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Virginia Hosts Marriott Cavalier Classic Friday And Saturday
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CHARLOTTESVILLE The Virginia women’s basketball team returns to the hardwood this weekend as it hosts the 2007 Marriott Cavalier Classic on Friday and Saturday at John Paul Jones Arena. In the first day of action, the Cavaliers face Delaware State at 7 p.m., following a Marshall vs. Missouri matchup at 4:30 p.m. The winners will meet for the championship at 7 p.m. on Saturday, following a 4:30 p.m. consolation game.
A Look At Virginia
The Cavaliers are coming off of a 83-68 win over Davidson on Dec. 20. Four players are averaging double figures in scoring, led by Monica Wright (16.3 ppg) and followed by Lyndra Littles (16.1 ppg), Aisha Mohammed (12.5 ppg) and Paulisha Kellum (11.1 ppg). The fifth starter, Sharne Zoll, leads the team with 5.1 assists per game.
With a 7-4 overall record and victories in three of its last four games, Virginia is receiving votes in the latest Associated Press Top 25 poll (Dec. 24).
A Look At The Field
The Thundering Herd enters the tournament with a 7-4 overall record after defeating Texas-Arlington, 97-91, in triple overtime on Dec. 18.
Missouri is 6-5 on the year after dropping its last contest to Illinois, 66-52, on Dec. 19.
After being defeated by Old Dominion in its last outing, 70-28 (Dec. 20), Delaware State enters the Marriott Cavalier Classic with a 3-7 record.
Monica Wright Named To Naismith Trophy Preseason Watch List
Second-year guard Monica Wright was named to the 2007-08 Naismith Trophy Preseason Watch List, presented by AT&T, the Atlanta Tipoff Club announced.
The Woodbridge, Va., native and reigning ACC Rookie of the Year is one of just five sophomores on the prestigious list.
In January, the Naismith voting academy, comprised of leading basketball journalists, coaches and administrators from around the country will narrow its preseason list to the Top-30 players in the nation. These players will be eligible for the final ballot in March.
Last Time Out: Virginia 83, Davidson 68
Five Cavaliers scored in double figures as a balanced attack gave the Virginia women’s basketball team an 83-68 win over Davidson at John Paul Jones Arena. UVa returned from a 15-day break for final exams to improve its record to 7-4 on the season with the win, while the Wildcats fell to 6-4.
Reigning ACC Rookie of the Year and Naismith Trophy preseason watch list selection Monica Wright led the Cavaliers with 18 points, while Lyndra Littles added 17 points and four rebounds. Ever the playmaker and usually the assist-giver, fourth-year floor general Sharne Zoll got the offensive side of her game going as well, connecting on a season-high four 3-pointers and finishing with 16 points. She also dished out a game-high eight assists.
Up Next
Virginia plays its first game of 2008 on Jan. 2 at Rider. Tip-off is 7 p.m.