OK, you're Coach Muffet McGraw. What's your game plan?

[j66kicker]

IMO, UCONNis just fine for tis game.They have been tested and this weekend was the final tune up.

I don't know if they're fine or not - hopefully they are. But I think in general the posters on this board are overestimating the quality of the opponents they were "tested" by last weekend. Our margin of victory in these "tests" was similar to our typical AAC margin of victory last year. It worries me that we played even with GB for so long in the first half. I think we have quite a ways to go before we'll be the finely-tuned machine we're accustomed to...

That said, I would love to be proved wrong. Nothing would please me more than seeing an absolute BEAT DOWN on ND Saturday

 

[Paesano]

Shoot four times as many FTs as UConn.

Bingo! If they keep the game close, the refs will do their thing.

 

[Orangutan]

I think UCONN has more talent and especially more quickness, so ND would be more likely to win in a half court game. When USC plays at UCONN, we can insert a lineup that can play either way, so I hope the game is up tempo, which would be more enjoyable.

I really don't see how UConn has more quickness, but we may have to agree to disagree on that. And I really, really don't see how South Carolina (I will always think USC is the one in California) is more equipped to run than ND.

The only person in ND's top 8 that has below average speed/quickness for her position is Mabrey, everyone else is above average and I'd say Loyd, Allen, and Turner are well above average.

This probably reads more confrontational than I mean it to sound...you'll have to trust me that I'm more confused than anything. This ND team is built to run. Heck, Lindsey Allen was probably the best ND player against Michigan St. and still McGraw was chastising her post game for not pushing tempo enough. ND is going to run. It's a live by the sword, die by the sword type of thing.

On the other hand, if it comes down to half-court execution, I really don't see this young ND team out-dueling UConn.

 

[cockhrnleghrn]

I guess we'll just have to find out this weekend.

 

[thatguyed]

Wear shiny skirt. Check. Big earrings, yeah really big earrings today. Check. Start to practice 4th quarter how-could-this-possibly-happen-to-us-we're-Notre-Dame disconcerted pose. Check.

 

[Intpseeker]

True but perhaps he meant on the defensive end. I don't recall a guard who was a better defender than Faris in UCONN's history. Maybe Ashley Battle?

Side note on Notre Dame - they DO have a lot of height - I think about 5 kids who are 6'2" or taller. Thing is, though, they only really play a few of them. Turner, Reimer and Westbeld. Most of their scoring comes from the guards/wings - Loyd, Maybrey, Allen and Johnson. I realize UCONN is not "big" without Dolson, but we have Stewie at 6'4", Tuck at 6'2", and Stokes off the bench at 6'3". Also, I think Williams plays bigger than her 5'11" frame...

I agree with the people who said Nurse might get into foul trouble. She love to take it strong to the basket and no team is better than ND at drawing charges. UCONN needs to be careful about driving into the lane.

Six players between 6'2 and 6'4. Thirty fouls to give down low. Expect a war, given the fact that they are 'letting them play' this year in the paint.

 

[Intpseeker]

I must have missed the thread where comparison's were made to Faris. Apples and oranges.

I agree. Ms. Nurse is unique, even with the embarrassment of riches to which we have had the fortune to cheer on.

If there is more talking on defense, she can avoid those fouls where she runs right through the picks that are set for her.