Marquette University Athletics
Golden Eagles To Face Louisville at Freedom Hall
2/3/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Tomorrow night, Marquette (15-5, 6-3 BIG EAST) will look to win its third straight, as it takes on Louisville in BIG EAST action at Freedom Hall. MU is 6-2 on the road this season, including a 2-2 mark in league play away from the Al McGuire Center.
The game will mark the 17th time the two teams have met on the hardwood, as the U of L holds a 9-7 lead in the all-time series - including winning the previous two meetings, both last season. It will be the first time both teams have met in their respective new leagues, as both were members of Conference USA a season ago. The last meeting between the two schools came on March 4, 2005, in the C-USA tournament. The Cardinals won, 69-54.
The Golden Eagles are coming off a 92-59 home win on Jan. 31 against Providence. All five MU starters reached double-figures, led by Krystal Ellis' 17 points. Christina Quaye had 13 points, while Danielle Kamm and Jasmine McCullough each had 12. Erin Monfre added 10 points. Two others added nine points apiece and each of the nine MU players that saw action scored at least five points and one assist. Marquette was playing without senior point guard Carolyn Kieger for the first time in 111 games. The floor general twisted an ankle in practice and missed the game.
Additionally, the 92 points against Providence was the highest single-game total since the Golden Eagles poured in 95 against Southern Miss on Feb. 3, 2000.
Ellis, Monfre and Marissa Thrower - Marquette's talented trio of freshmen - have been a major part of the team's last two victories. In each of the last two games, the trio has combined to score 36 points. Against Providence on Jan. 31, Ellis had 17, while Monfre added 10 and Thrower a career-high nine. On Jan. 28 versus Seton Hall, the newcomers total made up half of the team?s 72 points. Ellis led the way with a game-high 16 points, while Monfre tallied a career-best 12 and Thrower contributed eight points. In the two games, the trio are shooting 59.5% from the floor (25-42) and 52.9% from the perimeter (9-17).
"We tell them that they need to be active contributors - not just participate. They need to be looking to knock down a shot, make the extra pass, play solid defense, and help the team win." said head coach Terri Mitchell.
The Golden Eagles have also been very effective and efficient on offense over their last six games. Last time out against Providence, the Golden Eagles connected on 51.6% of its shots (32-62) from the floor. MU shot a season-best 56.8% (25-44) from the field at West Virginia on Jan. 21. During the six game span, Marquette is shooting an even 50.0% (151-302).
"Overall, we have been playing well on offense. THis is the right time of year for things to be clicking, especially against so many tough BIG EAST foes." Mitchell said. "I've said it numerous times and I really believe that this is the best conference in the country. Each and every game, you have to face the best players and coaches around. You have to prepare and play with focus every night. And tomorrow is no exception."
Louisville (13-6, 4-4) has posted an 8-1 record at Freedom Hall this season. Their lone home loss came last time out, on Jan. 31, against #4 Connecticut, 75-68. The game was tied at 66 with 1:52 to go, but UConn hit a layup to put them in front for good and then added six free throws in the final seconds.
They are led in scoring by Jazz Covington, at 13.4 points per game, and Missy Taylor, who is averaging 11.1. The duo is also averaging 6.8 and 6.6 rebounds per contest, respectively. Angel McCoughtry leads the Cards on the glass, pulling down 7.4 boards per contest.
"We faced each of our last six opponents for the first-time ever, so while we are familiar with Louisville, we are also very aware of how good they play at home." Mitchell stated. "They score in the 70's and shoot a lot of threes, so we have to be focused and ready to play 40 minutes of hard defense. Louisville is also an excellent defensive team, so they can hurt you on both ends of the court."
The game is set to tipoff at 6 p.m. CST. While there is no local media, fans can follow the game online via Louisville's GameTracker. The link to the GameTracker can be found here/
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