Monday, December 10, 2001
[ WAHINE BASKETBALL ]
The Wahine went into last night's basketball game at the Stan Sheriff Center knowing they were facing an Illinois-Chicago team similar to Baylor in terms of quickness and possessing a dangerous 3-point shooter. Shooting and defense
key Wahine winBy Al Chase
achase@starbulletin.comHawaii planned to counter one with more effective shooting and stop the other with a defense that met Zsuzsa Tarnai a step outside the 3-point arc.
The Wahine accomplished both objectives in a 71-50 victory to finish second in the Tesoro Invitational.
They actually went a step further, holding the Flames scoreless for seven minutes, 14 seconds early in the first half, while scoring 20 unanswered points for a 26-4 lead with 9:33 remaining before the half.
The Flames experienced all kinds of trouble working the ball inside Hawaii's 2-3 matchup zone that aggressively met the rest of the Flames a step inside the 3-point arc. It didn't matter if the Flames (5-2) tried to pass inside or make a penetrating drive, they were denied.
The emphatic defensive statement allowed the Wahine to put a solid transition game in gear and more often than not it terminated with a layup or basket from close range.
"Coach always tells us to make a defensive stop, then take the ball and put it in the hole. It was working great tonight," said Natasja Allen, who led the Wahine with 21 points.
After Tarnia scored her only two points of the game at the 16:47 mark, the Wahine coupled their defense with an offensive display to take a commanding lead.
Allen contributed with baskets from each side of the court. Christen Roper and Karena Greeny scored on layups, and Christa Brossman sank a 12-foot jumper to key Hawaii early. Added to the mix were a couple of free throws by Michelle Gabriel, one each from Brossman and Allen, and 3-pointers by April Atuaia and Chelsea Wagner.
"Illinois-Chicago is a great transition team. I felt we did a good job of stopping that," said UH coach Vince Goo. "I thought if they came out with a full-court press, we could counter that with short, quick passes."
The Flames did press full court on numerous occasions and the Wahine had the right answer. Not once did a Hawaii ball handler get caught in the trap. The Wahine (5-2) weren't rewarded with fast-break baskets, but had a fair amount of time to run their offense.
"Our post players were making quicker and better cuts tonight over what they did against Baylor. Our guards were looking inside better than we did against Baylor and making better passes," said Goo.
A good indication of how well the offense was clicking was the first seven UH baskets were all accompanied by an assist as the scorer received the ball in a position to shoot almost immediately, rarely taking more than one step.
"The starters played under control and played smart. This early it's good to have that," said Goo. "The key is the point guard and Janka (Gabrielova) has a good understanding of when to give up the ball."
Gabrielova finished with a season-best and team-high nine assists.
After taking the 22-point lead, the game was even to the end.
Notes: UH volleyball standout Kim Willoughby practiced with the Wahine yesterday and Saturday. She will practice this week until she travels to San Diego for the volleyball All-America banquet Friday. Goo expects her to be in uniform for the next Wahine tournament, the Ala Moana Hotel Paradise Classic, Dec. 17-18. ... Atuaia, who had 10 points and eight rebounds, joined Allen on the all-tournament team.
UH Athletics
Ka Leo O Hawaii
