SMC BASKETBALL: Belles face tough conference test
Joe Hettler
Sports Writer
After nearly pulling off an upset win against Adrian on Saturday, the Saint Mary's basketball team must regroup when it faces a tough Kalamazoo team tonight.
For the Belles (6-11, 2-4) a win tonight against the third-place team in the MIAA could be the catalyst that helps give them momentum for the rest of the season and the upcoming MIAA tournament.
"It's a huge game," said Belles head coach Suzanne Smith. "Especially bouncing back after playing a close game on Saturday in a game we definitely could have won. We definitely realize we can win and we're definitely thinking upset again."
For the Belles to do that, they must force the Hornets to play their bench players. Kalamazoo starts only one senior, one junior and three freshmen. Much of the bench also consists of freshmen. If Kalamazoo is forced to play its reserves, Saint Mary's feels confident about its chances of winning.
"They have a good core starting five but then they really don't have depth," said Belles co-captain Anne Blair. "We need everyone to step up and stay out of foul trouble which has been a big problem. We do have depth and everyone on our bench can play."
Smith also said the Belles must rebound to shut down the Hornet's strong offense.
"We've got to rebound offensively and defensively and we've got to work hard," Smith said. "We just have to play together and attacking their defense and we just need to take it to the basket."
Saint Mary's has also been adjusting to the loss of four players — three to injury and one who left the team. Despite this setback, Blair believes the Belles have responded in a positive way.
"It's not like we can replace them but everyone has stepped up and people have filled their roles," Blair said.
Smith agreed and added that the team is closer than before.
"We're a much closer group without as many people and practices go pretty smoothly and a lot of people are getting a lot of time," Smith said. "So they've adjusted pretty well."
All Sports Stories for Wednesday, January 23, 2002
