#2 Notre Dame @ #3 Louisville (poll & GAME THREAD)

[Carnac]

I think of the difference in UConn's MOV and Louisville's MOV against ND. 9 vs 33. A win over ND anytime, by any score is rare. ND is always a perennial top 2-3 team.
Beating the Irish is like trying to eat a porcupine if you're a python. It can be done, but it's not going to be easy, and it's going to hurt long after it's consumed. In the illustration below, it was fatal for both.

UConn would have loved to hang a 33 point loss on ND in their last meeting on December 3. A victory by 9 was satisfactory with the team, staff and their fans. A 33 point win would have been unimaginable. When was the last time a ND women's team lost by 33? A ND loss is rare, but one by that MOV is unthinkable.
Where does ND go from here? Has Louisville constructed and posted the blueprint for beating ND? Can lighting strike twice? Imagine where they would be without the Shepard waiver.

 

[Orangutan]

Where does ND go from here? Has Louisville constructed and posted the blueprint for beating ND? Can lighting strike twice?

I'm sure Walz did some good X-and-O stuff. Andy Landers in the post game mentioned the on-ball pressure against Mabrey preventing ND from getting into their offense.

But the "Asia Durr and Myisha Hines-Allen shoot the lights out" part of his blueprint is not something other teams can replicate.

 

[Carnac]

I'm sure Walz did some good X-and-O stuff. Andy Landers in the post game mentioned the on-ball pressure against Mabrey preventing ND from getting into their offense.

But the "Asia Durr and Myisha Hines-Allen shoot the lights out" part of his blueprint is not something other teams can replicate.

I can't argue that point. I was thinking the same thing. They BOTH appeared to be in a "zone" last night. As you know, being in a zone is rare and unpredictable.
Again, I refer back to my python eating a porcupine analogy. I predict that we will not see ND lose another game in this fashion the rest of our lives.

 

[hoophuskee]

I think of the difference in UConn's MOV and Louisville's MOV against ND. 9 vs 33. A win over ND anytime, by any score is rare. ND is always a perennial top 2-3 team.
Beating the Irish is like trying to eat a porcupine if you're a python. It can be done, but it's not going to be easy, and it's going to hurt long after it's consumed. In the illustration below, it was fatal for both.
View attachment 27712

UConn would have loved to hang a 33 point loss on ND in their last meeting on December 3. A victory by 9 was satisfactory with the team, staff and their fans. A 33 point win would have been unimaginable. When was the last time a ND women's team lost by 33? A ND loss is rare, but one by that MOV is unthinkable.
Where does ND go from here? Has Louisville constructed and posted the blueprint for beating ND? Can lighting strike twice?

ND is banged up. Mabrey is not a pg. Maybe next year she can be. They are a limited team this year. That last injury to the pg imo was a knockout blow. OFC they are still good. But next year they have the potential to be a beast.

 

[easttexastrash]

Ah, but can you think of 9 teams that could play UCLA better than Baylor did, or play better than SC did at Missouri, or ....
On any given night ...

No question this was a slaughter, but these things happen in sports and there are only a few teams in WCBB that do not have 'embarrassing losses already this year. And ND losing to an incredibly hot shooting, undefeated, and highly ranked Louisville is not that bad even if the score is crazy.

You can point to the Baylor loss to UCLA if you want. The circumstances surrounding that game were highly peculiar.

If Baylor had just lost to Louisville like that everyone would be saying that they don't be long in the top 10. Like I said, ND is consistently given more credit than the deserve by UCONN fans, I suspect because of the longing for the Big East days when they had a real challenger in the league.

 

[Tenspro2002]

3. I wouldn't count out Notre Dame yet. They did beat UCONN in 3/4 quarters and all 5 of their starters are very capable scorers, but I am very curious to see how they'll do in a rematch with Louisville in the ACC Tournament...assuming there's a rematch.

4. Louisville could not have played any better than they did tonight. Durr and Hines Allen were ridiculously good, but I thought Fuehring and Shook were the unsung heroes of the night. They did most of the dirty work and made things very difficult for Notre Dame when they drove the lane. Great defensive showing. Carter and Jones were also fantastic. The starting 5 shot 38-53...that's almost 72% from the field. That, combined with an incredible defensive performance led to a 41 point differential before the stars were pulled. I don't think that will ever happen again for Louisville, but wow that was incredible.

5. If I'm a UCONN fan, I'm not more nervous about matching up with Louisville. This game was an anomaly compared to the rest of their showings this year. This was their '2013 Baylor' game. The last 5 games they've scored 66, 62, 55, 74 and 67. Durr has a knack for playing great in big games, but I don't think they'll bring a similar effort next month.

6. I DO think Louisville is a major Final Four contender after tonight. Walz's teams in the past have struggled with consistency--they can bring a big effort like this and then they'll bring a lackluster effort in the next few games. It seems like that's been the case this year, as they've had some really great wins (tonight, Oregon, Michigan), but have had some poor efforts too (SDSU, GT, NC State). Curious to see how it shakes out. They blew me away tonight htough.

This was clearly an outlier game for Louisville, but it brings up another point: we have a number of wins over teams that were ranked highly when we played them, but many of those wins don't look nearly as impressive now.

#10 Stanford: now unranked
#20 Cal: now #24
#15 Maryland: now #11, but lost and will drop
#5 UCLA: now #14
#3 ND: now #2, but lost and will drop

Basically, the ND game was our only real test so far, and we looked awful for 3 quarters before the light came on.

@ Texas, @SC, and vs. Louisville will be as tough or tougher.

 

[hoophuskee]

You can point to the Baylor loss to UCLA if you want. The circumstances surrounding that game were highly peculiar.

If Baylor had just lost to Louisville like that everyone would be saying that they don't be long in the top 10. Like I said, ND is consistently given more credit than the deserve by UCONN fans, I suspect because of the longing for the Big East days when they had a real challenger in the league.

Is this a joke?

 

[easttexastrash]

Is this a joke?

Not a joke.

 

[hoophuskee]

Not a joke.

It must be because you make no sense. Anything you say can't be taken with too much seriousness with a post like that - that you made.

So let's review everything.
You rightfully explain how the Baylor team is. Many of us UCONN fans don't get to see. So you point things out that are pro-Baylor or pro your conference because you've seen them. I like to hear your pov on your team or your conference.

Yet when UCONN fans express a certain/respect/ fear or whatever for ND based on the experience UCONN has had with ND over time you pretend like you know what you're talking about and throw out some garbage about the old Big East. IMO it's such garbage you pretend to speak for the UCONN fan. You speak for the Baylor fan and good for you. I think Mulkey is an amazing coach.

But to put down ND the way you have and sort of talk down us UCONN fans for having a certain respect for ND (I want to make it clear I hate ND. Can you beat them please? Anyone beat them. You heard after UCONN beat Fla State last year Geno yelled out to Fla State "Beat Notre Dame." Why do you think he said that? For the hell of it? ) sounds more like pettiness/jealousy. I hope it's not. Your team is usually every year a feisty group that rightfully deserves respect. SO you don't need to be if you are. But here you are trying to tell me and other UCONN fans how we feel about ND? A team that has beaten us back int he day and a team that usually gives us tough games. Huh? You are stepping out of your lane here.

 

[JavaMan]

Louisville by 3
It’s gonna be a dogfight, though.

If you had added another three to the score you would've nailed it

Huh? Louisville by 6?

​

 

[Carnac]

Huh? Louisville by 6?

​

No. Another 3 next to the other 3.........as in 33, smarty.

 

[JavaMan]

No. Another 3 next to the other 3....as in 33, smarty.

Roger that.

​

 

[Bigpetunia]

Since I consider most Boneyard posters pretty basketball-savvy, I’ve long been surprised that Jeff Walz’ coaching slills are generally held in rather little regard here. While he’s certainly had, in previous years, some major star players, he’s never, in my opinion, had the team balance he now boasts. In that regard, what impressed me most about the blowout was not the lights-out shooting, which never prevails game in and game out, but everything else: Defense was spectacular, great spacing and ball movement, lots of speed, pace and aggression. Kinda reminded me of teams coached by someone we know pretty well.

 

[Rocket009]

Since I consider most Boneyard posters pretty basketball-savvy, I’ve long been surprised that Jeff Walz’ coaching slills are generally held in rather little regard here. While he’s certainly had, in previous years, some major star players, he’s never, in my opinion, had the team balance he now boasts. In that regard, what impressed me most about the blowout was not the lights-out shooting, which never prevails game in and game out, but everything else: Defense was spectacular, great spacing and ball movement, lots of speed, pace and aggression. Kinda reminded me of teams coached by someone we know pretty well.

Geno was very complimentary of Jeff on the job he did with Angel. Plus, in watching the game last night, it was clear that this is not just a run and gun offense - there were times they slowed it down and ran plays successfully The looked well coached and played pretty good defense, although it was against a ND team that looked like they gave up after the first 5 minutes.

Jeff (or his staff) had a solid game plan and the team executed. I think they got under ND skin early and threw them off their game. Mabrey - who we know has a short fuse - was thrown for a loop early and the rest of the team followed pretty quickly.

Looking forward the the 12th.

 

[j66kicker]

You can point to the Baylor loss to UCLA if you want. The circumstances surrounding that game were highly peculiar.

If Baylor had just lost to Louisville like that everyone would be saying that they don't be long in the top 10. Like I said, ND is consistently given more credit than they deserve by UCONN fans, I suspect because of the longing for the Big East days when they had a real challenger in the league.

It isn’t UConn fans who vote in the AP and coaches polls.

 

[easttexastrash]

This was clearly an outlier game for Louisville, but it brings up another point: we have a number of wins over teams that were ranked highly when we played them, but many of those wins don't look nearly as impressive now.

#10 Stanford: now unranked
#20 Cal: now #24
#15 Maryland: now #11, but lost and will drop
#5 UCLA: now #14
#3 ND: now #2, but lost and will drop

Basically, the ND game was our only real test so far, and we looked awful for 3 quarters before the light came on.

@ Texas, @SC, and vs. Louisville will be as tough or tougher.

The light came on when Durr and Hines-Allen left the game.

 

[easttexastrash]

It isn’t UConn fans who vote in the AP and coaches polls.

Really? That is a news flash. I appreciate you bringing that to my attention.

 

[j66kicker]

Really? That is a news flash. I appreciate you bringing that to my attention.

You’re welcome - it’s what I do

 

[easttexastrash]

You’re welcome - it’s what I do

I had to check my sources to make sure it wasn't fake news. You passed the smell test.

 

[MilfordHusky]

See
2008–09 NCAA Division I women's basketball rankings - Wikipedia

Louisville ended #2. Their best Coaches poll during the season was #7. Best AP was #5.

In 2013:
2012–13 NCAA Division I women's basketball rankings - Wikipedia

They ended #3, moving up from #17

Thanks for doing the research I was too lazy to undertake.

 

[shizam]

Since I consider most Boneyard posters pretty basketball-savvy, I’ve long been surprised that Jeff Walz’ coaching slills are generally held in rather little regard here. While he’s certainly had, in previous years, some major star players, he’s never, in my opinion, had the team balance he now boasts. In that regard, what impressed me most about the blowout was not the lights-out shooting, which never prevails game in and game out, but everything else: Defense was spectacular, great spacing and ball movement, lots of speed, pace and aggression. Kinda reminded me of teams coached by someone we know pretty well.

Yes last night was the best game I’ve ever seen L’ville play. It was 35 minutes of dominance. However, the last 3 years have been mostly poorly played basketball with the team showing major lapses even when they win. Sweet 16 22 point trouncing from Dayton. ( the year Dayton led UConn by 1 at halftime). Second round loss to DePaul at HOME and a 33 point Sweet 16 massacre at the hands of Baylor last year. Team cohesion and chemistry were lacking and it wasn’t entertaining basketball. They looked consistently poorly coached on offense. That’s why the Ohio State game and the game verse ND were so important to see this team break out and play good ball in big games. Very happy for Walz and every player.
Walz now 2-12 verse McGraw and
0-16 verse Geno. Combined 2-28. But you know what? Doesn’t matter anymore! 100-67!!! Next!

 

[MSSportsGuy]

Waltz, like Mulkey and Freeze, is a better coach than some posters on this board recognize. It sounds like the game was an absolute tail kicking. Waltz has pulled off some big wins during his time and has also underachieved with a few rosters given how well Louisville has recruited for several years. Maybe this is the team to silence some critics the past few years. ND is better than the score indicated and while injuries have perhaps left the Irish too thin for a FF or ACC title I would not want to go up against the Irish when all cylinders are firing.

 

[Tonyc]

What was learned from this game is you must have a good ball handleling point guard and ball handlers are so important. ND does not have one right now. By having Mabrey handle the ball your putting alot of pressure on a great shooter and wearing her out. Mabrey was not quick enough against LVille. The defense wore her out and ate he up. We will see where ND goes from here.

Geno wants another ball handleing guard. After watching the ND LVille game you can see why. Coombs looks like she could be the one but she hasnt emerged yet. Bent has been doing a fine job but doesnt see prime time minutes therefore I dont think Geno is considering her. Next season will be tuff too. CW comes in as a point guard without any college experience. Kia graduates and we need to fill that position. Somebody else has to step up over the next few months and it is between Bent and Coombs.

 

[wallman]

Just my humble opinion, but I don't buy that this game had anything to do with coaching. If I did I would have to argue that MM is a terrible coach and she is not. The disparity in the game was more to do with a lack of effort and motivation on the ND players. Have you ever seen such lethargy and unwillingness to compete, I haven't. You can blame the coach, if this was what was happening on the regular, but this was just bat crazy. Meanwhile I am banging my head a against a wall on the west coast

 

[PAHuskeyFan]

Just my humble opinion, but I don't buy that this game had anything to do with coaching. If I did I would have to argue that MM is a terrible coach and she is not. The disparity in the game was more to do with a lack of effort and motivation on the ND players. Have you ever seen such lethargy and unwillingness to compete, I haven't. You can blame the coach, if this was what was happening on the regular, but this was just bat crazy. Meanwhile I am banging my head a against a wall on the west coast

Completely agree. I commented previously that IMHO the ND players did not come to play. They got 2 quick threes, but after Louisville started having success, ND just "folded." Offense was sluggish, defense nearly non existent. Jackie Young tried to put the team on her back, but too little to sway the game. Not a normal performance by ND... or Louisville for that matter.

 

[BigBird]

Almost from the beginning, the body language of the ND players was poor. They seemed almost indifferent to being defeated.