Lady Bears, Warriors bout for final playoff spot

What: Kutztown Golden Bears @ East Stroudsburg Warriors
When: Wednesday, February 6, 2008 @ 6 p.m.
Where: Koehler Fieldhouse on the campus of East Stroudsburg University

The KU women’s basketball team will be heading to East Stroudsburg tomorrow evening to take on the East Stroudsburg Warriors in a clash of two PSAC East playoff contenders.

Both teams come into the game with divisional records of 2-3 and are tied for the fourth and final playoff spot in the competitive eastern division.

KU, 9-11 overall this season, is coming off Wednesday’s heartbreaking loss to the Cheyney Wolves, generally an automatic two wins in the division. With losses to the three teams currently ahead of them in the divisional standings, KU needs to beat ESU to remain in line for a playoff berth.

ESU, meanwhile, is 8-11 overall this season and coming off a 72-64 loss to division-leading Millersville. The Warriors kicked off PSAC East play by defeating Cheyney and Bloomsburg, but have since dropped three straight to West Chester, Mansfield, and the aforementioned Millersville Marauders.

These teams have quite a history together, particularly over the past two seasons, so it should come as no surprise that there is something on the line this time around. During the 2005-06 season, KU lost by just one point at ESU in the final game of regular season, which allowed the Warriors to claim the PSAC East title. Just four days later, the Golden Bears returned to ESU for the PSAC playoffs where they upset the top-seeded Warriors 55-50.

Last season, the Warriors got there revenge, defeating KU twice, including a 72-48 ass-kicking in the last game of the regular season, officially eliminating the Golden Bears from playoff contention. It was the first time KU missed the playoffs in 12 years.

Probable Starters:
ESU:
F- # 45 – Monika Fogelsanger
G- #11 – Keri Cahill
G- #20 – Mel Villano
G- # 32 – DeAnna Rayam
G- # 43 – Jackie Yandrisevits

Kutztown:
C- # 53 – Mercedes Van Wagner (pictured above)
F- # 23 – Melissa McQuade
F- # 15 – Rachel Weidensaul
G- # 13 – Meredith Starr
G- # 5 – Lara Dellegrotti

Scouting Report:

KU’s success will hinge on its ability to stop Yandrisevits. The junior guard is averaging just over 15 points and 6 rebounds a game this season for ESU. If she has a big day, KU could be in trouble. The Golden Bears are generally an outstanding defensive team, but the Warriors come in with a relatively deep team. Unlike the game against Cheyney, the KU defense will be unable to rely on forcing the Warriors to shoot mid range jumpers and three pointers. ESU is expected to start 4 guards and, despite an average team shooting percentage, open looks from the three point arc could result in a field day for the Warriors.

The Golden Bears will have the size advantage in this game and must use it to their advantage. McQuade, Weidensaul and Van Wagner each need to find ways to score in the lane. Coach Malouf may be tempted to counter ESU with an extra guard on the floor, but KU should try to slow down the game and win by dominating the front court.

Prediction:

If the Cheyney game was a must win for KU, this one is a must-must win. The Golden Bears will fall out of the driver’s seat for a PSAC playoff berth with a loss, forcing them to play catch-up the rest of the season with tough road games at Mansfield, Millersville, and Cheyney on tap. With that said, expect KU to come out as motivated as ever. Van Wagner will have a big day inside, scoring near 20 points and notching a double-double. McQuade will be able to get to the net and will also hit double digits in scoring. KU will contain, but not stop Yandrisevits. ESU will struggle to score, as is usually the case for KU opponents, and despite turning the ball over 10 more times than the Warriors, the Golden Bears will sneak away with a close win.

ESU 59
KUTZTOWN 61