Junior center Chelsea Albert knew her minutes would increase after starting center Tara Breske was injured against Oakland.
Coach Curt Miller told all his post players to be ready for more game-action, and he was rewarded last night as Albert scored nine points and pulled down four rebounds in 17 minutes during a 77-72 win against St. Francis (Penn.).
‘She had a monster game against them last year,’ Miller said. ‘We were really comfortable with her against St. Francis tonight.’
Last season, Albert connected for a career-high 13 points during a 98-76 victory at St. Francis.
But she can’t handle replacing Breske all by herself, and that is why Miller is planning to use a variety of players until Breske is healthy again.
‘It’s post by committee. Clearly our best post player is Tara,’ Miller said. ‘She’s out for an extended period of time – minimum.’
Breske injured her ACL against Oakland two games ago.
Other players that will help fill the void include starter Maggie Hennegan, Allison Papenfuss, Sarah Clapper, Laura Bugher and Kelly Zuercher. Combined, those five had 10 points and 14 rebounds last night.
More illness
Sophomore Maribeth Giese and freshman Jessie Tamerlano did not play against St. Francis because of illness.
Miller said both players have been diagnosed with mono and will be out until further notice.
‘Between a couple knee injuries and not having a great preseason health wise [and] now we’re on our third person with mono; we just can’t catch a break,’ Miller said. ‘We’ve got to get healthy and they have to get rest when they can.’
Junior guard Lauren Prochaksa was slowed early in the season because of mono.
‘Lo’ moving higher
Hitting a basket with 3:14 remaining in the first half, Prochaska passed Andrea Nordmann (1989-93) to move into 17th place on BG’s all-time career points list with her 1,165th point.
She also moved into sixth place on the University’s all-time list for 3-pointers made in a career with her 161st, moving her past Angie Farmer (1997-2001). Prochaska achieved that number in 16 less games than Farmer.
Jacki Raterman (1,213 points) and Kim Griech (168 3-pointers) are next up on both lists.
Prochaska finished the game with 40 minutes for the first time this season, scoring 27 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.
December fun
The women’s basketball team hasn’t lost in December since Dec. 28, 2007, when Iowa State downed them 74-57.
Last season, the Falcons were 6-0 through the month during part of a school record 25-game winning streak.
