Tigers set for Final Four game

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

GREENCASTLE -- For the second time in five seasons, the DePauw University women's basketball team has extended its season.

The Tigers advanced to the Final Four of the NCAA Division III Tournament last weekend after knocking off Calvin Saturday, 74-61.

Through four tournament games, the Tigers have averaged 74 points per contest and have scored 74 points in each game.

On Tuesday, DPU coach Kris Huffman said that late in the game against Calvin Saturday, senior point guard Suzy Doughty turned to her pointing out the Tigers had reached 74 points again.

"Everybody was aware of that," Huffman said jokingly Tuesday.

On Friday, the Tigers may need 74 points again as they prepare to face 10th-ranked Mary Washington.

The Eagles are 30-2 on the season and advanced to the Final Four after knocking Bowdoin, 64-59.

Huffman said Friday's game, which will take place in Springfield, Mass., will be the first between the two schools, to the best of her knowledge.

On Tuesday, Huffman admitted she had not had much of a chance to scout Mary Washington via video, but planned to get more of a look at the Eagles throughout the day and before the Tigers leave today.

"I've watched about 10 minutes (of video)," Huffman said. "They have a great defense and they're a big team."

Huffman said the Eagles' frontline consists of players standing 6-foot-3, 5-10 and 5-9.

In addition, she said Mary Washington will bring two 6-1 players off the bench, making rebounding very important for the Tigers.

"Rebounding is crucial for us," Huffman said. "(The Eagles) are really hurting their opponents (in rebounding)."

The Tigers (29-3) average 41.1 boards per game while limiting opponents to only 31 rebounds. DePauw also has an advantage against its opponents on the offensive glass, grabbing 473 offensive rebounds this year while holding opponents to 343.

However, Mary Washington is averaging 43.6 rebounds per game while limiting opponents to just 34.2 boards per game. The Eagles also have grabbed 476 offensive boards thisyear.

Huffman said the Tigers will also have to take care of the ball against the Eagles.

"We're really going to have to take care of the basketball," she said as Mary Washington has forced 702 turnovers this year.

But the Tigers have only committed 540 turnovers this year.

Offensively, Mary Washington is paced by Debbie Bruen, who averages 13.7. In addition, Liz Hickey avergaes 11 points per game while Sarah Flanagan tallies 10.4 points for a squad that averages 72.2 points per game.

"They're deep," Huffman said of the Eagles. "They're kind of similar to us. We have to be ready to guard a balanced attack."

Mary Washington has five players averaging 6.6 of more on offense.

Mary Washington is also currently riding a 26-game winning streak.

"They've been strong the last four or five years," Huffman said.

The Tigers are scheduled to leave for Springfield today.

"We're trying to treat it like any other game," Huffman said.

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