This match-up with #15 Arkansas will present a different challenge than what #25 Tennessee presented to UConn. I believe this match-up challenge is actually more to UConn's liking in that while a back-court like Arkansas, which arguably could be the best back-court in the country is a difficult challenge it plays more favorably into UConn's strengths than Tennessee's size challenge. I believe teams that are as long as TN will always present a very young team like UConn a very difficult challenge.
Arkansas presents a double challenge to UConn because they are an extremely mature team starting 4 seniors, three of which are red shirt (5th year) seniors and a sophomore...while UConn starts three juniors (one of which is a red shirt 4th year) junior, one sophomore and one freshman.
Arkansas' tallest starter is 6'1...this should give UConn an advantage in the middle and I would expect UConn to pound the ball into the middle giving Olivia Nelson-Ododa and Aubrey Griffin a lot of opportunities to get their hands on the ball. Arkansas will rely on their speed to get the ball up fast and try and exploit the transition game.
UConn and Arkansas have one common opponent Tennessee. Arkansas was able to put up 83 points against Tennessee while UConn only put up 67 points. Given the fact that UConn players played under their season averages and Tennessee's size as well as the fact that the game was played away in front of a hostile crowd (albeit small) may have played a role in the low score. I don't know what to make of the differences displayed in their only common opponent.
I should add what I believe the outcome will be...UConn 81; Arkansas 74
Taylah Thomas vs Olivia Nelson-Ododa - This match-up pits 6'1" Taylah against 6'5" Olivia. Taylah hasn't proven to be an offensive threat so, I expect a huge advantage to go to Olivia. Evynn Barnum will split time with Taylah but together their point total don't equal Oliva's offensive output... With Olivia's height advantage I would look to her having a very productive game. ADVANTAGE UCONN
Chelsea Dungee vs Aubrey Griffin - Chelsea is a scoring machine but, given Aubrey's athleticism and her offensive effectiveness in the past 3-4 games...I do not think the difference will be that noticeable. In fact, Aubrey's defensive ability might prove to be challenging to Chelsea and she may be held below her season's average. EVEN
Destiny Slocum vs Christyn Williams - This is a great match-up. Destiny averages 15.2 points per game and 4.8 rebounds while Christyn Williams is averaging 15.6 points per game and 4.7 rebounds per game...they are technically the same player...however, Christyn has been of late embracing her role as the defacto leader of her team. I expect this match-up to a great defensive match-up...with each player trying to keep the other in front of them. I expect that UConn's pass first offense will play well in the half court while Arkansas's transition game will play well for them. In this match-up I will give a SLIGHT EDGE TO UCONN
Amber Ramirez vs Evina Westbrook - These players are statistically evenly matched with Evina being a little bit better rebounder. However, I think Evina is now beginning to round out into game shape. And I am looking for Evina to edge out her opponent in both offensive output and defensive effort. ADVANTAGE UCONN
Makayla Daniels vs Paige Bueckers - The battle of the underclassman...Sophomore vs Freshman. Thus far Paige has been having a better season statistically than Makayla. I am not sure how recovered Paige will be in this game or even if she will play. If she does play I expect Paige to win this match-up....if Nika Muhl is playing in her place then I would expect Makayla will win this match-up. So, for the time being I am assuming that Paige gets the start. ADVANTAGE UCONN
Coaching - ADVANTAGE UCONN
Intangibles / Location, etc. - Once again UConn is on the Road - ADVANTAGE ARKANSAS
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