SLIAC

[y_jack_lok]

fc, thanks for that info. I understand now, with the jv teams having played, why more MU player didn't see some minutes.

Looking at the 2nd half play-by-play FU didn't open with a 12-2 run. That would have reduced Millikin's lead from 23 to 13. But the closest FU got was 17 at the 10:52, and again at the 2:27 mark before the margin was cut to 15 at 0:54, which turned out to be the final score of the game.

[fcnews]

Thanks Y-Jak. I just listen to the audio and it sounded like FU came out playing much better the second half from the get go.

The Lady Griffin's have had a tough non - conference run.

[y_jack_lok]

Yes, the Griffins scheduled tough teams and still have Wash U to go. Even without Jamie McFarlin, and even after losing badly to McKendree, Wash U will be be tough. Hopefully the Caltech game will be a "W" for the Griffins. We all know that having a tough non-conference schedule helps a team learn what it needs to do better so that it can improve in those areas and compete more effectively in the conference.

[sully309]

Thanks for your responses, y_jak and FC. I noticed Webster's squad size had increased greatly this season and expected them to be improved. I'm trying to get a feel for our team's chances of making the tourney this season...probably an uphill battle like last year.

I get frustrated easily when coaches don't sub with large leads. Maybe not so much at the pro level, but in amateur ball, there's not place for rubbing it in. We have 2 players this year that almost never come out of the game and one (Nicole Fisher) dived for a loose ball about 5 feet in front of me Saturday with a 20+ point lead in the final seconds. I don't fault her at all...this is what makes her such a great player.  And after starting 0-5, you don't want to take any chances, but it would be nice if Nicole was able to play a full season too!

[jdoug2]

First, it was great to see Fontbonne in action for the first time this season. The Texas fanbase was dutifully impressed. Fontbonne really could have won the game vs Illinois College. Once again a few key turnovers doomed that opportunity. Callie had a great game with I think 20 points. She is definitely a  shoot first pg. And Michelle Reale had  a very solid game.

Second game against Millikin... Fontbonne showed some heart with a really good second half. Once again Michelle was great down low and Fontbonne(my niece included) hit some big 3's. Calista is a solid ball handler, but she and the team had some wild to's. I know MU pressed 90% of the game, but too many of the to's were unforced. And too many missed ft's. My niece was 1-4. She can do that with her off hand. Oh well. They played tough. Heather also played  a really nice game. She can get after it.

And we were all wondering why a all- american played all 40. I do give MU credit, they don't force the ball into Ippel every possession. But all 40?

[hopefan]

Just took a look at Maryville's games and schedule - their lone loss to Whitewater doesn't look too bad - Whitewater is rated no 7 in the country in the new D3hoops poll.  Also note that Maryville plays at Wash U on Saturday afternoon - this is a great opportunity, and possibly Maryville's only opportunity, this season, to play another 'nationally thought of' team. Wash U is down this year, but a win over them by the Saints could get them some votes in the D3hoops poll.  That game could be worth checking out.  Not sure whom the Saints will play in the Christmas tournament out west. 

Of course Fontbonne also gets to test Wash U tonight.

[jdoug2]

Here's hoping for a big showing from Fontbonne tonight against Wash U. Wish I could be there.

[jdoug2]

Wash U up 45-30 at half over Fontbonne

[jdoug2]

Wash U drills Fontbonne  88-58.

[fcnews]

FU started out with a 10-2 opening. Then the race is on. FU's bigs played well. Guards have to cut down on the turnovers.

[y_jack_lok]

Just to be picky I have to correct fcnews. It couldn't have been a 10-2 start for Fontbonne because when I arrived at the 15:40 mark of the first half the score was 8-4 Fontbonne.

Even without Jamie McFarlin, and in spite of the shellacking Wash U took from McKendree the other day, Wash U looked pretty good. Halsey Ward was drilling shots with surgical precision.

Saturday's Maryville-Wash U game should be interesting. Before tonight's game I was thinking Maryville might have a shot at a win. Now I'm not so sure.

[fcnews]

Thanks Y_Jak. No other observations from someone in attendane.

[jdoug2]

Fontbonne wins over Mac Murray 67-61. Second win of the year for the Griffins and second win in conference. I guess if you are going to win, conference games are the most important. Still not so sure Fontbonne needs to play quite so tough a non-conf schedule, but at least now they can play teams closer to their own level. I know it's good to play teams better than you, but not a constant diet of top 25 teams.

Here's to a successful conference season. Can't wait to get back up there and catch some more games.

[y_jack_lok]

That is the identical score of the Fontbonne-Webster game. This suggests to me either that MacMurray is improved over last year to the same extend Webster is, or that Fontbonne may have been a little tired after their game against Wash U the previous night -- or both.

[hopefan]

If Maryville can be competitive with Wash U on Saturday, it unfortunately suggests that the SLIAC women's hoops race may be very lopsided......