bballnut90
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UCONN was terrific tonight. Here were some observations I had:
1. KML and Jefferson were the difference tonight. Jefferson was everywhere on the court and brought so much intensity. Her intensity on both ends of the court really helped elevate UCONN's energy and was crucial to get UCONN ahead. KML was outstanding, she hit everything she jacked up. Solid floor game as well, her ability to nail outside shots eliminated any chance of South Carolina getting back in the game.
2. UCONN's offensive sets look so simple but they are so effective. A simple backdoor cut, a couple of screens to create a mismatch, UCONN was able to get great looks all night and deep position in the post against a big USC lineup. More importantly, UCONN did a good job of finishing shots. This is one of the best UCONN offensive teams I've seen. All 5 players can hit shots from the perimeter, and their three frontcourt players can post you up inside. All 5 starters can put the ball on the floor and get to the basket. They may not be as good of a passing team as they were last year, but in sheer ability to put the ball in the basket, this might be Geno's most talented offensive team ever.
3. Tiffany Mitchell was terrific. Even better was Geno's switch to face guard her all night. Mitchell was shut down after a hot start and still finished with a good stat line, but was a non factor for most of the night due to UCONN's suffocating defense.
4. A'ja Wilson is going to be a good player but is far from a finished product. She doesn't have great touch inside, it seems like she is either relaxed and does a good job of finishing shots, or she gets tense and throws up bricks inside. She has a great frame and all the potential to be a great power forward, but she's not there yet, even if ESPN wants her to be.
5. Welch is a really nice player, she is so athletic and a hustler, but she doesn't have good range on her shot which is a huge liability. If she could hit a wide open three or even a 15 foot jumper, UCONN's defense would have had a much harder time stopping USC's posts since they were able to clamp down on them inside.
6. Tuck quietly had a really nice game tonight. There were moments where she seemed rush and wasn't able to finish lay ups, but when she takes shots in rhythm they go in. Her ability to zip by defenders for layups is impressive, if she can develop a more consistent midrange shot she'll be a star.
7. UCONN proved tonight they are 20+ points better than any team in the nation once again. During their dominant championship seasons, it seems like UCONN will always find a way to string together a few quick baskets and jump ahead to 10+ points and the game is over at that point. Once that separation is created, opponents are mentally beat and know they'll need a miracle to get back into the game. Does anyone know the last time a team came back from 10 points down to beat UCONN? Better yet, has it ever happened during a championship season?
8. I'm interested to see how USC comes back from this. I think they are a top 5 team, but I could see this being pretty demoralizing leading to a few more losses in the next several weeks.
1. KML and Jefferson were the difference tonight. Jefferson was everywhere on the court and brought so much intensity. Her intensity on both ends of the court really helped elevate UCONN's energy and was crucial to get UCONN ahead. KML was outstanding, she hit everything she jacked up. Solid floor game as well, her ability to nail outside shots eliminated any chance of South Carolina getting back in the game.
2. UCONN's offensive sets look so simple but they are so effective. A simple backdoor cut, a couple of screens to create a mismatch, UCONN was able to get great looks all night and deep position in the post against a big USC lineup. More importantly, UCONN did a good job of finishing shots. This is one of the best UCONN offensive teams I've seen. All 5 players can hit shots from the perimeter, and their three frontcourt players can post you up inside. All 5 starters can put the ball on the floor and get to the basket. They may not be as good of a passing team as they were last year, but in sheer ability to put the ball in the basket, this might be Geno's most talented offensive team ever.
3. Tiffany Mitchell was terrific. Even better was Geno's switch to face guard her all night. Mitchell was shut down after a hot start and still finished with a good stat line, but was a non factor for most of the night due to UCONN's suffocating defense.
4. A'ja Wilson is going to be a good player but is far from a finished product. She doesn't have great touch inside, it seems like she is either relaxed and does a good job of finishing shots, or she gets tense and throws up bricks inside. She has a great frame and all the potential to be a great power forward, but she's not there yet, even if ESPN wants her to be.
5. Welch is a really nice player, she is so athletic and a hustler, but she doesn't have good range on her shot which is a huge liability. If she could hit a wide open three or even a 15 foot jumper, UCONN's defense would have had a much harder time stopping USC's posts since they were able to clamp down on them inside.
6. Tuck quietly had a really nice game tonight. There were moments where she seemed rush and wasn't able to finish lay ups, but when she takes shots in rhythm they go in. Her ability to zip by defenders for layups is impressive, if she can develop a more consistent midrange shot she'll be a star.
7. UCONN proved tonight they are 20+ points better than any team in the nation once again. During their dominant championship seasons, it seems like UCONN will always find a way to string together a few quick baskets and jump ahead to 10+ points and the game is over at that point. Once that separation is created, opponents are mentally beat and know they'll need a miracle to get back into the game. Does anyone know the last time a team came back from 10 points down to beat UCONN? Better yet, has it ever happened during a championship season?
8. I'm interested to see how USC comes back from this. I think they are a top 5 team, but I could see this being pretty demoralizing leading to a few more losses in the next several weeks.