Attention Ncaa: Please Take Note
Back-to-back wins against nationally ranked teams can certainly catch the attention of NCAA tournament committee members.
It’s something the Washington State University women’s basketball team has in mind as it heads into tonight’s home game against the 14th-ranked Washington Huskies (10-3 Pac-10, 20-6). Tipoff at Bohler Gym is 7 p.m.
Last Sunday, the Cougars (5-8, 12-10) defeated No. 16 Oregon State 84-79. WSU coach Harold Rhodes hopes his team can capitalizes on the momentum gained from that win.
“It’s a very confident group right now,” Rhodes said. “Oregon State was one of our best games of the year.”
WSU point guard Susie Jarosch has been out of the lineup for two weeks and is listed as questionable. Her absence has forced Rhodes to reshuffle certain parts of his deck.
Kelli Kronberger has filled in for Jarosch. Backing Kronberger is starting small forward Jenni Ruff. And because of her shooting touch, Kronberger fills in more than adequately for No. 2 guard Juli Wight.
The Cougars also have been getting productive minutes from reserves Doreen Evans and Kristin Erickson
Jarosch’s injury leaves Rhodes with 10 healthy bodies. Against UW, he’ll probably need every one of them.
“Washington is a very strong team mentally and physically,” Rhodes said. “Their style is to wear you down. We don’t have a lot of depth to deal with their pressure.”
And defensive pressure is what UW coach Chris Gobrecht’s team thrives on. In the team’s first matchup at Seattle last month, the Huskies swarmed their way to an 82-64 win.
“Against them (Washington), you have to have the same components they have to compete successfully,” Rhodes said.
Washington is coming off an 85-78 win over the Oregon Ducks last Sunday. The Huskies have won 10 of their last 12 games. UW is 10-4 on the road this season. Senior center Rhonda Smith leads UW in scoring, averaging 17.8 points a game.
The Cougars are led by Ruff’s 14.4 point average. Kireen Ellis averages 13.5 and Amy Saneholtz is contributing 11.5.