Herald Staff Writer
In the first half, UND made only two of its 20 3-point attempts. Yet, the Sioux led Stonehill (Mass.) College -- a quality NCAA Division II opponent -- by 20 points at halftime.
But there was nothing wrong with UND's tenacious defense, its rebounding and faster-than-ever transition game. Those three areas overwhelmed Stonehill, leading the Sioux to a 94-63 win over the Lady Chieftains on Friday night before 1,149 Hyslop Sports Center fans.
"Maybe there was a time when we relied on the 3-pointer for a major part of our offense," UND coach Gene Roebuck said. "But, with the type of players we now have, they play well in transition. But it all starts on the defensive end.
"We played very aggressive defense for 40 minutes. What we did on the defensive end set the tone for what we did on offense."
UND's defense triggered a transition game that gave the Sioux a 14-0 lead five minutes into the game. The Sioux running game was led by junior guard Tonia Jones, who added 17 points. She either scored on drives to the basket from the point or keyed the UND break.
"I'm a little bit more confident this season," said Jones, who also added seven assists. "We're an athletic team. Right now, we have five players who can bring up the ball. This is probably the most athletic team we've had."
Stonehill coach Kelly Hart certainly was aware of the Sioux athleticism, especially the play from Jones.
"Jones was the difference," Hart said. "No matter who was on the other end of the scoring, she made it go. She was a jet."
The Sioux finished with a 64-42 advantage on the boards and received strong inside play from 6-foot-1 junior Theresa LeCuyer (15 points), Katie Richards (11) and 6-1 freshman Jenny Boll, who made her first start.
"Our post players had a big challenge, and they had a great game," Jones said.
Stonehill is led by 6-foot All-America Julie Stockwell and 6-2 Susie Tully. Stockwell scored 17 points, while Sully was held to eight.
"(UND's) post players did a good job on our post players," Hart said.
UND's inside quickness was a big difference. LeCuyer started and finished UND fast-break baskets. "I've never played on a team than runs up and down the floor as much as this one," LeCuyer said. "This is a lot of fun."
The fun really began after UND survived Stonehill's only surge. After falling behind 14-0, Stonehill did manage to pull within eight (25-17) with 10 minutes left in the first half. LeCuyer and Mandy Arndtson then combined for six of the game's next eight points.
UND's 3-point shooting never did come around. The Sioux attempted 40 treys, making only seven. The 40 attempts tied a school record.
Roebuck still has confidence in his team's 3-point shooting, which has been a big factor in three straight NCAA Division II national championships.
"I hope teams will back off and let us shoot the three," Roebuck said. "I'll be happy to shoot 20 3-pointers in a half with this group, because we have good 3-point shooters. Tonight wasn't one of those nights."
But it was a good night for just about everything else.
| UND (94) | |||
| Name | FG | FT | Points |
| Pudenz | 3-11 | 0-1 | 9 |
| Jones | 7-12 | 3-4 | 17 |
| Haas | 0-2 | 2-2 | 2 |
| Hoffner | 2-8 | 2-2 | 7 |
| Moen | 2-7 | 0-0 | 6 |
| Super | 1-5 | 0-0 | 2 |
| Pick | 1-5 | 0-0 | 3 |
| Richards | 5-14 | 1-3 | 11 |
| Arndtson | 3-10 | 2-2 | 8 |
| LeCuyer | 5-10 | 5-5 | 15 |
| Boll | 2-4 | 2-4 | 6 |
| Palbicki | 3-4 | 2-2 | 8 |
| Totals | 34-92 | 19-25 | 94 |
| Stonehill (63) | |||
| Leonard | 3-9 | 0-0 | 9 |
| Bradley | 2-2 | 0-0 | 5 |
| McDonnell | 3-13 | 2-3 | 10 |
| MacLellan | 0-3 | 1-2 | 1 |
| St. George | 2-3 | 0-0 | 4 |
| Stockwell | 8-11 | 1-2 | 17 |
| Tully | 2-7 | 4-4 | 8 |
| Kelly | 0-4 | 2-2 | 2 |
| Piralli | 2-3 | 1-1 | 5 |
| Campbell | 2-2 | 0-1 | 4 |
| Bright | 0-4 | 1-1 | 1 |
| Totals | 24-61 | 11-16 | 63 |
Halftime: UND 47, Stonehill 27.
Total Fouls: UND 17, Stonehill 20.
Fouled Out: none.
Technical Fouls: none.
3-Point FG: UND 7-40 (Pudenz 3-10, Moen 2-5, Pick 1-3, Hoffner 1-6, Jones 0-1, Haas 0-1, Super 0-3, LeCuyer 0-2, Richards 0-5, Arndtson 0-4), Stonehill 3-11 (Donnell 2-3, Bradley 1-1, Leonard 0-4, MacLellan 0-1, Stockwell 0-1, Bright 0-1).
Rebounds: UND 64 (Richards 13), Stonehill 42 (Stockwell 9).
Assists: UND 27 (Pudenz 7, Jones 7), UNC 21 (McDonnell 10).
Att: 1,149.