Not atypical for a freshmen with very few games under her belt. Geno always says they spend a lot of time on D pre-season, and if players miss practices, it will impact their ability to learn and apply. She'll catch up with more PT and games.I love me some Azzi Fudd, but her defense was a mixed bag. Yes, some blocks and some deflections as well, but she was out of position several times in the first half, leading to wide open shots by Creighton. On a more positive note, I was really impressed by her movement off ball on offense. Can't wait for Paige to get back. She will find Azzi every time.
Sure! Can I point out that this team beat Creighton by 20 Points without the HC, Paige & Dorka after trailing by double digits on the road. Try and find something to be happy about this was a good effort considering all that.Should someone point out that Creighton is not even in the top 30 in the AP poll and doesn’t register in the Coaches Poll?
Azzi is a freshman that just played in her 7th game. She’s phenomenal considering how little practice time she’s had since being cleared to playI love me some Azzi Fudd, but her defense was a mixed bag. Yes, some blocks and some deflections as well, but she was out of position several times in the first half, leading to wide open shots by Creighton. On a more positive note, I was really impressed by her movement off ball on offense. Can't wait for Paige to get back. She will find Azzi every time.
You just did. I believe Creighton’s power rating is 32. UConn had a good win tonight against a good team.Should someone point out that Creighton is not even in the top 30 in the AP poll and doesn’t register in the Coaches Poll?
Yes,Creighton is a good coached team. They’ll shock a lot of teams.You just did. I believe Creighton’s power rating is 32. UConn had a good win tonight against a good team.
Have to agree about Evina I thought she should have been subbed in sooner. Her presence seemed to calm things down, and she provided the leadership the team was lacking up to that point.Wow What a turnaround.
1. They had to dig deep and they did.
2. Foul shooting OMG 11-11
3. Evina changed the game in the 2nd. Came in and hit some three's.
4. 5 players in double figures
5. CW looked the quickest I have seen her and that Eurostep and then the the spiner with the left hand was a wow.
6. Defense and switching was really good from the 2nd quafter on.
7. They are getting Azzi into the flow. Very important
8. Chris Dailey is cooler under pressure that Geno
If you re-watch most of the games she in fact does not have that quick pass to cutters when they beat their defenderThe announcers keep saying CD is the one benefiting from Paige's injury. But I really think it's more Nika who is benefitting. To me CD benefitted from both Nika and Paige being out simultaneously, allowing Evina's spot to open up. At this point, she is better than Westbrook at the 3 spot, hence Evina coming off the bench.
Nika continues to play because Evina isn't a point guard, making her the only option. It's tough because her outside shot is pretty subpar, her passing is solid, and I don't see anything that indicates she's an elite defender. I think her intensity and grit are often mistaken for defensive ability. I won't deny she does bring energy. But it's not our strongest position right now.
When Paige returns, assuming she does and is able to work her way back, I see Nika being a backup pg who can spell Paige for 8-12 mpg. But for now she is the best option.
Reminds me of a game against MD with Katie Lou...except she didn't go to the locker room.Rixxx,
It almost looked like Caroline threw up behind the bench into a trash can and then went to the locker room. That no one is asking about it on the air is surprising. The nausea can be a bad sign. Hope she’s ok.
That would definitely be a welcome addition to her arsenal. I said "solid" not "elite" for a reason. She does, as you state, routinely miss cutters, but she did have 5 assists to 0 TO this evening. That qualifies as solid in my book.If you re-watch most of the games she in fact does not have that quick pass to cutters when they beat their defender
I missed the actual vomiting during the game. Something to look into when I watch MJL243's replay.as the father of a daughter in college, I know throwing up in the dorm bathroom while a friend or two help out is no fun............throwing up in front of a large crowd plus a tv audience must be mortifying...........I wonder whether she will want to see the replay when she's feeling better....![]()

Head coach gets sick and is suddenly out, another day another starter out (Dorka), no Paige, no Aubrey, 2nd best team in the conference at their place, 4th straight road game in 11 days, and who knows if/how many on the team have what Geno has. I'll take it.Should someone point out that Creighton is not even in the top 30 in the AP poll and doesn’t register in the Coaches Poll?
Don't think you'll see it, but when she goes to the bench she has her head in her hands and you can see someone dragging one of those big janitorial garbage cans to right behind her seat.I missed the actual vomiting during the game. Something to look into when I watch MJL243's replay.![]()
I did see that...thanks tho.Don't think you'll see it, but when she goes to the bench she has her head in her hands and you can see someone dragging one of those big janitorial garbage cans to right behind her seat.
If you re-watch most of the games she in fact does not have that quick pass to cutters when they beat their defender
I agree with that. She is improving and she's only a sophomore. Not trying to be a hater. She's certainly trying as hard as she can and I'm glad she's on the team. She is cutting her turnovers and her fouls. She's not driving inside only to be stuffed out or stopped by a big. She's improving.Nika is only a sophomore and still learning. As a point guard, she’s pretty front and center so there’s a spotlight on her and illuminating her errors. I thought she had a decent game tonight. Yes, she missed a couple cutters and she missed an open Azzi before taking unfortunate shots but, overall, her game is improving.
She’s cut down on turnovers and is better at controlling the pace rather than just trying to run down the court as fast as she can. She actually initiated the offense several times, something I had complained about a while back. Nika’s game is developing, under pressure no less. She’s coming along nicely
Throwing up after getting hit in the head warrants heading to the locker room a bit more than throwing up from a sickness.Reminds me of a game against MD with Katie Lou...except she didn't go to the locker room.
Why did they not call it?She got a way with a lot of hand checking and shoving that the refs did not call.
I'm rather torn on this and would rather keep things as they are until Paige returns. My reasoning is that this would be the 4th major change of position UCONN would be asking Evina to make in her short 1.5 season at UCONN. She started off playing the 3 (SF) last season and was changed into playing the 4 when Nika was inserted into the starting line up which featured 4 guards. With the arrival of Dorka this season and prior to page getting hurt Evina was returned to starting at the 3. With the injury to Paige she was asked to move into the starting PG role while Nika was injured. With the emergence of Caroline she was removed from the starting lineup. Now we would be asking her to return to the starting line up as a PG. That's too many changes IMO.Evina needs to start not Muhl….quoting Coach John Wooden “ a lot of activity without any achievement” she can help the team coming off the bench once the team can get to full strength….against an elite team she will be an offensive liability that far exceeds her toughness and hustle….nice complimentary player….Azzi also needs to play ahead of her….
Agreed I like how they are not collapsing in the 4th. I got one wish- I said I wanted them to win, didn't care how in my "3 things to see" post- unfortunately two people are sick. This season is like giving with one hand and taking with the other. Happy still-got the W.This is one of the most fulfilling games I've seen in a while. Sure, the first quarter and a half was frustrating. Very frustrating. But the comeback and jelling (gelling, if you prefer) of this team was a pleasure to watch. This team took a major step forward today. We know we are blessed with a team of superior basketball players, but so much of the game is mental. They took a huge mental leap forward and that will serve the team well moving forward. I am so proud of this team. Way to go!!!
I'm not sure but I was very happy especially early in that game.Why did they not call it?
Eric, the reason for UConn’s slow start was because of a slight case of “jet-lag.”I sort of feel this team is a bit like the movie Forrest Gump - they are like a box of chocolates - you never know what you are going to get. So we got a little bit of everything in this game.
Super frustrating Q1 - poor energy, little to no offense, standing around, lack of ball movement, and the opponent shooting 50% from 3. Then they started righting the ship in Q2, and continued with it in the 2nd half. It was the 2nd game with no Dorka. Geno made a comment about how hard it is for chemistry on the team to constantly have people entering and exiting the lineup. Just when you think we have turned the corner and we are going to have an extended period of consistent player availability, Dorka goes down (just for a few games, but the point is it's hard for continuity).
It really makes you realize that this team is not just a "plug and play". You can't just plug in a replacement and expect things to go smoothly. And Creighton is no slouch. I believe then are a NCAA tournament team.
I'm sure there are some individual things to pick on from the coaches when they do the video review, but a very solid win against a good team. Thoughts and good energy for Geno.
- No UCONN player had more than 2 fouls until Azzi picked up #3 late.
- we shot over 41% from 3 in spite of Nika going 1-7.
- 5 players scored 10 points or more
- Olivia not only had great stats, but also had 6 assists and 2 steals. She is my POG
- Christyn had a nice all around game
- Caroline was judicious with her 3 point shooting!
- Nika had 5 assists and 5 boards
- Azzi continues to get acclimated to the team
- Evina shone again off the bench
- The mystery of Aaliyah continues
Luckily they were able to shake it off late in the second quarter and finish on a nice run to get back in the game.Nika is developing and showing improvement in many areas however not in the most critical one which is shooting the basketball.Nika is only a sophomore and still learning. As a point guard, she’s pretty front and center so there’s a spotlight on her and illuminating her errors. I thought she had a decent game tonight. Yes, she missed a couple cutters and she missed an open Azzi before taking unfortunate shots but, overall, her game is improving.
She’s cut down on turnovers and is better at controlling the pace rather than just trying to run down the court as fast as she can. She actually initiated the offense several times, something I had complained about a while back. Nika’s game is developing, under pressure no less. She’s coming along nicely
A really rough start to the game, but things always look worse when the opponent is shooting lights out. Geno has said many times that there is a difference between playing well and shooting well, but we did give up way too many open looks early.
I thought ONO showed a ton of fight, and she and Caroline really sparked us offensively. I was befuddled by Chris Dailey's subbing rotation, especially with respect to Caroline. But seeing her with the bucket in Q4 might explain that.
Incredibly pleased by our 42% shooting from the floor and 100% from the FT line. I never thought we'd ever go perfect from the charity stripe this season.
Lastly, Azzi must get better at getting open, and her teammates must get better at finding her when she is. Her shot is dynamite, and will completely change this team. I have visions of KML hitting threes in transition.
Solid win with a lot of lessons to take away.
