Michigan women's basketball pulled out a tough 65-64 exhibition win over the Athletes In Action traveling team at Crisler Arena last night. The winning score was delivered with seven seconds left as sophomore Krista Clement made good on a three point shot.

As might be expected with a team like Michigan that is still on the youngish side, there were both some signs of potential and some definite improvements that need to be made.

The team showed lots of guts and desire in this game, keeping it close all the way and then finishing strong. Sometimes, these exhibition games end up being routs but perhaps it was just as well that the Wolverine women had to fight to get the win. The last thing they need is to get overconfident, and also there were many games last season where they kept it close at least for a while but were not able to sustain or finish. They will need to do both of those things to improve their record and a close game like this can teach valuable lessons in not giving up and finding a way to win.

Clement was the obvious hero with her last second game winner, and she had a fine all around game with 12 points including three of six three pointers.

Ta'Shia Walker is the leading scorer among the returnees, and she was also topped the charts in last night's game with 20 points.

Freshman Carly Benson looked good in her Michigan debut with 10 points, three rebounds and a pair of steals.

The most experienced player on this year's team is Kelly Helvey, and she contributed five points, five rebounds, four steals, three assists and the Wolverines' only blocked shot.

Rookie point guard Jessica Minnfield had six assists, five points and four rebounds.

Another first year player, Stephany Skrba, tallied eight points and four boards in only 11 minutes of playing time.

Janelle Cooper, Ashley Jones, Jessica Starling and Melinda Queen all got some PT and made some contributions.

Sophomore Katie Dierdorf was in uniform but did not play. I spoke with her after the game and she indicated that she should be ready to go soon. My guess is that the coaches probably just don't want to take a chance in an exhibition game with a player who is coming back from injury.

Field goal shooting was not too bad, but free throws and rebounding need to improve. The "scramble" or pressing defense looked really good at times and will get better as the players get more experience. As will all other aspects of the game.

It was really nice to see a couple of recently graduated Michigan superstars at the game. Tabitha Pool was sitting just one section over from me and I got to chat with her a bit. Jennifer Smith is going to be broadcasting the games for an Ann Arbor local radio station this season...perhaps we will be seeing Jenn on ESPN some day! I also got to talk with Sheryl Szady who was one of the original Michigan players in 1973-74. It is great to see the current team get support from those who came before them, and this is a key part of what the Michigan Tradition is all about...Once A Wolverine, Always A Wolverine!

Coach Burnett has this team working hard and believing in themselves, and when you put those things together anything is possible. We will see what we will see, and I am looking forward to a successful campaign.