NC State Post Game Thread

[RockyMTblue2]

I just finished a second rewatch of the game. I agree with Geno; one of the finest games I have ever seen. I didn't realize Caitlin Clark was on Wes's team.

 

[Longtime fan]

Tired of hearing how this team lacks toughness or heart. Was this enough for the detractors?

Aside from the obvious, here are a few highlights for me;

1. That flying put back basket by Edwards.
2. The "magical"pass from AZZI to Evina, whilst totally trapped by two NC State players.
3. Evina's alertness to get the ball to an open Williams for the killer lay-up. Williams calmly making the lay up.
4. Nika Mühl forcing a turnover on an in-bounds attempt by NC State.
5. Paige and AZZI hitting free throws with the pressure of the world on their shoulders. And Edwards hitting two free throws.
6. Paige's 8-9 was it in overtime?

A game for the ages. Don't forget; NC State stole a victory from Notre Dame. And ND ( much to my dismay ) is a terrific young team, who was "playing lights out ." ND scored more than 100 points against strong Oklahoma team, and have two of the best freshman guards in the country. So NC State, with three 5th year seniors and one fourth year senior ( plus a junior ), is experienced and formidable. They did us a favor beating ND ( helped themselves as well, of course ).

A huge win for UCONN to enjoy. Our " bracket" was monstrous. Loaded with excellence.

 

[eyeroll]

I just finished a second rewatch of the game. I agree with Geno; one of the finest games I have ever seen. I didn't realize Caitlin Clark was on Wes's team.

Seriously. Someone will always find a way.... SMH

 

[MSGRET]

Aside from the obvious, here are a few highlights for me;

1. That flying put back basket by Edwards.
2. The "magical"pass from AZZI to Evina, whilst totally trapped by two NC State players.
3. Evina's alertness to get the ball to an open Williams for the killer lay-up. Williams calmly making the lay up.
4. Nika Mühl forcing a turnover on an in-bounds attempt by NC State.
5. Paige and AZZI hitting free throws with the pressure of the world on their shoulders. And Edwards hitting two free throws.
6. Paige's 8-9 was it in overtime?

A game for the ages. Don't forget; NC State stole a victory from Notre Dame. And ND ( much to my dismay ) is a terrific young team, who was "playing lights out ." ND scored more than 100 points against strong Oklahoma team, and have two of the best freshman guards in the country. So NC State, with three 5th year seniors and one fourth year senior ( plus a junior ), is experienced and formidable. They did us a favor beating ND ( helped themselves as well, of course ).

A huge win for UCONN to enjoy. Our " bracket" was monstrous. Loaded with excellence.

I was PO'd at the play-by-play announcer last night when he stated "Paige hasn't missed a shot in overtime, she's 8 for 8, then Paige missed the next shot right when finished the statement.

 

[DefenseBB]

Here's your man- MSGRET....

 

[Steelerone]

Whoever wrote "You gotta have heart" had to have been thinking of the young ladies who took the floor last night. What's the old saying, "It's not whether you win or lose, it's how you play the game" Last night they won and won.

 

[ballerfan]

where in France? I'm hoping to get there in May... I love France

I live in the south of France. Over the last couple years the lockdowns and mask mandate have made France a lot less appealing to visit. But the covid situation is better now, and the government recently lifted the mask mandate except in medical settings. May is the perfect month to visit. Warm and before the rush of tourists.

 

[Tonyc]

Well, to be fair, there were 9,825 screaming UCONN fans in the arena and 'bout 175 NC State fans...I was there and counted them.

Me 2 lol

 

[CTtoSanDiego]

I live in the south of France. Over the last couple years the lockdowns and mask mandate have made France a lot less appealing to visit. But the covid situation is better now, and the government recently lifted the mask mandate except in medical settings. May is the perfect month to visit. Warm and before the rush of tourists.

Where in the South? I have a good friend who lives in Pourierres... (20 minutes or so from Aix en Provence

 

[jaundicedeye]

And OBTW, she did not (would not?) predict the winner of this game, unlike the other ESPN folks.

Article
Barnes - UConn
Voepel - Four paragraphs to pick no one, because ...
Philippou - UConn
Pelton - UConn

I noticed it and had to read twice just to make sure she avoided a pick. I scratched my head thinking what's up with that? If what I am reading in the post is true then it brings it to light. How petty. Surprised the editor(s) let her do that.
It also sheds some light on the piece she did on Muffet claiming UCONN receives favoritism from ESPN. What was missing entirely from the article was any kind on position or opinion on the matter from Voepel. Its silence on the matter shows who's side she is on. Alexa should have her job soon.

 

[Atleast5char]

was that Shea Ralph supporting Paige's mom in the last minutes?

Good question; it really don't think that person was Shea, though. I'd love to know if there were former players there besides Megan.

 

[Atleast5char]

Hi, could not recognize the person.

Thanks

 

[uconnfan68]

Epic game and one of the best basketball games I've ever watched, although I pretty much watched the entire second half in 5 second score update glimpses. After it ended, I went back and watched the whole thing to the end. Too nerve-wracking to watch that without knowing the ending.

• CW was 4-8 on FG in Q1 alone. I remember thinking, she's going to end up taking 30 shots and carrying the team.
• Happened to catch the Dorka injury in real time, and those anguished cries said everything without the video (which was tough to see). It was so good to see her out there on the bench and I think that proved as a solidifying force for the team down the stretch. Win it for Dorka.
• Someone please put McNutt and MM on a slow boat to nowhere. At least keep them off national telecasts. I detest ESPN studio coverage and have to mute it.
• Wes Moore is a class act, and I hate it that he had to be the loser in this one. Great to see him and Geno hugging, there's clearly a bond and mutual respect between the two.
• Paige. IMHO she needed a game like this where she no longer had the luxury of deferring to teammates or thinking about her recovery. She was in Full Autopilot Paige Mode, which will pay dividends next weekend because she proved to herself that she's back.
• ONO managed to hang in there with 4 fouls for about 20 minutes. Never thought I'd see that. Probably as important as Paige's impact just for that alone. AE stayed in the game until under a minute in the last OT when it no longer mattered. Huge props for knowing the simply could not foul out.
• Nika a +8 in 8 minutes. Over the summer if she can develop a consistent 3 point shot, learn to shoot FTs and develop her drive to the basket skills she will be a fixture in the rotation. Her energy, defensive prowess, and infectious intangible impact on a game aren't enough when you need all 5 players to score if necessary.
• Azzi is as good of a pure shooter as there is in the game. Shooters shoot. If she's "on" there's no ceiling to what this team can do. Playing 49 minutes as a frosh in a Final Four games says it all.
• Caroline, if she's smart, will pester Geno to take Dorka's role in the front court rotation. Sure she's a wing but her reach and post play make up for that, and she can stretch the floor and get out on breaks. She's a finisher, use her.

Wish we got Louisville instead, 'cause Stanford and SC in the next 2 games is a brutal long weekend.

The one thing that stood out to me was Evina comforting Dorka while waving the trainer out. You could see the love.

 

[Superhuskies]

I despise nonstop crowd shots of family members. But Paige's mom seems like a hoot! LOL...Paige did not inherit her poise from Mom!!

 

[UcMiami]

Nice write-up on #14s meaning:

UConn's unprecedented Final Four run stands the test of time

UConn and NC State's Elite Eight matchup in the 2022 women's NCAA tournament was an instant classic, with Jakia Brown-Turner's game-tying three at the end of OT, and Paige Bueckers taking over for the Huskies. Watch the tying shot and the full 2OT period here from the Elite Eight.

www.ncaa.com

 

[HuskyNan]

Does anyone know why Mechelle is a bit anti-uconn? not to the extent as McNutt, but pretty obvious now over the last few years...

She’s not. She just doesn’t gush over UConn. Some see that as dislike

 

[CTBballfan243]

Watch: Final 10 seconds of UConn vs. NC State featured a questionable no-call - Sports Illustrated

The Huskies survived a double OT thriller to advance to its 14th straight Final Four.

www.si.com

 

[CTBballfan243]

Watch: Final 10 seconds of UConn vs. NC State featured a questionable no-call - Sports Illustrated

The Huskies survived a double OT thriller to advance to its 14th straight Final Four.

www.si.com

UConn haters really reaching now. They’re going for missed 3 second calls. Seriously

 

[Bama fan]

I was PO'd at the play-by-play announcer last night when he stated "Paige hasn't missed a shot in overtime, she's 8 for 8, then Paige missed the next shot right when finished the statement.

She got fouled on that missed attempt , but no call.

 

[mudcat]

The refs, the refs, the refs, the refs.....................Give it a rest. The players determine the result.

That was my point

 

[housekeys]

Watch: Final 10 seconds of UConn vs. NC State featured a questionable no-call - Sports Illustrated

The Huskies survived a double OT thriller to advance to its 14th straight Final Four.

www.si.com

If you really want to go that route, check out the 3 point shot to send the game into OT by NCST. If you look close the NCST player's right heal could have been out of bounds. Replay the video in slow motion and see how very close she is to the side line. But....whatever.

 

[nastynatty]

It's too bad some need to drag down others to make their point. Paige is wonderful and even better than that sometimes, as she was last night. It was mind-blowing and inspiring to watch Paige being Paige once again.

Still, to say that Caitlin isn't close to Paige's level is, pardon the bluntness, just wacky. You either haven't seen Iowa play often or don't understand what it is that made the Hawkeyes the Big Ten regular season c-champs and tournament champs. Ask Clark's teammates if she makes them better... heck, every game, every one of them gets wide-open shots often because the opposing team is focusing on Caitlin.

"When she isn’t scoring, her other contributions just aren’t enough to warrant her being on PB’s level," you say? How about that she was second in the nation in assists last year and led the nation this year. To boot,she clearly is the team's fiery leader on the court (maybe occasionally too fiery for her own good). Creighton took down the Hawkeyes in the tournament, a credit to Flannery and Co., but that shouldn't lessen what Iowa accomplished this year.

All that said, I'm thrilled Paige is a UConn player for two more years and, during that time, when the Huskies aren't playing, I'll frequently watch Iowa to enjoy watching the incredibly talented Caitlin Clark.

I’ve watched several Iowa games and I don’t think Caitlin is terrible. She’s among some of the best in WCBB. It’s just no one is on Paige’s level. When the going gets tough for Iowa, they look to Caitlin to do anything and everything and when that doesn’t work out they are practically doomed. All I am saying is that Paige doesn’t even need to be making shot to make her team better. Anyways, like someone else mentioned…CC is not on Wes Moore’s team so this may be a conversation for another thread.

 

[Coach J]

While Paige's clutch shooting was one of the great performances I have seen in any game, championship or in season, not sure why Azzi isn't getting more love on the Boneyard. Prior to Paige taking over, Fudd was also unstoppable for several critical periods. Kept UConn in the game so Paige could be Paige in the Overtime.

Makes sense, I had no idea she shot so poorly from the line. She does change the flow of the game defensively when she is in there. I love that hard nosed hustle.

 

[npignatjr]

Aside from the obvious, here are a few highlights for me;

1. That flying put back basket by Edwards.
2. The "magical"pass from AZZI to Evina, whilst totally trapped by two NC State players.
3. Evina's alertness to get the ball to an open Williams for the killer lay-up. Williams calmly making the lay up.
4. Nika Mühl forcing a turnover on an in-bounds attempt by NC State.
5. Paige and AZZI hitting free throws with the pressure of the world on their shoulders. And Edwards hitting two free throws.
6. Paige's 8-9 was it in overtime?

A game for the ages. Don't forget; NC State stole a victory from Notre Dame. And ND ( much to my dismay ) is a terrific young team, who was "playing lights out ." ND scored more than 100 points against strong Oklahoma team, and have two of the best freshman guards in the country. So NC State, with three 5th year seniors and one fourth year senior ( plus a junior ), is experienced and formidable. They did us a favor beating ND ( helped themselves as well, of course ).

A huge win for UCONN to enjoy. Our " bracket" was monstrous. Loaded with excellence.

Add Just before #3 Christyn scoring over Cunnane.

 

[npignatjr]

Makes sense, I had no idea she shot so poorly from the line. She does change the flow of the game defensively when she is in there. I love that hard nosed hustle.

Small sample 2-8. Last year 73%

 

[jayfromfla]

One geno move was at about 5 minutes in regulation time he took out Paige and inserted Nika .her tenacious defense on the guard lead to a turnover and a missed shot. Gave Paige a breather and changed momentum of the game.

 

[Tonyc]

We grew up alot in the NC State game. We showed fight determination relentless effort and poise and execution. Paige and Azzi stepped up it was their time. Stanford will be all over them when we face them. We will need others to step up as well. Christyn Evina and maybe Caroline need to hit some shots and dribble drive. We need to get a handle on Lexie Hull and Jones and Im sure we will. Stanford does make turnovers and we need to score on them. This is gonna be another great game.

 

[browns]

I just don’t think CC or anyone else for that matter is even close to Paige’s level. Yes, Paige plays with other great players but she still manages to separate herself as far and above the team’s superstar. Just because CC sticks out within a lesser team doesn’t make her better. Also, Paige makes everyone around her so much better with the confidence and assuredness she provides. Like Geno said, she just shoulders the load for them and gives them the freedom to be and play like themselves without having to do too much. Even in her first few games back on limited minutes and contributions, it was evident how Paige’s presence changed the way energy around the team. I don’t see how Clark makes anyone (outside of maybe Czinano) exponentially better with her presence. When she isn’t scoring, her other contributions just aren’t enough to warrant her being on PB’s level.

CC put the team on her back to win the big 10 regular season(tie) and conference championships..besides her high scoring she dishes out 8 assists a game that lead the nation..that alone makes everyone better..plus she grabs 8 rebounds a game..CC's stats this year are better than Sabrina's 2 yrs ago when she was NPOY..I think Paige is great too but to say CC is not even close to her level is absurd

 

[npignatjr]

CC put the team on her back to win the big 10 regular season(tie) and conference championships..besides her high scoring she dishes out 8 assists a game that lead the nation..that alone makes everyone better..plus she grabs 8 rebounds a game..CC's stats this year are better than Sabrina's 2 yrs ago when she was NPOY..I think Paige is great too but to say CC is not even close to her level is absurd

A lot of turnovers. Two seasons 4.8 a game.

 

[Forego]

If you really want to go that route, check out the 3 point shot to send the game into OT by NCST. If you look close the NCST player's right heal could have been out of bounds. Replay the video in slow motion and see how very close she is to the side line. But....whatever.

Thank you. I thought I was the only one to see that during the live broadcast. I can only watch the replay on my cell phone and need a larger screen to review it closely. I assumed that she did not step out of bounds because Monica didn’t mention the play after the game.