After a win against Iowa Sunday, UW women's basketball coach Lisa Stone addressed the media Monday. Her main focus was the Badgers' upcoming game at Ohio State and the significant growth of her team since their last meeting with the Buckeyes.
The Badgers lost 84-73 when they hosted the Buckeyes Jan. 18, and hope to come out with a victory when they travel to Ohio Thursday. Stone cited patience and shot selection as the two most important factors if the Badgers want to win.
""The first time we played them we took very, very quick shots,"" Stone said. ""Our shot selection was poor. When you have poor shot selection it filters to the entire team.""
Because Ohio State's depth is ""a key reason why they're as successful as they are,"" Stone knows that every Badger must step up Thursday to win the game. However, she said she feels they are up to the challenge.
""We're a different team now,"" she said. ""I think we're a little bit more patient offensively.""
A huge part of the Badger's recent success has been the play of guards Rae Lin D'Alie and Jolene Anderson. Stone complimented Anderson on her high level of play, but said that ""it all starts with Rae Lin ... and what she's been doing out on the court, playing all 40 minutes [against Iowa] and finding Jolene in transition.""
Stone also credits her team with getting to the free throw line these last three games against the zone.
""That means we're being aggressive offensively, and making free throws when they count,"" she said.
Stone said she expects the Badgers' success to continue.
""We've got some confidence and momentum going right now. We hit the 18 [win] mark and we want to keep going,"" she said. ""Our goal is 20, and you've got to take one at a time and we've got some tough tasks in front of us, yet our team is not afraid of that.""
If practice is any indication, the Badgers should have a strong showing against the Buckeyes. Stone emphasized ""how you practice will be relayed in the game, and we've practiced at a high level.""
As for the mental hurdles Ohio State might present as a big conference rival, Stone said this of her team: ""We respect every team that we play. That's just the way it is. You respect all, but you don't fear anybody either.""
