quigley is ninth in the conference in scoring (16.1). DePaul won its last game, 81-75, at home over Pittsburgh on Jan. 3.
"DePaul is playing very well right now and with a lot of confidence. Khara Smith has shown that she is one of the best players in the country and she has a very talented supporting cast." Mitchell stated. "We have to handle them on both ends of the court, match their intensity, and make the most of every possession."
The game will be televised live locally on WMLW channel 41 and can be heard live on the internet via Yahoo! Sports. Fans who show a ticket stub from tomorrow morning?s men's game versus Cincinnati will receive $2.00 admission to the game.
Additionally, it is also Summer Camp Reunion Night. Those who attended one of Marquette?s basketball camps over the summer are invited back at the Al McGuire Center. Camp attendees who wear their camp jerseys and t-shirts will receive $1 admission.
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