Marquette Postgame Thread

[tkaes]

With the deeper bench, starters can play in-yer-face defense without worrying about fouling out or getting too tired. And with Azzi and Caroline in the quiver, the starters relax and don’t feel the pressure that they have to carry the team. Having those two back makes this a completely different team.

This is the key right here. With Azzi and Caroline now available and playing everyone can exert more energy at both ends of the court. Now when Geno sends them in the team can continue to play at a high pace on both offense and defense. 8, 9, and 10 have generally only been contributing on one end.

 

[darrell]

 

[Hoops66]

Great energy on defense...great energy on offense...great energy from the crowd,,,and now great energy in the Boneyard! Keep it up for another few weeks and the celebration we only dreamed of will be really something else!

 

[HuskyNan]

 

[mhshuskies]

3 players with double doubles

 

[LarryLegend]

I am sitting close to the court today so I could see with my own eyes how smothering the UConn D was. They barely gave Marquette room to breathe and NEVER looked winded or gave up on a play. Great to see.

Really makes you appreciate how tough they are playing. The difficult season absolutely was a blessing in disguise IMO.

contrast with LSU who made themselves a cupcake schedule.

 

[UConnCat]

Jordan King 2-15.

 

[Bigboote]

Wow!

UConn showed yesterday and today energy that they haven't shown in a LOOONG time. With a full roster they can do things they haven't been able to do with a short bench. The steals, the (very occasional) backcourt pressure -- you can't do that if you're afraid of fouling or if you can't take a break.

Where are the "fans" who said UConn couldn't win the Big East or make it to the Final Four now? I think some teams' hearts have sunk watching UConn the last couple of days.

 

[darrell]

Read the seating cards.

 

[LwrcasefaN]

Wow!

UConn showed yesterday and today energy that they haven't shown in a LOOONG time. With a full roster they can do things they haven't been able to do with a short bench. The steals, the (very occasional) backcourt pressure -- you can't do that if you're afraid of fouling or if you can't take a break.

Where are the "fans" who said UConn couldn't win the Big East or make it to the Final Four now? I think some teams' hearts have sunk watching UConn the last couple of days.

Big Booooooooootay...say it louder for the people in the back!

 

[oldude]

Read the seating cards.

Evidently, Geno and the ladies are having a little fun.

 

[Florida Fan]

Some Thoughts on the Marquette game:

• The last time these teams met, a 59-52 Marquette win in Milwaukee, UConn had only 8 healthy players, all UConn starters played at least 36+ minutes, the Huskies got 0 pts from the bench and the team was clearly exhausted by the end of the game. Today, with Azzi & Caroline back, the Huskies went 10 deep and never once looked fatigued.
• For the 2nd game in a row UConn dialed it up, playing SUFFOCATING DEFENSE. I was really impressed with how relentless the Huskies were in fighting through the maze of screens that Marquette sets on offense, drawing numerous moving screen fouls in the process.
• Aaliyah, Dorka & Aubrey all came to play today, and unlike the game in Milwaukee, UConn dominated the paint in a physical matchup against a very physical Marquette team.
• It’s always comforting when UConn forces an opponent to call a timeout prior to the 1st TV timeouts of both halves!!!!
• Nika was outstanding today attacking the basket off the dribble, dropping 10 dimes and playing ferocious defense. Had her teammates not missed a bunch of layups Nika probably would have broken the UConn, single game assist record again.
• Lou seemed to be finding her shots in rhythm today. She hit one 3 in the 1st half when 2 defenders followed Azzi to the opposite side of the court, leaving Lou all alone at the arc on the other side, something she probably hasn’t experienced in months.
• I absolutely loved the effort from Ines when she blocked a shot at the top of the key, took off on the break only to get a pass from Azzi that was just a bit too long, then hustled like mad to get back on defense to strip the ball from the Marquette player. THAT IS UCONN HUSKY BASKETBALL AT ITS BEST!!!
• Today UConn won the rebounding battle, the turnover battle, the foul battle and, most importantly, the scoreboard battle.
• I cannot remember the last time UConn WBB didn’t play for the championship of their conference tournament, and I hope I never do…….

Telling it like it is, was and (hopefully) will be. Thanks, old dude.

 

[bantamlaker]

All we need now is 7 more wins. A week or so ago most of us would have said that was most unlikely but after these last 2 games it’s once again a possibility. The time off after the Big East Tournament will be really helpful to get Azzi and Caroline fully involved.

 

[faithfulfan]

At the end of the game, our bench was playing against either the 5 starters or 4 starters and they didn't give in an inch!!!!!! Well done to all 10 Huskies!!!!!

Now to sit back and watch the nitpicking. Sarcasm

There can be no sarcasm on this one, great D, relentless the whole game!
This is why Geno is coach of the year!

 

[msf22b]

A few points

-Marquette plays a physical game and in our last meeting took the stuffing out of our gals
Not this afternoon...UConn was by far the more
physical forcing Marquette into irresponsible fouls which further impeded their slim to none chances.

-Yes, Ines is a baller...Nothing new, shouldn't surprise; she dribbles very athletically, moves like a dancer...can shoot; she'll be fine.

-Tony correctly noted that even as a decoy (my formulation, not his); Azzi is incredibly useful...opens room for Lou and especially the space around the lane.
Geno also mentioned it during the half-time interview

-I've been skeptical as to whether the leopard can change its spots; whether the Husky's could regain their early season form; whether Geno's rant, last week, was tactical or as I suggested, that of a frustrated leader, not knowing where to turn...

Well I've been wrong before, and it gives me great pleasure to admit that my negative outlook has to this point been shown to be a big load of crap...

And I'm delighted to so admit...

Viva la difference!

 

[faithfulfan]

All we need now is 7 more wins. A week or so ago most of us would have said that was most unlikely but after these last 2 games it’s once again a possibility. The time off after the Big East Tournament will be really helpful to get Azzi and Caroline fully involved.

Not me, this team without Azzi lost only by 4 to SC, with Azzi, and Caroline, this team is #2, looking at a revenge game against SC in the finals!

 

[bantamlaker]

Evidently, Geno and the ladies are having a little fun.

Look at those grins. Playing well and winning certainly improves everyone’s mood ( including the BY).

 

[faithfulfan]

I'll bet you weren't half as tired watching UConn's defense as Marquette was.

Marq starters looked like they began quitting late in the 3rd, nothing they could do to get back in the game!
All know after tomorrow, the NCAA will be all looking to start building up a rematch between UCONN and SC,,,,,cause the DOGS ARE ON THE PROWL!

 

[maple]

Where are the "fans" who said UConn couldn't win the Big East or make it to the Final Four now?

I admit I moaned a bit that this team couldn’t to it this year but I love being proved wrong!!

I’m officially on the Inez bandwagon. Also AP is TALL!!! Next year when she’s stronger, watch out!

 

[faithfulfan]

Can I quote you on that?

You can quote me, the 'Revenge' Tour Has Begun,,,
After destroying the Big East in this tournament,,,,
then on to the NCAA's, and with luck that tour to '#12' includes a route of
ND, Maryland, and SC!

 

[faithfulfan]

I admit I moaned a bit that this team couldn’t to it this year but I love being proved wrong!!

I’m officially on the Inez bandwagon. Also AP is TALL!!! Next year when she’s stronger, watch out!

View attachment 84718View attachment 84719

Great pics,,,,AP is tall, yea but check out 'Ice' when she's standing in a team huddle, not many teams gonna get physical with UCONN next year!

 

[veryolddog]

This Team is filled with the Spirit of the World. I Liked it. This brings back fond memories of UConn dominance that I have not seen for a while. Congratualations to the Team and the Coaching Staff. It is amazing what a little rest and healing can do for you. Great smothering Defense!

 

[browns]

Tremendous defense from everyone..this looked like the Uconn team we expect to see..three double doubles..when is the last time that happened..Azzi's shot will come around then look out

 

[Jokerman619]

The UConn of old! If we can stay healthy, get Azzi and Caroline back in the flow ,continue to play the way they have the last 2 games I not only see a BET Championship BUT, another Final 4 appearance!!! Genos rant worked and motivated these young ladies !!! Congrats UCONN!!!!!!

So agree. And I look for Villanova and Creighton to play all out. And like Marquette today, ran out of gas. To finally put them all in the same place uconn has been for most of the year. And UConn is very much more battle tested.
Go Huskies.

 

[Rowdy831]

The starting 5 is playing BB right now with no worry about fatigue or not being fresh to finish a game. They know they will get rest and they are playing like it right now. The defense today was fantastic and they did a good job on the turnovers again in this game. Dorka played with some fire today on the boards and defense which is trouble for opposing teams.

Offense on the other hand was fantastic inside but the outside shooting was still pretty average for this group. The thing is though the defense has to honor the shooters whether they make the shots or not and that is opening up the inside for Dorka and especially AE. Once Azzi gets her shot honed in this offense will be scary and with a deeper bench that Geno trusts they will not go easy.

Who wants to play this UCONN team before the Final Four?

 

[RockyMTblue2]

After the struggle of a snake bit season today's Huskies make me so darn proud and happy.

 

[Skeets]

Any Uconn fan that finds anything wrong with this game should be kicked off the Boneyard.

Please don't kick me off, please. The only thing I didn't like was Azzi in the game when it was a blow out. She should have been taken out with 4 or 5 minutes remaining. What was the score and when in the game did Paige get hurt last year?

 

[maple]

So agree. And I look for Villanova and Creighton to play all out. And like Marquette today, ran out of gas. To finally put them all in the same place uconn has been for most of the year. And UConn is very much more battle tested.
Go Huskies.

Right now the game is tough, neck-and-neck. I hope it goes into 5 OT.

 

[UConnCat]

 

[HuskyinWRNY]

Some Thoughts on the Marquette game:

• The last time these teams met, a 59-52 Marquette win in Milwaukee, UConn had only 8 healthy players, all UConn starters played at least 36+ minutes, the Huskies got 0 pts from the bench and the team was clearly exhausted by the end of the game. Today, with Azzi & Caroline back, the Huskies went 10 deep and never once looked fatigued.
• For the 2nd game in a row UConn dialed it up, playing SUFFOCATING DEFENSE. I was really impressed with how relentless the Huskies were in fighting through the maze of screens that Marquette sets on offense, drawing numerous moving screen fouls in the process.
• Aaliyah, Dorka & Aubrey all came to play today, and unlike the game in Milwaukee, UConn dominated the paint in a physical matchup against a very physical Marquette team.
• It’s always comforting when UConn forces an opponent to call a timeout prior to the 1st TV timeouts of both halves!!!!
• Nika was outstanding today attacking the basket off the dribble, dropping 10 dimes and playing ferocious defense. Had her teammates not missed a bunch of layups Nika probably would have broken the UConn, single game assist record again.
• Lou seemed to be finding her shots in rhythm today. She hit one 3 in the 1st half when 2 defenders followed Azzi to the opposite side of the court, leaving Lou all alone at the arc on the other side, something she probably hasn’t experienced in months.
• I absolutely loved the effort from Ines when she blocked a shot at the top of the key, took off on the break only to get a pass from Azzi that was just a bit too long, then hustled like mad to get back on defense to strip the ball from the Marquette player. THAT IS UCONN HUSKY BASKETBALL AT ITS BEST!!!
• Today UConn won the rebounding battle, the turnover battle, the foul battle and, most importantly, the scoreboard battle.
• I cannot remember the last time UConn WBB didn’t play for the championship of their conference tournament, and I hope I never do…….

Suffocating indeed! And I'm loving the play of Ines today.