Doron Sends Harvard Packing Again, 89-65

Four years ago, Harvard's coach dreamed of having a young Jewish girl from New York play for her in the NCAA Tournament. That dream never came true and today in Hartford it became her nightmare. Shay showcased her freshman year form today as she hit a variety of shots from all over the court and led the team in scoring with 21 points. The win moves us on to a rematch with Mississippi on Tuesday and extends our non-conference win streak to 31. Fourth straight year of advancing to the second round of the tournament (only one other ACC team has done that - Duke).

The team came out tentative and with a new starting line up. Sa'de started over Kristi to help Toliver relax and not feel some much pressure. In case you haven't noticed Kristi has been down on herself the last few games and it was affecting her play. Sa'de's insertion wasn't the cause for the tentativeness, just a long lay off.

In the end, we saw the return of the running game. Remember that? That was back in November and December. I thought we lost that part of our game.

Time for the second course - some Rebels from Mississippi.

Recap|Box Score | Notes | Photo Gallery

Positives

The line up change. Toliver needed to know she wasn't invincible and that she was hurting the team. Sa'de brings emotion and speed and doesn't look for her shot.

The running game. We took the ball off the rebound and attacked Harvard before they could set up. Fast breaks equal easy points.

Shay. She's playing like she doesn't want to lose again as a Maryland player.

Coleman. She went after rebounds and played with fire. Shorts were a bit short from further away, but she will fix that.

Jade and Aurelie. With Harper struggling again, both filled in amicably in the post.

Neutral

Sa'de. I like how she ran the ball up the court and showed emotion, but I want her to drive to the hoop more and create her shot.

Langhorne. Seemed frustrated with the double teams and was forcing shots. Rebounded tough though and made some great outlet passes to start the break.

Toliver. Took the benching in stride, then tried to shoot her way back into the starting line up. The second half she played more in control and wasn't just firing up shots.

Negatives

Harper. Where have you gone 2006 Laura Harper? Another game of little offensive production. She has to be more than a shot blocker and foul collector. Maybe it's time to start Jade.

Lack of rotation on the zone defense. we left the far corner open for skip passes and wide open shots.

Half-court offense. No spacing and a bunch of people standing around watcing Crystal get double teamed. Also we stood around and settled for jumpers instead of attacking. Are we afraid to get hit? Did the lack of calls in other games make us shy?