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Message: [QUOTE="bballnut90, post: 2695104, member: 2117"] In regards to the Achonwa comment--without her, ND knew they had an uphill battle from the get go. The first three possessions were all easy buckets for UCONN post players. After 2 minutes, McBride lost the ball out of bounds and was visibly quite upset, pounding the basketball on the ground. You could see she knew they had to pretty much play a perfect game to hang with the Huskies without Achonwa. Achonwa likely would've settled everyone down and would've been a much better post defender than the freshman Taya Reimer. Loyd also forced some pretty bad shots that game too which was out of character for her, another sign of a player being a little tense/going away from what worked all year. Not saying Achonwa changes the result, but I have no doubt the game plan by Geno and Muffet would've been a lot different with her out there. Also, in regards to the shortened lineup in 2017-18 vs. having a deeper roster next year...I am also curious to see how things pan out for ND. Adding more players doesn't always mean they'll be better. This year Collier didn't play as well with Stevens in the mix, and Gabby had some confidence issues that weren't apparent at all the year before. Another example is in 2001, UCONN was not nearly as good as they were in 2000, and it was virtually the same roster but they added DT. Same as 1998 Tennessee to 1999 Tennessee...virtually identical rosters but 99 added Michelle Snow, and Tennessee just wasn't as good that year. A lot of players play better when their backs are against the wall and they know they have to make plays because there isn't anyone else who can. To some extent, when there's good competition for a position, it can cause a player to play a little tight knowing their spot isn't guaranteed, or they think someone else will step up rather than just going in for the kill. ND definitely went in for the kill this year, we'll see if they're able to do the same next. [/QUOTE]

Verification: First name of men's bb coach