Bluejays' WBB Hits Road for Final Two Regular Season Contests
2/26/2015 3:25:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Radio: 1620 AM - Glen Sisk (Play-by-Play)
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Creighton and Georgetown met for the first time last season, beginning the series in dramatic fashion as the Bluejays posted a 65-63 (ot) win on Jan. 1, 2014. Creighton has also won the last two meetings, both in Omaha.
Georgetown is in the midst of a 12 game losing streak, dating back to Jan. 9. The Hoyas four victories have come in short bursts, taking two the first three as well as two of the three games following the first meeting with the Bluejays.
Freshman Dorothy Adomako has been the driving force behind Georgetown this season, leading the team with 13.4 ppg and 6.9 rpg.
The Bluejays held Adomako to 13 points and just four rebounds in the first meeting.
The Hoyas are a significantly better team at home, claiming all four of their victories in the confines of McDonough Arena.
One of the downfalls for Georgetown this season has been the propensity to give the ball away. The Hoyas average 18.9 turnovers per game.
Keys to the Game w/Georgetown:
- Battle on the Boards: Georgetown's Yazmine Belk grabbed 19 rebounds in the first meeting. Creighton, however, was outrebounded by just two (46-44).
- Battle in the Post: Brianna Rollerson had 14 points and 14 rebounds in the first meeting. The Bluejays need a strong option in the post to offset Georgetown's height.
- Take advantage of Turnovers: The Bluejays scored 19 points off turnovers in the first meeting.
Series with Villanova
The Bluejays and Wildcats met for the first time last season. Each team posted a victory on its home floor. Villanova, however, took the series edge with a 65-61 win over the Bluejays in early January.
Scouting Villanova (16-12, 10-6 BIG EAST)
Villanova is 13-5 since getting healthy in late December. The key to the Wildcats is pace of play. When Villanova controls the pace of the game, the Wildcats are extremely difficult to beat.
As a team the Wildcats like drain the shot clock and score from long range, Villanova has sank 254 treys already this season (the second most in the BIG EAST).
Two starters that have keyed the Wildcats improved play are Emily Leer and Caroline Coyer. Villanova's best post presence, Leer has played in the last 18 games (12.1 ppg). Caroline Coyer leads Villanova in points (367) and assists (124).
Villanova leads the NCAA in fewest turnovers per game this season, a category the Wildcats also dominated last year. The Wildcats spread the ball around and have multiple threats from beyond the arc, averaging over nine treys per contest.
Defensively Villanova is also a strong, disciplined team that allows just 55.3 points per game.
Keys to the Game w/Villanova:
- Control your own turnovers: Against a team as disciplined as the Wildcats, the importance of taking care of the ball skyrockets.
- Play ahead: Villanova is in its comfort zone once the Wildcats have the lead. That makes coming from behind against Villanova something to avoid.
- Control the Glass: Villanova's desire to minimize possessions makes rebounding all the more important as it can create additional opportunities. In the first meeting the Bluejays won the glass, 31-28.
Johnson Shines in Return on Senior Day
Returning to the court for her swan song, senior Taylor Johnson scored seven points and grabbed five rebounds in seven minutes on senior day against Marquette (Feb. 22).
Following the Bluejays' win, Johnson as well as fellow seniors Sammy Jensen and Alexis Akin-Otiko were honored.
Always the Bridesmaid
For the seventh time this season, senior Alexis Akin-Otiko was recognized for her performance by the BIG EAST Conference. She, however, just missed the Player of the Week honor, settling for the BIG EAST Honor Roll.
Alexis helped the Bluejays nearly pull off the upset over DePaul before falling by two, then keyed the lopsided win over Marquette by
averaging 16.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game.
On the Road Again
With a chance to finish anywhere from sixth to third in the BIG EAST, there is no place like the road for the Bluejays. Yes, Creighton may prefer the road for these critical final two games. The Bluejays have won their past three games on the road as well as four of their past five
