D3 WBB Daily (12/29/23): Ohio Northern, Webster/Centre, two big matchups ahead for Chicago
Welcome to D3 WBB Daily, as I will take a look each morning at the biggest storylines, news, and notables in D3 women’s hoops, getting you up-to-date on what happened the day before, and what is upcoming in the day ahead. I’ve split this breakdown into three parts: “Tipping Off” will include 3-4 main storylines that have stuck out to me, “Fast Breaks” will be quick notes on impressive performances, stats, etc., and “Looking ahead” will feature a couple key games that are on my “must-watch” list in the day ahead. This is in addition to my Top 25 ballot breakdowns and other articles that will continue to be sent your way throughout this season, and should be a more organized, consistent way to share my thoughts/analysis each day.
Here we go!
Tipping off
Ohio Northern keeps win streak intact at D3hoops.com Classic
Ohio Northern’s 1-3 start took them off the radar of a lot of Top 25 voters, which is a big part of the reason why the Polar Bears made the trip to Las Vegas unranked, despite holding a four-game win streak in December. But against 10th-ranked Trinity (TX) on Thursday, ONU emerged with a 72-65 victory, extending that win streak to five in what will go down as a very significant win. Trinity is as tough as they come, especially with Maggie Robbins back on the floor and mid-year transfer Natalie Greenwood (from St. Thomas (MN)) making her collegiate debut. Layla Dials led ONU in the points category with 13, and Preseason All-American Brynn Serbin added seven rebounds and six assists. More importantly, the Polar Bears shot 51 percent from the field and were 13-of-17 from the free throw line. That’ll win you a lot of ballgames.
Pivotal weekend ahead for Chicago
It cannot be overstated how key these next two games are for #11 Chicago, as the Maroons face #23 Johns Hopkins and Bowdoin on consecutive days in Nashville. Bowdoin isn’t ranked, but will be a dangerous opponent nonetheless. With these games on a neutral court, anything can happen. Chicago’s best win is probably the 74-68 overtime victory at Carroll on Nov. 21, and while that is certainly a good result, the Maroons came up short against both UW-Whitewater and Chicago in recent weeks. UAA play will have no shortage of RRO opportunities, but it is also a very unpredictable league, and these next two matchups could further solidify Chicago’s Pool C resume (should they need it) before conference action even tips off. Both JHU and Bowdoin are as close to “RRO locks” as you’re going to get at this point in the year (meaning there is an extremely good chance they end up regionally-ranked), and even a 1-1 weekend for the Maroons would be key, considering the depth found in Region 8 this year.
Don’t let Webster-Centre fly under the radar
Today will be packed with great non-conference matchups across the country, but don’t overlook the battle between Centre (9-1) and Webster (10-0). If there’s any threat to another 25-0 regular season for Webster through the remainder of its schedule, it is Centre. A much-improved squad led by Bailey Rucker (13.8 PPG), Centre seems poised for a big year in the SAA. Webster is undefeated, and has quality wins over Central and Augustana, which should certainly give the Gorloks confidence entering this one. This is going to be a huge matchup for both teams, and I won’t be surprised if this one is decided in the final minute.
Fast Breaks
» DeSales put on a defensive clinic against Principia on Thursday in Daytona Beach, Florida, as the Bulldogs tallied 24 steals and forced a total of 33 turnovers in the 64-36 victory. Principia was held to a shooting percentage of just 25% as DeSales also had eight blocked shots.
» The third quarter is such a critical stretch in a game. Averett put that on full display against Meredith on Thursday, opening the second half with a 24-5 run. After allowing 17 second-quarter points, the Cougars held their opposition to just five in the third, and in a game that ended up being decided by a five-point margin, 57-52 in favor of Averett, that strong defensive stretch proved especially notable.
» #16 Hope opened its holiday trip to NYC with a 73-57 win over Salem State on Thursday, and sophomore Sydney Vis had plenty to do with it. She tallied a career-high 22 points in the victory, in addition to four assists and three steals, both team-highs. Vis displayed an aggressive, team-first approach according to head coach Brian Morehouse, and continues to be a big piece of Hope’s success.
Looking ahead
#10 Trinity (TX) vs Framingham State, 3:00 pm ET
UW-River Falls vs WashU, 4 pm ET
Carnegie Mellon vs #17 Trine, 4:15 pm ET
Centre at Webster, 5 pm ET
Gettysburg at Marietta, 6:30 pm ET
SUNY New Paltz vs #3 Christopher Newport, 7 pm ET