Spring Break
Women's basketball team still alive in postseason
A&M takes on Minnesota in second round of NCAA tournament in South Bend, Ind.
By: Michael Teague
Issue date: 3/24/09 Section: Sports
Today, the Texas A&M women's basketball team will look to return to the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive season in South Bend, Ind. In the second round of the NCAA Tournament, No. 10-seeded Minnesota will be the Aggies next opponent.
To advance, A&M must continue its tight defensive play that led to a dominating 80-45 victory against Evansville in the first round. Using pressure defense, the Aggies forced the Purple Aces to 30 turnovers. A&M will look to exploit Minnesota's ball control problems after the Golden Gophers had 18 turnovers in their first round win.
"We're going to pressure them on defense and force turnovers," said Aggie sophomore Sydney Colson. "Like Notre Dame did against them. We just want to be really aggressive and get back to playing the way we play."
Directing the A&M offensive is the trio of seniors Danielle Gant and Takia Starks and junior Tanisha Smith. All three players are averaging more than 10 points per game and lead the team in minutes played.
Smith said she is confident going into the second round challenge after scoring a career-high 20 points in her first NCAA Tournament game Sunday.
"We might be challenged in some areas," Smith said. "But I know we can get the job done. Playing in the NCAA Tournament is very special and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We just want to continue to be successful and keep this going."
Gant is 12 rebounds away from becoming A&M's new all-time leading rebounder. The forward sits at third on the list with 909 career rebounds.
The Aggies' second round opponent will be the Minnesota Golden Gophers (20-11) who are coming off a 79-71 upset against Notre Dame on the Irish's home floor.
Minnesota features its own arsenal of three outstanding players. Senior Emily Fox is the team's leading-scorer and is coming off a 23-point performance against Notre Dame in the first round.
"They're really aggressive," Colson said. "The girls are always moving to get the ball and are constantly in motion. I think it's going to be a battle all the way through."
To advance, A&M must continue its tight defensive play that led to a dominating 80-45 victory against Evansville in the first round. Using pressure defense, the Aggies forced the Purple Aces to 30 turnovers. A&M will look to exploit Minnesota's ball control problems after the Golden Gophers had 18 turnovers in their first round win.
"We're going to pressure them on defense and force turnovers," said Aggie sophomore Sydney Colson. "Like Notre Dame did against them. We just want to be really aggressive and get back to playing the way we play."
Directing the A&M offensive is the trio of seniors Danielle Gant and Takia Starks and junior Tanisha Smith. All three players are averaging more than 10 points per game and lead the team in minutes played.
Smith said she is confident going into the second round challenge after scoring a career-high 20 points in her first NCAA Tournament game Sunday.
"We might be challenged in some areas," Smith said. "But I know we can get the job done. Playing in the NCAA Tournament is very special and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We just want to continue to be successful and keep this going."
Gant is 12 rebounds away from becoming A&M's new all-time leading rebounder. The forward sits at third on the list with 909 career rebounds.
The Aggies' second round opponent will be the Minnesota Golden Gophers (20-11) who are coming off a 79-71 upset against Notre Dame on the Irish's home floor.
Minnesota features its own arsenal of three outstanding players. Senior Emily Fox is the team's leading-scorer and is coming off a 23-point performance against Notre Dame in the first round.
"They're really aggressive," Colson said. "The girls are always moving to get the ball and are constantly in motion. I think it's going to be a battle all the way through."
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