Notre Dame Postgame Thread

[TAK]

In the last 3 games Ashlynn is averaging 25 minutes per game but is only averaging 3.3 pts on 17% (4 for 23) shooting including 0% (0 for 11) on 3-pointers. How can she turn this around? We can’t have more of the same if we want to get no. 13.

All shooters have to shoot their way out of a slump. Maybe Ashwas bothered by the early/lack of shoot around as much as Azzi was. But I sure like how Ash plays the rest of her game. Tenacious!

 

[SVCBeercats]

I think you meant no “sheisse”. Schiessen means shooting. Example: Ashlynn war scheiße im Schießen.

Sorry to use you as an example Ashlynn, I still think you’re the engine that makes us go.

No. I meant schießen. As in "No shoot" in lieu of "No guano". I thought schießen meant shoot. Should have just used guano.

 

[HuskyNan]

Some tidbits from the box score that (at least to me) weren't evident while watching the game:

• Although KK was held scoreless on 6 shot attempts, she had 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and ZERO turnovers. Her counterpart Hidalgo had 3 assists and FIVE turnovers, although she did remarkably have 11 rebounds. But KK definitely "earned her minutes" in today's game. Geno recognized this by giving her 31 minutes of playing time.
• Ashlynn did not score in 22 minutes, but she grabbed 5 rebounds (2 offensive), some of which were in the highlight reel category. And she had 2 steals, 1 assist, and only 1 turnover.

But, but, but…they didn’t score! Geno should replace them immediately!

 

[Charliebball]

 

[ERWUC65]

I think (for once) that the various carping (above) is
overdone...

Tough opponent
Tough Pressure
A competitive game

The various opposing coaches have put in great plans
to attempt to disrupt our offense. and have each succeeded to some extent

I believe that we’ve played the 2 toughest opponents that we will meet in the tournament.

I’m very pleased with this win

As I’ve noted in posts throughout the season
We have just too much talent for most…(all?) teams

Maybe the toughest, but not the most talented, by far. SC and then UCLA/Texas are #1 seeds and would also defeat our last 2 opponents by double digits.

 

[enigmatic]

While I assume most of the board doesn't think so but I really liked how Geno in his post game presser was very complementary and acknowledged how he feels Hannah Hidalgo is the best PG in the country as I think she is rightfully so.

 

[UConnCat]

 

[Phil]

 

[Centerstream]

Has UConn played 3 straight NCAA Tournament games against teams from the same conference before?

 

[ec33]

But, but, but…they didn’t score! Geno should replace them immediately!

The concern isn't can UConn win against a 6-seed with very little contribution offensively from KK and Ash, but when they have to play USC, UCLA, or Texas if Azzi or Sarah aren't dominant. Although if Blanca is going to keep scoring 20 points per game some of that pressure is alleviated.

Hopefully we don't have to find out next week when Azzi, Sarah, and Blanca run rampant.

 

[VA Huskie]

Some tidbits from the box score that (at least to me) weren't evident while watching the game:

• Serah played only 9 minutes, and Jana played just 7. That means that Sarah Strong was UConn's de facto center for 23 of the 39 minutes that she played in the game. In essence, UConn's default lineup is the so-called "small" lineup with Sarah and Blanca as their two "bigs" (at least on defense). Those two are doing their jobs in that role, with 15 rebounds between them (13 of which were defensive).
• Blanca's contribution went way beyond her scoring, although that was exceptional (7-for-12 and 4-for-8 from 3). She had 8 rebounds including 2 at the offensive end, even though she was functionally a guard on offense. She also had 3 assists and 1 steal.
• UConn as a team had 8 more shot attempts than Notre Dame (54 vs. 46) and also shot a higher percentage (44% vs. 39%). That is probably because UConn had 4 more offensive rebounds than the Irish (not something I would have guessed from watching the game) and 4 fewer turnovers.
• Although KK was held scoreless on 6 shot attempts, she had 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and ZERO turnovers. Her counterpart Hidalgo had 3 assists and FIVE turnovers, although she did remarkably have 11 rebounds. But KK definitely "earned her minutes" in today's game. Geno recognized this by giving her 31 minutes of playing time.
• Ashlynn did not score in 22 minutes, but she grabbed 5 rebounds (2 offensive), some of which were in the highlight reel category. And she had 2 steals, 1 assist, and only 1 turnover.
• Surprisingly given UConn's advantage in offensive rebounds, second-chance points favored ND by 9-0. That's right, UConn did not get a single second-chance point in this game!

Let me add some comments about the Final Four. Among the remaining teams other than UConn, the only guard that I see who is really comparable in skill to Hidalgo is her former running buddy, Olivia Miles of TCU. Honestly, I don't expect that Olivia will be traveling to Phoenix. That means that UConn is not going to face another uber-talented guard in either Final Four game comparable to what they faced today.

South Carollina (UConn's probable opponent on Friday) has a talented stable of guards: Raven and Tessa Johnson plus Taniiya Latson. As a group, they are better than Notre Dame's backcourt, but none of them resemble Hidalgo. I would give UConn's backcourt of Azzi, KK, Ash, and Blanca an overall advantage in talent and organization over the Gamecocks' group. The SC frontcourt will be Joyce Edwards and Medina Okot vs. Sarah and Serah/Jana/Blanca. The UConn advantage here is not clear-cut, but I think it is real. I would expect that Serah and especially Jana can play Okot well enough to neutralize her. And I don't expect SC's team offense or defense will be at the level that Notre Dame brought in today's game.

Great comments and observations, although I think you’re underestimating SC.

 

[Cuango]

She is the only first team AA who is struggling to score. She is a senior and should be setting an example for the other players and take over like she did in the FF last season.

I’m guessing that’s exactly what she is trying to do! She is setting an example to the other players by continuing to shoot, defend, and give her best effort on the court! If she could simply throw a switch and play like she did last season, don’t you think she would? For whatever reason, she is struggling. All she can do is continue to try her best and to contribute in other ways than scoring! Eventually, her shot will come back. It would be great if it comes back next weekend but if it does not, she will continue to contribute in other ways. I don’t think whatever is causing this slump, lull, struggle, cares that she is a first team AA! I am confident she will figure this out and return to form, hopefully soon!

 

[Cuango]

I think Allie defers to others and she doesn't have a pull-up jumper that she seems comfortable with. Other teams just have to stay in front of her. Next year, she will have to be more assertive if she wants to stay on the court.

I would agree that she defers to others. Geno will talk to her when he is not satisfied with her play. I do think ND was probably not the best matchup for her. However, I don’t agree that she is lacking a pull up jumper. I’ve seen her shoot it in HS and occasionally here at UConn.

Why isn’t she shooting more? I think she feels the shots should go to Azzi, Sarah, Blanca, Ash, etc. Also, she is often overlooked on the floor and does not get the ball even when she is wide open. She is a great shooter and if the others make an effort to get her the ball more she will reward them!

 

[donalddoowop]

I’m guessing that’s exactly what she is trying to do! She is setting an example to the other players by continuing to shoot, defend, and give her best effort on the court! If she could simply throw a switch and play like she did last season, don’t you think she would? For whatever reason, she is struggling. All she can do is continue to try her best and to contribute in other ways than scoring! Eventually, her shot will come back. It would be great if it comes back next weekend but if it does not, she will continue to contribute in other ways. I don’t think whatever is causing this slump, lull, struggle, cares that she is a first team AA! I am confident she will figure this out and return to form, hopefully soon!

Well then, it will benefit the team greatly if she does. I believe she is trying but at this point in the season, an AA player sets an example by producing what her team needs and that is scoring and leadership. She has the talent to rise above her shooting woes, and she very well may do it. Another UConn NC will be accomplished if she does.

 

[Cuango]

I think (for once) that the various carping (above) is
overdone...

Tough opponent
Tough Pressure
A competitive game

The various opposing coaches have put in great plans
to attempt to disrupt our offense. and have each succeeded to some extent

I believe that we’ve played the 2 toughest opponents that we will meet in the tournament.

I’m very pleased with this win

As I’ve noted in posts throughout the season
We have just too much talent for most…(all?) teams

While I agree about the “carping”, your contention that we have just “played the two toughest opponents we will face in this tournament” is simply astounding! Texas, UCLA, and/or South Carolina would all likely beat those two teams by double digits and Michigan probably would as well! (They beat them by 39 earlier this season) I realize ND has gotten better but I’m not sure they are 39 points better!

No, both these games were tough (for various reasons) and Hannah was truly scary but it is a virtual certainty that we are going to have to beat two of UCLA, South Carolina, Texas (Michigan does have a puncher’s chance) in order to win #13! Regardless of which two it is though,
there is zero doubt that both those games will involve “tougher” opponents than the two we just played in Fort Worth!

As for your contention that “We have too much talent for most… (all?) teams.” even it that were true (debatable) there are numerous examples of less “talented” teams beating teams with vastly superior talent. Villanova/Georgetown, Iowa/South Carolina, Harvard/Stanford etc….! Make no mistake, we will need to play at the highest level next weekend if we are to win #13! Sure, we can do it, but it’s certainly not a lock!

 

[Centerstream]

One thing that I really, really liked about the game happened in the 4th quarter, at about the 30 second mark when Geno took Azzi and Sarah out to loud ovation and put in seniors Caroline and Ayanna. Hopefully they enjoyed their little senior moment.

 

[MSGRET]

Wow! Unless I missed it, no comments about the refs. Wonder why?

There was enough of that in the game chat on the terrible refs.

 

[Dugway]

UConn cannot keep playing down to teams with less talent. ND tried hard without much quality on the court, though the annoying HH is really amazing. No way to describe her shot as "pretty" but "pretty effective" will do. We need to grow in the next few games (2?); we haven't not looked our old selves vs NC and ND. Please focus. We can't just tee it up and expect a win. What you smell is #13.
Message to Latin America: send more players like Blanca; she's going to be a big star.

You know, boiling it all down, a last shot buzzer beater like the UConn men’s pulled off, the twelve point win that UCLA women had over Duke, and the 18-point victory that UConn just beat ND by … they all equate to the same thing; they all advance just the same!

“Just Win Baby” - Al Davis, Oakland Raiders

 

[jazz]

Great defense on HH. She shot maybe 38% for the game. Ash on her early and KK later. They both did their job. I would guess it is harder to score when you trying to lock down the best PG in the country. Both did well in other facets of the game: rebounds from Ash, I think 1 TO between them and some steals and assists.

Now they do need to score a bit more. They been in this funk for a while now, so I expect them to come out of it soon. Hopefully, teams look at the tape, lag off of Ash and KK and both make them pay with big threes.

Genius move by GA to move HH out of the middle of the court when on defense by sending the player she is guarding to the corner and then letting SS bring the ball up. HH is so dangerous on defense getting steals, especially as the game gets into the 3rd and 4th.

I wonder sometimes if there is anything about this game of BB that GA does not think of and prepare for. It may sound like a little thing, but sometimes little things win games and that is what your coach is for. I know everybody is aware, but when I see GA do things like this, it reminds me what an incredible coach he is and how lucky we are go have him.

 

[HuskyNan]

Has UConn played 3 straight NCAA Tournament games against teams from the same conference before?

I remember one year Boneyarders jokingly celebrated winning the Pac10 and National Championships at the same time. Cal and Stanford were two of the teams, don’t remember the third consecutive PAC-10 team

 

[ME Husky Fan]

What did she put up against the last two teams? No matter how you look at it, she is struggling scoring at the most critical time of the season.

Has some similarities to last year where she was cold going in to the FF and then…..Hoping for a repeat and wishing her and the team some kinder rims.

 

[TAK]

Genius move by GA to move HH out of the middle of the court when on defense by sending the player she is guarding to the corner and then letting SS bring the ball up. HH is so dangerous on defense getting steals, especially as the game gets into the 3rd and 4th.

I wonder sometimes if there is anything about this game of BB that GA does not think of and prepare for. It may sound like a little thing, but sometimes little things win games and that is what your coach is for. I know everybody is aware, but when I see GA do things like this, it reminds me what an incredible coach he is and how lucky we are go have him.

Agree, genius move by Geno! It did, however take KK out of the offense for most of the 4th quarter. She stayed planted in the corner a lot and likely didn’t mind at all! UConn has depth of ball handlers. Sarah and Blanca handled it very well.

 

[Phil]

During the game they showed a graphic about Niele Ivey, identifying her as

the only coach with a winning record against UConn/Geno Auriemma, with the caveat of a minimum of 5 games coached against them.

Her record was 3 – 2, now 3 – 3, so an upgraded graphic would say:

No coach (minimum five games) has a winning record against Geno Auriemma

 

[Phil]

UConn joins Duke and Louisville is the only three teams to notch wins against UConn's last three opponents, Syracuse, North Carolina, and Notre Dame.

Louisville has five combined wins while UConn and Duke have four each.

Michigan is the only nonconference team with wins over more than one of these three beating both Syracuse and Notre Dame but not North Carolina

 

[Phil]

UConn has more wins over ACC teams than Pittsburgh, Boston College, or SMU and as many as Wake Forest.

 

[Bald Husky]

If SC wins tmow, 99.5% chance UConn-SC is the late game.

If it’s UConn -TCU then UCLA - Texas could be the late game. Any other combo would probably put UConn game late.

I believe we are slated for the early game, about 6:00.

 

[Huskie837]

Great quote from poster "Joe S." on another platform referring to yesterday's victories:

"It was an awesome day because we got to beat God that afternoon and Satan that evening.'

 

[LGITB]

But, but, but…they didn’t score! Geno should replace them immediately!

Wow thank you so much for this. I'm a big Ashlynn fan, to me she is almost the (healthy) reincarnation of Shea in her toughness and loyalty and all-around bad-ass vibe. I'm seeing so much negativity toward her (with some absolutely hateful posts) and it's really frustrating. As a coach myself, I would kill to have players with her attitude and tenacity playing for me.

 

[HopJim]

Jana "The Egyptian Equation" ElAlfy was the key to the 3rd Quarter separation in the flow of the game. I feel, right now, the her experience from last season's tournament, and Serah's lack of experience, is the better of the 2 big bodies that Geno has available to him.

Love that Geno has a choice of two very different assets. Jana has great enthusiasm and once she gets position under the basket, is difficult to move. Doing better making open layups but little else on offense. Against a team that frequetly drives to the basket she is at a disadvantage since smaller guards are often able to shoot over her. Serah, as she did against NC, is a strong shot blocker and a fluid defender. Netted out, against tall, athletic centers, Serah does well. Against most typical 5's, Blanca has the physical skills on both offense and defense. Against UCLA's Betts, will likley need all 3.

 

[drweo]

I thought Geno made a great second half adjustment. He had Blanca or Sarah bring the ball up the court to keep it away from Hidalgo, who was very disruptive on defense, and to put the ball in their hands to initiate the offense. That’s why the offense looked better in the second half.

And that’s why he’s the G.O.A.T.

It was kind of humorous on that one possession when Blanca was dribbling and Hanna was chasing her from behind to try for another steal. Blanca knew what was happening and eventually passed it off in a timely manner.🥹