|
Phillips, Musketeers Out-muscle Jackrabbits
3/20/2011
On a Sunday afternoon at the Cintas Center, it was a day for focus. The Musketeers made sure there would be no doubt against 15th seeded South Dakota State, out of the Summit League – not like there was at times last year in a tight matchup with East Tennessee State in the first round. There was determination and frustration at the same time in the opening half, but the Muskies stuck with it, pulling out a decisive 72-56 victory.
Right from the get-go, it looked like it could be a replay of last year, when East Tennessee State hung around. The Jackrabbits from SDSU hit some early threes to keep them in the game. It looked like they could give Xavier a run for their money on their home court.
“This is a whole different year. East Tennessee State was last year,” said Special Jennings, “And basketball is a game of runs. They made some shots, but we just kept working and made ours.”
Xavier kept working the whole game, never changing their pace or intensity, despite the fact the Jackrabbits continued to hang around. When the Muskies fell behind early, they quickly rallied on a 12-0 run, including 8 straight points by center Ta’Shia Phillips. Ta’Shia ended up being the star of the day, scoring 27 points with 15 rebounds, while completely dominating the game in every facet. She and Amber Harris helped hold two of SDSU’s four leading scorers to a combined 11 points.
“It’s hard to make up for that kind of height and skill,” Jacks senior Kristin Rotert said, “You can’t just out jump someone that is that athletic. They can just play straight up, one on one, and control the paint.”
That height and dominance inside left the Jackrabbits reeling. Amber Harris scored 16 and grabbed 12 rebounds, as Xavier outrebounded SDSU 45-26. That included 16 offensive rebounds for the Musketeers and just 4 for the Jacks. With that kind of dominance on the boards, it didn’t matter that Xavier committed a few more turnovers than SDSU. They essentially held them to one shot every time down the court, and played smothering defense that held the Jackrabbits to 35.3% shooting.
Before Xavier dominated, though, there were obvious struggles. SDSU managed to hit a few threes and went on an 8-0 run to keep within striking distance. With 3:27 left in the half, Xavier only led 30-26.
“Over the course of the game, our defensive pressure and rebounding allowed us to pull away from them,” said head coach Kevin McGuff.
“We just kept wearing on them,” Ta’Shia Phillips stated, “We stuck to our game plan: balance on offense and tenacity on defense.”
Xavier did just that. No more evident than in the last minute of the first half, which really changed the game. Amber Harris came up with a big block, and Xavier went into its half court offense. With time ticking down on the shot clock, Special Jennings weaved her way through the defense and was fouled on a runner that ended up rolling in. It was a play that ignited the crowd, and the team. She sunk the free throw, pushing the lead to 39-30 with a little over 30 seconds to go in the half. Xavier then came up with a tough defensive stand, and led by 9 at halftime.
Tyeasha Moss took over to start the second half, knocking down two quick shots, as Xavier opened up a 44-30 lead. Before long, Xavier pushed the lead all the way to 21, its largest of the game. But, it was all ignited by Special’s play at the end of the first half. She would finish with 10 points, a game high 4 assists.
“Special was outstanding,” said coach McGuff, “She was efficient on offense, and had great intensity on defense. She managed the game incredibly well, and I’m just proud of our team.
“It will be a physical game on Tuesday against Louisville. They looked terrific earlier today, and we need to be good in transition to keep up with them.”
Seventh seeded Louisville and Xavier already met once this season, at the Cintas Center, where the Muskies prevailed 71-59. If they show the intensity that they did today, Xavier should be ready for the game. How focused were they? With the game well in hand, and under 6 minutes to go, Amber Harris was frustrated with herself for missing a put back. She slapped her hands together and shook her head in disgust.
There’s no contentedness in these Musketeers. They are focused and ready – determined to build on their success from last year.
“Xavier is an awfully good team, and they are deserving of their seed,” said SDSU coach Aaron Johnston, “They will be a tough out.”
|
|
