The competition steps up a little bit in this match up with a larger school that has played D1 ball. There were lots of bright spots throughout. Let’s start with good ball movement and good court vision by the ladies. The offense was getting the ball inside to Crooks very efficiently as both Brown and Belanger were finding her. This was one of the best games I’ve seen from Bristow. She seems to be starting to find her way as she had more court awareness and made solid “basketball” type plays. Definitely some good rebounding today from her. It was good to see Diew hit some shots as well. In her case she worked inside a few times successfully. A few shots by the team seemed rushed, but overall the ball movement in the first half was very good. Brown is a beast. I don’t see hardly anything she isn’t doing quite well. The ladies started gaining separation at the end of the first with a pair of treys from Belanger and Brown. UNCW went cold and the sisters didn’t give them second chances. This close game extended to a 15 point lead rather quickly. As far as rotation was concerned it was much like we’ve seen all season. Coach Fen was rotating two posts (Crooks and Natabou) and three forwards (Diew, Brown, Bristow) and two guards (Belanger and Joens).
This is another game where we are seeing Joens do the Joens thing…rebounding and assists. Three point shooting hasn’t been hot, but the 901 game streak continues. End of the half saw some more great ball movement and a couple of makes and a couple of “I wish I had that one back” type of plays. Ladies led by 17 41-24 at the half with Brown leading the way with 14. The plus side is seeing the scoring spread out amongst the team 8, 6, 6, and 4. I know I’m the optimist when it comes to these youngsters, but I’m seeing growth here. The ball movement is improving as the players find ways to find the open shooter. My biggest wish right now? I want to see the posts consistently rebound the ball. We saw that in the first half today. I’d also like to see the posts get to the line more, but the 1-2 stat for the half is also a product of shooting 53% and UNCW's defense.
The second half started with more very good defense and rebounding. We again saw Crooks is developmental at the line (usually hitting about 50%), but she’s moving so well and well ahead of where most thought she would be this year. Joens is still being Joens and Belanger/Brown nailed a pair from deep to extend the lead to 22 three minutes in. You can def see the difference in strength under the hoop between Natabou and Crooks. Audi is always very strong going up and Natabou is not as much.
Nice to see some of the players getting to the line in the third. Both Joens and Brown made a pair. How? Aggressive play driving and moving to the hoop. Meanwhile, Natabou picked up her third on an offensive foul. The ladies started the turnover and no scoring bug for a while in the mid third, but a steal and a three by Joens stemmed the tide. Even with some off shooting, the sisters maintained a 20-22 point lead. If there is anything I’d pick on Brown about it is some of her "lazy" handoffs that result in turnovers. She ended up with five TO’s today. The ladies end the third with a hard drive with a foul by Bristow that resulted in another pair of Bristow free throws. The last highlight was a block at the other end by Diew. Ladies led by 21, 62-41.
This may be one of the best games from Diew this year. Battling hard inside and taking/making wise shots. I continued to see great ball movement and some fancy assists. Some shots aren’t falling, but the court vision to see open shooters is there. Pretty play against the press with Dawkins finding Natabou who doesn’t put the ball on the floor and gracefully lays it in. Kind of fun watching point guard role shift to Brown and she can assist as well as score. The fourth saw Bristow starting to get things under control with good defense and scoring. After Brown picked up her 10th assist she heads to the bench. Crooks picked up a power three point play which was a sign of the future. Natabou fouled out with about two minutes left (two offensive fouls). The ladies close the game out with outstanding free throw shooting and some great defense in a dominating win, 85-58.
Observations
POG - This definitely goes to Brown who had a double-double (24 points, 10 assists and 5 boards - and 5 turnovers). She showed that she was pretty much capable of playing anywhere and for the first time played the point in the 4th quarter. She just works here tail off and can score inside and out.
Crooks - She continues to impress with her solid moves, strong/soft hands and a look that says she is having fun out there. She ends up with 16 points and 9 boards. She also went 4-7 from the line which shows some improvement.
Joens - When I see her run down the court I instantly see Ashley…just a smaller version. But man she plays like a Joens. Gritty and determined in everything she does. Nine boards, nine points and 4 assists. Had a tough day shooting from deep (1-8), but her one make was at a critical time.
Diew - perhaps her best game of the season. Took very smart shots, played exceptional defense and rebounded hard. Eight points and six boards on the day with zero turnovers.
Natabou - I’m seeing some improvement in her. She was working harder underneath today on offense, but only netted 6 points. Pulled in 7 boards and there are still opportunities for more. Slow but steady improvement in her play. She really showed some battle today.
Belanger - I liked what I saw today. Handled the point quite a bit. Was efficient finding others for open shots (five assists) and netted nine points on 3-7 shooting.
Bristow - by far her best appearance to date. She knew where she was at on the court all day. Fought for boards and made some nice shots. Thirteen points and six boards (I’ll take that everyday from her). Needs to limit turnovers more, but she’s coming along.
Dawkins - had some real meaningful minutes today and played point. No points, but she distributed the ball well and ended up with four assists.
Free throws - First half was thin at 1-2, but the team was much more aggressive in the second half and ended up making 17 of 21 which is an outstanding 81%. This is the Iowa State way.
Treys - A bit rough from deep, but made enough to make an impact (and keep the streak alive). Eight for 22 with Brown and Belanger doing most of the damage.
Rebounding - I saw a lot of scrambles for loose balls today. People were diving to the floor and fighting to pull balls away from opponents. The sisters dominated the boards 49-33 and spread the damage out pretty evenly.
What’s next? This will be a rough one for sure. Iowa comes to a sold out Hilton Coliseum on Wednesday. The place will be rocking for sure. What do I want to see? A team that doesn’t flinch when punched and continues to show the grit they’ve shown all year in fighting back. Even better would be to be the team that punches and rattles Iowa. It’s going to be interesting and definitely will show just how much this team has learned and how they’ve grown as a group. I’ll see you all there!
www.billboard.com
.
