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Message: [QUOTE="Bronx23, post: 2632806, member: 8501"] Just have to comment on ex nutmeggers prediction previously in this thread about USF meeting U Conn in this years tournament. I think their first round loss proves a few things to me. One can not just look at comparable scores and how a specific team does well against another and project that into greater success. Match ups and style of play are extremely important. USF matched up pretty well with U Conn and loses in not a close one in the first round. Look at this absurd game against St Francis who tried to run and gun with U Conn. How did that turn out? I truly don't think Jose is such a good coach as many seem to credit him for. Bringing a team from nowhere to respectability is not the same as then taking it to true contention and competitiveness. It is also not the same as winning one championship first and then repeated ones thereafter. Lastly there's a huge mental, psychological component to this and any competitive sport. The reason many analysts this year think U Conn may not win again is at least partially because of MS'swin last year shows it's possible. This gives them added confidence that it can be done. I agree with that concept completely. At the same time, losing can either lead to maybe more losing, or it can make an individual and team that lost, realize they can't take anything for granted and give them additional motivation. I think other teams have good reason to wish and hope they can somehow duplicate what MS pulled off last year. I also believe each and anyone of them are in for an awakening. This years U Conn team is so much better than last years team, and that loss will stick with the core four intensively but Kia and Gabby more so, and I wouldn't want to wake either of them. Also we have KLS who hasn't yet been able to play in a championship game. Her competitiveness and drive may play a role too. We also have all that the new CD brings; the quality big that AZ is mostly offensively but growing regularly and in other areas. And maybe something meaningful from MW before they are done. Bronx23 [/QUOTE]

Verification: First name of men's bb coach