Championship Game

[bballnut90]

I know a lot are bummed about last night's heartbreaker, so I apologize if this is too soon to post....but I'm doing it anyway. What do people think about tomorrow's matchup?

For me, it's a really tough call. I think I'm going with Mississippi State since McCowan is playing so well, but ND's three perimeter players are just so dangerous that it could be anybody's game. I'd say Missisippi State in a close one. 69-65.

 

[HoopsFan21]

I think ND is just playing with that reckless abandon that allows them to feel no pressure. Mabrey2 probably drains 5 or 6 from NBA range tomorrow night. I'll say ND 78-66.

 

[emjay]

This is a game I wish both teams could win. They've shown lots of heart, fiery determination and togetherness on some big stages the past two seasons, and I would love it if every player could reap the rewards.

Last night, Mississippi State didn't look very intimidating against Louisville, until the overtime period. McCowan seemed slow and made some silly mistakes, and didn't always appear to me like a game-changing type player - but her stats tell a different story, of course. ND seemed stronger throughout their game, except for the second quarter.

Looking forward to it no matter what. What an exciting time!

 

[Aluminny69]

Whoever wins, the other team suffer a similar disappointment to UConn. If ND loses, it will be the third time they beat UConn in the semis, only to lose the final, and be denied a NC. If Miss. St. loses, it will be a repeat of last year (similar to UConn), where they win an overtime thriller in the semis, only to be denied a NC in the finals.

 

[bballnut90]

This is a game I wish both teams could win. They've shown lots of heart, fiery determination and togetherness on some big stages the past two seasons, and I would love it if every player could reap the rewards.

Last night, Mississippi State didn't look very intimidating against Louisville, until the overtime period. McCowan seemed slow and made some silly mistakes, and didn't always appear to me like a game-changing type player - but her stats tell a different story, of course. ND seemed stronger throughout their game, except for the second quarter.

Looking forward to it no matter what. What an exciting time!

I agree. Both have great underdog stories in their own way, and I like both coaches and programs a lot. Last year when SC won the title, people said the title had an asterisk because SC didn’t beat UCONN. No one will say that about the winner of Sunday’s game.

 

[Centerstream]

The fact that the media loves the 4 ACLs story, MSU will probably be playing an 8 on 5 game (with the Bulldogs getting the short end of the stick).
But if McCowan and MSU get to play their usual SEC football type of game, it could be interesting, but I certainly won't be watching it.

 

[j66kicker]

I hope Miss State stomps ND mercilessly

 

[shiverz45]

I agree. Both have great underdog stories in their own way, and I like both coaches and programs a lot. Last year when SC won the title, people said the title had an asterisk because SC didn’t beat UCONN. No one will say that about the winner of Sunday’s game.

Funny when I pulled up the national championship winners from the NCAA site, I didn't see an asterisk by the 2017 game. I thought the goal was to win 6 games. The goal is not to win 6 games and beat UCONN.

 

[my2cents]

Who cares? Trying to figure out a way that both teams lose.
Hoping the world ends today or tomorrow maybe a bit drastic.

 

[toadfoot]

Really bad matchup for ND. McCowan too much for Shepard.

 

[JellyBean]

Got a pizza on Mississippi State. Great season so far capped off by winning the title. Nothing sweeter.

 

[Fairfield Fan]

McGraw and ND have only one one National Championship, and that was against a depleted Connecticut team. Let's keep it at one.

 

[Plebe]

Notre Dame has a good chance if they can dribble-penetrate and get McCowan in foul trouble. IIRC this was a major factor in SC's win over Miss St in the SEC tournament.

 

[Orangutan]

Really bad matchup for ND. McCowan too much for Shepard.

Felt like everyone was talking about Carter before Sweet 16 game. Felt like everyone was talking about Ionescu before Elite 8 game. Now it seems like McCowan is the one player everyone is talking about before this game.

She's scary but Louisville had the semifinal in their grasp and they're smaller than ND. Maybe ND can derail one last hype train?

I'll be watching through my fingers. I was hyped after UConn but my pessimism has returned. Expecting a couple hours of very uncomfortable viewing. Hopefully, there will be joy rather than disappointment at the final buzzer (I say this knowing most here would like nothing more than for ND fans to be disappointed).

I'm so nervous that I found myself discouraged that the Easter bunny picked Miss. St!

 

[stwainfan]

I had Mississippi State winning it. In my bracket. I will pick them tonight.

 

[HoopsFan21]

Looks like Ogunbowale's last second OT shot is the new William replay that we'll be seeing for the next year.

 

[BugsyCT]

Think ND is overdue to win one of these NC games (been here a lot but only 1 title) but who knows.

 

[HoopsFan21]

Dumb pass by Shepard there she had a clear path to the basket

 

[Centerstream]

I am rooting for the team in White as I watch the WBB NC game that was played on 4/5/2016...
(I know,as Bon Jovi says, Living In The Past...)

 

[HoopsFan21]

On pace for an 80-32 game

 

[Orangutan]

Miss St. not that hard to guard as of yet but McCowan is missing on decent looks. Can't count on that all game.

ND hasn't really settled in yet offensively, Arike especially. Nerves really apparent for both teams so far.

 

[ASweet3781]

Schaefer and Williams look just as spooked and indecisive as they did vs Louisville. They are in trouble if that keeps up.

 

[scubadog]

Just think ND has better offensive players. They've played with a short roster all year. Mufett has been here. Irish over Bulldogs.

 

[Zanzman]

MSU tolling now nd picking up fouls

 

[eebmg]

Vivians is the true star of Miss St. Talented and clutch.