Blue tourney hopes look good with win

By Michael Kern

Daily Sports Writer

Have you ever experienced deja vu?

The Michigan women's basketball team almost did last night in its victory over Wisconsin at Crisler Arena, 78-73.

A month ago in Madison, the Wolverines let a double-digit, first-half lead slip through their fingers, losing to the underdog Badgers 72-69. Last night, Wisconsin stormed back in the second half after falling behind to Michigan by as much as 17 in the first.

But this time, the Wolverines maintained composure, stepping up their play on both ends of the court down the stretch.

"We made some shots down the stretch, and our free throws were huge," Michigan coach Sue Guevara said. "And our defense down the stretch was key."

Coming off the bench in the latter part of the first half, Michigan senior Kenisha Walker took on the difficult assignment of defending forward LaTonya Sims, who had already torched the Wolverines for 17 points. Sims did not score a basket for the rest of the game - a figure that may have made the difference for the Wolverines.

"When Kenisha came in with seven minutes to go, LaTonya Sims did not touch the ball," Guevara said. "And I thought that was huge. Kenisha is under-sized at six feet, but she used her quickness so well. She created havoc for Sims and forced her to turn the ball over when she did get it."

Sophomore Alayne Ingram paced the Michigan offense with a career-high 24 points and a four-for-five shooting performance from beyond the arc. Ingram made a number of clutch baskets throughout the game, including a key lay-up off the dribble with just 1:17 left to give the Wolverines a three-point lead.

"She's really dangerous," co-captain Stacey Thomas said. "When she hits a couple of shots to start (like tonight), she gets fired up and is ready to go for the rest of the game."

The win for the Wolverines improved their record to 10-3 in the Big Ten and 18-6 overall, virtually guaranteeing themselves a spot in the NCAA Tournament. Coupled with a Purdue loss to Michigan State, the Wolverines now have a game and a half lead over the Boilermakers for second place in

DANNY KALICK/Daily

Senior Stacey Thomas notched her ninth double-double of the season last night. Thomas is also in the running for Big Ten Player of the Year honors. the Big Ten.

The Wolverines would have to lose all three of their remaining games to give up the second seed in the Big Ten Tournament.

By defeating the Badgers, Michigan tied its record of seven straight home victories and is a win away from tying its record for home victories in a season. The Wolverines are also undefeated at home in the Big Ten season.

All of which has many wondering why Michigan remains unranked.

"We have a top 25 team here, but I don't vote." Guevara said. "I just have to hope that when we're all finished, the NCAA committee is a hell of a lot smarter than the people who vote" in the polls.

Albright echoed Guevara's frustration, giving the Wolverines the ultimate compliment.

"One of the biggest tragedies in women's basketball is that Michigan is not a top 25 team," Albright said. "We vote for them every week in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll."

Michigan State is next up for the Wolverines this Sunday and, like Wisconsin, is sitting on the bubble for an NCAA Tournament bid.

"Wisconsin and Michigan State feel that they have to beat us to get into the tournament," Guevara said. "But we aren't anybody's meal ticket to the NCAA Tournament."

DANNY KALICK/Daily

Senior Stacey Thomas notched her ninth double-double of the season last night. Thomas is also in the running for Big Ten Player of the Year honors.