That's about if for the NCAA tournament coverage. But who knows, maybe there will be blogs going for most MSU teams by the time next season starts? And finally, for even more coverage on the MSU women's basketball team and its NCAA Championship, make sure to pick up the MSU Reporter Tuesday. There will be plenty to read.
Thanks for following.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
First-Ever Champions
By Kyle Ratke and Josh Berhow
SAN ANTONIO — Sitting at the press table Tuesday afternoon, minutes after beating Michigan Tech to advance to the NCAA Division II semifinals, Alex Andrews said she wanted to be one of the few players who ended their career with a win.
And on Friday, the senior forward’s career-high 25 points helped her do so.
“It’s perfect,” said Andrews, fighting back tears after the Mavericks first-ever NCAA Championship. “It’s just unreal. It’s awesome.”
Led by Andrews and Heather Johnson’s 29 points, the Mavericks dropped Franklin Pierce 103-94 to be crowned NCAA Division II Champions Friday at Bill Greehey Arena on the campus of St. Mary’s University.
Andrews was one of five seniors on the Mavericks’ roster to end their college career with a win.
“My whole life has revolved around basketball,” said senior guard Joanne Noreen. “It’s everything I wanted and I’m just glad to end my career at MSU with a win.”
The Mavericks used their run and gun offense from the initial tip-off, and after totaling 58 first-half points, their lead was only two at halftime.
“What a great game for the advancement of women’s basketball,” said MSU head coach Pam Gohl, who won a national championship in her first year heading the Mavericks. “We couldn’t figure out how to stop them, but thank God we scored more than them.”
Led by Johannah and Jennifer Leedman, who combined for 30 first-half points, the Ravens kept the Mavericks on their heels. MSU’s fast-paced offense finally found a worthy counterpart, not something the Mavericks’ are used to seeing from their opponent.
“Absolutely not,” said Noreen. “We got a taste of our own medicine.”
It was the Mavericks’ third 100-point game of the season. They led for most of it, but things looked grim late in the second half as they trailed 82-74 with 10 minutes left in the game.
Heather Johnson nailed two big 3-pointers to help the Mavericks tie the game at 84 with 6:51 left. Johnson, along with Noreen and Andrews, was named to the All-Tournament Team. Johnson was named MVP, her third MVP award this season.
“We never put our heads down,” Johnson said. “Being down eight points didn’t faze us at all.”
Johnson’s team-high 29 points were aided by a 5 for 9 effort from the 3-point line. Andrews added 11 rebounds to her career-high point total and was 11 of 13 from the field. Andrews also had a game-high five steals. Tiffany Moe and Noreen had 18 points each, and had eight and six rebounds, respectively. Noreen led the Mavericks with five assists and Moe and Andrea Walsh had four assists each.
After winning 32 games and ending their career as national champions, the Mavericks will surely be remembered.
“We want to be remembered as a cohesive group that has a lot of chemistry,” Andrews said. “We are so positive and had fun together.”
But they’ll also be remembered as champions.
SAN ANTONIO — Sitting at the press table Tuesday afternoon, minutes after beating Michigan Tech to advance to the NCAA Division II semifinals, Alex Andrews said she wanted to be one of the few players who ended their career with a win.
And on Friday, the senior forward’s career-high 25 points helped her do so.
“It’s perfect,” said Andrews, fighting back tears after the Mavericks first-ever NCAA Championship. “It’s just unreal. It’s awesome.”
Led by Andrews and Heather Johnson’s 29 points, the Mavericks dropped Franklin Pierce 103-94 to be crowned NCAA Division II Champions Friday at Bill Greehey Arena on the campus of St. Mary’s University.
Andrews was one of five seniors on the Mavericks’ roster to end their college career with a win.
“My whole life has revolved around basketball,” said senior guard Joanne Noreen. “It’s everything I wanted and I’m just glad to end my career at MSU with a win.”
The Mavericks used their run and gun offense from the initial tip-off, and after totaling 58 first-half points, their lead was only two at halftime.
“What a great game for the advancement of women’s basketball,” said MSU head coach Pam Gohl, who won a national championship in her first year heading the Mavericks. “We couldn’t figure out how to stop them, but thank God we scored more than them.”
Led by Johannah and Jennifer Leedman, who combined for 30 first-half points, the Ravens kept the Mavericks on their heels. MSU’s fast-paced offense finally found a worthy counterpart, not something the Mavericks’ are used to seeing from their opponent.
“Absolutely not,” said Noreen. “We got a taste of our own medicine.”
It was the Mavericks’ third 100-point game of the season. They led for most of it, but things looked grim late in the second half as they trailed 82-74 with 10 minutes left in the game.
Heather Johnson nailed two big 3-pointers to help the Mavericks tie the game at 84 with 6:51 left. Johnson, along with Noreen and Andrews, was named to the All-Tournament Team. Johnson was named MVP, her third MVP award this season.
“We never put our heads down,” Johnson said. “Being down eight points didn’t faze us at all.”
Johnson’s team-high 29 points were aided by a 5 for 9 effort from the 3-point line. Andrews added 11 rebounds to her career-high point total and was 11 of 13 from the field. Andrews also had a game-high five steals. Tiffany Moe and Noreen had 18 points each, and had eight and six rebounds, respectively. Noreen led the Mavericks with five assists and Moe and Andrea Walsh had four assists each.
After winning 32 games and ending their career as national champions, the Mavericks will surely be remembered.
“We want to be remembered as a cohesive group that has a lot of chemistry,” Andrews said. “We are so positive and had fun together.”
But they’ll also be remembered as champions.
MAVS WIN
MSU wins first-ever National Championship with 103-94 victory over Franklin Pierce....more to come later.....
In-Game
Andrews has 23 points, nine rebounds and is 11 of 13 shooting. Her 23 points has to be close to a career-high. Four MSU players have at least 14 points.
Leedham Sisters
The pair currently has 47 combined points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists, seven blocks and three steals....Yikes...
Poll results: Mavericks MVP?
Eleven people voted for Joanne Noreen as the Mavericks' 2008-09 MVP. Noreen was followed by Heather Johnson (7 votes), Alex Andrews (6 votes), Tiffany Moe (4 votes) and Andrea Walsh (2 votes).
Early in the second half Johnson is leading the way with 21 points and three 3-pointers. Andrews has 15 points, Moe has 11 points and Noreen has 10.
Still waiting for the 'D'.....
It's a good thing not either team is having an off night shooting -- otherwise they'd be in trouble. The teams are on pace for an 100-point game each. Mari Korton has four points off the bench.
Where's the 'D'?
Both offenses are working early, and the defenses are still on the bus. Tiffany Moe, Alex Andrews and Heather Johnson have seven points each, and Johannah Leedham leads the Ravens with eight points and five rebounds...
Pregame
The NCAA Division II Championship Game between (1) Minnesota State and (1) Franklin Pierce is about two minutes away from tip-off. Here are tonight's starters:
MSU
Andrea Walsh -- 5-8, So.
Tiffany Moe -- 5-9, Jr.
Heather Johnson -- 5-8, Sr.
Joanne Noreen -- 5-8, Sr.
Alex Andrews -- 5-11, Sr.
FPU
Toby Martin -- 5-5, Sr.
Cynthia Gaudet -- 5-6, So.
Jennifer Leedham -- 5-7, Sr.
Johannah Leedham -- 5-11, Jr.
Marielle Giroud -- 5-11, Fr.
Leedham Sisters Will Be Key
— Jennifer (left) and Johannah Leedham, Raymond Starin • MSU Reporter —
And just like the Mavs, the sisters have come a long way to San Antonio, especially if you're considering their hometown is Ellesmere Port, England. Both Leedham's were considered solid prospects, but Johannah was thought to play nothing but Division I basketball. But when they payed a visit to Franklin Pierce's campus when Jennifer was a senior, the British National Under 18 Team was making a campus visit, something they do every year. It seemed like a homecoming for the girls, especially since Jennifer's best friend was apart of the Under 18 Team, who she hadn't seen for about two years.
So when Jennifer decided to attend Franklin Pierce, head coach Mark Swasey had to push hard to get Johannah to make the choice the following season.
"I couldn't believe that Jo was going to be coming into Division II at the time, I was really shocked," Swasey said. "When it turned out she was going to look at our conference pretty hard, we were very excited. Obviously Jen played a huge role in that but Jo had some tough decisions to make, and I hope she's happy with the decision she made."
Jennifer, a senior, and Johannah, a junior, lead the Ravens in minutes per game and points per game. The sisters average about eight more minutes per game than the rest of the team, and Johannah was a Second Team All-American this season.
Johannah -- a 5-foot-11 guard/forward -- leads the Ravens with 23.4 points per game and her six rebounds per game is second on the team. She's also first in blocks (44), steals (101) and second in assists (107). Johannah shoots 50 percent from the field, 38 percent from the 3-point line and even 86 percent from the free-throw line.
Johannah, along with her sister Jennifer -- a 5-7 guard who averages 11.8 points per game and leads the team with 177 assists -- both like to run the fast break, which is similar to the style the Mavericks have used to create their success this season. It could turn into a fast-paced game.
"We are all kind of beat up from the Alaska-Anchorage game and a little tired from all that running, but once we get on the court I don't think anything will matter and we won't feel our legs," said MSU guard Joanne Noreen. "It will be a track meet out there."
Tipoff is slated for for 7 p.m. tonight on ESPN2.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
MSU vs. Franklin Pierce Preview -- Part 1
SAN ANTONIO — Since the beginning of the season the Minnesota State women’s basketball team had a reminder in its locker room of its only goal of the season.
Coach Pam Gohl put a picture of San Antonio – the host site of the NCAA Division II Elite Eight – in the Mavericks’ locker room, and making a trip to southern Texas has been the lone goal since.
“We've been talking about San Antonio since September when coach posted that sign on in our locker room,” said MSU forward Alex Andrews. “We've been pumped since that first win and we're just having fun and we still have a lot of basketball to show.”
Heather Johnson paced the Mavericks with 25 points Wednesday against Alaska-Anchorage in the semifinals. And for Johnson, her scoring couldn’t have come at a better time with the title game against Franklin Pierce slated for Friday.
Johnson was 5 of 7 from the 3-point line Wednesday and 8 of 10 from the field, a night after scoring eight points on just 3 of 10 shooting.
“Tuesday I stood a lot and [Wednesday] I came off screens a little bit better and was more aggressive,” Johnson said. “That allowed me to get my shot off a little bit quicker.”
The Mavericks will need Johnson to make a similar contribution Friday, but need their defense to step up and stop the Leedham sisters.
Johannah Leedham, a 5-foot-11 junior forward, averages 23.3 points per game and 6.1 rebounds per game. Her sister Jennifer, a senior, averages 11.9 points per game. The Ravens – a one-seed – dropped Delta State 58-39 to reach Friday’s final. The Ravens have lost just one game since New Year’s and started the season ranked No. 6 in the nation, but are 14th nationally in the most recent poll.
Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday at Bill Greehey Arena, and will air live on ESPN2.
“We’ve watched a lot of teams have their last few games over the past few weeks and our seniors, they don’t want that,” Gohl said. “They want to win. They want to go out on a winning note and they want to celebrate all the way back to Mankato.”
Coach Pam Gohl put a picture of San Antonio – the host site of the NCAA Division II Elite Eight – in the Mavericks’ locker room, and making a trip to southern Texas has been the lone goal since.
“We've been talking about San Antonio since September when coach posted that sign on in our locker room,” said MSU forward Alex Andrews. “We've been pumped since that first win and we're just having fun and we still have a lot of basketball to show.”
Heather Johnson paced the Mavericks with 25 points Wednesday against Alaska-Anchorage in the semifinals. And for Johnson, her scoring couldn’t have come at a better time with the title game against Franklin Pierce slated for Friday.
Johnson was 5 of 7 from the 3-point line Wednesday and 8 of 10 from the field, a night after scoring eight points on just 3 of 10 shooting.
“Tuesday I stood a lot and [Wednesday] I came off screens a little bit better and was more aggressive,” Johnson said. “That allowed me to get my shot off a little bit quicker.”
The Mavericks will need Johnson to make a similar contribution Friday, but need their defense to step up and stop the Leedham sisters.
Johannah Leedham, a 5-foot-11 junior forward, averages 23.3 points per game and 6.1 rebounds per game. Her sister Jennifer, a senior, averages 11.9 points per game. The Ravens – a one-seed – dropped Delta State 58-39 to reach Friday’s final. The Ravens have lost just one game since New Year’s and started the season ranked No. 6 in the nation, but are 14th nationally in the most recent poll.
Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday at Bill Greehey Arena, and will air live on ESPN2.
“We’ve watched a lot of teams have their last few games over the past few weeks and our seniors, they don’t want that,” Gohl said. “They want to win. They want to go out on a winning note and they want to celebrate all the way back to Mankato.”
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Mavericks Blow Past Seawolves
With the smiles and laughs being shared between members of the Minnesota State women’s basketball team, one would’ve never known that 24 hours ago Heather Johnson played one of her worst games of the season. Luckily for Johnson and the Mavericks, they still found a way to win.
It would have been easy for Johnson to hang her head during Wednesday’s semifinal matchup against Alaska-Anchorage, but she knew Tuesday’s performance didn’t matter. The senior guard knew that any member of the team could pick her up.
But Johnson took matters into her own hands at Bill Greehey Arena, scoring 25 points to lead the Mavericks to their first-ever national championship game in a 83-60 massacre against the Seawolves.
“As long as I can come in and contribute,” Johnson said. “Anything I can do to help us win, whether it’s an assist, rebound, or defensively.”
Johnson electrified the Mavericks from the start – showing no signs of her struggles from the night before – as she scored 15 points in the first half and didn’t miss a shot from the floor, and was 3 for 3 from the 3-point line.
“We’ve been shooting pretty well throughout the course of the year,” said MSU head coach Pam Gohl. “But you never know if your shots are going to go in or if you’re going to be a little tight on your jumpers. The girls were relaxed and they just did a great job of knocking their shots down.”
The topic of the night wasn’t supposed to be about Johnson and the guards, but instead on the post play of UAA’s Rebecca Kielpinski and whether the Mavericks could match up with the All-American center.
Alex Andrews answered that question in the first half, as she and Mari Korton held Kielpinski to just two points, as she shot 1 for 3 from the field.
“We weren’t too worried about the big girls,” Andrews said. “We knew what we had to do and had to try and be as big as we could.”
The second half was more of the same for the Mavericks. But this time they got more players involved and were able to stretch the lead.
As Gohl’s said before, the Mavericks have so many dangerous players, some fans might not even see on the court.
One of those players is senior center Teresa Parker. Parker played in just 10 games this season and has seen minimal minutes. Gohl decided to sub in Parker midway through the second half, hoping it might give the lineup a boost.
It turned out to be a smart move as she had a team-high three blocks in just 10 minutes of work. And during every one of those blocks, every member of the bench was on their feet.
“We’ve had so much confidence coming down here,” Andrews said. “Like with Teresa stepping up, we have so much confidence in each other that we knew that whoever we faced—you can’t stop all of us on this team.”
The Mavericks will likely be on their feet for a few more hours, trying to settle down from the excitement.
“These girls have managed to understand the difference between celebrating after a big win and focusing on the next game,” Gohl said. “They’ve been so focused that I think we’ll be OK.”
The Mavericks have done more than what’s been expected, as they’re just two days away from a chance at making history.
The dream of bringing a national championship back to Mankato is no longer out of the question, as the Mavericks are just one game away from turning their dream into a reality.
It would have been easy for Johnson to hang her head during Wednesday’s semifinal matchup against Alaska-Anchorage, but she knew Tuesday’s performance didn’t matter. The senior guard knew that any member of the team could pick her up.
But Johnson took matters into her own hands at Bill Greehey Arena, scoring 25 points to lead the Mavericks to their first-ever national championship game in a 83-60 massacre against the Seawolves.
“As long as I can come in and contribute,” Johnson said. “Anything I can do to help us win, whether it’s an assist, rebound, or defensively.”
Johnson electrified the Mavericks from the start – showing no signs of her struggles from the night before – as she scored 15 points in the first half and didn’t miss a shot from the floor, and was 3 for 3 from the 3-point line.
“We’ve been shooting pretty well throughout the course of the year,” said MSU head coach Pam Gohl. “But you never know if your shots are going to go in or if you’re going to be a little tight on your jumpers. The girls were relaxed and they just did a great job of knocking their shots down.”
The topic of the night wasn’t supposed to be about Johnson and the guards, but instead on the post play of UAA’s Rebecca Kielpinski and whether the Mavericks could match up with the All-American center.
Alex Andrews answered that question in the first half, as she and Mari Korton held Kielpinski to just two points, as she shot 1 for 3 from the field.
“We weren’t too worried about the big girls,” Andrews said. “We knew what we had to do and had to try and be as big as we could.”
The second half was more of the same for the Mavericks. But this time they got more players involved and were able to stretch the lead.
As Gohl’s said before, the Mavericks have so many dangerous players, some fans might not even see on the court.
One of those players is senior center Teresa Parker. Parker played in just 10 games this season and has seen minimal minutes. Gohl decided to sub in Parker midway through the second half, hoping it might give the lineup a boost.
It turned out to be a smart move as she had a team-high three blocks in just 10 minutes of work. And during every one of those blocks, every member of the bench was on their feet.
“We’ve had so much confidence coming down here,” Andrews said. “Like with Teresa stepping up, we have so much confidence in each other that we knew that whoever we faced—you can’t stop all of us on this team.”
The Mavericks will likely be on their feet for a few more hours, trying to settle down from the excitement.
“These girls have managed to understand the difference between celebrating after a big win and focusing on the next game,” Gohl said. “They’ve been so focused that I think we’ll be OK.”
The Mavericks have done more than what’s been expected, as they’re just two days away from a chance at making history.
The dream of bringing a national championship back to Mankato is no longer out of the question, as the Mavericks are just one game away from turning their dream into a reality.
Never Too Late To Find Another Fan
SAN ANTONIO — Even 1,220 miles away, it’s never too late to make a new friend, gain a fan, or in the Minnesota State women’s basketball team’s case — both.
It’s been about 10 years since Don and Janis Furness were last in Minnesota, but the married couple of 15 years were regulars in the crowd Wednesday night on the campus of St. Mary’s University, as they watched MSU triumph over Alaska-Anchorage 83-60 to advance to Friday’s NCAA Division II Final.
“They might be able to beat Iowa State or Oklahoma,” said Don Furness, 55, at halftime of Wednesday’s game, when the Mavericks held a 38-27 lead.
The couple makes their home in Pottsboro, Texas, about 70 miles north of Dallas, but became new-found MSU fans when they ran into MSU forward Alex Andrews’ mom, Glenda Andrews, Tuesday. They engaged in friendly conversation after bumping into each other at a restaurant, and the Andrews’ told the Furness’ the television channel and radio station where they could find the game.
But the Furness’ decided to make the trip in person, and did on Janis Furness’ 57th birthday. Alex Andrews was nothing short of thrilled when she found out the Furness’ were in attendance Wednesday.
“Oh my gosh they made it—that’s awesome!” she said. “We were just talking Tuesday about how many people we were seeing from Minnesota. It’s just such a small world.”
The couple came to San Antonio through work, as they were attending a Homeland Security Conference throughout the week. And of all the places to be on Janis’ birthday, she never thought it would be in Bill Greehey Arena watching MSU basketball.
“No, not at the Elite Eight,” she said with a laugh. “But we love basketball, we watch it all the time.”
The Mavericks meet Franklin Pierce at 7 p.m. Friday in the title game, but unfortunately for MSU’s new biggest fans, the Furness’ might not be able to make the trip.
“I’d like too,” said Janis Furness, “but we won’t be here.”
The couple has dinner plans for 4 p.m. Saturday in Pottsboro, and it’s about a six and a half hour drive home. They might be well on their way back home by tip-off Friday night.
“We might have to stay, honey,” said Don Furness to his wife. “We might have to. We could do it but we would have to be driving late at night.
“We might do it, we might.”
I guess it’s never too late to find a couple new fans, no matter how many miles away from home.
It’s been about 10 years since Don and Janis Furness were last in Minnesota, but the married couple of 15 years were regulars in the crowd Wednesday night on the campus of St. Mary’s University, as they watched MSU triumph over Alaska-Anchorage 83-60 to advance to Friday’s NCAA Division II Final.
“They might be able to beat Iowa State or Oklahoma,” said Don Furness, 55, at halftime of Wednesday’s game, when the Mavericks held a 38-27 lead.
The couple makes their home in Pottsboro, Texas, about 70 miles north of Dallas, but became new-found MSU fans when they ran into MSU forward Alex Andrews’ mom, Glenda Andrews, Tuesday. They engaged in friendly conversation after bumping into each other at a restaurant, and the Andrews’ told the Furness’ the television channel and radio station where they could find the game.
But the Furness’ decided to make the trip in person, and did on Janis Furness’ 57th birthday. Alex Andrews was nothing short of thrilled when she found out the Furness’ were in attendance Wednesday.
“Oh my gosh they made it—that’s awesome!” she said. “We were just talking Tuesday about how many people we were seeing from Minnesota. It’s just such a small world.”
The couple came to San Antonio through work, as they were attending a Homeland Security Conference throughout the week. And of all the places to be on Janis’ birthday, she never thought it would be in Bill Greehey Arena watching MSU basketball.
“No, not at the Elite Eight,” she said with a laugh. “But we love basketball, we watch it all the time.”
The Mavericks meet Franklin Pierce at 7 p.m. Friday in the title game, but unfortunately for MSU’s new biggest fans, the Furness’ might not be able to make the trip.
“I’d like too,” said Janis Furness, “but we won’t be here.”
The couple has dinner plans for 4 p.m. Saturday in Pottsboro, and it’s about a six and a half hour drive home. They might be well on their way back home by tip-off Friday night.
“We might have to stay, honey,” said Don Furness to his wife. “We might have to. We could do it but we would have to be driving late at night.
“We might do it, we might.”
I guess it’s never too late to find a couple new fans, no matter how many miles away from home.
Poll Results
Of our most recent poll of what was most likely to happen against the Seawolves, an astonishing, breathtaking 18 people voted. Six people said Heather Johnson would hit more than three 3's. Johnson rebounded from Tuesday's game to hit five 3's, and three in the first half.
Four people voted for Jo Noreen to score at least 20 points, and the senior guard finished with 16. Three people voted for Alex Andrews to record a double-double, and she finished with 15 points but was seven rebounds shy of a double-double. Two people voted for Tiffany Moe to record seven assists and she finished with five. Moe, however, lit up the stat sheet with eight points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals. Two more people voted for more than five people to vote on our poll, and they're the real winners, as 18 people were Mavericks Basketball blog junkies. One person voted for a bench player to score at least 10, and Lauren Barber led the bench with six points on two 3-pointers.
A new poll will be up shortly, along with three stories about tonight's game. We'll be back Thursday with press conference notes from both teams.
Four people voted for Jo Noreen to score at least 20 points, and the senior guard finished with 16. Three people voted for Alex Andrews to record a double-double, and she finished with 15 points but was seven rebounds shy of a double-double. Two people voted for Tiffany Moe to record seven assists and she finished with five. Moe, however, lit up the stat sheet with eight points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals. Two more people voted for more than five people to vote on our poll, and they're the real winners, as 18 people were Mavericks Basketball blog junkies. One person voted for a bench player to score at least 10, and Lauren Barber led the bench with six points on two 3-pointers.
A new poll will be up shortly, along with three stories about tonight's game. We'll be back Thursday with press conference notes from both teams.
Parker enters game
Senior center Teresa Parker has not played many minutes for the Mavericks this season, but she has surprisingly just entered the game. She has been great defensively picking up a few blocks. The Mavericks are losing the lead though, as they are up by less than 10 with just over six minutes left.
New half.. same results
UAA came out early on and looked to get the ball inside, but a big 3-pointer from Alex Andrews stopped the momentum. Andrea Walsh is also hitting some clutch shots. Johnson has not scored yet in the second half, but MSU still holds a double-digit lead.
Seawolves might be in trouble...
The Mavericks are in the driver's seat early, and UAA could be in trouble. Johnson is a point shy of doubling last night's total--and there's still just more than seven minutes left in the half.
In-game
Mavericks playing well on both ends of the court. Their outside shorts are falling, but UAA is playing well inside offensively.
Did Heather Johnson read the blog?
My colleague Kyle Ratke stated in the preview that Heather Johnson needed to play the way she's capable and if she slumped like she did Tueday, the Mavericks might be in trouble. Well, barely four minutes in, Johnson has 10 points and hasn't missed a shot.....
Semifinal matchup -- UAA vs. MSU
Tipoff is an second to see who will play for the National Championship Friday. Here are the night's starting lineups.
UAA
Kiki Taylor -- 5-5, Jr.
Tamar Gruwell -- 5-8, Jr.
Ruby Williams -- 5-10, Sr.
Nikki Aden -- 5-8, So.
Rebecca Kielpinski -- 6-2, Sr.
MSU
Tiffany Moe -- 5-9, Jr.
Heather Johnson -- 5-8, Sr.
Andrea Walsh -- 5-8, So.
Joanne Noreen -- 5-8, Sr.
Alex Andrews -- 5-11, Sr.
ALASKA-ANCHORAGE PREVIEW
The semifinal matchup against Alaska-Anchorage will test the depth of the Mavericks’ bench. The Seawolves are ranked No. 2 in the nation and defeated the Syracuse Orangeman women’s team early this year, not exactly something you see out of every DII basketball program.
The big concern for the Mavericks on the evening will be height. Center Rebecca Kielpinski is 6-foot-2 and is second on the Seawolves in scoring (10.2) and first in rebounds (8.2) per game.
The Mavericks will put Alex Andrews on Kielpinksi , but that still leaves Seawolves forward Ruby Williams towering over the small MSU lineup. Joanne Noreen would be the likely choice to guard her, but Mari Korton could see more action. Korton struggled in Tuesday’s game and looked a little nervous on the big stage. Normally this would not be a problem for MSU, but with Liz Trauger’s injury it puts the Mavericks at a severe disadvantage in the height department.
One thing the Mavericks do have which will play to their favor will be their speed. Alaska-Anchorage is not a very quick team and panics when getting pressured. This will play into the hands of defenders like Noreen, Tiffany Moe and Andrea Walsh. The only thing is, Alaska-Anchorage beat a very fast Clayton State team Tuesday night, a team that plays a lot like MSU.
There also needs to be more production from Heather Johnson. Chances are that the Mavericks will be unable to feed the ball inside to Andrews or Korton, so they will need to make sure their shooters are on. If Johnson attempts to drive inside like she did Tuesday, Kielpinski and Williams will make sure she doesn’t get too far.
Free throws will also be a big concern. The Mavericks shot a season-low 42 percent from the line in Tuesday’s game. Iif MSU does it again, it will likely be on a flight home Thursday.
Bottom Line: If the Mavericks are able to play their style of play, like they have all season they should be alright. The size issue is a concern, but as long as Andrews doesn’t get into foul trouble she should be able to at least slow Kielpinski and Willaims down.
The semifinal matchup against Alaska-Anchorage will test the depth of the Mavericks’ bench. The Seawolves are ranked No. 2 in the nation and defeated the Syracuse Orangeman women’s team early this year, not exactly something you see out of every DII basketball program.
The big concern for the Mavericks on the evening will be height. Center Rebecca Kielpinski is 6-foot-2 and is second on the Seawolves in scoring (10.2) and first in rebounds (8.2) per game.
The Mavericks will put Alex Andrews on Kielpinksi , but that still leaves Seawolves forward Ruby Williams towering over the small MSU lineup. Joanne Noreen would be the likely choice to guard her, but Mari Korton could see more action. Korton struggled in Tuesday’s game and looked a little nervous on the big stage. Normally this would not be a problem for MSU, but with Liz Trauger’s injury it puts the Mavericks at a severe disadvantage in the height department.
One thing the Mavericks do have which will play to their favor will be their speed. Alaska-Anchorage is not a very quick team and panics when getting pressured. This will play into the hands of defenders like Noreen, Tiffany Moe and Andrea Walsh. The only thing is, Alaska-Anchorage beat a very fast Clayton State team Tuesday night, a team that plays a lot like MSU.
There also needs to be more production from Heather Johnson. Chances are that the Mavericks will be unable to feed the ball inside to Andrews or Korton, so they will need to make sure their shooters are on. If Johnson attempts to drive inside like she did Tuesday, Kielpinski and Williams will make sure she doesn’t get too far.
Free throws will also be a big concern. The Mavericks shot a season-low 42 percent from the line in Tuesday’s game. Iif MSU does it again, it will likely be on a flight home Thursday.
Bottom Line: If the Mavericks are able to play their style of play, like they have all season they should be alright. The size issue is a concern, but as long as Andrews doesn’t get into foul trouble she should be able to at least slow Kielpinski and Willaims down.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Mavs Final Four bound
Photo by Raymond Starin • msu reporter
SAN ANTONIO — Sure, it might not have been the prettiest game for the Minnesota State women’s basketball team, as their shooting was off and it seemed like some players felt the nerve of playing on the big stage. But either way, the Mavericks were just as satisfied with the result of their first-ever Final Four appearance as they defeated fourth-seeded Michigan Tech 61-53.
SAN ANTONIO — Sure, it might not have been the prettiest game for the Minnesota State women’s basketball team, as their shooting was off and it seemed like some players felt the nerve of playing on the big stage. But either way, the Mavericks were just as satisfied with the result of their first-ever Final Four appearance as they defeated fourth-seeded Michigan Tech 61-53.
“You never know how a team is going to show up on the big stage,” said MSU head coach Pam Gohl. “I think they did a great job and we’re looking forward to tomorrow.”
The Huskies entered the Elite Eight as underdogs, but the Mavericks, on the other hand, had high expectations all season. However, there was thought that having an undersized lineup would be a problem for MSU.
It didn’t seem to be a problem in Tuesday's game against the Huskies. MSU took an early 6-2, as it got two layups from senior guard Heather Johnson. That would be the only two baskets Johnson would hit early on. Her, along with teammates not named Joanne Noreen, struggled with their shooting in the first half, and were just 40 percent from the field.
Michigan Tech, on the other hand, did not struggle. Led by junior guard Katie Zimmerman, the Huskies were an outstanding 6 for 7 from the 3-point line. Three of those 3s came from Zimmerman.
The Mavericks were also getting beat inside early on, which made it difficult for them to double Michigan Tech's post players. Even with the hot shooting from the Huskies, the Mavericks were able to keep the game close, trailing 31-30 at half.
Noreen finished with 12 points in the first half. Luckily for MSU, the Huskies cooled off in the second half and the scrappy Mavericks defense started getting to them.
“Sometimes it can be good and sometimes it can be bad,” Moe said. “Today we took the risks and they worked to our advantage.”
Noreen started the second half with a layup, giving MSU its first lead since early in the game. The game would continue to go back and forth during the second half. The Mavericks were doing a much better job of getting the ball around to players such as Moe, Alex Andrews and Andrea Walsh. Moe started causing turnovers on the defensive side and showed the intensity which has been praised of her all season long.
“Tiff is one of our emotional leaders,” Gohl said. “Before the game she gets everyone fired up and she’s usually the dramatic one out there. It’s so fun to coach a player like that and the players feed off of her energy.”
One of those players who may have gotten some energy in the second half was Andrews, as she hit a hook shot with five minutes left in the game. That shot put the dagger in the Huskies' season and gave Andrews her 12th double-double of her career, as she finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Noreen finished with 20 points, while Moe added 11 points and eight rebounds.
The victory will put the Mavericks in the Final Four and makes their dream of bringing a national championship to Mankato closer.
“Not a lot of people can end on a win,” Andrews said. “That’s what we want to do.”
MSU plays second-seeded Alaska-Anchorage at 6 p.m. Wednesday.
Postgame reactions
Coach and player reactions to MSU's 61-53 quarterfinal victory over Michigan Tech......More to come later.
MSU coach Pam Gohl:
On her team's play:
"They're college girls, you never know how a team is going to show up on this big stage and I think they did a great job and we're looking forward to tomorrow."On the second-half play of Tiffany Moe and Alex Andrews, who helped out Jo Noreen and her game-high 20 points:
Our team is so versatile you just never know who's going to be the leading scoring on any night or any half. If somebody is in foul trouble or not making their shots someone always steps up on our team. It's not a surprise to me that Alex and Tiff stepped up in the second half, but Jo's one of our big dogs and she sometimes carries us for entire halves or games. I thought all three did a good job."
On Tiffany Moe:
"Tiff is one of our emotional leaders. Before the game she gets everyone fired up and she's usually the dramatic one out there as well. That's part of her play, and she's been like that all year. It's so much fun to coach a player like that and the players feed off her energy. She's a great floor leader and the more people watch her I think they realize she has such an understanding of the game, both offensively and defensively--she really carries us."
MSU forward Alex Andrews
On Michigan Tech's forwards:
"We knew they were really athletic. People look at us as a smaller team and we just wanted to use our athleticism and be a strong contender inside and really control the boards."
On controlling the boards:
"We like to push the ball and getting that first rebound and first outlet pass is the key to our offense sometimes--we love to go up and down the floor."
On the Final Four:
"We've been talking about San Antonio since September when coach posted that sign on in our locker room. We've been pumped since that first win and we're just having fun and we still have a lot of basketball to show and we still have a lot of our talents and a lot of our team that we are ready to show tomorrow."
On finishing the tournament:
"Not a lot of people can end on a win, and that's what we want to do."
MSU guard Tiffany Moe
On MSU's steals and aggressiveness:
"We're kind of scrappy, and sometimes it can be good and sometimes it can be bad. Tonight we took the risks and they worked to our advantage."
On keeping MSU's season alive for the seniors:
"We lose six big parts of the team and I want to embrace this moment as much as possible. I want to keep them around."
MSU guard Joanne Noreen
On finishing the tournament:
"Might as well get it done."
On being down 31-30 at halftime:
"We never look to be down and never like going into halftime down. It could be the seniors' last moment here so that ran through our heads and we just didn't want that to happen. We came out full-boar and put an end to it."
Michigan Tech coach John Barnes
On MSU's defense:
"They were undersized but they were strong. Their quickness on the defensive end was outstanding, they were constantly tipping passes and getting deflections. We don't see a lot of teams come from behind and slap at the ball like that."
Michigan Tech forward Katie Wysocky
On MSU's defense:
"They put on a lot of pressure and I think that took us off our game from the start. They were just all over the ball and we had a hard time getting into our offense and that really took us out of our game. We probably didn't do the best job adjusting to it."
Mavs 61, Huskies 53 -- Final
Jo Noreen scored 20 points and Tiffany Moe had nine in the second half to lead the Mavericks to Wednesday's Final Four.....
More to come later...
MSU getting back on track
The last four baskets have been big for the Mavericks, as Tiffany Moe, Heather Johnson, Joanne Noreen and Alex Andrews all scored. Noreen has been stuck on 18 points for a while but gotten some help recently.
Moe Money No Problems
Tiffany Moe just hit a big 3-pointer and now has nine points to go with seven rebounds. Moe has seven of her nine point in the second half.
Noreen show
Jo Noreen's hit the 18-point mark, and she's starting to get a little help from Tiffany Moe and Alex Andrews.
Need help....
Mavs will need Heather Johnson to help out more offensively for them to be successful. Johnson has five points on 2 of 7 shooting. Tiffany Moe also has just two points on 1 of 6 shooting, but six rebounds.
Poll results
Seventeen people voted on who would be the difference maker for the Mavericks against Tech. Heather Johnson won the poll with seven votes, and was followed by Tiffany Moe (5 votes), Joanne Noreen (3) and Alex Andrews (2). Two people voted for "other."
Still in the first half, Noreen has the early edge with 12 points. Flecia Foster has played well, too, with five points.
The Huskies' height has hurt the Mavericks thus far, as they've been tough to stop down low.
Be sure to check in after the game for postgame coverage with recaps and player reactions.
Michigan Tech vs. Minnesota State
From St. Mary's University, here our the starting lineups for today's quarterfinal matchup. Due to NCAA rules, only a few blog updates are allowed per half, so I will do my best...
Tech
Sarah Stream -- 5-7, Jr.
Tara Ferris -- 5-9, Jr.
Katie Zimmerman -- 5-6, Jr.
Katie Wysocky -- 6-0, Jr.
Danae Danen -- 6-0, Jr.
Mavericks
Heather Johnson -- 5-8, Sr.
Tiffany Moe -- 5-9, Jr.
Joanne Noreen -- 5-8, Sr.
Andrea Walsh -- 5-8, So.
Alex Andrews -- 5-11, Sr.
Close game early, with Tech 4 for 4 from the 3-point line.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Matchup Comparisons
MSU coach Pam Gohl said that she likes the matchup with Michigan Tech and thinks it could be a competitive game, and the breakdown agrees. All players are evenly matched up. Here’s the breakdown:
MSU guard Andrea Walsh vs. Michigan Tech guard Tara Ferris
Neither one of these players make a huge impact in the scoring column, as they each average about five points per game. The only thing different between the two players could be the fact that Walsh turns the ball over less than Ferris. If Walsh can effectively get the ball to her teammates the Mavs should be alright.
Advantage: Walsh
MSU guard Tiffany Moe vs. Michigan Tech guard Sarah Stream
This should be a matchup to look for during the game. Moe can put up points, but is a very streaky shooter. Minnesota State has the advantage of having other scorers—the only problem is that so does Michigan Tech. Moe has an intensity that can’t be matched, but Stream is a point guard that can shoot effectively.
Advantage: Toss up
MSU guard Heather Johnson vs. Michigan Tech guard Katie Zimmerman
Both of these players have great range from the 3-point line. Zimmerman shoots an amazing 48 percent from the 3 and averages 11 points per game. Johnson should get the better of Zimmerman, that is unless Zimmerman gets hot from the 3-point line.
Advantage: Johnson
MSU guard Joanne Noreen vs. Katie Wysocky
Noreen may average 15 points and four assists per game, but Wysocky fills the stat column with 15.1 points per game and 10.4 rebounds per game. Noreen might be more of a playmaker, but with Liz Trauger out, Wysocky might be even more effective down low. However, it is a bit unfair to matchup a guard with a forward, but the Mavs four-guard set makes us do so.
Advantage: Wysocky
MSU forward Alex Andrews vs. Danae Danen
Both players average about 12 points per game but Andrews’ seven rebounds per game gives her the edge. Andrews will need to play well with Trauger out, but TV timeouts will help with rest.
Advantage: Andrews
MSU guard Andrea Walsh vs. Michigan Tech guard Tara Ferris
Neither one of these players make a huge impact in the scoring column, as they each average about five points per game. The only thing different between the two players could be the fact that Walsh turns the ball over less than Ferris. If Walsh can effectively get the ball to her teammates the Mavs should be alright.
Advantage: Walsh
MSU guard Tiffany Moe vs. Michigan Tech guard Sarah Stream
This should be a matchup to look for during the game. Moe can put up points, but is a very streaky shooter. Minnesota State has the advantage of having other scorers—the only problem is that so does Michigan Tech. Moe has an intensity that can’t be matched, but Stream is a point guard that can shoot effectively.
Advantage: Toss up
MSU guard Heather Johnson vs. Michigan Tech guard Katie Zimmerman
Both of these players have great range from the 3-point line. Zimmerman shoots an amazing 48 percent from the 3 and averages 11 points per game. Johnson should get the better of Zimmerman, that is unless Zimmerman gets hot from the 3-point line.
Advantage: Johnson
MSU guard Joanne Noreen vs. Katie Wysocky
Noreen may average 15 points and four assists per game, but Wysocky fills the stat column with 15.1 points per game and 10.4 rebounds per game. Noreen might be more of a playmaker, but with Liz Trauger out, Wysocky might be even more effective down low. However, it is a bit unfair to matchup a guard with a forward, but the Mavs four-guard set makes us do so.
Advantage: Wysocky
MSU forward Alex Andrews vs. Danae Danen
Both players average about 12 points per game but Andrews’ seven rebounds per game gives her the edge. Andrews will need to play well with Trauger out, but TV timeouts will help with rest.
Advantage: Andrews
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Q&A with sophomore guard Andrea Walsh
KR: With all the seniors getting the attention, how does it feel being on this team and knowing you still have two more years left?
AW: The fact that we are here is just a huge deal. These games mean just as much for us as it does for the seniors. It's pretty amazing. I know we have next year, but getting this far is hard. Everyone is pretty excited.
KR: Is this a team that is just "excited to be at the tournament", or do you have some goals?
AW: Oh, we plan on taking it. We aren't just excited to be here, I mean we are excited, but we want to win it all.
KR: What does the backcourt duo of you and Tiffany Moe bring to the team?
AW: Everyone has their own part. Tiff and I don't really have a specific role besides bringing the ball up. Any night, anyone on our team could go off. Everyone of us has potential.
KR: With Tuesdays game coming up, how much sleep have you gotten?
AW: We will see how that goes. I haven't gotten much sleep since last Monday when we beat Fort Lewis. Sleeping will always be hard when you think to yourself " Holy crap, we are in the Elite Eight." There is a whole new set of nerves.
Walsh is currently ranked fifth in the nation in assist turnover ratio, with a ratio of 2.51.
AW: The fact that we are here is just a huge deal. These games mean just as much for us as it does for the seniors. It's pretty amazing. I know we have next year, but getting this far is hard. Everyone is pretty excited.
KR: Is this a team that is just "excited to be at the tournament", or do you have some goals?
AW: Oh, we plan on taking it. We aren't just excited to be here, I mean we are excited, but we want to win it all.
KR: What does the backcourt duo of you and Tiffany Moe bring to the team?
AW: Everyone has their own part. Tiff and I don't really have a specific role besides bringing the ball up. Any night, anyone on our team could go off. Everyone of us has potential.
KR: With Tuesdays game coming up, how much sleep have you gotten?
AW: We will see how that goes. I haven't gotten much sleep since last Monday when we beat Fort Lewis. Sleeping will always be hard when you think to yourself " Holy crap, we are in the Elite Eight." There is a whole new set of nerves.
Walsh is currently ranked fifth in the nation in assist turnover ratio, with a ratio of 2.51.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Road Warriors
For how impressive a 29-2 overall record is, a perfect 12-0 record away from Bresnan Arena might look just as good on a resume.
And in every game not played in Mankato, the MSU women's basketball team has outscored its opponents by an average of 16 points per game. In the Mavericks' last two away games, they've won by a combined 68 points.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Top 10 moments of MSU season
10. Pam Gohl becomes Mavericks’ 8th head coach
Early in August, former head coach Lori Fish resigned from her position and left to coach at St. Cloud State University. Everyone knew the Mavs had potential, but wasn’t sure how the coaching change would affect the program. Well, it’s easy to see that it hasn’t at all. Gohl has gelled right in with the team and her four-guard set has worked wonders.
9. Moe hits 3 to beat Minnesota-Crookston
The Mavericks were in Crookston to face the Golden Eagles Feb 6, and junior point guard Tiffany Moe took care of business as she hit a buzzer beater 3-pointer to defeat Crookston 82-79 and give the Mavericks their 20th win of the season.
8. Noreen has career games in a losing effort.
The Augustana Vikings came to Mankato and handed the Mavericks their first loss in overtime 95-89 Jan. 25. Senior guard JoanneNoreen kept the Mavericks in the game as she put up a career-high 39 points and eight steals, being the first MSU player to hit 30 points since 2002.
7. Mavericks get revenge against Vikings
Feb. 25 was a night the Mavericks proved to the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference they were for real. MSU played Augustana on the road and stunned the Vikings in front of a packed house, winning 82-50. It was just the second loss for the Vikings on their home court and gave the Mavericks cushion in the regional standings.
6. MSU clinches NSIC in first year
With an Augustana loss to Mary on February 20, the Mavericks clinched the inaugural NSIC title. It was the Mavericks’ first conference championship since 1985-86. The Mavericks cut the nets before the Southwest Minnesota State game at home. Luckily for the Mavericks, it wouldn’t be the only time they would cut down nets in the 2008-09 season.
5. Mavericks defeat former coach…twice.
The Mavericks first played former head coach Lori Fish and her St. Cloud State Huskies on Jan. 17. It was a game that was likely in the back of every senior’s mind, wanting to defeat the coach that recruited them. MSU first defeated the Huskies 67-60 and did it once again Feb. 14, 76-65.
4. Surprise loss in first round of NSIC tournament
The NSIC tournament startd with a huge upset, as eighth-seed Concordi-St.Paul defeated the top-seeded Mavericks in overtime 86-77 score. But the loss might be exactly what the Mavericks needed, as they’ve played with a different attitude after the loss.
3. Top dogs
On Feb. 25 the Mavericks were ranked No. 1 in the nation according to the USA Today ESPN Division ll Poll, the first time ever for the women's team.
2. If you’re gonna play in Texas...
For the first time in school history, the women’s team earned an Elite Eight berth. The Mavericks played Fort Lewis in the regional championship game at home and won 72-61 in front of a packed house. The nets were cut once again.
1. 29-2
The best record ever by the MSU women’s basketball team, however, No. 1 on this list could be subject to change.
Early in August, former head coach Lori Fish resigned from her position and left to coach at St. Cloud State University. Everyone knew the Mavs had potential, but wasn’t sure how the coaching change would affect the program. Well, it’s easy to see that it hasn’t at all. Gohl has gelled right in with the team and her four-guard set has worked wonders.
9. Moe hits 3 to beat Minnesota-Crookston
The Mavericks were in Crookston to face the Golden Eagles Feb 6, and junior point guard Tiffany Moe took care of business as she hit a buzzer beater 3-pointer to defeat Crookston 82-79 and give the Mavericks their 20th win of the season.
8. Noreen has career games in a losing effort.
The Augustana Vikings came to Mankato and handed the Mavericks their first loss in overtime 95-89 Jan. 25. Senior guard JoanneNoreen kept the Mavericks in the game as she put up a career-high 39 points and eight steals, being the first MSU player to hit 30 points since 2002.
7. Mavericks get revenge against Vikings
Feb. 25 was a night the Mavericks proved to the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference they were for real. MSU played Augustana on the road and stunned the Vikings in front of a packed house, winning 82-50. It was just the second loss for the Vikings on their home court and gave the Mavericks cushion in the regional standings.
6. MSU clinches NSIC in first year
With an Augustana loss to Mary on February 20, the Mavericks clinched the inaugural NSIC title. It was the Mavericks’ first conference championship since 1985-86. The Mavericks cut the nets before the Southwest Minnesota State game at home. Luckily for the Mavericks, it wouldn’t be the only time they would cut down nets in the 2008-09 season.
5. Mavericks defeat former coach…twice.
The Mavericks first played former head coach Lori Fish and her St. Cloud State Huskies on Jan. 17. It was a game that was likely in the back of every senior’s mind, wanting to defeat the coach that recruited them. MSU first defeated the Huskies 67-60 and did it once again Feb. 14, 76-65.
4. Surprise loss in first round of NSIC tournament
The NSIC tournament startd with a huge upset, as eighth-seed Concordi-St.Paul defeated the top-seeded Mavericks in overtime 86-77 score. But the loss might be exactly what the Mavericks needed, as they’ve played with a different attitude after the loss.
3. Top dogs
On Feb. 25 the Mavericks were ranked No. 1 in the nation according to the USA Today ESPN Division ll Poll, the first time ever for the women's team.
2. If you’re gonna play in Texas...
For the first time in school history, the women’s team earned an Elite Eight berth. The Mavericks played Fort Lewis in the regional championship game at home and won 72-61 in front of a packed house. The nets were cut once again.
1. 29-2
The best record ever by the MSU women’s basketball team, however, No. 1 on this list could be subject to change.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Scouting the Huskies
For the Mavericks to get to the semifinals Wednesday, they will need to find a way to get past fourth-seeded Michigan Tech Tuesday.
The Huskies (27-6) have four players who average double-digit points. Katie Wysocky leads the group with 15.1 points per game and also a team-high 10.4 rebounds per game. After Wysocky, the next highest rebounding average is Danae Danen with 4.2. Danen averages 12.1 points per game and is followed by Katie Zimmerman (11.1) and Sarah Stream (10.5). Zimmermann is lights-out from the 3-point line, shooting 48 percent from beyond the arc and has 96 made-3s on the season. Wysocky and Danen each shoot better than 52 percent from the field, and the Huskies shoot 47 percent as a team.
The Huskies lost to Minnesota State-Moorhead earlier in the season, a team the Mavericks have beaten three times this season already. Tech also lost to Minnesota Duluth by five, a team the Mavericks also defeated this year.
The Huskies (27-6) have four players who average double-digit points. Katie Wysocky leads the group with 15.1 points per game and also a team-high 10.4 rebounds per game. After Wysocky, the next highest rebounding average is Danae Danen with 4.2. Danen averages 12.1 points per game and is followed by Katie Zimmerman (11.1) and Sarah Stream (10.5). Zimmermann is lights-out from the 3-point line, shooting 48 percent from beyond the arc and has 96 made-3s on the season. Wysocky and Danen each shoot better than 52 percent from the field, and the Huskies shoot 47 percent as a team.
The Huskies lost to Minnesota State-Moorhead earlier in the season, a team the Mavericks have beaten three times this season already. Tech also lost to Minnesota Duluth by five, a team the Mavericks also defeated this year.
Welcome to the blog
As the Minnesota State women's basketball team heads to San Antonio Monday for the NCAA Division II Elite Eight, so will Reporter sports editor Josh Berhow and assistant sports editor Kyle Ratke to cover the tournament.This blog will provide game recaps, previews, features and photos of the tourney. Here's the breakdown for what's ahead in the days leading up to Tuesday's tip-off.
Thursday -- Scouting the Huskies
Friday -- Top 10 MSU women's basketball moments of the season
Saturday -- Road Warriors feature
Sunday -- Elite Eight Q & A with an MSU player
Monday -- Michigan Tech vs. Minnesota State matchup comparison
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