Women's Basketball | 11/30/2015 3:44:00 PM
ELLENSBURG, Wash. (Nov. 30) – The Central Washington University women's basketball team opens its Great Northwest Athletic Conference schedule with a pair of games this week. The Wildcats host Northwest Nazarene (1-4) on Tuesday before heading out to Billings, Montana to play Montana State University Billings (2-3).
"It's kind of weird having just one day in between games," CWU Head Coach
Jeff Harada said. "It is a quick turnaround, even though we play at home. We have to get up early, grab the bus to Seattle and fly over to Billings to get ready to play there. That's why it is difficult to win road games. Everyone has to travel and we look to preserve over that and focus on the task at hand."
The Crusaders enter the week with a 1-4 record and are on a four-game losing streak. In three of their four losses, the Crusaders failed to tally 70 points. Northwest Nazarene's lone win on the year came against the University of Central Missouri, 88-63. Lexi Tubbs leads NNU, averaging 13.2 points per game. Raquel Jardine is the Crusaders' leading rebounder, pulling in 5.8 boards a game.
The Wildcats are 9-26 all-time against Northwest Nazarene. Central snapped an 18-game losing streak against NNU last season with an overtime victory in Nampa, Idaho.
Montana State Billings has only scored more than 70 points once, tallying 82 against Chadron State on Nov. 27. Alisha Breen leads MSUB with 19.4 points per game and is averaging a team high seven rebounds per game.
The Yellowjackets are shooting .359 from the floor, averaging 64.4 points per game. Montana State Billings' defense has allowed 67 points per game and is being out rebounded 32.8-31.2.
Central is 9-22 all-time against MSUB, losing six of the last seven meetings. Last season, the Wildcats split with MSUB after pulling out a victory in Billings.
"Billings is another strong, physical team," Harada added. "We were able to go in last year and get a win, but they paid it back taking a win here in Nicholson. Billings is always a tough place to play and I expect it to be another battle."
The 2015-16 season marks the fourth consecutive season the Wildcats have opened with a 4-1 record. Central is outscoring opponents 65-52 and out rebounding opposing teams 38-31.
Jasmin Edwards and
Jasmine Parker are both averaging over 11 points per game. Parker is leading the Wildcats in rebounding, pulling in 8.6 boards per game.
Edwards currently ranks among the best in the NCAA Division II in dishing out assists. The Lynnwood, Washington native is averaging 7.2 assists per game, putting her 7th in the nation. She has recorded 36 assists and is averaging a team high 11.4 points per game.
"It's two big games for us this week. It's two games that, if we play to our potential, I think we will have a chance to win," Harada noted. "If we can win it will give us a head start on conference. If we want to compete in the GNAC this year these are games we need to play well in."
The Wildcats' defensive ability has been touted this season and for good reason. Central Washington enters the week ranked 13th in Division II in points allowed per game by holding opposing teams to just 52 points per game. The Wildcats have added 21 blocks (11 from Parker), 40 steals (13 from Edwards), and 134 defensive rebounds to their resume already. Central has also pulled in 57 offensive rebounds, helping limit opportunities for opposing teams to score.
"You always want to start conference strong," Harada aid. "Being able to get two wins in December before we get to the meat of the schedule in January helps in a confidence standpoint and it helps in the standings."
Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesday. Live stats and video will be available on wildcatsports.com
