Behind the numbers

Women's basketball

After opening their season 0-2, the Bulldogs have won three of their last four games, only recently losing 67-59 to Boston University. Averaging 14.3 assists a game, Yale's unselfish play has allowed every player to contribute to the team's scoring success. Led by Helene Schutrumpf, BK '03, the Bulldogs have won their last three games by an average margin of 14 points, outscoring opponents 389-372. They remain unbeaten at home.

Yale offense Avg. Points
Helene Schutrumpf 10.5
Lindsay Page 8.8
Brynn Gringas 7.8
Bonnie Smith 7.0

The Bulldogs have aggressively crashed the boards this year, pulling down 95 offensive rebounds and 159 defensive boards. The extra effort by Yale players to chase down missed shots and box-out opposing players has provided their teammates with numerous second-shot opportunities, proving Yale's dominance in the paint.

Yale players Rebound Avg.
Meg Simpson 9.0
Lindsay Page 5.8
Aubrey Smith 3.8
Morgan Richards 3.5

Defensively, the Bulldogs have been able to limit their opponents to a dismal 31.4 three-point percentage and only 34.7 percent shooting from the field. Against Central Connecticut, the Elis held the Blue Devils to 38 points on 28.3-percent shooting. In addition to contesting each shot, the Bulldogs have been able to capitalize on poor passes and careless ball-handling to average 10 steals a game.

Yale players Steals
Brynn Gringas 14
Helene Schutrumpf 11
Morgan Richards 9

Although Yale has played a balanced offensive and defensive game, they must maintain their level of play for the full 40 minutes. The squad has consistently jumped to an early lead, but has allowed opponents to catch up in the second half. In the BU game, this trend was reversed, as the Bulldogs were losing by 17 after the first half, but came within nine points at the end.

Team 1st half 2nd half
Yale 190 199
Opp. 183 189

With 11 players averaging at least 10 minutes of playing time a game, Coach Amy Backus will need to keep her players healthy and well-rested as the season wears on. Although the Bulldogs have tough matches coming up in Albany and Miami, the Bulldogs' true test will come late in the season, when 14 of their last 15 games will be played against their Ivy rivals.

—Compiled by Kevin Tran

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