Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Women's Basketball to Host Drake Friday
02/12/2003 | 12:00:00 | Women's Basketball
Feb. 12, 2003
Dog Fight
The Bulldogs hold a 33-20 series lead over the Salukis. Dating back to 1997, SIU has lost 14 straight games, including a 76-46 loss on Jan. 18 in Des Moines.
It's Finally Over!!
SIU ended an 11-game losing streak Monday with a thrilling 84-80 come-from-behind win over Evansville. The win marked the Dawgs' first in league play this season and first since Dec. 20 when they defeated Mercer (62-59).
Pulling Rank
Currently on a three-game winning streak, Drake enters Friday's matchup ranked third in the MVC. The Bulldogs, who heated up to win five of their last seven games, have beaten the Salukis six straight times at SIU Arena. In fact, the last time SIU defeated Drake on its own homecourt was in 1996 (76-68).
Flair for the Dramatic
If you were looking for drama, Monday's game between SIU and Evansville was the place to find it. After trailing by as many as 17 points, SIU outscored UE by a count of 53-36 in the second half to post a 84-80 come-from-behind win. What made the win even more impressive was how the Salukis fought off a late Evansville rout. After holding a nine-point lead, SIU fell victim to 9-0 run by the Aces which tied the game at 80-80. With 14.5 seconds left, Dana Pinkston then hit a three-pointer to put the Dawgs ahead. UE missed on its last chance to tie and the Salukis held on for the 84-80 win.
Closing In
Ranking third in the nation in free throw percentage (.917), Molly McDowell needs just seven free throws to become SIU's all-time career leader in free throws made. Standing with 320 free throws in her career, she trails the school's current leader, Char Warring, who knocked down 326 tosses between 1980-84.
On the Bubble?
Mathematically speaking, SIU is still in the hunt to make this year's Missouri Valley Conference Tournament. However, in order to do so, the Salukis must move into eighth place. As of now, SIU is two games behind Evansville, and both teams face identical schedules in their final eight games down the stretch. UE hasn't won a game since Jan. 11, while SIU recently snapped an 11-game drought.
Dash for the Deuce
SIU will look to win its second game in a row Friday against Drake. The last time the Salukis posted back-to-back wins was earlier this season against Tennessee Tech (70-66) and Tennessee State (72-62).
Pride of Pinkston
Despite playing with a taped thumb on her shooting hand after having torn nearly every ligament, junior point guard Dana Pinkston had one of her best games of the season Monday against Evansville. Pinkston shot 8-of-15 from the field, including 6-of-9 from three-point range en route to 22 points. She also dished out five assists, grabbed four rebounds and had two steals, as her effort marked the second straight game scoring 22 or more points.
Bombs Away
SIU made a season-high nine three-pointers in its 84-80 win over Evansville Monday. Shooting 9-of-18 for 50 percent, Dana Pinkston accounted for six of the team's treys, including a clutch bomb that gave the Dawgs a 83-80 lead with 14.5 seconds remaining. Between the two teams, there were 23 three-pointers made, and three players who hit five or more apiece.
Berwanger Explodes
Although Pinkston's performance was impressive, Katie Berwanger came up huge in the Salukis' win over the Aces. Berwanger who had scored just 18 points combined in her last four games, exploded for a double-double 19 points and 13 rebounds. Shooting 9-of-15 from the field and 1-of-2 from the free throw line, Berwanger also dished out one assist and gathered two blocks. In addition, the double-double marked her third of the season.
Solid Start
For the first time this season, SIU had four of five starters score double figures Monday against Evansville. Dana Pinkston led all Salukis with 22 points, while Katie Berwanger followed with 19 and Molly McDowell pitched in 16. Hillary Phillips then rounded out the balanced attack with 12 points.
The Coaches
Lori Opp (Western Illinois, '88) is 18-55 in her third year as head coach of SIU. Eight of Opp's 18 wins have come against non-conference opponents. Meanwhile, Lisa Stone is 60-23 in her third year at Drake. In her first two years as head coach, she guided the Bulldogs to a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Sweet Sixteen berth in 2002.
About the Salukis
SIU looks to win its second straight game after going nearly two months without a win Friday against Drake. The Salukis, who currently stand two games out of eighth place at 10th in the Valley, are led by senior Molly McDowell who averages 12.7 points per game. McDowell also stands atop the team in free throw percentage (.917), assists (71) and blocks (15), while ranking second in steals (39). Dana Pinkston, follows scoring 9.4 points per game, and has scored 22 or more points in her last two outings.
About the Bulldogs
Drake, who held SMS to a season-low 40 points in its last outing, has won three straight games and five of its last seven. Standing at third among league contenders, the Bulldogs sport two starters scoring double figures. Carla Bennett leads the team with 15.2 points per game, while Ja'Nae Mosley follows with 10.7.
Stealin' the Show
Hillary Phillips has posted five or more steals in each of her last two games. Averaging 2.2 steals per game, Phillips leads the team with 42 steals.
Sweet Sixteen
Molly McDowell's 16 points against Evansville (2/10) put her at 16th all-time on SIU's career scoring list. Averaging 12.7 points per game this season, McDowell currently stands with 1,106 points. Additionally, she has scored double figures on 12 occasions this season.
Valley Talk
Molly McDowell is the Missouri Valley Conference's active career leader with 323 assists and 183 steals. She is also one of seven current league players with 1,000 or more career points.
Big Boost
Since conference play began, Dana Pinkston's scoring average has gradually moved upward. Boosted by a 25-point performance at UNI and a 26-point game at Wichita State, Pinkston has gone from 6.8 to 9.4 points per game in the last 11 contests.
