Yesterday marked the second game in a row that the women’s
basketball team has played without starter Niki Reams. The
sophomore guard has been nursing a foot injury, but beyond that
Michigan coach Cheryl Burnett could not go into detail.
“She has a foot injury and hopefully will be back,”
Burnett said. “We don’t really know (what’s
wrong), but she’s being evaluated.”
Reams said that the injury was not sudden, but rather an ongoing
problem that has bothered her for much of the season.
The last time Reams suited up was for Michigan’s loss to
Illinois eight days ago. She did not practice with the team last
week, but said she hopes to be back in action by Tuesday.
Before Ream’s injury, Burnett expressed hope that the
forward would begin adding to the team’s offense. During the
Illinois game, Reams contributed 12 points — her second
highest point total this season — and 6 boards.
Burnett has turned to freshman Kelly Helvey in Reams’
absence, starting Helvey at forward for the past two games.
Helvey, who compiled a combined 20 points, 9 rebounds and 5
steals against Purdue and Wisconsin, has risen to the occasion.
“Niki is our best defensive threat in rebounds so I
… went out there and got rebounds, and played the way she
plays defensively,” said Helvey following Michigan’s
loss to Purdue last Thursday.
Hauser-Price(less): Junior Sierra Hauser-Price impressed
fans in Michigan’s 75-55 win over Wisconsin yesterday. The
point guard went coast to coast four times during the game,
converting steals to fast breaks, and adding eight points to the
Wolverines’ offense.
Notes: Yesterday’s attendance was 4,136, the
fourth-largest crowd ever to watch a Michigan women’s
basketball game at Crisler Arena … Fans got the chance to
get their favorite players’ autograph when the team signed
basketball posters on the court following the game. Each poster
featured a different member of the team, with the player’s
individual stats and picture … Senior center Jennifer Smith
jumped to fourth on Michigan’s all-time scoring list. Her 22
points gave her a total of 1,566 total points for her career
… Michigan’s 20-point margin of victory was its
largest of the season.