Game Analysis - NCAA - Game 5 - UConn v. South Carolina

[cferraro04]

GENERAL COMMENTS:

Well, here we go with the first of two well-anticipated games. First, I wondered how we would fare against South Carolina this season, given our lopsided victory in last year's NCAA tournament on April 6th, where UConn defeated South Carolina 82-59. Both Azzi and Sarah had 24 points each in that one. Something tells me we will need a repeat performance from them if we are going to do it again this year. I am sure Dawn and the rest of the coaching staff are using that loss to motivate this year's version of the Gamecocks to bring their "A" game.

Statistically, it is easy to see that South Carolina is no pushover. They average 87.1 points, 42.5 rebounds, 18.4 assists, and 9.6 steals per game, while at the same time they take good care of the basketball with only 12.8 turnovers per game. They are ranked number 3 in RPI, and their strength of schedule is ranked 7th in the country. Their NET ranking is 3, and their defensive ranking is 6. This is going to be a tough game for both UConn and South Carolina. When I look at the team stats for UConn, I am impressed by how similar these two teams are. UConn averages 87.9 points, 37.7 rebounds, 23.4 assists, and 15.7 steals with only 12.7 turnovers per game. While the stats are very similar, UConn clearly distinguishes itself from South Carolina in the assists and steals categories, while South Carolina shows its dominance on the boards by averaging 42.5 rebounds per game. UConn is ranked number 4 in the RPI ratings. Its strength of schedule is 25th in the country. UConn's NET rating is 1, and they have the number one-rated defense in the country.

South Carolina starts three seniors, one junior, and one sophomore. They have plenty of height, good guards, great coaching, a decent bench, and a sophomore phenom in Joyce Edwards, which makes them formidable, and if UConn is going to prevail, they will have to bring their "A" game.

PLAYER MATCH UPS:

Serah Williams, 6'4" - Senior Forward v. Madina Okat, 6'6" - Senior Center - Madina is a capable big who averages a double-double, 13.2 points, 10.8 rebounds per game. She also averages 1.0 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game. This may be a game where Geno has no choice but to go with Jana El-Alfy early, as he may want a big body to limit her touches, and he may also want to limit foul exposure to his bigs. Serah averages 6.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, .7 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game. Even with UConn providing help under the basket, it is still... ADVANTAGE - SOUTH CAROLINA

Sarah Strong, 6'2" - Sophomore Forward v. Joyce Edwards, 6'3" - Sophomore Forward - This will be an exciting match-up between the two sophomore phenoms...my money, however, is on the national player of the year, Sarah Strong. Joyce averages 19.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.1 blocks. To date, Joyce has not added the long-range shot to her repertoire. Sarah is averaging 18.6 points, 1.6 three-pointers, 7.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 3.4 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game. Sarah's overall stats are certainly what you would expect from a player who was selected as the national player of the year by multiple selection committees. ADVANTAGE - UCONN

Azzi Fudd, 5'11" - Graduate Guard v. Tessa Johnson, 6'0" - Junior Guard - Tessa is having a great season, averaging 12.9 points, 2.5 three-pointers, 3.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, .7 steals, and .3 steals per game. Azzi is averaging 17.5 points, 3.0 three-pointers, and 2.6 rebounds. 3.1 assists, 2.6 steals, and .5 blocks per game. These are pretty guady stats in their own right. ADVANTAGE - UCONN

Ashlynn Shade, 5'10" - Junior Guard v. Ta'Niya Latson, 5'9" - Senior Guard - Ta'Niya averages a team second-best 14.4 points, .8 three-pointers, 2.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.7 steals, and .3 blocks. Ashlynn averages 7.6 points, 1.3 three-pointers, 3.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.8 steals, and .1 steals per game. ADVANTAGE - EVEN

KK Arnold, 5'9" - Junior Guard v. Raven Johnson, 5'9" - Senior Guard - Raven is the heart and soul of the South Carolina team. Raven averages 10.2 points, 1.1 three-pointers, 4.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.5 steals, and .6 steals per game. KK averages 7.1 points, .5 three-pointers, 2.2 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 2.7 steals, and .1 blocks per game. I would normally give the advantage to Raven, but KK's on-ball defense will probably make life difficult for Raven. ADVANTAGE - EVEN

BENCH:

South Carolina has a lot of height on the bench and will essentially play five players off the bench: Agot Makeer, 6'1" - 18 minutes; Alicia Tournebize, 6'7" - minutes; Maryam Dauda, 6'4" - 11 minutes; Ayla McDowell, 6'1" - 14 minutes; and Maddy McDaniel, 5'9" - 19 minutes. Collectively, South Carolina's bench averages: 22.8 points, 2.6 three-pointers, 12.7 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 3.4 steals, and 2.2 blocks per game.

UConn will then likely bring 4 players off the bench: Blanca Quinones, 6'2" - 20.4 minutes; Allie Ziebel, 6'0" - 18.5 minutes; Kayleigh Heckel, 5'9" - 18.8 minutes; Jana El-Alfy, 6'5" - 11.6 minutes. Collectively, UConn's bench averages: 29.3 points, 3.0 three-pointers, 12 rebounds, 7.1 assists, 4.7 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game. ADVANTAGE - UCONN

COACHING:

Both coaching staffs are excellent, both are capable of making half-time adjustments that can impact the 2nd half play, both coaches have the players that allow them the flexibility of changing up the combination of players on the floor. ADVANTAGE - EVEN

SCORE:

UCONN - 79
SOUTH CAROLINA - 72
MOV - 7

 

[kidfrom360]

Great analysis, as always. I am curious to see if Geno goes with Jana a little bit more to match Okat's size and physicality, similar to how they played Lauren Betts last year. Jana came up big for us when it counted against ND, by helping secure the Offensive rebounds down the stretch and that will be key this game to add more size in the paint and mitigate them from getting second chance opportunities.

I think both Sarah, Azzi and Ashlyn find their shooting touch again this game and we win:

UCONN 82
South Carolina 69
MOV 13

 

[Next 12]

Thank you for a Highly detailed analysis of both teams. My thoughts are not analytical, but more of personalities and feelings. Uconn has the upper hand from last years victories. S.Carolina on paper is devastating and lost to Uconn twice. The revenge factor comes in play as SC feels they have to avenge last year and will try like Hell. On Uconn's side is their history and achievements in BB and the knowledge that they have the BEST coach in history. Both teams can score and both teams can defend, So I say it is what the players think and are able to achieve and I believe that is in Uconn's favor. GO HUSKIES!!!!!

 

[Bone Dog]

Thanks sensei. You have me thinking about the guard comparison. Raven and Taniya both score better than KK and Ash. They are also very good defenders. The thing is, KK and Ash don’t have to outscore Raven and Taniya to prevail. All they have to do is keep them under their averages. If Taniya and Raven don’t contribute their 25 points, it hurts SC a lot more than if KK and Ash don’t contribute their 15 points. Even if SC wins every other matchup, as long as they’re close, the loss of even half of those 25 points will be enough to cost them the game.

As it is, I expect Sarah to outscore Joyce by a little and Azzi to outscore Tessa by a lot. Of course, Madina will probably outscore Serah and Jana by a lot. And I expect Blanca to be too much for Agot and Ayla and even Joyce — she’s unaccounted for on SC’s roster, which is a familiar experience.

I don’t know what the margin will be. It may be close or it may be double digits. But I suspect UConn will be on the plus side of it. This is something Geno has said in previous seasons, that the role players often make the difference. This may be one of those games, and KK and Ash could be that difference.

 

[bayern7]

It will be interesting to see the defensive match up of Ash on Ta’Niya. Ash’s defense and movement have improved this year. But Ta’Niya could cause problems for her on that end. Could see Geno going to K9 to guard Raven and moving KK on to Ta’Niya for stretches.

Blanca could once again be the IT factor given the mismatches her and Sarah can create when they’re on the floor together.

I think this game will be a lot tougher for us than last years matchup with them. SC has added/developed some really solid pieces and they now have a more balanced inside/out build (same can be said of UCLA), should be a great game.

 

[Cuango]

Tough game but as I said somewhere else, if we play anywhere close to our best, we should win. That’s really the bottom line. Will we play at a high level? If so we should be headed for the final. I am mostly concerned about foul trouble and/or injuries and Refs! Go Huskies!

 

[Bone Dog]

I think this game will be a lot tougher for us than last years matchup with them. SC has added/developed some really solid pieces and they now have a more balanced inside/out build (same can be said of UCLA), should be a great game.

Exactly. It was easier to see after the game last season, but SC was not a well-balanced team. Dauda and Tac were only role players. The core of the frontcourt was not overpowering: Joyce Saniya and Chloe. None over 6’3”. The loss of Chloe to injury this season as well as the non-return of Ashlyn Watkins looked to be a blow for this season. But it turned out that Dawn was able to integrate Madina and Agot much more effectively than might have been expected. They are now stronger and quicker and longer than last season, and have more scoring balance. It also doesn’t hurt that Joyce has upped her already excellent game considerably from last season and Raven is having her best season yet.

The good news is that both Sarah and Azzi are having their best seasons, considerably better than last season. And then there’s Blanca. And the 1 & 2 spots are more or less equivalent to last season with Kayleigh playing Kaitlyn’s role. We also seem not to have upgraded our 5 position from last season. So, our chances ride on the improvement of our new Big Three being more significant than the loss of Paige.

 

[Tngamecock]

GENERAL COMMENTS:

Well, here we go with the first of two well-anticipated games. First, I wondered how we would fare against South Carolina this season, given our lopsided victory in last year's NCAA tournament on April 6th, where UConn defeated South Carolina 82-59. Both Azzi and Sarah had 24 points each in that one. Something tells me we will need a repeat performance from them if we are going to do it again this year. I am sure Dawn and the rest of the coaching staff are using that loss to motivate this year's version of the Gamecocks to bring their "A" game.

Statistically, it is easy to see that South Carolina is no pushover. They average 87.1 points, 42.5 rebounds, 18.4 assists, and 9.6 steals per game, while at the same time they take good care of the basketball with only 12.8 turnovers per game. They are ranked number 3 in RPI, and their strength of schedule is ranked 7th in the country. Their NET ranking is 3, and their defensive ranking is 6. This is going to be a tough game for both UConn and South Carolina. When I look at the team stats for UConn, I am impressed by how similar these two teams are. UConn averages 87.9 points, 37.7 rebounds, 23.4 assists, and 15.7 steals with only 12.7 turnovers per game. While the stats are very similar, UConn clearly distinguishes itself from South Carolina in the assists and steals categories, while South Carolina shows its dominance on the boards by averaging 42.5 rebounds per game. UConn is ranked number 4 in the RPI ratings. Its strength of schedule is 25th in the country. UConn's NET rating is 1, and they have the number one-rated defense in the country.

South Carolina starts three seniors, one junior, and one sophomore. They have plenty of height, good guards, great coaching, a decent bench, and a sophomore phenom in Joyce Edwards, which makes them formidable, and if UConn is going to prevail, they will have to bring their "A" game.

PLAYER MATCH UPS:

Serah Williams, 6'4" - Senior Forward v. Madina Okat, 6'6" - Senior Center - Madina is a capable big who averages a double-double, 13.2 points, 10.8 rebounds per game. She also averages 1.0 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game. This may be a game where Geno has no choice but to go with Jana El-Alfy early, as he may want a big body to limit her touches, and he may also want to limit foul exposure to his bigs. Serah averages 6.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, .7 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game. Even with UConn providing help under the basket, it is still... ADVANTAGE - SOUTH CAROLINA

Sarah Strong, 6'2" - Sophomore Forward v. Joyce Edwards, 6'3" - Sophomore Forward - This will be an exciting match-up between the two sophomore phenoms...my money, however, is on the national player of the year, Sarah Strong. Joyce averages 19.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.1 blocks. To date, Joyce has not added the long-range shot to her repertoire. Sarah is averaging 18.6 points, 1.6 three-pointers, 7.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 3.4 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game. Sarah's overall stats are certainly what you would expect from a player who was selected as the national player of the year by multiple selection committees. ADVANTAGE - UCONN

Azzi Fudd, 5'11" - Graduate Guard v. Tessa Johnson, 6'0" - Junior Guard - Tessa is having a great season, averaging 12.9 points, 2.5 three-pointers, 3.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, .7 steals, and .3 steals per game. Azzi is averaging 17.5 points, 3.0 three-pointers, and 2.6 rebounds. 3.1 assists, 2.6 steals, and .5 blocks per game. These are pretty guady stats in their own right. ADVANTAGE - UCONN

Ashlynn Shade, 5'10" - Junior Guard v. Ta'Niya Latson, 5'9" - Senior Guard - Ta'Niya averages a team second-best 14.4 points, .8 three-pointers, 2.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.7 steals, and .3 blocks. Ashlynn averages 7.6 points, 1.3 three-pointers, 3.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.8 steals, and .1 steals per game. ADVANTAGE - EVEN

KK Arnold, 5'9" - Junior Guard v. Raven Johnson, 5'9" - Senior Guard - Raven is the heart and soul of the South Carolina team. Raven averages 10.2 points, 1.1 three-pointers, 4.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.5 steals, and .6 steals per game. KK averages 7.1 points, .5 three-pointers, 2.2 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 2.7 steals, and .1 blocks per game. I would normally give the advantage to Raven, but KK's on-ball defense will probably make life difficult for Raven. ADVANTAGE - EVEN

BENCH:

South Carolina has a lot of height on the bench and will essentially play five players off the bench: Agot Makeer, 6'1" - 18 minutes; Alicia Tournebize, 6'7" - minutes; Maryam Dauda, 6'4" - 11 minutes; Ayla McDowell, 6'1" - 14 minutes; and Maddy McDaniel, 5'9" - 19 minutes. Collectively, South Carolina's bench averages: 22.8 points, 2.6 three-pointers, 12.7 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 3.4 steals, and 2.2 blocks per game.

UConn will then likely bring 4 players off the bench: Blanca Quinones, 6'2" - 20.4 minutes; Allie Ziebel, 6'0" - 18.5 minutes; Kayleigh Heckel, 5'9" - 18.8 minutes; Jana El-Alfy, 6'5" - 11.6 minutes. Collectively, UConn's bench averages: 29.3 points, 3.0 three-pointers, 12 rebounds, 7.1 assists, 4.7 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game. ADVANTAGE - UCONN

COACHING:

Both coaching staffs are excellent, both are capable of making half-time adjustments that can impact the 2nd half play, both coaches have the players that allow them the flexibility of changing up the combination of players on the floor. ADVANTAGE - EVEN

SCORE:

UCONN - 79
SOUTH CAROLINA - 72
MOV - 7

So you think KK is even with Raven? Okie dokie

 

[bayern7]

Exactly. It was easier to see after the game last season, but SC was not a well-balanced team. Dauda and Tac were only role players. The core of the frontcourt was not overpowering: Joyce Saniya and Chloe. None over 6’3”. The loss of Chloe to injury this season as well as the non-return of Ashlyn Watkins looked to be a blow for this season. But it turned out that Dawn was able to integrate Madina and Agot much more effectively than might have been expected. They are now stronger and quicker and longer than last season, and have more scoring balance. It also doesn’t hurt that Joyce has upped her already excellent game considerably from last season and Raven is having her best season yet.

The good news is that both Sarah and Azzi are having their best seasons, considerably better than last season. And then there’s Blanca. And the 1 & 2 spots are more or less equivalent to last season with Kayleigh playing Kaitlyn’s role. We also seem not to have upgraded our 5 position from last season. So, our chances ride on the improvement of our new Big Three being more significant than the loss of Paige.

Totally agree, a more detailed breakdown of what I was referring to with the development and additions. Dawn did well to her credit, and we know SC teams play hard. That’s why with all the pundits on TV talking about how we basically already won the chip and no one can stop us. Just have to play the games. I don’t agree, I have confidence in our gals, but the other one seeds are formidable and I do think both SC and UCLA are better than they were last year. And we lost Paige and Kaitlyn who both played huge roles in that run. Kaitlyn was really underrated in her role on that team IMO. Guard play wins chips, and SCs guards have been playing quite well, and have great chemistry. So I expect a much closer game than last time around.

 

[boontonbomber]

Don't understand how you have Shade and Latson even, or Johnson and KK. But UConn will win, as I expect Blanca will continue to have no fear. My only fear is Strong getting into foul trouble with SC's bigs.

 

[browns]

Advantage Latson over Shade and Johnson over KK and not even that close offensively

 

[Bigo-Nel]

KK and Shade have to have 20pts combined and it's a blowout!!

 

[NycUcWbbFan]

UConn vs South Carolina (Elite Eight) | Torvik Stats Legend

Connecticut Huskies | Torvik | SRSCB

• Pre-Final Four Stats

South Carolina Gamecocks | Torvik | SRCBB

• 11/27/2025: TEX 66, CAR 64 - FINAL
• 12/4/2025: SC 79, LOU 77 - FINAL
• 1/15/2026: TEX 65, USC 68 - FINAL
• 1/22/2026: SCAR 82, OU 94 - FINAL
• 2/14/2026: USC 79, LSU 72 - FINAL
• 3/6/2026: UK 64, USC 87 - FINAL
• 3/7/2026: LSU 77, USC 83 - FINAL
• 3/8/2026: TEX 78, USC 61 - FINAL
• 3/23/2026: South Carolina vs USC
• 3/28/2026: South Carolina vs Oklahoma
• 3/30/2026: South Carolina vs TCU

 

[Cuango]

Advantage Latson over Shade and Johnson over KK and not even that close offensively

Latson goes off in the last game and suddenly she’s going to beat our a**? All year we’ve seen (and heard) how KK & Ash routinely shut down virtually everyone they play against and suddenly Latson is sure to score 28 again? Latson can’t tie Hidalgo’s shoes and they did pretty well against her. I have a very hard time thinking they won’t handle Latson and Johnson. I’m worried about fouls, injuries, their front court, our scoring dip over the last two games, and variables! (I’m fairly confident the shooting can be attributed to the Fort Worth syndrome; new rims sight lines & new balls!) Naive perhaps, but there it is.

Yes, SC has looked good but look at the teams in their bracket! USC, Oklahoma, and TCU! All tailor made for a team with elite defense and strong offense. I think SC had the easiest route to the FF of anyone. Does anyone doubt that we too would have smoked those three teams?

 

[dtbtbtb]

As both teams are very very good on defense, i think that the first team to 70 points, will win this game. Hopefully it is UConn

 

[Stagnant]

I think latson and Johnson have to have the edge. Better stats and certainly better ncaa tournament form. Both are about to be first round picks this year. Bench is even.

 

[Pharos]

I think latson and Johnson have to have the edge. Better stats and certainly better ncaa tournament form. Both are about to be first round picks this year. Bench is even.

I'm probably not following. "tournament form"? All the UConn players who won last year have good tournament form.

 

[H Dog]

Advantage Latson over Shade and Johnson over KK and not even that close offensively

I disagree, did you not see the horrific performances by Raven last year against us and KK’s great and efficient performances and Latson too when we played FSU was not effective or efficient at all. My only gripe with the matchup grades was Geno and Dawn being even, that’s what’s not even close imo.

 

[Stagnant]

I disagree, did you not see the horrific performances by Raven last year against us and KK’s great and efficient performances and Latson too when we played FSU was not effective or efficient at all. My only gripe with the matchup grades was Geno and Dawn being even, that’s what’s not even close imo.

What does “last year” have to do with anything?

It’s more important how players have played during the last 4 games.

 

[H Dog]

What does “last year” have to do with anything?

It’s more important how players have played during the last 4 games.

Oh really,I guess performances head to head in the past and our guards performances all season long don’t mean anything ? Your entitled to opinion as am I and we can agree to disagree.

 

[Cuango]

What does “last year” have to do with anything?

It’s more important how players have played during the last 4 games.

You don’t think there’s a difference between “We blew these guys out last year in this same game” and “These guys blew us out last year in this same game!”? I’m pretty sure I’d rather be in the former position! Obviously SC’s Latson & Johnson have outscored Ash & KK but they weren’t being guarded by Ash, KK, & Heckel at the time.

We will see, but I am way more worried about the front court and fouls than Latson and Johnson. Who really knows though? Now that I’ve said that, their backcourt will probably go off for 60 and their front court will struggle! Truth is, it’s simply going to come down to which team plays closest to their best.

 

[husky98]

Eveyone looks really good until they run into a buzzsaw defense.

 

[husky98]

I think latson and Johnson have to have the edge. Better stats and certainly better ncaa tournament form. Both are about to be first round picks this year. Bench is even.

I agree, raven and taniya are better offensive players than shade and kk. If I had to pick in a vacuum I'd take raven and taniya. In the old Jordan adage, you can't stop them, you can only hope to contain them, and for UConn that would be enough.

Also lets not forget Azzi's sweet 16 and elite 8 last year were rough. We know what she did in the final four and final.

UConn's bench has outscored SC's 126 to 100 in the first 4 tournament games. Its what makes up for the lack of production from KK and Ashlynn.

 

[cferraro04]

I think latson and Johnson have to have the edge. Better stats and certainly better ncaa tournament form. Both are about to be first round picks this year. Bench is even.

Latson and Johnson have the offensive edge statistically, 10.2 and 14.4, compared to 7.6 and 7.1, a differential of -9.9 in favor of So. Car. However, a head-to-head match-up isn't all about points. One has to wonder if both Latson and Johnson will hit their averages against the UConn defense. Finally, the UConn bench is +20 against So.Car. in this tournament. That looks like a wash to me...hence, the reason I called their match-ups a push. EVEN For anyone to say it isn't close, they just aren't paying attention.

 

[GamecockFam]

South Carolina fan here. It's fun reading opinions from the opponents viewpoint.

My personal thoughts are that Sarah and Azzi are clearly the best two players on the court but after that it gets fuzzy. I personally believe our five starters are better than UConn's #3 starter. So if I had to rank them it would be something like Sarah, Azzi, Joyce, Raven, Taniya, Tessa, Madina, KK, Ashlyn, Serah.

I don't think UConn has been tested by a defense of South Carolina's caliber, so it's hard to figure out how they would fare. North Carolina is probably the best defensive comp of a similar style, but I still think we're a few levels above their defense when comparing our size, length and athleticism.

Also, just looking at the UConn schedule, I don't see many teams with imposing post play, so I feel like UConn is fairly untested in that area as well. Iowa or North Carolina would probably be best comps and in both games it looks like the opponent won the rebounding battle.

Anyways, I think the top four teams are a step above the rest, so we kind of have to throw out the stat books as I don't think they'll be reliable in predicting the final four and title matchups. Most likely, I think South Carolina will try to take advantage of the Shade matchup against Latson and whoever is guarding Okot. I kind of see those as our exploitation points. Makeer could also be a weapon off the bench.

I think both teams will struggle to score and expect a game in the 60s. I'm predicting 68-64 Gamecocks.

 

[Stagnant]

That’s how I would rank the starting 5’s also.

 

[Dogstar]

GENERAL COMMENTS:

Well, here we go with the first of two well-anticipated games. First, I wondered how we would fare against South Carolina this season, given our lopsided victory in last year's NCAA tournament on April 6th, where UConn defeated South Carolina 82-59. Both Azzi and Sarah had 24 points each in that one. Something tells me we will need a repeat performance from them if we are going to do it again this year. I am sure Dawn and the rest of the coaching staff are using that loss to motivate this year's version of the Gamecocks to bring their "A" game.

Statistically, it is easy to see that South Carolina is no pushover. They average 87.1 points, 42.5 rebounds, 18.4 assists, and 9.6 steals per game, while at the same time they take good care of the basketball with only 12.8 turnovers per game. They are ranked number 3 in RPI, and their strength of schedule is ranked 7th in the country. Their NET ranking is 3, and their defensive ranking is 6. This is going to be a tough game for both UConn and South Carolina. When I look at the team stats for UConn, I am impressed by how similar these two teams are. UConn averages 87.9 points, 37.7 rebounds, 23.4 assists, and 15.7 steals with only 12.7 turnovers per game. While the stats are very similar, UConn clearly distinguishes itself from South Carolina in the assists and steals categories, while South Carolina shows its dominance on the boards by averaging 42.5 rebounds per game. UConn is ranked number 4 in the RPI ratings. Its strength of schedule is 25th in the country. UConn's NET rating is 1, and they have the number one-rated defense in the country.

South Carolina starts three seniors, one junior, and one sophomore. They have plenty of height, good guards, great coaching, a decent bench, and a sophomore phenom in Joyce Edwards, which makes them formidable, and if UConn is going to prevail, they will have to bring their "A" game.

PLAYER MATCH UPS:

Serah Williams, 6'4" - Senior Forward v. Madina Okat, 6'6" - Senior Center - Madina is a capable big who averages a double-double, 13.2 points, 10.8 rebounds per game. She also averages 1.0 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game. This may be a game where Geno has no choice but to go with Jana El-Alfy early, as he may want a big body to limit her touches, and he may also want to limit foul exposure to his bigs. Serah averages 6.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, .7 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game. Even with UConn providing help under the basket, it is still... ADVANTAGE - SOUTH CAROLINA

Sarah Strong, 6'2" - Sophomore Forward v. Joyce Edwards, 6'3" - Sophomore Forward - This will be an exciting match-up between the two sophomore phenoms...my money, however, is on the national player of the year, Sarah Strong. Joyce averages 19.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.1 blocks. To date, Joyce has not added the long-range shot to her repertoire. Sarah is averaging 18.6 points, 1.6 three-pointers, 7.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 3.4 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game. Sarah's overall stats are certainly what you would expect from a player who was selected as the national player of the year by multiple selection committees. ADVANTAGE - UCONN

Azzi Fudd, 5'11" - Graduate Guard v. Tessa Johnson, 6'0" - Junior Guard - Tessa is having a great season, averaging 12.9 points, 2.5 three-pointers, 3.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, .7 steals, and .3 steals per game. Azzi is averaging 17.5 points, 3.0 three-pointers, and 2.6 rebounds. 3.1 assists, 2.6 steals, and .5 blocks per game. These are pretty guady stats in their own right. ADVANTAGE - UCONN

Ashlynn Shade, 5'10" - Junior Guard v. Ta'Niya Latson, 5'9" - Senior Guard - Ta'Niya averages a team second-best 14.4 points, .8 three-pointers, 2.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.7 steals, and .3 blocks. Ashlynn averages 7.6 points, 1.3 three-pointers, 3.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.8 steals, and .1 steals per game. ADVANTAGE - EVEN

KK Arnold, 5'9" - Junior Guard v. Raven Johnson, 5'9" - Senior Guard - Raven is the heart and soul of the South Carolina team. Raven averages 10.2 points, 1.1 three-pointers, 4.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.5 steals, and .6 steals per game. KK averages 7.1 points, .5 three-pointers, 2.2 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 2.7 steals, and .1 blocks per game. I would normally give the advantage to Raven, but KK's on-ball defense will probably make life difficult for Raven. ADVANTAGE - EVEN

BENCH:

South Carolina has a lot of height on the bench and will essentially play five players off the bench: Agot Makeer, 6'1" - 18 minutes; Alicia Tournebize, 6'7" - minutes; Maryam Dauda, 6'4" - 11 minutes; Ayla McDowell, 6'1" - 14 minutes; and Maddy McDaniel, 5'9" - 19 minutes. Collectively, South Carolina's bench averages: 22.8 points, 2.6 three-pointers, 12.7 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 3.4 steals, and 2.2 blocks per game.

UConn will then likely bring 4 players off the bench: Blanca Quinones, 6'2" - 20.4 minutes; Allie Ziebel, 6'0" - 18.5 minutes; Kayleigh Heckel, 5'9" - 18.8 minutes; Jana El-Alfy, 6'5" - 11.6 minutes. Collectively, UConn's bench averages: 29.3 points, 3.0 three-pointers, 12 rebounds, 7.1 assists, 4.7 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game. ADVANTAGE - UCONN

COACHING:

Both coaching staffs are excellent, both are capable of making half-time adjustments that can impact the 2nd half play, both coaches have the players that allow them the flexibility of changing up the combination of players on the floor. ADVANTAGE - EVEN

SCORE:

UCONN - 79
SOUTH CAROLINA - 72
MOV - 7

So you think tht Dawn is equal with Geno? ..on what planet?

 

[cferraro04]

So you think tht Dawn is equal with Geno? ..on what planet?

Let's say when both teams have the horses, the coaching staff advantage becomes somewhat negligible. Whatever perceived deficiency you see in Dawn is minimized when you have elite players executing on both sides of the basketball.

 

[Dogstar]

"I don't think UConn has been tested by a defense of South Carolina's caliber"

Well with UConn having the best defensive in the nation (plus the highest scoring offense) it's hard to believe that SC has played a team of UConns caliber. But we'll see.

 

[Dogstar]

Let's say when both teams have the horses, the coaching staff advantage becomes somewhat negligible. Whatever perceived deficiency you see in Dawn is minimized when you have elite players executing on both sides of the basketball.

Tht may be true, but on the other side we also have an X-factor who plays starter minutes and who's a matchup nightmare both offensively and defensively. 🤔