UMAC Game of the Week: Bethany Lutheran vs. Minnesota Morris - Women's Basketball
The UMAC Game of the Week runs each Thursday during the conference regular season and breaks down one key matchup from one sport.
The Matchup
Saturday, Feb. 3 - Bethany Lutheran College at the University of Minnesota Morris, women's basketball, 5 p.m. in Morris, Minnesota
***UPDATE***
Minnesota Morris wins 74-66 to lock up postseason berth
What's at Stake
- Postseason hopes - Minnesota Morris could lock up a postseason berth Saturday with a win over Bethany Lutheran and a loss from a Crown College team that faces undefeated University of Wisconsin-Superior. Bethany Lutheran already locked up a postseason bid. This game could end up being a preview of a semifinal postseason game between the two squads.
- Closing the gap - With four losses already in conference play, Minnesota Morris is two games back of Bethany Lutheran. A win for the Cougars would narrow that gap to one game with just three games remaining for the Vikings following Saturday and four for the Cougars.
- Rematch reverse - The Vikings scored over 90 points in their first meeting with the Cougars at home for a 92-83 win. In that game, the Vikings went on a 7-0 run in the final 59 seconds of the third quarter to go up seven and never looked back. This game has a lot more at stake and is on the Cougars' home court.
Previously in Action
- Bethany Lutheran locked up a tournament berth with a 70-52 win over Northwestern Wednesday on the road.
- Minnesota Morris defeated Crown 53-34 on the road Wednesday evening.
Need to Know
- Ability to score - BLC leads the UMAC in scoring with 76.9 ppg but have only been held to fewer than 70 points twice during conference games, while UMM has kept opponents below 60 in five of seven games this year. The Cougars average 68.2 ppg which is higher than what the Vikings can do defensively (63.9 ppg). Solid defense will be key in winning Saturday.
- Stop Sandin - In the first meeting of the squads, junior guard Haley Sandin poured in 32 points for a season-high. She have scored 20 or more points in a conference game five times this season and twice has eclipsed 30. The Cougars will need to find a way to slow her down in order to get a win.
- Extra edge - The Vikings hold slightly better marks in almost every team category offensively and in ball control. If the Vikings perform to their averages, they should go home with a victory, while the Cougars will need to find alittle bit extra for the much-needed win.
Players to Watch - Bethany Lutheran
- Brooke Henning, Sr., F - UMAC Stats: 11.4 ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.3 bpg
- Abby Olson, Fy., G - UMAC Stats: 14.1 ppg, 46.1 FG%, 83.3 FT%, 3.4 apg, 2.2 spg
- Haley Sandin, Jr., G - All-UMAC last season; UMAC Stats: Leads UMAC with 19.2 ppg; 43.8 FG%, 83.1 FT%, 4.4 apg, 2.7 spg
Players to Watch - Minnesota Morris
- Kendra Raths, Jr., F - Honorable Mention last season, UMAC Stats: Leads UMAC TF% (87.1), 12.3 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 1.5 bpg
- Elli Stevenson, Jr., G - All-UMAC last season, UMAC Stats: 14.9 ppg, 4.5, rpg, Leads UMAC in apg (5.1)
- Abby VanKempen, So., F - UMAC Stats: Leads UMAC in ppg (10.2), 11.2 ppg, 2.1 bpg
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2017-18 Game of the Week Archives