It’s a weekend of major implications for every Pacific-10 Conference women’s basketball team. But for Oregon in particular, it’s almost a do-or-die mentality in terms of staying within reach of a third straight Pac-10 crown.
A couple of wins this weekend would propel the No. 22 Ducks (12-5 overall, 5-2 Pac-10) into sole possession of first place at the mid-point of the season. Even one loss, though, would likely drop the Ducks down in the middle of the pack, where the race has never been more competitive (just two games separates the top seven teams).
Oh, by the way, the Ducks will have to do it in the desert, where both Arizona (14-5, 4-3) and Arizona State (13-6, 5-2) have surprised many teams this season.
“We really need these two wins,” senior forward Lindsey Dion said. “It’s a difficult situation, but I think we can make it happen.”
“This is a very important road trip for us,” sophomore point guard Kourtney Shreve said. “We need a couple wins… and we can’t take anyone lightly.”
Returning to McKale Center for tonight’s 6 p.m. matchup brings to mind the Ducks’ historical come-from-behind victory last season on national television. After trailing by 22 points with less than 17 minutes to play, the Ducks conquered the deficit for the biggest comeback win in school history. Shaquala Williams, out for the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament, led the Ducks on that March 4 game with 24 points.
“Our confidence is really good going down there, knowing we had that huge comeback last year,” said head coach Jody Runge, who is 9-7 against Arizona in her eight-year career.
After jumping to the top of the standings with a 4-0 start in the conference, Arizona has lost three straight, most recently to Arizona State, snapping a seven-year winning streak for the Wildcats.
“We got out-hustled and out-played,” Arizona head coach Joan Bonvicini said of the 67-57 Arizona State victory. “The rebounding (42-25 advantage for ASU), I’m surprised we didn’t lose by more.”
All three of Arizona’s conference losses have been on the road.
“We’re going down there to their home, and they’re going to be hungry to win,” Shreve said. “I’m sure they’ll be all over us.”
Leading the ‘Cats charge is guard Reshea Bristol and forward Elizabeth Pickney, who combine for more than 28 points per game. Bristol leads the league in assists with nearly seven per game and steals (3.2). Freshman Aimee Grzyb has been starting for the Wildcats pouring in 8.5 points per contest.
“Arizona is a young team on the perimeter, but they’re very athletic — much like USC,” Runge said. “We have to stop their dribble penetration, and keep them off the offensive boards.”
Having never finished better than fifth in the Pac-10, Arizona State has proven to be the biggest surprise this season. The Sun Devils are tied with Oregon for the top seed.
Three of Arizona State’s starters are transfers this year, with junior Amanda Levens, last week’s conference player of the week, leading the way with 14.4 points per game.
The Ducks have an 11-game winning streak against Arizona State, with the Devils’ last victory coming on Jan. 28, 1995. Oregon holds a 24-8 all-time series advantage.