The Michigan Daily - Thursday, December 4, 1997 - 13A
JIft 5 ames gone,
here's wht we know
O K, we're five games into the basketball season, five
ames into the Brian Ellerbe era and only 25 games
away from the end of the regular season (or maybe just
the end of the season, period, if things don't pick up).
, Perspective is everything these days. The fickle Michigan
are suddenly worried because the Wolverines have strug-
d against some small schools. But remember: A few short
months ago, most people thought the only driving done by
anyone in a Michigan basketball uniform would be done
behind the wheel of a Ford Explorer.
Things could be worse. Things could
be better, yes, but things could be
worse. A lot worse. The Wolverines are
4-1 (though they could just as easily be
3-2, 2-3 or suffering from the death
penalty). And when it comes down to
the end of the season, nobody remem-
M bers the scores of the early games --
ROSE just the results.
All things considered, it's been a fair-
ly successful start, considering the
coaching change, Travis Conlan's injury
and Mo Taylor's departure for the pros.
But what have we learned? More than you might think, con-
sidering it's only been five games ...
Robbie Reid hates making mistakes. Unfortunately, he's
ben making them in bunches.
ut let's be fair. Anyone who thought Reid would step in
mmediately be the calm, guiding force of an offense that
hpbeen erratic for years was either crazy or Reid's dad,
Roger. The guy hasn't played for two whole years. Two years!
Giye him some time. He beats himself up after every turnover
-and every missed shot (yes, he's taken a beating thus far), so
we know he's thinking about it. He works as hard as anyone
op the floor, and he will get better.
. Reid has improved with each outing, he's using his off-hand
and going to his right more and more each game - last night
he had three assists and just one turnover. He hasn't been
at, but hold off on a final judgment for a couple months.
4f you're still not convinced, think of it this way: At least
he's not Brandun Hughes.
$ Brandon Smith is a player. Michigan's smoothest coibi-
nation so far has been Conlan, Lou Bullock, Robert Traylor,
Maceo Baston and Smith. He can run the floor as well as any-
one, he can shoot, and he goes to the hoop with authority.
But at times, he's still a little tentative. Ellerbe said of Smith
last-night, "It was like he was thinking, 'Hey, I shouldn't be
the leading scorer out here,"' - but that kind of attitude is to
be expected from a freshman. With Smith and Conlan on the
floor at the same time, Michigan has the ability to run the ball
success.
U Jerod Ward loves to shoot the ball. He does not, however,
"appear to have an equal love of passing the ball - even, at
times, if his teammates are open.
But except for last night, he has shot the ball extremely
well, which makes his launching habit a good thing. But when
he is not shooting well (like his 1-for-8 performance last
night), the temptation to continue to fire away can become a
bad thing.
Ward takes his share of criticism, however, and one thing
you rarely hear about is his defense. That could be because it's
never been great. This year, though, it has improved notice-
ably. Although he's not blessed with the quickest feet in the
world, Ward has been getting his hands in the passing lanes
and generally picking up his effort on defense.
Conlan is a better ball-handler - with a cast on - than
anyone else with two healthy wrists. Without question, he is
the one player who makes the team go.
With no Conlan on the floor, the Wolverines are lost on
offense. He won't score 30 points, but it's safe to say there
Maceo
Baston
winces at
the thought
of getting
<.by Florida
international
center
Darius
Cook.
WARREN ZINN/
Daly
aren't many people in the college game who see the floor as
well as he does.
Bullock's shooting will be just fine - unless Conlan gets
hurt again. Nobody has suffered more than Bullock as a result
of Conlan's absence, but unfortunately, nobody but Bullock
could run the point effectively when Conlan got hurt.
Bullock is not a point guard, but he's done an admirable job
running the offense and handling the ball. Still, he struggles to
find open looks when he's running the point, and with Conlan
on the floor, he has an easier time getting open - both 3-
pointers he hit last night came while Conlan was in the game.
Bullock will be fine - when Conlan is back to normal.
But what about the turnovers, you ask? Where has Traylor
been? Will Michigan ever blow someone out?
Good questions, all of them. Ask again in another five
games.
- Jim Rose can be reached via email atjwrose@umich.edu.
A' cagers find
aumliar home
Andy Latack
y Sports Writer
RAND RAPIDS - It was designated on the sched-
as a home game, but Gerald Ford Fieldhouse in
nd Rapids is quite a trek from the friendly confines
risler Arena.
'et for some on the Michigan women's basketball
n, this truly was a home game. Senior captain Molly
rray, sophomore Kenisha Walker and freshman Katie
<house all went to high school in Grand Rapids, an'd
chance to play in front of hometown fans was a social
oortunity.
dichigan's 78-66 victory yesterday was Murray's first
nce to play in front of hometown fans since she came
Michigan as a highly-touted recruit out of GraUid
ids' Catholic High School in 1994.
The support was great, and it reminded me of high
ool a little bit," Murray said. "I saw a lot of the same
es out there."
nd many of those faces seemed to be cheering for the
lverines, backing that comes as no surprise to Dykhous.
We have a lot of support in the Western Michigan
a," the freshman center said. "Girls' basketball is so
here anyway, and I think people just wanted to come
: watch a good game."
)ykhouse, whose entry into the game with under two
utes left was met with a rousing ovation from the
wd, has experienced this support first-hand. Last year,
led Grand Rapids Christian High School in the Class
State semifinals and was named first-team All-
iference in the Grand Rapids City League three times.
It was awesome," Dykhouse said. "I know a lot of
pie here and have played with a lot of girls. Whent
te in the game, everyone was yelling, 'She's from
nd Rapids!"' said Dykhouse.
some of those people who witnessed Dykhouse and
rest of the Wolverines' performance may eventually
i the maize and blue themselves. With three current
ers from the Grand Rapids area on the squad, recruit-
is definitely on Michigan coach Sue Guevara's mid
n playing a game in such a basketball-crazy locati0o.
We've been fortunate to get some kids (from Grarl
>ids) in the past," Guevara said. "And hopefully, soie
s who watched the game saw some bright spots." i
entral Michigan coach Fran Voll, whose team is -
ily made up of Michigan natives, views the neutir-
as an equally valuable opportunity.
We have kids that we're looking at here, ad
:higan does, too," Voll said. "I'm glad (Michigan)
ited to play this game, because the city of Grgd
>ids has such outstanding support for girls' baskek
oes in Vegas:
"The expectations of the coaches and fans ae
well founded," senior Bill Lacure (150) said. "As
long as we can keep everything in perspective,
we're capable of doing great things-especially ir
this tournament."
The Wolverines also have an advantage becaus
of their practice schedule. For the past month, they
have been practicing twice a day, and in the last
week they have reduced to once a day at a higher
level of intensity.
"What has always separated us from other teans
is our ability to peak at the right times," Ho
said. "Because of the way our practice schedule s
set up, we will have fresh legs going into the tout
nament and we will wrestle well."
The team morale at this point is running hig.
The Wolverines are supportive of one another a41
are prepared to face the competition in Las Veg.
"We are fired up to show the nation how goo
our team really is," Howe said. "We sat down at
the beginning of the season and listed our goats
for the matches and for this tournament, it's t,
three."
'M' grapplers to roll dice, f
By Nita Srivastava
Daily Sports Writer
Somebody is going to pay, but it's not going to
be for gambling debts.
The Michigan wrestling team heads out to
Nevada this weekend with a vengeance to take
part in the Las Vegas Classic in which top
wrestlers from 40 schools around the country will
compete.
Michigan has a history of performing well in
this tournament, but there is some "unfinished
business," according to the Wolverines, making
this competition that much more important to set
the tone for the rest of the season.
"There is a lot of distraction because we are
practically wrestling in a casino," senior Brandon
Howe (126 pounds) said. "But we are going to
take care of business."
Last year, co-captain Jeff Catrabone (167) took
first place in the tournament. Catrabone said he is
now looking to end his career at Michigan on a
high point.
"Last year, I won. This year, I want to dominate.
My goal is to pin everyone," Catrabone said.
The seniors on the team are especially looking
forward to the competition in Las Vegas.
"We haven't performed to our ability in the past,
and this is the season that the seniors especially
want to make the most memorable in our career,"
co-captain heavyweight Airron Richardson said.
Richardson will potentially compete against No.
I Steve Neal of Cal State-Bakersfield who he lost
to in the semifinals of the same tournament last
year, 5-3.
One of Michigan's biggest advantages going
into the tournament is the depth and balance of the
team.
Michigan coach Dale Bahr commented on the
importance of maturity on the team.
"This is one of the best Michigan teams I have
seen," Bahr said. "We've got quality, experience
and balance. There is someone good in every
weight class."
As a result, the aspirations are particularly high
this year for the Wolverines to do well, especially
in this tournament.
Michigan's Bill Lacure and the Wolverines won't be able to have much funIL
Vegas this weekend. Michigan is focused on the competition at hand.
GHIPPEWAS
tInued from Page 11A
ping defense without fouling the
igan players. The Wolverines shot
blee throws in the game, making 20
em. The 63 percent mark from the
was a slight improvement.
higan has struggled from the free
line this year. Guevara was
uraged by the number of times the
verines went to the line.
eah, I want to get to the free throw
'Guevara said. "We may not be the
free-throw shooting team in the Big
Sbut I want to get there. The more we
get there, maybe the more we'll put in."
Central Michigan was paced by
sophomore center Shelly Woods, who
scored 18 points. Ebony Rainge and
freshman Joni Daniels each posted 11
points for the Chippewas.
Next up for Michigan is Florida A&M
9 the Duke Tournament on Saturday.
Guevara does not expect Michigan to
come out as flat in its next game.
"I told the team, 'hey, we gotta get
ready for Florida A&M on Saturday,"'
Guevara said. "If we play like that, we're
going to get pounded."
MICHIGAN (78)
MIN . -A N-A 0-T A F PTS
Lemire 35 5-12 3-5 0-2 4 2 15
Willard 24 3-5 4-6 3-9 0 3 10
Johns 35 8.12 6.9 3-8 2 2 22
Thomas 19 14 020 1-2 3 1'2
Thorius 30 3.7 1-3 1-4 5 2 7
Murray 26 3-7 2-4 1-5 0 2 8
Franklin 11 2-4 0-0 1-2 1 1 4
Dykhouse 2 11 2.3 12 0 0 4
Stowe 18 2-6 2-2 2-4 0 0 6
Totals 200 28.58 20-321s411513 78
FG%: 483, FT%: .625. 3oIntrF: 2-8 .250 .
Lemire 2-3, Thorius 0-2, Murra 0-2). Blocks: 0.
Steals: 10 (Willard 3, Johns 2, Thorius 2, Lemire,
Murray, Thomas). Technical Fouls: none.
CENTRAL MICHIGAN (66
MIN *A M-A O-T A F
Nara 30 410 0.0 1-3 4 3
Rainge 28 5-13 1-1 4-8 2 3
Woods 28 9-20 01 2-5 0 4
!Rasch 34 3-10'0-0 3-6 4 2
Miller 31 2-5 0-0 1-3 3 5
Fambro 20 24 3-4 0-0 2 1
Culbertson 1 0-0 0-0 0-0 1 0
Daniels 24 5.7 1-4 3-8 1 4
Minaricova 2 0.0 0-0 0-0 0 0
Pigott 2 0.1 0.0 0-0 0 0
Totals 200 30.70 5-101891722
FG%: .429. FT%: .500. 3-point FG: 1-6, .167
(Fambro 1-3, Nora 0-2, Miller 0-1). Blocks: 1
(Rainge).FSteals: 5 (Nora 2, Daniels; Miller,
Rasch). Technical Fouls: none.
MICHIGAN (714 E
MIN M-A U-A 0-T A F PIS
Baston 35 8-11 7-8 5-13 3 2 23
Ward 17 1-8 0.0 -2 0 4 3
Traylor 30 6-13 04 2.12 2 3 12
Reid 27 2-5 0-0 0231 5
Bullock 34 3-10 0-0 0-3 2 1 8
Conlan 26 1-2 1-2 0-1 7 0 3
Oliver 2 0-0 0.0 0-0 0 0 0
Asselin 15 4.5 00 3.5 0 1 8
Smith 14 3.6 1-2 2-3 0 1 9
Totals 200 28.60 91613421713 71
FG%: .467. FT%: .563. 3jpolnt FG: 6.20, .300
(Smith 2-5, Bullock 2-6, Reid 1-4, Ward 1-4).
Blocks: 4 (Smith 2, Traylor, Ward).,Steals: 4
(COnlian 3, Traylor). Technical Fouls: none.
FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL (62)
FO FT R1E3
MIN M-A M-A 0-T A F PIS
Gamble 27 2-6 22 0.2 1 3 6
Bell 39 7-14 4.4 2-5 0 3 20
Cook 30 2-7 0.1 0.5 2 1 4
McKnight 24 3-4 3.3 0.1 1 0 11
Arroyo 27 2.6 2-3 0.2 4 2 6
Derkack 21 4-10 0-0 4-8 3 4 9
Fairweather 10 1-6 0-0 0.2 0 0 3
Carreno 14 1-3 0-0 1-1 2 0 3
Harris 8 0.2 0.001 01 0
Totals 200 22-58 1113 8-30 131462
FG%: .379. FT%: .846. 3pont Fa: 7-22, .318
(Bell 2-3, McKnight 2-3, arreno 1-3, Derkack 1-4
Fairweather 1-6, Arroyo 0-2, Gamble 0-1). Blocks:
none. Steals: 9 (Gamble 3, Cook 2, Bell, Derkack,
Harris). Technical Fouls: none.
Michigan......26 45-71
Florida Int'I.27 35-62
At: Crisler Arena
A: 11,236
P1T8
8
11
18
6
4
8
0
1
0
0
66
NCAAS
Continued from Page IIA
think.there are enough quality American
players out there that we can recruit.'
Despite their different philosophies
in recruiting, both Giovanazzi and
Temple coach Bob Bertucci share one
thing in common - their teams are
making their first foray into the NCAA
tournament.
While it took Giovanazzi six seasons
to turn the trick, Bertucci has led the
Owls into the tournament in just his
third season at the helm. The Owls have
made great strides under Bertucci,
improving from a 17-13 record in his
first season to this season's tournament
berth.
As the Wolverines draw closer to their
first-ever tournament game, they are
relaxing and allowing the last three
months of competition to sink in.
"We had regular practice Monday and
Tuesday, and a light walk-through yes-
terday" Giovanazzi said. "We will be
ready to go."
The winner of tonight's match plays
the winner of the Hofstra-Texas A&M
match tomorrow night.
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