Texas 66, ISU 65

[mred]

Mary Cofield misses a 3 at the buzzer for the Cyclones.

[Texas]

Awesome! Way to go HORNS!!! What an exciting game. I stayed nervous the whole time. One of the best games yet in the big 12!!!


Way to go http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/ut.gif!!!!

-Texas-

[CyFanRick]

I listened to most of the game on the Texas internet site. Great announcers. I was on the edge of my chair the entire 2nd half. Wish I could have been there. Great game Horns.
Go Big 12
Go http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/isu.gif

[mred]

Of course it's the "best game yet"! Your team won! http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/smile.gif

It did sound like a great game, though. The Texas announcers were very good.

[This message has been edited by mred (edited 01-09-2002).]

[Bobcat4956]

What a game. The cardiac kids pull it off. Stacy Stephens was HUGE down the stretch. Shows how much it helps when your point guard can knock down the open 15-17 foot shot. Way to go Ladies. Beat TT.

[mred]

According to the postgame, Lindsey Wilson was so sick she didn't participate in the shootaround. It sounded like she played well regardless. I don't have the stats in front of me, though.

[carolann]

Angie Welle with back spasms. Lindsey Wilson with the flu. Texas by 1. I'll take it! No team has more completely destroyed the Longhorns during the last couple of years than ISU. This year, the Cyclones have just a few more chinks in the armour.

Lindsey Wilson - I'll take her on my team any time, with or w/o the flu. She looked a little drawn when standing still and I think she missed more free throws than usual. When playing, she did not look like a sick person. She could still shoot the ball at the buzzer with deadly accuracy. You'd have to be very familiar with Wilson's game to see that she was not quite 100%.

Gahan is the silent assassin. When you see the ball leave Wilson's hands towards Gahan in the corner, you know its a basket.

IMO, Bremer provided a bit of the chink in the armour. Bremer can shoot if open, but she was not effective near the basket where the Cyclones really needed her. While the Cyclones had trouble getting the ball to Angie Welle in the post, they often got the ball to Bremer. But the Longhorns could rattle Bremer and get her to cough up the ball.

Generally, I think the Longhorns were able to take ISU away from what they wanted to do a bit. If you can force ISU into their 3rd or 4th scoring options, you might have a chance to slow them down.

I don't know what to say about the Longhorns. A lot of players had a part in the win. Anissa played inspired defense. While ISU shut Schreiber down, Cook took on the scoring load. The Cyclones gave Larkin her favorite shot regularly and Larkin took advantage. Stacy Stephens does more than the stats can ever tell. Other players played their parts as well.

Finally, I should have known better than to put Schreiber on my Hoopla team! After the Colorado game, she is no secret. ISU shut her down. Maybe if the other Longhorns continue to score, other teams will have to ease up on Schreiber a little later in the season.

I am very, very happy that the Longhorns do not play ISU twice in the conference season.

[This message has been edited by carolann (edited 01-09-2002).]

[Texas]

-Stacy Stephens does more than the stats can ever tell. Other players played their parts as well.-

I am going to have to address this since we are in the limelight. I think this is one of the best statements I have read on my short time on this forum (but I know that might not matter much!) I understand that I am a Texas fan, so I tend to brag, but Stacy Stephen's is one of the most significant players in the big 12. The girl is not even quite 6'0 (although she may be listed.) She is the player that you just learn to depend on, which is a huge pressure alone. The girl also grabs a high number of rebounds, which isn't just because of her height. I think she is a traditional "old school," basketball player. I think she is a pleasure to watch personally. Enough about that though, do you really think that a 13.4 ppg average really shows how huge of an aspect to the team she really is???????

Maybe no one cares, but I thought it should be said!!! LOL!

Way to go http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/ut.gif

-Texas-

[Bevo]

OK, I'm going to try to settle down and put my thoughts out in a reasonably coherent fashion. So bear with me.

This is one of the most satisfying wins in the Erwin Center in a long, long time. More on that later. First things first. I have to give credit to the under-the-weather Cyclone team. This is a great team, every bit deserving of their top-10 ranking. They are first-class all the way. It was nice to see them on the court before the game during the playing of the national anthem. The Longhorns always head to the locker room during this section of the pre-game. I'd like to see us stay out there as well. I don't know if ISU just doesn't go in before all there games or not, but I thought it showed class on their part.

Lindsey Wilson in my opinion is the best offensive point guard in the conference. Here is a sequence of three possessions in the first half that just floored me:

1) Texas has made a mini-run to get the score close. The crowd gets on its feet yelling for the defense. In fact, the ISU offense is a bit rattled and the shot clock is winding down. Wilson goes and gets the ball, waves everybody off and penetrates the lane for a pull-up jumper that sits the crowd back in their seats.
2) Next possession, Wilson finds Gahan open in transition for a three-pointer.
3) Next possession, Wilson steps out about 2-3 feet behind the arc at the top of the key, prissy as you please, and nails a three-pointer herself. COLD BLOODED!

The fact that she was playing with the flu I guess explains why she was slowed down a bit in the second half.

ISU had a good defensive game plan against the 'Horns. Paustian shadowed Schreiber all over the court and took her out of the game offensively. The rest of them crowded the lane and gave us the mid-range jumper from the elbow of the lane, which we fortunately were able to hit most of the time.

Now for the Longhorns. So many things impressed me in this game. I'm really eating my words from the Penn State loss. Most of those problems seem to be getting corrected. The offense is finding a flow. We seem to have more movement and purpose, most of our shots are in the flow of the offense. Kenya still gets a bit out of control with the ball at times and has some unnecessary turnovers, but I'm going to lay off of her after her shooting performance in the second half. And by golly, the intensity and will to win is there.

This team is methodical - not an description often associated with Texas basketball. Yes, we're up tempo and play with great defensive intensity, but we get behind by ten points or so and then just work our way back into it. Before you know it, the final minutes of the game roll around and we grab a one-point lead. Then two, three, etc. Just enough for a win.

Yes, Stacy Stephens was huge down the stretch (again). I was worried about my Hoopla! score there for awhile, but she came through nicely for me. http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/wink.gif Tracy Cook also had a good game, keeping us in the first half with some good shots.

When the final shot bounced mercifully off the rim, pandemonium broke loose. You could see the joy and relief on the faces of the players and coaches. Just a great win and a great effort. Even if that last shot had gone in, I would have been proud of the effort tonight. It was nice to see Tracy Cook and Angie Welle, teammates on the Big XII All-Star team this summer, congratulating each other.

No time to rest, however. Tech comes to town Sunday and will be like a wounded bear, I'm sure. Such is life in the Big XII.

Go Longhorns! Beat Tech!!

[CyRox98]

Originally posted by Bevo:
It was nice to see them on the court before the game during the playing of the national anthem. The Longhorns always head to the locker room during this section of the pre-game. I'd like to see us stay out there as well. I don't know if ISU just doesn't go in before all there games or not, but I thought it showed class on their part.

ISU always stays on the court for the national anthem - home or away. When we were at the OU game in Norman last year, an older gentleman came over to us (ISU fans) and wanted someone to let Fennelly know that he very much appreciated our team staying on the floor for the anthem. I'm not some huge patriot or flag waver or anything, but I think the least one can do is be present for the playing of the song.

Great job of coming back by Texas. They worked hard and deserved this win.

[carolann]

BTW, Nell Fortner, Indiana Fever, was at the game, front and center.

[swok34]

texas......Stacy Stephens reminds me so much of Caton Hill and I love watching Caton play.....so I really understand what you mean.....

I tried and tried to trade an OU player for Stacy last year, but no one would trade and I don't have much say in the matter, anyway.....

[Bobcat4956]

Caton Hill is a good player, but she is not Stacy Stephens. I'll take Stephens on my team anyday. Blue collar from East Texas all the way. Love that intensity. She may be only 6 ft., but she is VERY strong physically and can jump. Way to go Stacy.

[Bevo]

Rumor has it that Angie Welle went to take her shower after the game last night, took off her jersey, and much to her surprise, found Annissa Hastings in it. http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/biggrin.gif

[Jennifer]

Originally posted by Bobcat4956:
Caton Hill is a good player, but she is not Stacy Stephens. I'll take Stephens on my team anyday. Blue collar from East Texas all the way. Love that intensity. She may be only 6 ft., but she is VERY strong physically and can jump. Way to go Stacy.

And you could just as well be describing Caton. Their games are VERY similar, but their roles on their teams are quite different, w/ Stacy seeming to be more of the glue on her team.



[This message has been edited by Jennifer (edited 01-10-2002).]

[Texas]

When is Texas going to recruit a true post?

Awesome job by the announcers for the game.

I agree that she is a lot like Caton Hill! Little bit of difference on the team role, but overall both a pleasure to watch!


Way to go http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/ut.gif!!!!!!!

-Texas-

[This message has been edited by Texas (edited 01-10-2002).]

[carolann]

Caton Hill/Stacy Stephens

Uh,oh. Can't we all stay friends http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/frown.gif ? I enjoyed Chipper's description of Stacy as possibly 'the guts of the team'. OU and UT are probably similarly dependent on Hill/Stephens. The Horns are awfully small when Stephens is not on the court. Stacy is short for her position but she is by no means 'under-sized'. She can really fill the lane.

[carolann]

[QOUTE]When is Texas going to recruit a true post?[/QUOTE]

Who knows. Ashley Robinson chose Tennessee over Texas. I'm pretty sure Texas recruited Cisti Greenwalt but did not get a visit. I agree with the current Texas strategy. They go after high quality taller posts (6'4" +) who they think will fit into the Texas style of play, meaning the player must have some speed and mobility but the coaches choose quality over height. Texas has made mistakes before recruiting tall players who couldn't contribute. I think Mercedes Williams can be a good 'five' player for Texas. Connecticut is an example of a team doing very well with three 6'2" front court players getting the bulk of the playing time and no player taller than 6'3".

[Bobcat4956]

Of course we can all stay friends. Different opinions is what this is all about. BUT, Caton Hill is (in my opinion) not as talented a player as Stephens. That is all I was saying. She is a similar type player and she is a very important part of the OU team. And OU is without a doubt the best team right now in the Big 12. Stacy played at Winnsboro High School 15 miles from where I grew up. I saw her play in high school, and as far as Ashley Robinson is concerned, if I had to choose between the two, I would take Stacy any day. I said that when I saw the two play in high school. She may not be tall, but she is incredibly strong. She can palm a medicine ball if that tells you anything. And she is one white girl who CAN jump.

[carolann]

Bobcat, you're right. I wouldn't trade Stephens for Ashley Robinson but I wouldn't mind having both.

Its funny, really. During the last few years, Texas has yet to be beat by height alone. We beat NC State with Summer Erb, Oregon with all those redwoods, Nebraska with Leonhardt (don't mention her to Chipper), and Colorado with both Hartshorn and Bjorklund. Wisconsin and USC who we played this fall are also big teams. Yet, most of us, myself included, can't help yearning occassionally for the 6'5" superstar player.

[metromaniac]

The Caton Hill--Stacey Stephens debate is like trying to compare apples and oranges. Both are great but have very different qualities.

Stacey is a low post player and rebounder exclusively. Caton also floats out to the arc and nails 3's at a .398% (43-108) coming into this year. I doubt if Stacey has shot 5 3's in her life.

Suffice it to say both play hard, all the time, and on game day gut and grit it out in their own different ways.

IMO, one is more a 5 and the other more a 4, with an occasional 3 quality.

If we start dissecting all the great players against one or two others in the Big 12 in this forum, we will be traversing down a slippery slope of probable incitement of bad blood. Without a doubt they both are indispensible to their respective teams and this great conference.

Let's just let 'em play and do their own things.

[Texas]

I had the pleasure of being around Ashley R. when she was being recruited. Personally, I am not that upset that she went to Tenn. I think she would be a huge impact for the Texas team and a great defensive impact. However, I agree with Bobcat as in I would take Stacy over Ashley any day. I also got to see Stacy play in high school. She absolutely dominated high school! Also, Winnsboro has a good coach by the name of Buddy Hawkins, who has gone to the state championship for 4 straight years now! By the way, how is Ashley doing for Tenn?????????

I think it is Stacy Stephens not Stacey, can someone clarify that?

[This message has been edited by Texas (edited 01-10-2002).]

[metromaniac]

Ashley tore her ACL last July and is just now trying to get back---think she has played in about the last three games. Not yet up to her full self again.

[Bobcat4956]

You are correct about Buddy Hawkins being a great coach. One of my best friends, Jerry Smith, coached Buddy in high school. He has done a great job with the Winnsboro program. And for Ashley Robinson, I would have loved to have had her at Texas. Caton and Stacy are both very important to their teams. No argument there. I just know who I would rather have on my team. Go Lady Horns. Beat TT.

[cyfanatic]

Am I the only one wondering what Cofield was doing with the ball for the last shot?

[Bevo]

Originally posted by cyfanatic:
Am I the only one wondering what Cofield was doing with the ball for the last shot?

ISU basically had no other choice. Texas was not about to let Wilson get a shot off. Larkin was guarding her and two other Longhorns rushed at her as she began to drive, leaving Cofield wide open. Asha Hill was on Gahan, Welle had fouled out, so the open Cofield was really the only option that Wilson had for the pass. My heart was in my throat when the ball went up, knowing how deadly all the Cyclones are from three.

[swok34]

hmmmmmmmm.............

texas......Stacy Stephens reminds me so much of Caton Hill and I love watching Caton play.....so I really understand what you mean.....

I can't understand what part of this quote I wrote earlier could have offended anyone about either player......last year, I loved watching Stephens play BECAUSE she reminded me so much of Caton in her freshmen and sophomore years. Given that Caton is playing out on the wing so much THIS year and has a different role, everyone is right. I would still like to see these 2 play together on the same team........I can dream, can't I?

[Texas]

I agree that it is fun to dream! LOL. Anyway, I am going to have to go with Cyfanatic's question. What was Cofield doing with the ball for the last shot? That was the first, and only shot, the whole night. Someone should have better sense than that. Don't you practice this situation all the time? Even if my best man were guarded tight, I would still go with the best man!

[This message has been edited by Texas (edited 01-11-2002).]

[swok34]

maybe ISU thought they would throw off the Texas defense and pass to a player who hasn't shot all night.....i.e. leaving her open and unguarded.

[metromaniac]

Wouldn't it have been nice to have Erica Junod over there for that last shot. Looks like that injury is causing problems, especially when other starters are sick or dinged up. I do agree with the theory that Wilson or Gahan should have been taking it to the hole or shooting this last shot. Fennely may have been trying to show confidence in his players or ,,,----Maybe he didn't see Hoosiers!!!!

[Bevo]

I'm telling ya'll, Wilson had THREE defenders on her and Cofield was WIDE open. Nobody was even close enough to run at her when she took the shot. Credit the Texas defense for forcing Wilson to give up the ball. Even then, we were at the mercy of an uncontested three pointer from the ICBM Cyclones (as Chipper calls them).

[carolann]

Bevo's telling the truth. I will say that Wilson waited as long as possible to give up the ball. She brought the ball up the floor with total confidence, obviously a player who expects to win. Also, Cofield may have been open but she had only a split second to shoot.

[mred]

That's what I figured had happened. I'd rather have an open shot from Cofield than a wild shot from Wilson. Unfortunately for ISU, it didn't fall.

[b12fan]

It didn't fall. I was there. It should not of come down to that shot. This scenerio is so typical of this Longhorn team. They hang in and give themselves the opportunity to win. If one key player is covered up and focused on another one will step up. That is the difference. Their three leading scorers do the fundamentally strong aspects of the game and then the others contibute what is necessary to keep them close and then in the last four to five minutes the leader of the game will step up. There appears to be no jealousy and this bunch of ladies want to win and expect to win. The crowd was very into the game and that should only be more escalded on Sunday at l:00. Congratulations to the coaching staff especially the Colorado comeback. They found the combinations that were vital down the stretch. :ut:

[mred]

Hey b12fan, how are you related to Heather Schreiber? I notice you share a last name and a hometown, and I figure that's not a coincidence.