Game 10: Ohio State

For only the second time this year we get two days off between games. Today marks game 10 of 14 in the first month of the season. only 10 more days and five more games until the squad gets a well needed rest.

Today's opponent is Ohio State, the fourth ranked team we have played this year. They are 5-1 with their lone loss coming against Auburn in their last game. The Buckeyes are a defensive-minded team (as are most Big Ten teams) and haven't given up more than 68 points all year (and that was to BU). Auburn was the toughest opponent they have played to date.

OSU is led by National Player of the Year candidate #22 Marscilla Packer. She's a 5-9 guard averaging 17.7 points per game. She likes to shoot the three with 41 of her 72 shots taking place from behind the arc. Once inside the arc she has made 18 of 31 shots. She must be closely guarded. Second of the team in scoring and the leading rebounder is former Maryland recruit Jantel Lavender, who takes the place of departed All-American Jessica Davenport. She is 6-4 and averaging 16.7 and 9.3. She is also a freshman and has yet to go up against the likes of Langhorne and Harper. She is not a great free throw shooter. Helping her out in the post is Star Allen, a 5-11 forward who attacks the boards. We need to use our height to keep her off the boards. She is rotating with 6-2 forward Tamarah Riley. At the guards and lesser scoring options are Ashlee Trebilcock and Shaveile Little. Trebilcock is more of the outside shooter, while Little is more of a distributor.

We need to speed the game up and take care of the ball. Also, attack Lavender in the paint and force Jim Foster to play someone he is not comfortable in the paint. Whoever guards Packer must get tabs on her at all times.

Here's hoping the extra rest will keep us fresh the whole game and allow us to rest the starters late in the game to get ready for the showdown with Rutgers.