After big victories, women strive for top 25 By Raphael Goodstein Daily Sports Writer The Michigan women's basketball team (4-1 Big Ten, 12-4 overall) was not ranked in the most recent top 25 poll, but maybe they should be. In their last two games, the Wolverines have defeated No. 19 Purdue 74-67, and embarrassed No. 12 Illinois 86-69. Yet even though both teams have worse overall and Big Ten records, both are ranked ahead of the Wolverines. The argument for a ranking is also helped by the fact that the Wolverines have not padded their record by playing a soft schedule. The Wolverines have played the 22nd-toughest schedule, according to the RPI. The index rates Michigan No. 21. What does all of this mean to Michigan coach Sue Guevara? "I don't worry about that. I'll leave that up to (the media)," Guevara said. "We want to be ranked at the end of the season." Inside Improvements Though the Wolverines' perimeter play carried the team through the non-conference portion of the season, the Wolverines' post players finally carried Michigan this weekend. Led by freshman center LeeAnn Bies and junior power forward Raina Goodlow, Michigan's lowpost scored 64 of the Wolverines' 86 points and shot a combined 67 percent from the field. Bies tallied 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 12-for-14 at the free throw line while Goodlow totaled 17 points on seven-for-nine shooting from the field. The showing was impressive considering Michigan's front court outplayed Illinois' front court, which includes two all-American candidates, seniors Susan Blauser and Tauja Catchings. The duo average about 30 points per game for the Illini, and finished Monday's game with 37. But the duo did not help the Fighting Illini when they needed it most. After the Illini came back from a seven-point deficit to take a one-point lead with five minutes left in the first half, Michigan responded by going on a 31-14 run that carried over into the second half. During the decisive run, the duo only totaled four points while Michigan's interior players dominated the post. New Balance At Michigan's media day, Guevara said that she hoped eight different players would average 10-points or more. Though only three different Wolverines average 10-points or more, four different Wolverines scored in double-figure totals against Illinois. Also, four other Michigan players are averaging between seven and nine points. Michigan's depth was apparent during its win, when Guevara could shuffle players in and out while Illinois' Theresa Grentz could only watch her players tire. "One of the strengths of our team is our depth," Guevara said. Originally on page 10A in the 1-19-2000 issue of the Daily.