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[ Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2000 ]
Lady Lions control Big Ten race
By Josh Daeche
Collegian Staff Writer
It's hard to imagine the Big Ten women's basketball season is in the final few weeks of regular-season play.
It's also hard to believe a conference that has five teams within two wins of second place will more than likely send just four teams to the NCAA Tournament come March.
After another upsetting week in the Big Ten, Penn State is the lone top team to get through the week unscathed. The No. 6 Lady Lions (20-3, 11-1 Big Ten) handled national-champion Purdue and player of the year candidate Katie Douglas Sunday, 78-67.
PHOTO: Glenn Miller/Collegian
Penn State guard Helen Darling looks for an opening last Sunday against Purdue.
Illinois was upset by Iowa, 80-73. Wisconsin defeated Michigan State, 77-69. The Spartans were the only team in the conference to hand Penn State a loss in the Big Ten.
The Spartans' loss could help Penn State, which will more than likely wrap up the Big Ten come Sunday, providing the Lions win at Indiana tomorrow and Northwestern on Sunday.
Penn State will need some help to wrap things up, though. Michigan will have to lose to archrival Michigan State in Spartans coach Karen Langeland's final regular-season matchup against the Wolverines. Michigan coach Sue Guevara was an assistant under Langeland 11 seasons before leaving for Ann Arbor four seasons ago.
If things continue to go well for the Lions, they will come home with the crown.
The Lions have seen exceptional play from their post players — Rashana Barnes and Maren Walseth. The duo has played in the past three games and has taken pressure off some of the guards.
"I just think when you defend Penn State, you have to defend their post play in Walseth and Garner," Indiana coach Jim Izard said. "Darling is just a slasher and Shepherd and Falcone are great shooters."
Big Ten Player of Year?
As the regular season is in its final spin, a number of players are positioning themselves for the Big Ten Player of Year award. Several have stood out lately, but a handful of players seem to have attracted much of the spotlight this season.
Penn State has a pair of players vying for the top spot — Helen Darling and Andrea Garner. The two were named co-most valuable players of the year by USA Today two week's ago.
"I certainly think Helen Darling does many things for them," Purdue coach Kristy Curry said. "I just think Darling just makes them go with great leadership."
Purdue's Douglas demonstrated Sunday that she carries her team to either success or failure. The junior has had to replace Stephanie White-McCarty and Ukari Figgs from last season's championship squad.
Don't count out Michigan's Stacey Thomas, who has been the rock of the Wolverines this season. Thomas has averaged just more than 15 points and eight rebounds per contest.
Walseth earning respect
For the second time in three weeks, Walseth earned the honor of being named Co-Big Ten Player of the Week.
The junior pulled down 15 rebounds and 17 points in the win against Purdue Sunday. She is also second in scoring and has shown the ability to find open teammates to knock down shots.
Quote of the week
"I think there is so much parity from top to bottom. Anything can happen. It's neck and neck with any one of us."
— Kristy Curry
Purdue coach on Big Ten play as a whole
