Marquette University Athletics
Marquette Prepares for WNIT Semifinals against Pittsburgh
3/26/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
March 26, 2006
Any of the 1,943 fans at the Al McGuire Center for the March 24 WNIT quarterfinal game against Indiana saw it.
After Jasmine McCullough converted a conventional three-point play with 4:50 to go in regulation gave the Golden Eagles the lead for good.
After Carolyn Kieger's crosscourt pass to a fastbreaking Krystal Ellis with 2:53 to play gave the senior point guard Marquette's all-time assists record.
After the final buzzer sounded, marking MU's 21st victory of the season, 57-54 over the visiting Hoosiers.
What was it?
"Fun," said head coach Terri Mitchell. "We're having fun playing basketball deep into March."
"This is a great opportunity for us. There are not a lot of teams playing basketball right now and we're proud and happy to be one of them." Mitchell added. "At times during the season, it can be a bit of a grind. But right now, playing basketball has been nothing but fun for us."
Marquette advanced into the semifinals of the WNIT after a three-point win over Indiana this past Friday. MU was led by 15 points from Ellis, while Christina Quaye tallied her fifth double-double of the season, with 12 points and 10 rebounds. After IU took its first lead of the game, at 42-41 with 5:55 to play, the Golden Eagles pulled away with a 13-4 push over the next 3:20, capped by five straight points by Ellis - on the record-breaking fastbreak layup and a three in the deep left corner.
"Playing in the WNIT has allowed our seniors to continue their career, while also giving our newcomers the opportunity playing deep into the postseason."
Mitchell stated. "Carolyn (Kieger) was able to reach a tremendous career milestone, with the assist record, while Krystal, Erin and Marissa have been able to experience what it's like to play do-or-die games in March."
The first three opponents for Marquette in WNIT play have been from the Big Ten (Illinois, Indiana) and the Big 12 (Iowa State), Monday night's opponent will be a familiar foe: Pittsburgh from the BIG EAST.
The Panthers come into the Al McGuire Center for the second time this season. On Jan. 18, Marquette defeated Pitt, 70-63, in a BIG EAST regular season game.
Since then, Pittsburgh - enjoying one of the finest seasons in program history - has posted a 10-5 record and has won its three WNIT contests by an average of 10 points.
"They're playing very well right now. Pittsburgh has two All-BIG EAST players in Marcedes Walker and Mallorie Winn, and they really make their team go." stated Mitchell. "It is great for the conference to be represented so well in the postseason, with four teams left in the NCAA and two more in the WNIT."
The Panthers are led offensively by Walker and Winn, who average 16.8 and 15.7 points per contest, respectively. Walker also pulls down 9.2 rebounds per game. As a team, Pittsburgh outrebounds its opponents by an average of 6.4 caroms per outing. In the Jan. 18 game against the Golden Eagles, Pitt held a 20-7 edge on the offensive glass.
"I've said it so many times this season, but it still rings true. The BIG EAST is the best conference in the country and by having six teams still fighting for national titles is an indication of that." Mitchell explained. "Pittsburgh is one of those teams and they showed that all season long. They're a tough team and very versatile offensively. As we saw in January, they're also a tenacious rebounding and defensive team, so we have to come pout to play with the same focus and passion that we've had in our last three games."
In the three WNIT games, Marquette has held its opponents to just 35.1% shooting from the floor - including just 20.4% from the perimeter - while outrebounding foes by 5.3 boards per game.
"During the WNIT, we've focused so much on our strengths and have built upon them." Mitchell explained. "It's easy to be disappointed and point to what could have been, but instead we've gone out there happy to have the opportunity to continue to play. We are all having fun. I think it has little to do with x's and o's and just having a ton of heart."
