Thursday, February 2
Webster Bank Arena - Bridgeport, CT
5:00 PM
Quinnipiac University
at
Fairfield
QU Women's Basketball Travels to Webster Bank Arena Challenging Fairfield on Thursday (ESPN3)
1/31/2017 10:10:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Bobcats Look for Season Sweep of Stags While Trying to Avoid Consecutive MAAC Losses
Quinnipiac Bobcats (17-5, 10-2 MAAC) at
Fairfield Stags (10-11, 7-5 MAAC)
Date: Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 | 5:00 PM
Location: Webster Bank Arena | Bridgeport, Conn.
All-Time Series vs. Fairfield: Quinnipiac leads 7-6
Last Meeting: W, 60-55 (January 16, 2017 at QU)
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SOMETHING SPECIAL ABOUT THIS MATCHUP
For the first time since meeting in the 2016 MAAC Championship game, the Quinnipiac women's basketball team is set to meet Iona on Saturday afternoon from the Hynes Athletic Center in a game that can be seen on ESPN3. These two sides clashed for the conference title and the Gaels came away victorious, 57-41, for their first MAAC Championship in program history. In last season's regular season series history, the Bobcats swept Iona including a convincing 69-53 road win in the regular season finale that secured Quinnipiac's second straight MAAC Regular Season title.
SCOUTING THE STAGS
ALL-TIME AGAINST FAIRFIELD
NO LOSING SKID MARKS HERE
Coming off a 58-44 road loss to Iona (1/28), Quinnipiac looks to avoid a losing streak on Thursday, something the Bobcats haven't done in MAAC play since dropping the first three league games in 2015-16 (29 games ago). Since joining the MAAC in 2013-14, Quinnipiac is unaccustomed to losing streaks as the Bobcats have only experienced a losing streak of two or more games just twice in the last four seasons (72 MAAC games). Quinnipiac went undefeated (20-0) in 2014-15 and also ripped off a 17-game MAAC winning streak in 2015-16 (both of which ended with MAAC Regular Season titles). During 2013-14, Quinnipiac did suffer back-to-back losses to Fairfield and Iona but that and the three-game losing streak from last season are the only two spans in which the Bobcats have lost two streak in MAAC competition.
THAT'S NO SMALL FEAT
In one of the most astonishing single-game trends seen in recent memory, after Niagara attempted a season high 33 free throws in the first meeting between these two teams this season (QU won 71-64), the Bobcats held the Purple Eagles without a single free throw attempt in the 40-minute contest. That accomplishment marks the first time in the program's Div. I history (since 1998-99) that Quinnipiac has held their opponent without a free throw make or attempt in a single-game. The previous program record came when the Bobcats held Saint Joseph's to just 1-of-2 shooting from the line in an 84-69 loss to the Hawks on Dec. 1, 2013.
RPI REPORT
Through 22 games in 2016-17, Quinnipiac continues to get tons of respect in the RPI ranking list as the Bobcats check in at No. 47 in the most-recent report. Out of the 46 teams ranked ahead of Quinnipiac, 41 of those are high-major programs as the Bobcats are sixth-highest among mid-majors. Quinnipiac also owns easily the highest RPI among MAAC teams as the next-closest squad Rider comes in ranked No. 135 while Iona is third at No. 153 (349 teams ranked).
MID-MAJOR POLL UPDATE
After three straight weeks earning a program record No. 2 ranking in the College Insider Mid-Major Pol, Quinnipiac dropped to No. 11 two weeks after the record-breaking run. Quinnipiac's 17-5 record (10-2 MAAC) still earns plenty of respect as the Bobcats sit as the only MAAC team ranked in the national mid-major poll. After earning the No. 13 ranking in the preseason mid-major poll, Quinnipiac's four-spot drop from No. 7 last week snapped a run of 11 straight weeks ranked in the Top 10 of the poll for the 2016-17 season.
MAAC WIN STREAK
Quinnipiac saw its streak of 25 consecutive MAAC conference victories end in a 61-58 loss at Monmouth (1/19). An impressive streak nevertheless, the Bobcats strung together 17 straight wins to end the 2015-16 regular season and eight straight to open the 2016-17 season. That dominance is rivaled in recent time only by Marist who put together a 30-game unbeaten streak in the MAAC regular season that stretched from 2011-12 to an undefeated 18-0 record in 2012-13 and ending in 2013-14.
BIG MOVERS IN THE MAAC
Since joining the MAAC in 2013-14, Quinnipiac has reeled off a record of 68-13 (.840) in all games against MAAC opponents and 61-11 (.847) in regular season MAAC games, both records that currently lead all teams in the conference. The Bobcats rank well ahead of Iona who sits with the second-best mark of 58-20 (.744) in games against conference foes over the last four seasons and stand 54-18 (.750) in regular season MAAC play.
TOP SPOT IN THE MAAC
Through 22 games this season, Quinnipiac holds the lead in nine different statistical categories while the Bobcats are ranked no worse than third out of 11 MAAC teams in 17 out of 21 major team statistics. Quinnipiac leads the MAAC in scoring offense (68.5), scoring defense (57.4), scoring margin (+11.1), field goal percentage defense (36.2), blocked shots (4.5), assists (16.4), steals (12.0), turnover margin (+6.41) and assist/turnover ratio (1.06).
HOME LOVIN
The TD Bank Sports Center, home of the Quinnipiac Bobcats, has long been one of the most difficult arenas to play at in the country. Since the 2012-13 season, Quinnipiac owns a record of 60-7 (.896) in games played at home. In just the last three seasons (since 2014-15), Quinnipiac owns a mark of 35-3 (.921). That mark easily ranks as the best in the MAAC while it also places them with the 15th-best home win percentage in the nation over the last three seasons. The Bobcats' 14-0 mark at home in 2014-15 made them one of just 14 teams in the nation to finish with an undefeated home record.
STREAK BUSTED
Quinnipiac has enjoyed a great deal of success over the past three seasons when building a first half lead. After starting 2016-17 with a mark of 2-0 when owning a halftime lead, the Bobcats recently saw one of their most impressive streaks in program history come to an end in a 71-68 loss at Temple. Quinnipiac's three-point loss signaled the first time the Bobcats had lost a game in which they held a halftime lead since the 2014 MAAC Championship game against Marist. The undefeated streak, which lasted over the course of three seasons, came to an end at 45 straight wins for the Bobcats when holding a halftime lead. Quinnipiac went undefeated in both 2014-15 (24-0) and 2015-16 (19-0) and for the first two games of 2016-17 before suffering the defeat. Since then, the Bobcats are 13-2 in the 2016-17 season to give Quinnipiac a mark of 58-2 (.967) since the start of 2014-15 in games in which Quinnipiac leads at the half.
FLIPPING THE SCRIPT
One of the most telling statistical trends all season for the Bobcats has been in the turnover department as Quinnipiac owns a +141 advantage (+6.41 per game; 13th in the nation) in turnover margin. The Bobcats have turned the ball over just 337 times while forcing the opposition into 478 turnovers (21.7 per game) which ranks 13th in the nation. Just seven of the Bobcats' 22 opponents this season have committed less than 20 turnovers in a single-game. The pressure-packed team defensive approach has translated directly into points as the Bobcats have outscored their 22 opponents 453-281 (+172) in points-off-turnovers for a per-game average of 20.6 compared to 12.8 for the opposition.
THAT 70+ SHOW
Since the 2007-08 season, Quinnipiac is 127-15 (.894) in games wherein the Bobcats score 70 or more points, including a 13-1 mark in 2015-16 and 51-2 (.962) combined since 2014-15. During 2012-13 (18-0) and 2010-11 (8-0), the Bobcats rolled to undefeated records in each respective season when reaching the scoring plateau.
Quinnipiac's Record in Games Scoring 70+ Points Since 2007-08
Season Record
2016-17 10-0
2015-16 13-1
2014-15 28-1
2013-14 14-6
2012-13 18-0
2011-12 9-3
2010-11 8-0
2009-10 5-2
2008-09 11-1
2007-08 11-1
Total (10 Seasons) 127-15 (.894)
BOY CAN THE BOBCATS PROTECT THE BALL
Even after the graduation of the program's all-time assists leader Gillian Abshire in 2015, Quinnipiac has prolonged their supreme proficiency with the ball. The Bobcats predicate smart passes and protecting the ball on offense and the stats certainly reflect that trend as Quinnipiac has produced a conference-leading assist/turnover ratio in four of the last five seasons while ranking Top 50 in the nation three times. Through 22 games in 2016-17, the pattern is already showing through as the Bobcats lead the MAAC and rank 58th in the nation in assist/turnover ratio (1.07).
RETURN OF THE GOLD RUSH
Injuries forced Quinnipiac out of their rotation but now back at full strength, Quinnipiac has utilized their "Gold Rush" subbing strategy to the fullest extent. In this approach first developed in the team's 30-3 season in 2012-13, Quinnipiac chooses to sub five players in-and-out of the game at a time throughout entire 40-minute contests. Since making the move back to the traditional approach, Quinnipiac is averaging 68.9 PPG while shooting 37.9 percent, dishing out 16.5 assists per game and totaling 12.6 steals per contest. Of the 10 consistent "Gold Rush" players, only three are averaging more than 20 MPG while seven Bobcats are averaging at least 5.0 PPG. On the defensive end, Quinnipiac is holding opponents to just 57.3 PPG, 36.2 percent shooting, 30.1 percent from deep and just 222 assists to 436 turnovers for a miniscule 0.51 assist/turnover ratio.
WAR OF ATTRITION
Quinnipiac has outscored the opposition 1507-1263 (+244, +11.1 per game) this season but a closer look at the box scores will show the Bobcats' "Gold Rush" tactic relying on team depth has played a large role in the points discrepancy. The Bobcats have outscored opponents combined through 22 games in every quarter but in the second (350-259, +91) and fourth (409-339, +80) quarters are where the advantages really jump out compared to the first (338-327, +11) and third (410-338, +72) stanzas. Leaning on 10+ players per game and a frenetic offensive pace helps lead to the massive advantages in the second stage of each half.
WHO'S GONNA GO OFF THIS GAME?
Quinnipiac has long preached team depth as one of its biggest strengths and the 2016-17 season is certainly no different as seven players are averaging at least six points per game. No other team in the MAAC has that many as Marist is the second-closest with six. That depth has shown through on a consistent basis as the Bobcats have seen nine different players post a single-game team-leading scoring total on the season, easily the most in the conference. Another key note is the Bobcats lead the MAAC in scoring offense (68.5) and have the fewest 10+ PPG scorers in the conference as Jen Fay (10.4) is the lone Quinnipiac player averaging double figures in points. Saint Peter's is the only other team in the MAAC to have a just one player averaging 10+ PPG.
PUTTING IN A GOOD FAY'S WORK
Jen Fay's return to the court in 2016-17 after a missed 2015-16 season has provided a huge boost to the Bobcats as she now leads the team in scoring (10.4 PPG). Credit Fay's production since the start of MAAC play as a leading indication to her spike in scoring as she leads the team averaging 11.6 points in just 19.7 minutes per contest through 12 conference games. Fay is shooting a blistering 50 percent (49-98 FG) overall and is 27-of-36 (75 percent) from the free throw line while adding 1.7 steals per game. She has posted eight double digit outings in 12 league games and has scored less than seven points in all but one MAAC contest this season.
PAULA POWERING THROUGH THE MAAC
The opening of conference play has marked the beginning of Paula Strautmane's dominance this season as the sophomore is averaging 10.3 points (45 FG%), 6.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.8 steals in just 18.7 minutes over 12 league games. Her production in the conference has been a big key to success as she has compiled seven of her 10 double digit scoring games on the season in MAAC play. Strautmane has also done a much better job controlling her foul trouble as she averaged 3.7 fouls per game in 10 non-conference games but has lowered that average to just 2.8 fouls per game in 12 conference games.
PAULA = PIVITAL PLAYER
The play of Paula Strautmane has been one of the biggest indicators to the Bobcats' team success this season. In the 17 games the Bobcats have won this season, Strautmane averages 10.1 PPG (47.9 FG%, 76.3 FT%), 5.6 RPG, 1.9 APG, 1.9 SPG and 1.4 BPG in 18.9 MPG. Compare those stats to Strautmane's averages in the four Bobcat losses, 4.2 PPG (18.2 FG%, 66.7 FT%), 4.8 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.8 SPG and 0.2 BPG, and the difference is clear. Strautmane is tied with Jen Fay for the team-lead with 11 double digit scoring outputs this season and the Bobcats own a mark of 10-1 (.909) in those 11 contests.
LEADER OF THE PACK
Aryn McClure's 10-point effort against Canisius (1/7) marked her fourth double digit scoring game in the previous five contests while she added three assists and two blocks in just 21 minutes. Playing in a system designed to feature 10+ players on a game-by-game basis, McClure's all-around production has been stellar as she is posting 7.2 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.5 SPG and 1.3 BPG in 21.9 MPG through the last 12 games combined. Those totals either lead the team or rank second in all six statistical categories over the 12-game span.
POINTS FOR HER ARE A SHEWAN
Sarah Shewan is beginning to find her niche on the offensive end as she pumped in a 19-point effort against No. 25/15 Oregon State (12/20) in the Play4Kay Shootout where she shot 7-of-13 overall and 3-for-3 from three-point range. Just one game removed from the breakout performance, Shewan exploded for a season high 20 points (6-8 FG, 8-9 FT) at Rider (12/30). All of this is coming directly after a three-game span wherein Shewan posted just three points.
MARTUCCI MAKING HER MARK
Adily Martucci continues to produce in a breakout redshirt senior season as she came through with 13 points (4-11 FG, 3-6 3FG) in 24 minutes against Fairfield (1/16). Martucci's 10th double-digit outing of the season continues a season-long trend that has the guard producing career highs across the board in terms of field goal percentage (38.8), three-point field goal percentage (33.3), free throw percentage (92.3), steals (1.5) and points (9.4).
FABBRI FINDING HER WAY
Coming off a breakthrough sophomore season wherein she averaged 6.3 PPG on 36.4 3FG%, Carly Fabbri struggled with her shooting in the early going of 2016-17 as she contributed 2.6 PPG while shooting just 17.4 percent (4-23 3FG) from long range through the first 10 games of the new season. Fabbri has since broke through averaging 5.5 PPG on a much-improved 40.7 percent (11-27 3FG) shooting from long range in the last 12 games. In that span she tallied a season high 12 points (4-6 3FG) against Long Beach State and followed with eight (2-2 3FG) points at Rider. With just four three-point makes through the opening 10 games, Fabbri has since made 11 over the last 12 games alone.
ALL-AROUND ARYN
Aryn McClure's all-around play has been one of the keys behind the Bobcats' success as she comes in with averages of 6.8 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.5 SPG and 1.5 BPG. The 2015-16 MAAC Rookie of the Year is having another solid season in multiple statistical categories as she leads the Bobcats in rebounds (140), assists (59), blocks (33) and minutes (496). Of all the players in the MAAC, McClure is the only one leading her respective team in all four aforementioned categories.
JOHNSON JOINING THE FRAY
Brittany Johnson was a go-to scorer for the Bobcats as she pumped in 13 points (5-7 FG) in a 71-64 victory over Niagara (1/5). This effort comes five games removed from a career and game high 16 points (6-10 FG, 2-3 3FG) to go along with six rebounds and a season high three steals in an 82-59 win at Hartford (12/10). Johnson's 13-point effort marked her fifth double digit scoring output of the season. Now in her third season, Johnson's scoring is a key indicator to the Bobcats' success as Quinnipiac owns a mark of 8-1 in games in which she hits double figures in scoring. Her scoring has also improved significantly this season as she has five 10+ point outings through 17 games in 2016-17 compared to just four double digit games through 53 contests in her freshman and sophomore seasons.
FINDING HER FORM
Starting the year shooting just 50 percent (16-32 FT) from the free throw line through the first 11 games of the season, Brittany Johnson has started to find her form as the junior is currently shooting 76 percent (19-25 FT) over the recent seven-game span. Johnson's 57 free throw attempts currently lead the team while her 35 makes from the charity stripe rank second on the team.
BIG NIGHT FOR SHEWAN
Sarah Shewan had herself a night against No. 25/15 Oregon State as she came up with 19 points, including 11 in the first quarter, as she accounted for nearly one-third of the Bobcats' total 60 points scored on the evening. For Shewan, the 19-point effort signaled her second double digit outing of the season while her 3-of-3 shooting from downtown gives her a new single-game career best for makes from three-point range. In her previous three games, Shewan had recorded just three points combined while she also came in with just two makes from behind the arc all season prior to finishing with three makes in her 20-minute scoring barrage.
BIG GAME PERFORMER
Adily Martucci continues to enjoy a breakout redshirt senior season for the Bobcats as she put together another solid outing against No. 25/15 Oregon State, tallying 12 points (5-12 FG) in 22 minutes while playing great defensively against All-American candidate Sydney Wiese. Martucci has shown a tendency to play her best against the best competition as she averaged a team-leading 13.3 points per game while shooting 43.8 percent (14-32 FG) in the three games the Bobcats played against high-major foes (Temple, Michigan State, Oregon State) this season. She went for eight points against the Owls, a career high 20-point night against the Spartans and most-recently 12 against the Beavers. For the season, Martucci leads the team with nine double digit point performances.
SHE GOT GAME
Jen Fay continues to dominate on the offensive end for the Bobcats as she tallied 21 points (7-10 FG, 6-6 FT) in a 79-53 win over Rider. After scoring 10+ points just once in her freshman season, Fay has notched 11 double digit outings for the Bobcats. In those 11 games, Fay is averaging 14.5 PPG while shooting a blistering 55.1 percent (59-107 FG) overall, 37.8 percent (17-45 3FG) from behind the arc and 92.3 percent (24-26 FT) from the charity stripe.
FRESHMAN FITS RIGHT IN
Given a chance at more playing time thanks to injuries in the normal Gold Rush rotation, freshman Vanessa Udoji has responded with solid outings in the 10 games in which she plays at least 10 minutes. Starting with a season high 16 points (4-7 FG, 2-5 3FG, 6-6 FT) and seven rebounds at Saint Peter's (12/1), Udoji followed that up with 13 points (6-9 FG) and five steals against Siena (12/6). A recent outing saw her finish with a solid all-around line of 12 points and four rebounds against Rider. In the 10 games where Udoji has played at least 10 minutes the rookie is averaging 7.0 PPG (41.3 FG%, 90.0 FT%), 3.0 RPG and 1.2 SPG in 16.4 MPG.
TURNING THE PAIGE
Another rookie deserving of praise for making the most of her opportunity is Paige Warfel as the freshman forward has excelled in her two games with more than 10 minutes played this season. With injuries in the consistent Gold Rush rotation, Warfel was given the chance to play major minutes in two games and she responded with 11 points (3-7 FG, 5-7 FT), seven rebounds and three steals in 19 minutes at Saint Peter's (12/1). She came back and tallied nine points (9-10 FT) with three rebounds and two steals in 20 minutes against the Peacocks at home (1/2). In those two games of significant minutes (15+), Warfel averaged 10.0 PPG (37.5 FG%, 91.7 FT%), 5.0 RPG (all offensive) and 2.5 SPG in 19.5 MPG. For the season, Warfel has grabbed 23 total rebounds, 17 of which (73.9 percent) have come on the offensive end.
POINTS ALL AROUND
Five Bobcats – Vanessa Udoji 16, Adily Martucci 13, Paige Warfel 11, Jen Fay 10 and Paula Strautmane 10 – hit double figures in the box score in a dominating 84-51 road win over Saint Peter's. This marked the first time since a road win over Rider back on Feb. 26, 2015 (44 games ago) that five Bobcats finished with at least 10 points in the same game.
SHE'S A THORN-TON IN THEIR SIDE
Edel Thornton posted one of the best games of her young career in an 84-51 road win at Saint Peter's as she tallied five points to go along with her seven assists against no turnovers in 17 minutes. Thornton's seven-assist outing is good enough for a career high as well as the most assists for any Bobcat in a game this season. In fact, Thornton dished out the most assists in a single-game without a turnover since the program's all-time assist leader Gillian Abshire posted 11 assists and no turnovers in a home win over Iona on Feb. 9, 2015 (50 games ago).
HAVE A DAY JEN FAY
Temple's hot shooting spoiled what was the best game of redshirt sophomore Jen Fay's young career as she finished with a career and game high 26 points on 10-of-13 shooting, 3-of-5 from three and 3-for-3 at the free throw line. Fay added six rebounds and two steals in just 25 minutes of action as she easily surpassed her previous career-best total of 11. Her 26 points also represents the highest single-game point total by a Bobcat since Samantha Guastella went for 28 in a home win over Siena on Dec. 5, 2014 (66 games ago).
BIG MAAC AWARD
Aryn McClure started the season taking home the league's first MAAC Player of the Week honor of 2016-17 as well as the first of her career. She also took home College Sports Madness' MAAC Player of the Week award, sweeping the week in what was a masterful performance from McClure over the 2-0 week. McClure started with her fifth career double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds to go along with four assists and a career high five blocks in the win over FGCU. She followed that up with 12 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two blocks in the comeback win over Dayton, netting 11 of her 12 points in the second half.
Fairfield Stags (10-11, 7-5 MAAC)
Date: Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 | 5:00 PM
Location: Webster Bank Arena | Bridgeport, Conn.
All-Time Series vs. Fairfield: Quinnipiac leads 7-6
Last Meeting: W, 60-55 (January 16, 2017 at QU)
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- TV: ESPN3 (PxP: Dean Darling, Color: Julianne Viani)
- LIVE STATS
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- GAME NOTES: Quinnipiac | Fairfield
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SOMETHING SPECIAL ABOUT THIS MATCHUP
For the first time since meeting in the 2016 MAAC Championship game, the Quinnipiac women's basketball team is set to meet Iona on Saturday afternoon from the Hynes Athletic Center in a game that can be seen on ESPN3. These two sides clashed for the conference title and the Gaels came away victorious, 57-41, for their first MAAC Championship in program history. In last season's regular season series history, the Bobcats swept Iona including a convincing 69-53 road win in the regular season finale that secured Quinnipiac's second straight MAAC Regular Season title.
SCOUTING THE STAGS
- Fairfield (10-11, 7-5 MAAC) comes in having dropped three of their past five games including a 60-55 road loss to Quinnipiac back on Jan. 16
- The Stags are not far removed from a four-game MAAC win streak that included an overtime thriller at Rider that saw Sam Kramer convert a four-point play with Fairfield down by three with 4.3 seconds remaining in overtime
- That Kramer four-point swing gave the Stags a 68-67 road win over Rider, a team ranks second in the MAAC standings and has only lost one game outside of their two defeats to the Bobcats
- The Stags are in the midst of a four-game homestand following a four-game road swing but this is the first of two games this season in which Fairfield will play at the Webster Bank Arena
- Very much a methodical, slow-paced tempo team, Fairfield comes in ranking just ninth in the MAAC in scoring offense (59.3) but do pose a solid defense as the Stags are third in scoring defense allowing 61.3 points per game
- The solid defensive approach is also reflected in field goal percentage defense (38.8) which puts the Stags fourth in the MAAC while they also guard the three-point line well allowing opponents to shoot 30.1 percent (third in the MAAC)
- Sharing and protecting the ball has long been a Fairfield trademark as the Stags rank second in the MAAC in assists per game (15.2) and assist/turnover ratio (1.05)
- A key point of emphasis for the Bobcats will be to guard Cooper along the three-point line as the 6-foot-3 forward is a matchup problem for opponents while she leads the team in three-pointers made (40) and three-point percentage (.351)
- Cooper's ability to shoot the long ball is sorely needed on this Stags team that averages the fewest three-point makes (4.4) in the conference
- Cooper is the lone Stag averaging more than one three-point make per game
- The strength of this Fairfield team clearly lies along the interior as the Stags possess the deepest and most offensively-gifted frontcourt in the MAAC
- Kelsey Carey (15.8 PPG, 46.6 FG%, 6.0 RPG) is the go-to option in the paint as she comes in ranked fifth in the MAAC in scoring while she sits 12th in field goal percentage and 14th in rebounding
- Carey also makes good use of the free throw line as she leads the team in free throw makes (55) and attempts (77)
- Easily the most talented player on the roster is Cooper as the lanky forward averages 12.3 points while playing a MAAC-leading 37.7 minutes per game as well as adding 8.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists
- Cooper's scoring sits tied for 14th in the MAAC while she also owns a share of the lead in the conference in rebounding, is tied for fourth in assists, 11th in three-point percentage and seventh in three-point makes
- Adding to the superior depth along the interior is Casey Smith who comes in averaging double figures at 13.1 points in 30.7 minutes per game while shooting a team-leading 84.0 percent from the line
- Smith averages 6.8 rebounds while leading the team in blocked shots with 15 on the season
- Smith currently sits eighth in the MAAC leaderboard in scoring, eighth in rebounding, second in free throw percentage and eighth in blocked shots
- Between the Stags' three post players they averaged a combined 41.2 points and 21 rebounds per game
- As a team Fairfield averages 59.3 points so the trifecta of Carey, Cooper and Smith score 69.4 percent of the Stags' total team points this season
ALL-TIME AGAINST FAIRFIELD
- Quinnipiac reclaimed the series lead with a 60-55 home win earlier this season as the Bobcats now stand 7-6 all-time in games against the Stags
- Standing just 40 minutes from each other, the Stags swept the Bobcats in Quinnipiac's first season in the MAAC in 2013-14 but Quinnipiac has exacted some revenge with season sweeps in 2014-15 and 2015-16 as well as the victory in the first meeting this seaason
- Some history was made at Fairfield in 2014-15 as the Bobcats' 67-66 victory at Fairfield on December 7 signaled the 300th career victory in the career of head coach Tricia Fabbri while also representing the Bobcats' first win at Alumni Hall since 1978
- Later in the 2014-15 season, Quinnipiac throttled Fairfield at home, 83-43, in a game that stands among the Top 10 largest victories in the program's Div. I history
- Last year's first meeting came in Fairfield and it was a back-and-forth affair before Quinnipiac pulled away with the 64-55 road win
- In the contest played in Hamden last season, Quinnipiac rolled to a 83-58 win on Senior Day
- The Bobcats were red hot from three in their two meetings last season as Quinnipiac shot 46.3 percent (19-41 3FG) from long range and forced 42 turnovers (21 per game) against the Stags in 2015-16
NO LOSING SKID MARKS HERE
Coming off a 58-44 road loss to Iona (1/28), Quinnipiac looks to avoid a losing streak on Thursday, something the Bobcats haven't done in MAAC play since dropping the first three league games in 2015-16 (29 games ago). Since joining the MAAC in 2013-14, Quinnipiac is unaccustomed to losing streaks as the Bobcats have only experienced a losing streak of two or more games just twice in the last four seasons (72 MAAC games). Quinnipiac went undefeated (20-0) in 2014-15 and also ripped off a 17-game MAAC winning streak in 2015-16 (both of which ended with MAAC Regular Season titles). During 2013-14, Quinnipiac did suffer back-to-back losses to Fairfield and Iona but that and the three-game losing streak from last season are the only two spans in which the Bobcats have lost two streak in MAAC competition.
THAT'S NO SMALL FEAT
In one of the most astonishing single-game trends seen in recent memory, after Niagara attempted a season high 33 free throws in the first meeting between these two teams this season (QU won 71-64), the Bobcats held the Purple Eagles without a single free throw attempt in the 40-minute contest. That accomplishment marks the first time in the program's Div. I history (since 1998-99) that Quinnipiac has held their opponent without a free throw make or attempt in a single-game. The previous program record came when the Bobcats held Saint Joseph's to just 1-of-2 shooting from the line in an 84-69 loss to the Hawks on Dec. 1, 2013.
RPI REPORT
Through 22 games in 2016-17, Quinnipiac continues to get tons of respect in the RPI ranking list as the Bobcats check in at No. 47 in the most-recent report. Out of the 46 teams ranked ahead of Quinnipiac, 41 of those are high-major programs as the Bobcats are sixth-highest among mid-majors. Quinnipiac also owns easily the highest RPI among MAAC teams as the next-closest squad Rider comes in ranked No. 135 while Iona is third at No. 153 (349 teams ranked).
MID-MAJOR POLL UPDATE
After three straight weeks earning a program record No. 2 ranking in the College Insider Mid-Major Pol, Quinnipiac dropped to No. 11 two weeks after the record-breaking run. Quinnipiac's 17-5 record (10-2 MAAC) still earns plenty of respect as the Bobcats sit as the only MAAC team ranked in the national mid-major poll. After earning the No. 13 ranking in the preseason mid-major poll, Quinnipiac's four-spot drop from No. 7 last week snapped a run of 11 straight weeks ranked in the Top 10 of the poll for the 2016-17 season.
MAAC WIN STREAK
Quinnipiac saw its streak of 25 consecutive MAAC conference victories end in a 61-58 loss at Monmouth (1/19). An impressive streak nevertheless, the Bobcats strung together 17 straight wins to end the 2015-16 regular season and eight straight to open the 2016-17 season. That dominance is rivaled in recent time only by Marist who put together a 30-game unbeaten streak in the MAAC regular season that stretched from 2011-12 to an undefeated 18-0 record in 2012-13 and ending in 2013-14.
BIG MOVERS IN THE MAAC
Since joining the MAAC in 2013-14, Quinnipiac has reeled off a record of 68-13 (.840) in all games against MAAC opponents and 61-11 (.847) in regular season MAAC games, both records that currently lead all teams in the conference. The Bobcats rank well ahead of Iona who sits with the second-best mark of 58-20 (.744) in games against conference foes over the last four seasons and stand 54-18 (.750) in regular season MAAC play.
TOP SPOT IN THE MAAC
Through 22 games this season, Quinnipiac holds the lead in nine different statistical categories while the Bobcats are ranked no worse than third out of 11 MAAC teams in 17 out of 21 major team statistics. Quinnipiac leads the MAAC in scoring offense (68.5), scoring defense (57.4), scoring margin (+11.1), field goal percentage defense (36.2), blocked shots (4.5), assists (16.4), steals (12.0), turnover margin (+6.41) and assist/turnover ratio (1.06).
HOME LOVIN
The TD Bank Sports Center, home of the Quinnipiac Bobcats, has long been one of the most difficult arenas to play at in the country. Since the 2012-13 season, Quinnipiac owns a record of 60-7 (.896) in games played at home. In just the last three seasons (since 2014-15), Quinnipiac owns a mark of 35-3 (.921). That mark easily ranks as the best in the MAAC while it also places them with the 15th-best home win percentage in the nation over the last three seasons. The Bobcats' 14-0 mark at home in 2014-15 made them one of just 14 teams in the nation to finish with an undefeated home record.
STREAK BUSTED
Quinnipiac has enjoyed a great deal of success over the past three seasons when building a first half lead. After starting 2016-17 with a mark of 2-0 when owning a halftime lead, the Bobcats recently saw one of their most impressive streaks in program history come to an end in a 71-68 loss at Temple. Quinnipiac's three-point loss signaled the first time the Bobcats had lost a game in which they held a halftime lead since the 2014 MAAC Championship game against Marist. The undefeated streak, which lasted over the course of three seasons, came to an end at 45 straight wins for the Bobcats when holding a halftime lead. Quinnipiac went undefeated in both 2014-15 (24-0) and 2015-16 (19-0) and for the first two games of 2016-17 before suffering the defeat. Since then, the Bobcats are 13-2 in the 2016-17 season to give Quinnipiac a mark of 58-2 (.967) since the start of 2014-15 in games in which Quinnipiac leads at the half.
FLIPPING THE SCRIPT
One of the most telling statistical trends all season for the Bobcats has been in the turnover department as Quinnipiac owns a +141 advantage (+6.41 per game; 13th in the nation) in turnover margin. The Bobcats have turned the ball over just 337 times while forcing the opposition into 478 turnovers (21.7 per game) which ranks 13th in the nation. Just seven of the Bobcats' 22 opponents this season have committed less than 20 turnovers in a single-game. The pressure-packed team defensive approach has translated directly into points as the Bobcats have outscored their 22 opponents 453-281 (+172) in points-off-turnovers for a per-game average of 20.6 compared to 12.8 for the opposition.
THAT 70+ SHOW
Since the 2007-08 season, Quinnipiac is 127-15 (.894) in games wherein the Bobcats score 70 or more points, including a 13-1 mark in 2015-16 and 51-2 (.962) combined since 2014-15. During 2012-13 (18-0) and 2010-11 (8-0), the Bobcats rolled to undefeated records in each respective season when reaching the scoring plateau.
Quinnipiac's Record in Games Scoring 70+ Points Since 2007-08
Season Record
2016-17 10-0
2015-16 13-1
2014-15 28-1
2013-14 14-6
2012-13 18-0
2011-12 9-3
2010-11 8-0
2009-10 5-2
2008-09 11-1
2007-08 11-1
Total (10 Seasons) 127-15 (.894)
BOY CAN THE BOBCATS PROTECT THE BALL
Even after the graduation of the program's all-time assists leader Gillian Abshire in 2015, Quinnipiac has prolonged their supreme proficiency with the ball. The Bobcats predicate smart passes and protecting the ball on offense and the stats certainly reflect that trend as Quinnipiac has produced a conference-leading assist/turnover ratio in four of the last five seasons while ranking Top 50 in the nation three times. Through 22 games in 2016-17, the pattern is already showing through as the Bobcats lead the MAAC and rank 58th in the nation in assist/turnover ratio (1.07).
| Assist/Turnover Ratio Last Five Seasons | |||||||||
| Season | Games | W-L | Ast | APG | TO | TPG | A/TO | NCAA Rank | Conf Rank |
| 2012-13 | 33 | 30-3 | 557 | 16.9 | 477 | 14.5 | 1.17 | 10th | 1st (NEC) |
| 2013-14 | 34 | 21-13 | 554 | 16.3 | 446 | 13.1 | 1.24 | 20th | 2nd (MAAC) |
| 2014-15 | 35 | 31-4 | 685 | 19.6 | 465 | 13.3 | 1.47 | 5th | 1st (MAAC) |
| 2015-16 | 34 | 25-9 | 523 | 15.4 | 507 | 14.9 | 1.03 | 51st | 2nd (MAAC) |
| 2016-17 | 22 | 17-5 | 360 | 16.4 | 337 | 15.3 | 1.07 | 56th | 1st (MAAC) |
| Total | 158 | 124-34 | 2679 | 17.0 | 2232 | 14.1 | 1.20 | ||
RETURN OF THE GOLD RUSH
Injuries forced Quinnipiac out of their rotation but now back at full strength, Quinnipiac has utilized their "Gold Rush" subbing strategy to the fullest extent. In this approach first developed in the team's 30-3 season in 2012-13, Quinnipiac chooses to sub five players in-and-out of the game at a time throughout entire 40-minute contests. Since making the move back to the traditional approach, Quinnipiac is averaging 68.9 PPG while shooting 37.9 percent, dishing out 16.5 assists per game and totaling 12.6 steals per contest. Of the 10 consistent "Gold Rush" players, only three are averaging more than 20 MPG while seven Bobcats are averaging at least 5.0 PPG. On the defensive end, Quinnipiac is holding opponents to just 57.3 PPG, 36.2 percent shooting, 30.1 percent from deep and just 222 assists to 436 turnovers for a miniscule 0.51 assist/turnover ratio.
WAR OF ATTRITION
Quinnipiac has outscored the opposition 1507-1263 (+244, +11.1 per game) this season but a closer look at the box scores will show the Bobcats' "Gold Rush" tactic relying on team depth has played a large role in the points discrepancy. The Bobcats have outscored opponents combined through 22 games in every quarter but in the second (350-259, +91) and fourth (409-339, +80) quarters are where the advantages really jump out compared to the first (338-327, +11) and third (410-338, +72) stanzas. Leaning on 10+ players per game and a frenetic offensive pace helps lead to the massive advantages in the second stage of each half.
WHO'S GONNA GO OFF THIS GAME?
Quinnipiac has long preached team depth as one of its biggest strengths and the 2016-17 season is certainly no different as seven players are averaging at least six points per game. No other team in the MAAC has that many as Marist is the second-closest with six. That depth has shown through on a consistent basis as the Bobcats have seen nine different players post a single-game team-leading scoring total on the season, easily the most in the conference. Another key note is the Bobcats lead the MAAC in scoring offense (68.5) and have the fewest 10+ PPG scorers in the conference as Jen Fay (10.4) is the lone Quinnipiac player averaging double figures in points. Saint Peter's is the only other team in the MAAC to have a just one player averaging 10+ PPG.
PUTTING IN A GOOD FAY'S WORK
Jen Fay's return to the court in 2016-17 after a missed 2015-16 season has provided a huge boost to the Bobcats as she now leads the team in scoring (10.4 PPG). Credit Fay's production since the start of MAAC play as a leading indication to her spike in scoring as she leads the team averaging 11.6 points in just 19.7 minutes per contest through 12 conference games. Fay is shooting a blistering 50 percent (49-98 FG) overall and is 27-of-36 (75 percent) from the free throw line while adding 1.7 steals per game. She has posted eight double digit outings in 12 league games and has scored less than seven points in all but one MAAC contest this season.
PAULA POWERING THROUGH THE MAAC
The opening of conference play has marked the beginning of Paula Strautmane's dominance this season as the sophomore is averaging 10.3 points (45 FG%), 6.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.8 steals in just 18.7 minutes over 12 league games. Her production in the conference has been a big key to success as she has compiled seven of her 10 double digit scoring games on the season in MAAC play. Strautmane has also done a much better job controlling her foul trouble as she averaged 3.7 fouls per game in 10 non-conference games but has lowered that average to just 2.8 fouls per game in 12 conference games.
PAULA = PIVITAL PLAYER
The play of Paula Strautmane has been one of the biggest indicators to the Bobcats' team success this season. In the 17 games the Bobcats have won this season, Strautmane averages 10.1 PPG (47.9 FG%, 76.3 FT%), 5.6 RPG, 1.9 APG, 1.9 SPG and 1.4 BPG in 18.9 MPG. Compare those stats to Strautmane's averages in the four Bobcat losses, 4.2 PPG (18.2 FG%, 66.7 FT%), 4.8 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.8 SPG and 0.2 BPG, and the difference is clear. Strautmane is tied with Jen Fay for the team-lead with 11 double digit scoring outputs this season and the Bobcats own a mark of 10-1 (.909) in those 11 contests.
LEADER OF THE PACK
Aryn McClure's 10-point effort against Canisius (1/7) marked her fourth double digit scoring game in the previous five contests while she added three assists and two blocks in just 21 minutes. Playing in a system designed to feature 10+ players on a game-by-game basis, McClure's all-around production has been stellar as she is posting 7.2 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.5 SPG and 1.3 BPG in 21.9 MPG through the last 12 games combined. Those totals either lead the team or rank second in all six statistical categories over the 12-game span.
POINTS FOR HER ARE A SHEWAN
Sarah Shewan is beginning to find her niche on the offensive end as she pumped in a 19-point effort against No. 25/15 Oregon State (12/20) in the Play4Kay Shootout where she shot 7-of-13 overall and 3-for-3 from three-point range. Just one game removed from the breakout performance, Shewan exploded for a season high 20 points (6-8 FG, 8-9 FT) at Rider (12/30). All of this is coming directly after a three-game span wherein Shewan posted just three points.
MARTUCCI MAKING HER MARK
Adily Martucci continues to produce in a breakout redshirt senior season as she came through with 13 points (4-11 FG, 3-6 3FG) in 24 minutes against Fairfield (1/16). Martucci's 10th double-digit outing of the season continues a season-long trend that has the guard producing career highs across the board in terms of field goal percentage (38.8), three-point field goal percentage (33.3), free throw percentage (92.3), steals (1.5) and points (9.4).
FABBRI FINDING HER WAY
Coming off a breakthrough sophomore season wherein she averaged 6.3 PPG on 36.4 3FG%, Carly Fabbri struggled with her shooting in the early going of 2016-17 as she contributed 2.6 PPG while shooting just 17.4 percent (4-23 3FG) from long range through the first 10 games of the new season. Fabbri has since broke through averaging 5.5 PPG on a much-improved 40.7 percent (11-27 3FG) shooting from long range in the last 12 games. In that span she tallied a season high 12 points (4-6 3FG) against Long Beach State and followed with eight (2-2 3FG) points at Rider. With just four three-point makes through the opening 10 games, Fabbri has since made 11 over the last 12 games alone.
ALL-AROUND ARYN
Aryn McClure's all-around play has been one of the keys behind the Bobcats' success as she comes in with averages of 6.8 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.5 SPG and 1.5 BPG. The 2015-16 MAAC Rookie of the Year is having another solid season in multiple statistical categories as she leads the Bobcats in rebounds (140), assists (59), blocks (33) and minutes (496). Of all the players in the MAAC, McClure is the only one leading her respective team in all four aforementioned categories.
JOHNSON JOINING THE FRAY
Brittany Johnson was a go-to scorer for the Bobcats as she pumped in 13 points (5-7 FG) in a 71-64 victory over Niagara (1/5). This effort comes five games removed from a career and game high 16 points (6-10 FG, 2-3 3FG) to go along with six rebounds and a season high three steals in an 82-59 win at Hartford (12/10). Johnson's 13-point effort marked her fifth double digit scoring output of the season. Now in her third season, Johnson's scoring is a key indicator to the Bobcats' success as Quinnipiac owns a mark of 8-1 in games in which she hits double figures in scoring. Her scoring has also improved significantly this season as she has five 10+ point outings through 17 games in 2016-17 compared to just four double digit games through 53 contests in her freshman and sophomore seasons.
FINDING HER FORM
Starting the year shooting just 50 percent (16-32 FT) from the free throw line through the first 11 games of the season, Brittany Johnson has started to find her form as the junior is currently shooting 76 percent (19-25 FT) over the recent seven-game span. Johnson's 57 free throw attempts currently lead the team while her 35 makes from the charity stripe rank second on the team.
BIG NIGHT FOR SHEWAN
Sarah Shewan had herself a night against No. 25/15 Oregon State as she came up with 19 points, including 11 in the first quarter, as she accounted for nearly one-third of the Bobcats' total 60 points scored on the evening. For Shewan, the 19-point effort signaled her second double digit outing of the season while her 3-of-3 shooting from downtown gives her a new single-game career best for makes from three-point range. In her previous three games, Shewan had recorded just three points combined while she also came in with just two makes from behind the arc all season prior to finishing with three makes in her 20-minute scoring barrage.
BIG GAME PERFORMER
Adily Martucci continues to enjoy a breakout redshirt senior season for the Bobcats as she put together another solid outing against No. 25/15 Oregon State, tallying 12 points (5-12 FG) in 22 minutes while playing great defensively against All-American candidate Sydney Wiese. Martucci has shown a tendency to play her best against the best competition as she averaged a team-leading 13.3 points per game while shooting 43.8 percent (14-32 FG) in the three games the Bobcats played against high-major foes (Temple, Michigan State, Oregon State) this season. She went for eight points against the Owls, a career high 20-point night against the Spartans and most-recently 12 against the Beavers. For the season, Martucci leads the team with nine double digit point performances.
SHE GOT GAME
Jen Fay continues to dominate on the offensive end for the Bobcats as she tallied 21 points (7-10 FG, 6-6 FT) in a 79-53 win over Rider. After scoring 10+ points just once in her freshman season, Fay has notched 11 double digit outings for the Bobcats. In those 11 games, Fay is averaging 14.5 PPG while shooting a blistering 55.1 percent (59-107 FG) overall, 37.8 percent (17-45 3FG) from behind the arc and 92.3 percent (24-26 FT) from the charity stripe.
FRESHMAN FITS RIGHT IN
Given a chance at more playing time thanks to injuries in the normal Gold Rush rotation, freshman Vanessa Udoji has responded with solid outings in the 10 games in which she plays at least 10 minutes. Starting with a season high 16 points (4-7 FG, 2-5 3FG, 6-6 FT) and seven rebounds at Saint Peter's (12/1), Udoji followed that up with 13 points (6-9 FG) and five steals against Siena (12/6). A recent outing saw her finish with a solid all-around line of 12 points and four rebounds against Rider. In the 10 games where Udoji has played at least 10 minutes the rookie is averaging 7.0 PPG (41.3 FG%, 90.0 FT%), 3.0 RPG and 1.2 SPG in 16.4 MPG.
TURNING THE PAIGE
Another rookie deserving of praise for making the most of her opportunity is Paige Warfel as the freshman forward has excelled in her two games with more than 10 minutes played this season. With injuries in the consistent Gold Rush rotation, Warfel was given the chance to play major minutes in two games and she responded with 11 points (3-7 FG, 5-7 FT), seven rebounds and three steals in 19 minutes at Saint Peter's (12/1). She came back and tallied nine points (9-10 FT) with three rebounds and two steals in 20 minutes against the Peacocks at home (1/2). In those two games of significant minutes (15+), Warfel averaged 10.0 PPG (37.5 FG%, 91.7 FT%), 5.0 RPG (all offensive) and 2.5 SPG in 19.5 MPG. For the season, Warfel has grabbed 23 total rebounds, 17 of which (73.9 percent) have come on the offensive end.
POINTS ALL AROUND
Five Bobcats – Vanessa Udoji 16, Adily Martucci 13, Paige Warfel 11, Jen Fay 10 and Paula Strautmane 10 – hit double figures in the box score in a dominating 84-51 road win over Saint Peter's. This marked the first time since a road win over Rider back on Feb. 26, 2015 (44 games ago) that five Bobcats finished with at least 10 points in the same game.
SHE'S A THORN-TON IN THEIR SIDE
Edel Thornton posted one of the best games of her young career in an 84-51 road win at Saint Peter's as she tallied five points to go along with her seven assists against no turnovers in 17 minutes. Thornton's seven-assist outing is good enough for a career high as well as the most assists for any Bobcat in a game this season. In fact, Thornton dished out the most assists in a single-game without a turnover since the program's all-time assist leader Gillian Abshire posted 11 assists and no turnovers in a home win over Iona on Feb. 9, 2015 (50 games ago).
HAVE A DAY JEN FAY
Temple's hot shooting spoiled what was the best game of redshirt sophomore Jen Fay's young career as she finished with a career and game high 26 points on 10-of-13 shooting, 3-of-5 from three and 3-for-3 at the free throw line. Fay added six rebounds and two steals in just 25 minutes of action as she easily surpassed her previous career-best total of 11. Her 26 points also represents the highest single-game point total by a Bobcat since Samantha Guastella went for 28 in a home win over Siena on Dec. 5, 2014 (66 games ago).
BIG MAAC AWARD
Aryn McClure started the season taking home the league's first MAAC Player of the Week honor of 2016-17 as well as the first of her career. She also took home College Sports Madness' MAAC Player of the Week award, sweeping the week in what was a masterful performance from McClure over the 2-0 week. McClure started with her fifth career double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds to go along with four assists and a career high five blocks in the win over FGCU. She followed that up with 12 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two blocks in the comeback win over Dayton, netting 11 of her 12 points in the second half.
Players Mentioned
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Quinnipiac Athletics 2024-25 Highlight Video
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2024 Women's Basketball Kids Day: Recap
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The Roar - Episode 6: Jackie Grisdale and Grace LaBarge
Wednesday, December 18
