CU Women's Basketball Preview - vs. Ithaca/Union (2/8-9)

By: February 7, 2019

Women's Basketball | 2/7/2019 11:11:00 AM

Just two games remain on the home portion of the schedule for the Clarkson University Women's Basketball team as the Golden Knights look to improve their position in the conference standings for a playoff push.

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The Series vs. Union: After being swept in 2017-18, the Dutchwomen won January's contest 56-40 to improve to 41-12 all-time against Clarkson. The two teams were separated by just two points through 30 minutes, but Union won the fourth quarter 24-10 to gain a 16-point victory.

The Series vs. Ithaca: The Golden Knights are 7-15 all-time against the Bombers all-time, but only three of those games occurred during the 21st century, including this season's 67-53 Ithaca win. The Bombers led by four with less than four minutes to go, but shot 12-for-14 from the free throw line down the stretch to secure the win.

Key Stats for Clarkson (7-13, 4-9 Liberty League): No team attempts more 3-pointers in the Liberty League than the Golden Knights, who have hoisted 532 in 20 games this year (26.6 attempts per game). Three players rank in the top 10 in the Liberty League in 3-point field goals made, with Molly Stewart ranking second (53), Carly Assimon placing sixth (43) and Rachel Marion currently in 10th (33). Stewart is third in the conference in scoring at 15.7 points per game. Kati Gotch, who will be celebrating her Senior Day on Saturday, ranks in the top 10 in the conference in rebounding (7.1 rpg) and is fifth in the league in offensive boards (2.9 orpg).

Key Stats for Ithaca (16-5, 11-3 Liberty League): Although Union holds teams to fewer points per game, Ithaca might have the best all-around defense in the conference. The Bombers allow 54.7 points per game while playing a fast-paced game, forcing 20.2 turnovers per game with 10.8 steals per contest to go along with 6.2 blocks per game. Cassidy O'Malley leads the team in scoring at 15.2 points per game, while Annie Giannone (9.9 ppg) and Grace Cannon (9.7 ppg) are just short of averaging double figures. Cannon tossed in 21 points against the Knights back in mid-January.

Key Stats for Union (12-7, 7-6 Liberty League): The Dutchwomen lead the conference in scoring defense (50.7 ppg) and in opponents' field goal percentage (31.8%) while averaging 6.3 blocks per game. Offensively, Clarkson and Union are contrasts in styles, with the Dutchwomen making a league-low 74 3-pointers with just 282 attempts, the fewest total tries in the conference. Nicole Conley leads the league in blocked shots (3.2 bpg) and is fourth in the league in both scoring (15.5 ppg) and rebounding (8.8 rpg), but averaged just 7.0 points per game over the last conference weekend. Sophie Borg (8.1 ppg, 6.0 rpg) and Elly Vaughan (7.4 ppg, 6.3 rpg) also contribute on both sides of the ball.

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Players Mentioned

#11 Carly Assimon: G; 5' 5"; Sophomore

#13 Kati Gotch: G; 5' 8"; Senior

#24 Rachel Marion: G/F; 5' 7"; Sophomore

#1 Molly Stewart: G; 5' 9"; Junior

Players Mentioned

#11 Carly Assimon
: 5' 5"; Sophomore
: G

#13 Kati Gotch
: 5' 8"; Senior
: G

#24 Rachel Marion
: 5' 7"; Sophomore
: G/F

#1 Molly Stewart
: 5' 9"; Junior
: G