DePaul Postgame thread [merged]

[maple]

Pure speculation, but I wonder if after last game the focus was health management over blowing out these next two games. Maybe some were right about putting in the bench to conserve our starters. I definitely think UConn is still in a slump, but they seem to rise to the occasion when they need to.
In addition, I am less worried after watching other top ranked teams play. Almost everyone is either getting upset or close to an upset every night. The fact that Stanford took another L today isn't a surprise to me. With a full roster, they look just as vulnerable as UConn. My biggest question is: Are teams growing more competitive or are traditional top teams just playing poorly? I personally think it is a mixture of both. I think if UConn brings their A game in the tournament they are going far and if not... well it is what it is. I am not a fortune teller, even when I want to be.

It's definitely a mixture of both, but I think more parity is the bigger reason.

 

[Wilyum19]

Gee whiz, UConn has too many pessimists after a loss or a close win. We seemingly fail to understand that this team has UConn on its jersey and historic successful seasons makes this women basketball overly relevant to all competitors. Losing to UConn is perceived as just being routine or expected, winning generates a center court celebration. This year’s team should be celebrated and have reached a plateau that should be appreciated even by those critics who were bench warmers on their high school JV teams.

 

[Carnac]

Thoughts

-When Ayanna came in the 2nd time, Morrow was killing us and Ayanna's bulk, size and athleticism helped to slow her down and win the game.

-It did look like DePaul was the more creative and competent team for much of the game. But some big plays at the end turned the tide...Mind you...it could have been so much easier if Dorka made her bunny and the ball wasn't soon turned over...

- The third quarter was painful, I count (subject to correction), more or less a turnover before and after every made shot with one exception...The percentage was fine...just that they made 7 shots but gave it away 7 times while attempting 13 total shots...DePaul attempted 19 shots and fortunately missed a whole lot more than we did.

- perhaps I have been too nibbling around the edges. I am among those that feel that especially this season, the young players...the bench, should have been given more game time to develop their game and to determine if they could be really useful and /or to reduce the minutes of the starters.

Let us (for example) examine Ines' performance today...It was her first meaningful appearance in weeks...I was not expecting superstar performance, just hoping for competence. She appears to be quick and athletic with good dribbling skills...in 4 minutes, she had a steal and a turnover (neither credited), an assist and hit a 3.

Is it not possible that with more regular play-time, she could have taken some of the pressure off our beaten down (for whatever combination of reasons) guard corps in our hours of need? I certainly think so.

Remember Moriah's freshman year? Geno played her limited minutes throughout the season (more in the NCAA's). Her dad thought she was ready to contribute...there had been those extraordinary moves in HS...Never saw them her first season...until the NCAA's...saw one...Then, amazingly, she starts her sophomore year...and we get the full repertoire.
I complained throughout her first year that she only needed to be given a chance...And was derided similarly to this season

Likewise, when a big, athletic body was required when Dorka was being overwhelmed by Morrow, Ayanna performed competently.

In my opinion (here's where one gets into the issue of 2nd guessing the coach...
Not having stayed in a holiday Inn nor having won any...zero..titles of any kind)

This type of substitution pattern (using the kids) might well have lessened the obvious physical deterioration of our starters.

Especially interesting was Ines' cameo today.

-UConn fandom is delighted that the team made some big plays down the stretch (offense and defense) to pull out the game. Congrats to the organization for their valiant effort. It was a good start towards turning the season back around.
And the bench contributed...I think they can do yet more.

Thank goodness Morrow is only 6'1". Can you imagine if she was Dorka's/Boston's size at 6'5"? She would be unguardable, and unstoppable.

 

[Dillon77]

In a tight game like this, sometimes you focus on a few plays.

• Thought the swing pass to Nika was clutch. So, of course, was the shot. But the pass....
• When Morrow ended up with the ball and drove to the hoop, I really thought she'd just go for it and try to draw the foul Why not, she's Morrow, right? However, I'm pretty sure Aubry Griffin got good enough position to make Morrow think better of it and try to spin back around. That turned out to be worse because Dorka came in and tied her up. Jump ball to UConn. Free throw time. Good hustle and discipline by Audrey for not reaching and Dorka for trailing the play on D.

 

[Tonyc]

One thing many people are overlooking is UConn’s defense i

 

[housekeys]

Give DePaul some credit already.

Definitely give credit to DePaul. This must be a deeply disappointing result for them because they did enough to win. They hit shots and that will always give a team a chance to win against UConn.

 

[itsasport]

We sure have a lot of "coaches" on this board. Absolutely amazing.

A win to clinch a tie for the regular season title. DePaul is always a difficult game on their court. This team does not quit. They scrap and claw to win. It ain't pretty but who cares.

Nan mentioned Maya's heroics and don't forget Ketia Swanier's end to end dash for a win.

Remember Tug McGraw's line when he was with the Mets - "You Gotta Believe."

On to Monday night.

You're right- I would have expected this board to be filled with plumbers, not coaches.

 

[hoopsfan22]

My biggest question is: Are teams growing more competitive or are traditional top teams just playing poorly? I personally think it is a mixture of both.

Geno says there are no longer really great teams, but a bunch of really good teams. I guess that's parity? I think it really comes down to the lack of a Stewie/Maya/Diana type player that could elevate a really good team to a spectacular one.

 

[Centerstream]

Maybe you should be the coach ‍♀️

And join the loooooooooooooooooong list of "BY Geno Wannabes".

 

[victor64]

I haven't read any other posts yet but, am I the only one enjoying UConn games in which the outcome is not already predetermined?

Another example of the ridiculous high standards the program has established is that this 25 win, top ten ranked squad is probably the "worst" team Geno has had in the last 15 years. There are many teams that would absolutely kill for such "decline".

I almost feel bad for Doug Bruno. Another great chance to snap his losing streak and it slipped away again. Almost.

Will Genoi use the Xavier to rest Dorka etc. and give the bench some serious minutes? Perfect opponent and time to do so.

 

[maple]

Geno says there are no longer really great teams, but a bunch of really good teams. I guess that's parity? I think it really comes down to the lack of a Stewie/Maya/Diana type player that could elevate a really good team to a spectacular one.

Agreed. And, Stewie also had the benefit of being surrounded by equally great teammates, all who were stars in their own right. There likely will never be another team, anywhere, like that again unless the stars happen to perfectly align. 4 straight NCs and the top 3 in the draft. It's unbelievable.

 

[JBK]

Good: grit

Bad: passes, defense, inside shots missed

DePaul is now 15-15, and played head to head with a #2 seed ???? in the NCAA Tourney....I would not blame Charlie now, if he has UCONN as one of the last teams to be selected. (I thought I would never say this, but "It is what it is.")

Yea but tell Charlie Azzi Fudd Warmed up today and she is getting ready !!!!!
Like Paige last year - she is good enough to carry us back from the wounded.

 

[Zanzman]

Maybe you should be the coach ‍♀️

Please no

 

[SJF]

Man that win was needed.

 

[hoopsnloops32]

Geno says there are no longer really great teams, but a bunch of really good teams. I guess that's parity? I think it really comes down to the lack of a Stewie/Maya/Diana type player that could elevate a really good team to a spectacular one.

I’d say there is one but she’s sitting on the bench in a knee brace.

 

[ctkaiser]

Just want to remind folks that UConn has a long history of close games at DePaul. Remember Maya with the late steal in the last seconds of the game and Caroline with the awesome drive last year?

I think this arena gets into their heads

Has UCONN won the Big East regular season or share it with another school?

If they lose Monday and tie with Villanova they win as they beat nova both games.

Yeah, let’s focus on her bad plays, she has become this years Williams/Ono. She had 8 assists and at least 3 other passes for point blank layups that were missed, 13 points, including Uconn’s last 5, and oh, basically was switched onto a red hot Rogers and pretty much took her out of the game. She had 8 points in the 1st qtr against Griffin, 7 the rest of the way after the switch, 3 of which came when Griffin was on her and didn’t close out at all on a 3 pointer. And oh by the way, Griffin, who did play well, had 5 TOs of her own. Yes, Muhl turns the ball over, she also gets the team more than their share of easy points. She could have easily had 12-14 assists today with missed bunnies and wide open jump shots. Part of the game, but there’s plenty of good to go along with the bad.

And usually plays 40 minutes.

 

[Heytherego]

If they lose Monday and tie with Villanova they win as they beat nova both games.

And usually plays 40 minutes.

No the big east title would be shared with Nova if they lost/Nova won. I think you’re getting confused with the rules for seedings for the BE tournament. UCONN can claim sole possession with a win over Xavier on Monday or a Villanova loss at Seton Hall. A UCONN loss + Villanova win would be a shared title.

 

[Bone Dog]

Who’s Anika?

Her middle name is autocorrect

 

[topogigio]

Thoughts

-When Ayanna came in the 2nd time, Morrow was killing us and Ayanna's bulk, size and athleticism helped to slow her down and win the game.

-It did look like DePaul was the more creative and competent team for much of the game. But some big plays at the end turned the tide...Mind you...it could have been so much easier if Dorka made her bunny and the ball wasn't soon turned over...

- The third quarter was painful, I count (subject to correction), more or less a turnover before and after every made shot with one exception...The percentage was fine...just that they made 7 shots but gave it away 7 times while attempting 13 total shots...DePaul attempted 19 shots and fortunately missed a whole lot more than we did.

- perhaps I have been too nibbling around the edges. I am among those that feel that especially this season, the young players...the bench, should have been given more game time to develop their game and to determine if they could be really useful and /or to reduce the minutes of the starters.

Let us (for example) examine Ines' performance today...It was her first meaningful appearance in weeks...I was not expecting superstar performance, just hoping for competence. She appears to be quick and athletic with good dribbling skills...in 4 minutes, she had a steal and a turnover (neither credited), an assist and hit a 3.

Is it not possible that with more regular play-time, she could have taken some of the pressure off our beaten down (for whatever combination of reasons) guard corps in our hours of need? I certainly think so.

Remember Moriah's freshman year? Geno played her limited minutes throughout the season (more in the NCAA's). Her dad thought she was ready to contribute...there had been those extraordinary moves in HS...Never saw them her first season...until the NCAA's...saw one...Then, amazingly, she starts her sophomore year...and we get the full repertoire.
I complained throughout her first year that she only needed to be given a chance...And was derided similarly to this season

Likewise, when a big, athletic body was required when Dorka was being overwhelmed by Morrow, Ayanna performed competently.

In my opinion (here's where one gets into the issue of 2nd guessing the coach...
Not having stayed in a holiday Inn nor having won any...zero..titles of any kind)

This type of substitution pattern (using the kids) might well have lessened the obvious physical deterioration of our starters.

Especially interesting was Ines' cameo today.

-UConn fandom is delighted that the team made some big plays down the stretch (offense and defense) to pull out the game. Congrats to the organization for their valiant effort. It was a good start towards turning the season back around.
And the bench contributed...I think they can do yet more.

Stubbornes is a two way sword!

 

[Cuango]

She had 4 head scratching TOs and some iffy passes her teammates saved. She just seems not quite herself lately but I can say that for all the starters but Aubrey. Big props to Aubrey for her play today

Uh oh!

 

[ed4ourgirls]

. . . DePaul is now 15-15, and played head to head with a #2 seed ???? in the NCAA Tourney....I would not blame Charlie now, if he has UCONN as one of the last teams to be selected. (I thought I would never say this, but "It is what it is.")

Last year UConn had to come from behind in the 4th quarter to win a 2 point game over DePaul at their place.

DePaul ended their season with a 20 point loss in their first BE Tournament game and a 30+ point loss
in their first NCAA Tournament game.

UConn played in the national championship game.

 

[victor64]

I am channeling my inner DavidNaples with a weird stat. Nika, who barely grazed the bottom right of the backboard with her first three attempt, proceeds to go 3 for 5 from distance and make all four of her FTs. Her last three and two foul shots were huge.

 

[tchalla1]

She had 4 head scratching TOs and some iffy passes her teammates saved. She just seems not quite herself lately but I can say that for all the starters but Aubrey. Big props to Aubrey for her play today

I totally agree--shotty play by Nika today, although she was clutch at the end,,,, I disagree on Aubrey though--did you see how many bunnies she missed, and driving into situations with no planned strategy or outcome. She must have had 4-5 TOs. Each game, you never know what you're going to get from her... The usual thing with Aubrey is brilliant play one game then the next, she's quite mediocre. She is haunted by inconsistency,

 

[Longtime fan]

Welcome Ayanna Patterson!

I agree. She has been a disappointment all season, but showed up today. She was stout on defense, rebounded well, and even scored two points ( season high?) off a nice offensive rebound. She ran well and jumped well. She is strong and athletic. She earned more court time I hope. I would still like someone to tell her, " it is okay to create shots, take them and make them." I don't think she gets today's opportunity however, without injury to Dorka and foul trouble by Edwards. Nonetheless, she showed she can help. Changed some minds maybe.

 

[jsss66]

For a UConn fan, this was a horrible game to watch. Depaul played over their head and scored over their head and UConn played with abandon until the last 4 minutes of the game. What saved UConn was just plain grit. Lot's of heart.

....and Aubrey Griffin. A real difference maker.

 

[Cuango]

Pure speculation, but I wonder if after last game the focus was health management over blowing out these next two games. Maybe some were right about putting in the bench to conserve our starters. I definitely think UConn is still in a slump, but they seem to rise to the occasion when they need to.
In addition, I am less worried after watching other top ranked teams play. Almost everyone is either getting upset or close to an upset every night. The fact that Stanford took another L today isn't a surprise to me. With a full roster, they look just as vulnerable as UConn. My biggest question is: Are teams growing more competitive or are traditional top teams just playing poorly? I personally think it is a mixture of both. I think if UConn brings their A game in the tournament they are going far and if not... well it is what it is. I am not a fortune teller, even when I want to be.

Geez, just because they (Stanford) lost a game to another #1 seed does not make them “just as vulnerable as UConn”! Let’s stick somewhere close to reality here. Utah is a good team who has dominated their conference. Losing to them certainly isn’t a bad loss for the Cardinal. Of course it’s not good but let’s face it, it’s not like losing to St Johns!

 

[ed4ourgirls]

I totally agree--shotty play by Nika today, although she was clutch at the end,,,, I disagree on Aubrey though--did you see how many bunnies she missed, and driving into situations with no planned strategy or outcome. She must have had 4-5 TOs. Each game, you never know what you're going to get from her... The usual thing with Aubrey is brilliant play one game then the next, she's quite mediocre. She is haunted by inconsistency,

There is something in what you say, but if I had to choose between an Aubrey who is afraid to shoot and
contributes little or nothing on offense and an Aubrey, mistakes and all, who plays aggressively on the
offensive end, I would choose the latter.

 

[OldSchooler]

Stats. Hmmm, Ayanna had an offensive rebound and putback. ??

View attachment 84422

TRUE! That's one of her season's highlights.

 

[Carnac]

We sure have a lot of "coaches" on this board. Absolutely amazing.

A win to clinch a tie for the regular season title. DePaul is always a difficult game on their court. This team does not quit. They scrap and claw to win. It ain't pretty but who cares.

Nan mentioned Maya's heroics and don't forget Ketia Swanier's end to end dash for a win.

Remember Tug McGraw's line when he was with the Mets - "You Gotta Believe."

On to Monday night.

That's right!!! And WE all stayed at a Holiday Inn last night. I've only been here since 2015. Most of them were here when I got here.

 

[MSGRET]

There is something in what you say, but if I had to choose between an Aubrey who is afraid to shoot and
contributes little or nothing on offense and an Aubrey, mistakes and all, who plays aggressively on the
offensive end, I would choose the latter.

You mention Aubrey both times, isn't one of them supposed to be Nika?