I was at the game and have a few random observations.
Took a little while to get going offensively, the shots were there but just not dropping.
Anna`s court vision and awareness is amazing. Like a good football quarterback she sees the play developing before it happens. She does not settle for the routine pass. Some of her passes in traffic are truly astounding. She seems to be looking for Megan a lot, and with good results. Although she is not a speed demon, she is very good at pushing the ball in transition. That is when UConn is at its best. Speaking of quarterbacks, there were many beautiful long passes for layups tonight.
Having said that, I think this UConn team can get pass happy at times, making them look sloppier than they should. eebmg notes the pass from Aubrey to ONO. There were many other examples. Anna almost always passes off the dribble, she needs to pull up and/or take it to the basket more if for no other reason than to keep defenses honest. An open 15 footer for all these players should be money in the bank; this team needs to recognize that and not trade it for something less. I would have all of the returning players shoot 200 key area jumpers a day in the off season. Get comfortable with that!
CW played as we would have her play. She was relentless going to the basket and rebounded aggressively, I was surprised how high she was getting off the ground. She was playing downhill, not fiddling and diddling (as Johnny Most would say) on the perimeter, as she is sometimes wont to do. Much has been said about all her playing over the last year, but she really had her legs under her tonight. I hope this layoff until the NCAAs is good for her in that regard and that her success tonight gives her something to build on going forward.
Megan was unstoppable, they had no one who could guard her. Her development from Freshman year is nothing short of astounding. She is deserving of a place on the Wall of Honor.
It is obvious in person that ONO is playing with more aggression and purpose.
Aubrey is terrific, athleticism off the charts, but she is very hesitant with the ball in a half court set. Not the first UConn Freshman who has struggled in that regard, of course.
Cincinnati is a strange team. They have no three point game, yet also no one over six feet tall. Thomas is pretty strong inside but she can`t do much against ONO. They kept milking the clock even though down by over 30. What else could they do, I guess. The point guard is very quick and a good player.
The formula for success is to defend, rebound, and get out in transition. UConn certainly did that tonight. They will need to do that when the competition gets tougher.
