On the brink of opening its 2000-01 season, the Oregon women’s basketball team has an early progress report as it eyes this weekend’s tournament in North Carolina.
And the Ducks’ grade?
Incomplete, according to senior forward Angelina Wolvert.
“There are still a lot of improvements to be made,” Wolvert said Wednesday after her team beat the National Women’s Basketball League Elite 76-43 at McArthur Court. “I’m afraid we’re going to get complacent.”
The scoreboard made it hard to see what Oregon could do better. However, the Ducks clearly looked out of synch late in the second half.
On the outside, point guard Kourtney Shreve shot 3 of 9 from the field, and her three assists matched her turnovers. In the paint, center Jenny Mowe never got into the flow of the offense and was 1 for 4 from the floor. Ndidi Unaka, whom teammates claim is unstoppable in practice, made 1 of 5 attempts.
There’s no doubt that Oregon must play a more complete game when it faces No. 18 Wisconsin at noon Saturday in the first round of the GlaxoWellcome Invitational at Raleigh, N.C. The winner of that game plays the victor of the game between No. 19 North Carolina State, the host school, and Elon at noon Sunday. The consolation game will be at 10 a.m. Sunday.
“We’re excited to head out on the road,” head coach Jody Runge said. “It’s going to be nice to get out there and test this team.
“If you’re a great team, it doesn’t matter who you play. You have to always play with great intensity.”
The Ducks’ depth at the guard positions may be tested more this weekend than it has all season. Shooting guard Jamie Craighead tweaked a knee in the first half against the NWBL Elite and hardly played in the second half. After the game, team officials mentioned a possible MRI but weren’t sure if the injury would require one.
If indeed Craighead can’t play, it will mean a suddenly increased role for guard/forward Lindsey Dion, who was planning on a slow but steady return from torn knee cartilage.
“I think the plan is to let me play a little more this weekend,” Dion said. “I think I have a sense of urgency because I want to be out there with every tick of the clock.”
“They need to bring it,” Wolvert said, referring to the guards. “They have to be more effective on offense and we all have to be more consistent.”