Keith Cieplicki knew this job wouldn’t be easy. In late April, when he agreed to leave Vermont and take over the Syracuse women’s basketball head coaching job, he knew he inherited a team that went 10-18 the season before. He knew it might take a few seasons before the Orangewomen began to see results.

After Saturday’s exhibition opener, Cieplicki’s early predictions certainly looked accurate. The Orangewomen fell to Team Concept, 60-44, at Manley Field House, despite a team-leading 15 points from Julie McBride. If nothing else, the first-year coach can take refuge in knowing that from this point forward the season can only improve.

‘I thought we did a decent job following the game plan, so obviously we were happy with getting it to the basket,’ Cieplicki said. ‘Like I told them, I think the effort grade is decent, but to be successful, you have to finish more.’

In a game filled with turnovers – SU had 30 and Team Concept finished with 22 – points proved difficult to come by. Syracuse didn’t hit double digits until 9:07 remained in the first half.

Cieplicki said he concerned himself more with trying different lineups than winning. He subbed early and often. Every Orangewoman saw some playing time. McBride played only 26 minutes – well short of the 39 minutes she averaged last season.

Early on, Cieplicki showed an energetic style of coaching. Immediately after tip-off, Cieplicki ripped his jacket off and rolled his sleeves. Rarely did he spend time on the bench. Instead, he either kneeled on the ground or paced the sidelines shouting instructions.

Cieplicki also said he chose not to scout Team Concept, a team composed mostly of former college stars, including former Syracuse standout Beth Record. Cieplicki instead let the Orangewomen play with clear heads, trying to make them comfortable in his new offensive and defensive schemes.

‘Don’t get me wrong,’ Cieplicki said. ‘I like to win, I love to win. Pretty plain and simple, we just wanted to try a bunch of different combinations and get a feel for players in different situations.

‘I tend to do a fair amount of rotations, anyway. But it was a little extreme tonight.’

Despite the sloppy play and first-game jitters, McBride played solidly. Criticized last season for trying to do too much with the ball at times, McBride played under control, something Cieplicki has insisted on in practice. She didn’t turn the ball over at all in the first half before losing it four times in the second.

During one second-half sequence, McBride dominated, showing her complete game. With 7:58 remaining, McBride drained a 3-pointer to cut Team Concept’s lead to 35-32. She then went sprawling on the floor and nearly stole the in-bounds pass. Recovering from her dive, she raced downcourt and knocked a Team Concept pass out of bounds. Back on offense, McBride drove down the lane and dished a beautiful no-look pass to sophomore Tierra Jackson, who couldn’t finish on the short jumper.

‘I’ve played this style before,’ McBride said. ‘I’m used to it and I’m going to keep getting used to it. I’m just going to play.’

Said Cieplicki: ‘I think she did a good job leading the team. (Her performance) was acceptable to decent to solid. Seven boards – pretty good. Four turnovers – not so good. That’s a magic number for her, and she’ll work at that. Obviously we’re a different team with her out on the floor.’

Sophomore Marchele Campbell also had a strong opening-night effort. She missed all of last season after failing to meet initial academic eligibility requirements. After being held scoreless and struggling to get into a rhythm in the first half, Campbell found her stroke after halftime. A 53 percent 3-point-shooter in high school, Campbell drained two shots from long range in the second half.

‘It was my first game ever, so in the first half, I was excited and running,’ Campbell said. ‘After that, I settled down.’

Despite the outcome, Cieplicki remained encouraged. He believes SU’s problems can be corrected, starting with limiting turnovers. Team Concept pressed the Orangewomen heavily in the second half after made baskets, and SU showed its vulnerability. Sixteen Syracuse turnovers came after halftime, mainly because of the press.

‘Whether it’s a W or an L, we’re trying to get better out of it,’ Cieplicki said. ‘I thought for the first time out, our overall defensive intensity didn’t waver, which is pretty decent for three weeks (of practice). It was a good test for us. I thought it was a good team. It was a hard played game, just the way we like it.’

Published on November 9, 2003 at 12:00 pm