Nika not playing vs. Baylor

[ScottCT]

 

[CTGirl15]

Unfortunate, she would have been disruptive with the Baylor guards. Wishing her well and hopefully the team can get a win and another chance for her to play this tournament!

 

[eebmg]

Pretty much expected. If you are not at 100%, you are a liability.

 

[cookie447]

?☹️??

 

[CajunHusky]

I am a really big fan of Nika but .....

I don't think UConn matches up well [with Baylor] with Nika [in the lineup] (though she would be really helpful coming off the bench [to spell CW, Paige or EW])

I think they need ONO and AE on floor together against Egbo and Smith.

[edited for clarity] thanks CL82

 

[CL82]

I don't think UConn matches up well with Nika

Well, fortunately, they don't have to play against her.

 

[RedStickHusky]

One less arrow in the quiver; one less option on the menu. Especially if the defensive plan involves high ball pressure.

 

[Woof 101]

Team got a win for Geno's birthday, they now have a rally cry to get one for Nika! Depending on what she can get / do in practices I look forward to seeing her play on April 2nd and again on April 4th.

 

[Gus Mahler]

I am a really big fan of Nika but .....

I don't think UConn matches up well [with Baylor] with Nika [in the lineup] (though she would be really helpful coming off the bench [to spell CW, Paige or EW])

I think they need ONO and AE on floor together against Egbo and Smith.

[edited for clarity] thanks CL82

I've been concerned about the matchup situation faced by the UConn starters as well. Namely, who guards Smith? This makes the decision clearer. Otherwise, who would play Smith? E?

And who plays Moon? CW, I'm guessing. So now, E on Didi? Paige on DC?

Maybe I should start a thread.

 

[Longtime fan]

No real surprise. I think she had a " high ankle sprain," which means she likely would not be ready for next weekend either. Horrible for her. But **** happens, unfortunately.

 

[AmeriConn]

I’ll miss the edge she brings to the team.

 

[kteach]

She will be one of the loudest coaches/cheerleaders on the bench. I watched her during the Iowa game-- standing and cheering for every play offensive or defensive.

 

[bluedevil]

Anna and AG will be our bench....maybe even Mir?

 

[stamfordhusky]

No real surprise. I think she had a " high ankle sprain," which means she likely would not be ready for next weekend either. Horrible for her. But **** happens, unfortunately.

Source? I haven't seen any article that described it as a "high ankle sprain".

 

[BostonBay]

Expect bigger minutes from AG. This is going to be a rock fight, & she will be more effective than Anna in a physical game.

 

[CajunHusky]

Expect bigger minutes from AG. This is going to be a rock fight, & she will be more effective than Anna in a physical game.

I would think you have that reversed, AG advantage is quickness and stealth, Anna is more physical ..... Baylor doesn't shoot 3's. UConn may play more zone than usual. If UConn can get two 1st half fouls on Egbo or Smith the advantage might swing to UConn. Of course if those two first half fouls ae on ONO or AE .....

 

[Skeets]

Team got a win for Geno's birthday, they now have a rally cry to get one for Nika! Depending on what she can get / do in practices I look forward to seeing her play on April 2nd and again on April 4th.

Win one for the "gnat'er"?

 

[HopJim]

I’ll miss the edge she brings to the team.

Will miss her edge but happy to have Edward's physical presence and performance.

 

[Rb335]

Expect bigger minutes from AG. This is going to be a rock fight, & she will be more effective than Anna in a physical game.

Normally would agree. But at 6'2" Anna could spell Edwards/ONO a few minutes by playing the 4...especially if we are playing a lot of zone.

But would expect our starting 5 to each play 32+ minutes barring any foul trouble. Our 3 guards could go for 38-40 minutes.

 

[darkstar1]

Baylor’s weakness is guard play (no real pt guard) and turnovers. Nike’s pressure will be missed but UConn should still prevail.

 

[augustaTC]

I may be biased, but I don't think you can put too high a value on the fierce spirit and determination Nika's presence on the floor brings.

 

[LoboDays]

The team has reached a new, higher level of play since the 2nd round game against Syracuse. Nika hasn’t played a minute of it. The best defensive effort of the season was given by CW against Clark. It would be senseless to break up the current starting 5 who are playing the best ball of the season by far. I join the many who love watching Nika play. I hope she can return and play.......as a 6 or 7 off the bench.

 

[Longtime fan]

Source? I haven't seen any article that described it as a "high ankle sprain".

I didn't mean to mislead.

Source? I haven't seen any article that described it as a "high ankle sprain".

My exact words were, " I think it was a high ankle sprain..." Indicating, it is my opinion. I could be wrong or right. It is possible we'll never know. But I am the source of my own thought.

 

[Longtime fan]

Anna and AG will be our bench....maybe even Mir?

Mir will only play in a desperate situation. Unlikely to see her.

 

[Zinethar]

It usually takes a lot longer to recover completely when the ankle turns out (like Nika's did) rather than turn in like most sprains do. It disrupts much stronger and tighter ligaments etc. Pulls things higher on the leg. I sure hope she gets to play soon. Still remember sadly watching KLS sitting on the bench in the final 4. I love having options especially high energy ones.