UConn-Stanford Game Preview
by doggydaddy
#1 UConn vs #3 Stanford
Monday, 7:00 Gampel.
TV – ESPN2
Overview
UConn and Stanford are meeting for the 14th with the series tied 7-7. It’s another matchup between two top 3 teams.
Last year UConn was #1 and Stanford was #2 when they met at Maples. That game was not close as UConn dominated defensively in a 61-35 win. Dolson covered Chiney for much of the game, forcing her into a 6-22 effort. Of course Chiney is such a great effort player and quick leaper, she was able to score 18 points and grab 11 rebounds and an impressive 7 offensive rebounds. KML lead UConn with 19 points and Dolson grabbed 14 rebounds. Stewart did not have a great effort with 9 points and 6 rebounds. Just to show you how much this team has changed, Jefferson played 4 minutes, Tuck played 3 minutes and Banks played 9 minutes. UConn harrassed Stanford into 19% shooting and only 2-14 on 3’s.
UConn started off the season with an 89-34 win over Hartford. Led by a career high 17 points from Jefferson and 4 starters in double figures. They shot 60% from the field and held Hartford to 27%. They shot only 11 three pointers and made 7.
Stanford’s opener was at Boston College. Chiney was impressive with 30 points and 14 rebounds for her 59th career double double. Just as impressive was Amber Orrange (one of my favorite names in the game) with 19 points, 9 rebounds and 10 assists, just missing a triple double. Bonnie Samuelson scored 15 points off the bench.
UConn Starting Lineup (1st game results)
G Bria Hartley SR 5’9” 6 points, 3 assists, 0 TO’s
G Moriah Jefferson SO 5’7” 17 points, 5 assists, 0 TO’s
F/C Breana Stewart SO 6’4” 14 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks
F Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis JR 6′ 12 points, 2-2 3’s
C Stefanie Dolson SR 6’5” 16 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists
UConn bench
F Morgan Tuck SO 6’2” 6 points, 3 rebounds
C/F Kia Stokes JR 6’3” 7 rebounds, 2 blocks
G Briana Banks JR 5’9” 3 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists
G Sanyia Chong FR 5’9” 8 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 0 TO’s
Stanford Starting Lineup
F Chiney Ogwumike JR 6’4” 30 points, 14 rebounds, 3 steals
F Kailee Johnson FR 6’3” 0 points
F Mikaela Ruef RSR 6’3” 8 points, 10 rebounds
G Alex Green RSO 5’6” 2 points
G Amber Orrange JR 5’7” 19 points, 9 rebounds, 10 assists
Stanford Bench
F Bonnie Samuelson JR 6’3” 15 points, 3-7 on 3’s
F Taylor Greenfeld JR 6’3” DNP injured
F Erica McCall FR 6’3” 3 points
G Karlie Samuelson FR 6 3 points
G Jasmine Camp RSO 5’7” 1 point
G Sara James SR 5’10” 0 points
Game Analysis
Another year, another early season match-up between these two top teams.
UConn loses Kelly Faris from last years match-up and she had a typical Kelly game with 10 points, 2 threes and 3 steals. Her tough defense will be missed. Stanford loses Tinkle and Kokenis from last years game and while they were not exactly effective, their 32 minutes each has to be accounted for this year by other less experienced players.
UConn returns more than Stanford and that experience difference will make it very difficult for Stanford to run it’s offense. While Orrange had an incredible game against BC, she had a nightmare game in last years match-up. 0-6 from the field with 4 TO’s. I don’t expect much relief for her with either Hartley, Jefferson, Banks or Chong defending her. Especially Jefferson. Her on the ball defense with her whirling dervish arms is going to give many a good player problems.
Stanford adds 5 freshman, included Erica McCall, a UConn target at one time. They totaled 8 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists on 3-11 shooting.
UConn adds one freshman. Chong had 8 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists on 3-4 shooting.
Stanford has some injury issues coming into this game and because of that 2 players had their first starts. Green, a red-shirt sophomore started but only player 8 minutes. The freshman Johnson started but played only 14 minutes. I believe the injured Greenfield would be starting in place of Johnson, and that the hobbled Sara James would have started for Green if she was not just back from injury. UConn appears to be 100% at this time with no issue with the Jefferson ankle.
What stuck out to me, and something to look at for this game, is the minutes distribution. UConn was able to play 8 players between 19-25 minutes. Stanford played Chiney 37, Orrange 36 and Ruef 32. Against BC. Not good.
I don’t think this is a good match-up for Stanford. Ruef will play a lot of minutes and I’m not sure there is anyone she can defend. UConn’s guards are too quick for Stanford as well. I do like Orrange’s game, but she is running into a defensive buzz-saw in Jefferson and Harley.
Typically, Geno plays a smaller rotation in games like this. It will be interesting to see if he is able to distribute minutes equally against a top opponent like Stanford.
Final prediction –
I expect Stanford to put up a tougher game. But…..
I have to admit, after watching the Hartford game, I was blown away by some of the players I haven’t seen on a big screen (remind me to cancel my all-access subscription). Did someone kidnap EDD and put her in Dolson’s body? Jefferson hit a three. And was unstoppable driving to the basket. Hartley looks so under control and senior smart. Banks played as if she was never injured and finally, Chong looked like she belongs. With the expected greatness from Stewart and KML and you have the makings of something special.
Add that to how Stanford played against BC, winning by only 12 against a mediocre team that went 12-19 last year and you have a recipe for another blowout.
Oh, did I mention it’s the home on campus opener at what should be a sellout in front of a national audience where they are raising the NC banner?
Gotta believe it’s UConn by 20+.
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