- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 401,144
- Reaction score
- 43
EVANSVILLE — The common theme for college basketball teams in March? Just win.
University of Southern Indiana women’s basketball is the latest recipient of this lesson. Few traits of how it played on Sunday were considered atheistically pleasing. Just take a peep at its shooting percentage. It matters little if the end goal is secured.
The Screaming Eagles advanced to the Super 16 round of the WNIT with a 60-51 victory over Campbell at Liberty Arena. USI (23-12) now moves one step further than it did a year ago in the same tournament.
More: Courier & Press All-Metro Player of the Year had one of the best girls seasons in SIAC history
Again, style points carry little significance this month if you win.
“We stayed the course," said USI coach Rick Stein. "Our intensity was spot on. We didn't make a lot of baskets. It was a grind out there. That's why we always say, if you hold teams under 60 you have a chance to win. We kept fighting. We had players making plays from every angle."
There were signs of an early postseason exit. The Screaming Eagles shot a rough 33 percent from the floor and only 5 of 19 from deep. Their backcourt, in particular, struggled to find any success on a combined 3-for-22 from the field. That doesn't win many tournament games.
This was the first outing for USI in 16 days following the OVC Tournament semifinal loss to Tennessee Tech. It brings about a rust versus rest discussion, but Stein said the first practice back was the best of the season. Sometimes, the ball doesn't go through the net.
Why USI is still standing was rock-solid defense. Campbell (22-13) was worse from the field at 32 percent – most of its success came with 10 offensive rebounds in the opening quarter. Once the Screaming Eagles cleaned up the glass, the momentum incrementally shifted. USI never trailed following the opening minute of the second quarter.
“Our main focus every single day is defense," said senior Meredith Raley. "Working on getting stops and playing the type of defense we want to play. When your shot is not falling, you can always play great defense."
The offensive success came via bully ball inside. Raley had 20 points and seven rebounds – her three-pointer from the top of the key with 1:15 remaining gave the building a needed jolt of energy. Madi Webb also added 13 points and six boards, carrying the team through middle-quarter lulls.
Both had their hands of the game’s defining moment. Webb scored on the block to put USI up four with 3 minutes left. Sophia Loden came up with an immediate steal at mid-court. Raley converted a layup within seconds. The Camels never got within four again.
The Screaming Eagles finished 19 of 20 at the foul line. Chloe Gannon gave a lift off the bench with eight points.
"We just had to find a way," said Webb. "Our last two weeks of practice, we've kept it pretty up-tempo. Tonight was a little bit of a slump, but we played team basketball. That usually gets the job done."
The lone concern moving forward might be health. Raley and Amiyah Buchanan were both sidelined briefly. Triniti Ralston left midway in the first quarter with a possible lower leg injury – she only returned to the bench after halftime.
The good news? USI will host its next opponent on Thursday at 6 p.m. Buffalo (26-7) defeated UMass 84-82 in overtime ‒ guard Chellia Watson has over 2,000 career points. Its another opportunity for the Screaming Eagles to play meaningful postseason basketball when this group has already put the program on the map in Division I.
“This team doesn't want to go home," said Stein. "They love playing together and love each other. Our team is fighting for our university right now and trying to get more 'Ws' in a national tournament. I thought you saw two good postseason teams trying to fight to get to the next round."
This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: WNIT basketball: Southern Indiana defeats Campbell in second round
Continue reading...
University of Southern Indiana women’s basketball is the latest recipient of this lesson. Few traits of how it played on Sunday were considered atheistically pleasing. Just take a peep at its shooting percentage. It matters little if the end goal is secured.
The Screaming Eagles advanced to the Super 16 round of the WNIT with a 60-51 victory over Campbell at Liberty Arena. USI (23-12) now moves one step further than it did a year ago in the same tournament.
More: Courier & Press All-Metro Player of the Year had one of the best girls seasons in SIAC history
Again, style points carry little significance this month if you win.
“We stayed the course," said USI coach Rick Stein. "Our intensity was spot on. We didn't make a lot of baskets. It was a grind out there. That's why we always say, if you hold teams under 60 you have a chance to win. We kept fighting. We had players making plays from every angle."
You must be registered for see images attach
There were signs of an early postseason exit. The Screaming Eagles shot a rough 33 percent from the floor and only 5 of 19 from deep. Their backcourt, in particular, struggled to find any success on a combined 3-for-22 from the field. That doesn't win many tournament games.
This was the first outing for USI in 16 days following the OVC Tournament semifinal loss to Tennessee Tech. It brings about a rust versus rest discussion, but Stein said the first practice back was the best of the season. Sometimes, the ball doesn't go through the net.
Why USI is still standing was rock-solid defense. Campbell (22-13) was worse from the field at 32 percent – most of its success came with 10 offensive rebounds in the opening quarter. Once the Screaming Eagles cleaned up the glass, the momentum incrementally shifted. USI never trailed following the opening minute of the second quarter.
“Our main focus every single day is defense," said senior Meredith Raley. "Working on getting stops and playing the type of defense we want to play. When your shot is not falling, you can always play great defense."
The offensive success came via bully ball inside. Raley had 20 points and seven rebounds – her three-pointer from the top of the key with 1:15 remaining gave the building a needed jolt of energy. Madi Webb also added 13 points and six boards, carrying the team through middle-quarter lulls.
You must be registered for see images attach
Both had their hands of the game’s defining moment. Webb scored on the block to put USI up four with 3 minutes left. Sophia Loden came up with an immediate steal at mid-court. Raley converted a layup within seconds. The Camels never got within four again.
The Screaming Eagles finished 19 of 20 at the foul line. Chloe Gannon gave a lift off the bench with eight points.
"We just had to find a way," said Webb. "Our last two weeks of practice, we've kept it pretty up-tempo. Tonight was a little bit of a slump, but we played team basketball. That usually gets the job done."
The lone concern moving forward might be health. Raley and Amiyah Buchanan were both sidelined briefly. Triniti Ralston left midway in the first quarter with a possible lower leg injury – she only returned to the bench after halftime.
The good news? USI will host its next opponent on Thursday at 6 p.m. Buffalo (26-7) defeated UMass 84-82 in overtime ‒ guard Chellia Watson has over 2,000 career points. Its another opportunity for the Screaming Eagles to play meaningful postseason basketball when this group has already put the program on the map in Division I.
“This team doesn't want to go home," said Stein. "They love playing together and love each other. Our team is fighting for our university right now and trying to get more 'Ws' in a national tournament. I thought you saw two good postseason teams trying to fight to get to the next round."
This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: WNIT basketball: Southern Indiana defeats Campbell in second round
Continue reading...
