Weekly Release #9
12/29/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Opening Tip
After an up-and-down non-conference schedule, the University of Michigan women's basketball team carries a two-win streak into its Big Ten-opening week at No. 7/6 Minnesota on Thursday (Jan. 1, 7 p.m. CST) and at Northwestern on Sunday (Jan. 4, 2 p.m. CST). Michigan (7-6) earned impressive wins over Xavier (65-56) on Dec. 21 and at Detroit (64-48) on Dec. 28 in its last two outings to move its season mark back above .500 heading into Big Ten action. After beating 2003 NCAA Tournament team Xavier and garnering its first road win of the season at Detroit on Sunday (Dec. 28), Michigan opens the conference slate with consecutive road games for the first time since opening the 1998-99 Big Ten schedule at Indiana and Illinois. The Wolverines, who also opened the Big Ten campaign at Minnesota last season, will be facing a top 10 team for the second time this season when they face they Golden Gophers on Thursday. Michigan played one of its better games of the season in a 74-61 loss to then-No. 5 Texas Tech on Nov. 28 in Dallas, Texas.
What: Michigan at No. 7/6 Minnesota (Thursday, Jan. 1, 7 p.m. CST)
Where: Minneapolis, Minn. (Williams Arena/14,625)
Radio: none locally/MGoBlue.com will provide a link to the Minnesota broadcast
Television: Fox Sports Chicago
What: Michigan at Northwestern (Sunday, Jan. 4, 2 p.m. CST)
Where: Evanston, Ill. (Welsh-Ryan Arena/8,117)
Radio: none locally/none
Television: none
IN THE PAINT
Michigan 6-4 senior center Jennifer Smith is enjoying her best season as a Wolverine and has developed into one of the nation's elite post players, leading the Maize and Blue in scoring (21.8) and checking in as its No. 2 rebounder (7.5). Her 21.8-point average is second in the Big Ten while her 7.5 boards places her No. 7. Smith has been a model of consistency this season, scoring in double figures in 12 of Michigan's 13 games while tallying 20-plus points on a team-best eight occasions. The NCAA's most recent statistical rankings occurred on Dec. 15 when Smith's 23.8 scoring average listed her second in the nation.
While Jennifer Smith has garnered much of the attention during the non-conference season, former Michigan Miss Basketball Tabitha Pool has quietly put together her best season as Wolverine during her junior campaign. Named the Big Ten Player of the Week on Dec. 22, Pool leads the team and is fourth in the conference in rebounding (7.9) while averaging the Wolverines' second-most points at 13.8 to provide a formidable 1-2 punch in the paint with Smith. Pool has averaged 19.8 points and 7.3 boards in her last four games, including a career-best 33-point outburst in a win over Xavier.
Michigan's win over Xavier on Dec. 21 ran the Wolverines' record vs. 2003 NCAA Tournament teams to 4-2 this season. Tabitha Pool has taken her game to another level in those games, averaging 15.3 points and 8.7 boards, including all three of her double-doubles this season vs. Cincinnati, Texas Tech and Xavier.
Michigan's big three of Jennifer Smith (21.8 points), Tabitha Pool (13.0 points) and Stephanie Gandy (11.4 points) have all scored in double figures in the same game four times this season and the Wolverines are 3-1 in such contests. The trio, which account for 71.0 percent of Michigan's scoring and 51.9 percent of the team's rebounding, combined for 46 of Michigan's 64 points in a 64-48 win over Detroit on Sunday (Dec. 28).
Niki Reams is providing an excellent complement in the starting rotation to Michigan's three leading scorers by doing all the little things. Reams' stat line vs. Detroit is a perfect example with eight points on 3-4 shooting to go with seven rebounds, two assists, a block and no turnovers. For the season, the 6-0 sophomore leads the Wolverines with 30 offensive boards and 31 assists as well as posting the squad's best assist-turnover ratio (+1.3).
The Opponents
Minnesota (9-0): Minnesota is averaging a Big Ten-leading 83.3 points, led by senior Lindsay Whalen, who is scoring at a rate of 20.7 points ... Whalen is shooting .596 from the field, while the Golden Gophers shoot .542 as a team ... center Janel McCarville is averaging a double-double with 16.8 points and 10.9 boards while shooting .656 from the field ... Minnesota is outscoring its opponents 83.3-57.3 this season and has won all nine games by at least 11 points ... Minnesota faces Virginia tonight (Dec. 29) in the championship game of the Cavalier Classic ... Minnesota on the Internet: www.gophersports.com ... Series: Michigan leads, 21-20.
Northwestern (6-4): The Wildcats have won three of their last four, including a 60-57 win over West Virginia ... Samantha McComb (12.1 points) is one of just two Wildcats averaging in double figures and leads an attack averaging 58.1 points ... Northwestern is 3-2 at home this season ... The Wildcats face Hampton tonight (Dec. 29) in the consolation game of the Loyola Marymount tournament ... The Michigan-Northwestern contest is the Wildcats' conference opener ... Northwestern on the Internet: www.nusports.com ... Series: Northwestern leads, 30-17.
Michigan-Minnesota Open Big Ten Play
For the second straight season, Michigan and Minnesota will open conference action against one another at Williams Arena in Minneapolis, Minn. Minnesota won last season's contest 98-70 despite 23 points from Stephanie Gandy on 10-13 shooting. It was Michigan's third straight loss in the series and second consecutive loss in Minneapolis after winning 10 of the previous 11 in the series, including four straight on the road.
Gandy Enjoys Minneapolis
Michigan senior guard Stephanie Gandy, who has averaged 9.6 points for her career, is averaging 13.8 points on .537 (22-41) shooting in four career games vs. Minnesota. Gandy has been particularly impressive in her two games at Minnesota. As a sophomore Gandy totaled a then career-best 24 points on 9-14 shooting, including 4-5 from behind the arc, in a game at the Sports Pavilion. Last season Gandy totaled 23 points on 10-13 shooting, including 2-3 from behind the arc, in a loss at Williams Arena. In her two career games in Minneapolis, Minn., Gandy is averaging 23.5 points on .703 (19-27) shooting from the field and has knocked down 6-8 (.750) from three-point land.
Michigan-Northwestern Series
Michigan and Northwestern split their season series a year ago, with the Wolverines winning 65-50 on their home floor and the Wildcats posting a 67-38 victory in Evanston, Ill. Michigan's loss in Evanston snapped the Maize and Blue's 10-game win streak in the series, with the Wolverines' most recent previous loss coming in a 104-65 decision on Feb. 16, 1997, at Northwestern.
Michigan vs. Ranked Foes
The Maize and Blue is 0-2 this season vs. teams ranked in the top 25, with its last such loss coming in a 74-61 decision against then-No. 5 Texas Tech on Nov. 28 at the SMU Hoops for the Cure Classic in Dallas, Texas. The Wolverines' other game against a ranked opponent this season resulted in a 65-50 loss at then-No. 15 Rutgers on Nov. 19 in the semifinals of the Preseason WNIT. Michigan owns 17 wins all-time vs. ranked opposition, with a 69-66 win over No. 8 Louisiana Tech on Nov. 17, 2000, as its only win over a top-10 opponent. Michigan's last win over a ranked came in a 70-64 decision over No. 24 UC Santa Barbara on Nov. 25, 2002.
Burnett vs. Ranked Teams
First-year Michigan coach Cheryl Burnett posted 19 career wins over ranked opponents during her 15-year stint at Southwest Missouri State and now has a 19-25 career mark against ranked teams after an 0-2 start at Michigan. Burnett's last win over a ranked foe came in an 81-71 win over No. 5 Duke during SMS' 2001 NCAA Tournament run to the Final Four, which was Burnett's second Final Four appearance of her career. The other came with SMS in 1992.
Playing the Best Tough
Michigan's win over Xavier on Dec. 21 upped its mark against 2003 NCAA Tournament teams to 4-2 after its 65-56 win over the Musketeers on Sunday (Dec. 21). Xavier received an at-large bid out of the Atlantic 10 a year ago before falling 71-62 in first-round action to UC Santa Barbara. The Wolverines are 4-2 vs. 2003 NCAA Tournament teams thus far.
11/17 vs. Cincinnati (W, 73-69)
11/19 at No. 15 Rutgers (L, 50-65)
11/21 vs. Western Michigan (W, 66-53)
11/28 vs. No. 5 Texas Tech (L, 61-74)
12/3 vs. Charlotte (W, 72-65)
12/21 vs. Xavier (W, 65-56)
Checking the RPI
Michigan's two-game win streak has bumped the Wolverines up to No. 64 in the latest WBCA/Summerville RPI ranking. The Wolverines are the highest ranked team with at least six losses and have a strength of schedule rating of No. 68 among 324 Division I programs.
It Starts with Defense
One of the standards for success set by Cheryl Burnett during a career that has included two trips to the Final Four has been an aggressive, attacking style of play on the defensive end. Although Michigan's hectic early schedule that included its first 10 games being played in a span of just 23 days has slowed down the process of learning a new system slightly, the Wolverines have played improved defense of late. Michigan held Detroit to an opponent season-low 48 points on Sunday (Dec. 28) and has allowed more than 70 points just four times in its first 13 games. Only Creighton scored more than 80 points against the Maize and Blue this season. Michigan leads the Big Ten in three-point field goal percentage defense, holding opponents to a rate of just .251 (43-171) from behind the arc.
Pooling Her Talents
Michigan junior forward Tabitha Pool has keyed the Wolverines' two-game win streak heading into Big Ten action. During the two wins Pool is setting the pace for the Maize and Blue with 23.5 points and 10.5 boards while shooting .679 (19-28) from the field and .625 (5-8) from behind the arc. Currently ranked 18th in the conference in scoring, Pool leads the Wolverines with 12 trifectas this season.
Smith Maintains Torrid Start
At her current pace, not only would Jennifer Smith break the school's single-season scoring total, she would move all the way to second-place on the Wolverine scoring list. Smith is on pace to score 632 points during the regular season, which would give her 1,687 for her career and move her into second place on the all-time list behind Diane Dietz (1978-82), who totaled 2,066 points for her career.
Michigan's Career Scoring Leaders
| 1. | Diane Dietz (1978-82) | 2,066 |
| 2. | Trish Andrew (1989-93) | 1,647 |
| 3. | Wendy Bradetich (1982-86) | 1,587 |
| 4. | Stacey Thomas (1996-2000) | 1,556 |
| 5. | Abby Currier (1977-81) | 1,550 |
| 6. | Alayne Ingram (1998-2002) | 1,461 |
| 7. | LeeAnn Bies (1999-2003) | 1,450 |
| 8. | Jennifer Smith (2000-present) | 1,339 |
Smith in the Big Ten
Jennifer Smith continues to rank among the Big Ten leaders in a variety of categories. The senior center is No. 2 in scoring (21.8), No. 7 in rebounding (7.5), No. 14 in field goal percentage (.519), No. 9 in free throw shooting (.830), No. 10 in offensive rebounding (2.23) and No. 3 in defensive boards (5.23). Smith is the only player in the conference currently ranked among the top 10 in scoring, rebounding and free throw percentage, and her 88 free throws made leads the Big Ten by a wide margin. Indiana's Jenny DeMuth is second with 78 charity tosses converted, with her Hoosier teammate Cyndi Valentin next at 51.
Wolverines Back Over .500
Michigan's 64-48 win over Detroit pushed the Wolverines back over the .500 mark for the season at 7-6 thanks to a 17-point effort from Stephanie Gandy, which was complemented by a 14-point, eight-rebound performance from Tabitha Pool. Although not her usual dominant self with a 4-15 performance from the field, Jennifer Smith chipped in 15 points in the win. Michigan used a stifling defense and solid offensive execution to go on a 16-0 run late in the game and turn a 47-46 advantage into the eventual 16-point victory. Michigan shot a season-best .889 (16-18) from the stripe and owned a season-best 41-26 edge on the glass in the win. The win is Michigan's first on the road this season.
PLAYER NOTES
Tabitha Pool has scored in double figures in four straight games and in 10 of Michigan's 13 games this season.
Lauren Andrews has started Michigan's last two games at the point guard position, dishing out six assists against just four turnovers in the two victories.
Sierra Hauser-Price, who started Michigan's first 11 games at point guard, knocked down her first career triple in the win at Detroit.
Niki Reams, who leads the Wolverines with a .871 (27-31) mark from the charity stripe, has made 15 of her last 16 free throws.
Kelly Helvey continues to lead the Maize and Blue in thefts with 20 after registering one steal at Detroit. Helvey as at least one steal in five straight games and in 10 of 13 games this season.
Stephanie Gandy has handed out 11 assists in her last three games.
Jennifer Smith is tied for second on the team with 16 steals.
RECORD/MILESTONE WATCH
Tabitha Pool is three points shy of becoming the 29th player in Michigan history to reach 700 career points. Pool is also one free throw away from 100 for her career.
Sierra Hauser-Price's next rebound will be the 50th of her career.
Niki Reams is one point away from reaching 300 career points.
Jennifer Smith's seven rebounds in the win at Detroit upped her career total to 629, which moved her into seventh place on the Wolverine career list.
SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
Pool's Career Day
Junior forward Tabitha Pool enjoyed her best day in a Michigan uniform when she poured in a career-best 33 points while matching a career high with 13 boards while leading Michigan to a 65-56 win over Xavier on Dec. 21. Pool's efforts earned the Ann Arbor native her second career Big Ten Player of the Week distinction.
Smith Owns Charlotte
Jennifer Smith bettered her career-best 32-point performance vs. Western Michigan with a 37-point effort in Michigan's 72-65 win over Charlotte on Dec. 3. Smith's effort matched the second-best single-game performance in school history, which Diane Dietz (1978-82) accomplished vs. Grand Valley State on Jan. 31, 1980. Dietz owns the Wolverine single-game record with 45 points vs. Illinois on Feb. 27, 1982. Smith collected 12 rebounds in the win for the second of three double-doubles this season.
Busy Month
Michigan's 68-51 win over Texas-Arlington on Saturday (Nov. 29) concluded the busiest November in school history. The Wolverines went 4-3 in November, including a run to the semifinals of the Preseason WNIT, after having never before played more than five games in the season's opening month.
Smith All-Tournament
Jennifer Smith netted her second career game of 30 or more points with a 30-point performance against then-No. 5 Texas Tech at the SMU Hoops for the Cure Classic on Nov. 28 in Dallas, Texas. She followed that up one night later with a 24-point effort in a win over Texas-Arlington to garner all-tournament recognition.
Smith Puts on a Show
Jennifer Smith's career-high 32 points in the win over Western Michigan made her the first Wolverine to score more than 30 points in a game since LeeAnn Bies tallied 31 in a 75-64 loss at Xavier on Dec. 8, 2002.
Smith Garners Weekly Honor
Jennifer Smith earned the first Big Ten Player of the Week honor for the 2003-04 season and the first of her career on Nov. 17 after compiling 24 points and eight rebounds while notching a career-best with 10 makes at the charity stripe. Smith also chipped in with a career-best four steals as Michigan opened up the Cheryl Burnett era with a 79-68 win over Miami (Ohio) in the Preseason WNIT first round.
Out of the Gate Quickly
Stephanie Gandy opened the season with back-to-back 23-point efforts in Preseason WNIT wins over Miami (Ohio) and Cincinnati. Gandy's consecutive outings of 20-plus points were the first of her career and helped land her on the Preseason WNIT All-Tournament team.
Preseason WNIT
Michigan opened the Cheryl Burnett era with a bang, defeating Miami (Ohio) 79-68 on Nov. 15 and then earning a 73-69 victory over Cincinnati on Nov. 17 to advance to the Preseason WNIT semifinals in the Wolverines' initial tournament appearance. Michigan's bid for a title game appearance was thwarted by a 65-50 loss at then-No. 15 Rutgers on Nov. 21 in the semifinals. Stephanie Gandy led the way during Michigan's three-game run, averaging 18.0 points and 6.0 rebounds. Jennifer Smith totaled 17.0 points and 6.3 rebounds for the Wolverines.
Contact: Rich Marion (734) 763-4423
