Arkansas St Postgame Thread

[mainerhuski]

I admire the college and professional athletes who have strong convictions, regardless of the time of year, aka, March Madness. There are a number of UConn MBB players who also observe, and a grad assistant also fasts in solidarity with them, both last year and this year.

The last year that I coached soccer Ramadan occurred in August, during preseason double sessions. I had only one player observing it and she said that her dad’s family had always allowed girls/women to have water if they felt they needed it. It was such a relief for me.

 

[Just.A.Fan]

Caroline looked good, made a few shots, got some rebounds, and ran the floor really well: Bonedog

And I also agree with those who praised Caroline's early appearance and seemingly rapid regaining of form...She might well turn out to be the secret weapon that I hope we don't need. She thrived in that role early in her career.

Obviously I enjoyed these comments as well. But how wonderful would it be if she was needed and brought it home for us?

 

[packwrap]

Quite a fun game.

We got behind early 2-0, as Ark St found a lane to the hoop.

After my next breath, it was already 20-2.

Credit to ARK St. They had fun and kept playing. Despite UConn defense they were able to find places to get off their three point shot, all 40 of them! Six different players made a 3, each one, as they went 6 for 40 from three.

Amazingly they had more total fg attempts than UConn 70-68.. After their 2-0 opening run, they managed to close the game on a 3-0 run. In between it was 103-29. Quirky stuff.

On the UConn side plenty of good stuff.

Azzi and Shade, who we need to be consistent, started tournament on a roll.

I am always guilty of forgetting how long it takes to get fully back from serious injury, but Azzi moves better each week and keeps unveiling new parts of her complete game. Jana, Aubrey, and Caroline too.

The tandem of Aubrey/Caroline played 21 minutes with 10 points and 10 rebounds!

Aubrey for sure, maybe even Caroline, is really important as the competition gets tougher, even on just 15-20 min.

KK made a 3, and continued to revel in dishing out assists and playing tough D.

South Dakota St relishes being a giant killer. They will show up and compete. It should be a better game, as are many in the round of 32. Let's go Huskies.

 

[Valleyfan]

Amazing game from everyone! Love the way this team plays, so much fun to watch. My favorite sequence was the full court all pass no dribble that ended with Sarah’s layup!

 

[jaydee602]

I guess I must have watched a different game, because I thought SDS won it in the 2nd half by outhustling OS, especially with their speed and ball handling on offense. Like AS today, they may be intimidated by the venue and the UConn aura, but I see them giving us some concern early with that offense. They are well coached and are better in close to the basket - one of our remaining weaknesses. I think we will pull away in the 2nd half due to our size advantage, shooting and conditioning, but it will be a game for a while.

South Dakota State scored 24 points in the 1st half & 50 points in the 2nd half. I guess it depends on them duplicating their 2nd half effort. If they start off slow again, UCONN will run away to an insurmountable lead.

 

[jaydee602]

Vegas just posted the opening line for UCONN/ South Dakota State.
The Huskies are favored by 26 1/2 points!

 

[AzzisBraids]

Fudd put on a show, from her passing, to defending to shooting - there wasn't a phase of the game that she did not impact. Strong was right behind her and we all know she's good but she looked like a pro out there. The way she plays inside and out is such a luxury. She blocks shots, makes backdoor passes, pops three's and has low post moves.

Shade was stellar, Bueckers played well, KK was dynamic, some strong defense from Jana, Ducharme reminded us she's a shooter, Chen made some smart plays. UConn looks like the team to beat and if Fudd continues that kind of play - UConn can beat anyone, anywhere.

 

[ucmiami2]

This what happens when a 15/16 seed says 'This is the way we play, we run, we play full court pressure, and we aren't going to change that up when we get to the NCAAs!' They were down 68 points through three quarters, and would have lost by 90+ points if Geno didn't play the subs all of the fourth Q. We have seen it before in first round matches, and have put serious hurt on much better teams in later rounds as well, including 33 MOV against Louisville, 31 against Syracuse, and 21 against ND in finals.

I respect the coaches that take that attitude. All you do if you do change it up is maybe shave 20 points off the MOV by reducing the offense possessions in the game, and you tell your team that your style isn't good enough against better teams. Might as well go out in a blaze than with a whimper.

 

[David54]

Men and women UConn only Big East teams left.

 

[uconnfan68]

This what happens when a 15/16 seed says 'This is the way we play, we run, we play full court pressure, and we aren't going to change that up when we get to the NCAAs!' They were down 68 points through three quarters, and would have lost by 90+ points if Geno didn't play the subs all of the fourth Q. We have seen it before in first round matches, and have put serious hurt on much better teams in later rounds as well, including 33 MOV against Louisville, 31 against Syracuse, and 21 against ND in finals.

I respect the coaches that take that attitude. All you do if you do change it up is maybe shave 20 points off the MOV by reducing the offense possessions in the game, and you tell your team that your style isn't good enough against better teams. Might as well go out in a blaze than with a whimper.

It’s ok to say that before the game, but after you’ve been thoroughly beaten, don’t just say you just didn’t execute as well as you did all season.

 

[Forego]

I didn’t see anyone mentioning that she ran up those numbers playing only 21 minutes. A full game could have given Sarah a quadruple double. Of course if she did get a quadruple double then Geno would expert her to get one every game.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

The coach should have done the shall I say obligatory congrats to the winner thing, but she didn't. Indeed it was maybe in the last 2 minutes that she got around to acknowledging the victor. But I lay it off to youthful inexperience. I like her plucky attitude and hope she gets her team back soon. I gather the portal is going to be key to her again any day now.

 

[CTBballfan243]

and that game is not going to be so easy.......SDS is experienced and smart and they play a solid team game.....

UConn will win by whatever score they want to win by. 30, 40. This will be another cake walk for the huskies.

 

[jaydee602]

Just announced:
UCONN vs. South Dakota State- Gampel Pavilion
Monday, 3/24 8:00 PM EST
ESPN

 

[GardenState]

Theisen #12 on SD State played against Paige a number of times in high school.

 

[Pharos]

To quote that famous NY shortstop & broadcaster "HOLY COW"

This was a clinic on how to play offense and defense. Arkansas State didn't stand a chance.

Sarah Strong continues to amaze me. Another double/ double. Her defense is insane. And she does this all as if she is a seasoned senior.

Next!!

Ah... yes... The Scooter... : )

 

[GoUconn7961]

Great game. I thought Jana was great defensively a few hiccups on offense, but still darn good for not eating and drinking all day. Bet she was pretty hungry after sundown!

 

[oldude]

Great game. I thought Jana was great defensively a few hiccups on offense, but still darn good for not eating and drinking all day. Bet she was pretty hungry after sundown!

She did take a few bites out of several Red Wolves when they tried to drive to the basket……

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Forgot to mention this yesterday: Paige's passes are fearless and spectacular.

 

[oldude]

One additional comment on yesterday’s game. Ark St came into the game as the leading 3-pt shooting team in WBB by volume of shots, with 1007 in total. They kept that going by hoisting up 40 of their 70 shots against the Huskies from the arc. Unfortunately, the Red Wolves made just 6/40, including one each of the “Hail Mary” variety at the end of each half, shooting just 15% for the game….

 

[my2cents]

Nothing can be said negatively about that game: My2 cents
see below
And it really was not even as close as the final score indicated: Dugway
Caroline looked good, made a few shots, got some rebounds, and ran the floor really well: Bonedog

A fine opener against a severely disadvantaged and over-matched team
I agree with Dugway that with foot, hard on the pedal, we might have scored 150

And I also agree with those who praised Caroline's early appearance and seemingly rapid regaining of form...She might well turn out to be the secret weapon that I hope we don't need. She thrived in that role early in her career.

Without having looked at the press conference, I'm sure there are things that Geno didn't care for...The posts do not seem completely ready for prime time (based on today). they might well be eaten up by more experienced bigs who rebound better and have sophisticated moves and good hands.

Likewise the 4th quarter with our talented subs was a bit of a bust...I'm sure Geno put Kaitlyn back in to steady the ship. Allie especially seemed overwhelmed by the occasion, passed up shots, had questionable hands, seemed off...

So yes, 2cents, there are always things to clean up.

But when UConn comes out like they did today and the big 3 plus anyone else are hitting their shots and making offensive sets miserable for their opponents, they are very difficult (perhaps impossible) to beat.

More 2 cents:
Geno will never stop coaching where players need to improve. As a fan, I was pretty happy with the performance..
FYI to Beth Mowins: Paige is not a 5th year player, this is her 4th year playing.

 

[jaydee602]

Vegas just posted the opening line for UCONN/ South Dakota State.
The Huskies are favored by 26 1/2 points!

UCONN has the largest point spread of all 16 games played today & tomorrow.
Here are the other #1 seeds' point spreads:
South Carolina is favored by 22 over Indiana
USC is favored by 16 over Miss State.
UCLA is favored by 16 over Richmond

 

[LwrcasefaN]

Game summary: Assault with a basketball.

 

[BRS24]

More 2 cents:
Geno will never stop coaching where players need to improve. As a fan, I was pretty happy with the performance..
FYI to Beth Mowins: Paige is not a 5th year player, this is her 4th year playing.

Just be thankful we didn't have Debbie A ....