NU-KSU game a physically grueling match
Nick Filipowski
Issue date: 1/31/08 Section: Sports
"Another classic matchup" in the Big 12 Conference is how Kansas State Coach Deb Patterson referred to Wednesday night's 77-75 victory against Nebraska.
Patterson said with any Big 12 North Division game, teams are going to "strap it up" and play tough, physical games.
But in a game that was so physical from tip-off, both squads committed 14 fouls a piece. NU suffered just three first half fouls compared to KSU's seven, but it was the no-call plays that got the best of Patterson.
Patterson's temper boiled over twice during the game, both resulting in technical fouls.
She received her first technical foul with 2:31 remaining in the first half after a rough-and-tumble play that drew no whistle. The fiery coach balled up a sheet of paper and tossed it backwards toward the stands.
Halfway through the second half, she received her second technical following a similar series of plays. This time, Patterson slammed the scorer's table and was immediately tossed from the game.
"I'm half Italian," Patterson said with a smile. "And I guess I was a little too emotional on the sideline for both of the officials on both of those plays."
Despite considering the No. 18 Wildcats to have a "small stature" compared to other teams, Patterson said she wasn't worried about the type of effort her squad gave Wednesday. It lost the rebounding battle against a taller Nebraska squad, 39-29, but collected 22 defensive boards compared to NU's 21.
NU senior center/forward Danielle Page referred to Wednesday's game as a "dog fight" and said it was like any other game in the post area - a battle.
"You gotta hold your own," Page said. "You gotta rip rebounds and power your shots in."
Page said matchups change from week to week, but now the Huskers have played two back-to-back grueling games against Kansas State and No. 6 Baylor.
Patterson, despite having to watch the rest of the game from the concession area, remarked at her team's ability - especially senior guard Kimberly Dietz - to stay composed and grind out the win.
"It's not about points," Patterson said. "It's about the poise, the toughness, the resiliency, the communication, the leadership day in and day out in practice (and) the example on the floor."
Even with such a physical game, Dietz scored 26 points and repeatedly beat the Cornhuskers with her dribble penetration and made tough shot after tough shot.
"That's what this game is all about," Patterson said. "It's about the players and what they bring to the floor every night. I just have a great deal of pride in their toughness."
Nebraska junior forward Kelsey Griffin said it's difficult to have tough back-to-back losses, but that she and the team are anxious for another battle against the Wildcats, who are now 7-0 in league play.
"You can't dwell on things, Griffin said. "You have to learn from them.
"The great thing about K-State playing in the North is that we get to play them again."
NICKFILIPOWSKI@DAILYNEBRASKAN.COM
Patterson said with any Big 12 North Division game, teams are going to "strap it up" and play tough, physical games.
But in a game that was so physical from tip-off, both squads committed 14 fouls a piece. NU suffered just three first half fouls compared to KSU's seven, but it was the no-call plays that got the best of Patterson.
Patterson's temper boiled over twice during the game, both resulting in technical fouls.
She received her first technical foul with 2:31 remaining in the first half after a rough-and-tumble play that drew no whistle. The fiery coach balled up a sheet of paper and tossed it backwards toward the stands.
Halfway through the second half, she received her second technical following a similar series of plays. This time, Patterson slammed the scorer's table and was immediately tossed from the game.
"I'm half Italian," Patterson said with a smile. "And I guess I was a little too emotional on the sideline for both of the officials on both of those plays."
Despite considering the No. 18 Wildcats to have a "small stature" compared to other teams, Patterson said she wasn't worried about the type of effort her squad gave Wednesday. It lost the rebounding battle against a taller Nebraska squad, 39-29, but collected 22 defensive boards compared to NU's 21.
NU senior center/forward Danielle Page referred to Wednesday's game as a "dog fight" and said it was like any other game in the post area - a battle.
"You gotta hold your own," Page said. "You gotta rip rebounds and power your shots in."
Page said matchups change from week to week, but now the Huskers have played two back-to-back grueling games against Kansas State and No. 6 Baylor.
Patterson, despite having to watch the rest of the game from the concession area, remarked at her team's ability - especially senior guard Kimberly Dietz - to stay composed and grind out the win.
"It's not about points," Patterson said. "It's about the poise, the toughness, the resiliency, the communication, the leadership day in and day out in practice (and) the example on the floor."
Even with such a physical game, Dietz scored 26 points and repeatedly beat the Cornhuskers with her dribble penetration and made tough shot after tough shot.
"That's what this game is all about," Patterson said. "It's about the players and what they bring to the floor every night. I just have a great deal of pride in their toughness."
Nebraska junior forward Kelsey Griffin said it's difficult to have tough back-to-back losses, but that she and the team are anxious for another battle against the Wildcats, who are now 7-0 in league play.
"You can't dwell on things, Griffin said. "You have to learn from them.
"The great thing about K-State playing in the North is that we get to play them again."
NICKFILIPOWSKI@DAILYNEBRASKAN.COM
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