New to the board. Does Baylor have a chance to upset us? If it gets to the semis in Indy.

[Carnac]

The thing that surprises me is so many posters are looking right past Oregon State, and not giving them any credit or respect. Its assumed that Baylor will get by Oregon State. We've already seen two #1 seeds lose this weekend. What's to say Oregon doesn't make it 3? If Syracuse and Washington can beat the hangman, why can't Oregon State? No body saw South Carolina or Notre Dame not coming out of their regionals.

A UConn/Baylor match up will no doubt be the biggest and most anticipated game of the final four weekend, if both get their tickets punched. Many think the championship game will be the UConn/Baylor semi final game on Sunday April 3. The actual championship game will be an afterthought, as the winner of semi-final game will be expected/projected to win the championship game. This final four week will have a bizarre awareness about the grounds and arena, in that Notre Dame and its fans will not be there. Like UConn, they've become a staple at the final 4 the last few years.

 

[Carnac]

I never predict, but I like our chances.

I do predict, and I like our chances too.

 

[hoophuskee]

For Baylor to win there is key matchups they will need to succeed in.
First, Wallace and prince will HAVE to outplay Nurse and KLS.
Second, Alexis Jones play will have to neutralize Moriah Jefferson play.
And Nina Davis surrounded by the young minded post players will have to battle Stewie and Tuck for FORTY entire minutes.

If I were coaching Baylor I am running three defensive sets the entire game. Man, matchup, and press. personally, I would face guard KLS the entire game, challenge Nina Davis to battle Morgan Tuck for FORTY minutes, as well as challenge Alexis Jones to out perform her longtime friend Mo Jefferson. I would give Higgins, Cave, Beatrice, and Brown all 4 the challenge to play AGGRESSIVE defense on Stewie. The two things I would remind these 4 players are together you all have TWENTY fouls to give, and lastly anything you give the team on offense is a huge plus. But to continue to play in this game YOU MUST SHOW AGGRESSIVE DEFENSE towards their star forward.

If this game was to happen which I am hoping for dearly for WCBB. I have UCONN 81 Baylor 64. With Uconn pulling away in the 2nd half.

I would love to see Washington frontcourt vs Uconn frontcourt because boy do I love seeing Morgan Tuck play against bigger stronger players. Its these games she reminds the NCAA how deadly of a post player she is. She just might be my favorite Husky of all time and I have a serious sports hate towards Uconn ... because hey Uconn is Uconn.

To answer the OP - ofc Baylor can win. Even the site 538 gives odds. Team USA - Amateur Hockey Team beat the greatest professional team in the world years ago, right? SO 20 year old college kids in one game scenario can get beat.

For your post - for me - I have only seen Baylor a few times unfortunately not at the beginning. They play at such a frenetic pace when I saw as well, I'm not sure what they are. With that said, imo their biggest issue is how will they defend and can Nina Davis score efficiently enough and well enough. Jones (and Wallace_ better hit shots or obviously makes it tougher for Davis.

Regarding the defense you propose, IF KLS is face-guarded the entire game, it means the floor is more open. And Tuck's wide body - a professional WNBA player with pro low post moves- is a HUGE risk for the thin Davis without help. It's not hat Tuck is "better" but Tuck more than likely will get low post position and if you can't give help - it is just a wider body that will be able to use her size to a serious advantage regardless how much Nina "battles." Defensively "gravity and mass" apply.

And if the big kids/freshmen have to guard Stewart one-on-one. Stewart (and Tuck) are terrific putting the ball on the floor. She'll kill the freshmen.

IO you have ot play zone vs UCONN and hope they miss. Give Nurse (and Tuck) and 3pt shot they want. The Syracuse style looks like the one to use.

And if I recall oen or two of baylro's palyers are big but not that mobile. You are prosiign they can guard Stewart whle having one palyer "wated away" face guarding KSL which means that defender can NEVER help.

 

[Gus Mahler]

Here's my question: To what extent does Baylor play zone? (or Oregon State)

I don't see a primarily man-to-man team beating UConn.

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

After that wonderful performance vs Miss. St. Sat. almost no one has a chance against the UCONN juggernaut! Especially vs their defense! I've said many times, no one sells out on defense for the full 40 minutes as UCONN does!
Vic Shaeffer HC of Miss. St. said post game "Once UCONN gets rolling no one can stop them, I thought we were playing a WNBA team!"
IMO the matchups vs Baylor would be:
C Tuck vs Mompierre/Brown/Higgins advantage Tuck
PF Stewart vs Davis advantage Stewart
SF KLS vs Cave/Prince advantage KLS
PG MoJeff vs Johnson advantage MoJeff
SG Nurse vs Jones/Wallace advantage Nurse or possibly even (but I really lean to Nurse advantage)

When Collier comes in at PF Stewie moves to SF Stewie stays on Davis, Collier is even vs Cave/Prince
When Gabby comes in at SF Stewie stays at PF vs Cave/Prince and Gabby vs Davis two 5'11" Forwards excellent athletes.
If Saniya comes in at PG vs Johnson advantage Johnson

Yes Baylor plays a good defense but hasn't had to corral UCONN's offense in full fury.
The Bigs for Baylor has never had to move like UCONN will move side-to-side and up and down the court at full speed for long stretches Baylor's Big girls will be grabbing their shorts begging for a blow!
The secret to beating Baylor is controlling Johnson at PG and Davis at PF and UCONN has the athletes to do just that!
Close early in 1st/UCONN by 8 to 10 by 1/2 time/UCONN by 20+ end of 3rd/final score is UCONN 85/Baylor 62

 

[msf22b]

For Baylor to win there is key matchups they will need to succeed in.
First, Wallace and prince will HAVE to outplay Nurse and KLS.
Second, Alexis Jones play will have to neutralize Moriah Jefferson play.
And Nina Davis surrounded by the young minded post players will have to battle Stewie and Tuck for FORTY entire minutes.

If I were coaching Baylor I am running three defensive sets the entire game. Man, matchup, and press. personally, I would face guard KLS the entire game, challenge Nina Davis to battle Morgan Tuck for FORTY minutes, as well as challenge Alexis Jones to out perform her longtime friend Mo Jefferson. I would give Higgins, Cave, Beatrice, and Brown all 4 the challenge to play AGGRESSIVE defense on Stewie. The two things I would remind these 4 players are together you all have TWENTY fouls to give, and lastly anything you give the team on offense is a huge plus. But to continue to play in this game YOU MUST SHOW AGGRESSIVE DEFENSE towards their star forward.

If this game was to happen which I am hoping for dearly for WCBB. I have UCONN 81 Baylor 64. With Uconn pulling away in the 2nd half.

I would love to see Washington frontcourt vs Uconn frontcourt because boy do I love seeing Morgan Tuck play against bigger stronger players. Its these games she reminds the NCAA how deadly of a post player she is. She just might be my favorite Husky of all time and I have a serious sports hate towards Uconn ... because hey Uconn is Uconn.

Your analysis is interesting but Davis on Tuck is a defensive mismatch...If she is guarding Morgan in man D, Mrgan will eat her alive inside. I do like your concept of using fouls (if necessary) on Stewie and I'm as interested as well in Alexsis vs Moriah...I remember the last time she faced UConn...and Mo was just getting started, she had a very rough game with the totality of UConn guards.

 

[msf22b]

After that wonderful performance vs Miss. St. Sat. almost no one has a chance against the UCONN juggernaut! Especially vs their defense! I've said many times, no one sells out on defense for the full 40 minutes as UCONN does!
Vic Shaeffer HC of Miss. St. said post game "Once UCONN gets rolling no one can stop them, I thought we were playing a WNBA team!"
IMO the matchups vs Baylor would be:
C Tuck vs Mompierre/Brown/Higgins advantage Tuck
PF Stewart vs Davis advantage Stewart
SF KLS vs Cave/Prince advantage KLS
PG MoJeff vs Johnson advantage MoJeff
SG Nurse vs Jones/Wallace advantage Nurse or possibly even (but I really lean to Nurse advantage)

When Collier comes in at PF Stewie moves to SF Stewie stays on Davis, Collier is even vs Cave/Prince
When Gabby comes in at SF Stewie stays at PF vs Cave/Prince and Gabby vs Davis two 5'11" Forwards excellent athletes.
If Saniya comes in at PG vs Johnson advantage Johnson

Yes Baylor plays a good defense but hasn't had to corral UCONN's offense in full fury.
The Bigs for Baylor has never had to move like UCONN will move side-to-side and up and down the court at full speed for long stretches Baylor's Big girls will be grabbing their shorts begging for a blow!
The secret to beating Baylor is controlling Johnson at PG and Davis at PF and UCONN has the athletes to do just that!
Close early in 1st/UCONN by 8 to 10 by 1/2 time/UCONN by 20+ end of 3rd/final score is UCONN 85/Baylor 62

I don't believe that Stewie will guard Davis continuously because of the possibility of getting into foul trouble. I believe the asssignment will be shared among Stewie, Kia and Gabby, even Phessa at times.

 

[iri10]

Among the keys to a potential UConn victory over Baylor is controlling Nina Davis
Nurse and Stewie have the potential to defend Davis in a manner she hasn't yet experienced.
Impossible to completely neutralize this canny athlete but taking away her gimme's will be enough.

Nina Davis is an interesting and great player. Two years ago, as a frosh, she went 5/10 for 11 pts and 17 rebounds against us. She's sort of like Gabby, but with more offensive options inside.

Baylor's the team with the biggest shot at the upset remaining in the tournament, IMO. I figure they've got a 20% chance of it, whereas I'm not sure any of the other teams have more than a 5-10% chance.

Still, if UConn starts looking ahead the way we fans naturally do, they might find Texas is up to that 5-10% chance. Thankfully Geno's pretty good at keeping them on task.

 

[Gus Mahler]

After that wonderful performance vs Miss. St. Sat. almost no one has a chance against the UCONN juggernaut! Especially vs their defense! I've said many times, no one sells out on defense for the full 40 minutes as UCONN does!
Vic Shaeffer HC of Miss. St. said post game "Once UCONN gets rolling no one can stop them, I thought we were playing a WNBA team!"
IMO the matchups vs Baylor would be:
C Tuck vs Mompierre/Brown/Higgins advantage Tuck
PF Stewart vs Davis advantage Stewart
SF KLS vs Cave/Prince advantage KLS
PG MoJeff vs Johnson advantage MoJeff
SG Nurse vs Jones/Wallace advantage Nurse or possibly even (but I really lean to Nurse advantage)

When Collier comes in at PF Stewie moves to SF Stewie stays on Davis, Collier is even vs Cave/Prince
When Gabby comes in at SF Stewie stays at PF vs Cave/Prince and Gabby vs Davis two 5'11" Forwards excellent athletes.
If Saniya comes in at PG vs Johnson advantage Johnson

Yes Baylor plays a good defense but hasn't had to corral UCONN's offense in full fury.
The Bigs for Baylor has never had to move like UCONN will move side-to-side and up and down the court at full speed for long stretches Baylor's Big girls will be grabbing their shorts begging for a blow!
The secret to beating Baylor is controlling Johnson at PG and Davis at PF and UCONN has the athletes to do just that!
Close early in 1st/UCONN by 8 to 10 by 1/2 time/UCONN by 20+ end of 3rd/final score is UCONN 85/Baylor 62

R: I like this post. So it's settled: Stewie plays Davis.

 

[gamer]

If Baylor doesn't get the deer in the headlights problem and plays the way they have been, they have a decent shot. Even a 30% chance. But I do think UConn's skill, experience, and confidence will be too much for them this year. (Next year whole different matter.)

 

[huskyharry]

Absolutely, Baylor could win. However, Texas is the first opponent on the list and we don't look ahead!

 

[Sonny44]

If Baylor plays their "A game" and Uconn plays their "C+ game," then Uconn might still win by 20 points or greater?

That is not even remotely realistic.

TC

We have a whole team that's not realistic.

 

[connboy77]

I think talking about Baylor before the Texas game is putting the cart before the horses! Lets beat Texas first then if Baylor is still standing after the Oregon State game we can worry about them.

 

[Siestakeyfan]

If Baylor does n't get the deer in the headlights problem and plays the way they have been, they have a decent shot. Even a 30% chance. But I do think UConn's skill, experience, and confidence will be too much for them this year. (Next year whole different matter.)

Most 2017 UCONN women player s MUST be MOTIVATED this summer or may have serious challenges next year

 

[meyers7]

Welcome to the board! I hope you enjoy it here.

Certainly any team has a chance in the tourney. As Geno said, there are no bad teams remaining so UConn will have to bring its A game every time out. But speaking only for myself, I'm only looking at the next game - don't want to annoy the mojo gods!

Agree, let's beat Texas first, then we got a week to worry about Baylor (or Oregon St.).

 

[magic]

After that wonderful performance vs Miss. St. Sat. almost no one has a chance against the UCONN juggernaut! Especially vs their defense! I've said many times, no one sells out on defense for the full 40 minutes as UCONN does!
Vic Shaeffer HC of Miss. St. said post game "Once UCONN gets rolling no one can stop them, I thought we were playing a WNBA team!"
IMO the matchups vs Baylor would be:
C Tuck vs Mompierre/Brown/Higgins advantage Tuck
PF Stewart vs Davis advantage Stewart
SF KLS vs Cave/Prince advantage KLS
PG MoJeff vs Johnson advantage MoJeff
SG Nurse vs Jones/Wallace advantage Nurse or possibly even (but I really lean to Nurse advantage)

When Collier comes in at PF Stewie moves to SF Stewie stays on Davis, Collier is even vs Cave/Prince
When Gabby comes in at SF Stewie stays at PF vs Cave/Prince and Gabby vs Davis two 5'11" Forwards excellent athletes.
If Saniya comes in at PG vs Johnson advantage Johnson

Yes Baylor plays a good defense but hasn't had to corral UCONN's offense in full fury.
The Bigs for Baylor has never had to move like UCONN will move side-to-side and up and down the court at full speed for long stretches Baylor's Big girls will be grabbing their shorts begging for a blow!
The secret to beating Baylor is controlling Johnson at PG and Davis at PF and UCONN has the athletes to do just that!
Close early in 1st/UCONN by 8 to 10 by 1/2 time/UCONN by 20+ end of 3rd/final score is UCONN 85/Baylor 62

If I am the Baylor staff, there is no way I am going to try and guard Stewie with Davis. As good as Davis is, this is a terrible physical mismatch that takes your best offensive player at a huge disadvantage.

 

[Tonyc]

First Baylor has to beat Oregon St. That's a tall task. Second UConn is to good to lose. It would take major foul trouble and injuries for UConn to lose. I don't think fans realize the level UConn plays at. UConn is beating really good teams by 20+. Yeah Geno calls off the press and clears the bench. UConn can win almost any game by huge numbers if they want to and they would do that by pressing and continually running the break and not clearing the bench. This is an explosive team on both sides of the ball. The teams we face from here on out have not played UConn this season. They don't have any idea what they're in for. Every game from tonite forward UConn will be up by 30 pts at some point and I don't expect Geno to call off the dogs completely until the game is well in hand. He will take no chances. Two things to remember. UConn is Relentless and Invincible this season. Their defense with Stewie and Mojeff is more then a nitemare. Relax and enjoy the games.

As far as Texas tonite. They remember last season and what it felt like. Well UConn is much better and those mental thoughts from last season haven't gone away. Tonite UConn wins Huge and there wont be any turning back. UConns defense is like an octopus and when UConns defense gets a hold of you you cant get away.

 

[Tonyc]

First Baylor has to beat Oregon St. That's a tall task. Second UConn is to good to lose. It would take major foul trouble and injuries for UConn to lose. I don't think fans realize the level UConn plays at. UConn is beating really good teams by 20+. Yeah Geno calls off the press and clears the bench. UConn can win almost any game by huge numbers if they want to and they would do that by pressing and continually running the break and not clearing the bench. This is an explosive team on both sides of the ball. The teams we face from here on out have not played UConn this season. They don't have any idea what they're in for. Every game from tonite forward UConn will be up by 30 pts at some point and I don't expect Geno to call off the dogs completely until the game is well in hand. He will take no chances. Two things to remember. UConn is Relentless and Invincible this season. Their defense with Stewie and Mojeff is more then a nitemare. Relax and enjoy the games.

As far as Texas tonite. They remember last season and what it felt like. Well UConn is much better and those mental thoughts from last season haven't gone away. Tonite UConn wins Huge and there wont be any turning back. UConns defense is like an octopus and when UConns defense gets a hold of you you cant get away.

 

[connboy77]

First Baylor has to beat Oregon St. That's a tall task. Second UConn is to good to lose. It would take major foul trouble and injuries for UConn to lose. I don't think fans realize the level UConn plays at. UConn is beating really good teams by 20+. Yeah Geno calls off the press and clears the bench. UConn can win almost any game by huge numbers if they want to and they would do that by pressing and continually running the break and not clearing the bench. This is an explosive team on both sides of the ball. The teams we face from here on out have not played UConn this season. They don't have any idea what they're in for. Every game from tonite forward UConn will be up by 30 pts at some point and I don't expect Geno to call off the dogs completely until the game is well in hand. He will take no chances. Two things to remember. UConn is Relentless and Invincible this season. Their defense with Stewie and Mojeff is more then a nitemare. Relax and enjoy the games.

As far as Texas tonite. They remember last season and what it felt like. Well UConn is much better and those mental thoughts from last season haven't gone away. Tonite UConn wins Huge and there wont be any turning back. UConns defense is like an octopus and when UConns defense gets a hold of you you cant get away.

Tony, there isn't any team that is to good to lose. A few years ago Baylor thought the same thing until they were upset by Louisville!

 

[GoUconn7961]

Appeasing the MOJO Gods on this thread too..
WE ARE DOOMED!!! DOOMED I TELL YOU!!

I never predict or trash talk before a game... We have a worthwhile opponent coming up first in TX.

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

If I am the Baylor staff, there is no way I am going to try and guard Stewie with Davis. As good as Davis is, this is a terrible physical mismatch that takes your best offensive player at a huge disadvantage.

magic- - -When Baylor has the ball Stewie will guard Davis.
When UCONN has the ball Davis will guard KLS.

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

Tony, there isn't any team that is to good to lose. A few years ago Baylor thought the same thing until they were upset by Louisville!

connboy77- - - When L'ville beat Baylor a couple years ago with Griner & Sims, Kim Mulkey was coaching for the FF she had already decided L'ville was NO PROBLEM and was looking ahead. In the first 1/2 THE VILLE hit about 15 3's and was aggressive as hell and Baylor was back on their heels by the time they made a comeback it was too late THE VILLE won by a few points! Kim was out-coached by Walz BIGTIME!
Geno NEVER looks ahead! Geno never looks to the 2nd period when they're in the 1st period so what happened to Kim & Baylor will NEVER happen to UCONN, Geno still believes if he has an off year he'll be fired The Old Italian in him. He won't be out coached by anyone!
If UCONN plays with the same intensity as vs Miss. St. (and I predict they'll play better than Miss St. game), If both teams are healthy UCONN can win by 30! Bet the ranch!

 

[easttexastrash]

UCONN has yet to see the "second best" team in the nation. Notre Dame and South Carolina were obviously overrated all season and Baylor is the unknown, not the known. Seems like a pretty smart move on the part of Mulkey not to allow Geno, the best coach in America, the chance to see the team before a FF meeting.

 

[Plebe]

UCONN has yet to see the "second best" team in the nation. Notre Dame and South Carolina were obviously overrated all season and Baylor is the unknown, not the known. Seems like a pretty smart move on the part of Mulkey not to allow Geno, the best coach in America, the chance to see the team before a FF meeting.

We don't know that. Baylor didn't play Notre Dame or South Carolina either. And it will only seem like a smart move if she can actually pull the upset. If "unknown" is an advantage, it's just as much an advantage for UConn as it is for Baylor.

 

[easttexastrash]

If "unknown" is an advantage, it's just as much an advantage for UConn as it is for Baylor.

Not really, considering that every game that UCONN has played has been televised and has had basically the same starting lineup for 4 years.