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USF Women's Basketball Weekend Preview
The University of Sioux Falls women's basketball will test their luck in Vegas this weekend when they compete in the 2012 D2 Vegas Showdown. They are set to matchup with McKendree University Saturday at 6p.m. and William Jewell College Sunday at 1p.m.
Follow the Cougars in Vegas: Visit the "media" section of the USF women's basketball schedule for links to follow live stats, listen to the broadcast on KWSN 1230 or watch a live stream at tripsports.com
Quick Hits
The Series
This is the same case for the USF vs. William Jewell game, it will also mark the first meeting between the two institutions in women's basketball.
Lock Down Defense
Not many opponents have found offensive success when aligning opposite side of USF's lock down defense, which is currently holding teams to shooting 35% from the field and 29% beyond the arc. In-fact, shooting sub-40% vs. the Cougar defense is a rare occasion, only three teams can make this claim (Southwest Minn., Neb.-Omaha x2 and Minot x2). In 24 games, USF has allowed just one team to reach the 45% mark and that team was Minot (1/27).
A Premature Ending
Many wonder if USF was post-season eligible what the 2011-12 season could have been. The Cougars are on pace to have one of their best records in recent time, winning 21 games, three of which against future NSIC foes, while losing three games, with two coming at the hands of a Division I opponent. No one will ever know, but USF's season will be over following Sunday's game against William Jewell.
Who's Hot
Jamey Hofer seems to be getting hot at just the right time. The senior forward has totaled 46 points and 28 rebounds in the last three games alone, posting 22 points and 11 rebounds Saturday in USF's win over Minot. She leads the team in rebounding (6.3rpg), free throws made (92) and blocks (.8bpg), while sitting second on the squad in both free throw percentage (83%) and scoring (11ppg).
Less is More
When it comes to the statistical category titled turnovers, coaches feel less is more, particularly when recording less than your competition, something USF often does. Entering the weekend, the Cougars have tallied fewer turnovers than their opponents in 12 straight, a span in which USF is 11-1. The Cougars boast an 18-1 record this season when recording fewer turnovers than an opponent.
Consistency
Winning takes consistency and USF's lineup has been consistent. The same five players in Holli Aggen, Vanessa Johnson, Alyssa Rushton, Laura Johnson and Jamey have started in all 24 games this season for the Cougars.
Different Styles of Play
It is very clear that the Cougars like to get up and down the floor and shoot a significant amount of 3-pointers; however the Bearcats, who have recorded 92 3-pointers this season, embrace a very different style of play. To put this is in perspective; Vanessa Johnson and Laura Johnson have combined for 95 makes behind the arc in three fewer games than the entire McKendree team. USF enters the game with 208 treyballs on the year. USF and McKendree will meet for the first time in women's basketball Saturday afternoon.
Backcourt Showdown
The matchup between McKendree guard Caty Ponce and USF's Vanessa Johnson has the making to be a good one. The two playmakers both lead their teams in scoring, assists and 3-pointer made. Ponce has recorded 382 points, 89 assists and 35 3-pointers, while Johnson has notched 306 points, 69 assists and 53 baskets behind the arc this season.
Seeking Perfection
Both USF and McKendree have fallen on the road and at home this season, however this weekend presents each the opportunity to end the season with a perfect record when play at a neutral site. USF and McKendree are both 2-0 in games held at a neutral location this season.
Battle on the Boards
USF has continued to dominate opponents on the glass, where they hold a +4.5 rebounding margin, however the Cardinals have struggled to find the same success. WJC enters the game being outrebounded by an average of 4 boards per game. It may be in part to the fact that outside of Cassy Nicolay, who averages 6 rebounds per game, the team's next highest rebounder pulls down just 3.7 boards per game.
Hope You're Not Superstitious
USF's game with WJC will be their second this season played on a Sunday and their 11th day game (earlier than 5p.m.), which is a double-negative. In their only other Sunday game this season, the Cougars suffered their first loss of the year and coincidentally their second and third losses came in games played that started before 5p.m.
What's on the Line?
Since falling at University of Nebraska-Omaha, USF has not lost a game, winning six straight.
Road Warriors
At this point in the season, USF has become somewhat comfortable playing away from the Stewart Center (Sioux Falls) where the Cougars are 13-2 on the year, including their 2-0 record in games hosted at a neutral site.
Up Next
USF will conclude their season with the D2 Vegas Showdown.
