Marquette Postgame Thread

[oldude]

Some thoughts on the Marquette game;

• HAPPY NEW YEAR TO THE BONEYARD!!!
• For the 2nd game in a row UConn’s starting lineup includes Jana at center. While there were some head scratching plays, on balance the effort was better today. It’s a long and slow process that hopefully pays off BIG in March.
• Kaitlyn & KK combined to have a really good all-around game sharing the PG duties today: 20 pts, 10 assists, 8 rebounds,
• I really love the way UConn employs their pressure defense. Soft pressure to start the game, just to speed things up a little and give opponents something to think about. Then the Huskies crank it up, forcing opponents to scramble. I have this vision of a boa constrictor slowly choking the air out of their prey. UConn forced 21 turnovers in today's game.
• In prior years, Geno has been criticized for his reluctance to substitute more freely. Not so this year. It’s actually difficult to keep up with all the lineup changes he rolls in and out.
• The Huskies did a much better job defending the arc today, holding Marquette to 3/21 from the 3-pt line.
• Rebounding continues to be a problem for UConn, as they were outrebounded today 41 to 33. Last season, Aaliyah and Nika were both beasts on the boards, and Paige picked up her share playing at the 4. UConn can’t always count on winning the turnover battle or outshooting their opponents. Once the calendar turns to March, the Huskies are going to have to do a much better job on the boards. Can you say "Aubrey Griffin?"
• Next up, a visit to Philly to face the Wildcats. GO HUSKIES!!!

 

[hoopsfan22]

Player of the Game: KK Arnold!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Bone Dog]

Paige and Azzi shoot poorly, but we blow them out by 32. I’ll take it. It doesn’t hurt to have Sarah available to put in 15 points.

A couple of bright spots. KK was awesome all over the court. And Jana scored 10 on 4-8 shooting. Her defense is still a work in progress as is her boxing out on rebounds. But that’s okay. One step at a time, big girl!

 

[victor64]

-The commitment to full court pressure is showing dividends. The ball pressure made it difficult for Marquette to get into their half court offense. By the end of the year, the press could be a weapon in a similar way that Ohio State uses theirs.

-Jana was obviously better. Still taking way too long to get her shot off. I love the team’s willingness to feed her when she is open on the post.

-Marquette had 21 TOs compared to just 5 for UConn. UConn had 22 assists on 28 baskets. Perfect 12 for12 from the line. Sometimes stats do tell the story.

-Azzi is 6 for 24 from the floor the last two games. She is getting great looks. Shots just aren’t falling. How can you tell her not to shoot?

-Maybe KK’s family can travel with the team. She played really well.

 

[jcoton56]

Nice balanced all around effort good solid play. Need rebounding.

 

[Kaizen]

Good game. Every one except Q scores.
KK is really good with 13pts, 4 rebs and 7 asts.

 

[Happydad745]

A different looking game compared to our usual outings...lots of different line ups. Lots of buckets going in and out, just part of the learning process.

 

[maple]

A better game than Sunday but there are still things to work on.

KK played with her usual toughness and energy and was the highlight for me; we need more of this in general.

Glad Allie got a sweet 3 at the end to cap things off.

 

[Stagnant]

KK was good. And has been gone for several games in a row now. I think her quickness will really stand out against big east opponents. And we saw that today.

Geno after the game talking about lineups. Again. And I just think we are hoping we get Aubrey back and hoping she makes the difference when it comes to lineups. The lineup UConn used at the end of the third quarter. I have no idea what Geno was hoping to achieve with that lineup. Not a single shot creator was on the floor. That lineup played hard and avoided getting run over by Marquette. So, they at least deserve credit. But still. I don't know what Geno was thinking.

 

[Tonyc]

A lot of good things happened today. Balanced scoring, looking to score, 4 players in double figures, Jana attacked the basket, KK attacked the basket. The shots will start falling. After a holidays I kinda expected this and now moving forward we need to improve on today. I luv Allie. Shes got a shot, not afraid to take it and can dribble drive. She could be instant offense off the bench. I really liked what I saw today. A big improvement.

 

[HuskyNan]

 

[REB1094]

Happy new year! Was rolling my eyes after the 3Q thinking "here we go again", but a great 4Q to go with a great first half

My favorite parts -

• Obvious focus to get Jana the ball. She missed some bunnies but it's great to build confidence
• First half scoring distribution: Paige & Azzi 8 each, Kaitlyn & Sarah 7 each, Jana 6
• What a game from KK Arnold. If she can develop a consistent 3 point shot, she's going to be a real problem
• Sarah with another stat stuffing game. 15pts/7reb/4ast/2stl on 60%

Paige and Azzi shot 7-25 and we won by 30. Hard to find things to complain about!

 

[Next 12]

Balanced scoring starting 5 and even scoring from the bench, EXCEPT for KK. Fantastic game. The defense was outstanding except in rebounds, again we were out rebounded. Over-all , it was a good game. Jana showed improvement. GO FRESHMEN!!!! GO SOPHOMORES!!!! GO HUSKIES!!!!

 

[EasyEd]

Even when KK doesn't score she seems to be a difference maker. When she scores too, she is player of the game. I hope she gets more playing time.

 

[maple]

View attachment 105898

100% on FT shooting! Now THAT is a stat I love to see!!

 

[Vowelguy]

Some thoughts on the Marquette game;

• HAPPY NEW YEAR TO THE BONEYARD!!!
• For the 2nd game in a row UConn’s starting lineup includes Jana at center. While there were some head scratching plays, on balance the effort was better today. It’s a long and slow process that hopefully pays off BIG in March.!

Last game Geno said there was no mystery on what the best lineup was.
I assumed he was referring to last games starters.

 

[HuskyNan]

Admittedly not a perfect game but there was definite improvement in this game over a much better team than Providence and on the road.

It’s amazing how much better the team looks when a decent number of threes fall

 

[Vowelguy]

• In prior years, Geno has been criticized for his reluctance to substitute more freely. Not so this year. It’s actually difficult to keep up with all the lineup changes he rolls in and out.

On the good side it means he’s more willing to go with an uptempo pressing lineup.

It also means, for good or bad, that not enough players have separated themselves, so there isn’t a significant drop off with each sub .

 

[oldude]

Last game Geno said there was no mystery on what the best lineup was.
I assumed he was referring to last games starters.

Well, I don’t know. Jana is a work in progress and you can make a really strong case for KK vs Caitlin. Maybe it’s no mystery for Geno, but it sure is a mystery to me.

 

[Stagnant]

Last game Geno said there was no mystery on what the best lineup was.
I assumed he was referring to last games starters.

I think it is that small ball lineup we saw when Jana came out of the game in the 4th. KK/Chen, Shade, Azzi, Paige, Sarah. Imo, that is the lineup Geno is going to turn to right now when he wants to win a game.

 

[Vowelguy]

Even when KK doesn't score she seems to be a difference maker. When she scores too, she is player of the game. I hope she gets more playing time.

Preseasoni thought KK would start because her speed is a unique talent , and also can help spur a running, pressing lineup.

 

[Vowelguy]

Well, I don’t know. Jana is a work in progress and you can make a really strong case for KK vs Caitlin. Maybe it’s no mystery for Geno, but it sure is a mystery to me.

Yes I was surprised at his statement.
I hope someone follows up and asks him what he meant

 

[and one]

And easy win yet nothing to write home about. I'm way more impressed with the defense than the offense. We are about at the half way point of the regular season and still looking for a domement starting five. Ash has disappeared as a scorer, Azzi is still getting into game shape, Ice isn't really good at anything, Jana is getting better but not near to being a good center, the freshmen are learning but not having breakout seasons. We are a good team. We'll need to be consistently better to compete for. NC

 

[Rixxx]

OT... Did it occur to anyone that the new coach for Marquette resembles Megan Duffie. It is scary...

 

[huskeynut]

A very good win.

The defense was there the entire game. That type of pressure is goingf to wear down a lot of teams.

Kudos to Jana. Good game and good improvement. She is showing she has the post moves. This was her 13th game at this level. She will get better.

Sarah being Sarah. Steady and consistent the entire game.

KK - that was point guard play we have been missing. We need more of KK every game.

Today was probably the best ball movement we have seen this season. 22 assists and 28 made baskets. Impressive stat.