Women's Basketball Prepares for Cal, Dec. 20
12/18/1998 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Women's Basketball Prepares for Cal, Dec. 20
12/18/1998
Series History
This marks the first meeting between Pittsburgh and California and only the second time the Panthers have faced a PAC-10 opponent. The Panthers hold an 0-1 record versus PAC-10 teams. Pittsburgh previously faced Stanford in 1986-87 at Fitzgerald Field House and lost a 59-49 decision to the Cardinal. California has faced a Big East team seven times and it holds a 3-4 record against the conference.
The Coaches
Traci Waites is 5-2 in her first season as the head coach at Pittsburgh. Waites joined the Panthers after serving the University of Arizona the prior four seasons as an assistant coach, including the last two as associate head coach. While there, Waites was instrumental in the Wildcats' emergence as a Top 10 program, helping them to three straight 20-win seasons and two NCAA Tournament berths.
Prior to Arizona, Waites was the head coach at Santa Monica Community College in Santa Monica, Calif., from 1993-94 after serving the program as an assistant for three years. During her tenure, Waites' teams finished second in the Western States Conference and qualified for the state playoffs each year.
Waites enjoyed an outstanding collegiate playing career, first at Georgia and then at Long Beach State. She played in the NCAA Tournament each of her four seasons and went to two Final Fours. She holds the distinction of being the only player to appear in the Final Four for two different teams.
Marianne Stanley is in her third season as head coach at California and has compiled a 14-45 record. A 19-year coaching veteran, Stanley holds a 394-194 career mark. Her 394 wins rank her 26th among all active NCAA coaches.
In her 19 seasons as a coach, Stanley has guided her teams to 13 postseason tournaments and nine NCAA Tournament appearances. Additionally, she is a four-time coach of the year and two-time national coach of the year honoree.
Prior to California, Stanley served as co-head coach at Stanford from 1995-96, and head coach at Southern California from 1989-1993 and Penn (1987-89). Stanley began her coaching career as head coach of Old Dominion from 1977-1987.
California Dreaming: Pittsburgh has only faced two teams from the state of California in the program's 25-year history, and are 0-2 all-time. The Panthers only other meeting with California schools occured during the 1995-96 season when they faced San Diego State (83-69) and San Diego (61-58).
Big East Openers: With their 55-46 win over Seton Hall Dec. 9, the Panthers improved their overall record to 8-9 in Big East opening games since joining the conference in the 1982-83 season. This includes a 5-3 mark in openers at Fitzgerald Field House and a 3-6 record in away contests.
Prior to last week's victory, Pittsburgh had lost its last three conference openers.
A Quarter Century: The 1998-99 season marks the 25th women's basketball season in Pittsburgh history. Pittsburgh has an all-time mark of 340-336, including two NWIT Tournament berths.
Pittsburgh Streaks: Pittsburgh's 4-0 record to start the season marked the Panthers' best start in 16 seasons. The last time the Panthers opened the season with four wins was during the 1982-83 season when they held a 5-0 record. That year, Pittsburgh opened with wins over Fairmont State (79-59), Ohio University (98-78), National College (93-39), Kent State (59-58) and Akron (72-63).
The Panthers' victory over Penn State this season is also one to note. The win was Pittsburgh's third of the season and the first time the Panthers had beaten the Lady Lions in the last decade. Pittsburgh's victory marked their first over Penn State since the 1988-89 season when they won a 74-70 decision at State College. It was also Pittsburgh's first win over Penn State at Fitzgerald Field House since 1982-83.
Season Openers: The Panthers opened their season for the 15th time in 25 seasons at home Nov. 14. The victory over Robert Morris improved Pittsburgh's record in home openers to 12-3 and 18-7 overall.
Panther Pride: Pittsburgh opened the 1998-99 season on the right track, capturing its own Pittsburgh Panther Invitational. The Panthers have hosted the Invitational 17 times in the past, but this season's championship marks the Panthers' first since the 1994-95 season.
Panther Points: The Panthers opened their season with an 89-49 rout over crosstown-rival Robert Morris. The 89 points scored in the game were Pittsburgh's most since an 90-72 overtime victory over Providence in the 1993-94 season.
Discipline and Defense: The Panthers' emphasis on discipline and defense this season has paid off. Pittsburgh had a solid defensive effort to start the season, and defense proved to be a large factor in its first few victories.
The Panthers forced 27 turnovers, including 14 in the second half against Penn State. In the Invitational, Pittsburgh forced a combined 46 turnovers (23 in each game), including 15 in the first half of the victory over Robert Morris. To date, Pittsburgh is forcing an average of 19.8 turnovers per game.
More on Defense: The Panthers are one of the top scoring defenses in the conference. They rank third among Big East conference teams, allowing their opponents only 57.6 points per game. The only teams with a better mark are Rutgers, allowing 53.7 points, and Villanova, who are giving up 57.1 points per game.
Fabulous Forties: One of Pittsburgh's keys this season is scoring defense. The Panthers are 3-0 this season when they hold their opponents to under 50 points, and are 4-0 when they hold opponents to under 60 points. In victories over Robert Morris, Penn State and Seton Hall, the Panthers allowed only 49, 46 and 46 points, respectively. Versus Miami (Ohio), Pittsburgh allowed 56 points.
Free Shots: The Panthers have taken advantage of their trips to the charity stripe this season. Pittsburgh has converted 62 percent (88-of-142) of its shots from the free-throw line.
The Panthers' top free-thow shooters this season by percentage are Alecia Balich (96 percent, 24-of-25), Monique Toney (89 percent, 23-of-26) and Kortni Webb (72 percent, 13-of-18).
Clutch Performances: The Panthers have been solid from the free-throw line in the waining minutes of the game.
In the final two minutes of the game, Pittsburgh is 26-of-36 (72 percent) from the free throw line. This has been particularly important in close games. Forward Alecia Balich sealed the Panthers' 49-46 victory over Penn State, sinking 4-of-4 free throws in the final 1:17. In Pittsburgh's win over Richmond, sophomore Monique Toney hit two free throws in the last 15 seconds to clinch the 69-66 win.
Keep Coming Back: "Never give up" has been the Panthers' motto in 1998-99. They have rallied from a first half deficit in four games this season to secure victories.
In the Panthers' Nov. 15 contest against Miami (Ohio), Pittsburgh trailed by three at intermission, and went on to score 41 points in the second half for the 75-56 win. Pittsburgh also came back from a 27- 25 deficit to win a dramatic 49-46 victory over intrastate-rival Penn State Nov. 18. The Panthers once again rallied in their road contest with Richmond. They trailed by seven at the half before heading to a 69-66 win.
The Panthers captured their first conference win Dec. 9 despite trailing 25-18 at the half. They sank 37 points in the second half to pull out the win.
Pittsburgh also mounted a furious rally in its loss to crosstown-rival Duquesne. Despite a 34-25 deficit at halftime, the Panthers pulled within three points on three ocassions before suffering the defeat.
Board Crashers: The Panthers have been exceptional this season on the boards, outrebounding their opponent in every game. The Panthers are averaging 41.0 rebounds per game, while only allowing their opponents 33.6. Their rebounding success has placed them among the conference leaders. Pittsburgh is currently third in the Big East in rebounding margin, pulling down 7.4 more rebounds per game than its opponents.
Panther Player Notes
Balich's Best: Senior Alecia Balich has been strong for the Panthers this season. The 6-1 forward has averaged 13.9 points and 5.9 rebounds in Pittsburgh's first seven games.
Balich has scored in double figures six times this season, and registered her first double-double performance of the year against Miami (Ohio) with 13 points and a team-high 10 rebounds.
Balich led the Panthers against Penn State with a game and career-high 20 points, and versus Duquesne with a game-high 18 points. Balich also contributed a game-high 15 points in Pittsburgh's win over Seton Hall.
Magical Morris: Junior 6-7 center Nickeia Morris has been exceptional in her starting role this season. She earned Most Valuable Player honors in Pittsburgh's Invitational, and is second on the team averaging 12.1 points and 9.9 rebounds per game.
Morris had her best performance of the season in the Panthers' win over Robert Morris when she recorded a team-high 18 points and 10 rebounds.
Terrific Toney: Sophomore Monique Toney has been a spark for the Panthers off the bench this season. She is avergaing 8.0 points per game. The 5-5 guard is also averaging 3.0 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game. In the Nov. 24 victory over Richmond, Toney tallied a season-high 14 points and added three rebounds. She has also been strong from the free throw line, hitting 23-of-26 shots, including a perfect 8-of-8 against Seton Hall.
Wonder Webb: Senior Kortni Webb, who contributed off the bench for the Panthers' last season, is taking on a larger role this year. In this season's first seven contests, Webb stepped into a starting role for the Panthers and performed well.
The 6-2 forward averaged 12.5 points during the Pittsburgh Panther Invitational, including a career- high 19 points versus Robert Morris.
Webb is also proving to be a force on the boards. She is second on the team with an average of 8.3 rebounds per game. In the Panthers' win over Seton Hall Dec. 9, Webb pulled down a career-high 14 rebounds and added 12 points for her second double-double of the season. She tallied her first double- double against Duquesne with 11 points and 11 rebounds.
Seeing Doubles: Nickeia Morris has recorded four double-doubles in six games this season, including the Penn State (10 points, 13 rebounds), Robert Morris (18 points, 10 rebounds), Richmond (15 points, 10 rebounds) and Duquesne (12 points, 13 rebounds) contests. Her four double-doubles ties her for first in the Big East.
Morris has also scored in double figures in all but one game this season. She registered 18 points versus Miami (Ohio) and 10 points against Ohio State.
Kat Walk: A spot starter last season, junior Michelle Katkowski has jumped into the Panthers' starting lineup on a full-time basis this season. In her most impressive performance this season, the 5-6 guard scored a career-high 20 points in Pittsburgh's victory over Miami (Ohio). In the second half of the contest, Katkowski sparked a key 22-4 run for the Panthers by scoring nine points. She registered her second-highest point total of the season in Pittsburgh's loss to Duquesne with 12 points and had 10 points against Seton Hall.
Blanton Blast: Senior LaTonya Blanton, Pittsburgh's starting point guard, is leading the Panthers in assists this season with an average of 4.4 assists per game.
Blanton also ranks sixth among conference leaders with 31 assists. She is third in the conference with a 1.92 assist-to-turnover ratio.
Receiving Charity: Senior Alecia Balich has proved to be Pittsburgh's ace from the free throw line this season. Currently, she is a 24-of-25 from the line. Balich was a perfect 22-of-22 heading into the Panthers' contest with Seton Hall, but missed her only shot of the season during that game. She ranks first in the Big East in free-throw shooting and second nationally.
She has also been solid in clutch situations. In Pittsburgh's win over Penn State Nov. 18, Balich hit 8-of-8 from the charity stripe in the final minutes of the game to give the Panthers' a 49-46 victory.
Morris Block Party: Nickeia Morris ranks among the school's best shot-blockers. Morris moved into the top 10 on Pittsburgh's career blocked shot leaders list after the Panthers' loss to Ohio State. Morris recorded a team-high three blocks five times this season, including three versus Seton Hall.
PANTHER CAREER BLOCKED SHOT LEADERSNo. Name Blocks Morris Needs
1. Gail Aughburns. 241 143
2. Wanda Randolf . 211 112
3. Jennifer Bruce. 203 104
4. Connie Hurt . . 189 90
5. Kim Tirik . . . 170 71
6. Jill McElhinny. 162 63
7. Jennifer Shingler.. . 147 48
8. Pam Miklasevich. .. . 142 43
9. Lisa Fubio. . . 136 37
10. NICKEIA MORRIS. 100
On Board with Morris: Nickeia Morris is rapidily moving up the ranks on Pittsburgh's career rebounders list. She jumped into Pittsburgh's Top 20 Dec. 2 with her seven rebounds against Ohio State. After pulling down 13 boards versus Duquesne Dec. 4, Morris moved even further up the list to the 19th spot. She could move even further up the list in the Oakland Tribune Classic this weekend. She only needs 14 boards to rank 18th and 16 to rank 17th.
Morris has 380 (6.3 rpg./60 games) career rebounds in just three seasons. This season, she has tallied a team-high 69 rebounds (9.9 rpg.). Morris led the Panthers with 211 (8.4 rpg.) rebounds, including 141 in Big East play last season. As a freshman in 1996-97, Morris recorded 100 (3.6 rpg.) rebounds, 50 of which came in conference play.
PANTHER CAREER REBOUND LEADERS No. Name Rebounds Morris Needs
1. Wanda Randolf . . 1,107.. .728
2. Gail Aughburns. . 1,007 . .628
3. Jennifer Bruce. . 998 .619
4. Pam Miklasevich . 968 .589
5. Jonna Huemrich. . 954 .575
6. Lorri Johnson . . 908 .529
7. Latia Howard. . . 664 .285
8. Sally Sheerer . . 580 .201
9. Connie Hurt. 551 .172
10. Penny Welsh. 513 .134
11. Jenine Joyce. . . 462 .83
12. Turia Ransom. . . 461 .82
13. Tabatha Long. . . 458 .79
14. Melissa Thompson. 451 .72
15. Carolyn Miller. . 449 .70
16. Jill McElhinny. . 435 .56
17. Kit Loeffler. . . 395 .16
18. Barbara Welsh . . 393 .14
19. nickeia morris. . 380
20. Ellen Gilholley . 365
Nationally Ranked: The Panthers top scorers are receiving recognition nationally, as well as in the Big East Conference. Senior Alecia Balich is second nationally and first in the conference for her 24-of-25 mark from the free throw line. The national leader is Southeast Missouri State's Pam Iverson, who is 24-of-24 from the line.
Junior Nickeia Morris also ranks among the country's best. Morris' 16 blocks (2.3 bpg.) are good enough to rank her 14th nationally. In the Big East, Morris is second to Notre Dame's Ruth Riley (34 blocks, 4.25 bpg.).
Playing Time: Evidenced by the distribution of playing time, the Panthers' upperclassmen are being heavily relied on this season. Pittsburgh's senior and junior classes have accounted for 81 percent of the playing time this season. Junior Nickeia Morris is seeing the most time on the court, averaging 31.6 minutes, while senior Alecia Balich is second with 29.9 minutes per game.
Pittsburgh's Minutes Played by Class Class Minutes Played Percentage
Senior. . . . .703 . . . . . . . . . . . .50%
Junior. . . . .429 . . . . . . . . . . . .31%
Sophomore . . .159 . . . . . . . . . . . .11%
Freshman. . . .109 . . . . . . . . . . . . 8%
Total . . . . .1400. . . . . . . . . . . 100%
On the Horizon: Following the Oakland Tribune Classic, the Panthers are without action until Jan. 2 when they play a string of three conference games in six days. Pittsburgh will have road contests versus Miami Jan. 2 and St. John's Jan. 5. The Panthers will then return to Fitzgerald to host the number-one Connecticut Huskies Jan. 7.