Jan. 22, 2002
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This Week
Santa Clara travels to Southern California for two key West Coast Conference matches this week. The Broncos start off on Friday night at Pepperdine. The Waves are the only league team without a loss in WCC play and are currently riding a 10-game win streak. SCU will then visit Loyola Marymount on Saturday night.
Close Calls with LA Schools
Although Santa Clara leads the all-time series against Pepperdine 23-14, the Waves always keep it close. In fact, 17 of those 34 contests---exactly half--have been decided by five points or less, with the wins favoring the Broncos 10-7. Additionally, five of SCU's six losses to Loyola Marymount all-time have been by four points or less.
Live on the Internet
Santa Clara's league contests can be heard on a live Internet audio broadcast on www.SantaClaraBroncos.com. Additionally, all home contests can be followed online with a live statistical tracker, also located on Santa Clara's official athletic website. By logging on, fans can receive real-time updated statistics direct from the official scoring computer allowing users to listen to the audio broadcast and keep up with the statistics simultaneously. The features were introduced midway through last season and have been enjoyed for the team's entire regular season home schedule. Anthony Passarelli begins his first season as the voice of the Broncos.
Among the Best in the Nation
Santa Clara is ranked 19th in three -point field goal percentage (.391), 20th in three-point field goals per game (7.1), tied for 23rd nationally in free throw percentage (.748) and ranked 29th in scoring offense (76.5). Individually, Caroline Gruening is ranked fourth nationally in three-point field goal percentage (47.9) while Becki Ashbaugh is ranked 27th in assists per game (6.1) and 29th in free throw percentage (86.4).
Scouting the Pepperdine Waves
Series Record: SCU leads 23-14
First Game: Pepperdine won 71-52 on Dec. 14, 1978 in Malibu
Last Game: Santa Clara won 63-61 on Feb. 10, 2001 in Malibu
Largest SCU Margin of Victory: 26 on Jan. 16, 1998 (76-50) in Malibu
Largest Pepperdine Margin of Victory: 19 on Dec. 14, 1978 (71-52) in Malibu
Pepperdine Record in 2000-2001: 20-11, (10-4, t-3rd in West Coast Conference)
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 9/3
Starters Returning/Lost: 3/2
Notable: Pepperdine is the only team undefeated in conference play and off to its best league start since WCC women's basketball was formed in 1985-86... the Waves are just one win shy of tying the program's all-time win streak of 11 games, set during the 1999-2000 season... Pepperdine leads the league in shots per game, averaging five.
Scouting the Loyola Marymount Lions
Series Record: SCU leads 29-6
First Game: Santa Clara won 75-32 on Dec. 14, 1984 in Los Angeles
Last Game: Santa Clara won 69-63 on Feb. 9, 2001 in Los Angeles
Largest SCU Margin of Victory: 44, twice, last on Feb. 13, 1998 (93-49) in Santa Clara
Largest LMU Margin of Victory: 10 on Jan. 22, 2000 (82-72) in Los Angeles
LMU Record in 2000-2001: 21-10, (10-4, t-3rd in West Coast Conference)
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 9/5
Starters Returning/Lost: 4/1
Notable: LMU is tied for third in league play with a 2-2 mark... Adrianne Slaughter leads the WCC in blocked shots, averaging 2.65 per game.
Protecting the Home Court
Santa Clara is the only league team undefeated at home this season. The Broncos boast an 8-0 record at the Leavey Center. SCU will put its win streak on the line again next weekend when it hosts Saint Mary's and USF.
In the WCC Statistics
Santa Clara leads the league in four categories: scoring offense (76.5 ppg), scoring margin (+10.6), field goal percentage (.443) and rebounding margin (+3.7). The Broncos are second in three-point field goal percentages (.391), free throw percentages (.748) and assists (17.59). Individually, Becki Ashbaugh is tops in assists (6.06) and free throw percentage (.864). Caroline Gruening is second in three-point percentage (.479) and fifth in three-point field goals made (2.00). Kendra Rhea is ranked ninth in rebounds (6.1) while Julie Butler is 10th at 5.7.
Up Next: Continuing Conference Play
Santa Clara wraps up the first half of conference play with contests against Saint Mary's and San Francisco. The Broncos lost to the Gaels in their final game of the regular season last year to share the West Coast Conference Championship.
Game Tickets On Sale
Individual game tickets for Santa Clara's four remaining home contests are on sale through the school's official website www.SantaClaraBroncos.com and the athletic ticket office at 408-554-4660. In conjunction with Student Advantage's FANSonly Network, the athletic department has developed an online ticket application that provides fans with the ability to purchase season tickets, family plans, individual games or an all-sports pass via the official athletic website. Tickets are also available through the athletic ticket office, open from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The WCC Basketball Championship
For the second consecutive year, the Broncos will have to travel for the chance at the league title. Last season, the West Coast Conference left the Mission Campus for the first time in three years to host its annual basketball showcase, as the 2001 WCC Women's Basketball Championships took place last March at San Diego's Jenny Craig Pavilion. Renovations to the Leavey Center prompted the change in venue, but the Toreros did such a good job hosting, the 2002 tournament is returning to the JCP. The tournament will take place February 28 through March 4, with the women's semifinal games beginning March 1 at 6 p.m., with the championship slated for a 2:30 p.m. start on March 3. The title contest will air live on Fox Sports West, KRON and Action Sports. Santa Clara is offering a Super Pass that will allow admission to all the men's and women's games with seating located in the Broncos' section for $65. Please visit www.SantaClaraBroncos.com or call 408-554-4660 to order tickets.