Just back from the game

[UcMiami]

So - made it to campus for the game (all of 700 yds!) - moderate crowd maybe half full. My impressions:
1. No competition (duh) but a game team that competed all night. Made a few nice threes, a few offensive rebounds and didn't get overwhelmed.
2. Jefferson looked really good - she is the starting PG and for those who worry about her scoring - she was third high scorer I believe behind KML and TBS with around 13. A bad looking leg injury in the last five minutes but it looks like a sprain and after about 5 minutes with the trainer it looked like she was moving pretty well. Hopefully nothing lingering.
3. BB played a lot longer than I expected, especially in the second half. I think she is competing for the Tiffany Hayes memorial floor burn award as she spent half of her night sliding along the floor. Absolutely fearless - do not believe I have seen another player come back from serious injury and play with such abandon. Didn't score much (didn't shoot much) but impressive for day three of full contact.
4. Stef looks in great shape and moving well.
5. Hartley looks like 2 years ago - good defense good offense nice shot.
6. KML - just wow - she looks fitter as well.
7. TBS - her shot including foul shot was a little off tonight - so she only scored around 20 pts on 50% shooting.
8. Morgan - her usual quiet really good game - she finishes so well at the basket.
9. Kiah - yes, a good outing - she got a long run in each half and looked comfortable on both ends - no offensive fireworks, but just looked like she knew what she was doing at all times - solid defense, rebounds, and some nice short shots.
10. Chong - got a good run, picked up a few early fouls on the new hand check stuff. Had a nice blow by for a layup and a few nice assists as well as a few turnovers.
11. Polly and Lawlor both got about 3.5 minutes at the end and looked like they were up to the task. They could probably start for a team like Gannon so they were not overmatched and Polly made a really sweet layup on a cut to the basket - had to double clutch and everything.

A generally good showing for preseason - lots of mixing and matching in the line-up. They only had around 3 fouls in the first half which was impressive with the tighter rules - second half they got a little sloppy in that regard.
Definitely a lot for the coaches to work with and a lot for them to work on, but a fun night and our first 100 pt outing of the year. After four minutes of the starters I think they were on pace for about 160 points ... it was all down hill from there

 

[wire chief]

Thanks

 

[VAMike23]

So - made it to campus for the game (all of 700 yds!) - moderate crowd maybe half full. My impressions:
1. No competition (duh) but a game team that competed all night. Made a few nice threes, a few offensive rebounds and didn't get overwhelmed.
2. Jefferson looked really good - she is the starting PG and for those who worry about her scoring - she was third high scorer I believe behind KML and TBS with around 13. A bad looking leg injury in the last five minutes but it looks like a sprain and after about 5 minutes with the trainer it looked like she was moving pretty well. Hopefully nothing lingering.
3. BB played a lot longer than I expected, especially in the second half. I think she is competing for the Tiffany Hayes memorial floor burn award as she spent half of her night sliding along the floor. Absolutely fearless - do not believe I have seen another player come back from serious injury and play with such abandon. Didn't score much (didn't shoot much) but impressive for day three of full contact.
4. Stef looks in great shape and moving well.
5. Hartley looks like 2 years ago - good defense good offense nice shot.
6. KML - just wow - she looks fitter as well.
7. TBS - her shot including foul shot was a little off tonight - so she only scored around 20 pts on 50% shooting.
8. Morgan - her usual quiet really good game - she finishes so well at the basket.
9. Kiah - yes, a good outing - she got a long run in each half and looked comfortable on both ends - no offensive fireworks, but just looked like she knew what she was doing at all times - solid defense, rebounds, and some nice short shots.
10. Chong - got a good run, picked up a few early fouls on the new hand check stuff. Had a nice blow by for a layup and a few nice assists as well as a few turnovers.
11. Polly and Lawlor both got about 3.5 minutes at the end and looked like they were up to the task. They could probably start for a team like Gannon so they were not overmatched and Polly made a really sweet layup on a cut to the basket - had to double clutch and everything.

A generally good showing for preseason - lots of mixing and matching in the line-up. They only had around 3 fouls in the first half which was impressive with the tighter rules - second half they got a little sloppy in that regard.
Definitely a lot for the coaches to work with and a lot for them to work on, but a fun night and our first 100 pt outing of the year. After four minutes of the starters I think they were on pace for about 160 points ... it was all down hill from there

Thanks for the first-hand recap !!! Much appreciated !! real red meat

 

[UConnCat]

Chris Dailey's thoughts on the game:

• Did some really good things, some bad things as well.
• The team was concerned with emphasis on hand-checks, but for most part did a pretty good, more so in the first half.
• Hard to tell about performance given talent disparity, though this Gannon team went to Div II FF last year
• Need to work on putting more offense in. Overall, did a pretty good job.
• Moriah did very well, so quick can go get own shot any time. She needs a lot more work on having command of the offense and understanding who they want to get shots for and when.
• KML's rebounding was terrific. Not a great rebounding team so impressed with her rebounding.
• KML is much more versatile at this stage of her career.
• Banks hasn't lost a step in her quickness. Clean tear; did a great job with rehab. It's full go, just have to get her up to speed with the offense.

 

[alexrgct]

I was also at the game- took my daughter.

It was actually not a horrible crowd: 7,021 announced, so the arena wasn't much less than 70% full.

KML scored 20 points without breaking a sweat. I would love it if she could do that, just as you could set your watch to her getting 17 last year.

Breanna was Breanna. No offense run to create a bunch of threes for her, but her athleticism is just ridiculous.

I don't want to create any false alarms, but Bria might just be back.

This was not the offense UConn will be running. Stef wasn't used as a first option. She was relatively quiet. I don't expect this to continue.

Assuming MOJeff is indeed OK, I love the idea of a Mo-Bria-KML-Breanna-Stef starting five.

Saniya looks the part. She has a lot of pieces to put together, but I could seee the tools.

UConn will need to execute better in transition throughout the season.

Banks is a bat out of hell right now. She cannot wait to play.

Kiah was OK. Her trips to the charity stripe were still an adventure. That kid can still rebound and block shots like a pro.

Overall, this team is going to out-talent almost all teams, but I don't think you're going to see the championship brand of basketball during an exhibition. UCOnn just grounded Gannon down and the kept grinding for 40 minutes. Just wait until the Stanford game! Then we'll really see championship ball...or not.

 

[RadyLady]

thanks everyone. I didn't realize that I could watch the game until the last few minutes. I blame this heavy cold I have....

 

[MarlboroughMike]

Just in from game:

Agree with remarks (mostly) by UcMiami and Alex. Grading this game out, I would give
A+ : MJ, BB and KML: thought they were outstanding in all phases of the game.
A : SD, BH and KS: they did everything that they were suppose to do with few exceptions
A- : MT: slightly unfair because she at times was guarding the smaller, quicker Gannon guards which could get past her. Still can find the blue sky amongst the crowd on offense.
B: TBS: yes, I know her numbers and recognize her athleticism but this grade is judging her against herself. Still is coming up short on the bunnies when being bodied. At one point I thought she might get the rebound double off her own misses. Also got some offensive fouls away from the ball - did not see why, mostly likely due to the new rules. Looked frustrated at times.
B- : SC: Obviously belongs, slightly hesitant when at the point deciding where to go with the ball; ask Gino about her defense. Nice start for a freshman.
A : BP, TL: for effort and showing they belong. Great hitch shot by BP.

The team looked slightly disoriented on defense in the second half which I attribute to Gannon attacking and driving more to the basket than in the first half - taking it to UConn which created quite a few foul tries for them. They, Gannon, certainly didn't quit. All the line-up combinations might have caused UConn some confusion as to who, what where.

 

[Bestiarius]

I too was at the game. 7021 in attendance, but the empty seats had to eason holders since the box office was selling last row in nose bleed country on the chair side and the top few rows on the bleachers.

Banks was the biggest surprise to me. She was blazing all over the court on both D and O. Looked like she was trying to make up for last year in the first 20 minutes. No fear at all.

Was impressed by Gannon. They were out-talented, but not intimidated and played a respectable game. They handled the ball well, and were able to get the ball out of the back court easily, but since they were playing UConn they committed many turnovers with stunned looks on their faces. One notable instance occurred when Stewart came flying from around half court to block a jumper in the corner. They were just not use to facing that kind of talent, but the game should serve them well during their season.

Morgan looked great around the basket on O but she's still not confident from further out. Her D was also solid.

Stewie put up great numbers but missed a number of good shots she normally makes. Looks like she's picking up where she left off last year. However, committed some "new rules" fouls. She seemed the least concerned about the new touchie feelie, and paid for it.

Others have provided a good summary of KML's game. When she went flying over the press table, she popped out from underneath the table, parting the overhanging tablecloth like a movie star. The crowd got a big kick.

MoJeff was as confident and a joy to watch. Rosemary poked around her injured ankle, then Mo put her sock and shoe back on and laced up. A good sign absent any definitive word by the staff.

It was a difficult game to judge, since players were probably concerned about the new interpretation of the rules for this year. I'd say Stef was the most cautious. Although UConn had no fouls until late in the first half, the defense was still its usual stifling self.

Chong is going to be a good one! She made some nice defensive plays.

The crowd was ecstatic when the walk-ons came in near the end of the game, and when Polly made her spectacular layup, the crowd reacted like she was Bird at the buzzer.

Hartley too looked in fine form.

No worries except the potential issue of only 9 players. Lets keep our fingers crossed on that one.

 

[Kibitzer]

Just in from game:

Agree with remarks (mostly) by UcMiami and Alex. Grading this game out, I would give
A+ : MJ, BB and KML: thought they were outstanding in all phases of the game.
A : SD, BH and KS: they did everything that they were suppose to do with few exceptions
A- : MT: slightly unfair because she at times was guarding the smaller, quicker Gannon guards which could get past her. Still can find the blue sky amongst the crowd on offense.
B: TBS: yes, I know her numbers and recognize her athleticism but this grade is judging her against herself. Still is coming up short on the bunnies when being bodied. At one point I thought she might get the rebound double off her own misses. Also got some offensive fouls away from the ball - did not see why, mostly likely due to the new rules. Looked frustrated at times.
B- : SC: Obviously belongs, slightly hesitant when at the point deciding where to go with the ball; ask Gino about her defense. Nice start for a freshman.
A : BP, TL: for effort and showing they belong. Great hitch shot by BP.

The team looked slightly disoriented on defense in the second half which I attribute to Gannon attacking and driving more to the basket than in the first half - taking it to UConn which created quite a few foul tries for them. They, Gannon, certainly didn't quit. All the line-up combinations might have caused UConn some confusion as to who, what where.

For your thoughtful and informative evaluation, you get an A-. (Would have been A or even A+ except for that "Gino" slip.)

 

[MarlboroughMike]

For your thoughtful and informative evaluation, you get an A-. (Would have been A or even A+ except for that "Gino" slip.)

Probably because I was writing and having a Gin-o martini at the time.

 

[EricLA]

Great observations UCMiami! And everyone else who added to this thread thanks from those of us who didn't see the game!

 

[Phil]

I too was at the game. 7021 in attendance, but the empty seats had to eason holders since the box office was selling last row in nose bleed country on the chair side and the top few rows on the bleachers.

I was not at the game, because it was the annual dinner for the Hartford Hawks. I'm quite sure I'm not the only fan who follows both teams, so there quite a few at the dinner who might otherwise have gone to the game.

 

[EricLA]

I was not at the game, because it was the annual dinner for the Hartford Hawks. I'm quite sure I'm not the only fan who follows both teams, so there quite a few at the dinner who might otherwise have gone to the game.

WHAT??!!! LOL...

 

[huskybill]

I was at the game last night. It looked more like 6000 than 7000 to me, but not a bad crowd. Gannon did look
rather impressive for a Div 2 school. Their biggest problem in playing Uconn was Gannon's strength is the speed
of their guards which means they were probably playing against the fastest team they'll meet all year.

One of their players (#35?) appeared to suffer an ACL late in the first half. Anyone know anything about her injury?

I was NOT impressed with MiamiUconn or whatever he calls himself. He looked kind of normal and didn't insult anyone (not even the officials) at halftime.

 

[UcMiami]

I was at the game last night. It looked more like 6000 than 7000 to me, but not a bad crowd. Gannon did look
rather impressive for a Div 2 school. Their biggest problem in playing Uconn was Gannon's strength is the speed
of their guards which means they were probably playing against the fastest team they'll meet all year.

One of their players (#35?) appeared to suffer an ACL late in the first half. Anyone know anything about her injury?

I was NOT impressed with MiamiUconn or whatever he calls himself. He looked kind of normal and didn't insult anyone (not even the officials) at halftime.

Feelings completely mutual! Was shocked and dismayed that all of the other b-yarders were incredibly ordinary - no blood dripping down from their fangs and it took me like ten minutes to actually locate them.
And of course was completely surprised by Bill's height - when standing next to a picture of the team he is clearly a few inches shorter than Morgan but he has to be a few inches taller than he is listed in the boneyard roster.

 

[sTu]

I also thought that attendance was more in the 7K range which is a good sign. Wondering though from how early folks started leaving on what the Las Vegas over/under is going to be for leaving early on many games this year.

 

[alexrgct]

One other thing: KML jumping over a table for a loose ball and then crawling back underneath it=awesome.

 

[EricLA]

One other thing: KML jumping over a table for a loose ball and then crawling back underneath it=awesome.

Did she have a big smile on her face when she came out the other side?!

 

[MarlboroughMike]

One other thing: KML jumping over a table for a loose ball and then crawling back underneath it=awesome.

The crushed chair should be kept and given out after each game for the most courageous play.

 

[alexrgct]

Did she have a big smile on her face when she came out the other side?!

Oh yeah- big time.

 

[EricLA]

Oh yeah- big time.

She is such a piece of work (in a great way). Can't wait to see her in action this year.

 

[JoePgh]

One observation that slightly concerns me: Moriah took no 3-point shots. In fact, I don't recall her taking any jump shots -- her scoring was entirely on penetration. She won't be the real answer as a point guard, despite her obvious skills, unless she demonstrates that she can drain an open 3 with some level of reliability. Otherwise, teams will simply leave her open and cover everyone that she might pass to. That was an issue last year, and last night's game provided no evidence that it has been resolved.

I realize that she was a great 3-point shooter in high school, but that has not yet been in evidence in her college career.

 

[doggydaddy]

One observation that slightly concerns me: Moriah took no 3-point shots. In fact, I don't recall her taking any jump shots -- her scoring was entirely on penetration. She won't be the real answer as a point guard, despite her obvious skills, unless she demonstrates that she can drain an open 3 with some level of reliability. Otherwise, teams will simply leave her open and cover everyone that she might pass to. That was an issue last year, and last night's game provided no evidence that it has been resolved.

I realize that she was a great 3-point shooter in high school, but that has not yet been in evidence in her college career.

Wow, it's not often I read a post that I disagree with from beginning to end.

Well, I do agree she didn't take any 3 point shots, so I guess that is something.

I am of the opinion that Jefferson doesn't need to take many 3 point shots to be effective. She is SO quick that when her defender lays back or doubles another player, Jefferson will get a head start on her dribble and get to the hoop with ease. She did that several times last night.

And how does a defender leave her to double "everyone" that she might pass to? That defender has to be amazing. Probably would have to have super powers. Maybe like The Flash?

It wasn't a problem last year. It wasn't a problem for the USA team she played for. And it won't be a problem this year.

She has never been a great 3 point shooter. I believe she shot around 33% in HS.

My god, if she ever became a 37-40% three point shooter, she would win the Lieberman award.

 

[Icebear]

One observation that slightly concerns me: Moriah took no 3-point shots. In fact, I don't recall her taking any jump shots -- her scoring was entirely on penetration. She won't be the real answer as a point guard, despite her obvious skills, unless she demonstrates that she can drain an open 3 with some level of reliability. Otherwise, teams will simply leave her open and cover everyone that she might pass to. That was an issue last year, and last night's game provided no evidence that it has been resolved.

I realize that she was a great 3-point shooter in high school, but that has not yet been in evidence in her college career.

Her speed forces opponents to guard her not her shot. She and Chong have tremendous crossovers and if you are not up reasonably on them you give them too much room to hurt you off the dribble and to pass. The shot will come but unlike Kelly it isn't essential because Kelly was not going to hurt you off the dribble.

 

[Bestiarius]

One observation that slightly concerns me: Moriah took no 3-point shots. In fact, I don't recall her taking any jump shots -- her scoring was entirely on penetration. She won't be the real answer as a point guard, despite her obvious skills, unless she demonstrates that she can drain an open 3 with some level of reliability. Otherwise, teams will simply leave her open and cover everyone that she might pass to. That was an issue last year, and last night's game provided no evidence that it has been resolved.

I realize that she was a great 3-point shooter in high school, but that has not yet been in evidence in her college career.

I haven't seen her being left open, as not being guarded would make it easy for her to pass to a better shooter, or drive to the basket and get her three pointers the old fashioned way. Besides, why would she want to start taking them when others on the team are better at it?