My $.02...
Pleasantly surprised that UNC is still ranked. It's interesting also to me that there are now 3 teams in the top 25 with at least 3 losses. Also I was encouraged by UCONN's play in Q1 and Q3. I hope that this team is getting more acclimated and comfortable with the core 8 that is left after the recent injuries to Caroline and Azzi (I know Caroline's is not "recent", but the repercussions from her concussions is causing her to be out way longer than hoped).
A tough stretch - L'ville and the 2 other best teams besides UCONN in the big east. None of the games will be easy. But I hope the team continues to get more and more comfortable for longer stretches with who they have. Ice (3 minutes) and Q (8 minutes) hardly played vs. UNC and that needs to change sooner rather than later IMHO...
I think Q and Ice have to show improvement on the defensive end. Q gets lost on switches at times and needs to box out better and get used to the faster speed at this level and Ice needs to improve her foot speed, box out, rebound, and be way more careful and certain with the ball. She only has to play a solid floor game to play more. We have to remember that she didn't play competitive basketball for a year. In a close game, they will not be in there unless there is improvement. I think they both know this and I think you will see changes soon. We definitely need an 8 player rotation for the full game.
To me, a key takeaway from the UNC game was that the two other freshmen were out there when the winning and close out took place and were a part of it by playing defense and handling the ball under pressure. That imbues confidence. They will be de facto sophomores come March. Q is the X factor because she is so athletic that she brings slashing, 3 point shooting, and speed and will develop into a very good player. It's a lot to get used to at this level and in this program. Like Liyah said "Baby steps".
