Losing Dorka makes this game harder for UConn. Paige beng all the way back though is the difference. NCS could not stop her even though they knew she was going to take the shots in OT. Hard fought but UConn prevails.
NCSt chose to play Fudd hard with Perez defending closely. It was hard for Fudd to get free although she did get some scoring done. It's almost as if they thought if we can stop Fudd, Cunane and ONO will cancel each other out, and they like their chances then. But, whoever was "guarding" Paige didn't do the job. Paige had a lot to do with that- she doesn't need much of an opening, her shot was devastatingly accurate last night, and she can create her own opportunities. Last night was the Paige of last year when she was best player in nation.
It really is a shame that Dorka won't be able to play. She is an important part and was playing probably her best game when she was hurt. Ono was tremendous, especially playing as long as she did with 4 fouls against a good player in Cunane. NCSt took it inside when they could to try to get ONO to foul out but it didn't work.
I was really hoping to see the trio of Paige, Azzi and Caroline Ducharme on the floor together. Like it or not, and I don't, it seems Geno is relegating Ducharme to the bench, maybe letting her get a few minutes here and there. Geno seems to have replaced her in the lineup with Evina Westbrook. When Evina missed several open threes and hesitated shooting others, I kept wondering what Caroline would have done if she were in the game instead. Caroline is a good shooter too, streaky perhaps, but she is 6-2 and can take it inside as well. I hope UConn really uses her more in the final four. When UConn was really limited by injuries mid-season, it was Ducharme who was the go-to player, and she delivered.
So, Paige is playing well, Azzi is playing well, forward Aaliyah Edwards is in the best form of the season, and Ono is playing well. If UConn wins it all, which I hope they will, it won't surprise me at all!
