Women will be without Crank for 1st round NCAA game

Sophomore Monika Crank is in Athens, Ga., the site of the first-round, but has not been cleared from the concussion she suffered in Saturday's game with California at McKale Center.

Crank, who is a 35 percent three-point shooter and a starter at the off-guard position, broke her nose in January and had to wear a protective mask in the UCLA game.

"This is her second concussion in recent weeks. She had an MRI, which was fine," UA head coach Joan Bonvicini said. "Just for the safe side the doctors have decided to wait. She will ride an exercise bike while we practice, and if she feels well then we will be allowed to do a shoot-around on Friday."

If all goes well with Crank's recovery and the Wildcats are successful on Friday, she could possibly be cleared for Sunday's game.

Junior Mikko Giordano will start in Crank's spot, and little-used Shontay Hambrick will also fill in, Bonvicini said.

Crank said that she did not feel like commenting.

Freshman point guard Lisa Griffith, the team's best three-point shooter, is now Arizona's primary perimeter threat and will be relied on more heavily.

"I'm not really nervous about (the added pressure)," Griffith said. "I have had games where I have missed my first three shots and had 25 points, so for me it doesn't really matter. I just try to find a good spot and get my rhythm going."

Western Kentucky has a size advantage at the guard position, so Giordano's 6-foot-1 frame matches up better, height wise, compared to the 5-7 Crank.

"We will miss her quickness and her ball handling and obviously her three-point shooting," Bonvicini said. "But this team will pick it up. Mikko (Giordano) will be fine. She has been ready to step in all year."