University of Minnesota Athletics
Golden Gopher Women's Basketball Ready for NCAA Tournament
3/20/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
No. 17/18 Minnesota (23-5 overall, 12-4/t-second Big Ten) earned the No. 6 seed in the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament and heads to Stanford, Calif., to face No. 11 seeded Tulane (19-9) on Saturday at 6:10 p.m. (PT).
The NCAA Tournament - First and Second Round Schedule
The schedule for the NCAA First and Second Rounds at Stanford are as follows (times local to site):
Friday, March 21 Open Practice NCAA Press Conference Minnesota Noon - 1 p.m. 1:10 - 1:40 p.m. Tulane 1:05 - 2:05 p.m. 12:20 - 12:50 p.m. Stanford 2:10 - 3:10 p.m. 3:20 - 3:50 p.m. W. Michigan 3:15 - 4:15 p.m. 2:30 - 3 p.m. Saturday, March 22 Game 1 No. 6 Minnesota vs. No. 11 Tulane 6:10 p.m. (8:10 p.m. CT) Game 2 No. 3 Stanford vs. No. 14 W. Michigan approx. 8:30 p.m. (10:30 CT) Sunday, March 23 Closed Practice NCAA Press Conference Winner of Game 1 1 - 3 p.m. 3:10 - 3:40 p.m. Winner of Game 2 3:10 - 5:10 p.m. 2:30 - 3 p.m. Monday, March 24 Game 3 Winner of Game 1 vs. Game 2 TBA
ESPN Televises All 63 Games
ESPN will televise all 63 games of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament. ESPN2 will televise the Golden Gophers' first-round NCAA Tournament game versus Tulane live with Dave Ryan and Ann Meyers calling the action. The second round game will also be televised live on either ESPN or ESPN2.
To Follow the Action
Minnesota games during the NCAA Tournament will be broadcast on KCCO Radio (950 am), as well as the Minnesota Athletics website gophersports.com. Tom Witschen will call the action, while Lynnette Sjoquist will provide the color commentary.
Minnesota History in the NCAAs
Minnesota has made two previous trips to the NCAA Tournament, going 2-2 and advancing to the second round in 1994 and 2002. In 1994, the Golden Gophers entered the tournament with a 17-10 record, earning the No. 10 seed in the East Region. Minnesota upset No. 7-seed Notre Dame, 81-76, in South Bend, Ind., but lost to No. 2-seed Vanderbilt, 98-72, in Nashville in the second round. Former Gopher great Carol Ann Shudlick, the 1994 Big Ten Player of the Year, was the force behind Minnesota's first team to capture an NCAA invitation. Last season, Minnesota earned the No. 5 seed in the Midwest Region and entered the tournament at 21-7. The Gophers defeated UNLV, 71-54, in the first round, then lost to host North Carolina, 72-69, in the second round.
Six Big Ten Teams Garner NCAA Berths
For the second straight year, the Big Ten Conference will be represented by six teams in the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament. Having six Big Ten teams matches the Conference record set previously in 1996 and 2002. The Southeastern Conference and the Big East Conference have the most teams in the 2003 field with seven apeice, followed by the Big Ten with six. Purdue earned the Big Ten's automatic bid and is joined by Illinois, Michigan State, Minnesota, Ohio State and Penn State in the NCAA field.
Gophers Ranked No. 17
The Golden Gophers enters the NCAA Tournament ranked No. 17 in the Associated Press Top 25 Women's Basketball Poll. Minnesota was ranked No. 9, its highest ranking ever, in the Jan. 6 poll. The Gophers are listed at No. 18 in the USA Today/ESPN Poll.
Streak of National Ranking Rolls On
Minnesota has been ranked in the AP National Poll's top 25 for the last 27 polls, dating back to Jan. 21, 2002, easily the longest streak in Golden Gopher history.
Borton One of Seven "Rookies" in the NCAA Field
Minnesota head coach Pam Borton is one of seven head coach leading their schools to an NCAA appearance in their first seasons at their respective institutions. This rookie class is somewhat misleading since Jim Foster's move to Ohio State caused a ripple effect at Vanderbilt (Melanie Balcomb) and Xavier (Kevin McGuff). Two others, Louisiana Tech's Kurt Budke and Southwest Missouri State's Katie Abrahamson-Henderson, join the rookie class after replacing long-standing head coaches at their schools. Western Kentucky's Mary Taylor Cowles completes the list.
Despite having seven first-year head coaches, the NCAA women's field remains dominated by coaches who have spent many years at one school. The average number of years of experience at their current schools of the coaches in this year's NCAA Tournament is 11.0 years. There are 11 head coaches with over 20 years at the same school included in the 64-team field.
Nothing If Not Unusual
Minnesota has earned NCAA Tournament berths with a first-year head coach at the helm in each of the last two seasons. Brenda Frese (then Oldfield) was one of only three rookies in the 2002 NCAA field leading Minnesota to their first postseason appearance in eight years before leaving for the head coaching job at Maryland. Current head coach Pam Borton has continued the success leading the Gophers to their first consecutive NCAA Tournament berth in school history.
Golden Gopher NCAA Tournament Tidbits
Minnesota is 2-2 in NCAA Tournament play
Minnesota has advanced to the second round in both their NCAA Tournament appearances
One Gopher NCAA win is an upset special, when No. 10 Minnesota upset No. 7 Notre Dame
Minnesota is 2-1 in NCAA play when leading at halftime
Minnesota headed into the NCAA Tournament with an AP national ranking twice - at No. 17 in 2003 and at No. 18 in 2002
Carol Ann Shudlick, the leading scorer in Minnesota women's basketball history, averaged 20.5 ppg. in her two NCAA Tournament games in 1994
The win over Notre Dame in 1994 had a bit of a revenge factor involved in it as the Irish had eliminated the Gopher volleyball team in the Sweet 16 that fall
2002 Big Ten Player of the Year Lindsay Whalen averaged 30.0 ppg. in the Gophers' two NCAA Tournament games that season
Two Gophers have posted double-doubles in NCAA Tournament play: Carol Ann Shudlick with 22 points and 13 rebounds against Vanderbilt in 1994 and Corrin Von Wald with 14 points and 10 rebounds against North Carolina in 2002
The biggest crowd the Gophers have played in front of in NCAA play was an attendance of 2,476 at Vanderbilt in 1994.
23 Wins is the Best in NCAA Era
Minnesota has posted 23 wins, the program's most during the NCAA era (Minnesota played its first NCAA schedule in 1982-83) and bettering last year's total of 22 victories. The most wins in the 29-year history of Minnesota women's basketball was 28 victories in 1980-81, when the governing body for women's sports was the AIAW (Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women).
Back-to-Back in the Books
Minnesota has back-to-back 20-win seasons for the first time in school history. Last year, the Golden Gophers recorded a 22-8 record. Twenty-win seasons are not plentiful in Minnesota history. The 2002-03 season marks just the fifth 20-win season for the Golden Gophers. Minnesota 20-win seasons: 2002-03 (23-5); 2001-02 (22-8); 1982-83 (20-7); 1980-81 (28-7 AIAW); 1977-78 (24-20 AIAW)
Whalen, McCarville, Von Wald Earn All-Big Ten
Minnesota junior guard Lindsay Whalen was a unanimous first-team All-Big Ten selection by both the coaches and media to lead a trio of Golden Gophers to earn All-Big Ten honors. Sophomore center Janel McCarville was named to the media's first team and the coaches' second team, while senior guard/forward Corrin Von Wald was selected to the All-Big Ten third team by both the coaches and media.
The three Golden Gopher All-Big Ten honorees have led Minnesota to a 23-5 record and a best-ever 12-4 mark in Big Ten play. The Gophers tied for second in the Conference standings for the second straight season. Whalen, McCarville and Von Wald form the second threesome of Gophers to earn all-conference acclaim in the same season, joining Laura Coenen (1), Molly Tadich (2) and Carol Peterka (HM) from the 1985 honor teams.
Whalen joined Penn State's Kelly Mazzante as the only players to be unanimously selected to the All-Big Ten first team. Mazzante edged Whalen for Big Ten Player of the Year honors, after Whalen gathered the honor last season. The first-team accolade is the second of Whalen's career. She tops the Golden Gophers and ranks second in the Big Ten averaging 21.2 points per game. Whalen has a spectacular all-around game averaging 6.2 assists, 5.1 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game as well.
McCarville was rewarded for her post-play dominance with the first-team nod by the Conference media and second-team accord by the coaches. McCarville was a second-team All-Big Ten pick and the Big Ten Freshman of the Year last season. McCarville leads the nation in field goal percentage (67.7 percent), while scoring 13.0 points per game. She ranks third in the Big Ten in rebounding, pulling down 8.9 boards an outing.
Von Wald earned her first postseason award, landing All-Big Ten third team acclaim on both the coaches and media honor squads. Von Wald is the second-leading Golden Gopher scorer and ranks ninth in the Big Ten, averaging 15.1 points a contest. The Gophers' top defensive player also is among the Conference's best in steals, ranking third with 2.8 thefts a game.
Pam Borton a National Finalist
Golden Gopher head coach Pam Borton is one of 25 finalists for the Naismith College Basketball Coach of the Year Award. Purdue's Kristy Curry and Penn State's Rene Portland are other Big Ten coaches among the finalists. The winner will be announced April 11 in Atlanta.
Gophers Win Big Ten Attendance Race
Minnesota finished No. 1 in the Big Ten in attendance this season. After posting six of the top 10 crowds in school history during the 2002-03 season, Minnesota averaged 7,800 fans per game. Purdue finished second with an average attendance of 7,341. An average crowd of 9,132 filled Williams Arena for Big Ten games this season.
If You Build It, They Will Come Maybe the line from the movie Field of Dreams should read, "If you win, they will come." Minnesota is ranked seventh in national attendance figures, the Gophers' highest ranking ever. Need another indication of how far this program has come in the last two years? Try this one. In 2000-01, Minnesota's average crowd was 1,087. That average did not even rank among the top 100 NCAA Division I schools in average attendance. Last year, Minnesota averaged 4,360 per game to jump to ninth place nationally. This year's average of 7,800 is 618 percent higher than the average just two years ago.
Whalen a Naismith Finalist
Lindsay Whalen is a finalist for the Naismith College Basketball Player of the Year Award, the Atlanta Tipoff Club announced. The Naismith Awards program, now in its 35th year, honors outstanding college basketball players in the United States. The awards program was founded by the Atlanta Tipoff Club, an organization dedicated to recognizing the achievements of student-athletes in basketball. Joining Whalen as finalists are Chantelle Anderson (Vanderbilt), Alana Beard (Duke), Kara Braxton (Georgia), Coretta Brown (North Carolina), Shameka Christon (Arkansas), Gwen Jackson (Tennessee), Kara Lawson (Tennessee), Kelly Mazzante (Penn State), Nicole Ohlde (Kansas State), Jocelyn Penn (South Carolina), Plenette Pierson (Texas Tech), Nicole Powell (Stanford), Aiysha Smith (LSU), Stacy Stephens (Texas), Diana Taurasi (Connecticut), LaToya Thomas (Mississippi State), Iciss Tillis (Duke), Kendra Wecker (Kansas State) and Shereka Wright (Purdue).
Dozen Conference W's a Record
Minnesota posted its best Big Ten record ever in 2002-03 at 12-4. Though the Golden Gophers' record was their best, their second-place showing matches last year's finish.
Von Wald Puts Teeth Into Gopher Defense
Corrin Von Wald has played two of her finest games defensively against two of the Big Ten's best scoring guards. Von Wald held Ohio State leading scorer Caity Matter to a season-low three points (13 below average) in the Gophers' 73-50 win over the Buckeyes on Feb. 16. Then Von Wald limited the Big Ten's top scorer, Penn State's Kelly Mazzante, to 11 points (13 below average) in a 73-57 Minnesota win on Feb. 23.
Making a Huge Point
Golden Gopher guard Lindsay Whalen is the only Naismith Award finalist found in the national statistics (as of March 10) in both scoring and assists. Whalen is 12th in scoring (21.3 ppg.) and 20th in assists (6.2 apg.). Only Bucknell senior Molly Creamer is also found on both lists, ranking second in scoring (27.1 ppg.) and 25th in assists (6.0 apg.).
Gophers Go Undefeated in Williams Arena
Notching a perfect 11-0 record at home in Williams Arena, Minnesota captured its first undefeated season on their home court since going 13-0 at home in Williams in the 1980-81 season. The Gophers finished with a best-ever 28-7 record that season overall. Minnesota has one additional undefeated home season, 9-0 in 1977-78.
Prime-Time Performer
Sophomore center Janel McCarville is averaging 16.4 points and 10.2 rebounds against nationally ranked opposition this season. Minnesota owns a 3-2 record against ranked teams this season with wins over Penn State, Purdue and Ohio State and losses at Penn State and Ohio State.< pre> Jan. 6, 2003 at No. 17/17 Penn State 10 pts. / 9 rebs. Jan. 19, 2003 No. 9/8 Purdue 19 pts. / 9 rebs. Feb. 6, 2003 at No. 25/- Ohio State 15 pts. / 12 rebs. Feb. 16, 2003 No. 22/24 Ohio State 20 pts. / 17 rebs. Feb. 23, 2003 No. 12/13 Penn State 18 pts. / 4 rebs.
Von Wald Another Weapon in Gopher Arsenal
Senior guard/forward Corrin Von Wald adds another dangerous weapon to the Golden Gopher arsenal. Von Wald is second on the team in scoring (14.9 ppg.) and assists (74), while leading the Gopher defense with 77 steals. She adds 3.9 rebounds per game and shoots 62.3 percent (38-61) from three-point range. Her 2.8 steals per game is second in the Big Ten. She also ranks ninth in scoring, 11th in field goal percentage (50.7) and 14th in free throw percentage (79.6).
Von Wald has led the Gophers in scoring in six times this season, including a career-high 27 point outing in the win at Northwestern (2/13) and 20 points versus Ohio State (2/16).
Von Wald Hits 11 Straight From Three-Point Range
Corrin Von Wald made a school record 11 straight three-point field goals before finally missing in the Penn State (2/23) game. Von Wald has been impressive from three-point range throughout the Big Ten season. She led the conference in three-point field goal percentage at 61.7 percent, making 29 of 47 treys. Her Big Ten percentage mirrors her overall percentage from long range. Von Wald is 38-of-61 from three point land for 62.3 percent.
McCarville Feasted on Big Ten Opposition
2002 Big Ten Freshman of the Year Janel McCarville earned respect in her rookie season battling in the paint. In her sophomore season, McCarville more than battled in the post, she dominated it, earning All-Big Ten first-team honors by the media and second-team accolades by the coaches. In conference play, McCarville led the Big Ten in field goal percentage, hitting 68.6 percent from the floor, and was second in rebounding, pulling down 9.4 boards a game. She also ranked ninth in scoring (15.6 ppg.), and fourth in blocked shots (1.4 bpg.).
Whalen an Academic All-American
Lindsay Whalen, a sports studies major, earned third-team Verizon Academic All-America, becoming the first Minnesota women's basketball player to earn Academic All-America honors. Whalen was an Academic All-District selection in 2002. Corrin Von Wald, an architecture major, was honored as a member of the second-team Verizon Academic All-District team.
Gopher Offense No. 5 in Nation
Minnesota averages 79.1 points per game, the nation's fifth-leading scoring average. Duke leads the nation at 81.6 ppg, followed by Tennessee (81.3 ppg.), Indiana State (80.0 ppg.), Western Michigan (79.6 ppg.) and Minnesota.
Potent Pointers of the Gopher Offense
A quick look at the stat sheet clearly reveals why the Golden Gopher offense is among the nation's leaders in offense. Minnesota leads the nation in field goal percentage at 51.3 percent and adds an impressive 75.9 percent from the free throw line. The Gophers have shot better than 50 percent from the floor in 16 games and better than 80 percent from the free throw line 12 times this season. The Gophers' 116-point effort against IPFW is the highest in the Big Ten and third highest in the nation this season and tied for the sixth-highest team score in Big Ten history.
Whalen Assist Total Tied for Best in NCAA Era
Lindsay Whalen's 174 assists this season ties former Gopher great Debbie Hunter (1979-83) for the most in Minnesota history since the Gophers began playing an NCAA schedule. Hunter accomplished the feat in 1982-83 - Minnesota's first NCAA season. Hunter owns the all-time single-season record with 241 assists during the 1980-81 season and holds the career mark with 632. Whalen ranks second in Minnesota history with 415 career assists.
Rededication to Defense
While Minnesota gained notoriety with its potent offense, the Golden Gopher defense was Coach Pam Borton's target for improvement this season. Minnesota's defense has improved steadily and is allowing 65.1 points per game. The Gophers posted a defensive average of 71.7 points per game allowed a year ago and ranked last in the Big Ten.
The powerful teams in the Big Ten have provided a stiff test for the Gopher defense and they responded. Borton aimed for her defense to allow in the neighborhood of 66 points a game. In the Gophers' conference season, the Gophers' defense lived up to their coach's expectations finishing with a defensive average of 65.3 points per Big Ten game.
Another Lesson Learned, Focus Back on Defense
Head coach Pam Borton was embarrassed when Illinois lit up the scoreboard and her Gopher defense for 94 points in a 94-80 loss in Champaign (1/26). Minnesota's defense regained its intensity and purpose, allowing an average of 58.0 points in the nine remaining regular-season games after the Illinois game. A disappointing defensive performance in the Big Ten Tournament saw Iowa put up 80 points on the Gopher defense, leading Borton to once again reinforce her emphasis on defense. The first game following the Illinois game the Gophers gave up just 56 points. Borton and her Golden Gophers look to bring back that kind of fire and intensity heading to the NCAA Tournament.
Rookie Point Guard Solid and Steady in Gopher Lineup
Freshman Shannon Schonrock earned her first career start against Indiana (2/9). Schonrock made only one basket, a three-pointer, to finish with three points but she ran the offense efficiently, playing 33 minutes and committing just two turnovers. She has started seven of eight games since, with Senior Night (2/27 vs. Wisconsin) her only non-start. The 5-6 Schonrock is the first freshman to start at point guard since Lindsay Whalen started three games at that position in 2000-01 (Whalen's other starts her freshman season were at shooting guard).
Schonrock does an exceptional job of controlling the tempo of the game and takes care of the ball. In averaging 22.2 minutes on the court per game, Schonrock commits a turnover only once for every 15.2 minutes of play. She is third on the team in assists (68) and maintains a solid 1.7-to-1 assist to turnover ratio. Schonrock also provides the coaching staff with the opportunity to move Whalen to the shooting guard position.
Schonrock dished out a career-high eight assists in the win over Ohio State (2/16) and is averaging 4.0 assists in her seven career starts.
Plenty of Experience Surrounds the Rookie
Shannon Schonrock may only be making her eighth career start in the Minnesota lineup, but the Golden Gophers have plenty of experience to surround the rookie point guard. Lindsay Whalen has the longest consecutive games started streak at 79 and counting, Corrin Von Wald checks in with 58 straight. The other projected starters, Kadidja Andersson and Janel McCarville add plenty of experience as well. Andersson has started all but six of her 86 career games. McCarville has 42s starts through her sophomore season. The Gophers have further starting experience coming off the bench. Senior guard Lindsay Lieser (New London, Minn./New London-Spicer) has 84 career starts, while senior center Kim Prince (Montgomery, Ala./Carver) has 44 starts in her Gopher career.
Whalen Fifth on Minnesota Career Scoring List
Lindsay Whalen, now with 1,687 career points, needs 20 points to move up to No. 4 on the Golden Gophers' career scoring list. Only seven players have scored over 2,000 career points in the history of the Big Ten, led by former Ohio State star and current Minnesota Lynx All-Star Katie Smith with 2,578 career points. Whalen is currently fifth on the Minnesota all-time career scoring list.
Top Five Scorers in Minnesota History 1. 2,097 Carol Ann Shudlick (1991-94) 2. 2,044 Laura Coenen (1982-85) 3. 1,856 Linda Roberts (1978-81) 4. 1,706 Molly Tadich (1984-87) 5. 1,687 Lindsay Whalen (2001-c)
Andersson Quiet, but Effective
Junior forward Kadidja Andersson quietly goes about her work, often undetected on the stat sheet, but her worth to the Gopher game plan each game is substantial. Andersson ranks fifth on the team in scoring (6.9 ppg.), third in rebounds (4.0 rpg.) and fourth in assists (63). Andersson's biggest contributions may come on defense, where her assignment is to shut down the opponent's top forward, or on offense, with her passing and screens.
Head Coach Pam Borton
Golden Gopher head coach Pam Borton (Defiance, 1987) is in her first season at Minnesota and her fifth career season as a head coach. Borton spent the previous five years at Boston College, the last two as associate head coach. Her prior head coaching experience was at Vermont from 1993-97. She owns a career record of 92-51 (.643) and an 23-5 (.821) mark at Minnesota.
Borton in the NCAA Tournament
Minnesota head coach Pam Borton enters the 2003 NCAA Tournament with an 0-1 record in NCAA Tournament play. Borton led No. 13-seeded Vermont into the Tournament in 1994 but lost in the first round to No. 4 Seton Hall. Gophers Enter NCAA as No. 6 Seed
No. 17/18 Minnesota (23-5 overall, 12-4/t-second Big Ten) earned the No. 6 seed in the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament and heads to Stanford, Calif., to face No. 11 seeded Tulane (19-9) on Saturday at 6:10 p.m. (PT).
The NCAA Tournament - First and Second Round Schedule
The schedule for the NCAA First and Second Rounds at Stanford are as follows (times local to site):
Friday, March 21 Open Practice NCAA Press Conference Minnesota Noon - 1 p.m. 1:10 - 1:40 p.m. Tulane 1:05 - 2:05 p.m. 12:20 - 12:50 p.m. Stanford 2:10 - 3:10 p.m. 3:20 - 3:50 p.m. W. Michigan 3:15 - 4:15 p.m. 2:30 - 3 p.m. Saturday, March 22 Game 1 No. 6 Minnesota vs. No. 11 Tulane 6:10 p.m. (8:10 p.m. CT) Game 2 No. 3 Stanford vs. No. 14 W. Michigan approx. 8:30 p.m. (10:30 CT) Sunday, March 23 Closed Practice NCAA Press Conference Winner of Game 1 1 - 3 p.m. 3:10 - 3:40 p.m. Winner of Game 2 3:10 - 5:10 p.m. 2:30 - 3 p.m. Monday, March 24 Game 3 Winner of Game 1 vs. Game 2 TBA
ESPN Televises All 63 Games
ESPN will televise all 63 games of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament. ESPN2 will televise the Golden Gophers' first-round NCAA Tournament game versus Tulane live with Dave Ryan and Ann Meyers calling the action. The second round game will also be televised live on either ESPN or ESPN2.
To Follow the Action
Minnesota games during the NCAA Tournament will be broadcast on KCCO Radio (950 am), as well as the Minnesota Athletics website gophersports.com. Tom Witschen will call the action, while Lynnette Sjoquist will provide the color commentary.
Minnesota History in the NCAAs
Minnesota has made two previous trips to the NCAA Tournament, going 2-2 and advancing to the second round in 1994 and 2002. In 1994, the Golden Gophers entered the tournament with a 17-10 record, earning the No. 10 seed in the East Region. Minnesota upset No. 7-seed Notre Dame, 81-76, in South Bend, Ind., but lost to No. 2-seed Vanderbilt, 98-72, in Nashville in the second round. Former Gopher great Carol Ann Shudlick, the 1994 Big Ten Player of the Year, was the force behind Minnesota's first team to capture an NCAA invitation. Last season, Minnesota earned the No. 5 seed in the Midwest Region and entered the tournament at 21-7. The Gophers defeated UNLV, 71-54, in the first round, then lost to host North Carolina, 72-69, in the second round.
Six Big Ten Teams Garner NCAA Berths
For the second straight year, the Big Ten Conference will be represented by six teams in the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament. Having six Big Ten teams matches the Conference record set previously in 1996 and 2002. The Southeastern Conference and the Big East Conference have the most teams in the 2003 field with seven apeice, followed by the Big Ten with six. Purdue earned the Big Ten's automatic bid and is joined by Illinois, Michigan State, Minnesota, Ohio State and Penn State in the NCAA field.
Gophers Ranked No. 17
The Golden Gophers enters the NCAA Tournament ranked No. 17 in the Associated Press Top 25 Women's Basketball Poll. Minnesota was ranked No. 9, its highest ranking ever, in the Jan. 6 poll. The Gophers are listed at No. 18 in the USA Today/ESPN Poll.
Streak of National Ranking Rolls On
Minnesota has been ranked in the AP National Poll's top 25 for the last 27 polls, dating back to Jan. 21, 2002, easily the longest streak in Golden Gopher history.
Borton One of Seven "Rookies" in the NCAA Field
Minnesota head coach Pam Borton is one of seven head coach leading their schools to an NCAA appearance in their first seasons at their respective institutions. This rookie class is somewhat misleading since Jim Foster's move to Ohio State caused a ripple effect at Vanderbilt (Melanie Balcomb) and Xavier (Kevin McGuff). Two others, Louisiana Tech's Kurt Budke and Southwest Missouri State's Katie Abrahamson-Henderson, join the rookie class after replacing long-standing head coaches at their schools. Western Kentucky's Mary Taylor Cowles completes the list.
Despite having seven first-year head coaches, the NCAA women's field remains dominated by coaches who have spent many years at one school. The average number of years of experience at their current schools of the coaches in this year's NCAA Tournament is 11.0 years. There are 11 head coaches with over 20 years at the same school included in the 64-team field.
Nothing If Not Unusual
Minnesota has earned NCAA Tournament berths with a first-year head coach at the helm in each of the last two seasons. Brenda Frese (then Oldfield) was one of only three rookies in the 2002 NCAA field leading Minnesota to their first postseason appearance in eight years before leaving for the head coaching job at Maryland. Current head coach Pam Borton has continued the success leading the Gophers to their first consecutive NCAA Tournament berth in school history.
Golden Gopher NCAA Tournament Tidbits
Minnesota is 2-2 in NCAA Tournament play
Minnesota has advanced to the second round in both their NCAA Tournament appearances
One Gopher NCAA win is an upset special, when No. 10 Minnesota upset No. 7 Notre Dame
Minnesota is 2-1 in NCAA play when leading at halftime
Minnesota headed into the NCAA Tournament with an AP national ranking twice - at No. 17 in 2003 and at No. 18 in 2002
Carol Ann Shudlick, the leading scorer in Minnesota women's basketball history, averaged 20.5 ppg. in her two NCAA Tournament games in 1994
The win over Notre Dame in 1994 had a bit of a revenge factor involved in it as the Irish had eliminated the Gopher volleyball team in the Sweet 16 that fall
2002 Big Ten Player of the Year Lindsay Whalen averaged 30.0 ppg. in the Gophers' two NCAA Tournament games that season
Two Gophers have posted double-doubles in NCAA Tournament play: Carol Ann Shudlick with 22 points and 13 rebounds against Vanderbilt in 1994 and Corrin Von Wald with 14 points and 10 rebounds against North Carolina in 2002
The biggest crowd the Gophers have played in front of in NCAA play was an attendance of 2,476 at Vanderbilt in 1994.
23 Wins is the Best in NCAA Era
Minnesota has posted 23 wins, the program's most during the NCAA era (Minnesota played its first NCAA schedule in 1982-83) and bettering last year's total of 22 victories. The most wins in the 29-year history of Minnesota women's basketball was 28 victories in 1980-81, when the governing body for women's sports was the AIAW (Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women).
Back-to-Back in the Books
Minnesota has back-to-back 20-win seasons for the first time in school history. Last year, the Golden Gophers recorded a 22-8 record. Twenty-win seasons are not plentiful in Minnesota history. The 2002-03 season marks just the fifth 20-win season for the Golden Gophers. Minnesota 20-win seasons: 2002-03 (23-5); 2001-02 (22-8); 1982-83 (20-7); 1980-81 (28-7 AIAW); 1977-78 (24-20 AIAW)
Whalen, McCarville, Von Wald Earn All-Big Ten
Minnesota junior guard Lindsay Whalen was a unanimous first-team All-Big Ten selection by both the coaches and media to lead a trio of Golden Gophers to earn All-Big Ten honors. Sophomore center Janel McCarville was named to the media's first team and the coaches' second team, while senior guard/forward Corrin Von Wald was selected to the All-Big Ten third team by both the coaches and media.
The three Golden Gopher All-Big Ten honorees have led Minnesota to a 23-5 record and a best-ever 12-4 mark in Big Ten play. The Gophers tied for second in the Conference standings for the second straight season. Whalen, McCarville and Von Wald form the second threesome of Gophers to earn all-conference acclaim in the same season, joining Laura Coenen (1), Molly Tadich (2) and Carol Peterka (HM) from the 1985 honor teams.
Whalen joined Penn State's Kelly Mazzante as the only players to be unanimously selected to the All-Big Ten first team. Mazzante edged Whalen for Big Ten Player of the Year honors, after Whalen gathered the honor last season. The first-team accolade is the second of Whalen's career. She tops the Golden Gophers and ranks second in the Big Ten averaging 21.2 points per game. Whalen has a spectacular all-around game averaging 6.2 assists, 5.1 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game as well.
McCarville was rewarded for her post-play dominance with the first-team nod by the Conference media and second-team accord by the coaches. McCarville was a second-team All-Big Ten pick and the Big Ten Freshman of the Year last season. McCarville leads the nation in field goal percentage (67.7 percent), while scoring 13.0 points per game. She ranks third in the Big Ten in rebounding, pulling down 8.9 boards an outing.
Von Wald earned her first postseason award, landing All-Big Ten third team acclaim on both the coaches and media honor squads. Von Wald is the second-leading Golden Gopher scorer and ranks ninth in the Big Ten, averaging 15.1 points a contest. The Gophers' top defensive player also is among the Conference's best in steals, ranking third with 2.8 thefts a game.
Pam Borton a National Finalist
Golden Gopher head coach Pam Borton is one of 25 finalists for the Naismith College Basketball Coach of the Year Award. Purdue's Kristy Curry and Penn State's Rene Portland are other Big Ten coaches among the finalists. The winner will be announced April 11 in Atlanta.
Gophers Win Big Ten Attendance Race
Minnesota finished No. 1 in the Big Ten in attendance this season. After posting six of the top 10 crowds in school history during the 2002-03 season, Minnesota averaged 7,800 fans per game. Purdue finished second with an average attendance of 7,341. An average crowd of 9,132 filled Williams Arena for Big Ten games this season.
If You Build It, They Will Come Maybe the line from the movie Field of Dreams should read, "If you win, they will come." Minnesota is ranked seventh in national attendance figures, the Gophers' highest ranking ever. Need another indication of how far this program has come in the last two years? Try this one. In 2000-01, Minnesota's average crowd was 1,087. That average did not even rank among the top 100 NCAA Division I schools in average attendance. Last year, Minnesota averaged 4,360 per game to jump to ninth place nationally. This year's average of 7,800 is 618 percent higher than the average just two years ago.
Whalen a Naismith Finalist
Lindsay Whalen is a finalist for the Naismith College Basketball Player of the Year Award, the Atlanta Tipoff Club announced. The Naismith Awards program, now in its 35th year, honors outstanding college basketball players in the United States. The awards program was founded by the Atlanta Tipoff Club, an organization dedicated to recognizing the achievements of student-athletes in basketball. Joining Whalen as finalists are Chantelle Anderson (Vanderbilt), Alana Beard (Duke), Kara Braxton (Georgia), Coretta Brown (North Carolina), Shameka Christon (Arkansas), Gwen Jackson (Tennessee), Kara Lawson (Tennessee), Kelly Mazzante (Penn State), Nicole Ohlde (Kansas State), Jocelyn Penn (South Carolina), Plenette Pierson (Texas Tech), Nicole Powell (Stanford), Aiysha Smith (LSU), Stacy Stephens (Texas), Diana Taurasi (Connecticut), LaToya Thomas (Mississippi State), Iciss Tillis (Duke), Kendra Wecker (Kansas State) and Shereka Wright (Purdue).
Dozen Conference W's a Record
Minnesota posted its best Big Ten record ever in 2002-03 at 12-4. Though the Golden Gophers' record was their best, their second-place showing matches last year's finish.
Von Wald Puts Teeth Into Gopher Defense
Corrin Von Wald has played two of her finest games defensively against two of the Big Ten's best scoring guards. Von Wald held Ohio State leading scorer Caity Matter to a season-low three points (13 below average) in the Gophers' 73-50 win over the Buckeyes on Feb. 16. Then Von Wald limited the Big Ten's top scorer, Penn State's Kelly Mazzante, to 11 points (13 below average) in a 73-57 Minnesota win on Feb. 23.
Making a Huge Point
Golden Gopher guard Lindsay Whalen is the only Naismith Award finalist found in the national statistics (as of March 10) in both scoring and assists. Whalen is 12th in scoring (21.3 ppg.) and 20th in assists (6.2 apg.). Only Bucknell senior Molly Creamer is also found on both lists, ranking second in scoring (27.1 ppg.) and 25th in assists (6.0 apg.).
Gophers Go Undefeated in Williams Arena
Notching a perfect 11-0 record at home in Williams Arena, Minnesota captured its first undefeated season on their home court since going 13-0 at home in Williams in the 1980-81 season. The Gophers finished with a best-ever 28-7 record that season overall. Minnesota has one additional undefeated home season, 9-0 in 1977-78.
Prime-Time Performer
Sophomore center Janel McCarville is averaging 16.4 points and 10.2 rebounds against nationally ranked opposition this season. Minnesota owns a 3-2 record against ranked teams this season with wins over Penn State, Purdue and Ohio State and losses at Penn State and Ohio State.< pre> Jan. 6, 2003 at No. 17/17 Penn State 10 pts. / 9 rebs. Jan. 19, 2003 No. 9/8 Purdue 19 pts. / 9 rebs. Feb. 6, 2003 at No. 25/- Ohio State 15 pts. / 12 rebs. Feb. 16, 2003 No. 22/24 Ohio State 20 pts. / 17 rebs. Feb. 23, 2003 No. 12/13 Penn State 18 pts. / 4 rebs.
Von Wald Another Weapon in Gopher Arsenal
Senior guard/forward Corrin Von Wald adds another dangerous weapon to the Golden Gopher arsenal. Von Wald is second on the team in scoring (14.9 ppg.) and assists (74), while leading the Gopher defense with 77 steals. She adds 3.9 rebounds per game and shoots 62.3 percent (38-61) from three-point range. Her 2.8 steals per game is second in the Big Ten. She also ranks ninth in scoring, 11th in field goal percentage (50.7) and 14th in free throw percentage (79.6).
Von Wald has led the Gophers in scoring in six times this season, including a career-high 27 point outing in the win at Northwestern (2/13) and 20 points versus Ohio State (2/16).
Von Wald Hits 11 Straight From Three-Point Range
Corrin Von Wald made a school record 11 straight three-point field goals before finally missing in the Penn State (2/23) game. Von Wald has been impressive from three-point range throughout the Big Ten season. She led the conference in three-point field goal percentage at 61.7 percent, making 29 of 47 treys. Her Big Ten percentage mirrors her overall percentage from long range. Von Wald is 38-of-61 from three point land for 62.3 percent.
McCarville Feasted on Big Ten Opposition
2002 Big Ten Freshman of the Year Janel McCarville earned respect in her rookie season battling in the paint. In her sophomore season, McCarville more than battled in the post, she dominated it, earning All-Big Ten first-team honors by the media and second-team accolades by the coaches. In conference play, McCarville led the Big Ten in field goal percentage, hitting 68.6 percent from the floor, and was second in rebounding, pulling down 9.4 boards a game. She also ranked ninth in scoring (15.6 ppg.), and fourth in blocked shots (1.4 bpg.).
Whalen an Academic All-American
Lindsay Whalen, a sports studies major, earned third-team Verizon Academic All-America, becoming the first Minnesota women's basketball player to earn Academic All-America honors. Whalen was an Academic All-District selection in 2002. Corrin Von Wald, an architecture major, was honored as a member of the second-team Verizon Academic All-District team.
Gopher Offense No. 5 in Nation
Minnesota averages 79.1 points per game, the nation's fifth-leading scoring average. Duke leads the nation at 81.6 ppg, followed by Tennessee (81.3 ppg.), Indiana State (80.0 ppg.), Western Michigan (79.6 ppg.) and Minnesota.
Potent Pointers of the Gopher Offense
A quick look at the stat sheet clearly reveals why the Golden Gopher offense is among the nation's leaders in offense. Minnesota leads the nation in field goal percentage at 51.3 percent and adds an impressive 75.9 percent from the free throw line. The Gophers have shot better than 50 percent from the floor in 16 games and better than 80 percent from the free throw line 12 times this season. The Gophers' 116-point effort against IPFW is the highest in the Big Ten and third highest in the nation this season and tied for the sixth-highest team score in Big Ten history.
Whalen Assist Total Tied for Best in NCAA Era
Lindsay Whalen's 174 assists this season ties former Gopher great Debbie Hunter (1979-83) for the most in Minnesota history since the Gophers began playing an NCAA schedule. Hunter accomplished the feat in 1982-83 - Minnesota's first NCAA season. Hunter owns the all-time single-season record with 241 assists during the 1980-81 season and holds the career mark with 632. Whalen ranks second in Minnesota history with 415 career assists.
Rededication to Defense
While Minnesota gained notoriety with its potent offense, the Golden Gopher defense was Coach Pam Borton's target for improvement this season. Minnesota's defense has improved steadily and is allowing 65.1 points per game. The Gophers posted a defensive average of 71.7 points per game allowed a year ago and ranked last in the Big Ten.
The powerful teams in the Big Ten have provided a stiff test for the Gopher defense and they responded. Borton aimed for her defense to allow in the neighborhood of 66 points a game. In the Gophers' conference season, the Gophers' defense lived up to their coach's expectations finishing with a defensive average of 65.3 points per Big Ten game.
Another Lesson Learned, Focus Back on Defense
Head coach Pam Borton was embarrassed when Illinois lit up the scoreboard and her Gopher defense for 94 points in a 94-80 loss in Champaign (1/26). Minnesota's defense regained its intensity and purpose, allowing an average of 58.0 points in the nine remaining regular-season games after the Illinois game. A disappointing defensive performance in the Big Ten Tournament saw Iowa put up 80 points on the Gopher defense, leading Borton to once again reinforce her emphasis on defense. The first game following the Illinois game the Gophers gave up just 56 points. Borton and her Golden Gophers look to bring back that kind of fire and intensity heading to the NCAA Tournament.
Rookie Point Guard Solid and Steady in Gopher Lineup
Freshman Shannon Schonrock earned her first career start against Indiana (2/9). Schonrock made only one basket, a three-pointer, to finish with three points but she ran the offense efficiently, playing 33 minutes and committing just two turnovers. She has started seven of eight games since, with Senior Night (2/27 vs. Wisconsin) her only non-start. The 5-6 Schonrock is the first freshman to start at point guard since Lindsay Whalen started three games at that position in 2000-01 (Whalen's other starts her freshman season were at shooting guard).
Schonrock does an exceptional job of controlling the tempo of the game and takes care of the ball. In averaging 22.2 minutes on the court per game, Schonrock commits a turnover only once for every 15.2 minutes of play. She is third on the team in assists (68) and maintains a solid 1.7-to-1 assist to turnover ratio. Schonrock also provides the coaching staff with the opportunity to move Whalen to the shooting guard position.
Schonrock dished out a career-high eight assists in the win over Ohio State (2/16) and is averaging 4.0 assists in her seven career starts.
Plenty of Experience Surrounds the Rookie
Shannon Schonrock may only be making her eighth career start in the Minnesota lineup, but the Golden Gophers have plenty of experience to surround the rookie point guard. Lindsay Whalen has the longest consecutive games started streak at 79 and counting, Corrin Von Wald checks in with 58 straight. The other projected starters, Kadidja Andersson and Janel McCarville add plenty of experience as well. Andersson has started all but six of her 86 career games. McCarville has 42s starts through her sophomore season. The Gophers have further starting experience coming off the bench. Senior guard Lindsay Lieser (New London, Minn./New London-Spicer) has 84 career starts, while senior center Kim Prince (Montgomery, Ala./Carver) has 44 starts in her Gopher career.
Whalen Fifth on Minnesota Career Scoring List
Lindsay Whalen, now with 1,687 career points, needs 20 points to move up to No. 4 on the Golden Gophers' career scoring list. Only seven players have scored over 2,000 career points in the history of the Big Ten, led by former Ohio State star and current Minnesota Lynx All-Star Katie Smith with 2,578 career points. Whalen is currently fifth on the Minnesota all-time career scoring list.
Top Five Scorers in Minnesota History 1. 2,097 Carol Ann Shudlick (1991-94) 2. 2,044 Laura Coenen (1982-85) 3. 1,856 Linda Roberts (1978-81) 4. 1,706 Molly Tadich (1984-87) 5. 1,687 Lindsay Whalen (2001-c)
Andersson Quiet, but Effective
Junior forward Kadidja Andersson quietly goes about her work, often undetected on the stat sheet, but her worth to the Gopher game plan each game is substantial. Andersson ranks fifth on the team in scoring (6.9 ppg.), third in rebounds (4.0 rpg.) and fourth in assists (63). Andersson's biggest contributions may come on defense, where her assignment is to shut down the opponent's top forward, or on offense, with her passing and screens.
Head Coach Pam Borton
Golden Gopher head coach Pam Borton (Defiance, 1987) is in her first season at Minnesota and her fifth career season as a head coach. Borton spent the previous five years at Boston College, the last two as associate head coach. Her prior head coaching experience was at Vermont from 1993-97. She owns a career record of 92-51 (.643) and an 23-5 (.821) mark at Minnesota.
Borton in the NCAA Tournament
Minnesota head coach Pam Borton enters the 2003 NCAA Tournament with an 0-1 record in NCAA Tournament play. Borton led No. 13-seeded Vermont into the Tournament in 1994 but lost in the first round to No. 4 Seton Hall.
