"ND tired of being overshadowed by UConn

[bballnut90]

But Muppet was incorrect on one thing. They have not learned how to beat UCONN. They won some close games that could have gone either way with one different bounce of the ball. In the most recent game UCONN BEAT nd by being able to elevate their game. nd has never shown the ability to do that.

That's just wrong.

In 2011, Notre Dame elevated their game and upset Connecticut despite Moore pouring in 36 points. They executed (52% Fg), controlled the glass (39-27 rebound advantage) and ended up winning by 9. UCONN didn't choke, Notre Dame outplayed them.

In 2012, Notre Dame won by 13 in Connecticut. Again, UCONN didn't choke, they were outplayed by Notre Dame.

Same thing in the national semifinals. UCONN didn't choke, Notre Dame made big plays down the stretch and in OT to win the game. No choking, UCONN was simply beat.

All 3 wins were close last year, but they did make the big plays down the stretch. Notre Dame executed well down the stretch in all 3 games and made huge plays in order to get the win. UCONN certainly gave Notre Dame opportunities to capitalize on, but the fact is, Notre Dame did execute and outplayed UCONN down the stretch.

 

[UConnCat]

UConn was actually the favorite according to the Vegas line. I believe it was around 3-4 points.

WCBB teams and coaches don't pay attention to the Vegas line. ND was the higher seed and most of the WCBB experts picked ND to win. That's what I'm talking about.

 

[baggerbob]

That's just wrong.

In 2011, Notre Dame elevated their game and upset Connecticut despite Moore pouring in 36 points. They executed (52% Fg), controlled the glass (39-27 rebound advantage) and ended up winning by 9. UCONN didn't choke, Notre Dame outplayed them.

In 2012, Notre Dame won by 13 in Connecticut. Again, UCONN didn't choke, they were outplayed by Notre Dame.

Same thing in the national semifinals. UCONN didn't choke, Notre Dame made big plays down the stretch and in OT to win the game. No choking, UCONN was simply beat.

All 3 wins were close last year, but they did make the big plays down the stretch. Notre Dame executed well down the stretch in all 3 games and made huge plays in order to get the win. UCONN certainly gave Notre Dame opportunities to capitalize on, but the fact is, Notre Dame did execute and outplayed UCONN down the stretch.

Yes in those first 3 games Notre Dame made the plays, the UConn players also missed opportunities in the closing stages to win. That was pre Stewie becoming herself, and having the confidence to be the go to player. Up until that semi-final game Stewie deferred to the other players on the team, Stef, Kelly, KML, Bria, to make the big plays. Kelly said it best after the final game talking about Stewie, she was asked how much the change in Stewie was a catalyst for the championship run. " That changed us a ton. I don't think people understand how much we needed her to get to this point. If we didn't have her, we wouldn't be here. And we all know that, and I hope she knows that." Notre Dame doesn't want to see this UConn team, with the defense they have, regardless of the other Notre Dame players, Stewie is still the best player on the floor, and they do remember how many layups, Stef, and Stewie either blocked or changed.

 

[Icebear]

ND is a full member of the ACC regarding voting on all conference matters. It gets a special arrangement in football, and cannot play for the ACC championship, but shares some bowl games.

Thanks for the clarification.

 

[Pastahusky98]

In my opinion, Notre Dame did, and still does, have a bit of an attitude problem. Last year in the final four, Stewie dominated on defense, and Notre Dame didn't get the calls that they wanted. What did they do? They pouted and lost the game by a hefty margin. This also showed when they had to play against a gritty Alyssa Thomas, and squeaked one out by 4 earlier this year. I've watched a few ND home games on TV, and the officiating can be very one sided at times. So, what's gonna happen when they may have to play Stewie again? I think more of the same.

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

ND won those 1st 3 games last season because UCONN "mentally" gave ND way too much credit and threw away each of those games late! When they just came out and played their usual offensive and defensive game, they blew ND's doors in the FF semi's by 18 points!
Without the diva ND is a better team, but the way for UCONN to beat ND is with their big girls! ND only has Achonwa as a great big girl while UCONN has Stewie, Stef, KML, & Stokes! The talented guards on both teams are a wash, but UCONN will dominate inside! If and when they meet, UCONN can & will win by 20+ points!
I would like to see CT play whistle to whistle with their suffocating defense and grind ND down offensively and humiliate ND! Maybe then Muffett will shut-up her scheduling and "owning" UCONN recently BS!

 

[uconnell]

Hey it was ok with ND when we were force fed Diggins for 3 years, now they can suffer through 3 years of media touting Stewie. Plus Stewie is twice the player Diggins was. Suck it up ND and deal with it.

 

[doggydaddy]

ND won those 1st 3 games last season because UCONN "mentally" gave ND way too much credit and threw away each of those games late! When they just came out and played their usual offensive and defensive game, they blew ND's doors in the FF semi's by 18 points!
Without the diva ND is a better team, but the way for UCONN to beat ND is with their big girls! ND only has Achonwa as a great big girl while UCONN has Stewie, Stef, KML, & Stokes! The talented guards on both teams are a wash, but UCONN will dominate inside! If and when they meet, UCONN can & will win by 20+ points!
I would like to see CT play whistle to whistle with their suffocating defense and grind ND down offensively and humiliate ND! Maybe then Muffett will shut-up her scheduling and "owning" UCONN recently BS!

If you are going to include KML then you have to include McBride. When KML is healthy, that is a wash, so I will focus on only the post players although Stewart is not just a post player.

ND front line consist of starters 6'3" Achonwa and 6'1" Braker. They have 6'3" Reimer off the bench.

UConn has 6'5" Dolson and 6'4" Stewart as starters with 6'3" Stokes.

I'm looking forward to when Uconn goes big with all 3 on the court. Who covers Stewart?

 

[triaddukefan]

Part of me hopes we dont get a ND/UCONN matchup in the final.... but its threads like this that makes me WANT to have a ND/UCONN Final

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

Doggydaddy I'm talking forwards & center. The one F/C ND has any good is Achonwa! While UCONN has 4 really good f/c! If CT can pound it inside they'll kill the Irish! Then they can use their G's to penetrate & stop & pop! And then 3's will be open also!

 

[SallyH]

Part of me hopes we dont get a ND/UCONN matchup in the final.... but its threads like this that makes me WANT to have a ND/UCONN Final

Who would you rather see?

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

This is food for thought! No ND player would start for UCONN, while every CT player would start for ND! McBride would not start over Hartley or Jefferson the way they're playing now!