Exactly. Just because their strategy was to continuously try to draw fouls on DC doesn't mean he committed any.
So, if you really think about it, they had the right strategy. It's not their fault that Clingan didn't commit fouls. In a way, it's kind of unfair, right?
Post in thread 'UCONN….'
UCONN….
Sure, it's a small sample, but the assessments are respectful, well-observed, fair-minded, and candid in expressing conflicting emotions.
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OVERALL, I loved this game, BUT was frustrated, crabby, and persistently texting my sister from the 10-minute point in the first half through halftime.
UConn was too-quickly launching 3-point shots by players who were open, but had no need to be pulling the trigger so quickly. They were shooting as though they were being 'forced' to take the shots, but they were doing so without requiring Illinois to do its own hard work to force such shots.
I was unhappy that they were voluntarily forfeiting a unique strength to setup shots in many more ways than their opponent, and playing Illinois as though they were just two 'normal' teams competing on that limited basis to learn which was more effective.
I insisted that the offense needed to make one additional pass around the perimeter of the 3-point line - by strict policy - for at least the first 5 plays of the second half. NOT to take the first possible 3-point shot, but only the second or an even later 3-point shot. I surmised that this would control the tempo, throw Illinois off its preferred pace, require them to spend more time & attention in defense, and tire the opponent.
Concentrating on continued strong defense would result in UConn flipping the game momentum, resulting in the back-breaking success we've seen since last year's tournament.
"Start with defense, and the points will come, and then come in bunches, and result in a beat-down."
Rebounds on two too-quick shots gave second chances that resulted in points at the beginning of the second half, and then , with defense stepped up, the floodgates broke, and we witnessed history.
If I thought it was wrong-headed to hastily rush knockout punches, I thought that with greater patience, different and more successful knockout punches would show up. And they did, and it was thrilling.
I came to see that what I was so unhappy about was that the first half hadn't thrilled me, and I objected this. I was essentially demanding to be thrilled.
When the run came, I was thrilled and stay that way.
Next Saturday, I want UConn to play in its elevated, flexible, creative way. I want everybody who has already seen this AND those who have not yet see it feel the joy of witnessing the team's beautiful basketball.
