I agree. The shooting numbers are negligible between the two of them. Although CD has a little more height and is a very capable defender, I think E brings a bit more intensity, defense, and experience to the game. Depending on the foul situation though, if E is in at the 4 and keeps getting exploited, I think you've gotta think about CD. Also, E is a senior at this point and most else being equal, she's going to do everything she can not to lose again - a lot of that shows up in the intangibles too.
Ok Lets move on what does it take to beat Stanford
- Thread starter jabstep
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Give Jones and Brink their 15. Dog Lexie Hull to keep her under 15. Ensure Wilson isn’t the difference. Edwards and Nelson-Ododa stay out of afoul trouble and we’ll be fine. Understand it’s a lot but everyone needs to step up on defense and minimize the open 3’s.
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Did you read your own post? "she took over when needed" - Dah.
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Apply pressure to their guards. Like Nika-level defense to anyone trying to run the point for Stanford. Close out in shooters (Hulls, Jump, etc.) and don’t foul in the paint—contest, but don’t foul.
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I just want to say the idea that Stanford will have the two best players on the court heading into this game is starting to feel a little disrespectful. I'm not sure if Azzi or PB are one's for bulletin board material but idk, ESPN has been making it sound so definitive in their articles.
Wow. Did you even read YOUR own post? You literally talked about how Paige scoring early and often and then saying that DT would never pass up an open shot to "help" her teammates score. Nowhere did you say "in crunch time", which might have made more sense. Also, I'm pretty sure there isn't a shot DT doesn't think she can make. DT could have scored 30 per game if she wanted to (well, if she wasn't injured so much...that probably did limit her some) but she knew that wasn't going to win her a championship. Last year the team relied too much on Paige, which many folks have identified as a problem and something that's improved this year with all the injuries and expanded opportunities. No reason to revert back. Let her continue to be clutch but others have to get involved too.
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For UCONN our bigs (Liv and AE) cannot commit the early fouls and have to stay out of foul trouble all game. They must stay in the game especially since Dorka is out. It cannot be a repeat of the NC St game. Also CW has to continue to attack the basket. Her driving and attacking the basket helps her confidence with her mid range shooting. Paige and Azzi must continue to hit threes and the rest of the team must find a way to knock down their free throws. Defensively we must limit Hull from going on a run of threes. She's been on fire in the tournament. If we can get Brink in foul trouble and limit their guards we should be good. It's going to be a tough game again.
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Stanford ranks 4th in blocks in the nation.
The refs are in charge of the game which will dictate how each team reacts.
The UConn defense has a way of lowering opponent scoring through their effort.
There will always be unexpected events that can help or hurt either team like fouls, a sprained ankle, nerves or the crowd.
Geno and Paige may have an extra trick play or two up their sleeve.
I don't expect a routine game, at some point there's going to be some fireworks because Stanford is not playing at home, and Paige will own the crowd.
Stanford may even get booed.
Maybe Geno will feel the need to get angry at the refs so they'll turn the game around.
It's pretty obvious how emotional he is this year, and he knows how to step it up to lobby for the team.
As usual, I think the keys to the game are making mid-range shots and 2nd chance points by rebounding.
UConn needs to play good defense and try to score in transition.
The details will work themselves out during the game.
But if a UConn player keeps getting their shots blocked going to the basket, or they keep missing their 3's, or making bad passes, then I expect that they're going to come out of the game to settle down.
Expect the unexpected, you can bet that Geno's prepared for it.
The refs are in charge of the game which will dictate how each team reacts.
The UConn defense has a way of lowering opponent scoring through their effort.
There will always be unexpected events that can help or hurt either team like fouls, a sprained ankle, nerves or the crowd.
Geno and Paige may have an extra trick play or two up their sleeve.
I don't expect a routine game, at some point there's going to be some fireworks because Stanford is not playing at home, and Paige will own the crowd.
Stanford may even get booed.
Maybe Geno will feel the need to get angry at the refs so they'll turn the game around.
It's pretty obvious how emotional he is this year, and he knows how to step it up to lobby for the team.
As usual, I think the keys to the game are making mid-range shots and 2nd chance points by rebounding.
UConn needs to play good defense and try to score in transition.
The details will work themselves out during the game.
But if a UConn player keeps getting their shots blocked going to the basket, or they keep missing their 3's, or making bad passes, then I expect that they're going to come out of the game to settle down.
Expect the unexpected, you can bet that Geno's prepared for it.
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But the Texas player Brink had to defend was like an NFL offensive tackle. Practically impossible to guard without fouling. Liv does not present that kind of problem. They are built much the same.
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To beat Stanford, we have to be better at every moment than we have so far been, and we have to make them worse than they have so far been:
1. We have to be the team that gets fouled, not the team that gets into foul trouble.
2. We have to be 90-100% at the foul line.
3. Our defense needs to be in top form, and it needs to create offense.
4. We need to be smart. ( e.g. No point driving to the hoop if there are big people are in the lane). We need to make quick, intelligent
decisions ( passing and shooting).
5. Everyone needs to make their shots.
6. If CD gets substantial minutes, she needs to be at the top of her game from minute one.
7. We cannot turn the ball over. No unforced errors.
8. DeBerry needs to score 20, have 10 rebounds and 7 blocks.
In other words, beating this defending champion is going to take an extraordinary performance. But we made it this far. It is possible. But Vegas will be favoring the Cardinal.
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Paige gets 45,..., Azzi 30 .........
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I would choose Louisville, if it was wide open. I don't think we are as good as either Stanford or South Carolina. They will be in the finals. And South Carolina will win this time. Not to say UCONN can't pull off a surprise win. We can. But it will take an extraordinary performance.
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Has Geno said anything recently about Caroline? She played the better part of the second quarter against NC State and then vanished. I have heard no mention of her from the coach in theist few days. . I watched her carefully in the NC State game and, aside from missing that open three, she did pretty well. But coach has a way of narrowing things down as the tournament gets tighter. I do believe her size and length could be impactful against this tall Stanford team. But she ain't gonna get much time relieving Paige, AZZI or Williams. And Geno has more trust in Westbrook than CD. So there it is. We won't see her much. If at all.
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Nika and Caroline?
Don’t know why, I like Ducharme’s effort and skill set more