Blue and Gold Illustrated

February 2014 Issue

Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football

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rimeter and in the paint. "She's a little more aggressive looking for her shot," McGraw said. "Last year at times with Skylar and K-Mac, she was a little more reserved offensively, and now she's seeing we need her to have an explosion like that in different games, and she's capable. She's really playing to her potential." MABREY: INSTANT OFFENSE Like Loyd, Mabrey was a 2012 McDonald's All-American, and she ar- 2013-14 RESULTS/ UPCOMING SCHEDULE Date Opponent Result/Time (ET) Nov. 9 UNC Wilmington W, 99-50 Nov. 11 Michigan State W, 81-62 Nov. 16 Valparaiso W, 96-46 Nov. 23 at Penn W, 76-54 Nov. 26 DePaul W, 92-76 Dec. 1 vs. Duquesne W, 100-61 Dec. 4 at Penn State W, 77-67 Dec. 7 UCLA W, 90-48 Dec. 14 at Michigan W, 86-64 Dec. 22 Central Michigan W, 106-72 Dec. 29 at Oregon State 5 p.m. Jan. 2 South Dakota State 7 p.m. Jan. 5 Clemson* 2 p.m. Jan. 9 Boston College* 7 p.m. Jan. 12 at Virginia* 2 p.m. Jan. 16 at Pittsburgh* 7 p.m. Jan. 20 at Tennessee (ESPN2) 7 p.m. Jan. 23 Miami* (RSN) 8:30 p.m. Jan. 27 at Maryland* (ESPN2) 7 p.m. Jan. 30 Virginia Tech* (ESPN3) 7 p.m. Feb. 2 at Duke* (ESPN) 2 p.m. Feb. 6 at Florida State* (ESPN3) 7 p.m. Feb. 9 Syracuse* (RSN) 3 p.m. Feb. 13 at Boston College* 7 p.m. * ACC game rived as one of Notre Dame's best pure shooters since Alicia Ratay, who as a sophomore for the 2001 national champs converted 81 treys at an exceptional 54.7-percent clip. After a promising start her freshman year, Mabrey was hobbled by an ankle injury that affected her performance and conditioning. This season her stroke is returning to form. Her 20 threes — including 4 of 8 at Michigan and 4 of 5 versus Central Michigan — have brought her shooting up to 41.7 percent from beyond the arc through 10 contests in 2013-14. "Her job is to shoot the ball," McGraw said. "It doesn't matter if it makes or misses, she's got to keep shooting." More impressive is the fact Mabrey was second in assists with 39 while committing only 15 turnovers. The top perimeter reserve, she is playing starter minutes with 22.5 per game (Loyd and McBride lead with 28.7 apiece). When she and Reimer enter a contest, it provides instant offense and can be psychologically deflating to the opponent. The 5-10 Mabrey also has helped the freshman Allen at point on occasion. "Defensively she's made great strides," McGraw said of Mabrey's improved conditioning. "… She really sees the floor, and I think that's one of her great strengths — she can really pass." Mabrey wanted to avoid being pigeonholed as a one-dimensional player. "I know I shoot the ball well, but I want to do other things," said Mabrey, who also had recorded 14 steals. "Through our offense, I'm always go-

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