UConn-Rutgers Game Preview

by doggydaddy

#1 UConn at #7 Rutgers
The RAC, Piscataway NJ
Sunday January 19, 3:00
Television – ESPN2, Radio – WTIC AM

Records UConn 17-0, Rutgers 14-1.

Overall series is 30-6 in favor of Uconn.

Overview

The question at this time is, will this be the last time these two teams meet? The only chances this year are in the AAC tournament and then if matched up in the NCAA tournament. In the future, it would only be in the NCAA tournament. That is unless Vivian decides to agree to a series with Uconn. I’m not sure how likely that would be. RU has only beaten Uconn six times and five of those were from 2005-2008, the Pondexter, Carson, Vaughn, Ajavon, Prince years. It hasn’t been pretty since RU’s last win. Uconn has won the last nine with the average margin of 19 points a game. Rutgers has had real trouble scoring in their latest losing streak to Uconn, averaging only 42 ppg in those outings.

Uconn is coming off a well earned victory in Waco against the 7th ranked Baylor Bears. Stewart was the leading scorer but Jefferson was the MVP of that game. Hartley had a terrific second half. From the point it was 50-49, Uconn outscored Baylor 16-6. It was a terrific defensive game for the Huskies against one of the highest scoring teams in the country (albeit against a weak schedule). Still undefeated with double digit victories against every team including seven ranked teams and four of those were top ten teams.

Rutgers had an up and down week. They were 13-2 and on Monday entered the Top 25 for the first time this season. Then on Tuesday, they lost to Memphis on the road. And Sunday they play Uconn. Say goodbye to Top 25. In looking closer at their record, you can see that they really weren’t ready for being ranked. Their signature win to date was against a Georgia team that was clearly overrated. They beat LaSalle by only 2 points. And they lost to Umass. In the loss to Memphis, they were up most of the game, including several leads off 11 points. They were up in the overtime as well for the first 4 minutes. It was a terrible loss and I’m sure it’s been a tough week of practice. CVS knows whats coming Sunday.

UConn Starting Lineup

G Bria Hartley SR 5’9”	30.3 mpg, 13.9 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 4.4 apg
G Moriah Jefferson SO 5’7”	28.0 mpg, 10.4 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 4.7 apg
F/C Breana Stewart SO 6’4”	28.2 mpg, 18.1 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 3.2 apg
F Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis JR 6′	24.9 mpg, 11.1 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.5 apg
C Stefanie Dolson SR 6’5”	31.0 mpg, 13.2 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 3.6 apg

UConn Bench

G Briana Banks JR 5’9”	18.8 mpg, 5.2 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 1.7 apg
C/F Kia Stokes JR 6’3”	19.4 mpg, 5.6 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 0.8 apg
G Sanyia Chong FR 5’9”	19.2 mpg, 6.2 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 1.4 apg
F Morgan Tuck SO 6’2”	14.5 mpg, 7.5 ppg. 2.4 rpg, 1.0 apg
G Tierney Lawlor	6.2 mpg, 2.7 ppg, 0.5 rpg, 0.0 apg
G Briana Pulido	3.4 mpg, 0.4 ppg, 0.7 rpg, 0.2 apg

Rutgers Starting Lineup

G Kahleah Copper SO 6’1”	30.8 mpg, 16.6 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 3.1 apg
G Syessence Davis JR 5’7”	31.0 mpg, 4.8 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 4.4 apg
G Tyler Scaife FR 5’9”	27.3 mpg, 12.6 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.9 apg
G/F Betnijah Laney JR 6’0”	34.4 mpg, 13.4 ppg, 10.7 rpg, 3.1 apg
F Rachel Hollivay FR 6’4”	22.3 mpg, 9.7 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 0.3 apg

Rutgers Bench

G Briyona Canty 5’9” RSO	24.4 mpg, 6.5ppg, 2.1 rpg, 3.3 apg
F/C Christa Evans 6’3 JR	13.1 mpg, 1.5 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 0.1 apg
G Precious Person 6’1” SO	11.4 mpg, 2.4 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 0.4 apg
F Alexis Burke 6’2” RJR	7.0 mpg, 2.1 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 0.1 apg

Team Stats are available here

Game analysis

UConn offense vs Rutgers defense – Uconn should bounce back after an uneven performance against a very tough Baylor defense. RU still plays their tenacious defense. The faces change but the fact remains that Uconn hasn’t score more than 75 points in a Rutgers game since 2005. This version of the Uconn offense should have less issues against RU than past teams. They have a more varied offense that can come from many players. After the tough shooting night against Baylor, KML and Stewart should be back on track. The top shot blocker in the AAC is in this game. And she doesn’t play for Uconn. Holivay has made her presence know on the defensive end for RU and will certainly get her share of blocks on Sunday. BTW, Stewart, Dolson and Stokes are 2,3,4.

Rutgers offense vs UConn Defense – Here is an amazing stat. At 68.2, RU is averaging 12.2 points more per game than last year. That is an amazing upgrade to their offense, but it’s still under 70 a game. It’s the most ppg since the 2006-07 season. They probably take less 3 point shots and make less 3 point shots than any team Uconn will face this year. They rely on their guards to carry the load. Copper, the 6’1 sophomore guard leads in scoring at 16.6 ppg along with freshman Scaife at 12.3 ppg. Junior swing woman Laney is averaging a double double in her best season to date. The main size off the bench, Holivay has had a nice freshman season so far and is their main post threat. Uconn will play mostly man to man in this game and will give RU fits with their speed and pressure. Uconn’s size on defense will dominate the paint. WCBB’s best defense against a very average offense. Big advantage for Uconn.

Final prediction – I’ll cut right to the chase. Women and children, run for the hills. Get in the storm cellar. Hide!!!!!! Now, I was wrong in the Baylor prediction. Uconn had a bad night shooting and while some might disagree, they were taken off their game by the constant flopping, both called and not called by the refs. I don’t see a similar game playing out Sunday. I expect a slow start but a steady pulling away by a relentless Uconn team on both offense and defense. If this is going to be the last time Uconn is at the RAC for a long time, they should leave a message. Business as usual and a 30+ point win.

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