UConn-Maryland Game Preview
by doggydaddy
Overview
Uconn and Maryland are meeting for the 3rd time in 2 years with Uconn winning both games last year.
The first game, a 63-48 Uconn win, was a very physical game. Stewart, Dolson and Banks were the three players in double figures for Connecticut. Interestingly enough, KML pulled her quad muscle that game and only played 7 minutes. She is certain to miss this game. Faris had eight points, eight steals, seven rebounds and seven assists for one of her more amazing performances. She also played great defense on Thomas when she covered her. Maryland had a tough time adjusting to the loss of Mincy and Moseley, their projected starting guards, to ACL tears. Because of that, UConn was able to force them into 23 TO’s.
In the second game, UConn and Maryland met in the Sweet Sixteen, with Uconn winning 76-50. Led by KML and Stewart with 17 points each, and Stewart’s 4 blocks, UConn again held Thomas to 4-16 shooting. Uconn dominated the second match up after being up only 14-13 at the 8 minute mark. Maryland’s front line was tough and physical again, but Uconn matched their physicality with their own aggressive play.
UConn is coming off a solid 19 point win over at the tie 3rd ranked Stanford. Clearly the KML injury is the big story. Hartley was impressive as was Stokes.
Maryland opened with a hard fought victory over USF, 78-70 and dominated Loyola 89-53. They are still starting Pavlech and Rutan, but Moseley and Mincy are getting regular minutes and either one or both might crack the starting lineup eventually. It appears that Maryland is struggling some with the new foul rules.
UConn Starting Lineup
G Bria Hartley SR 5’9” 13 ppg, 4.5 apg, 1 TO
G Moriah Jefferson SO 5’7” 9.5 ppg, 3.5 apg, 2 TO’s
F/C Breana Stewart SO 6’4” 11.5 ppg, 4 rpg, 5 blocks
C/F Kia Stokes JR 6’3” 6 ppg, 10 rpg, 8 blocks
C Stefanie Dolson SR 6’5” 12.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 2.5 apg
UConn bench
G Briana Banks JR 5’9” 1.5 ppg
G Sanyia Chong FR 5’9” 7 points, 2.5 apg, 0 TO’s
Out for the game
F Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis JR 6′ 10.5 ppg
F Morgan Tuck SO 6’2” 8.5 ppg
Maryland Starting Lineup
F Alyssa Thomas SR 6’2” 9 ppg, 7.5 rpg
C/F Malina Howard SO 6’4” 5.5 ppg, 2.5 rpg
C/F Alica DeVaughn SR 6’4” 10 ppg, 5 rpg
G Katie Rutan RSR 5’9” 2.5 ppg, 3 apg
G Chloe Pavlich SO 5’9” 3 ppg (9 mpg)
Maryland Bench
F Tierney Pfirman SO 6’2” 9.5 ppg, 7.5 rpg
F A’Lexus Harrison FR 6′ DNP
G Laurin Mincy RJR 6′ 10 ppg, 2 apg
G Brene Moseley RSO 5’7” 10.5 ppg, 15-15 on FT’s
G Lexie Brown FR 5’9” 6.5 ppg, 3 apg
G Shatori Walker-Kimbrough FR 5’11” 11 ppg, 3 rpg
Game Analysis
Another early season top 10 match for Uconn with a very familiar opponent. Maryland, led by the much maligned (on the Boneyard) Brenda Frese, is highly ranked (8/7) and more than likely wanting to make a point against the #1 Huskies. Last years results should give them incentive to play their hearts out at home in front of a big turnout.
Uconn is coming off an excellent win at home over Stanford. The first 7 minutes were ugly (lots of missed open shots), but Uconn played close to it’s normal game the rest of the way winning by 19. Clearly the big news is KML and now Tuck. Good news is they will both be back but in the short term, the roation is a short 7 players. Missing both players will be a big impact on Uconn’s offense, rebounding and on the court leadership. That being said, there is no team around that can better handle losing their best player and first player off the bench. I can’t see Stewart having back to back weak games. And Maryland has no one to cover her.
In that regard, Maryland lost their 2nd best player last year Tianna Hawkins. They will miss her 18 points and 10 rebounds a game, especially off the the offensive boards. Howard should struggle against Uconn’s front line. DeVaughn is a solid player and leader for Maryland. Should be fun to watch her guarding Dolson or Stewart. She is an excellent defender in the post. Rutan and Pavlich started last year and have continued to do so as Frese allows returning starter Mincy and projected starter Moseley to get into game shape mentally and physically. They bring speed and strength to the back court and Mincy presents a match up problem for the Uconn back court with her size. I love their freshman point guard, Lexie Brown (#15 Hoopgurlz and Blue Star). Maryland will be weaker up front and stronger in the back court. I saved Thomas for last. While she has struggled against Uconn, she is still a 1st team AA and can carry her team. Maryland is very dangerous at home with revenge on their minds.
Final prediction
So, how will it play out? How will KML and Tuck;s absence impact the outcome? You’re asking ME???
In spite of the return of Moseley and Mincy, UConn’s guard rotation is a match for them. Hartley will be the best guard on the court and the usual Uconn defensive pressure will force turnovers. The question is, can UConn defend Thomas one more time? With Faris graduated and KML out, who covers her? I think she will have an excellent game and UConn will have to shut down everyone else. I think they can. UConn is just too talented and Maryland still plays questionable defense. They did give up 70 points to USF. Can Maryland shut down UConn? Doubtful. Will they play the Stanford defense and not guard Jefferson on the perimeter? I sure would if I was them. But it shouldn’t matter.
I’m thinking UConn by 10+ but foul trouble could really hurt them. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s closer. I know, weak, but it’s the best I got!
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