THIS WEEK: After a 15 day layoff between games and no home contests in over three weeks, games will now come fast and furious for the University of Mary women's basketball team. The Marauders will host four games in seven days, beginning with a tilt against the Warriors of Winona State University on Monday, January 2, 2012. The Peacocks of Upper Iowa University then come to town on Tuesday, January 3. Both games are set for 6 PM at the McDowell Activity Center.

GAME NOTES (PDF)

NEXT UP: The Marauders four game home stand continues on Saturday and Sunday, January 7-8, when U-Mary hosts MSU Moorhead and the University of Minnesota Crookston at 2 PM each day.

MARAUDERS-WARRIORS ON MIDCO SPORTS NET: Midco Sports Network will air the Marauders basketball games on Monday, January 2, when U-Mary hosts Winona State University. The live broadcast begins with the women's game at 6 PM, followed by the men's contest at approximately 8 PM. The games will be available to Midcontinent Communications subscribers on all the Midco Sports Net Channels (26, 322, 323 and 622). Tom Nieman and former Marauders men's basketball coach Juno Pintar, who led U-Mary through the transition to NCAA Division II, will call the action. After the game airs, fans can purchase a DVD of the contests through MidcoSportsNet.com. The Marauders make a second appearance on Midco SN when U-Mary hosts Concordia University – St. Paul on February 17.

TV TIME ON NBC NORTH DAKOTA SPORTS NETWORK: In addition to playing twice on Midco Sports Net, the Marauders will play two games on the NBC North Dakota Sports Network (KFYR-TV in Bismarck, KMOT-TV in Minot, KUMV-TV in Williston, and KQCD-TV in Dickinson). U-Mary makes its NBC debut January 28 when the Marauders host the University of Minnesota Duluth and will make their second appearance on February 18 against St. Cloud State.

THE RECORDS: In the midst of a three-game winning streak, the Marauders are 7-3 overall and tied for second in the Northern Sun at 4-2... The Warriors are 7-4 overall and 10th in the NSIC at 2-3... The Peacocks are 0-9 overall and 0-5 in the NSIC and sit 14th in the conference standings.

LAST OUTINGS: U-Mary swept two road games on December 16-17, defeating Minnesota Duluth 73-67 and Bemidji State 81-77 to extend the squad's win streak to three... WSU split a pair of road games, defeating Southwest Minnesota State 67-62 before suffering a 66-55 loss at Minnesota State... Upper Iowa dropped two games on its southern Minnesota road swing, losing 83-67 at Minnesota State and 75-59 at Southwest Minnesota State.

HISTORY / LAST MEETING
U-Mary vs. Winona State University: Since joining the NCAA and NSIC in 2006-07, the Warriors own a 7-2 advantage over the Marauders. In 2006-07 and 2007-08, the two teams split their first four meetings with both teams winning on their home court. Winona State has claimed the last five games... The Warriors won the last meeting between the two teams 84-78 on January 3, 2011, in a game delayed two days by winter storms. The Marauders led the road game 41-37 at half but couldn't keep pace in the second half. Rachel Zillmer made 8-of-10 shots to lead U-Mary with 18 points and Kayla Schmidt and Ali Collins both scored 15. Michelle McDonald was unstoppable for WSU, leading all players with 28 points and 10 rebounds while making 10-of-11 shots.  

U-Mary vs. Upper Iowa University: U-Mary holds a 7-2 advantage against Upper Iowa. In their first four meetings during the Marauders first two years in the league (2006-2008), the two teams split the four contests with each team winning at home. The Marauders have now won the last five meetings... In a game delayed two days due to winter storms, the Marauders defeated the Peacocks 78-46 on January 4, 2011. In the road win, 13 of 14 U-Mary players scored, led by McKenzie Foster with 17 points and five assists. Kayla Schmidt added 12 points and Ali Collins had 10. Lana Otting led the homestanding Peacocks with 13 points.

HOME: After playing just two home games in the month of December and three games total at home this season, the Marauders start a four game home stand against Winona State on January 2. Six of U-Mary's next nine games are at the MAC (McDowell Activity Center).

ROAD SWEEP: With wins at both the University of Minnesota Duluth and Bemidji State University on December 16-17, 2011, U-Mary captured a two-game weekend road trip for the first time since January 11-12, 2008. That weekend the Marauders earned wins at both the University of Minnesota Crookston and Bemidji State.

SECOND: After six games, the Marauders are tied for second in the Northern Sun.  U-Mary has faced all the top teams already, defeating first place Wayne State College and splitting with the two other teams tied for second. The Marauders defeated Bemidji State and lost to Augustana.  
 
THREE: The Marauders have captured three straight games. The team already has a four-game winning skein this season. Last year's longest win streak was two.

ROAD WARRIORS: The Marauders have experienced tremendous success on the road this season, winning six of seven games. The Marauders road win total already equals last season's total of six road wins. At home in the MAC this season the Marauders are 1-2.

MAC ATTACK: The Marauders have won 28-of-47 NSIC home games the last six seasons and are 42-26 overall (9-4 2006-07, 10-3 in 2007-08, 8-5 in 2008-09, 7-6 in 2009-10, 6-4 in 2010-11, 1-2 in 2011-12) in the McDowell Activity Center. Since Fred Fridley became head coach in the 2003-04 season, the Marauders are 79-27 at home, which includes a 15-0 mark in 2004 and 10-0 in 2006.

TIPPING THE TOP: The Marauders played the Northern Sun's first place team in back to back games and won both times, first defeating Wayne State College before beating Minnesota Duluth.

HAAG IN CHARGE: SO F Kaitlyn Haag had a tremendous weekend, coming off the bench to reach double figures in points back to back nights for the first time in her career. She opened the two game set with 16 points in 19 minutes of a 73-67 win at UMD, hitting 6-of-8 shots from the field and 4-of-5 attempts at the free throw line. Haag also added four rebounds. The Hudson, WI, native then scored the game-winning basket with 1:29 left in an 81-77 win at Bemidji State. Haag set a career-high with 18 points and pulled down nine rebounds while making 6-of-11 field goals and 6-of-8 free throws. In the two games, she averaged 17 points and 6.5 rebounds while making 63.2 per cent of her shots and making 76.9 per cent of her free throw attempts.

RALLY TIME: The Marauders overcame a 16-point deficit to defeat Bemidji State 81-77 behind a 20 point explosion from Kayla Schmidt that included six three pointers. Earlier this season U-Mary overcame a 19 point deficit in a 58-56 win at St. Cloud State.

MILITARY APPRECIATION: Sponsored by Soldiers Angels, U-Mary is holding Military Appreciation weekend on January 7-8 when the Marauders host MSU Moorhead and UMC Crookston.  Soldiers will serve as honorary captains at all games and National Guard members will sing the National Anthem. Presentations on military topics will be offered and in-game promotions will feature troops. Sponsor tickets will be given to guardsmen in Bismarck, ND, for drills.   

TURNOVER TURNAROUND: The Marauders turned the ball over just 10 times in their 81-77 comeback win at Bemidji State. The previous low was 13 at both Johnson and Wales and Minot State. The night before in a 73-67 win at Minnesota Duluth the Marauders gave the ball away a season-high 28 times. Six times U-Mary had committed more turnovers than the opponent but the Marauders have won four of the games.   

STAT STUFFING: Shaunna Knife was held scoreless at Bemidji State but still posted an impressive stat line. The junior forward went 0-for-6 from the field and missed all five three-point attempts but led the team with nine rebounds, five assists and four blocks.

NATIONAL NOTE- TEAM: The Marauders rank in the top 50 nationally in several categories:
• 16th in rebounding margin (+9.2)
• 21st in three-pointers made per game (7.4)
• 28th in blocks per game (4.5)

NATIONAL NOTE - INDIVIDUAL: Several Marauders are mentioned among the top 100 in the NCAA individual stat leader boards:
• Kayla Schmidt 20th in three point field goals made/game (2.9)
• Lindsey Sand is 42nd in free throw percentage (86.2 per cent)
• Ali Collins is 42nd in steals/game (2.8)
• Linda Murray is 54th in double doubles (3)
• Linda Murray is 58th in blocked shots (1.6 / game)
• Kayla Schmidt is 80th in three point shooting percentage (36.7)

BOARD GAMES: The Marauders are first in the NSIC in rebounds per game (45.1) and second in rebounding margin (+9.2/game). Through ten games, U-Mary was out rebounded just once this season - a loss to Augustana.

WINDEX: Linda Murray is the Marauders leading glass cleaner this season. Her average of 7.6 rebounds per game is fifth in the NSIC. Teammate Kaitlyn Haag averages 6.1 rebounds and is 14th in the conference and Shaunna Knife is right behind in 15th with 6.0.

BLOCK PARTY: The Marauders average 4.5 blocks per game, second in the NSIC. Leading the way is Linda Murray with 1.6 blocks per game, third in the NSIC. Shaunna Knife is 8th with 1.3 blocks/game.

DOWNTOWN: The Marauders are averaging 7.4 treys made per game, second among schools in the NSIC. Leading the way is senior guard Kayla Schmidt, who is averaging 2.9 treys per game to lead the NSIC.

CRIME SCENE: U-Mary averages 10.3 steals per game, third best in the NSIC. Ali Collins is the leader of the crime ring, averaging 2.8 steals/game, second among NSIC players.  

ALL IN: Twice this season all 12 Marauders have scored in a single game; a win over Minot State and a loss to Concordia University. The squad nearly accomplished that feat against Johnson and Wales when 11 of the 12 players who appeared in the game scored.
 
SHARING THE LOAD: Six different Marauders have reached double digits in points this season. Ali Collins scored 10 or more points seven times, Kayla Schmidt six, Shaunna Knife five, Linda Murray and Laura Petersen four, Kaitlyn Haag twice and McKenzie Foster once. Five Marauders have led the team in scoring, Collins four times, Murray and Schmidt twice and Petersen and Haag once each.  

SHARING THE LOAD v2: Two Marauders average double figures in scoring - Ali Collins (11.6 PPG) and Kayla Schmidt (10.4). Right behind is Shaunna Knife at 9.0. Four more average at lease 4.5 points per game - McKenzie Foster (4.5), Linda Murray (8.6), Laura Petersen (8.0) and Kaitlyn Haag (7.8).

MAC ATTACK: The Marauders have won 28-of-47 NSIC home games the last six seasons and are 42-26 overall (9-4 2006-07, 10-3 in 2007-08, 8-5 in 2008-09, 7-6 in 2009-10, 6-4 in 2010-11, 1-2 in 2011-12) in the McDowell Activity Center. Since Fred Fridley became head coach in the 2003-04 season, the Marauders are 79-27 at home, which includes a 15-0 mark in 2004 and 10-0 in 2006.

BIG WIN: The Marauders win over 4th ranked Wayne State College 72-64 on 12.10.11 is the highest ranked NCAA Division II opponent the Marauders have defeated.   

RANKED: The 72-64 win over #4 Wayne State College on 12.10.11 is the third win for the Marauders over a nationally ranked NCAA Division II opponent. U-Mary previously defeated #20 Concordia University-St. Paul 67-66 on 1.23.10 and #25 Augustana to open the 2008-09 NSIC season.   

104-24: The University of Mary came close to two records in its 104-24 win at Johnson and Wales in Miami, FL. The margin of victory was just short of the 85 points in a 105-20 Marauders win over Briercrest College on 11.13.10. The 24 points allowed against JWU was second to the 20 points allowed against Briercrest.  

CONTINUITY: The Marauders return four starters, five of their top six scorers and 10 of 14 players from last season. Headlining the U-Mary team is Ali Collins. The junior guard led the Marauders in scoring (11.2 ppg), assists (3.2 apg), and steals (51) and was third in rebounding (4.4 rpg). Junior forward Shaunna Knife averaged 10.4 points per game and led the team in rebounds (6.5 per game) and blocked shots (32). Sophomore forward McKenzie Foster averaged 9.3 points per game off the bench and shot 44.9 per cent behind the arc and .854 at the free throw line. The lone projected senior in the lineup, guard Kayla Schmidt averaged 8.5 points and made 89.5 per cent of her free throws. Entering her third year as a starter, junior guard Laura Peterson scored 8.1 points per game. Returning guards Lindsey Sand and Taylor Luke and forward Mia Gilreath will continue to play key roles.

COLLINS THE MARAUDERS NSIC PLAYER TO WATCH: Headlining the U-Mary team is Ali Collins, the Marauders 2011-12 NSIC Women's Basketball Player to Watch. A native of Mandan, ND, Collins made an immediate impact for the Marauders last season after transferring back home from Illinois Central Community College. The junior guard led the Marauders in scoring (11.2 ppg), assists (3.2 apg), and steals (51) and was third in rebounding (4.4 rpg). Collins really turned her game up down the stretch, scoring 20 or more points in four out of the final six games of the season. A strong defender, Collins had a season-high eight steals against Wayne State College, the best total by a U-Mary player since the Marauders moved to NCAA Division II. She also tied her season-high of 23 points in that same game.

NEW FACES: The Marauders will mix a pair of 6-2 junior forwards into the rotation. Linda Murray transferred to U-Mary from Merced Community College.  Murray earned first team All-Central Valley Conference recognition as a sophomore last year after averaging 11.6 points, 11.7 rebound and 2.4 blocks per game. Her efforts for the Lady Devils earned Murray the third most votes in the conference most valuable player voting. Merced College finished the season 20-10 and second in the conference at 8-2. As a freshman at Merced, Murray averaged 11.4 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game to earn all-conference honors in 2009-10... Shanara Clark played two seasons at Antelope Valley Community College and is one of the top shot blockers in school history. In 61 career games she blocked 88 shots for the Marauders. As a sophomore in 2010-11, Clark averaged 8.1 points and 5.2 rebounds as Antelope Valley finished second in the Foothills Conference at 11-3 in league play and 21-10 overall. In her freshman season, the Marauders won the Foothills Conference title and went 25-6 overall as Clark averaged 7.8 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game.

U-MARY PICKED 8TH IN NORTHERN SUN: After just missing a playoff spot last season, Northern Sun coaches believe the University of Mary women's basketball team will qualify for the conference tournament this year. In the 2011-12 NSIC Women's Basketball Preseason Coaches' Poll the Marauders are projected to finish eight. The Marauders finished in a three-way tie for 8th last season but missed out on post-season play due to tiebreakers.