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Message: [QUOTE="bballnut90, post: 5153676, member: 2117"] I think getting the right matchup matters more than anything else. Looking at the 6 teams ranked ahead of UCONN, here's how I see the Huskies chances of advancing to Tampa based on play so far: [B][U]Need to avoid their region:[/U][/B] UCLA-no answer for Betts, they have a tall and deep frontcourt South Carolina-similarly they're taller, deeper, more athletic and have had the Huskies number for several years now [B][U]Slight underdog but winnable:[/U][/B] Notre Dame-their guard play is elite, plus with Karlen/Westbeld back, Notre Dame isn't a great matchup for UCONN. They've also won 3 straight vs the Huskies, but also have 2 losses to lesser teams. Texas-another team with a big physical front court and solid guard play. Their lack of 3pt shooting bodes well for UCONN, but I think it's a toss up if they meet in the elite 8. [B][U]Optimal if UCONN lands in their region:[/U][/B] USC-once UCONN found their rhythm they got right back into the game and nearly won. I think SC is overly reliant on Watkins and I don't expect her to be as efficient in the next matchup. LSU-they have talent but don't appear to be playing up to their potential so far with a couple of near losses to Washington and Stanford. Talent is there and their SEC schedule isn't awful (just 1 game vs Texas and SC, though both are on the road) but I think UCONN is more disciplined and would be favored to win in a regional matchup More than anything else, there's a lot of season to play out. Likely some of these teams will look different due to injuries and players returning from injury. Also, some teams peak early and decline (see UCLA and Colorado last year) while others take longer to find their rhythm (see UCONN last year). [/QUOTE]

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