Depth, defense trending upward for Gophers women

Yet the Gophers' offensive production is lagging, which could make defending their Subway Classic record a challenge.

By DENNIS BRACKIN, Star Tribune

Last update: November 22, 2008 - 1:18 AM

The Gophers women's basketball team is a mere three games into its season, but already a couple of notable trends have emerged. Coach Pam Borton would like to see one continue, the other stop as early as this weekend, when her club hosts the four-team Subway Classic.

First, the positive trend: Defensive tenacity. The Gophers (2-1) have forced 73 turnovers in three games (24.3 a game) -- 30 more than their opponents. And they are averaging 11.0 steals a game, led by Emily Fox (3.0) and Kay Sylva (2.7).

"I'm very pleased with the direction our defense is heading,'' Borton said. "Of course, we still have a lot of work to do, but Kay and Brittany [McCoy] have really set the tone for us with their pressure on the ball, and everyone else is figuring out how to play Minnesota defense.''

Borton said that the team's improved depth -- 10 players average at least 11 minutes, compared to seven players a year ago -- should help sustain the defensive intensity.

"The more kids who come off the bench, you can play harder because you know you'll be able to get a breather,'' Borton said.

Now the negative trend: The offensive production by veteran post players Ashley Ellis-Milan and backup Zoe Harper has been inconsistent, at best. The team's two centers have a combined 37 points in three games, hitting just 16 of 44 attempts (36.4 percent).

"I think Ashley is trying too hard, and she's got to get back to focusing on rebounding,'' Borton said. "There's her strength.''

The Gophers have won seven of their past eight Subway Classics. Repeating could be a challenge with a field that includes perennial power North Carolina State (3-0).