Hawkeyes Have Little Time to Enjoy Win over Ohio State
By Kif Richmann
After an emotional win over #20 Ohio State on Saturday, the now #16 (AP) Iowa Hawkeyes (14-3, 2-2) women’s basketball team must immediately refocus for the toughest Big Ten opponent so far: #9 Michigan State.
The Spartans come into Thursday’s matchup in East Lansing with a 15-1 record and a 3-0 mark in conference play. MSU’s only loss comes at the hands of an extremely talented Baylor team.
Iowa's Jaime Printy led the Hawkeyes with 25 points on 8 of 10 shooting Saturday against the Buckeyes (AP photo via daylife.com)
Iowa head coach Lisa Bluder talks about the upcoming game against #9 Michigan State
Iowa guard Jaime Printy discusses preparing for MSU and reflects on win over Buckeyes
Iowa will enter the game feeling positive having won two in a row, but that seems like a minuscule next to MSU’s current win streak, which sits at 15 games. Iowa will need an entire team effort if it o hopes to stop the run by the Spartans.
Iowa always relies heavily on the 3 pointer, and if they can shoot as well as they did against the Buckeyes, the Hawks should give MSU a serious run. Iowa shot 8-19 behind the arc on Saturday, including 2-2 from Jaime Printy and 3-6 from Kamille Wahlin.
Morgan Johnson, the interior stand out for Iowa, will have her work cut out for her, as the Spartans boast a pair of talented forwards in Kalisha Keane and Lykendra Johnson. Keane, a senior, averages over 16 points a game, and junior Johnson leads the Big Ten in steals (43) and is sixth in the Big Ten in total blocks (23).
MSU can also shoot the deep ball, as guard Taylor Alton in 17-30 from 3 point range. Her .567 3 point shooting is the best in the conference.
Expect another rain of 3 pointers from the Hawks, as they did against Ohio State. If the 3 point buckets a draining the net, it will open up more in-the-paint opportunities and allows Iowa’s quick guards to be able to drive to the hoop.
Iowa Women’s Basketball Team Set for Showdown with Buckeyes
By Kif Richmann
Last year the Iowa Hawkeye women’s basketball team made to the championship game of the Big Ten Tournament. They lost a heart-breaker to OSU.
Now the AP #21 Hawkeyes (13-3, 1-2) get a chance at payback, as they welcome the #20 Ohio State Buckeyes (10-4, 1-1) to Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Saturday. Not only is this a big game in the Big Ten, it is also bobble-head night for Iowa’s star guard, Kachine Alexander.
Tip off is scheduled for 3 pm, and the game will be featured nationally on CBS.
Iowa's Kachine Alexander will have her work cut out for her on her own bobblehead night. (photo via NCAA.com)
Iowa head coach Lisa Bluder talks about rivalry game with OSU
Bluder discusses slowing down Big Ten leading scorer and rebounder Jantel Lavender
Kachine Alexander on last year’s Big Ten championship and matchup against Samantha Prahalis
Ohio State’s offense starts with 6’4″ center Jantel Lavender, who leads the Big Ten in points-per-game (24.5) and total rebounds (158). Keeping Lavender under control will fall to more than one player, as the Hawkeyes will likely put a double team on Lavender whenever possible.
Iowa’s 6’5″ center Morgan Johnson will likely shoulder most of the Lavender duty, as Johnson is the only player on the Hawkeye roster taller than Lavender. Hawkeye fans should be enthusiastic about this matchup, as “Not in my House” Johnson is third in the Big Ten in blocks, averaging 2.4 per game.
On the perimeter, two of the best and most passionate competitors in college basketball will duel, as Iowa guard Kachine Alexander will face OSU’s Samantha Prahalis, a fiery and often opposing-fan-aggravating opponent.
Although Prahalis’ fierceness and passion has made her into a top guard in the Big Ten, she can be frustrated into making mistakes. If Alexander can deter Prahalis enough, expect a turnover or two and even a possible foolish foul from Samantha.
As Iowa will have a tough interior challenge against a big Buckeye team, Bluder’s bunch will likely rely heavily on 3 point shooting. Expect Iowa, which has attempted more 3 pointers than any Big Ten team (396), to live or die behind the arc. (FYI- #2 in Big Ten 3 pts attempted is Michigan with 334, 62 less than the Hawks.)
Iowa will need shooters Jaime Printy, Kelly Krei and Kamille Wahlin to be on point in order to get past the Buckeyes.
Wait For It…
By Jordan Kabialis
(AP Photo/Bob Child)
The UCLA men who set the all time Division 1 Basketball record with 88 consecutive wins in 1974 may soon have to share that record with the women from the University of Connecticut. The Huskies have now won 87 consecutive games, moving to within one game of the all time record.
UConn reached 87 last night with a 79-47 victory over Marquette at home in Storrs, Connecticut. 6,989 packed Gampel Pavilion to watch the #1 ranked Huskies. UConn was lead, once again, by senior guard Maya Moore. Moore, who became UConn’s all-time leading scorer in their previous win against Sacred Heart, scored 31 points last night (24 in the first half); along with 8 rebounds and 5 blocked shots.
The UConn women will now have to wait until next Sunday to get a crack at the all time record, having the week off for final exams. When they take the court in an attempt to tie the all-time record, they will have to face the 6th ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. Win number 88 will not come easy for the Huskies but is certainly possible. The game will be played at Madison Square Garden in New York and will be aired on ESPNU at 1:00 central time December 19, 2010.
How the Tables Have Turned
Kate Constable
Carver Hawkeye was packed tonight as the Iowa Women’s Basketball Team took on number 17 ranked, Iowa State. With both teams being ranked in the top 20, the win was not going to come easy for either team.
This game has been greatly anticipated ever since last years match when the Cyclones crushed the Hawks on December 10, 2009, in an 85-66 defeat. Kelsey Bolte scored 19 points leading the Cyclones to victory.
With Kelly Krei, Jamie Printy, Morgan Johnson, Kamille Wahlin and Kachine (Kash) Alexander starting, this year looks as if the outcome will be a bit different.
The hawks came ready to play, starting the first few minutes strong. After a somewhat slow start, the Hawks went on a 15-0 run. Morgan Johnson added 4 points with aggressive post moves. Kash also took it strong to the basket for an “And one”.
Hawk fans were roaring tonight at Carver with 6,364 in attendance. The atmosphere was intense while chants were being exchanged between Hawk fans and the small section filled with red and yellow shirts.
Despite the Cyclones small run to keep the game within ten points, fans went crazy as Whalin scored with 20 seconds left, putting the Hawks up 26-21 at halftime.
After a 20-point performance against Kansas State, Printy went into halftime with zero points and four turnovers. However, her teammates were there to pick up the slack. The Hawks out rebounded the Cyclones 20-14, seven of which were offensive boards.
The Hawks came out after halftime with much more intensity than the Cyclones. Three steals early on, two by Kash and one by Printy, gave the Hawks a small run. Printy came out strong with an extra spark of energy; after three assist to Johnson, resulting in baskets, she was beginning to look more like herself.
Iowa shut down the Cyclones in the second half, giving them only 19 points. As the clock ran out, the Hawkeyes took the victory, 62-40.
The Hawks will take on South Dakota State, December 18th at South Dakota.
#18 Iowa Hawkeyes overcome Halftime Deficit, beat K-State
By: Nick Fetty
The 18th-ranked Iowa women’s basketball team rolled to 8-1 after beating the previously undefeated Kansas State Wildcats 68-62 in front of more than 7,000 fans in Carver-Hawkeye Arena Sunday afternoon.
Iowa women's basketball coach Lisa Bluder has the #18 Hawkeyes off to an 8-1 start (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
The Hawks got off to a bit of a slow start scoring just 13 points in the first 10 minutes but they maintained the lead throughout most of the first half. Sophomore guard Jamie Printy drained a three with just five minutes left in the half, giving Iowa a 21-13 lead and forcing the Wildcats to burn their first timeout.
The timeout must have been just the thing the Wildcats needed because they went on a 16-4 rally in the final 5 minutes of the half, claiming a 29-25 lead going into halftime. Junior guard Kamille Wahlin had a hard time finding her rhythm in the first half, making just 1 of 8 field goal attempts accounting for just 2 of her 4 first half points. Printy had a very accurate first half, going 4-5 from the field and racking up 9 points.
After what head coach Lisa Bluder described as a “lackluster” first half performance, the Hawks found their groove in the second half. Iowa regained the lead 4 minutes into the second half and held on to it for the rest of the game. The Hawks almost had a scare in the final minutes of the game when K-State pulled it to within 3 but precise free throw shooting (16-19 all game) helped to keep the Hawkeyes’ undefeated home game streak going.
Printy was once again the Hawks’ top performer, finishing with 20 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists. Sophomore center Morgan Johnson also had an impressive game, posting 13 points, 6 rebounds and 5 blocks.
The Hawks went just 2-8 from behind the arc all game and all 8 of those attempts came in the first half.
“Today we got high percentage shots,” head coach Lisa Bluder said. “We also got to the rim with some good penetration, too.”
The Hawkeyes take on the #19 Iowa State Cyclones in Carver-Hawkeye Arena this Thursday. This will be the first time ever in the series that both teams come into the contest ranked. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.
Iowa Women’s Basketball team moves to 5-0
By: Nick Fetty
A battle between two undefeated teams took place this afternoon as part of the KCRG-TV9 Hawkeye Challenge when the 4-0 Iowa Hawkeyes took on the 3-0 Central Michigan Chippewas. The Hawks won 90-79 against a persistent Chippewa team.
Lisa Bluder has her team at 5-0 and in the top 25 (Jason O. Watson/US Presswire)
Bluder’s Bunch started off strong, forcing the Chippewas to burn their first timeout less than four minutes into the game with Iowa leading 16-5. However, Central Michigan was no push over keeping the game within a possession or two throughout most of the first half. The Chippewas even tied it up at 44 with just under three minutes left in the half. The Hawks managed to regain the lead, making it 50-47 at half time.
Jamie Printy had a nearly perfect first half going 5-6, putting up 13 points and going 3-4 from behind the arc. And Kachine Alexander was well on her way to a double-double sinking 8 points and raking in 8 rebounds. The team however struggled at the line in the first half, making just 6 of 13 free throws.
The Hawks found their grove in the second half and they held on to the lead for the rest of the game. Alexander had a double-double in the second half alone, posting 12 points and pulling in 10 rebounds and was named tournament MVP.
Morgan Johnson was named to the All-Tournament team after putting up 21 points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks against the Chippewas. Printy didn’t have as strong of a second half but still finished with 18 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists.
“I’m extremely happy with this win. I thought Central Michigan was a very good basketball team,” head coach Lisa Bluder said in the post-game press conference. “For the second game in a row, we were one point away from having five people in double figures.”
The team’s next game is against the James Madison Dukes as part of the Caribbean Challenge in Cancun, Mexico on November 25th.
Bench play drives Hawkeye Victory over Bradley
By: Mike Rabon
Hannah Draxten (AP Photo/Charlie Neiberga via Hawk Central)
The Iowa Hawkeye women put on a show in Carver-Hawkeye Arena defeating the MVC foe Bradley 91-53. Five Hawkeyes scored in double-digits including Hannah Draxten, who has finally returned to the team with a clean bill of health. Draxten drained three 3-point baskets during the game and provided a needed impact from the bench.
Megan Considine played a significant role from the bench tallying 4 points, 1 assist and 3 steals. Coach Bluder was encouraged by the play of Draxten and Considine considering Center Morgan Johnson has struggled to find a rhythm in the early stages of the season.
Guard Jamie Printy led all scorers with 21 points, including a perfect 9-9 from the charity stripe. Kelly Krei showcased her dynamic abilities by sinking numerous floaters in the lane and carving up the Bradley defense. Kamille Wahlin continued to play well by accruing 17 points and 5 assists.
The beauty of this win for the Hawkeyes was the contributions from players other than All-American candidate Kachine Alexander. Kach contributed with 14 points and 5 assists but was most dominant on the defensive side of the court. Her 3 steals and focus on locking down Bradley sharpshooter Katie Yohn helped the Hawkeyes gradually extend the lead during the game. Alexander is the epicenter of this basketball team and the team always revolves around her play. When Printy, Wahlin, Krei, Draxten and Considine can play at a high-level it removes the pressure Alexander must burden game- in and game- out. Alexander’s electric attitude and eccentricities create energy for other players and facilitates improvement.
Morgan Johnson was unable to establish a post- presence on Tuesday and garnered her 3rd foul only minutes into the Second Half. Fortunately, the Hawks were not in desperate need for her services due to superior guard play throughout the games entirety. If Iowa wants to compete with Ohio State for the Big10 crown her performance must improve. Johnson scored 5 points, had 3 turnovers and 4 fouls.
The Hawkeye women will compete in the Hawkeye Challenge this weekend starting with Northeastern on Saturday. The #23 Hawkeyes will likely play the winner of Northern Colorado and Central Michigan on Sunday.
Hawkeye’s Women’s Basketball Set to Take Center Stage this Winter
By Kif Richmann
Last year Lisa Bluder took the Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball team to the championship game of the Big Ten Tournament. While the Hawkeyes gave the top seeded Ohio State Buckeyes a whirl, they were unable to come away with a Big Ten Tournament title.
Still, when you consider how banged up the Hawkeyes were, losing their only senior before the season started and playing without high-energy Kachine Alexander during seven games of the regular season, a three seed and second place finish in the tournament was dynamite.
- Kachine Alexander (Photo via Campus Sports Connection)
Now the Hawkeyes enter the 2010-11 season with all kinds of preseason expectation. AP has them ranked #22 and the ESPN/USA Today coaches poll has the Hawkeyes pegged at 25th.
The Hawkeyes are returning every single one of their starters from last season. Here is what the starting five should look like this season.
PROBABLE STARTERS:
KACHINE ALEXANDER- Guard: First of all, the Hawkeyes are returning “Little-Miss-Hustle”, Kachine Alexander for her senior season. Alexander, listed at all of 5-9, led the Big Ten in rebounds, was named to the all-Big Ten defensive team, first team coaches all-Big Ten,and Big Ten Tournament all-tournament team. Expect an outstanding leadership year from Alexander, and as always, expect her to be the hardest working player every time the Hawkeyes take the court. I said repeatedly last year that she was the most entertaining winter-sports athlete to watch. That includes the entire women’s and men’s basketball team, and, anyone on the national champion wrestling team. You want entertainment this winter, go check out Kachine Alexander.
KAMILLE WAHLINE- Guard: The Hawkeyes also return a 3rd team all-Big Ten selection in Wahline. Another 2010 all-Big Ten Tournament selection, Wahline has become a regular face for the Hawkeyes over the past two seasons. As a freshman in 2008-09, Wahline played in all 32 games, and started the final 14. As a sophomore, she was third team all-Big Ten and academic all-Big Ten. During 2009-10, Wahline’s 84 treys tied the team record for three points made in a season and set the school record for threes by a sophomore.
MORGAN JOHNSON- Center: Want defense? Last year Johnson not only led the Big Ten in blocks, she broke both the school and freshman record for blocks in a season with 79. She set a school record for blocks in a game against Minnesota, and led Big Ten freshmen in rebounds, field goals, and..uh…BLOCKS!!! Expect a heavy dose of NOT-IN-MY-HOUSE from Johnson in year two.
KELLY KREI- Forward: Yet another all-Big Ten tournament team selection and all Big Ten academic. Krei (pronounced Cry) was named the Hawkeyes Most Improved Player for 2009-10. As role player who fits well into coach Bluder’s aggressive, kick out based system; Krei played an important role in ball movement and helping the exterior player find open looks. Aggressive defender, Krei also led the team in steals.
JAMIE PRINTY: Guard: Bluder’s fast paced style usually features three starting guards, which allowed Printy to step up last year and capture Big Ten freshman of the year . Printy set school freshman records for points(501), and three points made(99). Probably even more important, Printy also set a school freshman record for assists, which probably makes coach Bluder sleep well at night. (If coaches actually slept.) With her skills as a passer and a scorer, Printy will play a big role in her second year at Iowa.
BENCH:
Guards Trisha Nesbitt, Megan Considine and Theairra Taylor all saw significant time last year, and will be expected to contribute again in 2010-11.
Senior forward Kelsey Cermak played in all 34 games last year, including two starts. As a veteran in Bluder’s system with a few solids performances last year, she will be expected to fill in again to give Krei and Johnson a breather.
KRUI Sports Blog 