Anderson calm in the clutch for Women's Basketball
Jan. 19, 2012
AUSTIN, Texas - As the daughter of a college coach, Texas guard Yvonne Anderson often sounds cerebral when talking about the game of basketball. Indeed, she talks like a coach. On Wednesday night against Iowa State, Anderson even played like one, and her poise and presence down the stretch lifted the Longhorns to a 62-60 victory at the Frank Erwin Center. Anderson was involved in UT's final two scoring plays in a game that featured eight ties and 12 lead changes, but most notably, Anderson skipped into the lane and sunk a floater to put UT out front for good with less than a second remaining in regulation. "I just happened to get the ball, and I knew it was time to attack," said Anderson, who finished with 14 points, eight assists and four steals. Anderson is averaging 10 assists in UT's past three games, and it was her decision-making with the ball in her hands that helped UT survive against the Cyclones. After seizing a 48-47 edge with 8:31 to play, UT did not relinquish the lead again to Iowa State. A jumper by Anderson put UT out front 58-53 with 3:07 to play, ISU's Anna Prins missed on a short attempt and Hallie Christofferson grabbed the offensive rebound. Anderson was heady under the basket, swiping away the steal and then set up the offense. "Yvonne Anderson really dictated the flow of the game," ISU coach Bill Fennelly said. "She did a good job of gutting our defense a lot." In the first half, UT shot just 37 percent, and the offense lagged as the guards were often dribbling laterally instead of penetrating and attacking. But approaching the second half with an attack mindset, the Longhorns made 50 percent of their baskets. Penetrating the lane, Anderson was able to find post Ashley Gayle, who converted the layup and put UT in the lead 60-56 with 1:02 to play. Four-straight free throws by the Cyclones then tied the game and gave UT the ball with 17 seconds remaining.
The Longhorns called a timeout, and Fussell, who led all scorers with 20 points, warranted the Cyclones' swarming defense beyond the arc. Fussell passed off to Anderson, who weaved into the lane and hit the running jumper with less than a second to play. "I was really proud of Yvonne," Goestenkors said. "Those last two plays were broken plays, but she attacked and made it happen. That is what you have to do. You have to attack." |
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