Marquette Postgame Thread

[HuskyNan]

I missed both games today. Where can I watch replays?

Scroll down for replays

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[JSB60]

Few Thoughts:
While not a great game by UConn, a good win against a team which is probably one of the better BE teams and on the road.
Rebounding: must get better
What was with that rim in the second half...about 5 shots went in and than out
With that one strange line up that Geno had for about 2 min. of only freshmen and sophomores it looked like Morgan was the one talking in the huddles.
Considering that Paige and Azzi had poor shooting games, a nice win by UConn.
Defense was great again and it is clear that this is the identity of UConn this season.
Forbs is a real nice player! basically had a way with UConn till Paige took her as a defensive assignment and silenced her.
IMO part of the issue with Jana is lack of conditioning...with that said, she clearly is way better than Ice in most parts of the game. This game was a step in the right direction and hopefully she continues to grow.
I actually liked Geno's subbing frequently, giving all players some good minutes.
KK was a beast in a game where she could use her speed and go to the basket. Still need to get a reliable 3 point shot to make a real difference on offense against the best teams on the country. On defense, she sure makes life for the player she is guarding miserable.
When the 3rd quarter started with Marquette controlling the game, i thought: here we go again
It is a real treat to watch Sarah Strong. An amazing player!
Was so happy for Allie to hit those 2 shots in the end of the game!
The home fans of KK and Allie saw them having good games.
On to Villanova!

I agree with all of this, but the rebounding isn’t going to get better with all the four guard sets. There were approximately 28 minutes with four guards today.

 

[EricLA]

Much more enjoyable game than the PC game. Very little to "nitpick" about, but I have a few things after the shout outs...

• Really terrific game from KK. Her defense and ball pressure is fierce. I still cringe whenever she shoots a 3 ("NOOOOOoooo") but she has great vision for gaps in the defense for her drives. Kudos to Kait for her solid play as well. Both bring completely different things to the table.
• Signs of life from Jana. I wonder what her stats might have looked like if not for that unfortunate fall. She was back in the 2nd half but "only" logged 15 minutes.
• Sarah continues to shine. Currently she's on my 10 player AA list. She's special.
• Allie continues to show fearlessness. Her defense is "adequate" (meaning it's not horrible), but when shots are falling, she's a great addition off the bench. Maybe not in big games, but she's only a freshman.

On the flip side...

• Neither Azzi nor Paige shot well. Sure it's great having them on the floor together, but a forgettable offensive game for the duo
• Ash simply has to find a way to put the ball into the basket. He's a tenacious defender and her fitness is much improved, but IMHO she will slide down the depth chart if she cannot contribute offensively.
• It's pretty clear why Jana is starting and Ice is not. It continues to mystify me how Ice was ranked in the top 5 coming out of HS.
• The rebounding was a mess. A few times 2 or 3 UCONN players would be going for the ball, only to lose it to a Marquette player. A troubling trend that will kill us against bigger, or quick/athletic teams.
• The slow starts are frustrating. Both halves showcased this. Sure they showed signs of life and ended Q1 nicely, but it killed them getting down so much so fast to USC - subsequently having to try to battle back in the 2nd half only to come up short.

I think this team has a LOT of room to grow. More than most teams out there. I'm also excited to see what Aubrey brings when she comes back. If she's the Aubrey we remember, I can see her 1st or 2nd off the bench. Hoping for the best with her...

 

[JellyBean]

Solid win. I will take it. Happy to see the solid defensive effort and energy out there. Jana made some strong moves out there and will only get better. Hopefully whatever injury she was dealing with out there does not sideline her for any long stretch of time. She is going to be a joy to watch as the season progresses.

KK had one of her strongest games. She was finishing well and her defensive intensity is never in doubt. Well done, KK!

I am just happy that we won the quarter battles. The 3rd was close but in the end we won all four quarters. Well done.

 

[Martin84]

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.

I thought the same. I guess it was who would be willing to take a shot?

 

[Blueballer]

Many years ago, blowouts seemed fun, and the execution of offense was amazing. Now, I want the team to sustain leads, no matter who's playing.

Many years ago they didn't let them play like the roller derby. There is no more pretty offense anywhere. Just hurl yourself at defenders like ND, USC and SC do and try to get the foul call. We don't play like that which is one reason why we are near the bottom in FT attempts.

 

[RoadMaster]

Swipe..

 

[Stagnant]

I thought the same. I guess it was who would be willing to take a shot?

basically what happened every possession is that the shot clock ran down and KK drove the ball to the hoop.

 

[boontonbomber]

Don't care if KK and Jana start, as long as they get 20+ minutes. They each do more things than Chen and Brady. Re Jana and fouls: seems like she is just a very big, awkward kid at times, gets tired, and falls on people. When she matures into that size she might really be something else. Not as strong in the 2nd half , only because the coaches had her doing an Ice imitation at the top of the key, rather than being down low.

 

[jdote33]

It was a fun watch for me. I liked seeing Jana play her game. She's an aggressive post who is a scorer. The fundamentals and details matter so I get her having a short leash especially as a freshman. But I really hope she gets at least 15 minutes a game, she just brings a different dynamic.
Azzi missed a bunch of good looks. She forced a couple as well. Even if she wasn't coming back from a tweak earlier this season, she still may have been in the knocking the rust off phase. Remember Paige got injured in August and started a little slow last year. Azzi had her surgery in December 2023. So i expect her to be up and down. Hopefully she'll be better with like 10 games under her belt.
I trust both point guards. I liked how kk looked to score a bit. Chen was back to being solid.
Quiet games from Shade and Ice. Not too concerned but just like kk can change a game ice and AS should be able to do the same, especially if their starting counterpart is struggling.
Sarah was pretty great as always. She's always fun to watch. The pass from Chen was great but she had a catch and finish all in one motion that was so smooth.

 

[jdb50]

Playing in the Big East does nothing to make our team better. Racking up wins versus inferior teams at this point in the season may be nice for fans but we need to play better competition every game. Didn't the Marquette coach from last season bolt to the ACC at Virginia Tech? The best player from Nova, Olsen went to Iowa to play better competition. The women's board had better hope UConn gets in the ACC or Big 12 as once Paige leaves it is going to be a problem being relevant. We are playing the B teams in BE women's basketball.

 

[The CDR-Ret]

Uhh no one has mentioned FIVE turnovers?

22 ast/ 5 TO

Not a top 25 opponent but that still shows disciplined play!

Not only that, ALL five were steals! No senseless through away passing OR stopping moving where the passer thought the receiver was going to continue their movement.

Shows that all the Huskies are on the same page at this point! Very good sign!

Go Huskies!!!

 

[HuskyNan]

Playing in the Big East does nothing to make our team better. Racking up wins versus inferior teams at this point in the season may be nice for fans but we need to play better competition every game. Didn't the Marquette coach from last season bolt to the ACC at Virginia Tech? The best player from Nova, Olsen went to Iowa to play better competition. The women's board had better hope UConn gets in the ACC or Big 12 as once Paige leaves it is going to be a problem being relevant. We are playing the B teams in BE women's basketball.

So, Geno should refuse to play the Big East schedule? What’s your solution?

 

[donalddoowop]

Playing in the Big East does nothing to make our team better. Racking up wins versus inferior teams at this point in the season may be nice for fans but we need to play better competition every game. Didn't the Marquette coach from last season bolt to the ACC at Virginia Tech? The best player from Nova, Olsen went to Iowa to play better competition. The women's board had better hope UConn gets in the ACC or Big 12 as once Paige leaves it is going to be a problem being relevant. We are playing the B teams in BE women's basketball.

UConn did fine before Paige got there and they will be fine after she leaves. The coaches have not stopped recruiting and getting commitments from good players.

 

[ERWUC65]

What's with Morgan having her fingers taped together?

 

[hoophuskee]

Playing in the Big East does nothing to make our team better. Racking up wins versus inferior teams at this point in the season may be nice for fans but we need to play better competition every game.

IMO this is all wrong. Kim Mulkhey has had a career of playing soft schedules and has won multiple championships.
In addition, UCONN still remains an injured team. How does it help UCONN to lose when Azzi still isn't in her groove and Aubrey not playing? Are you sueggsting that neither player is capabale of moving the needle much despite the fact for example that Azzi is being considered a top 7 WNBA pick? Are you really implying top 7 WNBA type of talent won't help this team much?

And last year how much did the tougher conference schedule help Syracuse, Duke and SoCal help them vs UCONN in the NCAA's? And what were many saying last year when UCONN went into their conference schdedule in January? Probably the same thing you are saying now?

Not every team is the same. Not every circumstance is the same.

 

[Stagnant]

Playing in the Big East does nothing to make our team better. Racking up wins versus inferior teams at this point in the season may be nice for fans but we need to play better competition every game. Didn't the Marquette coach from last season bolt to the ACC at Virginia Tech? The best player from Nova, Olsen went to Iowa to play better competition. The women's board had better hope UConn gets in the ACC or Big 12 as once Paige leaves it is going to be a problem being relevant. We are playing the B teams in BE women's basketball.

on this. i am hoping the big 12 comes calling again this summer.

 

[NycUcWbbFan]

Playing in the Big East does nothing to make our team better. Racking up wins versus inferior teams at this point in the season may be nice for fans but we need to play better competition every game. Didn't the Marquette coach from last season bolt to the ACC at Virginia Tech? The best player from Nova, Olsen went to Iowa to play better competition. The women's board had better hope UConn gets in the ACC or Big 12 as once Paige leaves it is going to be a problem being relevant. We are playing the B teams in BE women's basketball.

Funny that Geno and CD were just recently feted for 40 years of excellence, winningest and most accomplished in the sport, HOFers both, with what is considered the premier women’s basketball program for 40+ years of the NCAAT.

• Aaand … UConn, under Geno, has always been in the Big East or the AAC.

The sausage-making for developing Geno’s typically excellent postseason team this year — always difficult and few besides Geno has a yearly knack for it — is a lot more transparent (producing some fan angst &1) this year because of the inexperience of most of the available roster at the start of the year.

That said, Geno had curious halftime statements in the Marquette game:

• He was pleased with the team finding open shots and remarked that sooner or later most of them would fall;
• He complained to his team in the huddle that their defense was better in practice.

Imo, taking cognizance of the past 14 games:

• Practices are now translating into games for some aspects of the desired postseason team;
• These aspects include the halfcourt game, the 4-guard offense and the press;
• Geno’s remark on defense above implies that some aspects (probably including Jana’s post play) are developing well in practice but for some reason is not automatically translating full time in games;
• One can go through the roster and see that almost all available players are developing well and have already exhibited flashes of brilliance;
• Efficient aggression in all aspects is just a matter of time.

With 14 games down, there are 9 games before the TN game and then 2 more games before the SC game.

• Plenty of time for Geno and CD;
• Azzi and Aubrey should be rounding to form for these games.

&1 Unfortunately, the vagaries of UConn’s scheduling circumstances produces early aptitude tests — and some fans confuse them for midterm tests for this UConn team’s postseason fitness — which they are not, especially for this young team.

 

[The CDR-Ret]

on this. i am hoping the big 12 comes calling again this summer.

With UConn Football winning the Fenway Bowl Game, getting into one of the "Power Four" conferences, and BIG 12 is a step up except for the Men in Basketball.

Go Huskies!

 

[hoophuskee]

This entire gane Jana wasn;t doubled on any of her inside baskets. Offensive rebounds a different story. But inside when fed in the post she had the opportunity to make moves without any 2nd defender coming to help.

 

[huskeynut]

on this. i am hoping the big 12 comes calling again this summer.

Don't hold your breathe.

 

[OldSchooler]

Would love to see the +/- stats. Seems like we really took off in Q2 when Paige went to the bench. I guess that's encouraging.

Most improved player this year -- KK. Remember how often she would dribble herself into trouble last year? She did have at least one driving shot blocked yesterday, but in general, she is much more disciplined, in her passing and when to go to the hole. Now, if she could just work on an outside shot.

While it's no longer so relevant, have we gotten the opening tip in any game this year?

Whatever FT vitamins they took with their cereal yesterday morning, I hope it's part of their regular diet.

Am I imagining it, but were there a lot of air balls yesterday? A little new year's eve hangover?

 

[Skeets]

Don't care if KK and Jana start, as long as they get 20+ minutes. They each do more things than Chen and Brady. Re Jana and fouls: seems like she is just a very big, awkward kid at times, gets tired, and falls on people. When she matures into that size she might really be something else. Not as strong in the 2nd half , only because the coaches had her doing an Ice imitation at the top of the key, rather than being down low.

Ice's natural position is a "4"? Then someone please explain to me why Ice is always in the high post with her back to the basket trying to distribute the ball to someone else. Frequently there's no one within 6 feet of her. Ice, turn around and shoot the damn ball. A "4" should be able to do that. That's a money shot for Paige and just about anyone else. Playing like that is a real bad look for Ice. I'm surprised Geno let's her do it, or maybe he doesn't...

 

[Skeets]

IMO this is all wrong. Kim Mulkhey has had a career of playing soft schedules and has won multiple championships.
In addition, UCONN still remains an injured team. How does it help UCONN to lose when Azzi still isn't in her groove and Aubrey not playing? Are you sueggsting that neither player is capabale of moving the needle much despite the fact for example that Azzi is being considered a top 7 WNBA pick? Are you really implying top 7 WNBA type of talent won't help this team much?

And last year how much did the tougher conference schedule help Syracuse, Duke and SoCal help them vs UCONN in the NCAA's? And what were many saying last year when UCONN went into their conference schdedule in January? Probably the same thing you are saying now?

Not every team is the same. Not every circumstance is the same.

I've said this before, I'll say it again. Playing inferior teams does not mean you are inferior. It's a mistake to think so. The women's BE is not very good, but UConn is. Case closed.