Game Analysis - Game 15 - UConn vs Seton Hall

[cferraro04]

GENERAL COMMENTS:

It is difficult to compare a player-to-player analysis when there is uncertainty if a starter will be playing or not. So, for this analysis, we will go with the assumption that KK is a go. If she is not, I think either Ziebell or Heckle will acquit themselves well in this match-up. Seton Hall is a hard team to figure out in terms of starters. Coach Bozella made a change in his starting line-up about 5 games ago, removing Shailyn Pinkney and Jordana Cordio from the starting line-up. Zahara Bishop and Messiah Hunter were added in their place. However, even though this change was made, both Jordana and Shailyn continued to log very significant minutes. It is hard to tell if Coach Bozzella will stay with the roster change for UConn or if he will go back to Pinkney and Cordio.

The resulting starting five for Seton Hall is a 4-guard lineup with one undersized forward. What does this mean for UConn? Probably irrelevant based on UConn's talent, conditioning, depth, and size. However, statistically, it will create some interesting match-ups.

Seton Hall has an RPI of 29, an SOS OF 33, and a NET Ranking of 45. On the other hand, UConn's RPI = 1, its SOS = 12, and its NET Ranking is 1. Seton Hall is 10 and 4. Their losses were: Princeton (RPI 3) - 82-78 (I wonder if Carla sent him her scouting report, lol); North Carolina State (RPI 6) - 61-53; lost in a squeaker to Columbia (RPI 46) - 54-53; and lost rather badly to Villanova (RPI 10) - 72-55.

Seton Hall averages 73.1 points per game. It appears that Seton Hall's defense is ranked 9th nationally as they force 18.9 turnovers per game, and are averaging 10.1 steals and generating 6.1 blocks per game. Their defense only allows their opponents to average 61.6 points per game. They take fairly could care of the basetball only turning the ball over themselves 14.7 times per game. It will be interesting to see how well UConn responds to Seton Hall's defensive pressure.

PLAYER MATCH UPS:

Serah Strong, 6'2" - Sophomore Forward vs Marianna Velenuela, 6'2" - Senior Forward - Marianna has been playing well, a Florida State University transfer, where she averaged 11 minutes per game coming off the bench. She is averaging 29.4 minutes per game and is averaging 12.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and .7 blocks per game. Marianna is averaging 1.7 three-pointers per game. I toyed with the idea of having Serah Williams matched up with Marianna because of size and position. I thought that Marianna would win that match-up, but it just seems more natural to have Sarah Strong matched up with Marianna to negate that matchup problem. Sarah is averaging 18.0 points, 8.1 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 3.4 steals, and 1.6 blocks. Sarah is averaging 1.64 three-pointers per game. Her record 5 three-pointers in the first half of the Providence game was a thing of beauty to witness. ADVANTAGE - UCONN

Serah Williams, 6'4" - Senior Forward vs Jordana Codio, 6'1" - Senior Guard - Jordana seems a bit oversized for a guard, and it is possible that she could be a defensive problem for Serah, and if so, then we will probably see Blanca into the game rather quickly. Given the size and positional differences between these two ladies, I still think that Serah is better off in this match up then in the Marianna Velenzuela match-up. Jordana averages 10.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.1 steals, and .8 blocks per game. She also averages .8 three-pointers per game. Serah's height advantage may cause Jordana some problems, and even if Blanca comes in early for Serah...defensively, this pair of Huskies will cause Jordana to have a bad day. Serah is averaging 7.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists, .8 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game. ADVANTAGE - UCONN

Azzi Fudd, 5'11" - Graduate Guard vs Savannah Catalon, 5'8" - Junior Guard - Savannah is Seton Hall's best offensive weapon; she is also their best defender, so it is fitting that these two ladies are matched up together, and it should be an exciting pairing. Savannah is averaging 14.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 3.2 steals, and averages 2 three-pointers per game. Azzi is averaging 18.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.4 steals, .5 blocks, and is averaging 3.21 three-pointers per game. This should be a good test for Azzi, and it is one that I think she will prevail in. ADVANTAGE - UCONN

Ashlynn Shade, 5'10" - Junior Guard vs Zahara Bishop, 6'0" - Freshman Guard - Zahara just recently broke into the starting line-up for Seton Hall. She is averaging 8.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1 assist, and .5 three-pointers per game. Ashlynn is averaging 7.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.21 three-pointers per game. Ashlynn's an upperclassman with more D-1 experience, a great defender, and should cause problems for Zahara. ADVANTAGE - UCONN

KK Arnold, 5'9" - Junior Guard vs Jada Eads, 5'7" - Sophomore Guard - If KK is allowed to play, this will be another speed-on-speed match-up. Eads makes the world go round for Seton Hall. She is their playmaker, their energizer bunny, and she puts the ball in the basket. Jada averages 11.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.9 steals, and 1.46 three-pointers per game. We got to see in the Providence game how important KK is to UConn's flow, rhythm, and team defense. KK averages 6.9 points, 2.5 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 2.3 steals, and .54 three-pointers per game. Her value on the defensive end can not be overstated. Will her nasal fracture keep her on the bench? If she plays, will it affect how hard she goes on defense? These questions are difficult to answer pregame. We will have to see if this match-up happens, and if it does, how effective will KK be? Based on the uncertainty of the match-up and the fact that neither Ziebell nor Heckel will be able to win the match-up with Jada. ADVANTAGE - EVEN

FIRST THREE PLAYERS OFF THE BENCH:

Seton Hall
Ja'Kahia Craft, 5'9" - Sophomore Guard - 5.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists, .5 steals, and .5 three-pointers
Shailyn Pinkney, 5'10" - Senior Guard/Forward - 3.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists, .5 steals
Messiah Hunter, 6'2" - Senior Forward - 1.6 points, 1.7 rebounds, .8 assists, .6 blocks

UConn
Blanca Quinones, 6'2" - Freshman Forward - 10.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.3 three-pointers
Kayleigh Heckel, 5'9" - Sophomore Guard - 6.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.4 steals
Allie Ziebell, 6'0" - Sophomore Guard - 6.2 points, 1.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1 steal, and 1.36 three-pointers
ADVANTAGE - UCONN

REST OF THE BENCH:

Seton Hall - 7.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1.8 steals
UConn - 8.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, .3 steals.
ADVANTAGE - SETON HALL

COACHING:

UConn has the best coaching staff in the Big East, probably in the country. ADVANTAGE - UCONN

INTANGIBLES:

Home game for UConn (Hartford), more talent, more size, more experience, momentum, and on a mission to win back-to-back.
ADVANTAGE - UCONN

SCORE:

UConn - 84
Seton Hall - 59
MOV - 25

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

Thanks again for your report!
The health of KK could make a difference but not enough to effect the result!

 

[cferraro04]

I agree, RSHERMVIKES, when it comes to the outcome of the game; however, regarding the matchup with Jada, I don't think Heckel or Ziebell would be as effective as KK would be.

 

[Bone Dog]

Thanks once again, sensei!

You have me pondering the KK situation, especially in regard to seton hall’s small lineup. Eads and Catalon in particular are very speedy. My suspicion is that they can put a very quick unit on the floor, and without KK this would provide an interesting challenge. I almost hope Geno keeps her out for this game just to see what the others do without her.

Also want to mention that Velenuela is a big strong kid, or at least that’s how I remember her from FSU. She’s no match for Sarah or Serah, but she’s also not a pushover. If I combine this thought with the previous one, I think you must be right to think that Blanca is the natural solution — a quick big forward/guard to challenge the frontcourt players as well as the guards. I wonder if we’ll see her get over 20 minutes in this game.

One other thought is that Pinckney coming off the bench is probably what Anthony Bozella has in mind. She’s a speedy, lanky guard with a shooter’s touch, and can make a difference when she enters a game. This is yet another challenge if KK doesn’t play. I’m sure Azzi and Ash and Kayleigh and Allie can handle it. But it will be good to see them stretch themselves against a speedy well coached team. Allie in particular could benefit most from an opponent like this.

One last question is whether Jana will see much playing time. No one on seton hall’s is big enough to challenge her in the post. But they can try to steal the ball from her in the press and generally in their scrappy defense. This is the sort of situation Jana needs to get used to and to master. Keep the ball high, big girl!

 

[mmt]

Thank you for your analysis!

 

[huskyd]

The analyst rates Seaton Hall's Bench as better than ours. Clearly, that's what the match-up should be in the interest of keeping everyone awake who happens to be watching. Make it the Substitution Game, and let's test our depth. Whatdaya say?

 

[FanSince17]

Thanks once again, sensei!

You have me pondering the KK situation, especially in regard to seton hall’s small lineup. Eads and Catalon in particular are very speedy. My suspicion is that they can put a very quick unit on the floor, and without KK this would provide an interesting challenge. I almost hope Geno keeps her out for this game just to see what the others do without her.

Also want to mention that Velenuela is a big strong kid, or at least that’s how I remember her from FSU. She’s no match for Sarah or Serah, but she’s also not a pushover. If I combine this thought with the previous one, I think you must be right to think that Blanca is the natural solution — a quick big forward/guard to challenge the frontcourt players as well as the guards. I wonder if we’ll see her get over 20 minutes in this game.

One other thought is that Pinckney coming off the bench is probably what Anthony Bozella has in mind. She’s a speedy, lanky guard with a shooter’s touch, and can make a difference when she enters a game. This is yet another challenge if KK doesn’t play. I’m sure Azzi and Ash and Kayleigh and Allie can handle it. But it will be good to see them stretch themselves against a speedy well coached team. Allie in particular could benefit most from an opponent like this.

One last question is whether Jana will see much playing time. No one on seton hall’s is big enough to challenge her in the post. But they can try to steal the ball from her in the press and generally in their scrappy defense. This is the sort of situation Jana needs to get used to and to master. Keep the ball high, big girl!

Kayleigh starts IMO, with Allie and maybe even some real minutes for Kelis off the bench. Obviously, the head of the snake is KK. IMO keep that as close to status quo as possible, by starting Kayleigh. Allie is a sharpshooter with a decent all-around game, who has earned PT.
Not at the top of a press. Bring in Blanca by herself middle of the !st Q.

 

[Bone Dog]

Kayleigh starts IMO, with Allie and maybe even some real minutes for Kelis off the bench. Obviously, the head of the snake is KK. IMO keep that as close to status quo as possible, by starting Kayleigh. Allie is a sharpshooter with a decent all-around game, who has earned PT.
Not at the top of a press. Bring in Blanca by herself middle of the !st Q.

I suspect the reason Kayleigh didn’t start against Providence was the lingering effects of her injury. This may persist through tomorrow. But if she’s healthy I’d like to see Kayleigh step into the full dimensions of KK’s role until she’s back. As for Allie, I think you’re right to think she’s not suited to fronting the press. But the rest of her game is quite good.

 

[DEFCONN1]

After listening to Geno’s Providence post game and KK sits another game out, I think Z will start. He said he liked the dynamic of bringing in Blanca and K as the first two off the bench and he likes that consistency for the team.

 

[cferraro04]

The analyst rates Seaton Hall's Bench as better than ours. Clearly, that's what the match-up should be in the interest of keeping everyone awake who happens to be watching. Make it the Substitution Game, and let's test our depth. Whatdaya say?

Huskyd, clearly you did not read correctly. I have divided the bench into two categories. The first category is the first three off the bench. And overwhelmingly, I have UConn as having the advantage. The second category is labeled the rest of the bench. Given UConn's current injured IR list, with Caroline, Ice, Morgan, and Ayanna on the IR list. That only leaves Kelis Fisher and Gandy left in reserve after taking into account that Blanca, Kayleigh, and Allie are the first three off the bench. And, that is if KK is eligible to play...If she isn't, then that would leave only Gandy on the bench as a reserve, and she hasn't been getting any PT. So, clearly, in the second category, the advantage swings to Seton Hall. As far as your suggestion regarding a substitution game is concerned. There isn't a person on this board who wouldn't agree that if UConn were healthy and all its players were available, that UConn would have an overwhelming advantage in bench depth.

 

[YKCornelius]

I suspect the reason Kayleigh didn’t start against Providence was the lingering effects of her injury. This may persist through tomorrow. But if she’s healthy I’d like to see Kayleigh step into the full dimensions of KK’s role until she’s back. As for Allie, I think you’re right to think she’s not suited to fronting the press. But the rest of her game is quite good.

Bone Dog, at the risk of calling in air strikes on top of my head, what aspects of Allie's game other than shooting the ball do you assess as "quite good"? Or, at least, might be better than the same aspects of Kayleigh's game?

I agree with you (and several posters) that I would "like to see Kayleigh step into the full dimensions of KK's role until she is back." K9 is the most experienced point guard outside of KK.

I hope Geno reconsiders who starts before tomorrow's game. Either way, I expect that Kayleigh will have substantial minutes largely due to addressing Seton Hall's speedy guards.

 

[cferraro04]

Bone Dog, at the risk of calling in air strikes on top of my head, what aspects of Allie's game other than shooting the ball do you assess as "quite good"? Or, at least, might be better than the same aspects of Kayleigh's game?

I agree with you (and several posters) that I would "like to see Kayleigh step into the full dimensions of KK's role until she is back." K9 is the most experienced point guard outside of KK.

I hope Geno reconsiders who starts before tomorrow's game. Either way, I expect that Kayleigh will have substantial minutes largely due to addressing Seton Hall's speedy guards.

If KK does not play...I do not see either Kayleigh or Allie being able to contain Jada Eads. It will have to be a team defensive effort. Weak side help will need to be quick and effective, and players will need to switch effectively. Make no mistake, Seton Hall's guards are quick. Luckily, they are not devastating from three, so it will allow UConn to pack the middle and make it difficult for their guards. Of course, if all else fails, there is always zone defense, which I believe would be quite effective against Seton Hall. As far as Shailyn Pinkney is concerned, I do not know what is going on with her. She has been underperforming all season, and then whammo, she goes off for 25 points (apparently, that performance was an anomaly for this season), and then the next game she is right back in the doldrums again.

 

[Dogstar]

Great report as always but I wonder why you would include the "Coaches" category. Do you think tht another team would ever have an advantage over Geno & CD? LOL

 

[cferraro04]

Great report as always but I wonder why you would include the "Coaches" category. Do you think tht another team would ever have an advantage over Geno & CD? LOL

Funny you should say that, as I was contemplating dropping the COACHING category for the very reason you indicated. I really do not think there is a better coaching staff in women's college basketball, so the concluding ADVANTAGE statement is really moot, as is the INTANGIBLE ADVANTAGE statement. After all, one has to wonder if there is a set of intangibles that would result in a UConn loss, especially if UConn has a healthy team. The INTANGIBLE category may become more relevant in the postseason. Maybe instead of a Coach's ADVANTAGE statement, a biography of the opposing team's head coach would have more value.

 

[victor64]

I just recently just started poking m head into these threads. My mistake for waiting. Love
the brrakdowns of the opponent’s starters. I appreciate it. I takes time to put these together.👍

 

[Cuango]

Thanks for doing this every game! I can only imagine how much time and effort you put in, so just want you to know, it is appreciated!

 

[Geew1992]

Thanks once again, sensei!

You have me pondering the KK situation, especially in regard to seton hall’s small lineup. Eads and Catalon in particular are very speedy. My suspicion is that they can put a very quick unit on the floor, and without KK this would provide an interesting challenge. I almost hope Geno keeps her out for this game just to see what the others do without her.

Also want to mention that Velenuela is a big strong kid, or at least that’s how I remember her from FSU. She’s no match for Sarah or Serah, but she’s also not a pushover. If I combine this thought with the previous one, I think you must be right to think that Blanca is the natural solution — a quick big forward/guard to challenge the frontcourt players as well as the guards. I wonder if we’ll see her get over 20 minutes in this game.

One other thought is that Pinckney coming off the bench is probably what Anthony Bozella has in mind. She’s a speedy, lanky guard with a shooter’s touch, and can make a difference when she enters a game. This is yet another challenge if KK doesn’t play. I’m sure Azzi and Ash and Kayleigh and Allie can handle it. But it will be good to see them stretch themselves against a speedy well coached team. Allie in particular could benefit most from an opponent like this.

One last question is whether Jana will see much playing time. No one on seton hall’s is big enough to challenge her in the post. But they can try to steal the ball from her in the press and generally in their scrappy defense. This is the sort of situation Jana needs to get used to and to master. Keep the ball high, big girl!

I’m a little confused about Jana and the press. I don’t ever remember her being at the top with the ball at all. Isn’t she always at the other end? Although yes, she does need to keep the ball high

 

[Bone Dog]

I’m a little confused about Jana and the press. I don’t ever remember her being at the top with the ball at all. Isn’t she always at the other end? Although yes, she does need to keep the ball high

I’m a little confused too. I didn’t mean to suggest Jana played any role in breaking a press, or in pressing an opponent, except in holding down the other end, as you say. I think I meant that she can be vulnerable to scrappy guards who challenge the ball no matter who’s holding it in. Against Butler, we saw this happen a couple times to Jana, once at the top of the key where she lost the ball. I’d be surprised if Seton Hall’s speedy guard corps don’t try to do the same.

In another thread, if I recall correctly, I suggested that Allie’s skill set doesn’t appear to include leading a press, the way UConn’s other guards all can. I may have used the phrase “top of the press” in that post, and perhaps a memory of it lingered here, like a semantic ghost. And just for the record, even this may change for Allie, if Geno finds a way to use her more aggressively even in his pressing sets.

 

[Huskee11]

Maggie Vanoni observed on Twitter this morning that KK and Caroline are not shown as being out on the "Big East Game Day Report", only Ayanna, Morgan, and Ice are mentioned. So hopefully they are both available.

On the other hand, that report shows Jada Eads as being out for Seton Hall which, if correct, is a huge blow for Seton Hall.

 

[Huskee11]

 

[Bone Dog]

On the other hand, that report shows Jada Eads as being out for Seton Hall which, if correct, is a huge blow for Seton Hall.

Really sorry to hear this. We need to be challenged by the best the Big East has to offer. And Jada is one of those.

 

[FanSince17]

I’m a little confused too. I didn’t mean to suggest Jana played any role in breaking a press, or in pressing an opponent, except in holding down the other end, as you say. I think I meant that she can be vulnerable to scrappy guards who challenge the ball no matter who’s holding it in. Against Butler, we saw this happen a couple times to Jana, once at the top of the key where she lost the ball. I’d be surprised if Seton Hall’s speedy guard corps don’t try to do the same.

In another thread, if I recall correctly, I suggested that Allie’s skill set doesn’t appear to include leading a press, the way UConn’s other guards all can. I may have used the phrase “top of the press” in that post, and perhaps a memory of it lingered here, like a semantic ghost. And just for the record, even this may change for Allie, if Geno finds a way to use her more aggressively even in his pressing sets.

Let me piggyback off your Jana comments. I think it’s a problem in WCBB, that rebounders bring the ball down, so it can be taken or tied up. Frankly, it’s the same problem one sees in youth basketball. In youth, it must be taught to protect the ball, which often is displayed as the ball is brought down and then shielded from defenders, which of course does not work. Obviously, the ball must be kept high.
Then, the ball is jarred loose and a scrum insues. I think it hurts the Women’s game to have these scrums. It is not aesthetically pleasing and it risks injury. I wish it could be legislated against. It happens a lot.
It happens out on the floor as well. I want to say that it is instinct to hit the floor when one loses control of the ball. Instant scrum. Remember Jana couldn’t control the pass to her at the top of the key. The pass led her by a step and she went down like a big sack of potatoes. It’s ugly and it’s dangerous. I remember Azzi tweaking her knee when a player fell right in front of her. The instinct in the women’s game of falling whenever control of the ball is lost, has to stop. It can be legislated out of the game. The Jana play can be a whistle and automatic turnover. The rebound play, unless a foul occurs can be whistle, turnover. If you bring it down and the ball is legally dislodged, whistle, turnover.
Get rid of many of these alternating possessions on jump balls and scrums. Diving after a loose ball is different, except many of these will be eliminated by a whistle and change of possession.
It hurts the game and players are getting hurt.

 

[NycUcWbbFan]

Live Stats &1:

• 1/3/2026: Seton Hall at UConn

&1 Live Stats for yet-to-be-played games are available via this schedule.

• The link is removed for played games.
• The schedule links are useful as to when pre-published links don’t work (as the case was for MI and Utah) as the game is in-progress.

 

[YKCornelius]

Tony Bozzella sounded very upbeat and more confident than usual in the pre-game show with Bob Joyce. Excited even. Hmmmmm....