Weekly Release #8
12/24/2001 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Upcoming Schedule
Friday, Dec. 28 -- vs. Illinois (Crisler Arena), 7 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 30 -- at Purdue (West Lafayette, Ind.), 2 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 2 -- vs. Michigan State (Crisler Arena), 7 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 6 -- at Wisconsin (Madison, Wis.), 1:30 p.m. CST
| Illinois (7-3) at #13 Michigan (10-1) | |
| When | Friday, Dec. 28 (7 p.m.) |
| Site | Ann Arbor, Mich. (Crisler Arena/13,751) |
| Television | UMTV (channel 22 on Comcast) |
| Radio / Web | WTKA (1050 AM) / TBD |
| Series Record | Illinois leads, 27-16 |
| Last Meeting | Michigan, 74-60 (2/11/01 at Ann Arbor, Mich.) |
| Coaches | Michigan -- Sue Guevara (Saginaw Valley, 1982) Overall: 103-54 (6th season); at U-M: same Illinois -- Theresa Grentz (Immaculata, 1974) Overall: 584-230 (27th season); at Illinois: 123-75 (7th season) |
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| #13 Michigan (10-1) at #7 Purdue (9-1) | |
| When | Sunday, Dec. 30 (2 p.m.) |
| Site | West Lafayette, Ind. (Mackey Arena/14,123) |
| Television | None |
| Radio / Web | MGoBlue.com will link to Purdue's broadcast |
| Series Record | Purdue leads, 34-12 |
| Last Meeting | Purdue, 74-55 (3/3/01 at Big Ten Tournament, Grand Rapids, Mich.) |
| Coaches | Michigan -- Sue Guevara (Saginaw Valley, 1982) Overall: 103-54 (6th season); at U-M: same Purdue -- Kristy Curry (Northeast Louisiana, 1988) Overall: 63-16 (3rd season); at Purdue: same |
12th-Ranked Wolverines Open Big Ten Campaign
The No. 12 University of Michigan women's basketball team, owner of a school-record 10-game win streak, prepares for the beginning of the "real" season this week as the Maize and Blue open up the Big Ten campaign against two of the best from the conference. Michigan (10-1) hosts Illinois (7-3) in the conference opener for both teams on Friday (Dec. 28, 7 p.m.) at Crisler Arena. It does not get any easier for the Wolverines on Sunday (Dec. 30, 2 p.m.) when they travel to Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Ind., for a meeting with No. 7 Purdue. The Boilermakers open their conference slate at No. 15/18 Wisconsin on the same night Michigan meets Illinois.
The Story
Michigan's opening weekend of Big Ten action will provide a stiff test for a Wolverine team that has won 10 straight ballgames since suffering a season-opening defeat at then-No. 6 Louisiana Tech on Nov. 16. Illinois, which was swept by the Wolverines in the teams' two meetings last season, has won four of its last five, including a 74-53 win over Missouri in its last game, on Dec. 22. On the other hand, Michigan was swept in its three meetings last season with Purdue, including a 74-55 defeat in the semifinals of the Big Ten Tournament. Purdue fell just three points shy of its second national title in three years last season when it dropped a 68-66 decision to Notre Dame in the national championship game. The Michigan-Purdue game pits the preseason Big Ten co-favorites according the conference coaches in addition to a pair of teams entering this week's action with winning streaks of 10 and nine games, respectively.
Best Start
Michigan's school-record 10-game win streak has resulted in this season's Wolverines gaining the best start in school history through 11 games. The 1998-99 Wolverines won nine of their first 10 before dropping their 11th game of the season for a 9-2 mark. This year's Wolverines won their 11th game, defeating Oakland 71-42 at Crisler Arena on Friday (Dec. 21) to run their season mark to 10-1.
Highest Ranking
After a home win over Oakland (71-42, Dec. 21), Michigan inched up another spot in both national polls, ranking a program-best 12th in the Associated Press and USA Today/ESPN Coaches' polls released Monday (Dec. 24). The Wolverines, who were listed No. 17 by AP and No. 20 by the coaches in the preseason rankings, have moved up in each of the six regular-season coaches polls, and U-M has improved or held its position in the writers poll in each of the last five weeks.
The No. 12 national ranking in both polls is the highest ever for a Michigan team in either poll. Prior to Sue Guevara taking over the Wolverine program on an interim basis for the 1996-97 season, Michigan had never earned a Top 25 ranking, but Michigan debuted at No. 22 in the Associated Press poll on Feb. 28, 2000, in Guevara's fourth season. Michigan's preseason Top 25 recognition by both polls this season was the first such occurrence in the program's history. Michigan is the second highest ranked Big Ten team, with Purdue checking in at No. 7 in both polls.
On the Air
Michigan's contest vs. Illinois will be televised on UMTV with Doug Karsch calling the play-by-play and Brian Hartley providing color commentary in addition to a radio broadcast on WTKA AM-1050 with Dennis Fithian calling the action. The Wolverines' battle with Purdue will be available over the Internet with MGoBlue.com providing a link to the Purdue webcast.
The Scouting Report
Illinois -- Illinois (7-3) has won four of its last five, including a 74-53 win over Missouri on Dec. 22 in its last outing ... Illinois is 0-1 vs. ranked opponents this season, dropping a 91-69 decision to then-No. 4 Oklahoma (Dec. 16) ... 6-4 sophomore center Iveta Marcauskaite is the Ilini's leading scorer with 16.2 points ... 6-2 sophomore forward Cindy Dallas leads Illinois in rebounding (9.3) ... Illinois on the Internet: www.fightingillini.com.
#7 Purdue -- Purdue (9-1) has won nine straight since dropping its season opener to then-No. 4 Oklahoma (80-75) ... Purdue's last game was a 63-61 win at DePaul (Dec. 17) ... 6-2 sophomore forward Shereka Wright is the Boilermakers' leading scorer (17.9) ... senior forward Laura Meadows leads Purdue in rebounding (7.6) ... Purdue's opponents are shooting just .360 from the field ... Purdue on the Internet: www.purduesports.com.
Michigan-Illinois, Last Season
Michigan enters its game vs. Illinois having won four straight over the Fighting Illini over the last two seasons and five of six over the last three seasons. Michigan and Illinois also opened up last season's Big Ten campaign against one another at Huff Hall in Champaign, Ill. Michigan used a second-half comeback to gain a 68-57 victory that was paced by 18 points from Jennifer Smith (Lansing, Mich./DeWitt HS). The Wolverines also defeated Illinois 74-60 at Crisler Arena as Alayne Ingram (Lansing, Mich./Waverly HS) tallied 14 points and a game-high eight assists.
Michigan-Illinois Series
Michigan has won six of the last 10 over Illinois after winning just one of its previous 10 meetings with the Fighting Illini. Illinois still holds a 27-16 overall lead in the series.
Michigan-Purdue, Last Season
Purdue had the Wolverines' number in 2000-01, beating the Maize and Blue in all three meetings. Michigan dropped a 65-54 decision at Crisler Arena (Dec. 30) in front of a national television audience on CBS despite 15 points off the bench from LeeAnn Bies (Lakeview, Mich./Lakeview HS). Alayne Ingram proved she was ready to take over the point guard duties for this season after producing 20 points and nine assists in place of an injured Anne Thorius in Michigan's 73-64 loss at Mackey Arena (Feb. 4). A meeting in the Big Ten semifinals (March 3) gave Michigan one more chance at the Boilermakers, but Purdue controlled the game from start to finish, winning 74-55 despite 16 points from Raina Goodlow (Detroit, Mich./Dominican HS).
Michigan-Purdue Series
Purdue has won four straight from the Wolverines after Michigan had taken three of the previous four decisions from the Boilermakers. Purdue now holds a 34-12 advantage in the all-time series.
Wolverines vs. Final Two
Michigan's game at Purdue will mark the second game the Wolverines have played against a participant in last season's national championship game between Notre Dame and Purdue. Michigan dispatched defending national champion Notre Dame 78-63 on Dec. 2 at the College Women's Basketball Showcase at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Mich.
Common Opponents
Michigan and Purdue have each faced two teams during their non-conference schedules this season. Each team has defeated defending national champion Notre Dame, with Purdue earning a 70-57 win over the Fighting Irish at Mackey Arena on Dec. 6. That Purdue win came four days after Michigan beat Notre Dame 78-63 in Grand Rapids, Mich. Both the Wolverines and Boilermakers traveled to Baton Rouge, La., for a tilt vs. nationally ranked LSU. Purdue beat the Lady Tigers 70-54 on Dec. 2, while it took Michigan two overtimes to beat LSU 86-81 on Dec. 16.
Wolverines vs. NCAA Competition
Purdue marks the sixth opponent the Wolverines have faced this season that made last season's NCAA Tournament. The Wolverines are 4-1 against that field.
Michigan vs. 2001 NCAA Tournament Teams (4-1)
Date Opponent Result Nov. 16 at #6 Louisiana Tech L, 66-81 Dec. 2 vs. #23 Notre Dame W, 78-63 Dec. 9 at Washington W, 71-70 Dec. 12 at Toledo W, 74-46 Dec. 16 at #21 Louisiana State W, 86-81 (2ot)
Michigan vs. Ranked Opponents
The matchup with Purdue on Sunday will mark the fourth game this season vs. a ranked opponent for the Maize and Blue. After opening its season with an 81-66 loss at then-No. 6 Louisiana Tech (Nov. 16), Michigan bounced back to beat then-No. 23 Notre Dame 78-63 on Dec. 2 in Grand Rapids, Mich. Michigan also has an 86-81 double-overtime win at then-No. 21 LSU (Dec. 16) to its credit this season.
U-M vs. Ranked Teams in 2001-02 (2-1)
Date Opponent Result Nov. 16 at #6 Louisiana Tech L, 66-81 Dec. 2 vs. #23 Notre Dame W, 78-63 Dec. 16 at #21 Louisiana State W, 86-81 (2ot)
Michigan vs. Preseason Top 25
Michigan's win over 21st-ranked LSU on Dec. 16 was its third win of the season over a team ranked in the preseason Top 25 of either the Associated Press or USA Today/ESPN Coaches' Polls. Michigan, which was a preseason No. 17 selection by the AP and No. 20 by the coaches, is 3-1 against that field this season. Purdue will be the fifth such opponent of the season for the Wolverines
Michigan vs. the Preseason Top 25 (3-1)
Date Opponent (AP/Coaches) Result 11/26 at Louisiana Tech (6/6) L, 66-81 12/2 vs. Notre Dame (15/14) W, 78-63 12/9 at Washington (19/17) W, 71-70 12/16 at Louisiana State (NR/21) W, 86-81 (2ot)
Michigan Dominates Oakland, Runs Win Streak to 10
The Wolverines took a little while to get going, but a 37-17 second half helped Michigan to a 71-42 win over Oakland on Friday (Dec. 21) at Crisler Arena. The victory was a school-record 10th straight and pushed Michigan's season mark to 10-1. Jennifer Smith led Michigan with a season-high 22 points to go with eight rebounds as the Wolverines held Oakland to a mark of .237 from the floor. LeeAnn Bies added a game-high 12 boards while Stephanie Gandy (Detroit, Mich./Northern HS) chipped in 15 points off the bench for the second consecutive game. Freshman Katrina Mason (Detroit, Mich./Murray-Wright HS) also played solidly off the bench, scoring a career-high 11 points and grabbing seven rebounds in just 14 minutes of action.
Wolverines Streaking
Michigan has bounced back from its season-opening loss at then-No. 6 Louisiana Tech to win 10 straight games. The Wolverines' current streak breaks the previous school mark of nine consecutive wins, which was set by the 1998-99 and 1999-2000 Wolverine teams. The 1999-2000 Wolverine team finished with a school-record 22 wins and placed a program-best second in the Big Ten regular season. That team dropped an 85-71 decision at seventh-ranked and eventual Big Ten champion Penn State before ripping off nine straight wins to close the regular season and open the Big Ten Tournament. Eventual Big Ten Tournament champion Purdue snapped Michigan's streak 74-59 in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals.
What Does She Say
As was the case last season, Michigan is gaining a reputation as a second-half team, especially after turning a 13-point halftime deficit (32-19) into an 86-81 double-overtime victory at then-No. 21 LSU on Dec. 16. Michigan is outscoring its opponents by a modest 33.5-31.3 margin in the first half, but has been a different team coming out of the locker room. The Wolverines have outscored their opponents 39.6-29.2 in the second half, including a 42.4-25.4 advantage in their last five games. Michigan has scored 40 or more points in the second half six times this season and in three of its last five games, including a 52-point outburst in the second half of an 81-59 win over Washington State on Dec. 7.
Bies Watch
LeeAnn Bies added 21 points to her career-best 15 rebounds in Michigan's win at LSU (Dec. 16) to run her team-best season mark to five double-doubles and career total to 16. Additionally, Bies has scored in double figures in nine of the team's 11 games and shares the team lead in that category with Jennifer Smith.
Bies' Double-Doubles This Season
Date Opponent Pts-Rebs 11/18 at Detroit 24-11 11/29 vs. Marquette 11-12 12/2 vs. #23 Notre Dame 18-12 12/9 at Washington 27-11 12/16 at #21 Louisiana State 21-15
Smith as a Starter
Sophomore center Jennifer Smith has played her best basketball of the season since replacing Raina Goodlow in the starting lineup at the power forward slot. In addition to recording her first two double-doubles of the season with 16 points and 11 boards at Toledo and 19 points and 10 rebounds at LSU, Smith has averaged 15.2 points and 9.0 rebounds in her six games as a starter after averaging 9.8 points and 5.2 boards in her first five games of the season coming off the bench. While the increased role has led to more shot attempts, Smith has also upped her shooting percentage at the same time. Smith, who shot .500 (18-36) during the first five games, has shot .524 (33-63) as a starter. She is shooting a team-best . 927 (38-41) from the free throw line for the season.
SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
Defending Champs Go Down Again
For the second time in three years Michigan has defeated the defending national champion. In addition to this season's win over Notre Dame (78-63) on Dec. 2, the Wolverines defeated then-defending national champion Purdue 74-67 on Jan. 8, 2000, before the home crowd at Crisler Arena and a national television audience on CBS. Current Wolverine Raina Goodlow added 10 points in the win over Purdue.
Ingram Breaks Mark
Senior guard Alayne Ingram, who is playing both guard positions this season, became the Wolverines' all-time leader in three-point field goals with her first of three triples in the win over Notre Dame (Dec. 12). Ingram, who now has 147career trifectas, passed the mark of 134 that was set by Michigan's current director of basketball operations Molly Murray, who played for the Wolverines from 1995-98. Ingram is also fifth on the career list with 304 assists and eighth with 1,165 career points.
Guevara's 100th Win Puts Her in Elite Company
Michigan sixth-year head coach Sue Guevara, who became the Wolverines' all-time winningest coach earlier this season with a 67-52 win over Detroit on Nov. 18, reached 100 career wins at Michigan and overall as a college head coach with a win at Washington on Dec. 9. Guevara became the 14th coach in Big Ten women's basketball history to reach 100 wins during her tenure at a conference school since the Big Ten began including women's sports in 1981-82. Guevara's current career mark is 103-54.
Winningest Coaches at Big Ten School (since 1981-82, through 12/9/01)
| Rank, Coach | Wins | |
| 1. | Rene Portland, Penn State (22nd season) | 491 |
| 2. | Karen Langeland, Michigan State (24 seasons) | 376 |
| 3. | Vivian Strigner, Iowa (12 seasons) | 269 |
| 4. | Don Perrelli, Northwestern (15 seasons) | 251 |
| 5. | Nancy Darsch, Ohio State (12 seasons) | 234 |
| 6. | Lin Dunn, Purdue (nine seasons) | 206 |
| 7. | Jim Izard, Indiana (12 seasons) | 188 |
| 8. | Ellen Mosher-Hanson, Minnesota (10 seasons) | 172 |
| 9. | Debbie Wilson, Ohio State (8 seasons) | 157 |
| 10. | Jane Albright, Wisconsin (eighth season) | 142 |
| 11. | Edwina Qualls, Wisconsin (10 seasons) | 131 |
| 12. | Theresa Grentz, Illinois (seventh season) | 121 |
| 13. | Tara Van Derveer, Ohio State (four seasons) | 110 |
| 14. | Sue Guevara, Michigan (sixth season) | 100 |
Triple Double
For the first time this season Michigan had three players earn double-doubles in points and rebounds in the win at LSU on Dec. 16. LeeAnn Bies' 21 points and 15 boards, Jennifer Smith's 19 points and 10 boards along with Stephanie Gandy's 15 points and 12 boards gave Michigan its own version of the triple-double.
Big Ten Honor
Dominant is the best way to describe the recent play of junior center LeeAnn Bies, who earned Big Ten Player of the Week honors for her performances against Washington State and Washington (Dec. 3-9). The preseason All-Big Ten selection averaged 22.5 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks, which included torching Washington for a career-best 27 points in the win over the Huskies.
On the Glass
Next to free-throw shooting, much of Michigan's early success can be attributed to its work in the rebounding department. The Wolverines lead the Big Ten in rebound margin (+11.6) after collecting their second-best team total of the season with 54 in the win at LSU (Dec. 16). Michigan has outrebounded its opponents in nine of 11 games this season and in the last six straight, including a 62-rebound effort in the win over Washington State on Dec. 7. Michigan's 62 rebounds in that game are the third highest single-game total in school history.
Top U-M Team Single-Game Rebounding Totals
68 vs. Eastern Michigan, 11/30/93 65 vs. Slippery Rock, 11/29/86 62 vs. WASHINGTON STATE, 12/7/01 61 vs. Indianapolis, 11/28/87 61 vs. Wisconsin, 2/14/92
Schedule, Part 1
The Wolverines will be road warriors in 2001-02 with nine of their first 10 games on the road and just 10 total home tilts among their 27-game regular-season schedule.
Schedule, Part 2
Michigan, which set a school record last season with five victories over ranked opponents, will face eight 2001 NCAA Tournament teams a total of 11 times in its regular-season schedule, including contests against the defending NCAA champion (Notre Dame) and national runner-up (Purdue). Michigan beat Notre Dame 78-63 on Dec. 2 at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Mich., and will face the Boilermakers twice (Dec. 30 at 2 p.m. CST, Feb. 17 at 5 p.m.). Michigan has already faced two 2001 Elite Eight teams this season, beating Washington 71-70 (Dec. 9) in Seattle, Wash., and losing at then-No. 6 Louisiana Tech 81-66 in its season opener (Nov. 16).
WOLVERINE PROBABLES (Stats through 12/21/01)
Pos No Player Yr. Ht. PPG RPG F 1 Tabitha Pool Fr. 6-1 9.9 5.0 F 54 Jennifer Smith So. 6-3 12.7 7.3 C 44 LeeAnn Bies Jr. 6-3 16.7 9.0 G 40 Alayne Ingram Sr. 5-7 13.8 4.1* G 4 Susana Jara Sr. 5-7 2.8 2.3* * assists per game
2001-02 Top 25 Polls (12/24/01)
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Contact: Rich Marion (734) 763-4423
