It’s amazing to me that so many people still doubt Azzi or think that there is a better guard in the nation. She played today like what she is: a senior All-American ( that steal at midcourt and subsequent bucket was an even more bad ass version of her her two strips and scores in the national championship game).Q2 was dumb*ss, but the entire second half was not only bad*ass but whip*ss.
Shooting 27 on 11-17, 5-8 with 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 steals, and playing solid defense, the same player was both the the best shooting guard and best point guard in this game . . .
. . . multi-bad FAFO.
I loved that stretch by K9. To the left and then to the right. Happy for her.K9 to shift the game at the end of 1st half.
Overall Azzi
Yeah, this is pretty much why I'm not a fan of the "star if the game" mentality. With the way Geno coaches, no one can excel if just one doesn't do their part to perfection...all game long. Obviously there will be a high scorer for the game, but without everyone doing their part, that's not a sure thing. I'm giving the entire team the award today, and frankly, most days.I honestly can't single out any one player. The first few minutes of the game I'd definitely go with Shade -- She again seemed everywhere, wouldn't let TN get anything done. Azzi and KK definitely had a profound effect on the first quarter. Second quarter when the wheels were coming off, Sarah righted the ship. Third quarter, Kayleigh seemed to right the ship and Azzi put the ball in the hoop a lot. Fourth quarter Serah just seemed to have a knack for getting open.
Everyone who played (I'm not forgetting Jana and Allie) had a hand in puttin' the hurt on the Vols.
Agreed. Although Fudd seemed to forget to shoot in the 2nd Q, she was MVP Azzi the rest of the game. For those that don't think Strong was the Badass, watch her on the reply. Seemed like every shot, every pass, etc. she got hit, grabbed, pushed, etc. With no viable big to sub for her, picture this game without her underneath the basket.While I’ll give Azzi player of the game, my bad ass goes to Sarah. Besides stuffing the stat sheet, she got beat up every time she touched the ball, whether she was rebounding or bringing the ball up court and kept her composure. She was also as vocal as I’ve ever seen her. Yep, I’m going with Sarah as my BA !
The problem for Serah has been that she is a post player and the Big East is a guards and forwards league which puts her in a bind trying to cover out to the three point line. She shines when she has a fellow post to defend, and teams with a post player don't send bodies to double team her as often on offense.Serah made the PG leap today. I think we know now that one-year seniors have a lot of learning and work to do to arrive at a place where they ‘belong’ on the court. The coach and the team gave Serah the time and today she rewarded them. Big time performance in a big game by our starting center.
I'm in agreement with those who think K9 was the badass of the game. However, I want to add to the Azzi love by pointing out that one of the ways UConn solved Tennessee's press in the second half was by having Azzi bring the ball up. The girl has handles. Who knew?It’s amazing to me that so many people still doubt Azzi or think that there is a better guard in the nation. She played today like what she is: a senior All-American ( that steal at midcourt and subsequent bucket was an even more bad ass version of her her two strips and scores in the national championship game).
Which was completely offset by her very uncharacteristic turnovers. With her mask and tape, she looked like she should be playing for the Mayo Clinic. Tough kid to play through that.And just lest we forget - KK led the team with 6 steals for what people have described as a 'quiet performance.'