Is SCar at UConn threadworthy? | Page 3 | The Boneyard

Is SCar at UConn threadworthy?

VA Huskie said:
If we had Ducharme and Fudd, this would be a great game. Likely without either I think SC’s depth carrys the day. From what I’ve seen, SC’s vulnerable point can be scoring. While their average points is 80, they can play games where they score much fewer points than I would have expected. If that happens and UConn is able to play with energy (just watched the Providence game and the energy certainly isn’t back) it could be competitive. Bottom line I expect SC to win by 10-15 points.
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Both teams have had games this season where they struggled to score. South Carolina actually is the higher scoring team between the two, being ranked in the national top 10 in Scoring Offense at 9th, and CT being ranked 12th. After their game tonight that may drop a bit - the concession here is that CT has played a stronger schedule than USC has, and that may have hampered their scoring a bit. Although the majority of that strength lies in their OOC schedule. South Carolina is actually averaging more ppg (80.6) against SEC play than CT has averaged (79.4 ppg) vs Big East competition. And while CT is #1 nationally in FG %, USC is just outside the top 10, at 12th.

But USC is also ranked 1st nationally in Scoring Defense, FG % Defense, and 2nd (behind Fairleigh Dickinson - Go Knights!!) in 3-pt. FG % Defense. CT is ranked 60th, 9th, and 40th. It may be a battle of strong offense (CT) against strong defense (USC), but will CT's own defense be strong enough to impact USC's own strong offense? And will the Gamecocks strength in rebounding negate some of that impact, if it should prove to be?
 
visitingcock said:
Yes, I do know that. LOL. I did not suggest it is immaterial. Indeed, I said UConn will be the preseason favorite when those stars return. The Huskys' scoring average would almost certainly be higher this year if they were available. But, some (not you) will throw the 48/60 points on the bench out there like their replacements don't make up for some of their lost points.

BTW are we certain that Azzi won't be available for at least some PT in this game. As I understand it, she's "day to day." could we see her loosen up with a few minutes tonight?
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It is possible that Caroline will be available for a few minutes, but highly unlikely that Azzi will be back.
 
Centerstream said:
Have you forgotten that you are posting on the UConn Women’s Basketball forum? I said bye because it seems that you placed caveats on which UConn fans will be welcomed to join your discussion. Especially when being civil (paraphrasing) is one of the Women’s Basketball forum rules.
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This board may be sitting on a UConn-centric site but the General board is natural. UConn fans will not be given the leeway they get on the UConn only board (hint hint).

By the way, the Boneyard already has moderators. We don’t need self appointed ones
 
ConwayGmck said:
Both teams have had games this season where they struggled to score. South Carolina actually is the higher scoring team between the two, being ranked in the national top 10 in Scoring Offense at 9th, and CT being ranked 12th. After their game tonight that may drop a bit - the concession here is that CT has played a stronger schedule than USC has, and that may have hampered their scoring a bit. Although the majority of that strength lies in their OOC schedule. South Carolina is actually averaging more ppg (80.6) against SEC play than CT has averaged (79.4 ppg) vs Big East competition. And while CT is #1 nationally in FG %, USC is just outside the top 10, at 12th.

But USC is also ranked 1st nationally in Scoring Defense, FG % Defense, and 2nd (behind Fairleigh Dickinson - Go Knights!!) in 3-pt. FG % Defense. CT is ranked 60th, 9th, and 40th. It may be a battle of strong offense (CT) against strong defense (USC), but will CT's own defense be strong enough to impact USC's own strong offense? And will the Gamecocks strength in rebounding negate some of that impact, if it should prove to be?
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Nice analysis. No doubt USC has a superior defense - and as they say in baseball “good pitching beats good hitting”. Good luck on Sunday… and may everyone stay (or get) healthy.
 
hoopsfan22 said:
Last year's game had Paige playing the entire game, Azzi around 15 minutes, plus 3 seniors that a couple weeks later were in the WNBA. And we still got our butt's kicked. Probably not going to go much better this time around with our two best players unable to play.
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Wasn't Azzi sick? Wasn't Liv hurt? I know they played, but obviously not at 100%. And no Dorka or Aubrey
 
To me it is obvious that the key to the game, and the outcome, is whether UConn can do a reasonable job of clearing its defensive boards. In the NC game last year, UConn's performance in that department was abysmal. The Gamecocks got 21 offensive rebounds vs. UConn's 6; they led in second-chance points by 22-5; and in paint points by a surprisingly small margin of 32-26.

When I watched the game months ago, I believe I recall that UConn's first defensive rebound was pulled down by Evina Westbrook about 8 minutes into the game, after South Carolina had (sometimes after 3 or 4 tries) successfully put back every one of their misses prior to that.

UConn's two big players in the game (Liv and Aaliyah) got a total of 4 rebounds (2 each) in the entire game, while Aliyah Boston got 16, despite only scoring 11 points. Paige led UConn with 6 rebounds -- obviously not the way rebounding is supposed to work, although I would not be surprised to see Nika get 6 rebounds on Sunday.

On the other side of the scale, Destanni Henderson scored 26 points (9-20 and 3-6 from 3), including quite a few in the first quarter. I doubt that any SC guard will torch UConn on Sunday quite like that.

Even so, after getting down 22-8 after Q1, the game was even for the last three quarters -- the Gamecocks actually won the last 30 minutes by 42-41. At one point late in the game, UConn closed the margin to 6 points, but could not sustain the momentum.

If the rebounding margin (particularly the offensive rebounding margin) is as lopsided on Sunday as it was in April, the final score will be in favor of SC by 15 to 20 points. But if UConn can keep SC's offensive rebound totals under control, then the game should be close. I am assuming that Aaliyah and Lou play their normal games (at the level of the Villanova game) and not the somnolent games that they had against Providence.
 
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JoePgh said:
To me it is obvious that the key to the game, and the outcome, is whether UConn can do a reasonable job of clearing its defensive boards. In the NC game last year, UConn's performance in that department was abysmal. The Gamecocks got 21 offensive rebounds vs. UConn's 6; they led in second-chance points by 22-5; and in paint points by a surprisingly small margin of 32-26.

When I watched the game months ago, I believe I recall that UConn's first defensive rebound was pulled down by Evina Westbrook about 8 minutes into the game, after South Carolina had (sometimes after 3 or 4 tries) successfully put back every one of their misses prior to that.

UConn's two big players in the game (Liv and Aaliyah) got a total of 4 rebounds (2 each) in the entire game, while Aliyah Boston got 16, despite only scoring 11 points. Paige led UConn with 6 rebounds -- obviously not the way rebounding is supposed to work, although I would not be surprised to see Nika get 6 rebounds on Sunday.

On the other side of the scale, Destanni Henderson scored 26 points (9-20 and 3-6 from 3), including quite a few in the first quarter. I doubt that any SC guard will torch UConn on Sunday quite like that.

Even so, after getting down 22-8 after Q1, the game was even for the last three quarters -- the Gamecocks actually won the last 30 minutes by 42-41. At one point late in the game, UConn closed the margin to 6 points, but could not sustain the momentum.

If the rebounding margin (particularly the offensive rebounding margin) is as lopsided on Sunday as it was in April, the final score will be in favor of SC by 15 to 20 points. But if UConn can keep SC's offensive rebound totals under control, then the game should be close. I am assuming that Aaliyah and Lou play their normal games (at the level of the Villanova game) and not the somnolent games that they had against Providence.
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Lou had 4 points against Villanova. And Aaliyah was a disaster as well. That i not their normal game.
 
visitingcock said:
We are hardly superheroes. Athletically, we are superb. But as far as skills, we are something less..

Our FT percentage, FG percentage and 3pt shooting percentage are barely above average, in some cases just average.
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Down vote.
 
Even though of course I am pulling for UConn to win, I would not be dissatisfied with a close game that results in a SC win. I would love to see a game like the regular season UConn/ND games that were played in the 2012-2013 season. Fiercely competitive and absolute nail biters down to the final seconds.

Realistically I think SC has the best chance of winning, which I credit mostly to their ability to rebound and deep bench. They have their “off” moments just as UConn does, so this could be an ugly rock fight of a game. But I’m hoping all the stars shine on Sunday and we all get to enjoy a great game. :)
 
visitingcock said:
We are hardly superheroes. Athletically, we are superb. But as far as skills, we are something less..

Our FT percentage, FG percentage and 3pt shooting percentage are barely above average, in some cases just average.
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Our FT % has not been great, but since SEC play it has improved substantially, to 72%. Overall, it is now at 69%. Tonight, the Gamecocks shot 17-19 (89%). Our 3-pt. FG % is also not great, at 32%.

Our FG % however, is just outside of the top 10 nationally, and that is NOT "barely above average", in a league of 350 teams. All 3 statistical categories actually, are in the top 3rd.......
 
I think the starting 5 are quite equals, but SC's bench with Kardoso and Amihere is way better, they can avoid foul trouble when we can't
 
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From France said:
I think the starting 5 are quite equals, but SC's bench with Kardoso and Amihere is way better, they can avoid foul trouble when we can't
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Don’t forget Watkins. The thing often overlooked is that her OT is not mop up. She sees first half minutes and against solid teams -even Stanford. Not a bunch of minutes but minutes that matter against opposing first stringers.
 
visitingcock said:
Don’t forget Watkins. The thing often overlooked is that her OT is not mop up. She sees first half minutes and against solid teams -even Stanford. Not a bunch of minutes but minutes that matter against opposing first stringers.
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Watkins is athletic and a good defender and right now with limited basketball skills. I see why Dawn likes her. She reminds me of Gabby Williams during her freshman year. Why did she go after Scherr (sp?)?
 
visitingcock said:
But, do you deny the facts?
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Somewhat, but I mostly object to the poor mouthing most of all.

this matchup has only gotten worse for UConn from last season, IMO. It's a road basketball game against a quality opponent though so who knows what will happen.

Geno is doing a good job keeping them together --- though it's a pretty good illustration of just how much talent UConn continues to roster that they've not missed a beat record wise.

I think the way the game is officiated will make a big difference.

I expect Geno to pack it in inside and UConn to be physical.
 
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Gamecockfan77 said:
Down vote.
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Just FYI, the Like button has other options including a down vote. I’m on my iPad and I just hold the link down until the options appear. I think with a PC you hover over the link
 
Gamecockfan77 said:
Somewhat, but I mostly object to the poor mouthing most of all.

this matchup has only gotten worse for UConn from last season, IMO. It's a road basketball game against a quality opponent though so who knows what will happen.

Geno is doing a good job keeping them together --- though it's a pretty good illustration of just how much talent UConn continues to roster that they've not missed a beat record wise.

I think the way the game is officiated will make a big difference.

I expect Geno to pack it in inside and UConn to be physical.
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I get exasperated when I see posts that Geno has a bunch of 5 star players. Geno is primarily playing:
  • #23 ranked Aaliyah Edwards
  • #33 ranked Aubrey Griffin
  • Dorka Juhasz, unranked in the US but the 12th ranked high schooler out of Europe
  • Unranked Nika Muhl, the #23 ranked point guard, meaning she was considered the 23rd best pg out of high school but not ranked overall
  • Unranked Lou Lopez Senechal
Off the bench he has
  • #5 Ayanna Patterson
  • #5 Amari DeBerry
  • Unranked Ines Bettencourt who was going JUCO before she was signed
Geno has done a masterful job recruiting players that buy into his system and have the personalities to mesh with the existing team. That’s why he doesn’t always pursue the top rated kids - he needs the right fit. Then he coaches them up.
 
CL82 said:
Lol, you’ve been talking about this game on and off for weeks in the guise of whether it would impact the games played before it. It makes me laugh a little bit that playing a severely depleted UConn squad is occupies so much territory in the forefront of your mind. This particular thread may be a tiny bit premature, there is still the Providence game to be played, but the people who are interested will post in it, and the people who aren’t won’t.
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And some people who are interested will even post in it under the guise that they are not.
 
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visitingcock said:
BTW are we certain that Azzi won't be available for at least some PT in this game. As I understand it, she's "day to day." could we see her loosen up with a few minutes tonight?
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Geno should hold her out. If she doesn’t play, it’s a loss affected by injury in committee considerations.
 
HuskyNan said:
I get exasperated when I see posts that Geno has a bunch of 5 star players. Geno is primarily playing:
  • #23 ranked Aaliyah Edwards
  • #33 ranked Aubrey Griffin
  • Dorka Juhasz, unranked in the US but the 12th ranked high schooler out of Europe
  • Unranked Nika Muhl, the #23 ranked point guard, meaning she was considered the 23rd best pg out of high school but not ranked overall
  • Unranked Lou Lopez Senechal
Off the bench he has
  • #5 Ayanna Patterson
  • #5 Amari DeBerry
  • Unranked Ines Bettencourt who was going JUCO before she was signed
Geno has done a masterful job recruiting players that buy into his system and have the personalities to mesh with the existing team. That’s why he doesn’t always pursue the top rated kids - he needs the right fit. Then he coaches them up.
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@HuskyNan Asking purely for curiosity. What source can a WBB enthusiast look at to evaluate European High School WBB Prospects?
 
Geew1992 said:
Wasn't Azzi sick? Wasn't Liv hurt? I know they played, but obviously not at 100%. And no Dorka or Aubrey
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Yeah but in the Bahamas tourney earlier that year-UConn was at full strength
 
Creature said:
@HuskyNan Asking purely for curiosity. What source can a WBB enthusiast look at to evaluate European High School WBB Prospects?
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You need to Google them with a variety of different keywords. Like the U.S., ratings services come and go, change their names, go premium, etc. it can be frustrating.

Years ago there was a rating service in Canada that I’m no longer able to find.
 
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HuskyNan said:
You need to Google them with a variety of different keywords. Like the U.S., ratings services come and go, change their names, go premium, etc. it can be frustrating.

Years ago there was a rating service in Canada that I’m no longer able to find.
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You may be referring to Crown Scout. They do an okay job, but this isn't a full time gig for the person who runs it. You have to be a paid subscriber to get any details on players.

 
Creature said:
Yeah but in the Bahamas tourney earlier that year-UConn was at full strength
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They weren't at full strength or healthy. I'm not making excuses or sayin the outcome would have been different. Azzi was hurt and the next day or 2 was wearing a walking boot. Ducharme had a bum hip the entire year and still no Aubrey.
 
HuskyNan said:
You need to Google them with a variety of different keywords. Like the U.S., ratings services come and go, change their names, go premium, etc. it can be frustrating.

Years ago there was a rating service in Canada that I’m no longer able to find.
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If there is no longer a rating service in Canada, how does Syracuse determine the quality of local players?
 
visitingcock said:
BTW are we certain that Azzi won't be available for at least some PT in this game. As I understand it, she's "day to day." could we see her loosen up with a few minutes tonight?
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No. She's been in an immobilizer for two weeks. IMHO, they will now evaluate the knee, determine healing process of the latest injury, test the stability of the joint (ick), continue rehab, work on strengthening leg muscles that have potentially atrophied, then work in basketball movements, increase her cardio, etc etc.
 
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