Women's hoops takes on injury-ridden Boise State
Broncos host UCLA days after losing key player to knee injury
By Hye Kwon
The UCLA women's basketball team will travel to the potato capital of the country this weekend to take on a hobbled Boise State team. The Broncos (1-2 overall) will enter Saturday night's match-up against the Bruins (1-1 overall) having lost two of their best players to season-ending knee injuries in a matter of four days.
One of those players is Tricia Bader, who was leading the team with 16 points per game until she went down during a game against Oregon State last Tuesday. She was the only returning starter from last year's squad that won the Big Sky and she figured to play the role of floor leader for the Broncos.
"(Bader) is one of the premier guards in the country," Boise State head coach June Daugherty said. "She is not only a great player, she is an even greater leader."
Four days prior to Bader's injury was the loss of freshman Holly McMaster who, along with Bader, was considered the team's leading three-point threat. In the Bronco's season debut against Drake, McMaster tallied eight points (2-6 from 3-point range) and five rebounds before limping off of the court with an injury in her left knee.
"Holly was counted on to score a lot of outside shots, and we're going to miss her outside scoring," Daugherty said.
Even though the Broncos are left with big gaps to fill after the injuries, they still possess a few scoring threats. Guard Michelle Schultz averages 15.3 points per game and forward Kim Brydges puts up 13.3 points per game. They also have a solid center in 6-foot- 5-inch Verna Guild.
"I think our leadership role is being tested on the floor," Daugherty remarked. "Right after the injuries occurred, it was a very emotional time for the team, having two teammates, who've worked so hard, be hurt and be in a lot of pain.
"But one of the strengths of this team is that we have a lot of character and (the players) realize that they have to step up and play at a higher level to make up for the loss of the two players."
The Bruins, in contrast, are soaring with confidence after their blowout of UC Irvine last Monday. Their athleticism is beginning to show and opposing coaches are noticing its effects especially on the Bruins' defensive scheme.
"I think the strength of UCLA is their defense, and I know that they'll come in here with some pressure defense and try to mix things up for us." Daugherty said. "We're also concerned because (the Bruins) have a front line of 6'4" and 6'5" and have two 6'2" players coming off the bench. I think (UCLA) is very talented and has a good balance inside and outside."
Forward Kisa Hughes was unstoppable in the game against UC Irvine Monday night. After scoring a career-high 30 points against the Anteaters, she is playing with newfound confidence.
Daugherty is swamped with more things than simply trying to come up with a game plan against the Bruins. After all, she lost a potential All-Big Sky performer in Bader and a freshman sensation in McMaster.
"We're more concerned with Boise State right now and getting people to understand the different positions," Daugherty said. "Right now our focus is on Boise State."