You could tell Marquette was gassed from the villanova game. That was also a very physical defensive effort. Hope they get in the tournament as well.Few Thoughts:
*This was an epic defensive game by UConn. They all seemed like Hungry Huskies out there.
*Paige: UConn's PG-SG-SF-PF and Center. It is such a pleasure to watch her play. A generational player with the personality to boot. An absolutely masterpiece of a game by her. That 3-pointer to finish the 3rd quarter with 0.2 on the clock with Carlin's hand in her face was beyond ridicules.
*Ice: I'm sure other were concerned just as me, that she'll collect fouls and won't be able to play much in the game. Was a nice surprise to see her play efficient 40 min. and not foul out. it is amazing for me that a player who basically plays only 12-15 min. per game can be so good for 40 min. with this kind of game pressure knowing that there is no one on the bench to sub for her. Loved her last basket of the game. Textbook move.
Nika: had a real good defensive game. Her jump shot when UConn couldn't score for some minutes towards the end of the 3rd quarter was perfect timing.
*Shade: the energizer bunny. improved a lot on defense and love her mid-range pull up jump shot.
*KK: a demon on defense. less effective on offense in this game but an important cog to anything UConn wil do for the rest of this season.
*Q: really like her contributions in this game. Seemed less confused on defense and shot when needed.
*Hope that Marquette gets an invite to the NCAA. They are a solid team that today were just overwhelmed by the intensity and quality of UConn's defense.
*IMO this was one of the best games ever that UConn played on defense. I don't think I've ever seen a game in this level where a team can't score for 15 min.
*On to the finals! i'm concerned about the physicality of Georgetown so i hope the refs will call them for fouls when they try to stop Paige by grabbing, pushing etc.
And you didn't even show Amari!
I think that Ashlynn was gassed by the 4th quarter. She took two short jump shots that were short, one of which was an airball. Despite her impressive physical conditioning, I think two games in two days where she plays the entire game is a new experience for her. I hope she is OK by tomorrow evening.
hoophuskie- - IMHO I don't think Marquette CAME OUT flat but early on realized that UConn was in a zone and there was no reckoning with them today! These CT girls reached deep inside for their 2002 UConn Huskies impression!
Yes that one pass to Ice with multiple defenders was crazy!! Just needed ice to finish at the rim ;-)
That is a good point, but it would be a tall team with six of the seven in dark sweats being 6'1" or taller.
It is a tremendous advantage to have the tourney played where it is played. Ice can spent the day in our training facilities on restorative treatments. I do think that she got such validation out of yesterday's game that she'll be inspired to play her heart out against G'town.
When thrown into a river, the option one has is to sink or swim. And swimming is the choice of survival. Yesterday’s game (again) proved to Ice that she’s very capable, skillful, and talented enough to swim, along with her teammates. Great job by her and the rest of the gang. Eat, rest up, and prep for Georgetown today! You Huskies got this!
Best officiated game in the Big East's tournament so far. Hopefully these same officials do the title game. They allowed play but didn't let it get into a basketbrawl game, like the officials of our game against Providence and the Creighton - Georgetown game. Those three officials need glasses or have some remedial training on how to recognize a foul.
