By Matt Humphrey
Special to the Enquirer

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - This hasn't been exactly the experience Northern Kentucky senior Amy Mobley expected at the NCAA Division II Elite Eight. Not from a production standpoint, at least.

The 5-foot-11 senior from Harrison hasn't scored in double figures in the Norse's two wins at St. Joseph Civic Arena. She scored nine points against Washburn on Wednesday, and eight against California (Pa.) on Thursday. She entered the tournament averaging a team-high 15.6 points.

"I've found it harder to get open against the teams we've played lately," said Mobley, who has shot 5-of-17 this week.

Today's opponent won't make it easy for those numbers to improve. South Dakota State held her to nine points on 3-of-10 shooting in last year's national quarterfinals in Rochester, Minn.

Mobley missed a layup with 10 seconds left and the Jackrabbits won on a free throw 6 seconds later. She hopes that doesn't happen again today.

"Sharell (Snardon) has been stepping up lately, and people off the bench have stepped up, too," Mobley said. "I'm just going to try to help, passing or shooting, either way."

FLANAGAN CONFIDENT: Senior Bridget Flanagan doesn't think NKU's semifinal shooting woes will carry over. The Norse shot 27 percent from the field in Thursday's 45-43 win against California, and just 3-of- 17 from 3-point range. Flanagan was 3-of-13 from the field, 2-of-10 from behind the arc.

"We're ready," said Flanagan, a Mercy graduate. "We're all pumped up for South Dakota State and we know how to get it done."