Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Women's Basketball to Play Northern Iowa Sunday
02/01/2003 | 12:00:00 | Women's Basketball
Feb. 1, 2003
Skid Reaches 10
Currently on a 10-game losing streak, SIU still searches for its first win over a league opponent this season. The Salukis, who lost at Bradley (66-45) Friday, hold a school record 15-game skid which was done last season.
Second Half Blues
In its last four games, SIU has struggled to put points on the board in the second half, where it is shooting 36-of-107 (.336) from the field. However, even more interesting than that is how the Dawgs have shot under 30 percent in at least one half on 11 occasions this season.
Turnovers Costly
SIU has turned the ball over 77 times in its last four games, including a season-high 32 against Indiana State (1/25). While the Salukis have been struggling to hang onto the ball, their opponents have been capitalizing on the mishaps. In fact, Indiana State (21), Middle Tennessee (18) and Bradley (14) combined for 53 steals.
Series History
SIU holds a 27-11 lead in its overall series with UNI dating back to 1984. Last year, the Salukis defeated the Panthers, 63-55, in Carbondale to snap a nine-game UNI winnings streak.
How the West Was Won
SIU hasn't won a game on UNI's homecourt since 1997. Since then, the Salukis have lost five straight at West Gym, which appears to be one of the toughest venues in the MVC to play at.
The Coaches
Lori Opp (Western Illinois, '88) is 17-54 in her third year as head coach of SIU. Eight of Opp's 17 wins have come against non-conference opponents. Meanwhile, Tony DiCecco is the winningest women's basketball coach in Northern Iowa history. DiCecco sports an overall record of 106-105 in his eighth year at the helm.
About the Salukis
Mired in a 10-game losing streak, SIU still searches for its first win over a league opponent this season. Coming off a 66-45 loss at Bradley Friday, the Salukis are led by senior guard Molly McDowell who has ranked as the only SIU player averaging double figures all season long. McDowell, who scores 12.9 points per game, leads the Dawgs in nearly every statistical category.
About the Panthers
UNI has won three of its last four games, including a recent 74-55 win over Evansville Friday. The Panthers sport four of five starters averaging double figures in the scoring column led by Katie Miller's 19.1 points per gaem. She is joined by Amy Swisher (14.1 ppg), Alex Cook (10.4 ppg, 11.7 rpg) and Emily Berry (10.0 ppg).
Under 10
Four the second time this season, SIU did not have one player post double figures in points Friday against Bradley. The Salukis, who shot just 23 percent (15-of-64) were led by Katie Berwanger and Tiffany Crutcher who each had eight points.
Post Play Struggles
SIU's inside game continues to have problems this season. Against Bradley, the Dawgs were outscored 40-20 inside the paint. Additionally, the Braves held a 50-39 advantage on the boards.
Double Trouble
The Bradley bench and foul trouble proved to be the difference in SIU's 66-45 loss to Bradley Friday. The Braves reserves outscored the Saluki bench 34-15. In addition, SIU committed 26 fouls, as starters Katie Berwanger and Molly McDowell each fouled out.
Crutcher Returns
Junior Tiffany Crutcher, who has been hobbled by a sprained foot made her first start since Jan. 3, Tuesday against Middle Tennessee. Crutcher, who posted her second double-double of the season against the Lady Raiders, scored 11 points, while pulling down a career-high 13 boards. Shooting 4-of-13 from the field and 3-of-4 from the free throw line, Crutcher played 28 minutes after having played no more than 21 in her last five games.
Prime Time
The team's leading scorer, Molly McDowell (12.9 ppg) has finished as the Salukis' top scorer in three of the last four games. McDowell, who scored 22 against Illinois State (1/23), netted 18 against Indiana State (1/25) and 14 against Middle Tennessee (1/28), has finished as the team's number one scorer in eight games this year.
Unsinkable Molly McDowell
Molly McDowell scored 61 points in her last four games including 22 to lead all Saluki scorers against Illinois State (1/23). McDowell made 40-of-39 field goals, while knocking down a near perfect 18-of-20 free throws. Additionally, she dished out 18 assists, including a career-high 11 against Indiana State (1/25).
McDowell Clears 300
Molly McDowell, who at one time knocked down 19 consecutive free throws (all against league opponents), now stands with 315 made in her career. Against Illinois State (1/23), McDowell hit 7-of-7 freebees which added to a 52-of-56 (.929) mark from the line this season. In addition, she ranks second in school history in all-time free throws made behind Char Warring's (1980-84) 326.
Year to Remember
Although you may not be able to tell judging by wins and losses, senior Molly McDowell has been remarkable through the Salukis' first 17 games this season. McDowell surpassed the 300 mark in both free throws made (315) and assists (318), while clearing the 1,000-point (1,083) plateau in her career. Currently ranking ninth all-time in assists and second in free throws made, McDowell has also posted 11 games scoring in double figures, including four in which she registered 22 or more. In addition, her 35 points against Evansville (1/11) rank as the most scored by any player in the Valley this season.
Well-Rounded Indeed
The list goes on and on for Molly McDowell who leads the Salukis in nearly every statistical category this season. As the team's leading scorer with 12.9 points per game, McDowell leads in field goals made (70), three-pointers made (19), free throw percentage (.924), assists (66), blocks (15) and steals (37).
A Matter of Fact
The last Missouri Valley Conference team to go 0-18 in league play was Bradley University. Under then-head coach Donna Freitag (currently an assistant at Drake), the Braves finished the 1998-99 season at 6-20 overall and 0-18 in the MVC.
