ND will beat us again

[Harry Mangurian]

If we play the way we did against CFU. But, we will not.

 

[mhshuskies]

If we play the way we did against CFU. But, we will not.

Riddle: What do the nd schedule to date and a bakery shop with a limited selection have in common?
Ans: only cupcakes

 

[Tonyc]

If we play the way we did against CFU. But, we will not.

Harry if ND plays the way they did against I think it was Oregon UConn will win by 25+. Bottom line if you take any teams best game and UConns worst game they have a chance. Its all about defense and I will put my money on UConn every time. I will take UConn every game this season and any body else can take there opponent and you name the bet and for every game I assure you I will win out more then my opponent.

 

[UcMiami]

Harry if ND plays the way they did against I think it was Oregon UConn will win by 25+. Bottom line if you take any teams best game and UConns worst game they have a chance. Its all about defense and I will put my money on UConn every time. I will take UConn every game this season and any body else can take there opponent and you name the bet and for every game I assure you I will win out more then my opponent.

I think I am ready to jump on board and I will take the bet - Uconn against the whole field - and yes, I mean undefeated. 27 chances to lose left in this season and the odds are still stacked in my favor!

 

[Kibitzer]

I think I am ready to jump on board and I will take the bet - Uconn against the whole field - and yes, I mean undefeated. 27 chances to lose left in this season and the odds are still stacked in my favor!

As you fellows get into gambling and betting, let me remind you about what is the only thing that is important to bettors: Covering the Spread!

Bookies are guided by a "line" on each game, wherein one team is favored by xx points over their opponent. If they win by more than that spread, they are considered to have "covered."

Wins/losses mean nothing to gamblers. "Covering" means everything.

Now, boys and girls, using that fundamental principle as our guide, we can safely say that UConn covered whatever the spread was in games with Stanford and Duke. Likely (we don't know what the official "line" so we're guessing here) covered against PSU, Maryland and Cal. Probably not vs. UFX and Cincinnati.

Just for fun, let's assume it's UConn -42 points in upcoming games vs. Memphis and Houston, and UConn -35 vs. Temple.

Gentlemen, place your bets.

 

[UcMiami]

As you fellows get into gambling and betting, let me remind you about what is the only thing that is important to bettors: Covering the Spread!

Bookies are guided by a "line" on each game, wherein one team is favored by xx points over their opponent. If they win by more than that spread, they are considered to have "covered."

Wins/losses mean nothing to gamblers. "Covering" means everything.

Now, boys and girls, using that fundamental principle as our guide, we can safely say that UConn covered whatever the spread was in games with Stanford and Duke. Likely (we don't know what the official "line" so we're guessing here) covered against PSU, Maryland and Cal. Probably not vs. UFX and Cincinnati.

Just for fun, let's assume it's UConn -42 points in upcoming games vs. Memphis and Houston, and UConn -35 vs. Temple.

Gentlemen, place your bets.

Ah, but they also take publish the odds and take the bets on season ending results ... so what odds are you giving for uconn winning the NC? As for your upcoming game spreads ... I'll take the under on Temple - another former assistant is led to slaughter, but it is a merciful death and the over on Memphis.

 

[cferraro04]

Reposted from a previous thread....

Sorry, but reading Muffet's comments and the commentary here on this board gives me a headache. Yeah, it is true that Muffet during the Skylar Diggins four years was 8 (edited) and 7 vs Connecticut and her bragging rights came during Skylar's last two years when she was 6 and 2 vs CT. However, she did lose the big one which was for it all to CT and Skylar graduated without winning a national championship. UConn still owns ND in total historical match-ups 29 to 11. So, what can we expect post Diggins...well, I think we have a barn-burner coming or as close to one as we are going to get...both teams are currently working to get all their pieces functioning optimally. KML and Tuck are just getting back for UConn, Brianna Banks is back after missing last year to knee surgery, Dolson is healed from her injuries last season and they are working Saniya Chong into the rotation. Notre Dame is working on Getting Natalie Achonwa back on track and getting Lindsley Allen comfortable at the point guard position while working Taya Reimer into their rotation. Both teams are clicking along pre-conference. Notre Dame will play a much more competitive in conference schedule than UConn...but, that really shouldn't matter as long as both teams stay healthy. It will be harder for Notre Dame to avoid injuries as they will probably require more minutes from their starters due to the tough schedule but, even this may be off-set by the fact that UConn only has 9 scholarship players this year.

So, here is what I think...all the speculation will end when the players step between the lines...it will come down to what happens on the court.

CENTER: Natalie Achonwa - 6'3", great player, big heart, she runs the floor really well, and is often a trailer on the play who will slash the middle in transition and score as a result of the ND guards finding her often...will leave it all on the floor but, her match-up against Stefanie Dolson 6'5" is a tough one. Stefanie is a smart, savy high basketball IQ center. She is the best passing center in the WCBB. She can step out to hit the three or the foul-line extended jumper, she is a better rebounder this year as she is going after the ball and getting it done with 10.0 rebounds per game. She has a soft touch around the basket and good footwork. She will be a handful for Natalie. Natalie Achonwa - 12.4 P/G; 7.4 RB / G; 2.28 assists / G; .57 Stls / G.; and 2.42 turnovers / G. Stefanie Dolson - 13.9 ponts P/G; 10 RB / G; 4.08 assists G; 1 steals / G; 2.5 turnovers / G - ADVANTAGE - UCONN
POWER FORWARD: Ariel Braker - 6'1", somewhat a surprise, emerged last year and has earned a starting position in Muffet's line-up. She isn't much of a scorer but she rebounds, gets steals and produces assists while keeping her turnovers low. She basically splits time with Taya Reimer who doesn't start but is first off the bench. Taya can also give Natalie a break as she played Natalie's position while Natalie was injured. Reimer is more efficient than Braker and it is only a matter of time before Reimer is starting over Braker in my opinion. However, does it really matter who starts at this position? After all, both players will have to play against Breanna Stewart - 6'4" and Breanna is clearly dominant at her position and arguably the best player in the country at this time. Breanna leads the team in scoring and really there isn't much in Breanna's skill set that she can't do and did I mention that Breanna has the ability and desire to elevate her play when it is needed as she thrives on the big stage. Ariel Braker - 3.9 points / G; 5.2 RB / G; 1.9 assists / G; 1.2 Steals / G and only .8 turnovers / G Breanna Stewart - 19.3 points / G; 7.7 RB / G; 3 Assists / G; 1.25 Steals / G; 1.66 Turnovers / G. - ADVANTAGE - UCONN

SMALL FORWARD: Kayla McBride - 5'11" - Kayla is the "heart and soul" of this team. She is a big time player and I believe it was more Kayla than it was Skylar Diggins who caused UConn the problems during those loses as Kayla presents a very tough match-up for teams. Kayla has a WNBA body and a very high basketball IQ coupled with a strong desire to win. She is a winner and her attitude reflects that mindset. Kayla can score and she likes taking the big shots, she is a tough rebounder and hustles on defense. She is also third in assists for Notre Dame. She will probably be matched up with KML - 6'0" who by tournament time will have completely shaken off the effects of her ulner nerve injury and will undoubtedly be her usual self. This years stats are misleading because she played in only 4 games this season after missing 8 games out of 12 this season due to the injury but a comparison of this year's stats to last year's statistics should put us in the ball park. KML is more than just a three point shooter, she is a great defender, a strong rebounder, hustles after every play. KML moves great without the ball and creates a tough match-up for who-ever is defending her. She can score in many ways not just from three point land.Kayla McBride - 14.4 points / G; 5.9 RB / G; 3.7 Assists / G; 1.2 steals / G and 2.3 turnovers / G. Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis (this years to last years stats) - 13.0 points / G - 17.6 points / G; 3.0 RB / G - 6.3 RB / G; .25 Assists / G - 2.34 / G; .5 steals / G - 1.5 steals / G; 0 Turnovers / G - 1.5 turnovers / G. ADVANTAGE - EVEN
SHOOTING GUARD: Jewell Lloyd - 5'10 - Jewell Lloyd has emerged as the teams most prolific scorer with the departure of Skylar Diggins. Jewell is making a case for herself to be considered a first team All American. She is a very talented player who has an extremely high basketball IQ, very athletic and is the future franchise player for Notre Dame. She isn't shooting lights out from three only hitting on .316 of her shots but, she can get to the basket and score. Defending her will fall to Bria Hartley, 5'8" who is making an All American claim in her own right, after all it was a distinction she earned as a sophomore and was derailed in her junior outing due to a nagging injury suffered in the summer between her sophomore and junior league playing 3 on 3 USA Basketball. Bria is a scorer who likewise, loves the big stage and usually plays her best in the big games. She is 2nd in scoring for UConn probably will drop to 3rd when KML rounds back into form. she leads the team in assists. Bria shoots the three a little better than Jewell is at the moment as she is hitting on .400 percent of her shots. Additionally, Bria's Assists / Turnover ratio is nothing short of amazing at 3.3. Jewell Lloyd - 18.5 points / G; 7.1 RB / G; 2.7 Assists / G; 1.5 steals / G; 2.5 turnovers / G. Bria Hartley - 14.6 points / G; 4.2 RB/ G; 5.16 Assists / G; 1.75 steals / G; 1.58 turnovers / G ADVANTAGE - EVEN - slight advantage Bria Hartley (Assists / steals / turnovers / 3 pt. shots)
POINT GUARD: Lindsley Allen 5'7", has emerged as the point guard for Notre Dame which is good for Jewell Lloyd which frees her to play the shooting guard which is more suited to her. Lindsley can handle and distribute the ball. It will be interesting to see how she handles the defensive pressure UConn brings. she leads the team in assists at 4.1 per game and shoots the three at .571 which is outstanding, however, she only has 8 makes for the season with 10 games under her belt. Lindsley has a fantastic Assists / Turnover ratio of 2.3. Moriah Jefferson, 5'7", has emerged as the most improved player in the UConn line-up. Not just statistically as is the case but also, as a floor leader as well. She is her own little highlight reel every game. There isn't a game that goes by that she doesn't do something that makes you think, "Wow, she is really, really good". She is the fastest player with the ball on the court, her court vision is exceptional and she is beginning to shoot the three with confidence. Moriah like Lindsley has a terrific Assists / Turnover ratio of 2.6 Lindsley Allen - 8.9 points / G; 2.2 RB / G; 4.1 assists / G; 1.9 steals / G; 1.8 turnovers / G. Moriah Jefferson - 10.6 points / G; 2.7 RB / G; 5 assists / G; 2.5 steals / G; 1.92 turnovers / G. ADVANTAGE - UCONN
BENCH: Notre Dame has Machaela Mabrey, Taya Reimer, Marisa Cable playing significant minutes while UConn has Morgan Tuck, Saniya Chong, Kiah Stokes and Brianna Banks playing significant minutes - Notre Dame's bench gives them: 27.4 points / G; 11.5 RB / G; 6.8 Assists / G; 3.2 steals / G; 2.9 threes / G; 4.3 Turnovers / G. UConn's bench gives them: 26.7 points / G; 14.8 RB / G; 4.89 Assists / G; 2.45 steals / G; 3.07 threes / G; 4.08 Turnovers / G. ADVANTAGE - EVEN with a slight edge to Notre Dame mostly on the play of Taya Reimer, but this should be negated as Morgan Tuck rounds into form....so, I would say that the bench play is mostly EVEN

COACHING: Sorry but with a 29 to 11 advantage in games over ND, I got to go with Geno and the crew... ADVANTAGE - UCONN
I think Notre Dame will play UConn stubbornly and will provide a tough match-up for UConn, probably the toughest of the year but at the end of the day UCONN WINS this game going away. They just have too many weapons, too much fire power.88 - 71. I think Kayla McBride will join Skylar Diggins in the WNBA without winning a championships either...

 

[Kibitzer]

Ah, but they also take publish the odds and take the bets on season ending results ... so what odds are you giving for uconn winning the NC? As for your upcoming game spreads ... I'll take the under on Temple - another former assistant is led to slaughter, but it is a merciful death and the over on Memphis.

In our imaginary bookie dream world, I see that already we may be getting three types of bets confused.

First, odds on season ending results are posted separately from and differently than game-by-game point spreads. A possible Las Vegas set of odds for the ultimate (NC) result of the 2013-2014 season might look something like this:

UConn, even money
Duke, 8-1
Notre Dame, 10-1
Stanford 15-1
. . . and so on.​

Next, reference to "over/under" bets is traditionally made to bets about the total score of a given game. For example, the "over/under" number for the upcoming Memphis or Houston games might be something like "115," which would mean (to a bettor) that he should bet the "over" if he believed that more than 115 points would be scored (total, both teams) or the "under" if he foresaw fewer than 115 being scored.

Finally, back to "covering" vs. the spread. If UConn (imaginary Vegas "line") is favored by 35 vs. Temple. You either bet UConn and "give" 35 points to Temple or you bet on Temple and "take" 35 points. If UConn wins by 35+, they "cover." If Temple loses by fewer than 35, they "cover."

You can google something like "NFL ATS Standings" and find a table that shows that Seattle "covered" 11 times, failed to do so in 5 games. Houston, at the other extreme, only "covered" 4 times vs. 12 failures. If momentum counts for anything in your mind, you might like Indianapolis, because it has covered ATS (against the spread) 3 times in a row.

And that brings any patient reader to the close of Sports Gambling 101, as presented by Adjunct Professor Kibitzer. Good luck. If you bet with bookies, you will need it, because he collects the "vig" (vigorish) on all bets.

​

 

[cohenzone]

UConn had an off night shooting and thus struggled to win by "only" 28 the way they struggled to beat Cincy by "only" 32. UConn wins on defense and the margin is determined by how they are scoring. It's fascinating to me how some folks think we played not so great when in fact what was missing was the ball not going through the hoop as often as we'd like. Stewie is in a bit of a shooting slump, Bria missed a few bunnies, and KML's shot was off, so instead of winning by 40+ we win by 30 and we look to some like we aren't playing well. On top of that, one UCF player went off on us, not a common occurrence against us. If she shoots a normal % and a few more of our shots go in, the margin gets toward 50. That's not to say that ND or a few other teams can't play a good game against us - Geno's best teams tend to make it seem like going unbeaten is the norm when it isn't - but I'd worry a lot more if the defense went south and there has been no real sign of that. UConn has 8 players capable of having good scoring nights, with Kiah being the only one of the regular 9 who hasn't shown that potential very often. Not too many teams can boast the combo of top notch D, with such a depth of scorers. Giving ND credit where credit is due for 3 wins last year, but UConn had some serious, uncharacteristic lapses near the end of all 3 of those losses (maybe the product of not being in many contested games?) UConn, even in the rare losses, tends to be in a position to win during the last minute. Since the team hit its stride during last year's NCAAs, they haven't had a worry with under 5 minutes or even more in any game. In hoops, that is exceptionally dominating.

 

[Phil]

BJ was great scored a lot of points we usually shut that down I think she's only 5 feet 4 inches

 

[UConnCat]

Interesting that after their most recent game both Muffet and Geno talked about their teams missing shots they normally make:

Muffet: “We missed a lot of lay-ups. We missed free throws. We missed open shots that we normally make.

Geno: “Running our stuff wasn’t the issue. getting shots has not been an issue at all” UConn coach Geno Auriemma said. “(in the) last two games I think Bria (Hartley) and Stewie combined have been like 14 for 50 so getting shots isn’t a problem but right now we are not making very many. I think we missed more layups today makeable, easy layups than we have in a year it seems like. The first half we got shots all different kinds of ways, we got them in half court, we got them in transition, we pretty much got anything we wanted."

Muffet also talked about assist-to-turnover ratio as the most important stat to her when looking at an opponent: “I think the assist-to-turnover ratio is the most important stat,” McGraw said. “That’s the first stat I look at when I start studying the opponent. You learn a lot about a team when you see how they pass.”

UConn currently leads the nation with an incredible 1.86 assist-to-turnover ratio. ND is 4th at 1.51. ND leads the country with 23.1 assists/game while UConn is 4th at 21.1.

 

[alexrgct]

Reposted from a previous thread....

Sorry, but reading Muffet's comments and the commentary here on this board gives me a headache. Yeah, it is true that Muffet during the Skylar Diggins four years was 8 (edited) and 7 vs Connecticut and her bragging rights came during Skylar's last two years when she was 6 and 2 vs CT. However, she did lose the big one which was for it all to CT and Skylar graduated without winning a national championship. UConn still owns ND in total historical match-ups 29 to 11. So, what can we expect post Diggins...well, I think we have a barn-burner coming or as close to one as we are going to get...both teams are currently working to get all their pieces functioning optimally. KML and Tuck are just getting back for UConn, Brianna Banks is back after missing last year to knee surgery, Dolson is healed from her injuries last season and they are working Saniya Chong into the rotation. Notre Dame is working on Getting Natalie Achonwa back on track and getting Lindsley Allen comfortable at the point guard position while working Taya Reimer into their rotation. Both teams are clicking along pre-conference. Notre Dame will play a much more competitive in conference schedule than UConn...but, that really shouldn't matter as long as both teams stay healthy. It will be harder for Notre Dame to avoid injuries as they will probably require more minutes from their starters due to the tough schedule but, even this may be off-set by the fact that UConn only has 9 scholarship players this year.

So, here is what I think...all the speculation will end when the players step between the lines...it will come down to what happens on the court.

CENTER: Natalie Achonwa - 6'3", great player, big heart, she runs the floor really well, and is often a trailer on the play who will slash the middle in transition and score as a result of the ND guards finding her often...will leave it all on the floor but, her match-up against Stefanie Dolson 6'5" is a tough one. Stefanie is a smart, savy high basketball IQ center. She is the best passing center in the WCBB. She can step out to hit the three or the foul-line extended jumper, she is a better rebounder this year as she is going after the ball and getting it done with 10.0 rebounds per game. She has a soft touch around the basket and good footwork. She will be a handful for Natalie. Natalie Achonwa - 12.4 P/G; 7.4 RB / G; 2.28 assists / G; .57 Stls / G.; and 2.42 turnovers / G. Stefanie Dolson - 13.9 ponts P/G; 10 RB / G; 4.08 assists G; 1 steals / G; 2.5 turnovers / G - ADVANTAGE - UCONN
POWER FORWARD: Ariel Braker - 6'1", somewhat a surprise, emerged last year and has earned a starting position in Muffet's line-up. She isn't much of a scorer but she rebounds, gets steals and produces assists while keeping her turnovers low. She basically splits time with Taya Reimer who doesn't start but is first off the bench. Taya can also give Natalie a break as she played Natalie's position while Natalie was injured. Reimer is more efficient than Braker and it is only a matter of time before Reimer is starting over Braker in my opinion. However, does it really matter who starts at this position? After all, both players will have to play against Breanna Stewart - 6'4" and Breanna is clearly dominant at her position and arguably the best player in the country at this time. Breanna leads the team in scoring and really there isn't much in Breanna's skill set that she can't do and did I mention that Breanna has the ability and desire to elevate her play when it is needed as she thrives on the big stage. Ariel Braker - 3.9 points / G; 5.2 RB / G; 1.9 assists / G; 1.2 Steals / G and only .8 turnovers / G Breanna Stewart - 19.3 points / G; 7.7 RB / G; 3 Assists / G; 1.25 Steals / G; 1.66 Turnovers / G. - ADVANTAGE - UCONN

SMALL FORWARD: Kayla McBride - 5'11" - Kayla is the "heart and soul" of this team. She is a big time player and I believe it was more Kayla than it was Skylar Diggins who caused UConn the problems during those loses as Kayla presents a very tough match-up for teams. Kayla has a WNBA body and a very high basketball IQ coupled with a strong desire to win. She is a winner and her attitude reflects that mindset. Kayla can score and she likes taking the big shots, she is a tough rebounder and hustles on defense. She is also third in assists for Notre Dame. She will probably be matched up with KML - 6'0" who by tournament time will have completely shaken off the effects of her ulner nerve injury and will undoubtedly be her usual self. This years stats are misleading because she played in only 4 games this season after missing 8 games out of 12 this season due to the injury but a comparison of this year's stats to last year's statistics should put us in the ball park. KML is more than just a three point shooter, she is a great defender, a strong rebounder, hustles after every play. KML moves great without the ball and creates a tough match-up for who-ever is defending her. She can score in many ways not just from three point land.Kayla McBride - 14.4 points / G; 5.9 RB / G; 3.7 Assists / G; 1.2 steals / G and 2.3 turnovers / G. Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis (this years to last years stats) - 13.0 points / G - 17.6 points / G; 3.0 RB / G - 6.3 RB / G; .25 Assists / G - 2.34 / G; .5 steals / G - 1.5 steals / G; 0 Turnovers / G - 1.5 turnovers / G. ADVANTAGE - EVEN
SHOOTING GUARD: Jewell Lloyd - 5'10 - Jewell Lloyd has emerged as the teams most prolific scorer with the departure of Skylar Diggins. Jewell is making a case for herself to be considered a first team All American. She is a very talented player who has an extremely high basketball IQ, very athletic and is the future franchise player for Notre Dame. She isn't shooting lights out from three only hitting on .316 of her shots but, she can get to the basket and score. Defending her will fall to Bria Hartley, 5'8" who is making an All American claim in her own right, after all it was a distinction she earned as a sophomore and was derailed in her junior outing due to a nagging injury suffered in the summer between her sophomore and junior league playing 3 on 3 USA Basketball. Bria is a scorer who likewise, loves the big stage and usually plays her best in the big games. She is 2nd in scoring for UConn probably will drop to 3rd when KML rounds back into form. she leads the team in assists. Bria shoots the three a little better than Jewell is at the moment as she is hitting on .400 percent of her shots. Additionally, Bria's Assists / Turnover ratio is nothing short of amazing at 3.3. Jewell Lloyd - 18.5 points / G; 7.1 RB / G; 2.7 Assists / G; 1.5 steals / G; 2.5 turnovers / G. Bria Hartley - 14.6 points / G; 4.2 RB/ G; 5.16 Assists / G; 1.75 steals / G; 1.58 turnovers / G ADVANTAGE - EVEN - slight advantage Bria Hartley (Assists / steals / turnovers / 3 pt. shots)
POINT GUARD: Lindsley Allen 5'7", has emerged as the point guard for Notre Dame which is good for Jewell Lloyd which frees her to play the shooting guard which is more suited to her. Lindsley can handle and distribute the ball. It will be interesting to see how she handles the defensive pressure UConn brings. she leads the team in assists at 4.1 per game and shoots the three at .571 which is outstanding, however, she only has 8 makes for the season with 10 games under her belt. Lindsley has a fantastic Assists / Turnover ratio of 2.3. Moriah Jefferson, 5'7", has emerged as the most improved player in the UConn line-up. Not just statistically as is the case but also, as a floor leader as well. She is her own little highlight reel every game. There isn't a game that goes by that she doesn't do something that makes you think, "Wow, she is really, really good". She is the fastest player with the ball on the court, her court vision is exceptional and she is beginning to shoot the three with confidence. Moriah like Lindsley has a terrific Assists / Turnover ratio of 2.6 Lindsley Allen - 8.9 points / G; 2.2 RB / G; 4.1 assists / G; 1.9 steals / G; 1.8 turnovers / G. Moriah Jefferson - 10.6 points / G; 2.7 RB / G; 5 assists / G; 2.5 steals / G; 1.92 turnovers / G. ADVANTAGE - UCONN
BENCH: Notre Dame has Machaela Mabrey, Taya Reimer, Marisa Cable playing significant minutes while UConn has Morgan Tuck, Saniya Chong, Kiah Stokes and Brianna Banks playing significant minutes - Notre Dame's bench gives them: 27.4 points / G; 11.5 RB / G; 6.8 Assists / G; 3.2 steals / G; 2.9 threes / G; 4.3 Turnovers / G. UConn's bench gives them: 26.7 points / G; 14.8 RB / G; 4.89 Assists / G; 2.45 steals / G; 3.07 threes / G; 4.08 Turnovers / G. ADVANTAGE - EVEN with a slight edge to Notre Dame mostly on the play of Taya Reimer, but this should be negated as Morgan Tuck rounds into form....so, I would say that the bench play is mostly EVEN

COACHING: Sorry but with a 29 to 11 advantage in games over ND, I got to go with Geno and the crew... ADVANTAGE - UCONN
I think Notre Dame will play UConn stubbornly and will provide a tough match-up for UConn, probably the toughest of the year but at the end of the day UCONN WINS this game going away. They just have too many weapons, too much fire power.88 - 71. I think Kayla McBride will join Skylar Diggins in the WNBA without winning a championships either...

 

[huskybill]

"However, she did lose the big one which was for it all to CT "

What the heck does this mean? We played them 3 times in the Final Four and they won twice. Didn't UConn
care about the first two FF games?

Happy New Year!

 

[cferraro04]

Color me confused by your response....

 

[Ozzie Nelson]

Reposted from a previous thread....

Sorry, but reading Muffet's comments and the commentary here on this board gives me a headache. Yeah, it is true that Muffet during the Skylar Diggins four years was 8 (edited) and 7 vs Connecticut and her bragging rights came during Skylar's last two years when she was 6 and 2 vs CT. However, she did lose the big one which was for it all to CT and Skylar graduated without winning a national championship. UConn still owns ND in total historical match-ups 29 to 11. So, what can we expect post Diggins...well, I think we have a barn-burner coming or as close to one as we are going to get...both teams are currently working to get all their pieces functioning optimally. KML and Tuck are just getting back for UConn, Brianna Banks is back after missing last year to knee surgery, Dolson is healed from her injuries last season and they are working Saniya Chong into the rotation. Notre Dame is working on Getting Natalie Achonwa back on track and getting Lindsley Allen comfortable at the point guard position while working Taya Reimer into their rotation. Both teams are clicking along pre-conference. Notre Dame will play a much more competitive in conference schedule than UConn...but, that really shouldn't matter as long as both teams stay healthy. It will be harder for Notre Dame to avoid injuries as they will probably require more minutes from their starters due to the tough schedule but, even this may be off-set by the fact that UConn only has 9 scholarship players this year.

So, here is what I think...all the speculation will end when the players step between the lines...it will come down to what happens on the court.

CENTER: Natalie Achonwa - 6'3", great player, big heart, she runs the floor really well, and is often a trailer on the play who will slash the middle in transition and score as a result of the ND guards finding her often...will leave it all on the floor but, her match-up against Stefanie Dolson 6'5" is a tough one. Stefanie is a smart, savy high basketball IQ center. She is the best passing center in the WCBB. She can step out to hit the three or the foul-line extended jumper, she is a better rebounder this year as she is going after the ball and getting it done with 10.0 rebounds per game. She has a soft touch around the basket and good footwork. She will be a handful for Natalie. Natalie Achonwa - 12.4 P/G; 7.4 RB / G; 2.28 assists / G; .57 Stls / G.; and 2.42 turnovers / G. Stefanie Dolson - 13.9 ponts P/G; 10 RB / G; 4.08 assists G; 1 steals / G; 2.5 turnovers / G - ADVANTAGE - UCONN
POWER FORWARD: Ariel Braker - 6'1", somewhat a surprise, emerged last year and has earned a starting position in Muffet's line-up. She isn't much of a scorer but she rebounds, gets steals and produces assists while keeping her turnovers low. She basically splits time with Taya Reimer who doesn't start but is first off the bench. Taya can also give Natalie a break as she played Natalie's position while Natalie was injured. Reimer is more efficient than Braker and it is only a matter of time before Reimer is starting over Braker in my opinion. However, does it really matter who starts at this position? After all, both players will have to play against Breanna Stewart - 6'4" and Breanna is clearly dominant at her position and arguably the best player in the country at this time. Breanna leads the team in scoring and really there isn't much in Breanna's skill set that she can't do and did I mention that Breanna has the ability and desire to elevate her play when it is needed as she thrives on the big stage. Ariel Braker - 3.9 points / G; 5.2 RB / G; 1.9 assists / G; 1.2 Steals / G and only .8 turnovers / G Breanna Stewart - 19.3 points / G; 7.7 RB / G; 3 Assists / G; 1.25 Steals / G; 1.66 Turnovers / G. - ADVANTAGE - UCONN

SMALL FORWARD: Kayla McBride - 5'11" - Kayla is the "heart and soul" of this team. She is a big time player and I believe it was more Kayla than it was Skylar Diggins who caused UConn the problems during those loses as Kayla presents a very tough match-up for teams. Kayla has a WNBA body and a very high basketball IQ coupled with a strong desire to win. She is a winner and her attitude reflects that mindset. Kayla can score and she likes taking the big shots, she is a tough rebounder and hustles on defense. She is also third in assists for Notre Dame. She will probably be matched up with KML - 6'0" who by tournament time will have completely shaken off the effects of her ulner nerve injury and will undoubtedly be her usual self. This years stats are misleading because she played in only 4 games this season after missing 8 games out of 12 this season due to the injury but a comparison of this year's stats to last year's statistics should put us in the ball park. KML is more than just a three point shooter, she is a great defender, a strong rebounder, hustles after every play. KML moves great without the ball and creates a tough match-up for who-ever is defending her. She can score in many ways not just from three point land.Kayla McBride - 14.4 points / G; 5.9 RB / G; 3.7 Assists / G; 1.2 steals / G and 2.3 turnovers / G. Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis (this years to last years stats) - 13.0 points / G - 17.6 points / G; 3.0 RB / G - 6.3 RB / G; .25 Assists / G - 2.34 / G; .5 steals / G - 1.5 steals / G; 0 Turnovers / G - 1.5 turnovers / G. ADVANTAGE - EVEN
SHOOTING GUARD: Jewell Lloyd - 5'10 - Jewell Lloyd has emerged as the teams most prolific scorer with the departure of Skylar Diggins. Jewell is making a case for herself to be considered a first team All American. She is a very talented player who has an extremely high basketball IQ, very athletic and is the future franchise player for Notre Dame. She isn't shooting lights out from three only hitting on .316 of her shots but, she can get to the basket and score. Defending her will fall to Bria Hartley, 5'8" who is making an All American claim in her own right, after all it was a distinction she earned as a sophomore and was derailed in her junior outing due to a nagging injury suffered in the summer between her sophomore and junior league playing 3 on 3 USA Basketball. Bria is a scorer who likewise, loves the big stage and usually plays her best in the big games. She is 2nd in scoring for UConn probably will drop to 3rd when KML rounds back into form. she leads the team in assists. Bria shoots the three a little better than Jewell is at the moment as she is hitting on .400 percent of her shots. Additionally, Bria's Assists / Turnover ratio is nothing short of amazing at 3.3. Jewell Lloyd - 18.5 points / G; 7.1 RB / G; 2.7 Assists / G; 1.5 steals / G; 2.5 turnovers / G. Bria Hartley - 14.6 points / G; 4.2 RB/ G; 5.16 Assists / G; 1.75 steals / G; 1.58 turnovers / G ADVANTAGE - EVEN - slight advantage Bria Hartley (Assists / steals / turnovers / 3 pt. shots)
POINT GUARD: Lindsley Allen 5'7", has emerged as the point guard for Notre Dame which is good for Jewell Lloyd which frees her to play the shooting guard which is more suited to her. Lindsley can handle and distribute the ball. It will be interesting to see how she handles the defensive pressure UConn brings. she leads the team in assists at 4.1 per game and shoots the three at .571 which is outstanding, however, she only has 8 makes for the season with 10 games under her belt. Lindsley has a fantastic Assists / Turnover ratio of 2.3. Moriah Jefferson, 5'7", has emerged as the most improved player in the UConn line-up. Not just statistically as is the case but also, as a floor leader as well. She is her own little highlight reel every game. There isn't a game that goes by that she doesn't do something that makes you think, "Wow, she is really, really good". She is the fastest player with the ball on the court, her court vision is exceptional and she is beginning to shoot the three with confidence. Moriah like Lindsley has a terrific Assists / Turnover ratio of 2.6 Lindsley Allen - 8.9 points / G; 2.2 RB / G; 4.1 assists / G; 1.9 steals / G; 1.8 turnovers / G. Moriah Jefferson - 10.6 points / G; 2.7 RB / G; 5 assists / G; 2.5 steals / G; 1.92 turnovers / G. ADVANTAGE - UCONN
BENCH: Notre Dame has Machaela Mabrey, Taya Reimer, Marisa Cable playing significant minutes while UConn has Morgan Tuck, Saniya Chong, Kiah Stokes and Brianna Banks playing significant minutes - Notre Dame's bench gives them: 27.4 points / G; 11.5 RB / G; 6.8 Assists / G; 3.2 steals / G; 2.9 threes / G; 4.3 Turnovers / G. UConn's bench gives them: 26.7 points / G; 14.8 RB / G; 4.89 Assists / G; 2.45 steals / G; 3.07 threes / G; 4.08 Turnovers / G. ADVANTAGE - EVEN with a slight edge to Notre Dame mostly on the play of Taya Reimer, but this should be negated as Morgan Tuck rounds into form....so, I would say that the bench play is mostly EVEN

COACHING: Sorry but with a 29 to 11 advantage in games over ND, I got to go with Geno and the crew... ADVANTAGE - UCONN
I think Notre Dame will play UConn stubbornly and will provide a tough match-up for UConn, probably the toughest of the year but at the end of the day UCONN WINS this game going away. They just have too many weapons, too much fire power.88 - 71. I think Kayla McBride will join Skylar Diggins in the WNBA without winning a championships either...

First time I have ever liked a post twice.

 

[cferraro04]

Thanks Ozzie...Happy New Year.

 

[Icebear]

"However, she did lose the big one which was for it all to CT "

What the heck does this mean? We played them 3 times in the Final Four and they won twice. Didn't UConn
care about the first two FF games?

Happy New Year!

But she never won the title those times either.

 

[alexrgct]

Color me confused by your response....

"Didn't read LOL" is a common meme that champions brevity.

 

[cferraro04]

Sorry Alexgct...but it was a comparative analysis of the players by position and my opinion on how it would play out and contrary to your preferences this sort of thing defies brevity...LOL back at ya...

 

[reno tony]

Harry if ND plays the way they did against I think it was Oregon UConn will win by 25+. Bottom line if you take any teams best game and UConns worst game they have a chance. Its all about defense and I will put my money on UConn every time. I will take UConn every game this season and any body else can take there opponent and you name the bet and for every game I assure you I will win out more then my opponent.

I went to the game yesterday and UCONN was bad, really bad except for Dolson, Moriah and Stokes. I don't know how they looked on TV but they stunk. How on Earth they scored as many points as they did amazes me. How they could win by as many points as they did amazes me. I have never seen a UCONN team miss so many 6 foot and under shots in my life. Lay-ups, put backs and shots in the paint wouldn't fall. They seemed as though they were in a hurry or something. I have no clue how so many good players can miss that many shots.

They couldn't stop #23 who is as quick as MoJeff and if she had a foot would put up a shot. That seemed to be their game plan. If a UCF player was open at all with the ball let it fly. They didn't run too many plays but #23 was completely unstoppable. With that in mind, Sims is going to have her way with us if we play against Baylor the same way.

Now that all that is off my chest. How good does a team have to be to play as poorly as they did and still win by almost 30 points? I still see this team going undefeated this year and possibly next.

 

[Tonyc]

I went to the game yesterday and UCONN was bad, really bad except for Dolson, Moriah and Stokes. I don't know how they looked on TV but they stunk. How on Earth they scored as many points as they did amazes me. How they could win by as many points as they did amazes me. I have never seen a UCONN team miss so many 6 foot and under shots in my life. Lay-ups, put backs and shots in the paint wouldn't fall. They seemed as though they were in a hurry or something. I have no clue how so many good players can miss that many shots.

They couldn't stop #23 who is as quick as MoJeff and if she had a foot would put up a shot. That seemed to be their game plan. If a UCF player was open at all with the ball let it fly. They didn't run too many plays but #23 was completely unstoppable. With that in mind, Sims is going to have her way with us if we play against Baylor the same way.

Now that all that is off my chest. How good does a team have to be to play as poorly as they did and still win by almost 30 points? I still see this team going undefeated this year and possibly next.

This is exactly the difference between UConn and everybody else. This is what I mean when I say UConn knows how to play the game because they don't have to shoot great to win by a lot. Now look at the Maryland Drexel score. MD won by 6.

 

[msf22b]

.

They couldn't stop #23 who is as quick as MoJeff and if she had a foot would put up a shot. .

Now we're doing it too?

The number routine

She has a name (and some colorful tats).

It's Briahanna Jackson (another killer B)

And a heck of a Basketballer she is.

 

[boontonbomber]

for those here who seem to think that the uconn players have the same desire for perfection every game as their coach does, they don't. of course, nobody could. it is very difficult for talented teams and players to feel the same urgency against weak teams as they do against stronger teams. it's just human behavior, even for geno teams. there's a certain amount of nonchalance and lack of focus that creeps in. i'm actually surprised that they play as focused as they do against these cupcakes. come time for the big ones, though, this team will be more than ready. they have soooo.. much talent.

 

[Icebear]

Some of the UCONN players certainly do. Just not all of them.

 

[JoePgh]

Now we're doing it too?

The number routine

She has a name (and some colorful tats).

It's Briahanna Jackson (another killer B)

And a heck of a Basketballer she is.

I know that many posters took umbrage at the Duke players referring to UConn players by their uniform numbers in postgame interviews. I'm sure that's what they did when they were preparing for the game, and they just got used to it. That is probably consistent with how they prepare for every game, since in most cases their opponents are not celebrities in the WCBB world who would be "household names". So I don't think it's a big deal that they carried this mode of expression over to the postgame interviews.

If you want to see this practice carried to an amazing extreme, watch a Penguins hockey game and then watch their coach (Dan Byslma) do postgame interviews. He will quite naturally talk about what 87 and 18 were able to do, referring to Sidney Crosby and James Neal -- his own players!

I think coaches in any sport do this as a matter of course, and it's natural that this way of speaking would rub off on their players.