Is it possible that UConn is #1

[Gamecockfan77]

Again. It was defense. That’s it that’s all.

Haley Jobes might have made a few more difficult shots than she did, but they were seriously contested shots.

Beal was really good on ball and the help was excellent.

 

[visitingcock]

UConn should be #3. I think SC and Stanford stay right where they are, especially after an OT game. You know what’s more difficult to predict? Where does Texas land….

I think this whole season we’ll be asking “Who’s Number Four?”

 

[CL82]

South Carolina is the big dog in women’s basketball right now. They are the number one team in the country until someone proves they are not on the court. We will get our shot.

 

[BBallF]

I think we should be #2. We beat the #3 and #10 teams consecutively and Stanford lost on their home court and did not look good in the process.

 

[Bone Dog]

I disagree that either of them, Stanford or SC, didn’t look good yesterday. They looked exactly like truly excellent teams look when they play each other. The two games UConn had against SC didn’t look like this because those weren’t truly even matchups. But the game two years ago, looked like this — tons of mistakes, kids really felt the pressure, and a few transcendent plays on offense and defense.

 

[GoUconn7961]

The various experts who cast weekly ballots may not agree
or haven't come to the inevitable conclusion yet...

But on the basis of this afternoon's (late eve in the Med...near Barcelona) matchups,
UConn seems most the impressive team by far.

And can only get better with the addition of a healthy Caroline and Dorka
and of course CD.

No.

South Carolina won a close one over Stanford. They'll stay #1

 

[BBallF]

I disagree that either of them, Stanford or SC, didn’t look good yesterday. They looked exactly like truly excellent teams look when they play each other. The two games UConn had against SC didn’t look like this because those weren’t truly even matchups. But the game two years ago, looked like this — tons of mistakes, kids really felt the pressure, and a few transcendent plays on offense and defense.

Looking good refers to coach and player decisions as well. Not getting the ball inbounds and calling time out when you don't have one is not looking good to me. Both mistakes were critical and gave away chances at winning. Missing a critical free throw in regulation is not looking good to me either. If Jones makes that free throw they force SC to make a 3 with time running out. A lot different than getting the ball to Boston for a standard 8-10 foot shot.

 

[Bone Dog]

Looking good refers to coach and player decisions as well. Not getting the ball inbounds and calling time out when you don't have one is not looking good to me. Both mistakes were critical and gave away chances at winning. Missing a critical free throw in regulation is not looking good to me either. If Jones makes that free throw they force SC to make a 3 with time running out. A lot different than getting the ball to Boston for a standard 8-10 foot shot.

That’s certainly fair. But it’s also what I meant by kids feeling the pressure, which is just much higher in games like this. I remember the mistakes UConn made in the Stanford game last year, including a blown inbounds play. And Stanford had a few too. Folks rushed to make excuses for their defeat — they just didn’t shoot well was a common one — but none were needed. Two great teams met and this is what it often looks like.

 

[Bone Dog]

To be honest, I didn’t think Stanford was going to be great this year. But this loss changed my mind. Even with Jones playing poorly, they managed to force an overtime — maybe stumble into one is more accurate, but the fact is they played a great team to a draw in regulation even if they faltered toward the end. Also, Lepolo had a good game at pg, which has been a hole in their lineup. I’m much more favorably impressed by them than I was before. An awkward, mistake filled game, but you can see what they might become in February and March much more clearly now. And of course SC also is going to be tremendous then too. UConn is going to have to beat both of them to win the NC, I expect. And I like our chances.

 

[Tonyc]

When Stanford needed a basket they went to Jones. She was defended and shouldve passed the ball instead of forcing up a shot and a couple were fade aways. With Boston out of the game in foul trouble Stanford looked good. IMO Jones and Brink were the only two scorers who could create for Stanford. When Brink got in foul trouble it limited her play. Stanford made to many mistakes when SC mounted their come back. UConn will be 3 and could very well be a close 2.

 

[mbr33ct]

Not possible

but will not be surprised if they show up as the #2.

 

[AgStatesman]

I agree with the original post. The argument can be made that UConn is the best team in the nation. In my mind that was inconceivable a month ago. I've been staunch in my opinion that UConn could beat every team in America except South Carolina and Stanford. Every single UConn player is probably playing better than what their expectation level was coming in. Best back court in the country? It's not even close. The real spark for this team is going to come from Aubrey and Ayanna - both ridiculously athletic grinders. They both give me a bit of a Gabby vibe and they are both going to get so exponentially better as the season progresses. I thought UConn had 0% chance of winning a title and being the best team. Going in, they will be single digit underdogs at most no matter who they play or where they play them.

 

[Carnac]

I know some will disagree, and that's fine. I don't think ANY TEAM should drop in the rankings if they lose to a team that is ranked ABOVE them. Even if they lose like Stanford did. I watched that whole game from start to finish. THAT game (to me) was much more exciting than ours. Stanford had their foot on SC's neck most of the game. Boston picked her 2nd foul in the 1st quarter and sat out the entire 2nd quarter. Stanford went ice cold in the 3rd quarter allowing SC to close the gap.

"The Gamecocks walked away from their 76-71 overtime road victory with an increased belief in their bench (outscored the Cardinal 34-9), their superstar (Aliyah Boston had her struggles yet still finished with a double-double and never got rattled) and their resilience (down after the first, second and third quarters, they outscored Stanford 32-17 over the fourth period and OT)."

SC kept their poise and caught them late in the 4th, but Stanford still could have won. Except for two mistakes late in the game and in overtime, Stanford played well enough to win. SC made some BIG clutch plays at the end of the game and in overtime. As another poster said, until somebody knocks them off, South Carolina should remain ranked the number one team in the country. Stanford (IMO) is still the number 2 team in the country. They showed they CAN go toe to toe with SC and win. They didn't yesterday, but they have the POTENTIAL to. They should have won that game. UConn can make their case to be the number one or two team in the country on February 5, when they host South Carolina at the XL Center.