DANNY KAYE, BEN STILLER, AND THE 'BOWS
The nonconference schedule wasn't a daydream for the 'Bows, and it was 100% reality and a tough dose of it. Of the eight opponents in nine games (played FGCU twice), the combined record of those teams stands at 57-39. Only two teams of the eight have losing records, both of which UH picked up wins against in Grambling State and San Jose State. Take away those two, calculate the record against teams UH lost to, and it comes out to 54-20. Even James Thurber would shake his head and say, "no way."
CATCH YA DOWN AT HERITAGE PARK
Given the nature of opponents UH has played in nonconference action holding teams to an average of 62.5 per game is a noticeable stat. Compared to Big West opponents, the 'Bows are No. 5, but only a point and a half separate them from the No. 2 spot occupied by UC Santa Barbra, while UC Irvine sits alone at No. 1 by allowing just 52.3 points per game over 11 contests. A significant component of the defense has been the presence of graduate center
Kallin Spiller and freshman
Imani Perez in the post. Spiller ranks No. 4 in blocked shots with 12 on the season, while Perez is coming off a career game where she swatted five shots against San Jose State on December 21
st. The last player to bring the main course to a block party of five blocks was
Lahni Salanoa against Cal Poly on January 28
th, 2017.
555-0187
A season ago, Spiller proved to be a vital piece of the championship puzzle for UH as she tallied seven points and five rebounds per game, as she started in 17 and played in 25. In 2022-23 she is one of three players to start every game and has upped her production. Along with her defensive presence of denying defenders at the rim, she is averaging eight rebounds per game, coming in as second in the Big West, and turning in seven points per game. At times it can be sick, and it can be dirty, but it's her job.
LIFE IS GOOD
November and even December can bring excitement with the first of two signing periods. Head coach
Laura Beeman didn't waste any time, as she and the staff signed two in November. Brooke Murrell, a 6'2 forward from Denver, Colorado, and Vivienne Berrett, a 6'4 center from Stanwood, Washington. Both add size and skill set to solidify the 'Bows depth for years to come. In December, the staff revealed an early Christmas present with the announcement of 6'0 shooting guard Jade Peacock from Golf Coast, Queensland, Australia.
