UConn-USC Postgame Thread (The Huskies back to the Final Four!!!)

[HuskyNan]

 

[ABCDFE]

So proud of this team. Seniors led but the freshman and Ice wow played unafraid.

Now let’s figure out a way to get Paige the ball for the free throws in late game situation please.

 

[CTinLA]

I’m so frickin’ proud of these kids! After the rough 4-3 start to the season, reaching the Final Four seemed highly improbable. Yet here we are! Absolutely amazing play from the three seniors, and the four first year players all contributed to the win especially when foul trouble stacked up. The heart on display tonight was something to see. For some reason I can’t stop smiling.

 

[Latecomer]

View attachment 98750
Wow. Talk about a team effort!

They had more rebounds than USC in the end. That looked impossible the first minutes of the game.

 

[Surly1]

Let the great debate now kick into overdrive as to who is the best player in WCBB. Caitlin made her case in the first game of the night, then Paige went out and displayed all the tools in her toolkit.

I realize this is UConn, and many people will say that in order to be considered an all-time great at UConn, the discussion begins with a NC. Whether UConn can add another to their mantle, Paige is already included. This is the 3rd time that Paige has led her team to the Final Four. She may be having the greatest postseason run of any UConn player. Look at her Elite 8 performances: 28 vs Baylor in her freshman year; 27 in a win over NC St in her soph season; and tonight, she added 28 and 3rd straight double-double over the #1 seed in their region. I don't think it is a stretch to say that if Paige was available last year, they wouldn't have lost to OSU.

For all the Boneyarders who were imploring that Paige become more aggressive and shoot more often, I think it's fair to say that your prayers were heard and answered.

This team has exceeded expectations, and an epic showdown between Iowa & UConn lies ahead. While LSU didn't seem to have a clue about how to cover Caitlin, Clark should be ready to get reacquainted with a certain Nika Muhl. Kudos to Nika tonight for keeping composure and remaining in the game with 4 fouls. If anyone can slow down Clark, it's Nika.

Lastly, I want to point out the contributions that Ice Brady & Qadence added. Unexpected, but much appreciated.

Great victory.

 

[bbfanLA]

Another achievement for Paige.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">With her third NCAA regional Most Outstanding Player honor in three tournaments, <a href="https://twitter.com/paigebueckers1?ref_src=twsrc^tfw">@PaigeBueckers1</a> joins Maya Moore (<a href="https://twitter.com/MooreMaya?ref_src=twsrc^tfw">@MooreMaya</a>) (4, 2008-11), Breanna Stewart (<a href="https://twitter.com/breannastewart?ref_src=twsrc^tfw">@breannastewart</a>) (3, 2013, 2015-16) and Diana Taurasi (3, 2001, 2003-04) as <a href="https://twitter.com/UConnWBB?ref_src=twsrc^tfw">@UConnWBB</a> players to win at least three.</p>&mdash; carl adamec (@CarlAdamec) <a href="

 

[huskeynut]

Sarah Strong committing tomorrow (at the McDonald’s game) would truly make this the best 2-days I’ve experienced as a UConn fan.

If she doesn't see UConn is the place to be after tonight's game, don't know what to think.

 

[FortTheEad]

 

[Plebe]

WOW.

I'm really trying to compose my thoughts, but I'll stick with that for now.

WOW!

 

[jaydee602]

"I told myself I wasn't gonna foul out this game, but I didn't tell myself I wasn't going to get four fouls." -Nika Muhl.
LOL..... How great is Nika!!

 

[Glenn]

The play of Ice and Q lend support the contention that Geno underutilized them in the Duke game.

 

[Longtime fan]

A couple thoughts on tonight’s game:

• YESSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!
• When you come to UConn and play for Geno, these are the games you dream about…..the Big Dance in March & April…..with everything on the line. After all that UConn has been through this season; the injuries, the lack of size, experience and depth, somehow this Husky team found a way to take down the #1 seed in their bracket on their way to the program’s 23rd Final Four!!!
• Once again UConn was led by their incomparable superstar. Paige continues to play a brilliant, complete brand of basketball the likes of which I have never seen before. Paige’s stat line tonight: 28 pts, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks.
• Ju Ju Watkins is the most talented freshman scorer in WBB since Caitlin Clark. Tonight, she was dogged by Nika, KK and Paige. Despite all the attention, Watkins still managed to put up 29 points. She is the future of WBB. But tonight belonged to UConn!!!
• I also want to recognize the extraordinary efforts of Aaliyah over the past four games. She’s been playing out of position at center all season. Coming back after a broken nose, Aaliyah has been matched up against a string of players who go 6’3”, 6’6”, 6’5”, 6’6”, 6’5”, 6’4” & 6’6” in games vs Jackson St, Syracuse, Duke & USC. In those games Aaliyah has been nothing short of spectacular, battling heroically in the paint against a wave of opposing Bigs.
• UConn got some solid and much needed PT from Ice & Q tonight, particularly with KK & Nika in foul trouble.
• The Huskies were fighting fatigue at the end of the game. It certainly showed at the foul line. Somehow they hung in there and pulled it out. YOU GOT TO LOVE THIS TEAM!
• Against all odds, UConn has made it back to another FF. Iowa and CC will be waiting for the Huskies in Cleveland. On paper, Iowa has more experience, more depth and should be the favorite to end UConn’s championship run this year. Yessiree, UConn has them right where we want them…..

I was particularly thrilled with two things; 1. The early appearance and contribution of Qadance Samuels. She logged 14 minutes, hit a three and played good defense. She proved she can help. And this was the elite 8. 2. Ice Brady looked smooth. Some big defensive work and 8 points, including two shots from outside. KK and ASH are struggling a bit at this level, and at this point of the season,. But they are still making this the team what it is. Our three seniors are the load bearers. A terrific and unexpected ( by me ) win.

 

[housekeys]

Lastly, I want to point out the contributions that Ice Brady & Qadence added. Unexpected, but much appreciated.

Good post, although I would add to "unexpected" and "much appreciated". Critical. We do not win without them. IMO.

PS. I know we all look at points and offense when we acknowledge their contributions, but their defense and hustle were just as important.

 

[kidfrom360]

I was lucky enough to be there in person. My voice is gone but it was magic to have witnessed that! View attachment IMG_4987.jpeg

 

[Audi1954]

How does Paige only shoot 3 free throws in that game?

Something needs to change with this officiating. Paige doesn’t get the calls anywhere near what the other top players get.

 

[jaydee602]

"I told myself I wasn't gonna foul out this game, but I didn't tell myself I wasn't going to get four fouls." -Nika Muhl.
LOL..... How great is Nika!!

Geno asked if he trusted Nika to not pick up that 5th foul. "The word trust doesn't exist between me and Nika." "Did I trust whether she was going to be able to not foul out? No. I prayed."

 

[FormerCTrez]

I’ve caught my breath and can think straight. The girls held them to 33% shooting and shot 48% themselves. And they won the rebounding battle.

I’m busy watching replays of horrendous uncalled fouls. I missed the game live because I teach an evening class. My wife texted me as I was coming out of class with the unbelievable news.

Nothing but respect for Paige and Aaliyah and Nika and Ice and Ash and KK and Q!!!!!!!!!!!

Errands took me into overtime, so I missed the game also, and will have to watch the replay. But I’m truly happy for my team.

 

[housekeys]

8 on 5 and we still won!!!

Shhhhhhhh! Not a good look for a fan base.

I kid. Just an example that it is the non-calls that are often, the most egregious.

 

[donalddoowop]

WOW! I’m speechless

Remember, there were some posters who earlier in the season posted this UConn team was the worst team in UConn history. I wonder what they are thinking now.

 

[FormerCTrez]

Evina Westbrook is the Mom in question, haha.

I’d forgotten that she’s from Oregon, but it’s so nice of her to show up for the kiddos’ performance.

 

[OviedoFLHusky]

If all of us on the Boneyard are this happy, the team and coaches must be over-the-moon ecstatic -- and they should be, they've earned it!! Congratulations, Huskies! We love you! Celebrate tonight and then get lots of rest!!

 

[donalddoowop]

What is in the water at Storrs? Ice & Q played with such confidence on the biggest stage. Geno instills that into them from their first day on campus.

Shade also hit some key shots.

 

[jaydee602]

The UCONN/ IOWA game is scheduled to start at 9:30 PM Eastern time, after SC plays NC State at 7PM.
Why does ESPN do this every time?
Couldn't they have a 6PM start for SC/ NC State & an 8:30 PM start for UCONN/ Iowa?
Plus, we know that the 7PM game won't start until 7:20, so the UCONN game start will be delayed.

 

[Glenn]

I think Geno is now 3 wins behind Tara.