CU Women's Basketball Preview - vs. Skidmore/RPI (12/6-7)

Women's Basketball | 12/5/2024 11:30:00 AM

After winning four of the past five games out of conference, the Clarkson University Women's Basketball returns to Liberty League play this weekend when the squad hosts Skidmore College and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute at Alumni Gymnasium.

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The Series: The two contests between Clarkson and Skidmore in 2023-24 were marked by low scores. The first saw the two teams combined for only 74 points and the second was an offensive outburst in comparison with a final tally of 100 total points, both victories for Skidmore. The Knights dropped their first decision to RPI by 32 points, but the second meeting was decidedly closer, as the Engineers edged Clarkson by just three.

Key Stats for Clarkson (4-3, 0-1 Liberty League): The Golden Knights rank second in the Liberty League in turnover margin, forcing 1.43 turnovers per game more than they commit, which has helped the team allow just 51.9 points per game, also second in the conference. Only one opponents has topped 60 points against the Knights so far and Clarkson has a plus figure in the rebounding margin for the first time in a non-COVID season since 2014-15.

Key Stats for Skidmore (2-3, 0-0 Liberty League): The Thoroughbreds have struggled from the free throw line through the first five games of 2024-25 (57.7%), but fortunately it hasn't really proven to be an important difference in any games since only one of Skidmore's contests has been decided by less than 10 points. The Thoroughbreds are averaging 50.6 points per game, as Sarah Chambers is the top scorer for the team at 9.2 points per game. Three others (Claudia Schneider, Cassie Davidson, and Emmy Plage) are all averaging eight points or more per contest.

Key Stats for RPI (5-1, 0-0 Liberty League): Whether by defensive design, happenstance, or a combination of both, opponents are shooting just 20.6% from beyond the 3-point arc against the Engineers so far in 2024-25. Siena Smith averages 13.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, and her 53.8% field goal percentage would lead the conference if she had enough field goals made to qualify. Callie Flynn (9.0 ppg) and Amanda Gallagher (8.0 ppg) also chip in on offense.

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