swok34
11-06-2002, 06:18 PM
Might as well get this party started http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/smile.gif
State Farm Tip Off Classic
All games in Knoxville, Tennessee
From http://www.womenscollegehoops.com/picks11.10.02.htm
Louisiana Tech vs. Texas Tech
We imagine Coach Sharp and her staff had quite a time trying to scout LT who welcomes 9 newcomers to join only 4 returning letterwinners as well as having a new coach. Still, we all expect Frierson and Ford will be themselves and the backcourt will be solid as well. Also be aware that LT has very few chances for high quality wins on their schedule and this is one of them (only 5 games against last year's NCAA field). Lt's division one experience (3 JC's among the newcomers) is somewhat limited and while Tech's strength is defense, so is Texas Techs'. The Lady Raiders are picked by many (us too) in the top 5 due to their returning players, most notably Pierson. Also, Lady Raider's backcourt matches up well with LT's. Look for the Lady Raiders to run a bit on LT as athletically, TT is superior. As long as Raiders not too cocky (can't think they will be), they should win this one. Texas Tech 72-60.
Oklahoma vs. Tennessee
Last year's season's ending #2 facing this year's pre-season #2. Obviously, OU lost four very high quality players and in all probability they will be going through a rebuilding year this season. Still, all is certainly not lost as Jackson and Hill are potential Big 12st team players and JC guard Maria Villarroel is likely to be a force from the start. However, OU's dilemma is lack of experience and their normal run and gun style won't work here. Yet, if they play slow, UT's frontcourt will dominate the boards. Vols experience and depth a big difference in this one. Lawson may find herself very busy with Jackson, but in the paint, Vols clearly outnumber Sooners. In addition, Frosh Zolman may offer new option for Vols and make OU's defense play further out than they would like. Tennessee 91-70.
State Farm Tip Off Classic
All games in Knoxville, Tennessee
From http://www.womenscollegehoops.com/picks11.10.02.htm
Louisiana Tech vs. Texas Tech
We imagine Coach Sharp and her staff had quite a time trying to scout LT who welcomes 9 newcomers to join only 4 returning letterwinners as well as having a new coach. Still, we all expect Frierson and Ford will be themselves and the backcourt will be solid as well. Also be aware that LT has very few chances for high quality wins on their schedule and this is one of them (only 5 games against last year's NCAA field). Lt's division one experience (3 JC's among the newcomers) is somewhat limited and while Tech's strength is defense, so is Texas Techs'. The Lady Raiders are picked by many (us too) in the top 5 due to their returning players, most notably Pierson. Also, Lady Raider's backcourt matches up well with LT's. Look for the Lady Raiders to run a bit on LT as athletically, TT is superior. As long as Raiders not too cocky (can't think they will be), they should win this one. Texas Tech 72-60.
Oklahoma vs. Tennessee
Last year's season's ending #2 facing this year's pre-season #2. Obviously, OU lost four very high quality players and in all probability they will be going through a rebuilding year this season. Still, all is certainly not lost as Jackson and Hill are potential Big 12st team players and JC guard Maria Villarroel is likely to be a force from the start. However, OU's dilemma is lack of experience and their normal run and gun style won't work here. Yet, if they play slow, UT's frontcourt will dominate the boards. Vols experience and depth a big difference in this one. Lawson may find herself very busy with Jackson, but in the paint, Vols clearly outnumber Sooners. In addition, Frosh Zolman may offer new option for Vols and make OU's defense play further out than they would like. Tennessee 91-70.