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

[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.

 

[cabbie191]

I do predict, and I like our chances too.

Good gracious but I would hope so! Kind of comes with the persona, eh?

 

[TitleTown]

It's March so anyone can beat anyone! Is it likely? No, but upsets can and do happen!

 

[HGN]

Hey husky nation. I'm new to the board. I'm a husky alumni. I've been watching the tournament like most of us have. With both Notre Dame and South Carolina out all the talk has been that those 2 programs were our biggest threat to history. But watching Baylor they look awesome. First they have 3 guards in Jones, Wallace and Johnson who can clearly all run the point. Then u have absolute size with multiple bodies that can come at u in waves. U have 6'7 '6'4 6'5 '6'3 bodies that come off the bench. Lastly u have all American in Davis who at times can take over a game. Baylor has players that can score at all 5 positions. They play great defense and have much more depth then we have. To beat UCONN u need to be able to score and Baylor can score. I'm not saying Baylor will win if we even get to that game. But Baylor scares me because they have all the pieces to upset the huskies. They have a couch who has the personality and not to mention Baylor feels like there the team that no one is talking about. What do u all think? And I'm very excited to join this awesome board of great and knowledgeable basketball fans!!!

Of course Baylor has a chance to win the game. Just like anybody else. And it will be a good game if it comes to past. But I am sure Baylor is nervous about a potential matchup , the same as the Huskies are nervous. And I think Mulkey is a great coach. In my opinion , it boils down to the intangibles. Fouls , experience , depth , and rebounding. If the game is called tight , that increases Baylor's chances because , as you said , they may have a deeper team. But if they call it loose , that increases UConn's chances because UConn foul's less than any team in WCBB. And UConn has the advantage in experience and coaching in NC games.

Would be a good game.

 

[Plebe]

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

Oh wow, it's so smart of Baylor to only play in arenas where all television cameras are banned. UConn coaches will have no idea what to expect.

"Basically the same starting lineup for 4 years". That's funny that 1 out of 5 starters amounts to "basically the same".

 

[j66kicker]

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.

Agree Baylor is toughest team UCONN will play this year.

Disagree that it's advantage for them not to have played UCONN already. UCONN has much more trouble with teams who have already played them (not just 'seen' them). Teams who haven't played us have not done well (not that anyone has done well, but the 'unfamiliar' teams all say something like, "You just don't get the real sense of the pace", or "We just didn't get the reality of the speed form our practice players", etc.). True, Kim is at a different level, and her talent is at a different level, than most of these unfortunate victims. But UCONN should still be a handful for them.

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

easttexastrash- - Well, I guess THE 2nd BEST TEAM in WCBB won't be a challenge to UCONN after all!
But there's always next year!
Congrats to Oregon State for topping the Lady Bears and earning their ticket to the Final 4.
It'll be neat to have 3 new pups experiencing the big dance for the first time.
No Our Huskies didn't play their best game of the year but every-time TX made a run the girls would hit a couple of shots to keep their distance!
It would be interesting if UCONN & Syracuse were to meet up in the Finals with all the bad blood from the past!

 

[hoophuskee]

I guess we can all positively say that Baylor has absolutely no chance to knock off the Huskies next week. I proclaim -- -------End of thread.

 

[CL82]

No.

 

[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.

Smart move indeed. So smart, in fact, that she took it to the next logical stop and denied Geno the chance to see the team at all this year. Brilliant!

 

[Deadrody]

No. The definitely have no chance whatsoever.