Muffet's Presser

[UcMiami]

The other thing to look at nowadays is when are the fouls committed. UCONN committed 15 fouls, ND committed 19. Not too big a disparity. However it seemed like quite a few of them were shooting fouls and add to that quite a few were in 1 quarter (the 4th). Anytime you get a bunch of fouls in a single quarter (5) you are going to get to the line now, for 2. Different than in the past when you had the bonus and double bonus in a half with the 1 and 1's.

For example, Team A and Team B both commit 10 fouls in a half, assume not shooting.
Team A commits 10 - 1st quarter and 0 in 2nd quarter.
Team B commits 5 - 1st and 5 in 2nd.

Team B is going to shoot 12 FT's. 2 each for fouls 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 in 1st quarter
Team A is going to shoot 4 FT's. 2 each for fouls 5 and 5 in each quarter.

Same number of fouls, different number of FT's.

4 of the fouls by ND in the 4th quarter were not 'shooting fouls' per se, but they had passed into the bonus by then so they resulted in 8 of the free throws. (Just clarifying the difference - they were lose ball or 'floor fouls' and not in the act of shooting. (that was the only Q that ND went over the limit.)

 

[oldude]

4 of the fouls by ND in the 4th quarter were not 'shooting fouls' per se, but they had passed into the bonus by then so they resulted in 8 of the free throws. (Just clarifying the difference - they were lose ball or 'floor fouls' and not in the act of shooting. (that was the only Q that ND went over the limit.)

It is also fairly typical for the team that is behind to commit more fouls. You have to make something happen so you are pressing, trying to steal the ball and crashing the boards hard. That's when fouls occur.

 

[bags27]

So I am inclined to give Muffet and all of the other frustrated coaches a pass on less than gracious behavior when it comes to the Huskies.

I agree with your analysis, oldude. But I think it is self-defeating to be that way. A great coach has to be a lot of things, but nothing is more important than being a great teacher of your players. Responding that way doesn't make your players better; on the contrary, it helps condition them to feel a bit victimized, a bit of a tendency to look for an excuse why they didn't win.

 

[huskyd]

Geez...was UConn even in this game... I don't think Muffet gave any credit to UConn for her loss. At least up to 4 and 1/2 minute mark according to Coach Muffet...the loss had nothing to do with UConn it was all about what ND didn't do. Finally, at 5:20 some props for Gabby. Also thought there was a little tongue in cheek from Muffet as she thought her players should have gotten to the foul line more..she said, that her players were fouled on EVERY play.

Right on, cferraro. A total absence of generosity on Muffet's part. She was "surprised" by UConn; she thought she had this one locked up. To watch her was almost painful; it appeared she was going to break into tears or to explode as she rocked back and forth and tapped her fingers rhythmically. Hopefully she brought her meds. Even her praise of Gabby was qualified by saying that Williams probably doesn't usually play that well. All in all a complete beat-down at least for the sour old coach. Such is the stuff of Schadenfreude.

 

[hussybulldog]

She thought she had the best team since she had the best center and best guard in the country, except that she should have blamed herself not having prepared her team for this game. Her team will miss FF again this year if she started to act like the coach at Duke.

 

[dwalks93]

Last night's ND performance and post game press conference has left me re-evaluating Muffet as a great coach.

Prior to yesterday I thought Muffet was the second best coach in the country. Traditionally ND plays team ball and executes like a well coached unit. ND's performance yesterday was anything but the above description.

ND did not lose because of foul disparities or bad calls. ND lost because they failed to play team ball and did not match UConn's intensity. Early on Ogunbowele seemed determined to take every shot and that kind of "me" play seemed to permeate through to the other ND players. How many charge calls did ND have in the first half because their players were out of control and trying to win a one on one battle? Where was the ball movement for ND? ND had a huge size advantage with Turner on the inside but failed to get the ball to her and instead allowed Ogunbowele to jack shots at will. In fact, Turner really was not a major factor till the last 5 minutes of the game when it was pretty much already over. ND needed to work the ball inside to open the perimeter for their 3 point shooters. Instead ND seemed more than content to play a one on one game.

Last night ND looked a lot more like Tennessee than UConn....great talent but a failure to execute. That is coaching....Muffet needs to own this loss. It is only becoming more apparent every year....when it comes to coaches, there is Geno and then there is everyone else.

 

[oldude]

Her team will miss FF again this year if she started to act like the coach at Duke.

I think you raise a distinct possibility. UConn exposed ND's weaknesses. They lack quickness. Outside of Turner, they do not appear to have a consistent incide presence. They have struggled somewhat with lesser teams GB, Wash, Iowa. Right now I might rank them behind UConn, Baylor, SC & MD. By the end of the season they may be further behind and very vulnerable to another upset on the way to the final 4.

 

[JoePgh]

Last night's ND performance and post game press conference has left me re-evaluating Muffet as a great coach.

Prior to yesterday I thought Muffet was the second best coach in the country. Traditionally ND plays team ball and executes like a well coached unit. ND's performance yesterday was anything but the above description.

ND did not lose because of foul disparities or bad calls. ND lost because they failed to play team ball and did not match UConn's intensity. Early on Ogunbowele seemed determined to take every shot and that kind of "me" play seemed to permeate through to the other ND players. How many charge calls did ND have in the first half because their players were out of control and trying to win a one on one battle? Where was the ball movement for ND? ND had a huge size advantage with Turner on the inside but failed to get the ball to her and instead allowed Ogunbowele to jack shots at will. In fact, Turner really was not a major factor till the last 5 minutes of the game when it was pretty much already over. ND needed to work the ball inside to open the perimeter for their 3 point shooters. Instead ND seemed more than content to play a one on one game.

Last night ND looked a lot more like Tennessee than UConn....great talent but a failure to execute. That is coaching....Muffet needs to own this loss. It is only becoming more apparent every year....when it comes to coaches, there is Geno and then there is everyone else.

It sounds like your analysis of the game is basically identical to Muffitt's. She did not attribute the loss to disparities in the foul count or the free throw attempts -- in fact, she didn't mention that at all in her opening remarks. She cited exactly the same things that you did in your post. When asked about the foul disparity, she said that she didn't understand it any more the questioner, which was probably an honest answer before she looks closely at the video.

 

[Charlie]

MM sounded clueless (also classless) and wanted to blame the loss on fouls not being called! I know Geno would not blame it on fouls and learn from the game whether we win or lose - I guess that is the difference between a great coach and a decent coach. Also, I believe if ND played the schedule UCONN has played so far, they would have multiple losses. ND really only plays UCONN and DePaul and maybe Wash though I am not convinced Wash is better than our unranked game against Kansas State this Sun.

 

[oldude]

It sounds like your analysis of the game is basically identical to Muffitt's. She did not attribute the loss to disparities in the foul count or the free throw attempts -- in fact, she didn't mention that at all in her opening remarks. She cited exactly the same things that you did in your post. When asked about the foul disparity, she said that she didn't understand it any more the questioner, which was probably an honest answer before she looks closely at the video.

There was very much a tone of sarcasm in Muffet's voice when responding to a question about the disparity in foul shots.

 

[uconnell]

I think the conditioning and physicality of UCONN attests to the so-called disparity in the fouls being called - one opinion. A lot of times these undefeated preseason coronated #1's don't see any sort of real defense until they face UCONN and that to me is the big difference. As to getting the ball to Turner, its the same defense UCONN used and will use on Coates against So. Carolina. As to Allen - too hit or miss for me to be considered up their with the big time point guards at ND. One minute she lights it up the next she's MIA. Ogunbowale is too much like Plum and Mitchell (OSU) and that doesn't align with Muffet's way of executing so that will continue to haunt ND against the big time teams. You have to give Geno some big-time credit for where this team is especially coming away from the FSU game where at a lot of folks thought 3-5 losses coming, which still might come to pass but you have to be happy where we are for early December. I have to mention the interactions between Geno and Gabby during and after the game. I don't recall Geno showing this sort of admiration and affection for a kid's performance which was very, very deserving.

Bria Hartley freshman game where she pretty much carried the team. Geno gave her a hug and kiss after the game. It was well earned for both Bria and Gabby.

 

[oldude]

Bria Hartley freshman game where she pretty much carried the team. Geno gave her a hug and kiss after the game. It was well earned for both Bria and Gabby.

Geno is becoming a "softy". This season alone, not only did he hug Gabby last night, but he also hugged Danger after the Baylor game.....a freshman no less??? I think Geno has been taking sensitivity training on the sly....

 

[reno tony]

Thinking the same thing....all their fault they lost and no credit to UConn. And I was also thinking that if Lindsay Allen is the best point guard in the country, then it's a down year for point guards. She's good but I think I can find better.

I like Lindsey Allen. Especially since she took responsibility for the lack of offense during the game. She realistically doesn't need to shoulder all the responsibility but at least she is thinking like a leader. She is an excellent point guard and I hope she does well.

 

[choochoo]

Just leaving this here for comparison's sake…similar situation, the aftermath of a disappointing 12-point loss in December. Not a particularly fun night to relive if you're a UConn fan, but if you can bear watching just the first two or three minutes, I think there's a fairly stark difference between this video and the one at the top of this thread.

Miss Muffet needs to watch this video and learn how to lose graciously and not be a ass like she was in her presser.

 

[BoomBoom]

I'm grateful for the salt and stone of MM's temperament in these competitive contexts: it's a measure of how invested she is in this particular game, in her team and in the sport. Wouldn't want it any other way. To call her willful focus on her own team "passive-aggressive" assumes that her proper attention should be UCONN. The amazing game UCONN played spoke for itself. MM knows that. But why should she focus on it? UCONN's amazing game was a determining factor, but it wasn't the only one. ND didn't help themselves in a variety of ways.

On the one hand we say teams need to believe they can beat UCONN in order to actually beat UCONN (this belief would presumably require a strong focus on what the team can do to make that happen). On the other, we expect them to gild the lily when they lose? We want it all: the already beautiful win and the additional glitz of the loser focusing on how we made them that way?

Regarding the passing reference she made to the refs, that was hardly the main theme of her remarks. I doubt it would have come up if she weren't prompted by the reporter. Most of the reporters either loaded their questions or posed false choices. I'd hate to go through an interview after a tough loss with such poorly phrased questions.

Her comment about Gabby may have seemed qualified but it was accurate even in its qualification. Gabby has been amazing all year but last night was wonderfully of another order altogether. She just kept elevating--literally and figuratively. If Gabby's game last night were something she has had every time she goes out on the floor, Geno would be hugging her every night. And he'd be calling her play "magnificent" every night.

Give me a strong-willed rival over an invented villain any day.

 

[oldude]

Muffet does have a tendancy to ruminate on dissappointments, without thinking, while the microphone is on. We all remember the blowup that occurred between Geno and Muffet when Stewie won player of the year and, rather than congratulting Stewie, Muffet proceeded to complain about the fact that her player had not won the award.

I don't believe she does it deliberately. She just can't help herself.

 

[ivrytontusker]

Geez...was UConn even in this game... I don't think Muffet gave any credit to UConn for her loss. At least up to 4 and 1/2 minute mark according to Coach Muffet...the loss had nothing to do with UConn it was all about what ND didn't do. Finally, at 5:20 some props for Gabby. Also thought there was a little tongue in cheek from Muffet as she thought her players should have gotten to the foul line more..she said, that her players were fouled on EVERY play.

She's not UConn's coach, why should she comment on the game as if she is? Is she supposed to say that ND played great and still lost? If she didn't think ND played great -which she obviously didn't- she is going to focus more on that. Saying one's team played badly is not disrespecting the other team.

 

[j66kicker]

On the one hand we say teams need to believe they can beat UCONN in order to actually beat UCONN (this belief would presumably require a strong focus on what the team can do to make that happen). On the other, we expect them to gild the lily when they lose? We want it all: the already beautiful win and the additional glitz of the loser focusing on how we made them that way?

Regarding the passing reference she made to the refs, that was hardly the main theme of her remarks. I doubt it would have come up if she weren't prompted by the reporter. Most of the reporters either loaded their questions or posed false choices. I'd hate to go through an interview after a tough loss with such poorly phrased questions.

Her comment about Gabby may have seemed qualified but it was accurate even in its qualification. Gabby has been amazing all year but last night was wonderfully of another order altogether. She just kept elevating--literally and figuratively. If Gabby's game last night were something she has had every time she goes out on the floor, Geno would be hugging her every night. And he'd be calling her play "magnificent" every night.

Give me a strong-willed rival over an invented villain any day.

Yes! We want it all...and we want it NOW!

 

[CamrnCrz1974]

In my opinion, Jordin Canada and Tyra Buss are better point guards, just not surrounded by the talent that Allen is at ND.

Buss is a scoring guard who can pass. She averaged 4.36 assists last year...and 3.66 turnovers (while taking 13 shots per game).

This year, she is playing off ball, as Alexis Gassion is handling more of the facilitating while Buss focuses more on scoring. Buss is still averaging over 3 assists per game (and 2.5 turnovers per game), but she is shooting the ball MUCH better

Now, Indiana is not loaded with talent the way some other schools are. But to be a great point guard - and certainly better than Lindsey Allen, as you opined - I believe that she needs to tighten her handle significantly while making the players around her better. And the fact that she is playing more off the ball, to focus on scoring is maximizing what she does best, while still allowing her to pass to lead to assisted baskets...but without the responsibility of being the primary facilitator/playmaker for others (as opposed to facilitating for herself).

 

[Orangutan]

I'm grateful for the salt and stone of MM's temperament in these competitive contexts: it's a measure of how invested she is in this particular game, in her team and in the sport. Wouldn't want it any other way. To call her willful focus on her own team "passive-aggressive" assumes that her proper attention should be UCONN. The amazing game UCONN played spoke for itself. MM knows that. But why should she focus on it? UCONN's amazing game was a determining factor, but it wasn't the only one. ND didn't help themselves in a variety of ways.

On the one hand we say teams need to believe they can beat UCONN in order to actually beat UCONN (this belief would presumably require a strong focus on what the team can do to make that happen). On the other, we expect them to gild the lily when they lose? We want it all: the already beautiful win and the additional glitz of the loser focusing on how we made them that way?

Nice post. You wrote everything I would have and phrased it much better than I would have.

 

[bags27]

I'm grateful for the salt and stone of MM's temperament in these competitive contexts: it's a measure of how invested she is in this particular game, in her team and in the sport. Wouldn't want it any other way. To call her willful focus on her own team "passive-aggressive" assumes that her proper attention should be UCONN.

No need for us to keep litigating this episode. But since I introduced the term passive-aggressive (not the first time I've used it about her), just to say that I didn't apply it to expectations that she should have praised UConn. Rather, it was the sly way she fielded the question of the imbalance of foul shots and therefore the implication that ND lost for reasons outside their control. My other--completely unrelated--point was that common politeness is to acknowledge that the other team just played better.

 

[ivrytontusker]

She was pretty complimentary in these press conferences from 13 and 14. It's bizarre how sensitive fans of our program -the most dominant in the history of the sport- seem to be.

 

[ivrytontusker]

MM sounded clueless (also classless) and wanted to blame the loss on fouls not being called! I know Geno would not blame it on fouls and learn from the game whether we win or lose - I guess that is the difference between a great coach and a decent coach. Also, I believe if ND played the schedule UCONN has played so far, they would have multiple losses. ND really only plays UCONN and DePaul and maybe Wash though I am not convinced Wash is better than our unranked game against Kansas State this Sun.

Because ND plays Duke, Louisville, UNC, etc., in conference games. I believe Muffet said they tried to schedule Baylor, Texas, or Texas A&M for their game in Houston and nobody wanted to play them (I assume this was a recruiting move by ND, which was why they didn't want to).

 

[HoopsFan21]

Because ND plays Duke, Louisville, UNC, etc., in conference games. I believe Muffet said they tried to schedule Baylor, Texas, or Texas A&M for their game in Houston and nobody wanted to play them (I assume this was a recruiting move by ND, which was why they didn't want to).

Baylor and Texas didn't want to play them because they already had UConn on the schedule.

 

[ivrytontusker]

Baylor and Texas didn't want to play them because they already had UConn on the schedule.

Well then maybe we should be criticizing their coaches rather than Muffet. I think it is pretty silly for fans here to suggest that ND avoids playing the good teams (also, you can't know which teams will be good each year, with a few exceptions such as UConn). They play us every year. They have a relatively tough conference schedule.

I think the main reason Baylor and Texas didn't want to play them was that they didn't want to get ND attention in Houston for recruiting purposes (if the game wasn't a home-and-home).

 

[Plebe]

Well then maybe we should be criticizing their coaches rather than Muffet. I think it is pretty silly for fans here to suggest that ND avoids playing the good teams (also, you can't know which teams will be good each year, with a few exceptions such as UConn). They play us every year. They have a relatively tough conference schedule.

I think the main reason Baylor and Texas didn't want to play them was that they didn't want to get ND attention in Houston for recruiting purposes (if the game wasn't a home-and-home).

ND's recruiting motives behind its Houston game would explain why the game was scheduled at a facility that is otherwise used solely for high school games.

Plus, is it normal for coaches to go so far out of their way to schedule a homecoming game for non-seniors?

 

[ivrytontusker]

ND's recruiting motives behind its Houston game would explain why the game was scheduled at a facility that is otherwise used solely for high school games.

Plus, is it normal for coaches to go so far out of their way to schedule a homecoming game for non-seniors?

Well, if Baylor or Texas beat ND, which given what happened yesterday seems entirely plausible, what are they afraid of?

 

[oldude]

Well then maybe we should be criticizing their coaches rather than Muffet. I think it is pretty silly for fans here to suggest that ND avoids playing the good teams (also, you can't know which teams will be good each year, with a few exceptions such as UConn). They play us every year. They have a relatively tough conference schedule.

I think the main reason Baylor and Texas didn't want to play them was that they didn't want to get ND attention in Houston for recruiting purposes (if the game wasn't a home-and-home).

Not sure about who really wants to play whom, but I have trouble with the idea that Baylor & Texas were concerned about ND recruiting in their backyard when the Huskies are developing a pipeline into TX (Mo, Gordon & Collier) and they don't seem to have a problem playing UConn.

 

[bags27]

Well, if we're thinking that ND wanted to fly the flag in TX for recruiting purposes (and that sounds right to me), can I ask why Geno agreed to schlep all the way to Kansas right after traveling to Indiana and during finals period? Has he ever recruited in Kansas or does he just like spare ribs?

 

[Orangutan]

ND really only plays UCONN and DePaul and maybe Wash though I am not convinced Wash is better than our unranked game against Kansas State this Sun.

Both Massey and Sagarin have Washington ranked #8. For what it's worth, those computers rank K-State 22 (Sagarin) and 20 (Massey).

ND has played the 9th hardest schedule by Sagarin's methodology, and the 3rd hardest by Massey's methodology. So while ND's schedule has not been as hard as UConn's, it has not been soft either.

I do think the computers tend to overrank mid-majors but Green Bay is also top-20 in both computer rankings (Sagarin 13, Massey 18).