Being a pragmatist/realist, I am looking at the game after Ireland plays Croatia: I predict a
rematch with Ukraine (I predict Ukraine losing to Great Britain in the next game on Saturday). Ireland
beat Ukraine 69 - 56 recently but Ukraine had a better FG % 35.7 % to 31.9 for the IRISH.
The " difference maker" was rebounding: Irish 49 to 41 with11 more for the Irish
on the offensive boards. Ireland also won the assist battle: 21 to 16 and the steals: 11 to 6,
and (surprisingly The Irish had fewer turnovers 16, 23 for Ukraine. Ukraine committed
28 fouls to Ireland's 20. Ireland also won the points off turnovers: 25 to 3 and the second
chance points 14 to 4. Despite the poorer FG % with the extra rebounding the IRISH were
able to get off 69 shots to Ukraine's 56. This will still be a problem game IMHO. In
many ways this was Ireland's best team effort (but not Gandy's best game: 4 points and
5 rebounds, 3 offensive). Sara Hickey # 6 had 22 points to lead the way for the IRISH. I did not
realize it at the time but perhaps with GANDY being doubled and tripled teamed, this
allowed Ms. Hickey to shine. However, I do not expect SARA HICKEY to repeat her 22 points, so
for the IRISH to Win and claim 7th place in the tournament, GANDY has to have a
solid game. How will the IRISH H.C. use her? How will the IRISH respond to the
added pressure? This could be a BARNBURNER or a straightforward win by
either side (again my opinion). GO IRISH, GO GANDY, GO UCONN. Nika probably
knows quite a few players on the Croatian team. Nika Rodek is # 8 and is the primary PG for
the Croatian with 6.6 assists per game. Nika is 5' 11".