One of the most overused sports clichés is working quite nicely for the Coppin State women?s basketball team. The Eagles are taking things one game at a time, a method that has resulted in a 36-game winning streak in conference play.
“One at a time,” Eagles coach Derek Brown said of the team?s philosophy. “We try not to think about that. Each game is the most important game.”
The Eagles (12-6 overall, 7-0 conference) have won 36 consecutive games against Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference opponents, including postseason play, and has won 30 straight regular-season conference games heading into today?s contest at Howard (1-16, 1-6). But when the team takes the court, all numbers will be left aside.
“We don?t talk about it,” senior forward Talia Sutton said. “We just work hard, come in the gym and practice every day and try to win games. We don?t focus on it, but every game is a big one for us.”
Today?s game may not seem like it?s the biggest one, with Howard struggling mightily, but the Eagles know that every time they step on the floor, they?ll get the opponent?s best effort.
“It?s expected, every game,” senior guard Rashida Suber said. “We can?t take anybody for granted because when they play us, we?re the hunted. So they?re going to play their best game against us.”
Brown?s theory is simple: “Don?t relax. Nobody is going to give you anything. The main thing I talk about is the target on our back. Each game, we?re going to get everybody?s best game. When we do go over film of our opposition. We say, ?This isn?t the same team we?re going to play against. They?re going to play harder and we?re going to have to match that intensity.?”
Brown has won back-to-back league titles with his squad, which has led to his reign of consecutive MEAC coach of the year honors. But when it comes to the source of what drives his team, it?s not the winning streak.
“They?re more concerned about home games and defending your territory,” Brown said. “And that?s sort of been the motivating factor.”
That?s evident in the numbers, too. Coppin State has won 15 straight games at home, which ranks among the top 10 in the nation in home streaks.
The team has played in the NCAA tournament for two straight years, but Sutton says it?s becoming boring and that the team is out to make history this year.
“We felt like the first round [of the NCAA tournament] is no longer important,” Sutton said. “People say, ?At least you made it to the NCAA tournament.? But now we?re looking at the second round and see how far we can make it.”
