Posted on: Saturday, January 5, 2002
Basketball
Wahine anxiously await San Jose State
By Catherine E. Toth
Advertiser Staff Writer
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| GREENY: "I want to play already"
. . . Game facts • What: Western Athletic Conference women's basketball |
Better team free-throw percentage.
Depth at post.
An NCAA Tournament berth.
There's not much more the University of Hawai'i Wahine could want this new year.
For Christmas they got a tournament title, a four-game winning streak and a win on the road.
Even the long wait at the airport in Utah that canceled their game against UTEP was worthwhile: The team bonded over DVDs, cards and a snowball fight.
But the Wahine know their strengths and weaknesses. They know that every game counts. They know that they have to win every home game and treat each opponent like any other — one they have to beat.
And they've always known defense is key.
"Defense is definitely really important," said sophomore guard Christa Brossman, second on the team in steals and a tireless defensive threat. "I don't want my own girl to score. That's my job, that's my mentality, to hold the girl to no shots."
Among the national leaders in defense last year, the Wahine are continuing to frustrate their opponents, allowing just 58.1 points per game and holding them to just 33.7 percent shooting from the floor.
Playing smart, controlled defense will be critical tonight, when the Wahine (8-2) face San Jose State (7-4) in their first Western Athletic Conference home game this season at the Stan Sheriff Center.
Though picked to finish tied for last in the preseason coaches poll, the Spartans have won their first two conference games on the road (Hawai'i will be their third consecutive road game) and boast three quick-release shooters averaging in double figures. The Spartans offense is led by the backcourt of Cricket Williams and Atari Parker, who combine for 31.3 points per game.
Defending them will be difficult but not impossible.
"We can't let them penetrate on us," said UH head coach Vince Goo. "And we have to control the tempo of the game.
"And it doesn't matter who grabs the most rebounds or who boxes out the best. Everyone needs to come to play, Goo said. "Whoever gets the job done, fine."
Despite leading the series 29-5, winning 12 of their last 13 meetings, Hawai'i isn't taking San Jose State lightly.
"They're athletic and they can score really easy," Goo said. "They're better than last year. They're more disciplined this year."
Goo never doubted the Spartans; he picked them to finish fourth — not last — in the conference.
"That they started (the WAC season) 2-0 doesn't surprise me," he said.
Last year Spartans head coach Janice Richard brought in 12 new players, changing the look and rhythm of a team that historically didn't do well in the WAC.
"She's cleaned house," Goo said, "and she's starting to decorate. Now she's reaping the benefits."
The Wahine veterans see this game as a chance for payback. The Spartans beat Hawai'i at the Stan Sheriff Center last year.
"That's incentive," said senior forward Karena Greeny. "Plus, we're anxious to play."
The Wahine have played two games in 18 days, including an eight-day break before tonight.
"We're rested," Goo said. "But game ready? Questionable."
Long breaks aren't necessarily good, he added: "You lose your game sharpness."
But the Wahine, tired of scrimmaging against teammates, are itching to compete.
"It's like the preseason again," Greeny said. "I want to play already."
Free throws: Freshman forward Jade Abele, sidelined due to a stress fracture in her right foot, is able to practice with the team but can't run for conditioning. "We really need her," said UH head coach Vince Goo. Without her, senior forward Karena Greeny, who normally plays the wing, rotates to post, with guards Chelsea Wagner and Christa Brossman coming in for her. The return of Abele, along with the addition of Kim Willoughby, will give the Wahine much-needed depth at the post position. ... Calling all alumnae! Former Wahine players interested in participating in the annual alumnae game 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13 should contact assistant coach Da Houl at 956-8185. "You don't have to be in good shape," Houl said. "Just show up."
