Keys to our win

[Tonyc]

Paige did not bring the ball up court however when UConn got the ball over half court Paige ran the offense. This was key because it brought a calmness over the offense. UConn played relaxed because of it. Geno as was mentioned a few games ago backed off a little bit and allowed UConn to play more freely, and nothing was more obvious then watching Jana and Shade.

Paige got Azzi involved early and often and was very unselfish in that way. Another key is Azzi is back and looks to be very close to be being up to speed. We saw that in the 2nd half 2 games ago, we saw it in our last game and we saw it @ SC. Another key Griff is back and although not up to speed yet she makes an impact with her experience and aggressiveness. We did not have them or playing at this level in our 3 losses and we were in those games. If we had them playing at this level in those 3 losses the result imo wouldve been much different.

UConn has blossomed. We have a healthy Azzi and Griff is on her way. We still need Ice and Morgan back and then we will be even better. We have waited along time to see Paige and Azzi playing together. We knew what it could be like and we are fast approaching its impact. Ive been saying we have the shooters and scorers and its beginning to come together now. I know its one game but we did it yesterday, on the road against a top team and its something we can continue to build on.

Yesterday we did something that no other team in WCBB has done. Beat SC @ home. We are a very dangerous team and with Jana showing what she can do we are going to be much better come March. We have the Big 3. No other team has 3 players who can be go to players when we need it. Another key is SC is not the same team without the big in the middle. UConn was able to take the ball to the hoop and rebound. We are a different team now that Azzi and Griff are back.

Our defense is really good which is a continuation of last season. Our offense showed it is explosive. The scary thing is we are still getting better and growing as a team.

Just another point. I was reading this morning about where UConn will be ranked. IMO we are a top 3 team however the rankings should have us at 5. We are better then that now. We are not the same team we were earlier in the season and I believe this team can win it all now if we stay healthy. Yesterday we were a well oiled machine. We have seen positive signs of that over the past couple of games. This game made alot of doubters believers. This game has changed our season.

 

[Jaydumo20]

Paige did not bring the ball up court however when UConn got the ball over half court Paige ran the offense. This was key because it brought a calmness over the offense. UConn played relaxed because of it. Geno as was mentioned a few games ago backed off a little bit and allowed UConn to play more freely, and nothing was more obvious then watching Jana and Shade.

Paige got Azzi involved early and often and was very unselfish in that way. Another key is Azzi is back and looks to be very close to be being up to speed. We saw that in the 2nd half 2 games ago, we saw it in our last game and we saw it @ SC. Another key Griff is back and although not up to speed yet she makes an impact with her experience and aggressiveness. We did not have them or playing at this level in our 3 losses and we were in those games. If we had them playing at this level in those 3 losses the result imo wouldve been much different.

UConn has blossomed. We have a healthy Azzi and Griff is on her way. We still need Ice and Morgan back and then we will be even better. We have waited along time to see Paige and Azzi playing together. We knew what it could be like and we are fast approaching its impact. Ive been saying we have the shooters and scorers and its beginning to come together now. I know its one game but we did it yesterday, on the road against a top team and its something we can continue to build on.

Yesterday we did something that no other team in WCBB has done. Beat SC @ home. We are a very dangerous team and with Jana showing what she can do we are going to be much better come March. We have the Big 3. No other team has 3 players who can be go to players when we need it. Another key is SC is not the same team without the big in the middle. UConn was able to take the ball to the hoop and rebound. We are a different team now that Azzi and Griff are back.

Our defense is really good which is a continuation of last season. Our offense showed it is explosive. The scary thing is we are still getting better and growing as a team.

Just another point. I was reading this morning about where UConn will be ranked. IMO we are a top 3 team however the rankings should have us at 5. We are better then that now. We are not the same team we were earlier in the season and I believe this team can win it all now if we stay healthy. Yesterday we were a well oiled machine. We have seen positive signs of that over the past couple of games. This game made alot of doubters believers. This game has changed our season.

Great post. The big 3 at full throttle, plus Jana coming along makes this team 200% better.
Uconn without all American Azzi and without Griff is a #7 in the country. When you add a dominant 30pt/game scorer, super efficient, shut down perimeter defender and a great rebounder/defender in Aubrey, you only jump to #5?
Ha!!!
I'm with you. Top 3
(And...number 1 of those top 3, too, may I add)

 

[oldude]

There was one play yesterday during the 2nd half when Paige secured a defensive rebound and did bring the ball up the court, racing up the court on the right side, she saw Azzi on the wing. Paige handed Azzi the ball on the run, stopping dead in her tracks to set a screen while Azzi drained one of her 6 x 3’s. As I watched that play, it occurred to me that we are finally seeing the magic that Paige & Azzi can create together on a basketball court.

 

[Rowdy831]

Paige did not bring the ball up court however when UConn got the ball over half court Paige ran the offense. This was key because it brought a calmness over the offense. UConn played relaxed because of it. Geno as was mentioned a few games ago backed off a little bit and allowed UConn to play more freely, and nothing was more obvious then watching Jana and Shade.

Paige got Azzi involved early and often and was very unselfish in that way. Another key is Azzi is back and looks to be very close to be being up to speed. We saw that in the 2nd half 2 games ago, we saw it in our last game and we saw it @ SC. Another key Griff is back and although not up to speed yet she makes an impact with her experience and aggressiveness. We did not have them or playing at this level in our 3 losses and we were in those games. If we had them playing at this level in those 3 losses the result imo wouldve been much different.

UConn has blossomed. We have a healthy Azzi and Griff is on her way. We still need Ice and Morgan back and then we will be even better. We have waited along time to see Paige and Azzi playing together. We knew what it could be like and we are fast approaching its impact. Ive been saying we have the shooters and scorers and its beginning to come together now. I know its one game but we did it yesterday, on the road against a top team and its something we can continue to build on.

Yesterday we did something that no other team in WCBB has done. Beat SC @ home. We are a very dangerous team and with Jana showing what she can do we are going to be much better come March. We have the Big 3. No other team has 3 players who can be go to players when we need it. Another key is SC is not the same team without the big in the middle. UConn was able to take the ball to the hoop and rebound. We are a different team now that Azzi and Griff are back.

Our defense is really good which is a continuation of last season. Our offense showed it is explosive. The scary thing is we are still getting better and growing as a team.

Just another point. I was reading this morning about where UConn will be ranked. IMO we are a top 3 team however the rankings should have us at 5. We are better then that now. We are not the same team we were earlier in the season and I believe this team can win it all now if we stay healthy. Yesterday we were a well oiled machine. We have seen positive signs of that over the past couple of games. This game made alot of doubters believers. This game has changed our season.

Great points, I especially like the one about the size in the middle because to me the team that wins it all will need that person. Jana showed a little bit of confidence yesterday in her moves to the basket. If she gets even a little better it make UConn very difficult to beat.

 

[Rowdy831]

I thought one key that was overlooked was the impact Ash had coming in and hitting her first few shots. It makes a big difference when your players do the things they are capable of doing especially against the good teams.

 

[HuskyNan]

UConn - The #2 seed no one will want in their bracket

 

[Surly1]

There was one play yesterday during the 2nd half when Paige secured a defensive rebound and did bring the ball up the court, racing up the court on the right side, she saw Azzi on the wing. Paige handed Azzi the ball on the run, stopping dead in her tracks to set a screen while Azzi drained one of her 6 x 3’s. As I watched that play, it occurred to me that we are finally seeing the magic that Paige & Azzi can create together on a basketball court.

I happened upon bballnut90's post on postseason awards. He had Paige as second-team AA. Initially, I was in disagreement, and I may be in the minority, but if she is selected as first-team, it has more to do with reputation than her play IMO.

After yesterday's team performance, I was reluctant to bring up my concerns about Paige's scoring troubles against teams not in the Big East. Others may brush it off, but something seems off to me about Paige on the offensive end. She is still a top baller, and her command of the court and control of the game still and will always stand out, but her outside shot has been consistently off when UConn has played more talented teams.

Consider her numbers versus ND, USC, Louisville, UT and SC. In those 5 games, she has shot 30-81 (37%) and only 7-29 (24%) from 3-pt. In the last 2 games against UT and SC, she's 8-28 from the field. Since the Creighton game when she looked to score/take over in the second half of the game, she's shooting 29-72 (40%) and 8-22 from 3-pt (36%). In her last 6 games, she's averaging less than 15 ppg. Those are rather pedestrian compared to her historical numbers, and for a player of her pedigree.

For the season, Paige is shooting over 50% from the floor, but stats are misleading. In yesterday's game, she missed shots she makes in her sleep. At the end of the half, Sarah passed Paige the ball for a wide open trey, and she stiff-armed her shot. Her outside shot has not looked fluid, something we've been accustomed to her entire career.

My point is not to criticize as Paige is my all-time fav player, but to ask others if they see or wonder the same. Is she in a shooting funk, having mechanics issues, misplaced her mojo and some confidence, having some physical issues, or just pressing too hard? In the second half, she had an open trey, passed it up for a travel violation, and Geno's displeasure. Against UT and SC, she had trouble getting around her defender after a screen to pull up for a jumper. When she does attempt a midrange jumper, I don't see the same elevation as she displayed in her sophomore year or even last year.

Throughout her career, UConn has made the Final Four with Paige carrying the team on her back. Fortunately, this year, the team has more weapons. Sarah has had some outstanding games, and Azzi has had back-to-back break-out games, but I'm still waiting for Paige to have a signature scoring outing.
The landscape has been littered with them. Hannah Hidalgo has been consistent all season, JuJu has had notable explosions, Ta'Niya is leading the nation in scoring, Mikayla Blakes has broken 50 twice, and Lucy Olsen delivered a clutch performance against USC in a win.

As a 5th-year senior, I hoped Paige would be in the running for NPOY. Lately, she's seemed more comfortable playing the facilitator than a leading role in UConn's success. I would never underestimate or dismiss her ability to rise to the occasion, but will we see her take over games again?

 

[Huskee11]

The stats are very revealing. Advantage on the boards 48-29 including 15-6 on the offensive boards. SC had a grand total of 6 offensive rebounds, 7 assists, 3 three pointers, ONE steal and 11 free throw attempts. Very unlike the SC we normally see.

Their offense seemed stagnant - reliant on individual moves, hitting the boards, and getting to the line, none of which really worked. With a few exceptions - Fulwiley is a handful and Edwards was very good - we were able to stay in front of them on defense, avoid fouling, and produce a great team effort on the boards. Then, our clear advantage of being able to get out in transition took over. I know Geno is a Sixers fan, but it reminded me of the old Celtics teams.

UConn shot it well from three but only shot 44% from the field on the whole. 22 assists on 31 field goals. Paige and Azzi were 4-18 combined in the first half and missed shots they normally make. We should have been up by 30 at halftime.

Everyone showed up. Jana played with a level of poise we had not seen before.

And finally, kudos to the coaching staff. The game plan was terrific. We picked up at half court, saving our energy for the transition game. Hit the boards and look up. Paige had the ball in her hands a lot. Players were seizing the open shot when it showed and did not pass it up in favor of something worse. Azzi didn’t back off after a slow start. Their patience with Jana was rewarded. Dawn had no answers.

Something to build on for sure.

 

[oldude]

I happened upon bballnut90's post on postseason awards. He had Paige as second-team AA. Initially, I was in disagreement, and I may be in the minority, but if she is selected as first-team, it has more to do with reputation than her play IMO.

After yesterday's team performance, I was reluctant to bring up my concerns about Paige's scoring troubles against teams not in the Big East. Others may brush it off, but something seems off to me about Paige on the offensive end. She is still a top baller, and her command of the court and control of the game still and will always stand out, but her outside shot has been consistently off when UConn has played more talented teams.

Consider her numbers versus ND, USC, Louisville, UT and SC. In those 5 games, she has shot 30-81 (37%) and only 7-29 (24%) from 3-pt. In the last 2 games against UT and SC, she's 8-28 from the field. Since the Creighton game when she looked to score/take over in the second half of the game, she's shooting 29-72 (40%) and 8-22 from 3-pt (36%). In her last 6 games, she's averaging less than 15 ppg. Those are rather pedestrian compared to her historical numbers, and for a player of her pedigree.

For the season, Paige is shooting over 50% from the floor, but stats are misleading. In yesterday's game, she missed shots she makes in her sleep. At the end of the half, Sarah passed Paige the ball for a wide open trey, and she stiff-armed her shot. Her outside shot has not looked fluid, something we've been accustomed to her entire career.

My point is not to criticize as Paige is my all-time fav player, but to ask others if they see or wonder the same. Is she in a shooting funk, having mechanics issues, misplaced her mojo and some confidence, having some physical issues, or just pressing too hard? In the second half, she had an open trey, passed it up for a travel violation, and Geno's displeasure. Against UT and SC, she had trouble getting around her defender after a screen to pull up for a jumper. When she does attempt a midrange jumper, I don't see the same elevation as she displayed in her sophomore year or even last year.

Throughout her career, UConn has made the Final Four with Paige carrying the team on her back. Fortunately, this year, the team has more weapons. Sarah has had some outstanding games, and Azzi has had back-to-back break-out games, but I'm still waiting for Paige to have a signature scoring outing.
The landscape has been littered with them. Hannah Hidalgo has been consistent all season, JuJu has had notable explosions, Ta'Niya is leading the nation in scoring, Mikayla Blakes has broken 50 twice, and Lucy Olsen delivered a clutch performance against USC in a win.

As a 5th-year senior, I hoped Paige would be in the running for NPOY. Lately, she's seemed more comfortable playing the facilitator than a leading role in UConn's success. I would never underestimate or dismiss her ability to rise to the occasion, but will we see her take over games again?

I have absolutely no concerns about Paige’s shooting. I have pointed out the fact that Watkins recently went through one of the worst 4-game shooting slumps I have ever seen from a high volume scorer only to come out of it by lightning up UCLA with 38 pts during USC’s upset win over the Bruins.

 

[MooseJaw]

Paige did not bring the ball up court however when UConn got the ball over half court Paige ran the offense. This was key because it brought a calmness over the offense. UConn played relaxed because of it. Geno as was mentioned a few games ago backed off a little bit and allowed UConn to play more freely, and nothing was more obvious then watching Jana and Shade.

Paige got Azzi involved early and often and was very unselfish in that way. Another key is Azzi is back and looks to be very close to be being up to speed. We saw that in the 2nd half 2 games ago, we saw it in our last game and we saw it @ SC. Another key Griff is back and although not up to speed yet she makes an impact with her experience and aggressiveness. We did not have them or playing at this level in our 3 losses and we were in those games. If we had them playing at this level in those 3 losses the result imo wouldve been much different.

UConn has blossomed. We have a healthy Azzi and Griff is on her way. We still need Ice and Morgan back and then we will be even better. We have waited along time to see Paige and Azzi playing together. We knew what it could be like and we are fast approaching its impact. Ive been saying we have the shooters and scorers and its beginning to come together now. I know its one game but we did it yesterday, on the road against a top team and its something we can continue to build on.

Yesterday we did something that no other team in WCBB has done. Beat SC @ home. We are a very dangerous team and with Jana showing what she can do we are going to be much better come March. We have the Big 3. No other team has 3 players who can be go to players when we need it. Another key is SC is not the same team without the big in the middle. UConn was able to take the ball to the hoop and rebound. We are a different team now that Azzi and Griff are back.

Our defense is really good which is a continuation of last season. Our offense showed it is explosive. The scary thing is we are still getting better and growing as a team.

Just another point. I was reading this morning about where UConn will be ranked. IMO we are a top 3 team however the rankings should have us at 5. We are better then that now. We are not the same team we were earlier in the season and I believe this team can win it all now if we stay healthy. Yesterday we were a well oiled machine. We have seen positive signs of that over the past couple of games. This game made alot of doubters believers. This game has changed our season.

Tony as always you make me smile all over. Your posts after great games are stellar, and one of my first reads. I love them after great games like yesterday, and this post. However, when I really need them is after a bad game by our Huskies. They bring me back to reality and give a better perspective on our team. Tony I just hope we get many more like today's posts. The sun didn't come up today. it burst through the horizon in full glorious sun rays surrounded by flag blue.

 

[Linart]

UConn - The #2 seed no one will want in their bracket

Deja vu all over again.

 

[huskyd]

To reiterate Tony's point about BUHLEEVING, I seconded his argument on Saturday that UConn needed to think like winners and not as if losing was an option. Geno made the same point in his presser: "Auriemma also pointed to how his team played to win instead of playing as if they were hoping to not lose."
That's it. Full stop.

 

[yhun89]

The offense flowed a lot better under PB. Never forget she won POTY as a freshman playing the PG role. Yesterday just proves how good she is at that spot, she assisted Azzi probably 4-5 times. Set up many teammates by drawing defense. All around leader.

Jana IMO was a huge piece, because her having a bigger presence in the post forced SC to try and guard her down there while also chasing the perimeter. If she hadn’t proven herself to be a threat, SC might’ve been more lenient under there.

 

[victor64]

I watched UCLA struggle without Betts barely beating Michigan State. Texas and LSU played an ugly game both showing vulnerability. UConn crushing South Carolina makes the tournament wide open. I don't think UConn is the favorite but Tennessee clearly woke them up.

 

[huskeynut]

Yesterday' game was fueled by both the offense and the defense. The 1st quarter set the tone for the game.

The offense stayed even with SC without Azzi hitting her shots. Jana showed what she can do on the offense. And she held her own on defense and scored inside, including a great crossover move. Ash broke it open in the last 3 minutes with 2 three's. A 7 point lead that grew.

SC was not able to run their offense. Not because they were having an off day as some have aluded to, but because UConn's defense took away their passing lanes forcing a lot of one on one by SC. And limiting them to one shot per possession.

UConn's spread offense and 3 point shooting took away SC's ability to crash the boards defensively. Their defense could not pack the lane. And when UConn ran, SC could not get back and cover and set up their defense.

The 2nd quarter sealed SC's fate. You could see it on Dawn's face.

As to Paige. She had a double/ double - assists and points. What more do you want. She did what was needed to keep the team moving forward. She can play the 1, the 2 guard positons as well as the 3 - a small forward. Too many think being an AA means scoring alot of points.That is a problem. A very narrow view in my estimation.

 

[Tonyc]

I happened upon bballnut90's post on postseason awards. He had Paige as second-team AA. Initially, I was in disagreement, and I may be in the minority, but if she is selected as first-team, it has more to do with reputation than her play IMO.

After yesterday's team performance, I was reluctant to bring up my concerns about Paige's scoring troubles against teams not in the Big East. Others may brush it off, but something seems off to me about Paige on the offensive end. She is still a top baller, and her command of the court and control of the game still and will always stand out, but her outside shot has been consistently off when UConn has played more talented teams.

Consider her numbers versus ND, USC, Louisville, UT and SC. In those 5 games, she has shot 30-81 (37%) and only 7-29 (24%) from 3-pt. In the last 2 games against UT and SC, she's 8-28 from the field. Since the Creighton game when she looked to score/take over in the second half of the game, she's shooting 29-72 (40%) and 8-22 from 3-pt (36%). In her last 6 games, she's averaging less than 15 ppg. Those are rather pedestrian compared to her historical numbers, and for a player of her pedigree.

For the season, Paige is shooting over 50% from the floor, but stats are misleading. In yesterday's game, she missed shots she makes in her sleep. At the end of the half, Sarah passed Paige the ball for a wide open trey, and she stiff-armed her shot. Her outside shot has not looked fluid, something we've been accustomed to her entire career.

My point is not to criticize as Paige is my all-time fav player, but to ask others if they see or wonder the same. Is she in a shooting funk, having mechanics issues, misplaced her mojo and some confidence, having some physical issues, or just pressing too hard? In the second half, she had an open trey, passed it up for a travel violation, and Geno's displeasure. Against UT and SC, she had trouble getting around her defender after a screen to pull up for a jumper. When she does attempt a midrange jumper, I don't see the same elevation as she displayed in her sophomore year or even last year.

Throughout her career, UConn has made the Final Four with Paige carrying the team on her back. Fortunately, this year, the team has more weapons. Sarah has had some outstanding games, and Azzi has had back-to-back break-out games, but I'm still waiting for Paige to have a signature scoring outing.
The landscape has been littered with them. Hannah Hidalgo has been consistent all season, JuJu has had notable explosions, Ta'Niya is leading the nation in scoring, Mikayla Blakes has broken 50 twice, and Lucy Olsen delivered a clutch performance against USC in a win.

As a 5th-year senior, I hoped Paige would be in the running for NPOY. Lately, she's seemed more comfortable playing the facilitator than a leading role in UConn's success. I would never underestimate or dismiss her ability to rise to the occasion, but will we see her take over games again?

Since her injury Ive noticed that Paige is not as explosive with her first step. Hopefully that will change before the end of the season.

 

[JBK]

Great post. The big 3 at full throttle, plus Jana coming along makes this team 200% better.
Uconn without all American Azzi and without Griff is a #7 in the country. When you add a dominant 30pt/game scorer, super efficient, shut down perimeter defender and a great rebounder/defender in Aubrey, you only jump to #5?
Ha!!!
I'm with you. Top 3
(And...number 1 of those top 3, too, may I add)

Also. Chen plays really good defense and if can contribute 10 points and assists will be a big add to give some rest

 

[Ralph]

Paige did not bring the ball up court however when UConn got the ball over half court Paige ran the offense. This was key because it brought a calmness over the offense. UConn played relaxed because of it. Geno as was mentioned a few games ago backed off a little bit and allowed UConn to play more freely, and nothing was more obvious then watching Jana and Shade.

Paige got Azzi involved early and often and was very unselfish in that way. Another key is Azzi is back and looks to be very close to be being up to speed. We saw that in the 2nd half 2 games ago, we saw it in our last game and we saw it @ SC. Another key Griff is back and although not up to speed yet she makes an impact with her experience and aggressiveness. We did not have them or playing at this level in our 3 losses and we were in those games. If we had them playing at this level in those 3 losses the result imo wouldve been much different.

UConn has blossomed. We have a healthy Azzi and Griff is on her way. We still need Ice and Morgan back and then we will be even better. We have waited along time to see Paige and Azzi playing together. We knew what it could be like and we are fast approaching its impact. Ive been saying we have the shooters and scorers and its beginning to come together now. I know its one game but we did it yesterday, on the road against a top team and its something we can continue to build on.

Yesterday we did something that no other team in WCBB has done. Beat SC @ home. We are a very dangerous team and with Jana showing what she can do we are going to be much better come March. We have the Big 3. No other team has 3 players who can be go to players when we need it. Another key is SC is not the same team without the big in the middle. UConn was able to take the ball to the hoop and rebound. We are a different team now that Azzi and Griff are back.

Our defense is really good which is a continuation of last season. Our offense showed it is explosive. The scary thing is we are still getting better and growing as a team.

Just another point. I was reading this morning about where UConn will be ranked. IMO we are a top 3 team however the rankings should have us at 5. We are better then that now. We are not the same team we were earlier in the season and I believe this team can win it all now if we stay healthy. Yesterday we were a well oiled machine. We have seen positive signs of that over the past couple of games. This game made alot of doubters believers. This game has changed our season.

remember, Notre Dame was without Maddie Westbeld when we played ND. But USC at home Azzi and Audrie would have helped. This is also the same team that lost a few days ago against TN, so yesterday was an unbelievably great game, but we are still inconsistent until we show otherwise. Hopefully we do that in a month.

 

[ERWUC65]

I happened upon bballnut90's post on postseason awards. He had Paige as second-team AA. Initially, I was in disagreement, and I may be in the minority, but if she is selected as first-team, it has more to do with reputation than her play IMO.

After yesterday's team performance, I was reluctant to bring up my concerns about Paige's scoring troubles against teams not in the Big East. Others may brush it off, but something seems off to me about Paige on the offensive end. She is still a top baller, and her command of the court and control of the game still and will always stand out, but her outside shot has been consistently off when UConn has played more talented teams.

Consider her numbers versus ND, USC, Louisville, UT and SC. In those 5 games, she has shot 30-81 (37%) and only 7-29 (24%) from 3-pt. In the last 2 games against UT and SC, she's 8-28 from the field. Since the Creighton game when she looked to score/take over in the second half of the game, she's shooting 29-72 (40%) and 8-22 from 3-pt (36%). In her last 6 games, she's averaging less than 15 ppg. Those are rather pedestrian compared to her historical numbers, and for a player of her pedigree.

For the season, Paige is shooting over 50% from the floor, but stats are misleading. In yesterday's game, she missed shots she makes in her sleep. At the end of the half, Sarah passed Paige the ball for a wide open trey, and she stiff-armed her shot. Her outside shot has not looked fluid, something we've been accustomed to her entire career.

My point is not to criticize as Paige is my all-time fav player, but to ask others if they see or wonder the same. Is she in a shooting funk, having mechanics issues, misplaced her mojo and some confidence, having some physical issues, or just pressing too hard? In the second half, she had an open trey, passed it up for a travel violation, and Geno's displeasure. Against UT and SC, she had trouble getting around her defender after a screen to pull up for a jumper. When she does attempt a midrange jumper, I don't see the same elevation as she displayed in her sophomore year or even last year.

Throughout her career, UConn has made the Final Four with Paige carrying the team on her back. Fortunately, this year, the team has more weapons. Sarah has had some outstanding games, and Azzi has had back-to-back break-out games, but I'm still waiting for Paige to have a signature scoring outing.
The landscape has been littered with them. Hannah Hidalgo has been consistent all season, JuJu has had notable explosions, Ta'Niya is leading the nation in scoring, Mikayla Blakes has broken 50 twice, and Lucy Olsen delivered a clutch performance against USC in a win.

As a 5th-year senior, I hoped Paige would be in the running for NPOY. Lately, she's seemed more comfortable playing the facilitator than a leading role in UConn's success. I would never underestimate or dismiss her ability to rise to the occasion, but will we see her take over games again?

Let's give Paige some slack. It's unfortunate that everyone expects she should be the world class mature version of freshman Paige, but as you see with Azzi, injuries do take their toll and I believe that Paige has lost a bit from those and time away from the game. I expect she still has an epic game in her that we will see in the tournament, but let's not lose sight of her effectiveness as a facilitator in every game and now you see as in the SC game she is operating as the PG once the ball is over midcourt.

 

[freshler40]

This game was a big change in our pace of play. We didn't dribble into our offense, we passed, quicker tempo and willingness to shoot to a faster clock. This prevented the defense from setting up and provided more rebounding opportunities. This was a pro-style offense with good three-point shooters given more clean shots. When we get mired into a half court offense, too many passes ensue, along with panic late clock shots under pressure or turnovers.

This S.C. game saw only 10 turnovers, even playing to a fast shot clock. At this number, we are a tough out, even with low overall shooting percentages. We valued the ball in this game. Loved our rebounding numbers and the ability to play big or small lineups. Going forward, playing with confidence, great ball fakes and determination will take us a long away. Paige sees the court and scoring opportunities that others miss. She played a great game.

 

[Ralph]

Real key, we won the opening tip for maybe the first time this season. not sure if we really won it, or it SC got the tip but they tipped it to a UConn player. For real, the key was the rebounding. I could never have predicted the point margin, but in my dreams I could see it. But the rebounding, SC has been a top rebounding team all year, we have been a poor rebounding team all year. You can have an off night shooting, but for SC to suddenly look like they lost all desire to go after rebounds and for us to suddenly get them all, I could not have seen that even in my wildest dreams. I still don't believe it even after watching the game and seeing the stats. And to see Pao Pao miss the 3's after last year, just loved it.

P.S. Did we really outrebound them?

 

[Tonyc]

remember, Notre Dame was without Maddie Westbeld when we played ND. But USC at home Azzi and Audrie would have helped. This is also the same team that lost a few days ago against TN, so yesterday was an unbelievably great game, but we are still inconsistent until we show otherwise. Hopefully we do that in a month.

Tenn was a bad loss. In the last 10 days since the Tenn loss Azzi is much more up to speed and Griff although not up to speed yet is looking better. We are a different team then we were in Tenn and it has showed in the last 3 games. We have gotten better each game and in a couple of weeks we will have Ice and Morgan back. Then we may just may be seeing a very domin8ing UConn team. Now we have to stay healthy.

 

[ABCDFE]

Yesterday' game was fueled by both the offense and the defense. The 1st quarter set the tone for the game.

The offense stayed even with SC without Azzi hitting her shots. Jana showed what she can do on the offense. And she held her own on defense and scored inside, including a great crossover move. Ash broke it open in the last 3 minutes with 2 three's. A 7 point lead that grew.

SC was not able to run their offense. Not because they were having an off day as some have aluded to, but because UConn's defense took away their passing lanes forcing a lot of one on one by SC. And limiting them to one shot per possession.

UConn's spread offense and 3 point shooting took away SC's ability to crash the boards defensively. Their defense could not pack the lane. And when UConn ran, SC could not get back and cover and set up their defense.

The 2nd quarter sealed SC's fate. You could see it on Dawn's face.

As to Paige. She had a double/ double - assists and points. What more do you want. She did what was needed to keep the team moving forward. She can play the 1, the 2 guard positons as well as the 3 - a small forward. Too many think being an AA means scoring alot of points.That is a problem. A very narrow view in my estimation.

I think you’re right in your analysis of Paige
Doing a lot and helping the team in many facets however I don’t think it’s wrong for some posters to see some instances of subpar play by Paige. It’s ok to have really really really high expectations because she is “her” as Jimmy Butler would say. Is it it fair to say she hasn’t hit the shots she normally makes or turns it over more often than she should? Yes it is fair because she is considered one of the greatest to ever grace us at UCONN and that’s what we do we to super duper stars. The best will always be under a microscope fair or not I think it is reality. Look across all sports you will see this happen.

 

[Bone Dog]

My point is not to criticize as Paige is my all-time fav player, but to ask others if they see or wonder the same.

I'm not seeing exactly what you're seeing. She shot 2-5 from 3 against SC. That's a great percentage. She's shooting 42% from 3 for the season and 53% overall. She's also shooting 88% at the FT line, which is a place where mechanics problems might show up.

Maybe what we're all seeing is that the mission has changed a bit for Paige. She wants to win an NC and doesn't care about anything else. She plays with these girls several times a week and sees what sort of progress they're making long before we do. I wonder if what's happening is that she sees that Azzi and Ash are ready and she doesn't want to get in the way of that. Last season, it was just her and Aaliyah she could count on to carry the scoring load, the rebounding and shot blocking load, and that wasn't enough to get them there. The lesson she may have learned is that the road to the NC is not paved with her points but with their points.

Yesterday against SC she shot well from 3 but not so well from the midrange. But she also had 7 rebounds and 10 assists. She wins by wielding her team's talent like a field general and right now the shooting talent is coming from Azzi, Ash and Sarah. I am sure if she thought they weren't up to the task, she'd focus more on her own shotmaking. But she knows better than we do.

One other thing to consider. I remember that story about how she sold her best friend Azzi and her parents on the idea of coming to UConn with a video and powerpoint presentation explaining all the great passes Paige was gonna make to her. This may feel like a debt of honor for Paige. Her friend came to Storrs and now it's time to make good on that promise. I mean, they both want to get to the W, and Paige was in effect promising to do whatever it takes to get Azzi the best shot in the draft.

 

[msf22b]

Tony
I think that "up to speed" is not the complete explanation for what took place yesterday. Azzi said it herself in the postgame court-side interview...Something to the effect that...I've been doing this (practicing that shot) for 20 years...I'm not surprised (that) a bunch of them fall.

A lot of this is in her head...when Geno spoke about playing to win...a lot of it was Azzi (and Paige).

And lots not forget Geno's seamless subbing pattern which worked better than any game in memory...and had SC on its heals all game....he even mentioned it in the first on-court interview...Knew he had them

And the rebounding...absolutely outstanding...the shooting I understand...How did they become such "crashers" overnight.

And applying just the right amount of pressure after the UTenn loss; Dawn might learn something here...a day or so of "under the bus" and then (surely?) positive, teacherly, hard work...and good practices (he admitted)

And lastly...the forgotten woman: Miss Glue, Kaitlyn Chen...our latest "grandma"
those pictures of her (I wish I remember the site) so a part of it, enthusiasm plus
joy beyond description)...What a find....What a teammate.

So much went right...Let the beat roll on.