Game #33 vs. Sacred Heart (NCAA First Round)

It's been two weeks since our last game and it's also a monumental game as once the ball is thrown up it will mark the most games the team has played in school history. Let's also hope we extend that streak to 38 games.

Today's opponent is Sacred Heart winners of the Northeast Conference. They went 26-4 during the season and are riding a 10-game winning streak. Among the common opponents were Monmouth, Central Connecticut State and Mount St. Mary's which they went 5-0 against. Monmouth was their closest game in that stretch.

The Pioneers have four ladies that are 6'1 and taller. The problem is that only Walker and Sowinski have seen playing time in almost every game. Sacred Heart Roster

As a team they average 72 ppg, while only giving up 58.1. They attack the glass grabbing 40.5 rebounds, and their opponents grab 37.2. They shoot 42.6 from the floor and 30.3 from behind the arc. They allow their opponents to shoot 37.5 and only 29.3 from three. I haven't seen them play so I don't know if it's their defense or the level on competition. (Although when they played Ohio State, the Buckeyes dominated them by 27 rebounds and shot over 50%)

Amanda Pape is their best player as she averages 18 ppg and 7.4 rpg. She's a 5'8 guard, but doesn't shoot that many 3s, so I assume she slashes to the hole and helps out on the glass. Jasmine Walker is the best rebounder as she is the only other player grabbing over 7 a game. Walker is also foul prone. Nicole Rubino is the shooter on the team as she has made 34% of her 3s. Kerri Burke runs the point, but isn't afraid to shoot. Mary Rush is the fifth starter, but she doesn't do much.
Sacred Heart Stats

Keys to the Game

Dominate early and often. We can't give them any hope that they have a shot, so that means play defense and score at will.

Control the glass. We have the height advantage at almost every position so we should get almost every rebound.

Force the tempo. Some of these lower seeds like to slow the game down to keep it close. Grab the ball and go.

Toliver regaining her shot. She struggled a little bit in the ACC Tournament and we need her to return to her old form.

A healthy Shay and Crystal. Hopefully Shay's thigh bruise is gone and Crystal's knee is healthy.

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