UConn-Syracuse Game Preview
by doggydaddy
UConn at Syracuse – Monday following the ND/Louisville game, about 8:00
UConn – 28-3 overall, 14-2 conference
Syracuse – 24-6 overall, 11-5 conference
Last matchup – 1/19/13 UConn 87, SU 62
Syracuse last game – 61-56 winner over Villanova, allowing the Wildcats to close a 15 point deficit to a two point game with 2 minutes left. ‘Nova did this without their leading scorer, Laura Sweeney, out with a concussion from the previous game. SU’s big center, Kayla Alexander, had 34 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Orange to a hard fought win.
UConn last game – 94-61 winner over DePaul in a game that was never in doubt. DePaul played better this game but UConn had too much for them to handle. Connecticut went a true 9 deep in this game and hopefully this is the team that UConn moves forward with, a team where everyone can contribute, either offensively, defensively or on the boards. They were led by Stewart with 21 including a welcome 2-3 from 3 point land. 5 players in double figures and 1 with 9 is a welcome sight.
UCONN
Probable Starters
G – Jefferson FR 5’7″ (4.5 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 1.8 apg)
F – Hartley 5’9” JR (8.9 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 3.7 apg)
G – Faris 5’11” SR (10.7 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 4.0 apg)
F – KML 6′ SO (17.9 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 2.4 apg)
C – Dolson 6’5” JR(14.4 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 3.2 apg)
Bench
Stewart 6’4″ FR ( 12.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg, .9 apg)
Doty 5’10” SR (3.6 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 2.4 apg)
Tuck 6’2” (6.3 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 1.4 apg)
Stokes SO 6’3″ (2.7 ppg, 3.6 rpg, .8 apg)
Probable Starters
G – Fondren 5’8” FR (2.6 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 2.8 apg)
G – Butler 5’11” FR (7.3 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 1.4 apg)
G – Sykes 5’9” FR (9.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 1.5 apg)
G – Hall 5’11” SR (10.1 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 2.1 apg)
C – Alexander 6’4” SR (17.3 ppg, 8.6 rpg, .3 apg)
Bench
Tyson-Thomas 5’9” SR (10.9 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 1.8 apg)
Coffey 5’7” JR (5.8 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 4.7 apg)
Coach – Quentin (the brow) Hillsman
Team Stats Uconn listed first (SU stats do not include the Nova game)
Points Per Game – 83.2 73.7
Rebounds Per Game – 43.5 45.0
Assists Per Game – 21.1 15.8
Turnovers per Game – 14.2 16.9
Opponents PPG – 49.1 57.1
FG % – 49.3 40.4
Opponents FG% – 31.1 34.2
3pt % – 37.7 29.9
Steals Per Game – 10.7 12.9
Block Per Game – 6.0 5.7
Final analysis –
Syracuse played UConn tough in the 1st matchup for the first 15 minutes until the Huskeis created a 12 point lead at the half. UConn pulled away steadily for a 25 point win. SU’s star center Alexander played only 11 foul plagued minutes in that game. I would not expect a repeat and she should have an impact in this game. I also would not expect a terrible 3 point shooting team to make 7-18 as they did in the first matchup. SU will go with their 4 guard lineup to start and 2 guards off the bench. Expect Alexander to go 40 minutes and for SU to try to use their quickness to get to rebounds and force turnovers. A dominant performance by Alexander and a sloppy game by UConn is SU’s only chance.
The Huskies dominated the post with Alexander out for much of the first game. Both Dolson and Lewis scored 25 points and Stewart added 20 in one of her better games. Expect to see a lot of UConn’s post game again in this rematch and the guards will have to be on their toes in protecting the ball. I believe there is a good chance that Jefferson will start again. Geno’s new found flexibility with the starting lineup is interesting to watch and from everything I am reading, all players are on board and practicing well. Expect lots of lineup changes again in this game.
Final prediction – UConn looked sharp and determined in this game. If that continues in this matchup, SU has no chance, no matter how well they play.
UConn by plenty.
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