ASHLAND — With 2012 coming to a close, the SOU Women’s squad are hoping to end 2012 with a bang.

Following being swept by two of the Cascade Colliegate Conference’s best in Eastern Oregon University and College of Idaho; the Raiders (12-3, 2-2 CCC) are looking beyond that to their final two contest of the calendar year.

“It’s important for us to play well in these last two games before the break to get some momentum,” said SOU Women’s head coach Lynn Kennedy, “We’ve had a good week of practice but that needs to carry over into the games.”

Heading up to the greater Portland area this weekend, Southern Oregon will first meet up with the 5-7 Concordia University Cavaliers Friday night.

The Cavaliers that are a very good rebounding squad, averaging 44.3 a game.  Good enough for 10th in the NAIA with 16.3 offensive rebounds, 28 defensive rebounds game and a rebound margin of 5.1 a game led by 5’6 guard Kelly Huey’s 6.33 rebounds a game.

“They have good balance with their inside and outside game.” said Kennedy,  “Their posts are active and can get to the basket and they attack the offensive glass.  Their guards are great shooters and can finish if given a lane.”

Concordia is led by Malori Dixon, who is averaging 19.3 a game,  shooting 31 percent from three point land with 3.83 rebounds a game and 1.2 assist a game.  Another weapon mention before is Huey, she leads the squad in rebounds as well as in assist with 4.2 a game to go along with 9.3 points a game.  Huey is probably the most complete player for Concordia.

What is the gameplan for Concordia?  The key to victory? It’s simple.

“We have to play at a fast and intense pace and make sure we finish each defensive possession with good block outs.” said Kennedy.

Saturday night the Raiders are in Portland again, this time taking on the Knights of Warner Pacific.  The Knights are breaking even heading into the weekend; up five, down five in their first ten contest of the season.

Warner Pacific can spread the love, averaging 18 of their 180 assist a game; good enough to break into the top 15 in the NAIA.  Their assist/turnover margin is also worth noting; they are 20th with a margin of .947.

“Since we are on the road, we have to bring a high level of intensity to the defensive end and make sure we execute on offense.  We need to limit our turnovers, but still push the ball.” said Kennedy.

The one person they need to watch for, Kennedy said, is forward Christy Chirstensen.

“[Christiansen’s] one of the best player’s in the league, and [have] good players around her.” Kennedy said.

The 5’10 senior is averaging 18.4 points a game, rebounds 7.8 times a contest and is stealing the rock 1.4 times from opponents.  She is averaging nine more points a game than teammate Morgan Wolff.

Wolff is second on the team in rebounds with 4.3 a game and Nicole Jackson is leading the team in assist with 8.7 a contest.

The key’s to victory for the Raiders is to steal the ball and pressure the Cavaliers and Knights often.  The Cavs are averaging 17.5 turnovers a game and the Knights are committing 19 turnovers a game. Southern Oregon need to utlized their 10th-ranked total steals and 19th-ranked steals per game features to have the ball roll in their courts.

Out rebound the opposition.  Southern Oregon is either first or second in every rebounding category in the nations; offensive, defensive and total rebounds a game with 50 a game.  Being dominate by the hoop against Concordia and Warner Pacific could mean the difference between a lay-up or a fastbreak.

Slow down Christiansen.  If they can flow to her every time she get’s a hand on the rock, either with the double team, put a hand in her face when she’s shooting, box her out in the rebound game, whatever; if Southern Oregon can keep Christiansen occupied  they have a legitimate shot to beat Warner Pacific Saturday night.