Marquette Postgame Thread

[Cuango]

If we play this game on the second weekend of the tournament, are we out?

Probably, but we won’t play like this on the second weekend, or probably anytime again this year!

 

[bkart1978]

Three of Azzi’s 3s were off an extra pass from Allie; we don’t need her to be a scorer every game, we just need her to make the right decisions, and she did that most of the game tonight. There seems to be an impression that’s she’s not doing her “job” if she’s not taking 10 shots a game.

 

[Bigboote]

Nothing general comments to make. One thing I noticed early on is that Azzi and Ashlynn were switching between guarding players who were 6-1 and 5-6. I can see how that would throw one off.

 

[maple]

I haven’t read every post in the thread yet, so apologies if I’m a bit repetitive.

Marquette played their game and gave their A+ best effort to try and hang with (or even beat) UConn. And UConn did not have one of their best games. We looked off at times, especially Sarah in the 1st half. That will happen sometimes. I was pleased to see how many times defensive efforts lead to UConn runs to keep the game out of reach.

Not every game will be pretty. As someone who’s been watching the Olympics every day, even the best athletes in the world can be off their game for “no reason”. It’s a team effort and like Azzi said in the post game, someone on this team is always stepping up when needed to put the spark back into the game.

Although no one on UConn would ever admit it, I’m sure some of them are already mentally subconsciously looking ahead a bit to the post season as we creep closer to March.

 

[darkstar1]

A few observations. Despite some subpar play, never felt game was in doubt. Weak side help was inconsistent on several switches. Team moved much better with 4 guards. If the NCAA aficionados are watching the game, I don’t see how Marquette is left out of March madness.

 

[msf22b]

Although no one on UConn would ever admit it, I’m sure some of them are already mentally subconsciously looking ahead a bit to the post season as we creep closer to March.
-------
Let me put it another way….The last couple of games they’ve seemed a bit bored at times…The BE coaches, no slouches, having had the advantage of an earlier game…have put in their most advantage plan…not enough to get a win, perhaps, but more than adequate to annoy a UConn team a bit under the weather…perhaps more than a bit (I’m in my 3rd week of recovering from a virus).

Resulting in quite a lackluster game
The question is: Is the mediocrity they displayed today catchy?…Unlikely knowing the leadership and coaches.

 

[Bedford fan]

Sarah was dragging, no doubt. Her shots were short, and she even airballed at the start of the 3rd quarter. That's usually a sign of tired legs. She adjusted after that miss. The team looks tired and it's not from a tough schedule. Hugh expectations are stressful but the obvious factor is the intensity of their practices. Geno is a master at getting his team to peak at the right time.
That said, without a healthy Sarah and Blanca it's going to be tough to beat the top teams in the tournament.

 

[hoophuskee]

We can all acknowledge that this was not UConn’s best game without running around like Chicken Little yelling out that “the sky is falling.” That’s the part that gets to me. I’m not saying that you do so. But a number of BY’ers go there immediately after a less than perfect game by the Huskies.

I point out in my postgame thread that Sarah’s 1st half was her “worst shooting half I’d ever seen.” That was an absolutely “realistic” assessment. If I were Chicken Little I might go on to say, “If she shoots like that the rest of the season UConn has no chance to win championship #13.”

UConn is the greatest program in the history of WBB. Geno is the greatest coach in the history of WBB. This roster is the most talented in the nation. I’m exceedingly optimistic this year, regardless of the way today’s game played out.

Oh by the way. UConn won today.

I love your posts on this thread. Great job.

The team has it's best player their clear PF / center best rebounder clearly under the weather for several consecutive games.
Thiri 3rd best player, their only significant backup pf out for several consecutive games too.

Yeah - no kidding we are getting beat on the boards. Allie and Ashey are not rebounding power forwards. Hardly the type of lineup we are going to use much vs Texas etc.

 

[ccwarrior]

If we play this game on the second weekend of the tournament, are we out?

Yes

 

[Centerstream]

Three of Azzi’s 3s were off an extra pass from Allie; we don’t need her to be a scorer every game, we just need her to make the right decisions, and she did that most of the game tonight. There seems to be an impression that’s she’s not doing her “job” if she’s not taking 10 shots a game.

She is a shooter, that's why UConn recruited her. When she is put into the game, along with Azzi Sarah, and Ashlynn (for example), they are there to shoot and score. If they shoot and score, they aren't making an assist, but someone else probably is. Why do you think that she tries her best to get behind the arc and shoot or drive the lane.
BTW...those were the only assists she got.

 

[sun]

I think this game reinforced that this is Azzi's team, that she provides the senior leadership, and when the team really needs a playmaker, she's the one that steps up. Just as she did it in the NCAAT last year, she's the one that takes charge on the floor to get it done.
It's not about leading in all of the stats, it's about leadership and getting it done during crunch time.
When the team needs to find a way to win she gets it done.
I'm not talking about after the game is already in the bag.
I'm talking about how she takes care of business to put the game in the bag.
She has my vote for team MVP.

 

[Iluvacc2]

After the 1st half, I thought Sarah was on the way to having her worst game in a UConn uniform, but even at less than 💯 she can turn a game on a dime.

 

[cleobel60]

Uconn has a real problem at the center position,Never mind UCLA,Texas .S.C. but other teams they may play that have just a decent center and Uconn could be in trouble..Jana and Williams just aren't getting it done..Getting outrebounded by 13 today was terrible
Allie played 20 mins and was a non factor
First half was the worst half I've seen Sarah play but the second half she scored at will
Thankfully the "D" was terrific most of the game

They have another problem too. I think they need a third shooter who can take the pressure off of Azzi & Sarah, and stop defenses from doubling on them during games. It will be very important during March madness. Last year they had Paige, Sarah, and Azzi. I don't know why Ash seems to have lost her shot. She is terrific on defense but misses to many shots. Allie is not a good defender and KK is not a shooter.

 

[faninwisc]

Exactly. And if anyone wants to be reminded of close games in Milwaukee from previous seasons, here’s a great one from 2022. It was back and forth for 3 1/2 quarters until Azzi and Evina slammed the door on Marquette. Midway through the 4th, Evina came to the sideline for a timeout and said “they’re gassed.” Then she and Azzi ran away with the game.

I was at that game! I got a selfie with Paige and KK!

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

I'd just like to follow the few fans that realize that UConn needs a game like this to test the team and make them dig deep to pull out a victory!
There are obvious problems with the players that we are not privy to!
When they win every game by 30+ points it doesn't teach anything, but a ugly game like this makes them figure out what needs to be done to pull it out!
We have some scrappy girls who don't like to play this way but won't give in and can fight back!
Take the win and move on!
Hopefully the unknown problems get healed and the team is up to par ASAP!

 

[Bald Husky]

They have another problem too. I think they need a third shooter who can take the pressure off of Azzi & Sarah, and stop defenses from doubling on them during games. It will be very important during March madness. Last year they had Paige, Sarah, and Azzi. I don't know why Ash seems to have lost her shot. She is terrific on defense but misses to many shots. Allie is not a good defender and KK is not a shooter.

The team does have a third scorer, in fact they also have a fourth. Blanca and Allie have shown the ability to score big time, so maybe we should be patient until we are completely healthy. One thing that is concerning to me is why Allie only took 2 shots in 25 minutes on the court. This game was painful to watch, but fortunately we can go through the season with stinkers because of the poor play of the BE. We may not be undefeated if we were in another conference, but I would rather play meaningful games and possibly lose once in a while then just roll through everyone we face. UConn is too good for the BE, and that is a problem that nobody in the country has to navigate in their respective conferences. From the outside, this is a weird situation. I guess it is better to win boringly instead of losing excitingly. LOL

 

[oldude]

The team does have a third scorer, in fact they also have a fourth. Blanca and Allie have shown the ability to score big time, so maybe we should be patient until we are completely healthy. One thing that is concerning to me is why Allie only took 2 shots in 25 minutes on the court. This game was painful to watch, but fortunately we can go through the season with stinkers because of the poor play of the BE. We may not be undefeated if we were in another conference, but I would rather play meaningful games and possibly lose once in a while then just roll through everyone we face. UConn is too good for the BE, and that is a problem that nobody in the country has to navigate in their respective conferences. From the outside, this is a weird situation. I guess it is better to win boringly instead of losing excitingly. LOL

I have another take on Allie’s game yesterday. As others have pointed out, opposing teams now have a scout on her and nobody wants to leave her open at the arc. Marquette dogged Allie all over the court. Allie missed the 2 shots she took, but she did a bunch of other things: a rebound, 3 assists, several solid screens and solid defense in her 25 minutes on the court.

That’s exactly what Geno wants to see. Allie is no longer dependent solely on her ability to hit shots in order to earn PT. Just like Ash she’s doing a little bit of everything to contribute to the team effort, and that’s a beautiful thing.

 

[Bone Dog]

They have another problem too. I think they need a third shooter who can take the pressure off of Azzi & Sarah, and stop defenses from doubling on them during games.

They have five shooters, speaking conservatively. As @oldude points put, Allie did exactly what a scoring threat does, she kept the defense honest. Ash plays a similar role. And don’t forget Blanca. Kayleigh too. And a sign of all of this is KK’s 10 points and 9 assists. She was able to get to the rim not only because of her quick first step, but also because the other threats opened up driving lanes. UConn plays as a team, not a bunch of free agents.

 

[GetReal2day]

Props to Marquette for their effort, but UConn missed many easy lay ups. Overall shooting was off, but D was mostly solid save a bunch of missed assignments. I can't for the life of me understand how Serah Williams won 2 Defensive player of the Years awards. I just don't see it. Take the win and on to Villanova.

I agree about Serah - while I was originally excited about getting her, she looks lost out there and Jana is so much better in the pick and role at the top of the key. More than likely Jana has been unhappy with her role this year and Geno has noticed her lack of enthusiasm, but Jana does look more aggressive, maybe someone has challenged her to "earn" more minutes. From what I have seen the last few games, Jana is a better option as we need def toughness and strong rebounding. If Jana could get a strong role to finish this season, she would be primed to shine next year.

 

[LwrcasefaN]

Observation. Overall this team is so well conditioned, but Fudd’s stamina is a cut above.

 

[GetReal2day]

This is helpful but I have no idea what it means. Remember, when Jana committed to UConn, she was going to be THAT post player too. As the ol saying goes...how you play in HS (or overseas) doesn't always translate on how you are going to play against D-1 college players.

When you look at film of Jana right before her injury, she was a beast, hitting threes, mid game strong, moved very quickly. She was exactly what we needed. Her injury caused her to bulk up a bit and she lost quickness and confidence. She looked better this game, working hard, moving out to guard on switches. That "Jana" is still there, she just needs to make a statement with her game and take the starting spot by showing in practice and the next few games that she can give us what we need to complete number 13.

 

[browns]

I think this game reinforced that this is Azzi's team, that she provides the senior leadership, and when the team really needs a playmaker, she's the one that steps up. Just as she did it in the NCAAT last year, she's the one that takes charge on the floor to get it done.
It's not about leading in all of the stats, it's about leadership and getting it done during crunch time.
When the team needs to find a way to win she gets it done.
I'm not talking about after the game is already in the bag.
I'm talking about how she takes care of business to put the game in the bag.
She has my vote for team MVP.

The game wasn't in the bag until the best player in the nation scored 15pts in a row

 

[Vancat]

Have you seen the Progressive dog park commercial?

 

[HopJim]

Conncan, well we certainly can agree one one thing; Serah is not the player we thought we were getting who could take over the post position but we are seeing JEA's contributions much, much differently because I do not see her as the answer at the 5 spot, unless the opponent's big is physically imposing, such as Betts If that is not the case, then I think our best lineup has SS and BQ as the 2 bigs. That's why, I said earlier that Blanca is necessary for this team to go all the way in April.
Geno is clearly frustrated with both SW and JEA and no, AP is not the answer Her late entrance into any game says all that's needed as far as Geno's current evaluation.
I absolutely love Jana's positive attitude and team support and I want her to succeed during her fourth year at Storrs. To do that I hope she spends the off season improving her jumping ability (this problem could be a result of her major injury), becoming a strong threat around the basket and most importantly improve her hand strength. This last item is the major cause of her turnovers as balls are knocked out of her hands and/or she is unable to hold on to passes to her. She will never develop the hand strength of Sarah, but neither will 99% of D-1 players

I watched several UConn games from last season and found Sara's performance to be interesting. Compared to last year, which for most did not fully meet expectations, she is now slower, more deliberate, and has less jumping ability. She had realatively good hands last year, not so much this year. Don't have any facts that would help me speculate-just stating some observations.

 

[msf22b]

A few points:

I love Kayleigh’s game…she came in and made a remarkable pass to Ash who inexplicably fell and ruined the assist…but thereafter: committed a dumb foul and in overplaying, let 2 players race by her for uncontested layups…I wonder if Geno will modify her style in this regard or accept it for the potential positives…Not her best game for sure.

When Geno accepted Serah, I’m quite sure that he felt that he had solved his “bigs” problem. It sure hasn’t worked out that way…Although (at times) she moves to the basket more confidently and aggressively w/o the myriad fakes and moves which tend only to enable the defense…her rebounding, presence and D are not quite what the doctor ordered. I’m not sure the staff knows what to make of it…and Jana hasn’t quite stepped up to make a difference…a dilemma.

If either Kayleigh, Ash, or Allie had had a better game offensively, then the overall performance wouldn’t have looked so dreadful…but they didn’t..

I’m sure Geno told Sarah at half-time…forget about outside shots and maneuvering into the mid-range…Just stay near the bucket and we’ll get you the ball.
take layups…she did, they got her the ball and it pretty much saved the game.