Corrected: Analysis and Comments - Game 22 - UConn vs Villanova

[cferraro04]

COMMENTS

It was hard to come back to the keyboard after that devastating loss to Notre Dame. It was great seeing all the stars of yesteryear there after some hadn't been back in over 10 years. Emotions were running high for many. Then to see UConn falter at home to our rival Notre Dame was difficult to swallow. And, seeing ND do it with just 4 players scoring all their points: Hildalgo, Westbeld, Citron, and Marshall made it even more incomprehensible. Niele Ivy and her coaching staff did a great job preparing their players.

Well, that was then and this is now...how does UConn respond? I am going to go with intensely, on a mission, on firah', and looking for redemption. It is going to be fast and furious.

Villanova doesn't usually put a lot of points up on the board averaging 67.1 per game. They are a pretty good defensive team holding opponents under 60 points per game. They shoot 6.3 three-pointers per game. Villanova usually takes pretty good care of the basketball only turning it over 10.2 times per game while forcing their opponents to turn the ball over 15.3 times per game. They score 15.5 points off turnovers.

Villanova's RPI is currently at 37 and its SOS is 54; UConn's RPI is 4 and its SOS is 1.

Villanova's Opponent RPIs

305, 231, 188, 181, 176, 168, 143, 132, 129, 117, 99, 80, 71, 69, 59, 51, 29, 18, 10, 9.

UConn's Opponent RPIs

208, 181, 176, 117, 99, 71, 70, 69. 67, 59, 41, 26, 25, 22, 20, 15, 9, 7, 5

ANALYSIS

Aaliyah Edwards - 6'3" vs Christine Dalce - 6'2" - Aaliyah is averaging 16.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. Christine is averaging 8.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1 assist per game. I expect Aaliyah to showcase her footwork, speed, and efficiency around the basket. ADVANTAGE - UCONN

Paige Bueckers - 6'0" vs Bella Runyan - 5' 11" - I am hoping that there is no lingering effects from Paige's head hitting the floor on Sunday. Assuming she is okay...then I expect to see Paige return to her form where she averages 20 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists 2.4 steals, and 1.1 blocks. Paige has been averaging 2.14 threes per game but, I look for her to try shooting the 3 ball more as she starts preparing for the postseason where she will have to carry the team against some of the more elite basketball teams. I expect we will see her start averaging 4 to 5 three-pointers per game. Bella may find herself on the short end of a rebound game by Paige as I suspect that Paige is very unhappy with her performance in the ND game. Bella averages 7 points 5.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.6 steals and about 1 three-pointer per game. ADVANTAGE - UCONN

KK Arnold - 5'9" vs Zanai Jones - 5'6" - Zanai Jones is averaging 6.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1 steal per game. KK is averaging 9.8 points, 2.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.4 steals per game. Additionally, KK is beginning to feel more comfortable from three. KK's lock-down defense will be a problem for Zanai. ADVANTAGE - UCONN

Nika Muhl - 5'11" vs Lucy Olsen - 5'9" - Nika always wants the other team's best player. Well, here she is Lucy Olsen. Lucy averages 23.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and hits 1.5 three-pointers per game. Can Nika stop Lucy and not get into foul trouble? That remains to be seen. If Nika does not get into foul trouble and stays on the floor she will be a nuisance for Lucy but, Lucy is having a tremendous season and I don't see any reason why it won't continue in this game. ADVANTAGE - VILLANOVA

Ashlynn Shade - 5'10" vs Maddie Burke - 6'0"- Maddy Burke averages 4.9 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. However, Maddie Burke only plays 22.3 minutes per game. I would expect to see Maddie Webber a 5'11" freshman guard who plays 24.8 minutes per game take some of the minutes at this position. Maddie Webber averages 9.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1 assist, and hits on 1.3 three-pointers per game. Ashlynn played all 40 minutes against Notre Dame and I don't expect to see her play that many minutes in this one. We will see Q and Bettencourt get some minutes in this one. Ashlynn Averages 11.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and hits on 1.6 three-pointers. Against either Maddie Burke or Maddie Webber Ashlynn will dominate this match-up. ADVANTAGE - UCONN

BENCH - Villanova will bring in 12.1 points and 4.5 rebounds off the bench while UConn will bring 11.6 points and 5.7 rebounds off the bench. ADVANTAGE - EVEN

INTANGIBLES - UConn will come out running, fired up from their loss against Notre Dame. Villanova has the home-court advantage but I do not think it will be enough to deter UConn from running away with this one. ADVANTAGE - UCONN

COACHING - Even with limited choices the UConn coaching staff will get this group fired up... ADVANTAGE - UCONN

SCORE

UCONN - 91
VILLANOVA - 58

MOV - 33

 

[cferraro04]

Please do no post in the other thread listed Analysis and Comments - Game 22 - UConn vs Vilanova.

There were repeated references in the other thread that referred to Notre Dame when it should have been Villanova. I think I just couldn't get that loss to ND out of my mind. Sorry about that...

 

[JoePgh]

As long as we're doing corrections, let's note that Ms. Olsen's first name is Lucy, not Lucey.

But there is no evidence that she has a dog named Snoopy.

 

[Skeets]

As long as we're doing corrections, let's note that Ms. Olsen's first name is Lucy, not Lucey.

But there is no evidence that she has a dog named Snoopy.

Or a co-worker named Clark Kent.

 

[HuskyNan]

COMMENTS

It was hard to come back to the keyboard after that devastating loss to Notre Dame. It was great seeing all the stars of yesteryear there after some hadn't been back in over 10 years. Emotions were running high for many. Then to see UConn falter at home to our rival Notre Dame was difficult to swallow. And, seeing ND do it with just 4 players scoring all their points: Hildalgo, Westbeld, Citron, and Marshall made it even more incomprehensible. Niele Ivy and her coaching staff did a great job preparing their players.

Well, that was then and this is now...how does UConn respond? I am going to go with intensely, on a mission, on firah', and looking for redemption. It is going to be fast and furious.

Villanova doesn't usually put a lot of points up on the board averaging 67.1 per game. They are a pretty good defensive team holding opponents under 60 points per game. They shoot 6.3 three-pointers per game. Villanova usually takes pretty good care of the basketball only turning it over 10.2 times per game while forcing their opponents to turn the ball over 15.3 times per game. They score 15.5 points off turnovers.

Villanova's RPI is currently at 37 and its SOS is 54; UConn's RPI is 4 and its SOS is 1.

Villanova's Opponent RPIs

305, 231, 188, 181, 176, 168, 143, 132, 129, 117, 99, 80, 71, 69, 59, 51, 29, 18, 10, 9.

UConn's Opponent RPIs

208, 181, 176, 117, 99, 71, 70, 69. 67, 59, 41, 26, 25, 22, 20, 15, 9, 7, 5

ANALYSIS

Aaliyah Edwards - 6'3" vs Christine Dalce - 6'2" - Aaliyah is averaging 16.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. Christine is averaging 8.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1 assist per game. I expect Aaliyah to showcase her footwork, speed, and efficiency around the basket. ADVANTAGE - UCONN

Paige Bueckers - 6'0" vs Bella Runyan - 5' 11" - I am hoping that there is no lingering effects from Paige's head hitting the floor on Sunday. Assuming she is okay...then I expect to see Paige return to her form where she averages 20 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists 2.4 steals, and 1.1 blocks. Paige has been averaging 2.14 threes per game but, I look for her to try shooting the 3 ball more as she starts preparing for the postseason where she will have to carry the team against some of the more elite basketball teams. I expect we will see her start averaging 4 to 5 three-pointers per game. Bella may find herself on the short end of a rebound game by Paige as I suspect that Paige is very unhappy with her performance in the ND game. Bella averages 7 points 5.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.6 steals and about 1 three-pointer per game. ADVANTAGE - UCONN

KK Arnold - 5'9" vs Zanai Jones - 5'6" - Zanai Jones is averaging 6.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1 steal per game. KK is averaging 9.8 points, 2.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.4 steals per game. Additionally, KK is beginning to feel more comfortable from three. KK's lock-down defense will be a problem for Zanai. ADVANTAGE - UCONN

Nika Muhl - 5'11" vs Lucy Olsen - 5'9" - Nika always wants the other team's best player. Well, here she is Lucy Olsen. Lucy averages 23.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and hits 1.5 three-pointers per game. Can Nika stop Lucy and not get into foul trouble? That remains to be seen. If Nika does not get into foul trouble and stays on the floor she will be a nuisance for Lucy but, Lucy is having a tremendous season and I don't see any reason why it won't continue in this game. ADVANTAGE - VILLANOVA

Ashlynn Shade - 5'10" vs Maddie Burke - 6'0"- Maddy Burke averages 4.9 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. However, Maddie Burke only plays 22.3 minutes per game. I would expect to see Maddie Webber a 5'11" freshman guard who plays 24.8 minutes per game take some of the minutes at this position. Maddie Webber averages 9.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1 assist, and hits on 1.3 three-pointers per game. Ashlynn played all 40 minutes against Notre Dame and I don't expect to see her play that many minutes in this one. We will see Q and Bettencourt get some minutes in this one. Ashlynn Averages 11.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and hits on 1.6 three-pointers. Against either Maddie Burke or Maddie Webber Ashlynn will dominate this match-up. ADVANTAGE - UCONN

BENCH - Villanova will bring in 12.1 points and 4.5 rebounds off the bench while UConn will bring 11.6 points and 5.7 rebounds off the bench. ADVANTAGE - EVEN

INTANGIBLES - UConn will come out running, fired up from their loss against Notre Dame. Villanova has the home-court advantage but I do not think it will be enough to deter UConn from running away with this one. ADVANTAGE - UCONN

COACHING - Even with limited choices the UConn coaching staff will get this group fired up... ADVANTAGE - UCONN

SCORE

UCONN - 91
VILLANOVA - 58

MOV - 33

Fixed the typo for you. My sympathies, as I’ve been in your shoes, you put a lot of thought and effort into your analysis and someone has to point out a typo. I’ll say it - great job, as always, @cferraro04 . Much appreciated.

 

[cferraro04]

Fixed the typo for you. My sympathies, as I’ve been in your shoes, you put a lot of thought and effort into your analysis and someone has to point out a typo. I’ll say it - great job, as always, @cferraro04 . Much appreciated.

Thank you Nan...you are the best!

 

[maple]

I am curious to see how the first half of this game goes.

1. UConn comes out on fire and blows the doors off of Nova very early on and the game is over at halftime.

2. UConn has a slow start and/or Nova plays exceptionally well and keeps things close going into the half. Particularly if Olsen plays lights out. Or if Nova starts hitting all their 3s. Or both.

By the end of the game I imagine that the final UConn MOV will be high, but I will feel a lot better if scenario #1 happens. Particularly since it will mean we did not have a letdown after ND and the bench players can log some significant (and important) minutes.

#NoNightsOff in the BE, since everyone is going to be gunning for us as usual, but UConn should win this one going away.

I want to see Paige and Nika bounce back to their normal play. I want to see AE feasting in the paint. I want to see the freshman regain some confidence and get back on track after ND.

 

[npignatjr]

COMMENTS

It was hard to come back to the keyboard after that devastating loss to Notre Dame. It was great seeing all the stars of yesteryear there after some hadn't been back in over 10 years. Emotions were running high for many. Then to see UConn falter at home to our rival Notre Dame was difficult to swallow. And, seeing ND do it with just 4 players scoring all their points: Hildalgo, Westbeld, Citron, and Marshall made it even more incomprehensible. Niele Ivy and her coaching staff did a great job preparing their players.

Well, that was then and this is now...how does UConn respond? I am going to go with intensely, on a mission, on firah', and looking for redemption. It is going to be fast and furious.

Villanova doesn't usually put a lot of points up on the board averaging 67.1 per game. They are a pretty good defensive team holding opponents under 60 points per game. They shoot 6.3 three-pointers per game. Villanova usually takes pretty good care of the basketball only turning it over 10.2 times per game while forcing their opponents to turn the ball over 15.3 times per game. They score 15.5 points off turnovers.

Villanova's RPI is currently at 37 and its SOS is 54; UConn's RPI is 4 and its SOS is 1.

Villanova's Opponent RPIs

305, 231, 188, 181, 176, 168, 143, 132, 129, 117, 99, 80, 71, 69, 59, 51, 29, 18, 10, 9.

UConn's Opponent RPIs

208, 181, 176, 117, 99, 71, 70, 69. 67, 59, 41, 26, 25, 22, 20, 15, 9, 7, 5

ANALYSIS

Aaliyah Edwards - 6'3" vs Christine Dalce - 6'2" - Aaliyah is averaging 16.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. Christine is averaging 8.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1 assist per game. I expect Aaliyah to showcase her footwork, speed, and efficiency around the basket. ADVANTAGE - UCONN

Paige Bueckers - 6'0" vs Bella Runyan - 5' 11" - I am hoping that there is no lingering effects from Paige's head hitting the floor on Sunday. Assuming she is okay...then I expect to see Paige return to her form where she averages 20 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists 2.4 steals, and 1.1 blocks. Paige has been averaging 2.14 threes per game but, I look for her to try shooting the 3 ball more as she starts preparing for the postseason where she will have to carry the team against some of the more elite basketball teams. I expect we will see her start averaging 4 to 5 three-pointers per game. Bella may find herself on the short end of a rebound game by Paige as I suspect that Paige is very unhappy with her performance in the ND game. Bella averages 7 points 5.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.6 steals and about 1 three-pointer per game. ADVANTAGE - UCONN

KK Arnold - 5'9" vs Zanai Jones - 5'6" - Zanai Jones is averaging 6.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1 steal per game. KK is averaging 9.8 points, 2.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.4 steals per game. Additionally, KK is beginning to feel more comfortable from three. KK's lock-down defense will be a problem for Zanai. ADVANTAGE - UCONN

Nika Muhl - 5'11" vs Lucy Olsen - 5'9" - Nika always wants the other team's best player. Well, here she is Lucy Olsen. Lucy averages 23.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and hits 1.5 three-pointers per game. Can Nika stop Lucy and not get into foul trouble? That remains to be seen. If Nika does not get into foul trouble and stays on the floor she will be a nuisance for Lucy but, Lucy is having a tremendous season and I don't see any reason why it won't continue in this game. ADVANTAGE - VILLANOVA

Ashlynn Shade - 5'10" vs Maddie Burke - 6'0"- Maddy Burke averages 4.9 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. However, Maddie Burke only plays 22.3 minutes per game. I would expect to see Maddie Webber a 5'11" freshman guard who plays 24.8 minutes per game take some of the minutes at this position. Maddie Webber averages 9.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1 assist, and hits on 1.3 three-pointers per game. Ashlynn played all 40 minutes against Notre Dame and I don't expect to see her play that many minutes in this one. We will see Q and Bettencourt get some minutes in this one. Ashlynn Averages 11.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and hits on 1.6 three-pointers. Against either Maddie Burke or Maddie Webber Ashlynn will dominate this match-up. ADVANTAGE - UCONN

BENCH - Villanova will bring in 12.1 points and 4.5 rebounds off the bench while UConn will bring 11.6 points and 5.7 rebounds off the bench. ADVANTAGE - EVEN

INTANGIBLES - UConn will come out running, fired up from their loss against Notre Dame. Villanova has the home-court advantage but I do not think it will be enough to deter UConn from running away with this one. ADVANTAGE - UCONN

COACHING - Even with limited choices the UConn coaching staff will get this group fired up... ADVANTAGE - UCONN

SCORE

UCONN - 91
VILLANOVA - 58

MOV - 33

Do you always put coaching advantage UConn? Against Dawn, Kim, Tara? Maybe put a post game analysis for all positions that would be interesting, for all games. Attach to the post game thread. I am not criticizing you I enjoy and mostly agree with your breakdowns.

 

[cferraro04]

I am curious to see how the first half of this game goes.

1. UConn comes out on fire and blows the doors off of Nova very early on and the game is over at halftime.

2. UConn has a slow start and/or Nova plays exceptionally well and keeps things close going into the half. Particularly if Olsen plays lights out. Or if Nova starts hitting all their 3s. Or both.

By the end of the game I imagine that the final UConn MOV will be high, but I will feel a lot better if scenario #1 happens. Particularly since it will mean we did not have a letdown after ND and the bench players can log some significant (and important) minutes.

#NoNightsOff in the BE, since everyone is going to be gunning for us as usual, but UConn should win this one going away.

I want to see Paige and Nika bounce back to their normal play. I want to see AE feasting in the paint. I want to see the freshman regain some confidence and get back on track after ND.

s

I am curious to see how the first half of this game goes.

1. UConn comes out on fire and blows the doors off of Nova very early on and the game is over at halftime.

2. UConn has a slow start and/or Nova plays exceptionally well and keeps things close going into the half. Particularly if Olsen plays lights out. Or if Nova starts hitting all their 3s. Or both.

By the end of the game I imagine that the final UConn MOV will be high, but I will feel a lot better if scenario #1 happens. Particularly since it will mean we did not have a letdown after ND and the bench players can log some significant (and important) minutes.

#NoNightsOff in the BE, since everyone is going to be gunning for us as usual, but UConn should win this one going away.

I want to see Paige and Nika bounce back to their normal play. I want to see AE feasting in the paint. I want to see the freshman regain some confidence and get back on track after ND.

Something tells me those two kids aren't lacking confidence...heck, I am not sure I would even call them freshmen anymore.

 

[maple]

Something tells me those two kids aren't lacking confidence...heck, I am not sure I would even call them freshmen anymore.

Oh I don’t think they’re lacking confidence, in general. I just mean they need to shake off what happened against ND and get back out there and do what they usually do.

 

[Skeets]

Historically Nova was a pain in the buttocks particularly under Harry who I think truly enjoyed tweaking Geno. But no one knows how they play better than Geno and he'll have the team ready for them.

 

[Zarathustra]

Thank you Nan...you are the best!

Agreed!! TEAMWORK! = a winning combination!

 

[Bone Dog]

Thanks again @cferraro04. Excellent work!

To be honest, I don’t know what to make of Dalce vs Aaliyah. She’s had good games against UConn and is a talented shot blocker. Getting Dalce in foul trouble was key last season and, to be fair, playing next to Siegrist helped her find openings. This time around, Aaliyah with no Dorka next to her has to win this matchup. This means scoring around Dalce and outmuscling her to rebounds.

Containing Olsen is also essential to a win. The rest of the team after these two are competent role players, and can score and defend if Olsen attracts all the attention. If Nika or KK or Ash can control her on switches without having to double her every time, it will make a huge difference.

On the other end of the court, it’s the usual formula: if Ash and Nika can hit 3s, Paige and Aaliyah will score easily in the paint. If not, Dalce will defend well in a packed paint. Paige knows how to defeat strong defenders like Dalce, but she needs a little help from other scorers. This is no time for Ash and KK to reflect on the past. It’s yet another moment for them to show exactly what they can do.

 

[cferraro04]

Thanks again @cferraro04. Excellent work!

To be honest, I don’t know what to make of Dalce vs Aaliyah. She’s had good games against UConn and is a talented shot blocker. Getting Dalce in foul trouble was key last season and, to be fair, playing next to Siegrist helped her find openings. This time around, Aaliyah with no Dorka next to her has to win this matchup. This means scoring around Dalce and outmuscling her to rebounds.

Containing Olsen is also essential to a win. The rest of the team after these two are competent role players, and can score and defend if Olsen attracts all the attention. If Nika or KK or Ash can control her on switches without having to double her every time, it will make a huge difference.

On the other end of the court, it’s the usual formula: if Ash and Nika can hit 3s, Paige and Aaliyah will score easily in the paint. If not, Dalce will defend well in a packed paint. Paige knows how to defeat strong defenders like Dalce, but she needs a little help from other scorers. This is no time for Ash and KK to reflect on the past. It’s yet another moment for them to show exactly what they can do.

I think Aaliyah will be primed for this contest. Her footwork and speed ought to be enough to gain the advantage over Dalce in this matchup. I think you are correct that Siegrist made everyone on Villanova better. Let's just hope that her presence in the current administration during the off-season of the WNBA doesn't transmit through osmosis anything that would make Dalce play better (tongue in cheek, of course). I think Aaliyah has become quite adept at creating her own space around the basket and look forward to her showing one again that she is one of America's premier post-players.

 

[uconnfan68]

COMMENTS

It was hard to come back to the keyboard after that devastating loss to Notre Dame. It was great seeing all the stars of yesteryear there after some hadn't been back in over 10 years. Emotions were running high for many. Then to see UConn falter at home to our rival Notre Dame was difficult to swallow. And, seeing ND do it with just 4 players scoring all their points: Hildalgo, Westbeld, Citron, and Marshall made it even more incomprehensible. Niele Ivy and her coaching staff did a great job preparing their players.

Well, that was then and this is now...how does UConn respond? I am going to go with intensely, on a mission, on firah', and looking for redemption. It is going to be fast and furious.

Villanova doesn't usually put a lot of points up on the board averaging 67.1 per game. They are a pretty good defensive team holding opponents under 60 points per game. They shoot 6.3 three-pointers per game. Villanova usually takes pretty good care of the basketball only turning it over 10.2 times per game while forcing their opponents to turn the ball over 15.3 times per game. They score 15.5 points off turnovers.

Villanova's RPI is currently at 37 and its SOS is 54; UConn's RPI is 4 and its SOS is 1.

Villanova's Opponent RPIs

305, 231, 188, 181, 176, 168, 143, 132, 129, 117, 99, 80, 71, 69, 59, 51, 29, 18, 10, 9.

UConn's Opponent RPIs

208, 181, 176, 117, 99, 71, 70, 69. 67, 59, 41, 26, 25, 22, 20, 15, 9, 7, 5

ANALYSIS

Aaliyah Edwards - 6'3" vs Christine Dalce - 6'2" - Aaliyah is averaging 16.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. Christine is averaging 8.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1 assist per game. I expect Aaliyah to showcase her footwork, speed, and efficiency around the basket. ADVANTAGE - UCONN

Paige Bueckers - 6'0" vs Bella Runyan - 5' 11" - I am hoping that there is no lingering effects from Paige's head hitting the floor on Sunday. Assuming she is okay...then I expect to see Paige return to her form where she averages 20 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists 2.4 steals, and 1.1 blocks. Paige has been averaging 2.14 threes per game but, I look for her to try shooting the 3 ball more as she starts preparing for the postseason where she will have to carry the team against some of the more elite basketball teams. I expect we will see her start averaging 4 to 5 three-pointers per game. Bella may find herself on the short end of a rebound game by Paige as I suspect that Paige is very unhappy with her performance in the ND game. Bella averages 7 points 5.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.6 steals and about 1 three-pointer per game. ADVANTAGE - UCONN

KK Arnold - 5'9" vs Zanai Jones - 5'6" - Zanai Jones is averaging 6.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1 steal per game. KK is averaging 9.8 points, 2.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.4 steals per game. Additionally, KK is beginning to feel more comfortable from three. KK's lock-down defense will be a problem for Zanai. ADVANTAGE - UCONN

Nika Muhl - 5'11" vs Lucy Olsen - 5'9" - Nika always wants the other team's best player. Well, here she is Lucy Olsen. Lucy averages 23.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and hits 1.5 three-pointers per game. Can Nika stop Lucy and not get into foul trouble? That remains to be seen. If Nika does not get into foul trouble and stays on the floor she will be a nuisance for Lucy but, Lucy is having a tremendous season and I don't see any reason why it won't continue in this game. ADVANTAGE - VILLANOVA

Ashlynn Shade - 5'10" vs Maddie Burke - 6'0"- Maddy Burke averages 4.9 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. However, Maddie Burke only plays 22.3 minutes per game. I would expect to see Maddie Webber a 5'11" freshman guard who plays 24.8 minutes per game take some of the minutes at this position. Maddie Webber averages 9.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1 assist, and hits on 1.3 three-pointers per game. Ashlynn played all 40 minutes against Notre Dame and I don't expect to see her play that many minutes in this one. We will see Q and Bettencourt get some minutes in this one. Ashlynn Averages 11.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and hits on 1.6 three-pointers. Against either Maddie Burke or Maddie Webber Ashlynn will dominate this match-up. ADVANTAGE - UCONN

BENCH - Villanova will bring in 12.1 points and 4.5 rebounds off the bench while UConn will bring 11.6 points and 5.7 rebounds off the bench. ADVANTAGE - EVEN

INTANGIBLES - UConn will come out running, fired up from their loss against Notre Dame. Villanova has the home-court advantage but I do not think it will be enough to deter UConn from running away with this one. ADVANTAGE - UCONN

COACHING - Even with limited choices the UConn coaching staff will get this group fired up... ADVANTAGE - UCONN

SCORE

UCONN - 91
VILLANOVA - 58

MOV - 33

I'm not sure the Edwards vs Dalce will play out like that. Dalce was a nice shotblocker the last time I saw her. She's also at least as quick as Edwards. I'd call this a push at best.

 

[cferraro04]

Thanks again @cferraro04. Excellent work!

To be honest, I don’t know what to make of Dalce vs Aaliyah. She’s had good games against UConn and is a talented shot blocker. Getting Dalce in foul trouble was key last season and, to be fair, playing next to Siegrist helped her find openings. This time around, Aaliyah with no Dorka next to her has to win this matchup. This means scoring around Dalce and outmuscling her to rebounds.

Containing Olsen is also essential to a win. The rest of the team after these two are competent role players, and can score and defend if Olsen attracts all the attention. If Nika or KK or Ash can control her on switches without having to double her every time, it will make a huge difference.

On the other end of the court, it’s the usual formula: if Ash and Nika can hit 3s, Paige and Aaliyah will score easily in the paint. If not, Dalce will defend well in a packed paint. Paige knows how to defeat strong defenders like Dalce, but she needs a little help from other scorers. This is no time for Ash and KK to reflect on the past. It’s yet another moment for them to show exactly what they can do.

Bone Dog...you were correct "Containing Olsen was essential to the win"...and contain her they did...held the best scorer in the Big East to 15, nine points below her average...forced her to take some ugly shots...

 

[cferraro04]

I'm not sure the Edwards vs Dalce will play out like that. Dalce was a nice shotblocker the last time I saw her. She's also at least as quick as Edwards. I'd call this a push at best.

Edwards: 22 points, 7 rebounds.
Dalce: 7 points, 3 rebounds.

I would not call this a push at best...instead it was consistent with the Analysis: ADVANTAGE - UCONN

 

[uconnfan68]

Edwards: 22 points, 7 rebounds.
Dalce: 7 points, 3 rebounds.

I would not call this a push at best...instead it was consistent with the Analysis: ADVANTAGE - UCONN

Yeah, you got it right. I expected Dalce to be much better than she showed. I thought she was much quicker last year.

 

[HuskyNan]

Yeah, you got it right. I expected Dalce to be much better than she showed. I thought she was much quicker last year.

Well, she is a year older and most of us here know how that goes