Advertisement - Click to support our sponsors.
Wednesday, March 14, 2001
Reflecting on The first-round Women's National Invitation Tournament game between the University of Hawaii and Santa Clara is a tossup.
the Wahine
UH faces mirror image in
Santa Clara in tomorrow's
WNIT gameBy Al Chase
Star-Bulletin"I heard we have two of the highest RPI ratings of any first-round game," said Santa Clara head coach Chris Denker. "This is the toughest matchup."
Statistically, the Wahine (23-7) and Broncos (20-7) are similar. They average about the same output a game (70.2 for UH to 68.4 for SC), defend well (58.7 points a game to 59.9) and make 3-pointers (.358 to .346).
Hawaii has a slight edge at the free-throw line, converting 76 percent, compared to 70 percent for Santa Clara.
Game time
What: Women's National Invitation Tournament.
But the Broncos are slightly better in the turnover department, with more steals and more assists per basket.
The Broncos start three seniors and two juniors. This is the fourth consecutive postseason appearance for the seniors.
Like the Wahine, the Broncos were disappointed at not receiving an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. Despite a first-round West Coast Conference tournament loss, the Broncos thought they had a good chance of receiving an at-large bid.
"We improved our league RPI and had two teams go the last three years," Denker said.
"But this group knows all about the politics. They have learned that."
So, one key tomorrow when the teams tipoff at 7 p.m. at the Stan Sheriff Center is which team handles the disappointment and refocuses better.
The Broncos use a three-guard offense with 5-foot-5 Becki Ashbaugh (9.4 points a game), 5-7 Caroline Gruening (10.1 ppg) and 5-9 Kim Sorenson (6.8 ppg).
Gruening (50-for-127) and Ashbaugh (36-for-116) have success from beyond the arc. The perimeter game should favor the Broncos and provide a stern defensive challenge for the Wahine.
Denker thinks the Wahine's forward line will provide a similar challenge for his defenders.
"Obviously, I think Hawaii is a great team. How we handle Kylie Galloway and Crystal Lee is critical," Denker said. "And Dainora Puida had a great WAC tourney.
"Their point guard (Jana Gabrielova) is a catalyst. They are bigger, but from what I've seen, we're similar."
Senior Annie Garrison, a 6-3 center, leads the Broncos in scoring with a 12.2 average. Senior Jennifer Glysson, a 6-0 forward, contributes 8.6 points a game.
"They are all good shooters," said Hawaii assistant coach Serenda Valdez.
Hawaii counters with Lee (16.1 ppg), Galloway (15.2 ppg) and Puida (11.2 ppg). And the Wahine have one of top shot blockers in Christen Roper.
If the perimeter game isn't working at either end, then the battles down low could be the determining factor. UH may have a slight edge there.
Much will depend on which team defends best. This component has carried the Wahine all year.
The same is true for the Broncos, except for their WCC first-round game, when they experienced a major meltdown.
The Pilots won, 86-65, one week after Santa Clara had closed out the regular season with a 73-54 victory at Portland."I think losing to Portland kind of got our players' attention," Denker said.
"We've had good practices since, just trying to improve on some things."
Balanced scoring is a trademark of Denker's teams. His top reserves, forward Kendra Rhea and guard Julie Butler, average 7.6 and 7.5 points a game, respectively.
Not counting Puida, the Wahine get three points a game from Karena Greeny, 2.9 from Christa Brossman and 2.0 from Natasja Allen coming off the bench.
Look for Hawaii's starters to see more minutes on the court.
The UH coaches hope to receive two Santa Clara game tapes today so defensive assignments can be handed out at practice.
The key for both teams will be trying to take away the tendencies of each individual opponent.
How soon and how well adjustments are made during the game will be crucial.
Notes:
The Wahine lead the all-time series, 5-1. Tomorrow's winner advances to play the winner of Friday's game between Oregon State and Brigham Young.
The Wahine
Natasja Allen
SOPHOMORE FORWARD
Valuable reserve who can play the power forward or post positions. Season high came against Detroit with 14 points.April Atuaia
FRESHMAN GUARD
Became starter in the sixth game. Had a career-high 16 points against Tulsa in the WAC tournament. Solid rebounder and can hit the trey.Christa Brossman
FRESHMAN GUARD
Usually comes in for defensive purposes against opposing wing players. Scored 15 points against Detroit.Christen Roper
SOPHOMORE CENTER
Sixth in the nation in blocked shots. Solid rebounder. Had a season-high 19 points against San Jose State on the road.Michelle Gabriel
JUNIOR GUARD
Backup point guard who knows the offense. Sees the court well. Earned a scholarship this season after walking on her freshman year.Jana Gabrielova
JUNIOR GUARD
Learned the Wahine offense quickly to win starting point guard job. Defensive assignment is the opponent's top perimeter shooter.Kylie Galloway
SENIOR FORWARD
The captain is the heart and soul of the team. Double teamed all year, but made contributions with solid defense. First team All-WAC defense. Second on team in scoring (15.2).Karena Greeny
JUNIOR GUARD
Veteran who can play the two, three or four spots. Good ball handler and strong rebounder.Crystal Lee
SENIOR FORWARD
Put together an outstanding senior season. Leads the Wahine in scoring average (16.1). Named first-team All-WAC.Dainora Puida
SENIOR CENTER
Took sixth-person role in stride.Third in scoring (11.2) and top rebounder (250).Julia Washington
FRESHMAN FORWARD
Has been hampered by injuries for two seasons. Spends most of the time working with the scout team.Vince Goo
HEAD COACH
Would rather have his 23-7 Wahine play in the NCAA Tournament.
Season Scores
Hawaii
Regular Season
Postseason
Santa Clara
Postseason
Rosters
Hawaii
F 6-0 Sr G 5-6 Jr C 6-5 So G 5-10 Fr G 5-5 So F 6-0 Fr F 5-11 Sr C 6-4 Sr G 5-10 Fr F 6-2 So F 5-11 Jr G 5-7 Fr
Santa Clara
G 5-5 Jr G 5-7 Jr C 6-3 Sr F 5-11 Jr G 5-10 Fr G 5-9 Sr G 5-8 So G 5-10 Sr F 6-0 Sr F 6-0 Fr G 5-11 Fr F 6-2 So F 6-0 So F 6-0 So
UH Athletics
Ka Leo O Hawaii
