ELLENSBURG, Wash. – The Central Washington University women's basketball team returns to Great Northwest Athletic Conference play this weekend in Monmouth, Oregon. The team takes on Western Oregon on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. Then on Saturday, the Wildcats are in Portland, Oregon for a game against Concordia (Ore.) at 2:00 p.m.
GAME INFORMATION
Thursday, Jan. 3 | 7:00 p.m. PST
at Western Oregon
Monmouth, Ore.
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Live Stats
GAME INFORMATION
Saturday, Jan. 5 | 2:00 p.m. PST
at Concordia (Ore.)
Portland, Ore.
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Live Stats
QUOTABLE
"The break was good for this group on many levels but we are excited and ready to get back on the court and compete," CWU Head Coach
Randi Richardson-Thornley said. "Our team came back from Christmas break re-energized and motivated to improve heading into conference play. We understand the importance of coming out and competing at our highest level each night in the GNAC. This will be a great test for our group on the road to set the tone."
SCOUTING WESTERN OREGON
Western Oregon finished ninth in the GNAC a season ago, sporting a 7-13 conference record while earning an 11-15 overall mark. In this year's Preseason Coaches' Poll, the Wolves landed in 10th place. It was tough to know much about the Wolves entering the season, as they welcomed seven newcomers to their team.
The Wolves return just one starter from last year's squad in the form of guard Keyonna Jones. As a freshman, Jones helped pace WOU with 6.9 points and 2.8 rebounds per game. Jones is leading the team through its first eight games, averaging 10.9 points per game and 3.9 rebounds per game. Ali Nelke has emerged as Jones' partner in crime, averaging 10.8 points per game and eight rebounds per game.
The Wolves have opened their season with a 4-4 record, going 1-1 in conference play. The Wolves picked up a 66-56 conference win at Saint Martin's on November 29.
Since 2001, the Wildcats own a 25-11 record against the Wolves, winning nine of the last 10 meetings between the two schools.
SCOUTING CONCORDIA (Ore.)
Concordia (Ore) found themselves in the middle of the pack in the GNAC a year ago. The Cavaliers went 8-12 in conference, while owning a 14-14 overall records. The coaches slated the Cavs for sixth place finish in this year's Preseason Coaches Poll, one spot behind the Wildcats.
Unlike the Wolves, the Cavaliers turn towards experience to be one of their strengths. The Cavs feature four returning starters, headlined by unanimous Preseason All-GNAC selection Bailey Cartwright. Cartwright picked up First Team All-GNAC honors a year ago and is the team's leading returning scorer at 13.8 points per game. Senior guard Keesha Sarman returns to the team fresh off a season in which she averaged 7.7 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. Sarman earned Honorable Mention All-GNAC honors for her efforts.
This season, the Cavs are 5-5 with a record of 0-2 in GNAC play. The Cavs collapsed 75-64 against Seattle Pacific on November 29, followed by an 81-68 stumble against Saint Martin's two days later.
LAST TIME OUT
The CWU women's basketball team traveled to California for their final non-conference games of the regular season. On December 15, the Wildcats fell 81-77 to Cal Poly Pomona. The team played another close game two days later against Cal State Dominguez Hills, dropping it in overtime 86-83.
The Wildcats and Broncos played a game that featured seven ties and 14 lead changes. The Broncos turned defense into offense throughout the contest. The Wildcats turned the ball over 17 times, nine more than their opponents. The Broncos outscored the Wildcats 26-4 in points off of turnovers.
There were standout performances in the Wildcat's game against the Broncos.
Alexis Pana led the offensive charge with 19 points, seven assists and four rebounds.
Kaelie Flores also had a great game with 18 points and nine rebounds. The Crimson and Black scored 20 second chance points, 48 points in the paint and were aided by 12 points from the reserves.
The night was filled with clutch shots for both the Wildcats and the Toros. The Wildcats forced a turnover with just eight seconds remaining in the fourth quarter as they trailed 74-72.
Kaelie Flores attacked the basket, scoring a layup with just one second left in the game. The Toros were able to heave a shot at the rim, but the game went into overtime.
Again, the Wildcats trailed by two points with 1:07 left in the first overtime.
Brianna Phiakhamngon missed a layup, but
JonNae Richardson corralled an offensive rebound. Richardson put up another shot and through contact made the basket. She converted the three-point play, giving the Wildcats an 83-82 lead with 54 seconds left in overtime. The Toros' Destinee Williams hit a three-pointer with 30 seconds left, taking an 85-83 lead. The Toros were able to hang on for the narrow win.
WBB D2SIDA POLL UPDATE
The Wildcats own the number five spot in the D2SIDA Women's Basketball Regional Poll.
