A center of attention

Saint Rose's Revesz key part of lineup

By BRYAN CHU

ALBANY -- Having Lauren Revesz in the lineup will be a key for the College of Saint Rose women's basketball team in the Division II Tournament.

When Revesz missed six games early in the season, the team managed to win five games. However, four of those wins were by fewer than six points.

The team is glad Revesz, who leads the team in scoring and is second in rebounds, is back to help Saint Rose block out last year's first-round exit when it faces Holy Family tonight at 8 at Southern Connecticut State.

"It's been great to have her back in the lineup," coach Karen Haag said. "She's certainly a player that teams have to pay attention to."

Exactly why Revesz missed time this season remains a mystery. Her palms are wrapped heavily in black tape, like a prizefighter. She doesn't want to discuss why they are taped. Personal reasons, she said.

A teammate said it stems from an accident earlier in the season. It doesn't affect her play, though, Revesz said.

In her first year at Saint Rose, the 6-foot-1 center has given opposing front lines fits. She averages 15.1 points per game and has scored more than 20 points six times, which included a 27-point game against Saint Michael's on Feb. 3. She has led the team in scoring, or shared game-high honors, in 12 games.

She is ambidextrous and has a powerful drop step, which sets up her up-and-under move. Revesz also has an advantage over her opponents: she played Division I basketball for two years at Ohio University. As a sophomore, she averaged eight points and four rebounds. Revesz decided to transfer to Saint Rose to be closer to her family in Clifton Park, and also to avoid sitting out one season because of NCAA transfer rules.

Competing in Division II has made life easier.

"The girls are a lot smaller," Revesz said. "I (like to) bang. I also play my back to the basket. I like to mix it up. I have the experience."

Against Holy Family (28-2), Revesz might have her hands full guarding Megan Bauer, a 6-foot-3 senior that is averaging 12.7 points and a team-high nine rebounds.

Revesz can play on the biggest of stages, though she was stumped at first on whether she has played in the NCAA Tournament at Ohio University. "It feels so long ago," she said.

For the record, this is her first tourney appearance. Revesz is excited about her first trip, but said, "I personally don't get nervous."

Having Revesz in the lineup definitely makes things easier for the guards, who benefit from Revesz's kick-outs. Senior guard Courtney Ludwig has benefited from open looks, nailing a team-high 54 treys on 33.5 percent shooting from long distance.

"She's been double- and triple-teamed every game," Ludwig said. "She's going to be a big factor."