Lady Zags vs USF Dons - Preview Thread

[ZagDad84]

For all of you board readers that thought the game with USF was going to be easy, consider this;

USF took down LMU by 18 on Thursday and LMU had their best player, Cheyanne Wallace playing in the game. While USF is only 8-8 on the season and 1-5 on the road, they have three (3) players averaging in double digits and Rakova is only a half a rebound short of averaging a double-double. She has 7 double, doubles so far this year. They have size and strength on the inside and with Anna Seiland on the outside, they can beat you any number of ways.

The ladies can't have a first half like they did against Portland and hope for a victory. If the ladies leave USF's 3-point shooters alone and hope for a miss, they will lose this game. This game will be won with good defense both inside and outside. We need to get off to a fast start and let the Dons chase us down.

Game day tomorrow ladies.

Buckle up,

ZagDad

[SkipZag]

In league play and with every team bringing their “A” game, you don’t look by any team.

We have seen this team come out slow... and end up loosing a couple of games to teams they shouldn’t have. I would hope the coaches are taking note.

The 4 corners, I get. But if your guards have a hard time hitting the backboard with their 3s, the “D” will still sag. Also all your rebounders are outside. I say keep working with the plays that put our team shooting from the elbow on in... and yes you can do it with the corners if the “D” comes out... IF the ”D” comes out.

LS said that when they had that bad night at the line, that the coaches required them to take 50 free throws before practice. Maybe the same with 3s? Lots of talent... need to work on the positive. Yes I can... Yes I can.

At the end of last nights game we had a opportunity to see our 4 FR in at the same time with JL running the point. That’s what will help this team down the road. Fun to see the future...

Big game Saturday... show them why you are in first!

Go Zags!!

[TerpZag]

WCC-Leader Zags Ready To Host Surging Dons

Both teams playing well as of late


Jan. 12, 2018


Gonzaga Notes

Gonzaga (12-4, 5-0 WCC) vs. San Francisco (8-8, 3-2 WCC)

Jan. 13, 2018 | 2 p.m. PT | theW.tv | 94.1 KJRB FM (Steve Myklebust)
Spokane, Wash. | McCarthey Athletic Center (6,000) | SWX (Sam Adams, Michelle Clark, & Lindsay Joy) | Live Stats


OFF THE BLUFF:

- The Gonzaga Bulldogs used a balanced attack to dispel Portland on the road on Thursday night, 70-56 inside the Chiles Center.
- 10 Zags scored in the game, and GU led 46-29 on the glass. Zykera Rice led GU with 14 points and Chandler Smith finished with 11 points and eight rebounds to lead the Zags.
- GU forced 20 Pilot turnovers for 13 steals and a 23-11 advantage in points off turnovers. Jessie Loera led the Zags with four assists and Rice and Smith had three steals each.
- Gonzaga utilized 23 offensive rebounds, led by Smith and Jenn Wirth who had four each, and Jill Townsend added three to keep possessions alive. GU used their full roster, as no one played over 27 minutes on the night.

NOW IT GETS FUN:

- The Zags have started WCC play with a 5-0 record just 10 times prior in their history, most recently in 2015-16.
- The Zags hit the 5-0 mark to start conference play two seasons ago, and started 15-0 in head coach Lisa Fortier's first season in 2014-15.
- GU started the WCC season 5-0 every year from 2006 to 2011.

SERIES HISTORY:

- The Zags lead the all-time series 39-26 and are 21-10 in Spokane, and 13-2 inside the McCarthey Athletic Center against the Dons.
- Gonzaga enters Saturday riding an 11-game home winning streak in the series dating back to 2007.
- GU's loss in San Francisco in 2016 ended a 21-game win streak in the series the Zags had been on. Over the past five meetings, GU is 3-2 including a dominating 77-46 win over USF in the West Coast Conference Tournament Semifinals last year. GU finished with five players in double-digit scoring in that game, led by Kiara Kudron's 15 points. She was 7-of-9 from the field, and grabbed a game-high seven rebounds. Zykera Rice made six of her seven shots from the field and finished with 13 points. Jill Barta added 12 points, Laura Stockton had 11, and Emma Stach chipped in 10
- Dating back to 2003, Gonzaga has won 29 of the last 34 games, including 14 of 16 in Spokane. At home against USF last year, GU won 61-46 to kick off a 12-game WCC win streak. Kiara Kudron recorded her third double-double of the season and sixth of her career with 14 points and 11 rebounds in that game. Emma Stach led the three charge in the third quarter, and finished with nine points all in that quarter, all behind the arc, as GU hit five threes in the third to take control.
- The best game of the series, and one of the best in Gonzaga history, was a 91-84 four-overtime win on February 7, 2015 in Spokane. The game featured 21 lead changes and 14 ties. The game lasted two hours and 50 minutes with four overtime periods. The four overtimes were the most in WCC history during league play, and it was also the longest game this season at any level of women's college basketball. Keani Albanez led all scorers with 20 points on 6-of-18 shooting from the field. Sunny Greinacher added 19 points and three blocks.
- San Francisco had the majority of their success in the series in the 1990's, winning nine straight from 1995-1998 and eight straight at home from 1992-1999.

SCOUTING THE DONS:

- The Dons are 8-8 and 3-2 in the West Coast Conference, with early wins over Portland and Pepperdine. They went 5-6 in the non-conference beating Cal Poly and San Jose State.
- They are coming off an impressive 78-60 win over Loyola Marymount on Thursday at home. LMU entered the game with their conference loss to the Zags being their only WCC loss.
- Three Dons average double-figures with Anna Seilund leading the way at 16 per game, joined by Michaela Rakova, 11.8 per game, and Kalyn Simon at 10.2 per game. Seilund had a career-high 36 points against Portland.
- Rakova leads them on the glass at 9.4 rebounds per game.
- In conference games only, USF ranks first in three-point field goals made (6.2 per game).
- Molly Goodenbour, a two-time national champion at Stanford, is in her second year leading the Dons. She finished her first year on the Hilltop in 2016-17 with an 18-13 overall record that included an 11-7 mark in West Coast Conference play, good for a fourth-place finish, the Dons' highest since the 2002-03 season...


FRESH FACES:

- Currently, three new Zags, Jenn Wirth, Jill Townsend, and LeeAnne Wirth are making an early impact on the WCC conference. In conferece play they are averaging 18 points per game, eight rebounds per game, and shooting 52.1 percent from the field.

Gonzaga Article Link

[ZagDad84]

From the Slipper Still Fits:

Saturday at home against San Francisco 7-8 (2-2) will be much more of a test. The Dons gave Gonzaga a couple of hard fought games in the regular season and is an upper-echelon team in the conference. What makes this team a threat is leading scorer Anna Seilund, who’s one of the top scorers in the conference. She’s coming off of a career-high 36 against Portland, and 24 points along with the game-winning basket to squeak by Pepperdine. The game plan for the Dons is simple, stop Seilund and the win is theirs.

This is an important week for the women when it comes to the standings. Gonzaga is alone at the top at 4-0, while BYU, Saint Mary’s and LMU right below at 3-1. Going 6-0 to start WCC will confirm the Zag’s position as the best team in the league, with a trip to Moraga coming up.

Article Link: https://www.slipperstillfits.com/201...r-perfect-week

ZagDad

[ZagDad84]

From the University of San Francisco on tomorrow's game:

WBB | Dons Ready for Top-Place WCC Team, Gonzaga
Tweet
GAME INFORMATION
Date/Time: Jan. 13, 2018 – 7 p.m.
Opponent: Gonzaga
Site: Spokane, Wash. (McCarthey Athletic Center)
Radio Broadcast: Livestream.com
Talent: George Devine
Live Stream
Live Stats

TOMORROW'S GAME
The University of San Francisco women's basketball team landed in Spokane, Wash. Friday night, set to take on Gonzaga over the weekend. The contest follows the Dons (8-8, 3-2) convincing 78-60 win over LMU (11-5, 3-2) Thursday night in War Memorial at the Sobrato Center. The Lions entered the contest in a three-way tie for second place in the West Coast Conference. Now that Coach Goodenbour's squad defeated the former number-two team in the conference, they turn their attention towards the top-ranked team, the undefeated Bulldogs (12-4, 5-0).

Anna Seilund led in the last two games and is now just five points away from the 1,000-point club. The senior guard is also four three-point field goals away from tying third in USF record books in three-point field goals made (165).

Another notable accomplishment is on the horizon for the Dons and that is that head coach Molly Goodenbour is three games away from coaching her 50th game on the Hilltop. She sits at a 26-21 overall coaching record, meaning no matter how the next three contests play out, she will officially become the most winningest coach in USF women's basketball history through 50 games.

THE SERIES
The Dons trail in the all-time series 26-39 and are 10-21 in Spokane, and 2-13 inside the McCarthey Athletic Center against the Dons. USF is 2-3 in the last five meet ups. They most recently saw the Bulldogs in the 2017 WCC Championships where they were taken down, 46-77.

UP NEXT
The contest in Washington kicks off a four-game road trip for the Dons. Santa Clara (Jan. 18), Pepperdine (Jan. 20) and Pacific (Jan. 25) follow as the Dons travel around California for more WCC action. The next home game will be against Gonzaga on Jan. 27. Tickets are available here.

Article Link: http://usfdons.com/news/2018/1/12/US...m-gonzaga.aspx

ZagDad

[ZagDad84]

For those in the Spokane area who are not able to go to the Lady Zags vs Dons game tomorrow, I saw that SWX is going to provide live coverage of the game, so you will have an option to TheW.tv to watch the game.

ZagDad

[TerpZag]

San Francisco vs. Gonzaga StatMonitr Link

[Zaglaw]

2 things -

1 - Why does USF only have eight players suited up?

2 - Are the Fortiers expecting?

Beyond that - Lady Zags looked great today. JL was superb. CS had another good game. We made some 3s! KC made 2. LF finally got some time, but looked like a nervous freshman. Hope she continues to get some time.

We have still not really been tested in league. Next Thursday in Moraga should be interesting.

[ZagDad84]

1 - Why does USF only have eight players suited up?

According to the broadcast team, SF had several players sick/injured and they chose not to bring them.

2 - Are the Fortiers expecting?

Not going there. However, the broadcast team was joking that the Fortier's had their kids in 2010, 2012 & 2014 and they felt left out because there was no kids in 2016. They wondered, like the SF Giants, if it was an every even year thing.

ZagDad

[Section 116]

I was curious regarding question 2 as well?

[TerpZag]

Bulldogs' Complete Effort Downs USF

Jessie Loera sets career highs in points and assists


Jan. 13, 2018


Final Stats | Photo Gallery


SPOKANE, Wash. – The Gonzaga Bulldogs had The Kennel rocking early and often on Saturday afternoon, as they remained in control of the early West Coast Conference slate with a 74-47 win over surging San Francisco.

The Zags led in 15 of the 16 statistical categories, and had control of the game after three quarters. Jessie Loera led the Zags with a career-high 15 points on six-of-eight shooting, and added a career-high nine assists to lead GU as well. She added four steals and was two-of-two from three. Jill Barta scored 14 and Emma Stach drilled three threes for 11 points. Zykera Rice added 10 and Chandler Smith was everywhere with 10 rebounds, five steals, and three blocks to lead GU in all three. Katie Campbell drilled two threes off the bench for GU.

The Zags held USF scoreless for an early six-minute stretch, as GU went on a 6-0 run to lead 16-7 after one quarter. GU started slow but made five-of-their-last-12 shots, led by Smith, Rice, and Jill Townsend who scored four each. USF shot 15 percent in the quarter, going one-of-five from three. Gonzaga led on the glass 16-10. Loera started with three assists.

After USF scored early in the second quarter, GU opened up a 13-0 run that lasted 5:20 led by a three-point play from Barta, and threes from Stach and Loera, who was up to five assists at that point. That made it 29-9 with four minutes left, and a three from Campbell, made it 39-13, with 1:15 left, the largest lead of the game in the first half. GU led 39-17 at the break. Barta led GU with 10 points, and Smith had four points and seven rebounds to lead the team. Loera scored seven with seven assists, the most in a half for a GU player this year. Smith added four steals, and GU shot 41.7 percent from the field, holding USF to 20.7 percent. The Zags had a great half from three, hitting four of their nine attempts. GU added 13 assists to only three from USF.

The Zags dominated the first seven minutes of the third quarter, building their lead up to 57-23 with three minutes left, their largest of the game at 34. Loera swiped three steals for two easy layups and Stach drilled two threes to pace GU. Gonzaga forced seven USF turnovers through that stretch for 12 points off turnovers. GU led 59-32 as USF chipped seven off in the final three minutes. USF never got any closer then 23 as Gonzaga played them square in the fourth quarter to win 74-47, matching their biggest conference margin this year and extending their winning streak to eight. Gonzaga shot 42 percent from the field, and held USF to 30 percent and 15 percent from three. The

Zags tied their season high with seven threes and forced 20 USF turnovers for 24 points. GU dished 20 assists and had 16 steals, tying their season high.

The Bulldogs dominated the rebounds, 50-37, and 17 offensive boards led to 15 second-chance points.

Gonzaga (13-4, 6-0) gets back on the road on Thursday to face Saint Mary’s, who are tied with BYU one game back of GU. Tip is at 6:30 pm and live links are available at GoZags.com.

Gonzaga Article Link

[ZagDad84]

Here is the game summary from the USF Don's website:

WBB | Seilund Hits 1000 Points in Dons Loss to Gonzaga

SPOKANE, Wash. – The University of San Francisco women's basketball team was defeated by Gonzaga, 47-74, Saturday afternoon at the McCarthey Athletic Center. Not all was a loss as Dons' Anna Seilund joined the 1,000-point club and Anna Pierce led all scorers a career-high with 16 points.

The first quarter started off somewhat slow for both teams. With five a piece and 4:30 minutes to go, Gonzaga went on a 9-2 run to create some distance and end the quarter ahead nine points, 16-7.

The Bulldogs began the second quarter with eight unanswered points to take a 24-9 lead before Coach Goodenbour called a timeout. The break wasn't enough to give the Dons a chance to regroup. The remaining time before the half was all Gonzaga – they outscored USF 23-10, shot 52.9 percent from the field and 57.1 from three-point range. Headed into the locker room, the Dons trailed by 22 points (39-17).

Gonzaga came out of the half just as hot as they were in the second quarter. They shot 50.0 percent in both shooting categories and 100.0 percent (2-2) from the line. The Dons could not rally back from the deficit, sinking even further behind. The Bulldogs had 12 points off turnovers alone in the third, compared to the Dons zero points off turnovers. The home team found their largest lead of the game, 34 points, with three minutes before the final frame.

Although the Dons paced the home team, scoring 15 points each, in the fourth, there was no coming back.

ICYMI:

AND THAT'S 1,000 POINTS!! Actually, 1,001. ??

Welcome to the club, Anna Seilund. #usfdons #changemakers pic.twitter.com/yZAzy7rrwE
— USF Women's Basketball (@USFDonsWBB) January 13, 2018


GAME NOTES

Anna Pierce led the Dons for the first time this year with a career-high 16 points. Her previous career high was 11 on two occasions. She hit two three's, tying her season high.

USF tied their season high in turnovers with 20. They have turned the ball over 20 times twice before this season.

Gonzaga scored 24 points off turnovers and contributed 33 points from their bench.

The Dons scored a season low 47 points. Their previous season low was 54 at UT-Arlington in a preseason contest.

Coach Goodnebour's squad also had a season-low 19 made field goals. Their previous season low was 20 at UC Davis in the preseason.

USF tied their lowest three-point field goals made with three, previously done at UC Davis in the preseason, and recorded a season low in three-point field goal percentage (15.0, 3-20).

WHAT'S NEXT
Today's contest kicked off a four-game road trip for the Dons. Santa Clara (Jan. 18), Pepperdine (Jan. 20) and Pacific (Jan. 25) follow as the Dons travel around California for more WCC action. The next home game will be against Gonzaga on Jan. 27. Tickets are available here.

To celebrate Anna Seilund joining the 1,000-point club, we will have a special surprise for the Jan. 27 game against Gonzaga. Follow our Twitter to find out! The surprise will be announced next week!

Article Link: http://usfdons.com/news/2018/1/13/US...s-gonzaga.aspx

Congratulations to Anna Seilund for joining the 1,000 point club.

ZagDad

[SkipZag]

Congrats to the team... it was great seeing them play well.

A great defense leads to good things happening and having a team effort led by a PG having a great game, just made for a big MAC afternoon.

We new we had a great starting lineup... and with only one player on the bench from last year, we knew we had to get some quality time from the new players. Well we are getting it. So pleased with how the bench is starting to contribute.
We talked how that would be the key to success in league play. Jesse said after the game that having more time on the court was helping make her more comfortable... I’m thinking the others are feeling the same.

The top half of the league is coming up and it has been good to have these games to prepare for them.
Again... road trip, they will need to pack their best game.

Had JL’s parents in front of us... some very proud parents.

Again... great game Lady Zags!! Thanks for a fun afternoon.

Go Zags!!

[ZagDad84]

Here are some highlights and interviews with JL and CLF from Krem 2:

Link: http://www.krem.com/sports/gonzaga-b...ampaign=buffer

ZagDad

[zag on the run]

Great game against USF. One item I didn't see mentioned by anyone was the girls were delayed getting home from the Portland game until early Friday evening. To me that shows they are becoming a focused team that can overcome a little adversity. Luckily my job has me in Northern CA this week so I plan on being at the St. Mary's game. Biggest game of the year in my opinion.

Good luck girls.

[ZagDad84]

Why most people who post on this board tend to look at the offensive stats, I have been a big proponent of defense wins games. In general, ES and JL get the opportunity to guard the best player on the opposing team, and with one exception, have held that player considerably under their season average for points.

Yesterday, the entire team took it to another level. Here are the top four (4) scorers for USF along with their season averages (pts/game) and their points from yesterday.

Anna, Seilund 16.0 Pts/Gm @ 44.4% Yesterday 6 Pts @ 42.9%
Michaela Rakova 11.8 Pts/Gm @ 40.2% Yesterday 2 Pts @ 14.3%
Kalyn Simon 10.2 Pts/Gm @ 46.3% Yesterday 5 Pts @ 20.0%
Shannon Powell 9.9 Pts/Gm @ 40.6% Yesterday 6 Pts @ 37.5%
TOTALS- Season Average = 47.9 Pts/Gm Yesterday = 19 Pts

You are not going to win to many games when your top scorers are held to 39.7% of their average. With the nit picky exception of a few missed switches leading to the ball handler not being picked up in the key (lay-ups), this was by far the best overall defensive effort by the ladies all year. Very few 3 pt shooters were left open yesterday making USF work for every shot.

Great Job ladies. Remember this for next Thursday, you will need it.

Oh, that game where the leading scorer was not held below her average? Gabby Green @ LMU. Hey coach, maybe before the rematch with LMU, you might want to consider guarding Gabby (6'2") with somebody other than ES (5'9") or JL (5'6") particularly when she plays in the key. ES and JL are simply no match for her down low.

ZagDad

[ZagDad84]

Better Late than Never. Here is the summaries of the Portland and USF games from the slipper still fits:

Women off to a 6-0 WCC start with another strong defensive effort

Gonzaga took care of Portland and San Fran despite the star’s struggles

By Sherlock93Conan Jan 15, 2018, 6:07pm PST

First came on the road versus Portland whose yet to win a game in league. On one hand, the Zags defense did their job by allowing only 10 points in the first quarter. Problem is, they scored just 10 points themselves. At the half, Gonzaga was only up three points, after another poor shooting display.

But it was the third quarter that proved to be the turning point, led by the Zag’s role players to push the lead to 15 behind capitalizing off the Pilots mistakes. They were able to hold steady in the fourth to win 70-56.

Jill Barta had her worst game of the season, scoring just four points in 20 minutes played. Laura Stockton had just two on the night herself. Zykera Rice led the team with 14 points, but it was the Wirth twins, who combined for 16 points and 10 rebounds. Freshman Jill Townsend had a great game off the bench, with eight points and six boards.

Once again, the Zags couldn’t hit a perimeter shot, going 3/19. But they held Portland to 3/13 from three-point range as well, and had 46 rebounds (23 off) to the Pilots 29 total. Making 10 more free throws than the opponent doesn’t hurt either.

Next came home versus San Francisco, where a 39-17 halftime score all but decided the game. The star of this game was backup point guard Jessie Loera, who had career-highs in both points (16) and assists (9) in the game. She was one of four Zags in double-figures, along with Rice, Barta and Emma Stach. Chandler Smith only scored four points, but had a game-high 10 rebounds. Gonzaga won 74-47.

Just like all the other games, Gonzaga dominated inside, winning the rebounding battle 50-37. They also took advantage of the Dons turnovers, scoring 24 points off of them. The key player for San Francisco was Anna Seilund, and she needed to have a big game if there was any hope for a win. She scored just six points on 3/8 shooting. As a team, the Dons shot 30% from the field and was 3/20 from deep. Gonzaga shot 7/19 from the arc, which for them is spectacular.

The Zags stand on top of the WCC standings at 6-0, but just below them are a couple of familiar names - BYU and Saint Mary’s, who each are 5-1. The Gaels handed the Cougars their only loss earlier in Moraga, and Gonzaga will try to avoid that same fate on Thursday.

Article Link: https://www.slipperstillfits.com/201...-6-0-wcc-start

ZagDad