Adam Amato Emerald Much as she has done throughout the season, senior Edniesha Curry has an uncanny ability to bring the crowd to its feet with her defensive intensity. She said her energy “is always high,” and she is excited about the Pac-10 Tournament. A Balancing Act ■Shaquala Williams and Edniesha Curry have led the Ducks to their ninth straight winning season By Hank Hager Oregon Daily Emerald Washington State is the sacrifi cial lamb of the inaugural Pacific 10 Conference Tournament. But when you really think about it, the Cougars belong to Edniesha Curry and Shaquala Williams. The Ducks’ superstar backcourt duo has finally begun to mesh to their full ability, giving Oregon a lethal one-two punch unchal lenged by any school in the con ference. And with the tournament coming this weekend, their abili ty to gel could not have come at a better time. “It took a lot of time,” Curry said about gelling with Williams. “You have two great backcourt players and it took time for us to get used to each other and what each other’s strengths are on the court. “I think we’re coming together as one at the right time.” The right time begins tonight, when Oregon and Washington State meet at 6:30 p.m. to kick off the first-ever women’s Pac-10 Tour nament at McArthur Court. Williams, a junior from Portland, has not disappointed this season. After sitting out last season because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered before last season, she has knocked down jumpers with preci sion. Her 17.4 points per game were good enough for second in the con ference. and with 18.4 during Pac 10 play, she is unmatched. Curry, on the other hand, has been a breath of fresh air for a pro gram in need of some renewal. A transfer from Cal State North ridge, the senior sat out last season, a requirement for all transfers. Giv en a starting role this year, Curry has taken every opportunity to im press, placing in the top 10 in the Pac-10 in steals (1.79 per game) and assists (3.29). “They’re two great guards, On Tap Who: Oregon vs. Washington State What: Pac-10 Tournament When: Today, 630 p.m. Where: McArthur Court TV: KEZI |Ch.9) by just themselves, they’d be an outright leader.” It has been said that opposites at tract. In Williams and Curry’s case, it’s the law. Curry is the fire, and Williams is the ice. Curry is the “energizer bun ny,” and Williams is the stoic pres ence. However you slice it, the two have come to understand that they balance each other out. “During the game, she probably shows more emotion and I’ve got more of the straight face, but be hind closed doors, she’s probably a little more calm than I am,” Williams said. “On the court we’re a little bit different. She’s definite ly more of an emotional leader and I am someone who will lead by example. “I think it’s good to have that balance.” Against Washington State last week, the two were on target. Williams hit 9-of-9 shots from the field, and knocked down four treys. Curry, on the other hand, scored only six points, but assisted on nine they’re two great individ uals and they have two great personalities,” first-year Ore gon head coach Bev Smith said. “Personally, I give them a lot of credit be cause had they been on another team, Oregon baskets. “I take different aspects to the game,” Curry said. “Whether the team needs me offensively or de fensively, that’s the thing I have to judge being the point guard of this team. Shaquala was on and it’s my job to make sure she gets the ball.” When these two are on, there’s no stopping them. “They certainly played great bas ketball when they came to Pullman last week,” Washington State head coach Jenny Przekwas said. “The combination of the two has been outstanding and they shot the ball very well.” Because Williams, the 2000 Pac 10 Player of the Year, has been with the Ducks for two full sea sons and one redshirt year, Duck fans knew very well coming into the season what to expect from the 5-foot-6 sensation. What they did n’t know, however, was how well she would respond after having surgery last season. Their questions have been answered. “With Shaquala, everyone knows she is pretty much on an even keel,” Smith said. “They look for her in moments where we might need something to happen in the game and she’s able to do that, Turn to Guards, page 8B 013214 QUACK! QUACK! QUACK! FREE HOUR OF 1 ONE w/coupon $4.00 value POOL l).l ( arl Thursday &. Friday nights • 9-Hull Tournament Sundays @ B PM Olive (between Broadway & Kllh) 338-81 16 BREAKFAST BURRITOS %% MONDAY SPECIAL Va