Early line on UConn vs SC

[oldude]

I contend that our role players have to be viable scoring options to keep the SC defense from sagging off and free to double Sarah and Azzi. I know they will get shot opportunities and I just hope they can make good on them.
Last year was last year. We do not have Paige and I believe SC is much better and they will be better prepared.

UConn has more depth, more options and the most relentless defensive pressure in college basketball. If SC can’t score 70 points, they won’t win.

 

[jaundicedeye]

UConn has more depth, more options and the most relentless defensive pressure in college basketball. If SC can’t score 70 points, they won’t win.

I am hoping that is the case, but I would bet that Dawn's game plan will center around stopping Sarah and Azzi and taking her chances on the other players beating them (SC).

 

[ABCDFE]

UConn has more depth, more options and the most relentless defensive pressure in college basketball. If SC can’t score 70 points, they won’t win.

This is true, but I think there are some vulnerabilities in the offense where they don't score for several possessions in a row or can go scoreless for several minutes. Not saying that Paige would solve every problem, but when you have a player like Paige, she brings that one player who can break down the defense on her own and take that shot that stops the bleeding as well as that final shot to win the game. Azzi and Sarah have the potential to do so but I don't think there's enough of a sample size for me to be as confident at this moment. Lets hope they won't be in tight games and will be comfortably in the lead late in the game Friday and if they progress Sunday.

 

[oldude]

This is true, but I think there are some vulnerabilities in the offense where they don't score for several possessions in a row or can go scoreless for several minutes. Not saying that Paige would solve every problem, but when you have a player like Paige, she brings that one player who can break down the defense on her own and take that shot that stops the bleeding as well as that final shot to win the game. Azzi and Sarah have the potential to do so but I don't think there's enough of a sample size for me to be as confident at this moment. Let’s hope they won't be in tight games and will be comfortably in the lead late in the game Friday and if they progress Sunday.

I agree with you on Paige’s ability to break down a defense. But this year, when UConn hits a cold shooting stretch, they never stop playing relentless defense.

“Defense travels” and “Defense wins championships” are both cliches. But they are absolutely true nonetheless.

 

[Twolf]

I agree with you on Paige’s ability to break down a defense. But this year, when UConn hits a cold shooting stretch, they never stop playing relentless defense.

“Defense travels” and “Defense wins championships” are both cliches. But they are absolutely true nonetheless.

I don’t disagree with your comments about UConn’s defense or your earlier comments that the role players don’t have to score a lot for UConn to win, however I believe those same role players do have to be a threat to score to keep SC’s defense honest. I believe SC will start the game daring KK to shoot from the perimeter & may do the same with Ashlyn making both prove it before adjusting which will make any interior pass from either very difficult. If either or both prove that strategy wrong I think UConn opens the floor up, spacing improves, and gives the good guys a much better opportunity to win the game.
Both are more than capable of doing just that. JMO

 

[RockyMTblue2]

I am hoping that is the case, but I would bet that Dawn's game plan will center around stopping Sarah and Azzi and taking her chances on the other players beating them (SC).

Stopping 2 is tough, stopping 3 ...Q... near impossible.