Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, March 19, 1990 TAG: 9003192580
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: John Smallwood Sportswriter
DATELINE: CHARLOTTESVILLE LENGTH: Medium
If the chance for a regional semifinals berth wasn't enough, the Cavaliers only had to think back to early January when the Lady Lions put an end to Virginia's nine-game winning streak with a convincing win at University Park, Pa.
Penn State might not have figured out what was driving UVa on Sunday, but it was more than the Lady Lions could contend with as Virginia's sophomore backcourt tandem of Dawn Staley and Tammi Reiss combined for 57 points and the Cavaliers rolled to an 85-64 win at University Hall.
The 12th-ranked Cavaliers (27-5) will play Providence on Thursday at Old Dominion University Fieldhouse in Norfolk. In the other regional semifinal, defending national champion Tennessee plays Clemson.
"This may be the best equipped team I've had [for the regionals]," said Ryan, who has been in the NCAA Tournament six years in a row. "This team knows where it's going. They're very confident and know how to win championships. It's good timing for us."
Sunday also was a good time for Ryan's squad.
Staley, who put in a season-high 32 points, and Reiss, with a career-high 25 points, gave the impression that Virginia won because of a strong attack, but it was their defensive play that was the key. The two sparked a UVa press that forced 27 turnovers.
Penn State shot 60 percent in the first half to trail 40-35 at the half, then the Cavs put on the clamps. The Lady Lions shot just 27 percent (9-for-32) over the final 20 minutes.
"We huddled together and emphasized defense," said Reiss, who had four steals. "We knew we had to stop them. Everything in the NCAA is defense. That's what generated our offense."
Virginia led 52-48 when Staley made a steal and a layup at 12:39. She scored another basket, and Reiss added two more.
At 9:54, Reiss made a steal in the backcourt and drove in for the basket. She was fouled by Jennifer Kretchmar and completed the three-point play to put the Cavs in control 63-48.
Penn State never recovered.
"It came down to turnovers and no offense," said Penn State coach Rene Portland. "Reiss and Staley are an excellent back court. When it got to that close point, they took control."
UVa also got outstanding defense from its front-court players - Tekshia Ward and freshman twins Heather and Heidi Burge.
The trio was able to contain the Penn State front line of Susan Robinson, Lynn Dougherty and Tanya Garner, who combined for 63 points in the January win.
Staley and Reiss also negated the 3-point barrage the Lady Lions used in the first game. Penn State hit eight 3-pointers then, but was just 1-of-11 on Sunday.
"Our defense is so much better," Ryan said. "We're doing a much better job of closing the passing lanes and forcing the 3-point shooters out of their range."
PENN STATE(64) Robinson 5-10 8-8 18, Dougherty 3-9 0-0 6, Phillips 3-4 4-4 10, Eikenberg 1-3 4-4 6, Garner 6-14 3-5 15, DeVries 1-4 0-0 2 Caplinger 1-3 0-0 3, Lazor 0-0 0-0 0, Williams 0-1 0-1 0, Kretchmar 1-2 2-2 4, Thomas 0-2 0-0 0, Chambers 0-1 0-0 0, Henry 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 21-53 21-24 64.\ VIRGINIA (85)
Scott 1-1 0-0 3, Ward 1-3 0-0 2, Hei. Burge 3-6 1-4 7, Staley 11-19 8-12 32, Reiss 8-14 8-16 25, Hea. Burge 4-8 1-2 9, Evans 1-5 2-2 4, Franklin 0-2 2-2 2, Smith 0-1 1-2 1. Totals 29-59 23-34 85.
Halftime-40-35, Virginia. Three-point goals-Penn St. 1-11 (Robinson 0-1, Dougherty 0-2, Eikenberg 0-1, Garner 0-2, Caplinger 1-2, Thomas 0-2, Chambers 0-1), Virginia 4-11 (Scott 1-1, Staley 2-6, Reiss 1-4). Fouled out-Eikenberg. Rebounds-Penn St. (Dougherty 5), Virginia (Staley 6). Assists-Penn St. (Robinson 1, Dougherty 1, Eikenberg 1, Garner 1, Kretchmar 1), Virginia (Evans 4). Total fouls-Penn St. 24, Virginia 22. A-1,482.
Keywords:
BASKETBALL
by CNB