University of Oregon
Strakonice (Exh.)
Ducks Streak Past Strakonice 60-44 in Final Exhibition
11/12/04 | Women's Basketball
EUGENE, Ore. ? Senior forward Cathrine Kraayeveld had game-highs of 16 points and 13 rebounds as the University of Oregon women's basketball team trounced Strakonice, a club team from the Czech Republic, 60-44, in an exhibition Friday at McArthur Court.
A crowd of 2,747 watched Oregon's final tune-up before its season-opener Nov. 19 against Portland at Mac Court at 4:30 p.m.
Kraayeveld scored 14 of her points in the first half, which saw Oregon take a 27-14 lead into the locker room as the Ducks' defense forced Strakonice into 25 percent shooting. Sophomore forward Eleanor Haring chipped in 13 points on 6-of-10 shooting while freshman post player Gabrielle Richards was active underneath, adding seven points, five rebounds and two steals. Kraayeveld, meanwhile, finished shooting 5-of-9 from the field and 5-of-7 from the foul line.
"One of our big focuses has been defense, and in the first half, I think we did a great job of establishing the type of defense we want to play this year ? whether it was man or zone," fourth-year Oregon coach Bev Smith said. "I think we struggled offensively at times. We didn't shoot the ball real well at times. But our emphasis has been on defense and rebounding lately, so our offense will come along with time."
The Ducks shot 37 percent from the floor, including just 4-of-20 from 3-point territory. Oregon also committed 21 turnovers, although it forced Strakonice into 24.
"We've been playing hard for a couple of months now against each other, and we're definitely excited to be playing someone else," said Haring in anticipation of next Friday's season-opener. "Overall, I think this was a fairly good effort for us. I feel pretty good with where we are at. We've put in the work, and we can't wait to get out and attack a real game."
Senior post player Andrea Bills also added a defensive presence with two blocked shots, one steal and six rebounds. Bills, though, struggled offensively, hitting only 2-of-8 from the field.
"I think were ready to compete," Smith said. "Our players have worked real hard. Our practices have been as intense as ever since I've been here. We had a few mistakes, and struggled a little offensively, but I think we just need another game to get into the flow."
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