Women's Hoops Blog

Inane commentary on a game that deserves far better


Thursday, March 29, 2007

It's going to be an all "W" final in the Women's NIT.

Wisconsin overcame Western Kentucky on the strength of their guard play. A hot first half by Janese Banks was complimented by Jolene Anderson's equally strong second half. The two combined for 49 points in the Badger's win over the Hilltoppers. Wisconsin was also an impressive 20-for-20 from the freethrow line.

The WNIT can be an important stepping stone for a program, and Banks is eager for the championship game.
"It means all of our hard work and all our team effort -- not accomplished yet until we win this next game -- but you can see we're building on it," said Banks, who also had eight rebounds and five assists. "I think this team is staying together at the right time. We're jelling, having fun and we feed off each other. We have to keep playing together to get this victory on Saturday."

The challenge will be that Wiscsonin will have to travel to Wyoming to face the Cowgirls, victors over Kansas State in a three-OT game. For the third game in a row, Wyoming broke attendance records: over 12,000 show up to witness what's being called the best game in Wyoming women's basketball history. It included a banked-in 3-pointer to force overtime, a driving layup to force a second overtime and a free throw to force a third.

"I've never been involved in (a game) of this magnitude, this many people, the game going back and forth," said Wyoming coach Joe Legerski.

Eventually Wyoming emerged victorious, 89-79. That earned them the right to host the WNIT finals this Saturday at 3pmEST. Check here for the TV broadcast schedule.