Women's Basketball To Face Mercer at Long Beach Classic
12/19/2002 | 12:00:00 | Women's Basketball
Dec. 19, 2002
Life's a Beach
SIU closes out its five-game road stretch this week when it heads to Long Beach, Calif., to compete in the Long Beach Classic. The Salukis, who are one of four teams heading to the two-day event, will open play against Mercer on Friday, Dec. 20 (7 p.m.). Following Friday's game, SIU will then play either Belmont or Long Beach State on Saturday at 7 or 9:30 p.m.
No Kidding?
At this time last season, SIU (4-3) headed to the Navy Classic (12/19-20), where it opened play against Winthrop (0-7). This year, SIU preps to enter the same scenario, as the 3-3 Salukis set to take on Mercer (0-5). Hopefully, for SIU, this year's tournament will have a different outcome, as the Salukis' two losses in Annapolis, Md., marked the beginning of a 15-game losing streak.
Streak Ends At Three
SIU saw its three-game winning streak come to an end on Dec. 14, when it fell to Northwestern (75-62). Although short-lived, SIU's three-game stretch marked both the first since 1997-98 and first in Lori Opp's three years as head coach.
Foul Play
In SIU's loss to Northwestern (12/14), free throws and fouls proved to be the difference in the final outcome. SIU, who was whistled for six fouls in the first 7:45 of the game, shot a mere 6-of-9 from the free throw line. Meanwhile, Northwestern countered with 24-of-26 free throws, while committing just 13 fouls. In addition, seven Salukis were charged with two or more fouls with the exception of starters Hillary Phillips (3) and Molly McDowell (4) who each had at least three.
Phillips Sees Doubles
For the first time this season, senior guard Hillary Phillips registered double figures in the scoring column with 10 points against Northwestern (12/14). Phillips made 4-of-6 field goals and 2-of-4 free throws en route to the double-digit performance which marked her first since Feb. 15.
Good Golly, Miss Molly
Senior guard Molly McDowell scored a season-high 25 points against Northwestern (12/14). McDowell shot 8-of-19 from the field, including 4-of-7 from three-point range. She also hit a perfect 5-of-5 from the free throw line, grabbed four rebounds, dished out six assists and had three steals. In addition, her impressive effort marked the first time this season scoring over 20 points, as she has now posted double figures in five games this season.
Rocking Around the Christmas Three
SIU made a season-best eight three-pointers, including five in the first half against Northwestern (12/14). Molly McDowell (4-of-7), who scored eight of the Salukis' first 15 points of the game, accounted for half of the team's long-range bombs, as she currently leads the Dawgs with a .391 percentage (9-of-23).
Those Who Believe Will Receive
SIU, who has been playing in holiday tournaments for quite sometime, hasn't placed higher than second since 1986-87. That year, the Salukis garnered a first-place finish at the Dial Classic in San Diego, Calif. (12/5-6). Under then- head coach Cindy Scott, SIU's two tournament victories started a remarkable 18-game winning streak, as the Dawgs went 28-3 en route to a Gateway Conference title and NCAA Tournament appearance.
Smelling the Pine
SIU is 1-3 this year when its opponents' bench scores more points than its own bench. Last week against Northwestern (12/14), Kristin Ambrose registered 19 points to become the second opposing player to score 18 or more points off the bench. Overall, the Saluki bench has been outscored by its opponents' bench, 163-135, this season.
Butter or Margin?
Through six games this season, SIU trails its opponents by only 3.2 points. The Salukis, who are averaging 66.5 points per game, have fallen three times by a margin of nine or more points, including a 79-53 loss to Kentucky (11/30), which currently stands as their largest defeat to date. Meanwhile, SIU's opponents are scoring 69.7 points per contest.
Board Certified
SIU is outrebounding its opponents on the defensive end of the floor by a count of 149-146. However, on the offensive end, the Salukis are being outmuscled, 86-78. Led by Tiffany Crutcher's 5.7 boards per game, SIU is pulling down 37.8 rebounds to its opponents' 38.7.
Nifty Fifty
Molly McDowell scored 25 points against Northwestern (12/14), and as a result, moved just 50 points away from reaching the 1,000-point plateau in her career. McDowell currently stands with 950 career points.
Pulling Rank
Senior guard Molly McDowell is among active Missouri Valley Conference career leaders in four categories, including points, free throws made, assists and steals. In 87 career games, she has accumulated 950 points (6th), 277 free throws made (4th), 277 assists (1st) and 157 steals (2nd).
Help Wanted
SIU has struggled from behind the three-point arc, where it is shooting just 24-of-98 (.245) this season. Although connecting on a season-high eight three-pointers against Northwestern (12/14), the Dawgs have hit just 18-of-83 (.217) over their last five games. Lucky for the Dawgs, their opponents aren't any better as they hold a 22-of-90 (.244) mark.
What a Coincidence
In SIU's game at Eastern Illinois (12/7) Molly McDowell scored the 11th point of the game, Jodi Heiden scored the 24th point of the game and Katie Berwanger scored the 54th point of the game. What's interesting about this is that McDowell (11), Heiden (24) and Berwanger (54) wear the jersey numbers that coincide with their respective point. Even more ironic than that, all three baskets were scored at times which included one of the three jersey numbers. McDowell scored at the 16:(24) mark, Heiden scored at the (11):33 mark and Berwanger scored at the 16:(54) mark.
League Us Alone
Mercer, a member of the Atlantic Sun Conference, marks the fifth opponent from a different league that SIU will play this season. Prior to this week, the Salukis have faced teams from the Ohio Valley Conference, Conference USA, the Big Ten and the SEC. SIU has fared the best against OVC schools, where it is a perfect 3-0 this season.
About the Bruins
Belmont University appears to be the best of the four teams heading to this year's Long Beach Classic. Off to a 5-1 start, the Bruins opened the 2002-03 campaign with a four-game winning streak. Coming off a 76-62 win over UNC Asheville (12/14), Belmont's only loss of the season came at Auburn on Nov. 30 (77-59).
Scouting the Bruins
Sophomores Hollie Davis (G, 12.8 ppg), Brandi Miller (F, 12.3 ppg) and Erica Davenport (G, 12.3 ppg) currently lead the Bruins, as each average at least 12.3 points per game this season. All three had impressive rookie debuts in 2001-02. Davis, the team's leader in scoring, appears to be extremely quick and possesses a deadly three-point shot. Meanwhile, Davenport was named to the Atlantic Sun's All-Freshman Team a year ago. As for Miller, she led Belmont in rebounding as a freshman and ranked 16th in the Atlantic Sun, averaging 6.1 rebounds per game.
Bruins on the Radio
All 27 of Belmont's regular season games plus the Atlantic Sun tournament games will be broadcast live on the internet at www.belmont.edu/athletics. Rick Tiner is back for his fourth season as the play-by-play man, while Eric Jones will provide color commentary for selected games.
About the 49ers
Tournament host Long Beach State is 2-5 on the 2002-03 season. The 49ers have struggled lately dropping four of their last five games, including a recent 58-50 loss to Loyola Marymount on Dec. 14.
Scouting the 49ers
2001-02 Big West Conference All-Freshman team member Jayme Connors is one of three 49ers averaging double figures after seven games this season. Connors, a 6-3 center out of Las Vegas, Nev., is the team's third-leading scorer averaging 11.2 points per game. She also pulls down a team-best 9.0 rebounds. Standing atop Long Beach State with 13.6 points per game, however, is senior forward Glory Johnson. Johnson, who also leads the 49ers with nine blocks, is shooting 49 percent from the field. Sophomore guard Candice Wilson ranks behind Johnson with a 12.3 points per game average.
49ers on the Radio
All Long Beach State games at the Long Beach Classic will be broadcast on the internet at www.kbeach.org, the student radio station of LBSU.
About the Bears
Mercer University (0-5) enters the Long Beach Classic searching for its first win of the season. Coming off a 79-52 loss to Lipscomb on Dec. 12, Mercer has suffered two other losses by 19 or more points this year. Michigan State defeated the Bears, 81-62, on Nov. 29, while Georgia Tech posted a 96-50 win on Dec. 5.
Scouting the Bears
Senior forward April Dyer is Mercer's top scoring threat who averages 15.6 points per game. Dyer finished as the Bears' leading scorer four times this season and has registered 20 or more points on two occasions. Junior guard Amanda Parker follows with 8.5 points and 3.2 rebounds.
Bears on the Radio
Mercer University will have no radio at the Long Beach Classic.
About the Salukis
SIU saw its three-game winning streak come to an end last Saturday against Northwestern. Standing at an even 3-3 on the year, the Salukis enter the Long Beach Classic coming off road wins in two of their last three games. Additionally, the Dawgs will close out a five-game road stretch this week in California.
Scouting the Salukis
Senior guard Molly McDowell leads all Saluki scorers, averaging 14.3 points per game this season. McDowell, who stands just 50 points away from reaching the 1,000-point plateau in her career, has posted double figures on five occasions, including a season-best 25 points against Northwestern (12/14). The team's top rebounder grabbing 5.7 boards a game, junior center Tiffany Crutcher then follows with 10.0 points to round out the two players averaging double figures.
Salukis on the Radio
Southern Illinois University will have no radio at the Long Beach Classic.