Game #11: @ Northern Iowa

Today is game nine in a span of 19 days and the fourth different city during that span. The schedule is ridiculous, but it will only make the team better prepared for the postseason. First-ever trip to Northern Iowa and I am pretty sure we will face a huge crowd. The game can also be listened to and watched through Northern Iowa's website.

The Panthers are 2-4 with wins over Miami (OH) and Illinois-Chicago. They have lost to Minnesota, Weber State, Iowa State, Washington. The losses to the teams from the power conferences have been somewhat close including a 6-pt overtime loss to Iowa State.

Looking at their roster, they don't seem to have a ton of height with only four players at 6' and taller and none taller than 6'1.

They are led by 6' forward Tara King, who does a little bit of everything for them. She's averaging 20 ppg, nearly 7 rpg, and shoots it well from behind the arc. It looks like she is their main three-point threat. Next is Jessie Biggs, who I gather is their point guard, and is second on the team with 14 ppg and leads the team with 6.8 rpg. She is also nearly automatic from the FT line, having only missed 3 all season. Lastly there is Megan Keefe, a 6'1 forward who is prone to foul trouble. She's averaging 11 ppg, but only 3.3 rpg.

Everyone on the team has shot at least one three-pointer, so we have to be prepared for that. They tend to turn the ball over a lot, just not as much as we do (or have in the past). Judging by their opponents' three-point shooting percentage (.192), I gather that they play a zone and force teams to shoot.

Keys to the Game

Establish our inside presence. UNI seems content to stay outside the paint and we need to attack that area to take them out of their zone.

Handle the crowd. I expect that we will face a crazy crowd like at MTSU, but this time we need to handle it better.

Get that early lead. 3 games in six days is a lot, and a big lead will allow us to rest players more frequently.

Guard the three-point line. With everyone on their team capable of shooting a 3, we can't be lazy on defense.

Articles

Des Moines Register

Baltimore Sun

Globe Gazette

Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier

Northern Iowan

The Diamondback

USA Today - Talks about Marissa and SWG