UConn looked real good in the initial two games, first against a gutsy High Point and second against a big Syracuse team that played a tough zone until the Huskies figured out after one quarter. Ododa was particularly good playing against the Orange bigs (17 points and 8 rebounds) and Aailyah Edwards had a terrific game (19 points on 5-5 shooting and 9-12 free throws). If the two can duplicate these performances down the road, then UConn will be extremely tough to beat. Nice to see how well the two played together. Bueckers had an ordinary game for her, just 20 points on 5-13 shooting, but had a number of superb passes. Can’t believe she was only credited with 3 assists. Nice to see Anna hit an open 3. UConn looked good defensively. I am the type of person who generally sees the glass half full except where Huskies basketball is concerned and the next opponent and the one after that look extremely formidable.
Iowa’s Caitlin Clark is the real deal. If she played for UConn, she would be POY. She tore up Kentucky with a magnificent stat line and scoring at will - 35 points, 13-21 from field and 6-12 from 3-point range, plus 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Her partner down low Czinano was no slouch either with 14 points and 4 fouls in 29 minutes. To win, the Huskies will have to control Clark by holding her down to around 20 points. It is essential that Nika Mühl be healthy to guard Clark for at least part of the game. Without her, I’m not sure if Williams and Griffin can do the job on their own. Control Clark and UConn wins by double digits.
Baylor has been the most impressive team in the tournament, has annihilated its first two opponents, and looks nigh well impossible to beat, although UConn will no doubt come up with a good plan, but the team will need top performances from the starters to hope to move on to another Final Four. Against Virginia Tech, Baylor played eleven and had four in double figures. It is a team that I have dreaded playing all season and it will be a mighty hurdle for UConn to overcome.
Iowa’s Caitlin Clark is the real deal. If she played for UConn, she would be POY. She tore up Kentucky with a magnificent stat line and scoring at will - 35 points, 13-21 from field and 6-12 from 3-point range, plus 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Her partner down low Czinano was no slouch either with 14 points and 4 fouls in 29 minutes. To win, the Huskies will have to control Clark by holding her down to around 20 points. It is essential that Nika Mühl be healthy to guard Clark for at least part of the game. Without her, I’m not sure if Williams and Griffin can do the job on their own. Control Clark and UConn wins by double digits.
Baylor has been the most impressive team in the tournament, has annihilated its first two opponents, and looks nigh well impossible to beat, although UConn will no doubt come up with a good plan, but the team will need top performances from the starters to hope to move on to another Final Four. Against Virginia Tech, Baylor played eleven and had four in double figures. It is a team that I have dreaded playing all season and it will be a mighty hurdle for UConn to overcome.
