Iowa beats South Carolina!

[willtalk]

Couldn't have said it better myself. Absolutely agree, thr sweet 16 was this year' team peak. I can't imagine another team in the country accomplishing what we did this year, under the unprecedented circumstances this team had to endure. Azzi was not Azzi this year. Not even close. And can you blame her. I don't care who you are, but after the setbacks Azzi had, injury wise, it constantly lingers in your head. As an athlete myself, can tell the many times Azzi wanted to do a move she would naturally do in her sleep, but then retreated to not do it because of fear of re injuring her knee. That feeling sucks bro.

Oregon had a very bad injury year when they ended up short handed in the playoff and with their top post Hebard playing injured. The lost the younger Sabally before the season even started and were short handed at guard. They ended up losing to the eventual champion Baylor in the last minute of play. There were also other teams that were hit badly by injuries and went into the playoffs short handed with key players injured or out. Most people do not follow other teams that much so they are easily forgotten about.

 

[Ron and Vida]

Did anyone see DS post game interview? I really really like her but was disappointed in her comments. She was an ungracious loser, blaming the refs, then she started on the media. Maybe I missed it somewhere, but I never heard her say anything complimentary about Iowa beating them. Just blame and excuses. I was shocked and saddened at her lack of class. She is usually more classy!

Boston finished with 3 committed at least 8. A few examples 1st SC possession committed one, no call. The last " held ball, A foul not called.

Thanks for the reminder about the last “ held ball” no call was a joke
The ref seemed to be too timid to call it so the held ball call was an easy way out t

 

[Ron and Vida]

Finally, someone mentions the impact of Zia Cooke(24 pts, 8 rebounds). Without her they lose by 20. She can really play.

It struck me that Dawn didn’t use Cooke to guard Clark like Nika did
Cooke was much more needed for offense?
Just a question for the BY sages!

 

[RockyMTblue2]

I'll still take a healthy Caitlin Clark over a healthy Paige Bueckers, right now.

Well pack the car and head to Iowa.

 

[Ron and Vida]

Yes. Not much more pressure than Caitlin faced at the end of that game. Had to make four straight free throws. Never blinked. She is the best. She just "loaded that Iowa team upon her back" and took the win away from South Carolina. Praise beeeee. I can't imagine she has any gas left in her tank for Sunday. We shall see.

Whoever said that the best WBB player beat the best WBB team said it all

 

[browns]

How much in the tank will Caitlin have left for todays game? I mean two 41 point back to back games including a tripple double and now have one day off and back at it..she needs help from her friends..they can all shoot the 3 hopefully they will today
Almost all the attention has been on Caitlin from the last game deservedly so but not much mention of the game Czinano played ..18 points and battling all the trees underneath..I'll be rooting hard for Iowa they deserve the title after taking down mighty SC..Remember SC spanked LSU by 24..should be interesting what Mulkey has planned for Caitlin

 

[oldude]

How much in the tank will Caitlin have left for todays game? I mean two 41 point back to back games including a tripple double and now have one day off and back at it..she needs help from her friends..they can all shoot the 3 hopefully they will today
Almost all the attention has been on Caitlin from the last game deservedly so but not much mention of the game Czinano played ..18 points and battling all the trees underneath..I'll be rooting hard for Iowa they deserve the title after taking down mighty SC..Remember SC spanked LSU by 24..should be interesting what Mulkey has planned for Caitlin

Clark is in phenomenal shape. So I don’t think her conditioning will be a factor today against LSU. I do agree that she will need her teammates to step up. That is particularly true of Martin, Warnock & Marshall who collectively shoot just under 40% from the arc.

 

[TheGOAT23]

Dawn is a coach, not an artist. Aesthetics or winning? Entertaining or winning? The Tim Duncan Spurs were viewed as boring. Duncan was viewed as boring. The Spurs fans were bored with 5 NBA championships. Are the SC fans boring in the same manner? Well, probably not the fans on SC's answer to the Boneyard. I remember a criticism about John Madden's 70s Raiders. You knew they were going to run left. Madden's response was on the left side I have Art Shell, Gene Upshaw and Jim Otto, all Hall of Famers. "Why wouldn't I run left?"

This ^ ! My coworker hates (maybe too strong of a word) Tim Duncan. Says that he is so boring and expressionless. I always said to her, the guy gets the job done. He never acted a fool because he didn’t have to do so. He’s been that way as a college player. As Chuck said, the best PF in history. The Big Fundamental.

 

[The deacon]

This ^ ! My coworker hates (maybe too strong of a word) Tim Duncan. Says that he is so boring and expressionless. I always said to her, the guy gets the job done. He never acted a fool because he didn’t have to do so. He’s been that way as a college player. As Chuck said, the best PF in history. The Big Fundamental.

I'd say your co-worker doesn't share that same appreciation, TheGOAT23, that I do of beautifully played basketball (as UConn's women have so long done it).

During Duncan's career, as much or more so because of Pops coaching as TD's brilliance, the Spurs were a joy to watch. That they happened to win five titles was a wonderful bonus.

 

[The deacon]

I know memory fades and I also know I can't convince you, so I'll let DT's game do the talking. The first 2 shots in this video you have never seen from Caitlyn and there is much more. She's a terrific player but she is no DT. And there is plenty more where this came from.

Totally agree about DT's greatness, Rocky. As a fellow Huskies fan who was also thrilled by Diana's skills during her UConn days, I have no argument that she's among the all-time greats of WCBB.

I'm not trying to convince you about anything about Caitlin Clark. If you've actually watched what she's done now for three full seasons and aren't convinced, well, I'll just bow to your allegiance to a UConn great.

In no way does what's happening these days take away from my appreciation for DT, Sue, Maya, Stewie or players like Cheryl Miller, Swoopes, Holdsclaw, Parker, on and on... I'll just watch and enjoy what Clark is doing during this era and not discount the possibility that someone could come along who's better, in coming years as well as right now, than the greats of past years.

And, as we're all wishing and hoping, here's to Paige somehow overcoming her major physical hurdles to rank among those greats in the next few seasons.

For the moment, cheers... go, Huskies (and today, go Hawkeyes!).

Well pack the car and head to Iowa.

Is it okay with you if I maintain my lifelong Connecticut roots and still admire what Caitlin's up to?

 

[my2cents]

Geez, we are back to these tiresome individual comparisons. Last time I looked basketball was a TEAM sport. Each player has a role established by the coach. The first time Clark took a logo three for Geno, I am sure she would be taken out of the game.
Paige having been injured, I am confident she will return to form and lead CT to great things. No need to compare her to Clark.
As for any comparison to DT, gimme a break, she will be in the HOF. We have had numerous players (Sales, Moore, Charles, Stewart) who could score as many points that Clark does, but Geno wants to spread the points around and many of those players barely played any second halves.
As for DS, complaining about any post round comments, she just lost a heartbreaking game. The " agony of defeat" sometimes make comments sound harsher. Give her a break too.

 

[Kaizen]

Massy has Iowa 79 vs. LSU 77.

Massey Ratings Matchup Tool

 

[msf22b]

The deacon said:
I'm not trying to convince you about anything about Caitlin Clark. If you've actually watched what she's done now for three full seasons and aren't convinced, well, I'll just bow to your allegiance to a UConn great.

In no way does what's happening these days take away from my appreciation for DT, Sue, Maya, Stewie or players like Cheryl Miller, Swoopes, Holdsclaw, Parker, on and on..

Is it okay with you if I maintain my lifelong Connecticut roots and still admire what Caitlin's up to?


_____________

Right on Deacon
Hard to compare because they have different games...
Diana's will to guide a not so impressive group to Natty's...with a lot of help from Geno was truly amazing and will probably never be equalled. There was a raw will to win (along with a lot of skills) that distinguish her from everybody.

But Catlin surely is a monster talent...Curry-like range...and an ability to see the court and thread passes that is pretty amazing. And guts and nerves.
An spectacular package...

For anyone who loves pure BB, she's certainly the flavor of the month.

I'm enjoying the show she puts on and looking forward to this afternoon

 

[drweo]

I agree. But Paige was the better player when they were both freshmen. So I wonder if Clark would be better now if Paige hadn’t been hurt for two years. Hopefully we’ll find out next year.

I think we all have to admit that no one knows how good Paige will be next season. In terms of playing experience and development, she is nearly two full seasons behind Clark, for example. Plus, no one knows whether there will be any lingering limitations resulting from her injury. Of course, I wish her nothing but the fullest recovery and development possible, but to believe that she will immediately be the equal of Clark or that she will simply resume her play as if nothing had happened is unfair to her. We have to wait and see and hope--which is a lot harder than it sounds.

 

[TCC Kid]

Dawn just said in the post game presser that if Boston asks her for advice regarding her decision to declare or not, Dawn will tell her to go…I don’t believe that

I believer that. Dawn, is tough and she loves beating Geno and winning NC's. But I believe she wants the best for kids, especially one kid that made South Carolina a world wide name. After BOSTON her team was talked about in any Uconn Conversation---which meant South Carolina ARRIVED. Now, can Dawn stay in the top 10? Will win the next 14 FF's?
She too knows Geno will have fire POWER galore next season.
Caitlin et al proved sustained fire power beats great defenses and a superior post player. The game is won be OFFENSE--Geno said it many times--just put more points on the score board--that's OFFENSE.

 

[TCC Kid]

I think we all have to admit that no one knows how good Paige will be next season. In terms of playing experience and development, she is nearly two full seasons behind Clark, for example. Plus, no one knows whether there will be any lingering limitations resulting from her injury. Of course, I wish her nothing but the fullest recovery and development possible, but to believe that she will immediately be the equal of Clark or that she will simply resume her play as if nothing had happened is unfair to her. We have to wait and see and hope--which is a lot harder than it sounds.

Geno beat IOWA without Paige. Just imagine what he'd do if his team includes Paige. Caitlin is a great player. I dislike her cheering herself. DT did that in Tenn, but Tenn asked for it. She, Caitlin is a top player. How she shows her stuff at the next level shall tell us all whether she is GREAT or just very good. I agree until Paige plays she is an unknown quantity, rust and lack of game time take their toll.
Confidence is what separated DT and Caitlin from the REST.
The Ohio St game needed a lot more confidence. You can bet your EDSIL that if the same happens next year Geno shall be ready.

 

[Longtime fan]

How much in the tank will Caitlin have left for todays game? I mean two 41 point back to back games including a tripple double and now have one day off and back at it..she needs help from her friends..they can all shoot the 3 hopefully they will today
Almost all the attention has been on Caitlin from the last game deservedly so but not much mention of the game Czinano played ..18 points and battling all the trees underneath..I'll be rooting hard for Iowa they deserve the title after taking down mighty SC..Remember SC spanked LSU by 24..should be interesting what Mulkey has planned for Caitlin

I am suddenly a huge Iowa fan ( right behind the Lady Huskies ).

 

[FormerCTrez]

Is this a reasonable take....or crazy...or even worse...Boneyard crazy?

I think Cardosa will have a better wnba career than Boston. Also more
likely to be on future USA teams...including the 2028 Olympics.

Boston will be very good,,,and may well be on the 2028 team with Cardosa...
but I think Cardosa's ceiling is higher....and she is younger.

Is Kamilla Cardoso a US citizen? If she is, then she will/can represent the country. If she’s not, then I don’t believe she’ll be able to do so.

 

[TheGOAT23]

Yes, Edwards is a Canadian not an American ....

They both are Americans. Edwards is a North American and Cardoso is a South American.

 

[fomalhaut]

Given ESPN's appalling record in picking the semifinal winners, Iowa is doomed, since all four of their writers picked Iowa to win.

 

[Mandoo]

Why wasn’t the ball taken out of Clarks hand? We beat Iowa.

Clark, directly and indirectly through assists, accounted for close to 75% of their total points. Was double teaming ever considered on Clark?

 

[browns]

At least we don't have to hear Carolyn Peck say that SC may be the best defense ever..can't be the best if you let one player drop 41 on you in the national semis
I like Mulkey and she's a good coach but how many times do we have to hear her pat herself on the back saying she can't believe they are here after just 2 years..that's what happens when you get a 1st team AA thru the portal..put Resse on any other top 10 teams in the nation and I think they would be in the FF too

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Totally agree about DT's greatness, Rocky. As a fellow Huskies fan who was also thrilled by Diana's skills during her UConn days, I have no argument that she's among the all-time greats of WCBB.

I'm not trying to convince you about anything about Caitlin Clark. If you've actually watched what she's done now for three full seasons and aren't convinced, well, I'll just bow to your allegiance to a UConn great.

In no way does what's happening these days take away from my appreciation for DT, Sue, Maya, Stewie or players like Cheryl Miller, Swoopes, Holdsclaw, Parker, on and on... I'll just watch and enjoy what Clark is doing during this era and not discount the possibility that someone could come along who's better, in coming years as well as right now, than the greats of past years.

And, as we're all wishing and hoping, here's to Paige somehow overcoming her major physical hurdles to rank among those greats in the next few seasons.

For the moment, cheers... go, Huskies (and today, go Hawkeyes!).

Is it okay with you if I maintain my lifelong Connecticut roots and still admire what Caitlin's up to?

She's spectacular and yes you have my permission to admire what she has done. I just think Diana is more multidimension and that translates to better.

 

[VA Huskie]

I think we all have to admit that no one knows how good Paige will be next season. In terms of playing experience and development, she is nearly two full seasons behind Clark, for example. Plus, no one knows whether there will be any lingering limitations resulting from her injury. Of course, I wish her nothing but the fullest recovery and development possible, but to believe that she will immediately be the equal of Clark or that she will simply resume her play as if nothing had happened is unfair to her. We have to wait and see and hope--which is a lot harder than it sounds.

Couldn’t agree with you more.

 

[bovwa10]

Couldn’t agree with you more.

I think she will eventually get back to her pre-ACL level but it usually takes players coming back from ACL tears several months to get back to their pre-injury level. People need to be patient with her and not set their expectations too high at the start.

 

[bovwa10]

Clark, directly and indirectly through assists, accounted for close to 75% of their total points. Was double teaming ever considered on Clark?

I'm still befuddled why South Carolina didn't start double-teaming Clark and make Iowa's other players beat them. Staley coached a very poor game imo, you can't let the other team's star player score 40 points without changing it up.