Georgetown Postgame Thread

[donalddoowop]

Not averaging at least 20 points a quarter today makes me think this team will have trouble scoring against the better teams. That is what I always look for when UConn plays. UConn rarely loses when they score eighty points or more. Eighty points should not have been hard to reach against Georgetown. Yes, this was a disappointing game. I have seen lesser teams get the ball inside against a zone easier than UConn. Is it time to adjust the offense to fit the talent on this team? I wonder what Tonyc thinks about this game. One more thing, something I had thought about before, Griffin and Mir need to start giving a head fake sometimes when they go up for a shot under the basket. Usually, when their shot gets blocked, it results in a turnover.

 

[UConnCat]

Geno's update on Anna's health indicates she's been dealing with a problem for some time. I have to wonder how much her leg issue has impacted her movement and ability to shoot the ball.

Consistent with what I saw Thurs night. Anna's movement was off; she seemed to be favoring one of her legs.

 

[oldude]

Perhaps COVID is to blame but perhaps we should also hold these players more accountable. AE was frighteningly bad today. As you pointed out ONO resorted to that tomahawk chop today and was out hustled to several contested rebounds buy players that were 1/2 foot shorter than her when she had inside position. Nika first two fouls would qualify for assault in most of the 50 states. Quite honestly it was rather embarrassing that Geno had to resort to pressing for an entire half to generate some offense even more so that more than 1/2 (29 of 59) the UCONN shot attempts were from deep. I guess throughout the years we have been spoiled by growth from multiple players. It is kind of stunning when you don’t see it from any of these players.

I go back and forth on this. I know this is UConn and our expectations as well as Geno's are much higher than at most other programs. One poster mentioned that Aaliyah seemed to regress today, and I could not agree more. At the same time, I have no idea how these kids manage to keep their focus in a country where isolation, disease and death are ubiquitous.

As for this game specifically, I have the same confusion. On the one hand, UConn just played and won an emotional game in Knoxville on Thursday evening, probably not getting back to Storrs until early yesterday morning. I can't imagine they had much of a practice yesterday and then on to an early afternoon game today, without your best player and a key reserve. On the other hand, this was a mediocre Georgetown team that has only played 5 games so far this season.

I suspect these questions will persist all season. If and when we get to the Big Dance, the teams that do well in the tournament will likely be those teams who not only have talent, but can also remain healthy (Covid free) and, through pure luck, maintain some type of schedule continuity

 

[topogigio]

And why no Autumn? That kid can do no worse than many who were out there, plus she can make a three!

 

[Ron and Vida]

The two things, field general and shoot maker, are hardly incompatible. Today it was standing around on the perimeter passing it between 3 or 4 of them: you shoot, no you shoot then try to cram it inside! Not a style I recognize for the Huskies.

I’m no expert but the Huskies having problems with their half course offense against the zone defense has been a persistent issue for a while

 

[Blue Huskie]

As for this game specifically, I have the same confusion. On the one hand, UConn just played and won an emotional game in Knoxville on Thursday evening, probably not getting back to Storrs until early yesterday morning. I can't imagine they had much of a practice yesterday and then on to an early afternoon game today, without your best player and a key reserve. On the other hand, this was a mediocre Georgetown team that has only played 5 games so far this season.

To me this is the reason for the lack of sharpness. This is the classic "Letdown" game after TENN . And then take away 2 rotation players. To expect to see a well oiled machine today was crazy.

 

[Littlemin]

I will try to be quasi-diplomatic here but boy talk about an entitled, unrealistic fan base. Undefeated or not, right now, this is a good, not remotely great, team. They are young, and today, outside of Westbrook got very pedestrian, mediocre games from their experienced players, up and down games from Griffith and Muhl and little from anyone else. Not unexpected.
Many people here seem to have little or no respect for opponents, the fact is Georgetown came out in the second half and played hard with pride and made plays to generate some scoring. I will give them credit for the 2nd half.

 

[Bigboote]

Yes, the second half was awful, but there were some hopeful signs in the game. The offense was stagnant, but the first-half defense was really good. They obviously made a concerted effort to make up for what they were lacking.

I thought Muhl looked 100% better than she has. She stopped a lot of dribble drives, which she hadn't been doing in earlier games, played some good team defense.

This is a very young team; they had three freshmen on the court for a lot of the game, so I think we need to temper our expectations a bit when they're missing their best player and another who really helps the flow on offense.

Let's hope Paige is back for the Arky game and Anna isn't far behind.

 

[tkaes]

Williams. 2 of 12 3 pointers Ugg

And 7 of 18 on FGs, double Ugg. Only 2 RBs, triple Ugg

 

[veryolddog]

Well.....they won. That is a good thing. I like Evina. I like Nika. Glad to see her play and score a couple of three point shots. She seem to move the ball and play with passion. I liked Olivia make 3 point shots as a strategy to draw people out. I like watching Chrystin. I like watching Aubrey. I like that Mir got in to play and also Alyiah Edwards who plays with bulldog tenacity.

Geno could be upset walking away from the National Championship game holding the trophy in his arms saying that the his team is uncoachable and played like crap. I am just so use to him being totally unsatisfied with the team play. But, underneath, he has got to have some positives to take away. He just does not tell anyone.

Looking forward to Arkansas. Should be fun.

 

[CocoHusky]

I will try to be quasi-diplomatic here but boy talk about an entitled, unrealistic fan base. Undefeated or not, right now, this is a good, not remotely great, team. They are young, and today, outside of Westbrook got very pedestrian, mediocre games from their experienced players, up and down games from Griffith and Muhl and little from anyone else. Not unexpec
Many people here seem to have little or no respect for opponents, the fact is Georgetown came out in the second half and played hard with pride and made plays to generate some scoring. I will give them credit for the 2nd half.

You don’t have to be diplomatic. We are an entitled (you word) spoiled ( my word) fan base. I would have to challenge that word “unrealistic’. It is not unrealistic to expect Geno’players to show growth and improvement over a season and as they progress from freshman to seniors. Player improvement has been the foundation of this program.

 

[Shenandoah]

Why in the world did Geno still have ONO, and Christyn, (and Nika-but I get it with her), still in the game when, with 4 minutes left,and a nearly 40 point lead, he could have played Piath and Autumn.

*It's rhetorical: I don't need to hear the same old "playing time is a reward for practicing well". It's only been 1 day since UT, and 2 guards were out injured.

 

[Littlemin]

You don’t have to be diplomatic. We are an entitled (you word) spoiled ( my word) fan base. I would have to challenge that word “unrealistic’. It is not unrealistic to expect Geno’players to show growth and improvement over a season and as they progress from freshman to seniors. Player improvement has been the foundation of this program.

Very fair point, my reference to unrealistic was aimed more at the reaction to the 2nd half of today‘s game.

 

[FridaFriend]

Usually I'm amused at Geno's antics at the halftime interview, when he is dissatisfied with the team's performance. But today I just thought he was just grumpy and abrasive.

In junior high, I had a math teacher who said "If one or two people flunk a quiz, it's their fault. If everyone fails, it's the teacher's fault." Today was Geno's fault.

 

[and one]

This was a B team beating a D+ team in a boring game. Nothing remotely exciting happened. Not a single highlight play. I'm glad Muhl got starting minutes and that she hit a few threes, but in the end we now know she is ok but no better as yet. Biggest mystery: why ONO didn't get 10 bunnies down low. If she wasn't willing to use her height to overpower GTown she won't against any other team. AE is a big, ONO is not.

 

[psconn]

Um... ugh.

Geno must have considered long and hard putting Paige in boot and all.

 

[BobbyJ]

I'm not really surprised, this UConn team is pretty much what I expected preseason. For the most part this is basically the same level team as last year. They swapped out their two best players, Dangerfield and Walker for Bueckers and Westbrook. In overall effect it's basically a wash but against good teams, Dangerfield's experience will be missed. Without ONO their interior defense is non existent and they've got very little inside offense. ONO and Williams have barely progressed if at all and Edwards could've potentially been the biggest improvement especially inside but she's just not there yet. As for bench contribution, Muhl and McLean are basically Bent and Irwin. The other top 4-5 teams are not as good as last year but UConn will struggle to get to the FF. Elite 8 is a realistic goal IMO.

 

[Wilderness]

Usually I'm amused at Geno's antics at the halftime interview, when he is dissatisfied with the team's performance. But today I just thought he was just grumpy and abrasive.

In junior high, I had a math teacher who said "If one or two people flunk a quiz, it's their fault. If everyone fails, it's the teacher's fault." Today was Geno's fault.

I wouldn't go as far as "fault", but Geno seems in a funk lately - negative without a hint of redemptive humor or good nature. He recruited these athletes. I don't think there's often a moment when a UWBB player isn't making full effort. I'm with you on "grumpy and abrasive."

 

[hoopsfan22]

Usually I'm amused at Geno's antics at the halftime interview, when he is dissatisfied with the team's performance. But today I just thought he was just grumpy and abrasive.

In junior high, I had a math teacher who said "If one or two people flunk a quiz, it's their fault. If everyone fails, it's the teacher's fault." Today was Geno's fault.

Maybe he is just tired of coaching after doing it for the better part of four decades? Plus he's old. Isn't grumpy the normal disposition for people in their late-60s and older?

 

[Kaizen]

 

[CocoHusky]

Usually I'm amused at Geno's antics at the halftime interview, when he is dissatisfied with the team's performance. But today I just thought he was just grumpy and abrasive.

In junior high, I had a math teacher who said "If one or two people flunk a quiz, it's their fault. If everyone fails, it's the teacher's fault." Today was Geno's fault.

In JV basketball I had a coach tell me he can prepare me but he can’t go out there and play for me. Geno was grumpy and abrasive back then too, but he was also correct.

 

[HopJim]

Sort of agree with you. I usually am anxious waiting for the replays to be posted but after this game, not too anxious. I will watch it and just have to admit that it wasn't a game with a whole bunch of highlights.

I was also wondering why we weren't in a zone defense more. In the first half it seemed like it was working but we were in man defense a lot more, it seemed. Could be because of who was on the court? Same with the full court pressure.

Seems like every game we go to zone we do well, then Geno goes back to man to man and our opposition goes on a run. Switching away from zone to man at TN almost cost us the game. I know Geno has always favored man defense but the trend is consistent.

 

[CocoHusky]

Seems like every game we go to zone we do well, then Geno goes back to man to man and our opposition goes on a run. Switching away from zone to man at TN almost cost us the game. I know Geno has always favored man defense but the trend is consistent.

I think you have that backwards mostly. The switch to zone was what save our behinds against TN. Prior to switching to zone we were giving up offensive rebounds like they going out of style and Rae Burrell was on her way to being POY.

 

[Woof 101]

I’m really unsure whether or not it’s a good thing Liv knocked down two 3’s today………

It can't be a bad thing, Geno has been begging for someone who can make 3's so you know they have been practicing them a lot. Last game maybe not such a good idea when they are not falling, but in a game like today where they were dominating why not? A big that can consistently make the tres can raise havoc with the opponents defense. She does not have the body mass of AE so if she can create a mismatch from out side I hope it develops as part of her game. As long as she follows by going to the hoop for a rebound of course.

UConn Full Box Score

No attack mattlow 710 but that had a typo or seven. Here is another.

UConn 72-41 Georgetown (Jan 23, 2021) Box Score - ESPN

Box score for the UConn Huskies vs. Georgetown Hoyas NCAAW game from January 23, 2021 on ESPN. Includes all points, rebounds and steals stats.

www.espn.com

Taking that many 3’s? No thanks. I hope that’s not going to be a new regular occurrence!

No attack here either but I disagree, the 3 has become a very important part of the game. They need to develop the part of the game and today was a good day to work on it. I'm sure Geno will address the situation if needed.

A win is just that, take it and move on. The thing that upset me the most today was when they would put the camera on Paige. Even with the mask on you could see in her eyes she was not a happy camper. Hope her and Anna are both back asap.
I have no problem with an off game that is still a blowout after a tough over hyped game. Some have to realize the age of the players and the fact they are students with multiple obligations in very trying times. Maybe I'm being soft as I never was as a player or a coach but I'm giving them a mulligan on this one.

 

[eebmg]

Geno Post Game Presser. Alot of Dripping Sarcasm

Like at the end, he is going to the Mens College Hockey game and he expects the passing to be much better. Maybe he should have his team make passes with hockey sticks.


My Personal Favorite

When asked about whether he is ok about Liv and Aubrey taking 3's, he is reasonably supportive and says that is how the game is evolving but then the follow up that these shots are taken so early in the shot clock.
Geno said your question shows you are being nostalgic. Keep in mind if our team makes 3 or 4 more passes, the other team will be taking the 3pt shot. 😂😂

 

[Puppy Love]

I'm not really surprised, this UConn team is pretty much what I expected preseason. For the most part this is basically the same level team as last year. They swapped out their two best players, Dangerfield and Walker for Bueckers and Westbrook. In overall effect it's basically a wash but against good teams, Dangerfield's experience will be missed. Without ONO their interior defense is non existent and they've got very little inside offense. ONO and Williams have barely progressed if at all and Edwards could've potentially been the biggest improvement especially inside but she's just not there yet. As for bench contribution, Muhl and McLean are basically Bent and Irwin. The other top 4-5 teams are not as good as last year but UConn will struggle to get to the FF. Elite 8 is a realistic goal IMO.

At least from what we see on TV, chemistry seems much better this year. I know it’s January, but we haven’t played that many games. It‘s just too early to know what can be in the future.

 

[Boreifs]

Player of the Game: Christyn Williams!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

????????????????????

 

[HopJim]

Curious comment by Geno about UCONN having players that don’t respond to coaching. I sense his frustration is growing because of what he doesn’t see: can point to a player that has improved since the beginning of the season ( perhaps Evina) and can’t point to a single returning player that is playing significantly better than last year. That is not normal for UCONN WBB teams and probably what Geno meant when he said that makes UCONN a lot like other programs- perish the thought.

While Geno is on top of my list for coaches, I have to wonder why he doesn't have any plays for the bigs, particularly when Aubrey and ONO are in game. After TN, someone mentioned a two low scheme, one where they pass to each other. I love Aubrey starting but when she doesn't get any offensive rebounds,

Tough game to watch. Really didn't look like UCONN brand of basketball. Perhaps the players a bit tired and emotionally drained from the Tennessee game. I was hoping for better leadership and execution especially given the talent gap between the two teams. My thoughts on the players:

• Liv - Even though her stats were decent I didn't think Liv played a great game. She has some baffling plays for someone who should dominate a team such as Georgetown. She seems hesitant to mix it up in the post and settles now with jump shooting, which is fine if she's playing against someone like A. Boston, but not against Georgetown. Her aggressiveness just wasn't there tonight, where you'd want her to say "i'm going to score 50 on these guys"
• CWill - Also played Ok. final stat line was ok, but boy her 3 pt shooting was not there today, even worse than usual and all of them were pretty open shots. Without Paige and Anna, we are a dreadfully bad shooting team. I'm beginning to accept that she's a good No.2 or No. 3 on a good husky team, but is not consistent enough for her to be a no.1. Hope to get at least 1 of those two back for Arkansas.
• Evina - She plays under control almost always and can do so many things even on a bad knee. She won't wow anyone with her athleticism but she has just enough to make her game very effective. I think after Paige, I believe she will end up being the second best 3 point shooter on the team. Anna could be there but she just doesn't get enough minutes now and with her hesitancy to shoot most games, I'm really hoping E can be that 35-40% 3 pt shooter behind Paige. We desperately need that additional threat on the perimeter especially since ONO has shown to be ineffective against good bigs.
• Aubrey - Solid game, performed as I expected. If she can ever give us a consistent mid range game, with an occasional 3 pointer, I think this is the AG we will get for the rest of the season.
• Nika - She had an up and down game. I really want to root for the kid, but to be honest I think she's a slightly better player than Molly Bent. Her first quarter, I really thought she add no value to the team, since offensively it was 4 against 5. Defensively she was getting beat by her man on multiple occasions. She played better in different stretches, but I just don't feel confident that she will be impactful when UCONN plays the better teams. I hope she can get better during her time here, but right now she to me is really the 8th or 9th best player on the team.
• AEdwards - She seems to have regressed a little this game. She feels a little unsure of herself, especially against zone, and her feel around the basket seems to have gotten worse since the beginning of the year. Not sure if the focus is as sharp, but i'm hoping that she gets more minutes and have more plays run for her, because she needs to be an important piece for us to make it to the FF or win a national championship.
• Mir - She had good effort today. Still very raw in terms of offensive understanding, but she's down low with bigger players most of the time when she has opportunity to score. What would help is her ability to play around the foul line with a jumper and draw the defense and either shoot when defense sags or drive finish or drive dish.
• Piath i thought did decently with her minutes. A couple of nice defensive plays.

Good assessments. Have to agree regarding Nika - she does not appear to have either the offensive or defensive skills of low D1 level guards. Recommend that we put in some plays between Aubrey and ONO since the high low offense is bogging down. Geno keeps saying the players aren't following his coaching but how long does it take to see that the current schemes for the two bigs is not working. We are winning but don't expect this to continue against the better teams.

 

[hoopsfan22]

????????????????????

I don't work for SNY. If you disagree with their pick for POG, you gotta lodge your complaint with them.

 

[HopJim]

I wouldn't go as far as "fault", but Geno seems in a funk lately - negative without a hint of redemptive humor or good nature. He recruited these athletes. I don't think there's often a moment when a UWBB player isn't making full effort. I'm with you on "grumpy and abrasive."

Coco, I agree that the 4th Q zone saved us - after this move we went up by 9. The last few minutes, we went back to man. That was when TN went on their run that got it down to 2 (prior to Paige's clutch 3).