So as I watched the game I wanted to make some notes and specifically mention observations as I saw them. Longer than usual after-game post...
Q1 really was fun to watch. UCONN's defense was swarming. The switching and help side was outstanding, and I specifically watched a few players - Azzi and Aubrey. Azzi really is an elite defender. You don't notice it, maybe, as she doesn't get the steals that Aubrey or Nika get, but her defense is so fundamentally sound that she's outstanding in the man to man and rarely gets beat. Aubrey - tremendous offense, but outstanding defense too. But Azzi mostly guarded Crooms, and her defense really was stellar. Crooms had 0 points, 3 boards and 3 assists at halftime.
The thing I noticed was that every time PC started to get a drive to the basket, another UCONN defender would slide over to help. PC had a step thru layup - between 2 defenders - and about 5 minutes later, tried it again, but the players were smart and the gap disappeared so the PC player could not get to the basket. I bring this up specifically not only because it stood out to me, but also because it points to how high the BBIQ is for this team and how good (usually) the help side defense is.
In Q2, the defense broke down more often and PC was able to get more scoring done. Normally in our post-game comments we talk about how well each player played, but before the season started, and early on, Geno said that the offense was good and the defense not so much, so I really wanted to focus on on what I thought we did well, and what we didn't. My only real negative about H1 was the amount of O-boards UCONN gave up. Gave up 13 for the entire game so that's a surprising stat I didn't like...
2nd half was more of the same - came out gangbusters, and at one point UCONN was at 64%... from beyond the arc. Team strive for that FG% OVERALL, never mind from 3. I will say that it was great seeing Inez and Amari in the game towards the end of Q3. I thought both played well. Having said that, the offense really ground to a halt with Inez, Amari, Aubrey, Ayanna and Caroline on the floor.
Anyway enough of that.
We are so blessed to just be at the beginning of Azzi's greatness. I already talked about her defense - but her offense... I want to compare her to Clark. Caitlin is a tremendous player. Flirts with a lot of triple doubles and scored over 40 the other day. But she forces, and takes, a LOT of shots. Azzi - she forces NOTHING. She may never lead the nation in scoring but I would bet her FG% is superior of other top players because she literally always makes good decisions, and NEVER takes a bad or forced shot. Cannot believe this is just the start of her sophomore season. WOWZA. I don't know if she scored in the 2nd half, thought, and that's unfortunate.
Aubrey - holy crap! I was hoping she'd be slightly better than she was as a freshman - coming off missing an entire season, not only having surgery, but being in a wheelchair for a time - really no idea what to expect. She has been by far my biggest surprise of the season. She HUNTS for her shot - something she never would have done as a freshman.
It is so nice to see Aaliyah playing with more confidence this season and really finding her groove. I think for the rest of her career, she's going to be a double-double machine. Almost had one in the first half alone.
I also specifically watched Lou. For stretches, she wouldn't do much, but then suddenly she would take/make some nice shots, or make a nice drive. I'd like to see her a little more involved all the time. I think that's why Geno took her out in Q1 and replaced her with Caroline. And what a blessing to have her coming off the bench.
CD is still finding her groove - missed some shots, but it's great to see her confidence back looking to get to the basket instead of just being out on the floor content to play "team ball" and be a bit of a spectator.
Nika - 9 assists in H1. Practically her average. Only in 1 half. 12 for the game. More than the entire PC team had 911). And if anyone on this board ever again says "Nika needs to score more", I will metaphorically strangle them. IMHO she will probably average "only" 5 or so PPG this season, but what she brings to the floor is so much more important than being a prolific scoring PG.
I thought both Amari and Inez played well. it was GREAT seeing them get extended minutes and produce. It was also great seeing them play with some of the starters. AND they produced. Both of them. YAY!!! I'd still like to see Amari's motor ramp up, but maybe that's just an appearance and she's going 100% as she can. Bottom line, GREAT seeing them both have some substantial stats!
Lastly, Ayanna. Elite defender, but not a good offensive game. Not a good shooter, and no better at making layups than when I watched her play the 3x3 for Team USA over the summer. she has some work to do.
Bottom line tho, great game. Great prep for ND on Sunday. GO UCONN!!
