Anticipation could not be greater for the Michigan women's basketball team this weekend. The Wolverines can seal their fate when they face Iowa and Indiana at Crisler Arena.
Every weekend this season has had some sort of implications surrounding it.
The weekend against Louisiana Tech tested the team's strength. The Wolverines kept up with the Lady Techsters, but eventually folded under the pressure and talent they encountered. And in the same weekend, Michigan lost embarrassingly to Minnesota.
And recently, the Wolverines faced Illinois and Michigan State in a two-day span. Those two games demonstrated Michigan's character, even though they lost a close contest to the Spartans.
This weekend will determine whether Michigan will make a return trip to the NCAA Tournament or whether they will attempt a run at the NIT.
"The magic number was 18 (victories)," Michigan coach Sue Guevara said. "We lost to Michigan State, but I think we are ready to take on this weekend and make a good run in the Big Ten."
Even if Michigan does drop both games this weekend, it still has the possibility of making it to the 'Big Dance' if it wins the Big Ten tournament and earns the automatic bid.
But Michigan should be able to handle Iowa and Indiana. It has already beaten both teams already this season, and both games will be played in the friendly confines of Crisler.
"We feel we are working as a unit now," Anne Thorius said. "We should be able to finish strong and establish ourselves as a contender."
The Wolverines will be without Kenisha Walker who is out for the season with a torn ACL.
Walker was a big factor in Michigan's win against Indiana. She recorded her first double-double of the season against the Hoosiers with 27 points and 11 rebounds.
02-19-99
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