Jumbos face big test against nation's top team

It is an often repeated maxim of sports that to be the best, you have to beat the best.

The women's basketball team gets its chance to do just that on Friday, as the Jumbos take on the NESCAC-leading and undefeated Bowdoin Polar Bears, who also happen to be the number one ranked team in the nation.

Tufts is currently in a three-way tie for second place with one conference loss, and a win would push them into first place, giving them a huge confidence boost.

The Jumbos face tough competition from Bowdoin, a team that holds its opponents to just 44 points per game. The defense has allowed the Polar Bears to outscore the opposition by better than 24 points per game.

Despite Bowdoin's defensive prowess, Jumbos coach Carla Berube seems confident that the Jumbos can score on Bowdoin.

"We're just going to play our game, do what we normally do," Berube said. "We'll run the break, try to get some easy transition baskets, and really attack them."

Berube did emphasize, however, that the team needs to be at the top of its game against what will likely be its toughest opponent all season.

"We really have to execute," Berube explained. "That means setting screens and throwing strong passes."

Tufts will also focus on limiting turnovers. Much like the Jumbos, Bowdoin forces nearly 24 turnovers per game, leading to easy baskets and keeping the opposition out of rhythm. The fast pace at which the Jumbos like to play has at times led to turnovers. Sophomores Julia Verplank and Jessica Powers and freshman Taryn Miller-Stevens, the primary Tufts ball handlers, will have to be aware of Bowdoin defensive pressure.

"It's very important that we take care of the ball," Berube said. "That means making smart plays and watching our passes."

Despite possessing no size advantage inside over Bowdoin, Tufts will try to work the ball into the post to junior Allison Love. Love, who has already been named NESCAC player of the week twice, and leads the team in both scoring and rebounding. A good game from her is important for the Jumbos to have any shot at dethroning Division III's top team.

Defensively, Tufts will likely use full court pressure both to slow down the Bowdoin attack and to beat Bowdoin at its own game by forcing the Polar Bears into sloppy turnovers.

"They're a great team," Berube said. "But they're not unbeatable."

Tufts won't get much chance to recover from what is sure to be an intense Bowdoin game, as Saturday afternoon the Jumbos host the Colby White Mules. But Berube said she expects no letdown from Friday night.

"We understand how important each NESCAC game is," Berube said. "It's not easy playing the back to back games, but we'll be ready."

Colby has struggled this year after a very successful 2002-2003 campaign. The White Mules lost three senior starters from that team and stand at 9-12, including 2-4 in the NESCAC. Despite their struggles, Berube still described the team as "very tough."

Although playing back to back games presents challenges for Tufts, Berube didn't seem overly concerned.

"Right now, we're just gearing up for Bowdoin. That's what we're focusing on," Berube said. "We'll probably have a shoot around Saturday morning to talk about Colby. I think it's easier for us, because we prepare for what we do, not so much for what they do."

Berube also said that while she is focused on the upcoming games, she isn't thinking about what they could mean for the Jumbos' season. This could be the most important two-game stretch the team plays, as wins in both games would give Tufts crucial momentum heading into the NESCAC playoffs.

"I'm not really thinking about what the games can [mean for the season]," Berube said. "There's such a thing as looking too far forward."