University of Oregon
George Washington
Ducks Put the Clamps on Colonials, 64-40
12/04/04 | Women's Basketball
PORTLAND, Ore. ? After losing to George Washington by 20 points last year the University of Oregon women's basketball team repaid the favor Saturday afternoon with a 64-40 romp over the Colonials in the Pap? Jam at the Rose Garden.
The Ducks (5-0) held George Washington (3-2) to just 16 percent shooting in the second half as the Colonials scored the fewest points in a game since 1988. It was also the fewest points Oregon has allowed since holding Boise State to 29 in 2001.
“I think we did a good job of focusing on defense, and limiting their top two scorers,” fourth-year Oregon coach Bev Smith said. “I think we did a lot of little things to tire them out, both in the first half and second half. We were relentless defensively, and I think they just hit a wall. (Defense) is something we focus on, and we know that is our foundation. We will continue to focus and build on that. We need to rebound better. Offensively I think we can get a lot better ... it's just a matter of time.”
In a game that saw both teams commit 21 turnover, the Ducks still shot the ball well, hitting on 45 percent. Chelsea Wagner led the Ducks with 15 points, tying a career-high for the seventh time with five 3-pointers on 11 attempts. Andrea Bills did it on both ends, scoring 14 points, grabbing nine rebounds and holding the Colonials' top post player, Jessica Simmonds, to three points on 1-of-11 shooting.
“We were able to get the ball inside and get some transition points,” said Oregon senior guard Corrie Mizusawa, who finished with a game-high nine assists. “We played well overall. Everyone did their job defensively and we got a big win because of it.”
Joe McKeown, in his 16th year as George Washington's coach, was unduly impressed with Mizusawa. “They could be one of the best teams in the Pac-10 if they get point-guard play like they got today,” he said.
George Washington shut down Oregon leading scorer Cathrine Kraayeveld (five points), although she had a game-high 10 rebounds and two steals.
“They're a terrific team,” McKeown said. “I think that Kraayeveld's return made a big difference. Last year we blew them out and this year they did it to us, and her return was the major factor.”
Both teams struggled to score early on, but the Ducks took a 17-16 lead with 6:36 left in the first half on a basket by Eleanor Haring, who was picked the MVP after making 6-of-7 from the field for 13 points. The Ducks, who are now 7-0 in the annual Pap? Jam, didn't relinquish their lead after that and led 27-21 at the half.
“They are a very aggressive team defensively,” Smith said of GWU, who defeated No. 24-ranked Villanova on Wednesday. “There is a difference between basketball on the West Coast, and on the East Coast, and I don't think we were prepared for the up in the face pressure they put on us early in the game. We turned the ball over too much and it's something we need to work on.”
Oregon next plays host to Idaho State on Thursday at McArthur Court. Tipoff is at 7 p.m.
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