Dec. 27, 2002
El Paso, Texas -
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Denver (5-6) vs. Texas El Paso (4-5)
December 28, 2002 -- Haskins Center - El Paso, Texas
Tip: 1:45 MT
Coaches: Denver - Pam Tanner (Illinois State '89) 117-92 8th season; UTEP - Keitha Green (Southwestern Col. '89) 3-25/1 yr.
Series: UTEP leads 1-0
TV: None
Radio: 1600 KCKK (Mary Kay Mauro)
Pioneers Set for Rematch with UTEP The University of Denver women's basketball returns from a six-day holiday hiatus set for a rematch with Texas El-Paso in the Longhorn state. The Pioneers won their last three games before the break, and can return to .500 with a win over UTEP on Saturday. The Pioneers can also avenge a season-opening loss to the Miners at Magness Arena (65-49 on 11/22), and record their first win on an opponents' floor. Four of Denver's five wins have been its home court, and one on a neutral court. Denver has used its newfound point guard in the last three wins. Sophomore Katie Davenport made her first collegiate start vs. Southwest Missouri State, and has yet to lose when running the point for the Pioneers. Davenport had logged a total of 50 minutes off the bench before becoming the starter vs. SMS. Nicknamed "Rudy," Davenport was named the Pioneer Classic MVP as she led the team with 17 points in each game of the tournament to help Denver win the Classic title. Denver's leading scorer and most consistent performer is senior guard Ashley Atkinson who averages 12.4 points per game and has scored in double figures in each of her last eight games.
Davenport Pioneer Classic MVP Sophomore point guard Katie Davenport scored 17 points in both games of the Pioneer Classic to help lead her team to the championship. Her efforts earned her MVP honors as chants of "Rudy, Rudy, Rudy" were heard. Prior to starting the last three games, Davenport had seen limited playing time. She sat out all of last season rehabilitating an ACL injury, and saw limited action in her rookie campaign.
Atkinson Named All-Tournament Senior guard Ashley Atkinson was named to the all-tournament team at the Pioneer Classic after scoring 28 points in two games.
Three-Game Win Streak The Pioneers are in the midst of a three-game winning streak, and have won four of their last five games. This is a complete turn around from the beginning of the season when Denver dropped its first three contests and four of its first five games. Two factors figure into the marked difference of recent times. First, Denver lost its starting point guard (Tyesha Lowery) to an ACL injury in the first exhibition game, and used the first few games to find a replacement. After trying the two freshmen, sophomore Katie Davenport emerged as the heir apparent. Second, Denver played several nationally prominent teams to open the season, including defending national champion UConn, in addition to Arizona State, Iowa, DePaul and more. Denver's losses to UTEP and San Diego are two games the Pioneers would like to have back.
Offense Denver's offense has become more productive in the last three games, averaging 76.3 points per game in the last three. The Pioneers score just 57.9 as a team for the season. In all six losses, Denver scored 53 points or less. In the wins, the Pioneers have scored at least 62 points.
Strength of Schedule Denver's schedule is one of the most difficult in the nation, ranking 43rd in the most recent Summerville RPI Report including games through Dec. 15. The Pioneers have already faced three teams (UConn {2/3}, DePaul {25/RV} and Arizona St. {RV}),that are either ranked or receiving votes in the current national polls. The Pioneers' schedule will lead them to three more teams that are currently receiving votes (BYU, Western Kentucky and Florida International).
Two Stalwarts Denver has used several different combinations in the lineup this season, as eight players have started at least one game, and only two players have started all 11 games. Ashley Atkinson and Stephanie Hart are the only two Pioneers to start every game this season. Atkinson is the team's leading scorer while Hart paces the Pioneers on defense. Hart leads the team in steals (2.8) and rebounds (5.5).
