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Message: [QUOTE="connie, post: 2634389, member: 7882"] Agreed. In addition, aside from a big body low (maybe two?), you need really tight and aggressive defense, pushing UConn's shooters back from the perimeter, staying close, not allowing easy looks, forcing contested shots. With that approach and a big down low, it forces UConn to go with the mid-range shot. That is not necessarily among UConn's strengths (Lou and Crystal are reliable from 15 feet out; less so Phees and Gabby; Kia is more of a spot-up shooter; shooting off the dribble is not her preference). With a slow pace, the opposition minimizes possessions and scoring opportunities; forces half-court offense; reduces the occasion for transition scores, etc. In addition, half court offenses with a big can induce fouls; that not only creates problems for a team with short bench. It disrupts the pace of the game. Finally, one of UConn's strengths is its fitness and endurance. If you get into a running game, UConn will eventually wear you down. (Or as Geno once said, "the difference between good players and great players is that great players don't get tired".) A slow pace minimizing possessions takes away that advantage. UConn is definitely beatable. But that's not the catch; it's the fun! [/QUOTE]