Game Analysis - Game 9 - UConn vs Notre Dame

[Tonyc]

I have a gut feeling we're going to see Ash and Kaitlyn have big games tonite. Just a feeling. Paige will get everybody involved especially with all the attention she gonna receive from NDs defense. Down low we can make a statement with Ice Jana and Sarah. I have a good feeling about tonites game.

 

[Longtime fan]

Sensei, you’re back! Thank you again for another great analysis. This time, I only have one question: home court advantage. It’s clear ND will have this advantage, and their home court is particularly significant. Last season, we should have had this advantage, but many here think the weight of performing on homecoming weekend in front of all the alums somehow took it away. I don’t doubt this notion, but I am struck by it.

Also, a team full of freshmen is bound to be more vulnerable to this sort of pressure. The style of play Geno teaches is complex and I’m sure it requires a lot of concentration. Will our freshmen be able to concentrate? Sarah in particular, who seems quite the stoic in demeanor, will she get distracted by all the noise? Without Azzi, she’s the main X-factor who ND can’t matchup against. Paige can set a good example, but she’ll have her hands full with Sonia. Sarah really needs to shine tomorrow.

I don't think we can with this game with AZZI injured and not playing. ND has no match-up for her. Shade can be stopped.

 

[Cuango]

I think you are on to something there Bone Dog...UConn was very young last year when they faced the Irish at home and they didn't handle the pressure of ND's big three (Hildago, Citron, and Westbeld) very well. We will miss Azzi a lot more than one would think given the few games that she has been back...but, even if she was still finding her stride her loss has more to do with the fact that ND can now change their defense and they will be able to double on Paige. I agree that Azzi makes UConn a different team. If Azzi were playing she would stretch the floor and they couldn't leave her alone because of her ability to knock down the three. This is Strong's game to shine because I don't think ND has the right match-up for her. Paige will have to revert to her preseason claims that she was going to be a more selfish player and look for her shots earlier. I am a little concerned about the tandem play of Shade and Chen on Hildago and Miles. If UConn doesn't play team defense and cover for each other with effective switches and weak-side help ND's guard could be very troublesome for UConn. Finally, UConn has to be disruptive, hound the basketball, double team when possible, get into the passing lanes, and get some break-away steals. UConn needs to keep ND off balance, disrupt their offensive sets.

If ND does double Paige this could be a game where Ash steps up in a big way! I look for her (Ash) & Kaitlyn to have big games today!