Minnesota Postgame Thread

[huskeynut]

A very good win. UConn played with a purpose. Focus improved from game 1 which I expected.

Defense improved. Even though Minnesota dropped 10 3's in the first half, they only got 1 in the second half. Fouls were down - another improvement.

Christyn was on fire the whole game. Aggressive on both offense and defense. She is a scorer. When she drives it is almost impossible to stop her. And she completely lost her defender on so many back door cuts.

Another balanced game from E. Her 3 point shot is so smooth. Though Paige didn't score a lot she had everybody involved.

Started to notice that as our guards are lighting it up form outside, the lane is opening up for Aaliyah, Dork and Liv down low. Offensively the team sputters when Geno brings in the subs. It's still a learning curve and developing the chemistry needed to have the offense flow using 9 players. It will improve.

And a big plus - the team shot 82% from the foul line!

 

[donalddoowop]

I'm not gonna lie not impressive with the defence I thought the gopher gonna score just 40p not more ,we need alot of work I don't see us winning against SC

You should not be disappointed with the amount of points allowed just because you thought the Gophers would score no more than forty. I bet Geno did not expect that. Other teams seem to thrive hitting three pointers against UConn. Were you disappointed with the second half defense? They had thirty five at the half and wound up with less than sixty. Not bad at all.

 

[Heytherego]

Remember the people saying Azzi and Dorka should start…uhhhh over who?

 

[hard2please]

please dont reign on her parade

 

[JoePgh]

Nika is a bit of an enigma to me. I'm not sure what the deal is, but she just does not look like the same player at times - mental lapses, shooting airballs, but then towards the end of the game, a few great steals and scores. Rooting so hard for her. Love her intensity and attitude.

I think Nika's problem is really simple -- she is just too amped. Her adrenalin level (particularly when she first enters the game) has to be dialed back about 10-20%. I know, it's easier said than done.

More minutes would probably solve the problem, but I'm not sure Geno can afford that right now. Nika needs to find a way to chill out on her own.

 

[TCC Kid]

I'm not gonna lie not impressive with the defence I thought the gopher gonna score just 40p not more ,we need alot of work I don't see us winning against SC

Yea, I'll chime in on that---ONLY a 30 point win. We could have lost if CW didn't match the hotshots from Minne. (oops one of those hotshot is PB). Caroline and Fudd ,only one steal each,if Geno had been scouting Minne, maybe they'd have gotten 10 each. Then, Geno, what's he saving his bench for??? Only used 8 in the first half--Gaberial (Sp) in the last minutes, she should have started. Defense failed Uconn again. When will this END???

 

[Aluminny69]

Geno seems most comfortable with his starting five, and less comfortable with his bench. I expect the starters to get the bulk of the minutes ( 80%?) for the start of the season, especially in competitive games. ( duplicated from duplicate thread.)

 

[Zanzman]

Yea, I'll chime in on that---ONLY a 30 point win. We could have lost if CW didn't match the hotshots from Minne. (oops one of those hotshot is PB). Caroline and Fudd ,only one steal each,if Geno had been scouting Minne, maybe they'd have gotten 10 each. Then, Geno, what's he saving his bench for??? Only used 8 in the first half--Gaberial (Sp) in the last minutes, she should have started. Defense failed Uconn again. When will this END???

 

[EricSD]

I'm not gonna lie not impressive with the defence I thought the gopher gonna score just 40p not more ,we need alot of work I don't see us winning against SC

It's early in the season. Every team needs a lot of work!

 

[PJCLaw]

I'm not gonna lie not impressive with the defence I thought the gopher gonna score just 40p not more ,we need alot of work I don't see us winning against SC

Why would you think they'd only score 40 when they average over 60 pts per game and Arkansas already scored 80 on us? They scored less than their season average, so IMO that is a overall good defensive game, notwithstanding the threes they gave up. It's only two games...RELAX!!!

 

[Longtime fan]

Remember the people saying Azzi and Dorka should start…uhhhh over who?

It is not impossible that Azzi might force her way into the line-up, but Dorka for sure won't be starting. If Azzi becomes unstoppable in every way ( as we anticipate at some point, ) it would be Evina who yields some time. But I see no need for this at the moment. Not even close. So it is not an issue...and likely won't be. Starting five is likely to remain so all year.

 

[oldude]

Geno seems most comfortable with his starting five, and less comfortable with his bench. I expect the starters to get the bulk of the minutes ( 80%?) for the start of the season, especially in competitive games. ( duplicated from duplicate thread.)

I hope that’s not true. For UConn to win it all, we need contributions from more than 5 players. I expect Nika, Azzi, Dorka & Caroline to settle down as the season progresses. I also expect Aubrey to contribute assuming she’s healthy.

 

[Longtime fan]

CW was great. If she can play like this consistently, UConn will be a different team. Defense was somewhat better. Against South Carolina, it would not be impressive. Azzi is getting more confident. If she can stay confident, her shots will improve. I want to see more of Caroline.

Paige … she makes great passes, makes her teammates better. But she needs another Paige to pass her the ball. CW, E, Liv are not doing it. CW in particular. In a game like this, it doesn’t matter, but if UConn wants to win, they have to get her the ball.

Some of this is also related to the defensive intensity Minny put on Paige. She is not defensed like the other UCONN players. They made it hard to get clean passes to Paige;

 

[Childhood]

Azzi and Caroline look better than the 1st game but I expect more from them. I have high expectation for Azzi. At the same time, I feel sad for Nika.

 

[JoePgh]

I hope that’s not true. For UConn to win it all, we need contributions from more than 5 players. I expect Nika, Azzi, Dorka & Caroline to settle down as the season progresses. I also expect Aubrey to contribute assuming she’s healthy.

I thought Geno went out of his way today to give minutes to the bench, even though they weren't too productive. He said in his halftime interview on FloHoops that the team needs the bench to be productive in order for the team to be successful.

I thought that all of the bench players who played in the first half were much better in the fourth quarter. Nika got her adrenalin (somewhat) under control, Azzi kept playing consistently, and Caroline supplemented her good decision-making with an actual made field goal and two made free throws. Even Dorka, who had the least impressive game off the bench, had better defensive positioning than she did against Arkansas. (How could it be worse?)

I expect all four of these players to get more productive as the season winds on, but I don't expect any of them to be in the starting lineup this year.

 

[eebmg]

I don't remember. Did Paige have zero TO in first game?

Yes.

 

[Carnac]

Geno seems most comfortable with his starting five, and less comfortable with his bench. I expect the starters to get the bulk of the minutes ( 80%?) for the start of the season, especially in competitive games. ( duplicated from duplicate thread.)

A coach has to go with his/her best players to begin the season. The other players will catch up eventually. Right now, it appears Geno has a 9 player rotation with Dorka, Nika, Azzi and Caroline coming off the bench. The others will get more time as they prove worthy in the coming days/weeks.

 

[EricSD]

Some of this is also related to the defensive intensity Minny put on Paige. She is not defensed like the other UCONN players. They made it hard to get clean passes to Paige;

Paige is one of those players who will do whatever the team needs. Scoring? Check. Assists? Check. Defense? Check. Did you catch her block on that deep mid-range jumper by the Minny player in the 2nd half?

 

[eebmg]

Azzi and Caroline look better than the 1st game but I expect more from them. I have high expectation for Azzi. At the same time, I feel sad for Nika.

No matter what intensity she brings, she needs to be an offensive threat. That one 3pt she took missed by 5 feet. Azzi will be a significant piece soon and Caroline will grow into the steady lineup.

 

[ballerfan]

Some of this is also related to the defensive intensity Minny put on Paige. She is not defensed like the other UCONN players. They made it hard to get clean passes to Paige;

I’m sure you’re right. But I still see Paige open, and another Paige would find her and be skilled enough to pass her the ball.

 

[Surly1]

It is not impossible that Azzi might force her way into the line-up, but Dorka for sure won't be starting. If Azzi becomes unstoppable in every way ( as we anticipate at some point, ) it would be Evina who yields some time. But I see no need for this at the moment. Not even close. So it is not an issue...and likely won't be. Starting five is likely to remain so all year.

Azzi will not start this year. Westbrook provides stability, leadership and calming presence.

 

[Twolf]

Some thoughts on the Minnesota game:

• I really wish I was in the Bahamas drinking a Goombay Smash with all of you intrepid BY’ers who made the trip.
• We now have something of a pattern emerging. UConn races out to a big lead, and then execution suffers somewhat as the Huskies bring in substitutes. For UConn’s deep roster to really matter, the team will need to maintain their execution through multiple lineup changes.
• I don’t know how many backdoor cuts for layups Christyn had, but her timing and explosion to the basket is a thing of beauty. One of her very best games as a Husky.
• As I watched Scalia reign down 3’s from the cheap seats for the Gophers, I had one thought, “Aubrey.”
• I had a sense after the Arkansas game that UConn is playing faster on offense this season. After watching the Huskies against Minnesota, I am sure of it. UConn’s guards all push the pace, everyone runs the court and it usually doesn’t take very long for the Huskies to get off a good shot, often before the defense is completely set up.
• Once again the Huskies had a significant advantage over their opponent shooting the ball, 62% to 39%. UConn also had 24 assist on 34 baskets.

Good synopsis, can’t comment on Goombay Smash, but it sounds like something that would let my fuel-air mixture get too rich very quickly.
Basketball wise, our ball screen defense was much better with the bigs hard hedging with AE being the best at that. Bigs on ball defense is another story, standing up and allowing the offensive player to get head and shoulders by them. Speaking of bigs, our back to the basket post offense is nonexistent at this point in the season, which may be partly by plan.
The strength of this team is obviously the guards and wings, and if Azzi comes along, which is just a matter of time in my opinion, you may see more 4 around one offense. The question then would become if we are able to rebound and defend with that combination.
There has to be some concern with our post play and the production of our bench personnel, but two games into the season is way too early to be worrisome, especially since we are averaging over 90 points a game.

JMO

 

[EricSD]

I’m sure you’re right. But I still see Paige open, and another Paige would find her and be skilled enough to pass her the ball.

Of course. Would be nice to have 5 Paige's LOL

 

[Bama fan]

please dont reign on her parade

Sorry for the obvious spelling error hear:

 

[oldude]

Good synopsis, can’t comment on Goombay Smash, but it sounds like something that would let my fuel-air mixture get too rich very quickly.
Basketball wise, our ball screen defense was much better with the bigs hard hedging with AE being the best at that. Bigs on ball defense is another story, standing up and allowing the offensive player to get head and shoulders by them. Speaking of bigs, our back to the basket post offense is nonexistent at this point in the season, which may be partly by plan.
The strength of this team is obviously the guards and wings, and if Azzi comes along, which is just a matter of time in my opinion, you may see more 4 around one offense. The question then would become if we are able to rebound and defend with that combination.
There has to be some concern with our post play and the production of our bench personnel, but two games into the season is way too early to be worrisome, especially since we are averaging over 90 points a game.

JMO

A Goombay Smash is a lovely Bahamanian concoction that is made with Apricot Liqueur, Dark Rum, Coconut Rum & Pineapple juice.

 

[Mirmir]

I am writing this before reading anyone else's posts. Then, I'll read them. Here is what I saw: Paige was a great BB player, as usual. Played a different kind of game. Defense, assists, and a bit of scoring. Olivia was, generally, terrific. Rebounds, defense and some scoring in the paint. She was the best BIG in the game ( counting Edwards as not a BIG). Edwards was terrific in every way. Great athlete. A force in the game. Westbrook was solid as ever. Williams was today's offensive star ( driving and shooting ) and she played a big role in shutting down Minny's red-hot three point shooter, in the second half ( when I think Geno assigned her to do that). Team defense looked much better overall. Minny kept the first half close with outrageous three point shooting ( the level we have expected from Fudd.....but which has not yet arrived ). Speaking of Fudd, she played some good minutes. Hit a couple shots ( though she was 1-4 on threes. I think ) and played defense hard.. Caroline also looked as though she is starting to feel like she belongs ( not great yet, but some positive flashes). Muhl can't shoot a lick yet from distance ( air ball on open three ) , but her defense began to return ( couple of steals for lay-ups ). I fear Dorka is not as good as we had hoped ( and been led to believe ). She is fine on open lay-ups, but seems outclassed in most other areas. I hope it is just a matter of her trying too hard. Otherwise, I see her as a deep bench player. Piath got some garbage time and managed to throw a pass to a UCONN player who

Of course, No Aubrey. She is still hurt with that High Ankle Sprain. You won't see Aubrey until the UCONN Medical Staff has cleared her.

 

[Twolf]

A Goombay Smash is a lovely Bahamanian concoction that is made with Apricot Liqueur, Dark Rum, Coconut Rum & Pineapple juice.

I’ve enjoyed lava flows on Kauai and Maui, but have to admit I had never heard of a Goombay Smash. Sounds a little like some of my dance moves though.

 

[Aluminny69]

Remember the people saying Azzi and Dorka should start…uhhhh over who?

The current starting five play very well together. think of the first 5-7 mnutes of each half of both games. The +/- ratio must be outrageous. The cohesiveness drops when the first subs come in. Just an observation.

 

[Ardenque]

I”m new here, but I have been watching UConn for along time.
Something I have not noticed before:
There were a number of times when I thought Paige looked tired and fatigued and slightly slumped over
with an uncomfortable expression on her face.
Did anyone else notice this or am I just projecting?

 

[southernfan]

Replay?