Ole Miss Postgame thread (merged)

[Bone Dog]

Geno played 8 tonight. i suspect this is the rotation we’ll see in the important games. Paige Azzi Sarah Ice Jana Ash KK and Kaitlyn. It’s possible he’ll add Aubrey and Ayanna to it when they come back. But I doubt we’ll see Q Allie or Morgan outside of conference play.

This is the group who needs to get the most minutes playing together.

 

[stamfordhusky]

Easy to be super critical of this game. I don't want to ever contribute to hyperbole so I'll just say, this was the worst win in the entire history of the program. What happened to tough players with killer instinct. We haven't seen anyone like that since Stewwie left. Is it Geno's coaching style in his older years? Has he grown soft so the team has become soft? No reason at all that this wasnt a 35 plus point win.

Sarah is now 8 for 32 from 3. How many games until you are what your shooting percentage says you are? Just maybe being the second leading scorer and assister while leading the team in steals, blocks and rebounds is good enough?

Mighty small sample size, to say the least. Steph Curry had several streaks last year where he shot worse than 8–32 over a series of games. Would you have ordered him to stop shooting threes? If Strong is still hitting 25% in January, then it might be time to make a judgment. But certainly not now.

Before anyone distorts what I’m saying, I’m not suggesting that Sarah Strong is the second coming of Steph Curry when it comes to shooting from behind the arc.

 

[JellyBean]

For me, this was a great win for UConn. When the game got down to 3-4 points. The team rose to the occasion and took command and asserted themselves again. The did not panic. Like Paige said in the presser, basketball is a game of runs. You have to stop those runs at some point and go on a run yourself, which they did both. It is a young season. We good.

 

[PacoSwede]

Q not played by Geno; not mentioned in the game posts. Is she lost forever?

morgan and allie saw no action also

 

[Dugway]

U r correct playing big against n dame would be pretty foolish

Do you think that it might be time to start Azzi then? And if so, Fudd in lieu of which of the previous starters?

 

[Stagnant]

I also think it is time to put Fudd into the starting lineup. The game against holy cross should be a bench game theoretically. Put fudd in as a starter. Get it over with. And you can probably play her for 20 minutes or less in that particular game.

Fudd should start over shade.

 

[Twolf]

My initial thought for this team was once Azzi came back you would need to insert her for Chen and bring Jana in for Ash. Tonight UConn was the better team and when they were big gave Ole Miss a look they couldn't defend. Going forward I expect Ash and KK to come off the bench to spell Paige or Azzi and unfortunately Chen will move down the line a ways.

If Geno continues to try to play small ball they will have serious problems and one of them will be in a couple weeks when they play ND. I love the way Sarah plays and I love her ability to catch the ball. Her skills coupled with her size make her a mismatch that forces the other team to make a choice. Azzi and Paige will be amazing but it is time to take off the training wheels and let them go.

Notre Dame is playing a two point guard offense with Miles and Hidalgo along with another guard in Citron. If you want serious problems try matching up with the lineup you’re suggesting. I take it you’re putting Paige and Azzi on the two point guards and Strong on Citron. At the stage Azzi is at in her comeback there is no way you want her having to have to defend a point guard unless it’s a ball screen switch or her legs will be gone and even a casual fan knows you are going to need her offensive best to win. KK will be an important weapon on the defensive end because the engine that drives ND’s offense is the playmaking of those two point guards, and you will need a defender that can keep either of the two in front of them. JMO

 

[ERWUC65]

Do you think that it might be time to start Azzi then? And if so, Fudd in lieu of which of the previous starters?

Going to depend on the competition and it will most likely be in for Ash. I still like starting Ash and letting her improve her skill set. She is already the fittest, fastest defender and a good spot up shooter if given enough time, but struggles to read and anticipate in a fast motion game. When Azzi is finally all back, she is on a level with Paige in abilities and will start in the real tough games (ND, SC).

 

[NycUcWbbFan]

That was a nice educational 6th game.

• UConn played better than expected in the first half (though the 3 ball wasn’t dropping);
• The third period is something Geno and CD probably hoped for (in a weird way) — a great preparation for ND #0;
• What matters is the UConn fought back and it wasn’t just Paige (29 pts);
• Azzi (18 pts, 28 mins) has re-emerged (probably sooner than many hoped and by necessity), and Jana played her most focused game;
• Sarah and Ice played well for a half; other players were serviceable; others were less so — good to experience this now.

Kaitlyn, Azzi, Paige, Sarah and Jana would probably emerge as the starting five with a few more games.

• Post-feeds to Jana still seem to be problematic; but Jana’s most effective offensive sets thus far are comparable to what UConn had with Aaliyah (mid-range jumpers and drives);
• Options will improve for Jana and Ice when the 3-pt efficiency returns.

Note: Azzi played point guard in the half court sets a lot in the 4th quarter.

#0: It is a simulation of what UConn should expect:

• with many Hannah Hidalgo type defensive pests on the floor,
• when the referees swallow their whistles — allowing the game to be reduced to playground basketball,
• when UConn’s offense freezes up (a snowballing comedy of errors arising from complacency, some asleep players, too much harried dribbling, turnovers leading to the invigoration of Ole Miss’ almost bully defense);
• when the opponent seems to be making shots that heretofore eluded them (60%, 28 pts in the 3rd quarter).

 

[Stagnant]

I agree that KK is important against Notre Dame.

 

[dtbtbtb]

Few Thoughts:
in the decisive minutes during the 4th quarter, Geno went with Paige, Azzi, Sarah, Jana and KC. It seems to me that those 5 are the ones he trusts the most.
It was interesting for me that when the teams warmed-up before the game Ole Miss spent the first few minutes on defensive drills...i don't think i saw something like this before.
First half was a s good as we could expect with Paige and Sarah controlling the offence, the team playing great defense and Ole Miss missing everything.
The third quarter was scary as Ole Miss started hitting all kinds of shots while UConn seemed in a disarray. But here comes Azzi to save the day.
The 4th quarter was more like it with good defense and offense by UConn.
Paige: had way too many turnovers but what a player. Can do everything on the basketball court. Clearly the best player in this tournament and fully justified MVP.
Azzi: it was good to be reminded how great of a player is Azzi. No trace of limitations of movement. Crafty, strong, great handles, great defense and those moves around the basket. wow.
Sarah: missing a lot of 3's but you want her to continue shooting them as sooner or later they will fall. Great first half, not so great second half but the fouls called on her did seem to impact her.
Jana: loved the way she played. Strong, physical, going for the boards on both offense and defense, making her lay ups. Need to improve her free throws but this kind of performance against a veteran physical team of athletes, bodes real well for the future.
Ice: struggled some against the physicality of Ole Miss. and i really don't like her shooting 3's but what do i know.
Chen: was basically in control and didn't take any bad shots.
KK: good on defense but what will be with those forays to the basket which she very rarely finishes with a basket?
Ash: Somewhat of a disappointing game. Works hard but seems confused at times.
All in all, a good win against a quality opponent. I saw the game where Ole Miss played against BC and they absolutely destroyed them.
Hopefully Geno starts Paige, Azzi, Sarah, Jana and Chen the next game.

 

[jdote33]

I watched the first half headed home for the holidays and thought I was going to watch a boring second half. I did see an Azzi post game thumbnail so I was pretty sure they won. But wow, I was pretty surprised by the second half. But I enjoyed it. After all this is the same ole miss team that was really close to beating the current number 1 team in the country in UCLA. I'm really happy for Azzi. Just a really good game from her. I feel like half the three she's missed this season are in the cylinder but spin out. She was the stabilizer when things got out of control in the 3rd. And it may be just because it's been awhile since watching her but she looks quick. I agree with some of the post to an extent on kk, kc, and ash. I actually don't think they are playing particularly bad but I just don't think they are doing enough to make an impact. It's a catch 22, only so much shots to go around and I feel each is deferring to Paige which is not necessarily a bad thing. But KC shooting 1 shot in 27 minutes is pretty wild. There is no way Allie Z is shooting 1 time in 27 minutes and she's a freshman. I feel like kk is concentrating on defending and bringing the energy which is admirable for a player who might've played her best game in the final 4 last year. I think Ash, somewhat similar to KC is just having a hard time finding her offense, like where her shots are going to come from. I thought her bucket in this game was beautiful. Sarah Strong said in one of her preseason interviews it's a unique team cuz the bigs can handle and shoot and the guards can post. I think Ash needs to take advantage of those type of semi post opportunities.Paige was good but she did have some rough turnovers. She hit some big shots, really in various key moments.

---

 

[Boreifs]

If Aubrey were available, Yanna would have a hard time cracking a10 player rotation

How do you know that? She played injured her entire Freshman year. No one on this site has any idea how she will play.

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

Paige of course looked great. Azzi is back! I thought Jana was also super important and gave some really great minutes.
I’ve not been impressed with Shade, at all. Once Azzi is fully back she really needs to slide into that starting spot. Against the two ranked teams so far, Shade has a combined 5 points, going 2-7 (.29%), 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 3 turnovers in 48 minutes. That’s not going to cut it.

Heytherego- - -Shade had been hurt in the Oregon State game!
Her hip and leg they said!
So she might have still been feeling the effects!

 

[CONN78SEJ]

The biggest take away from Azzi's performance was the fact that she got most all her points without attempting 3's. This is huge. We know she can be lethal from the 3 pt line. If she continues to show off her 2 pt game, defending her will be nearly impossible. Teams won't be able to send defenders darting to the 3 pt line without risking Azzi going by them. I can only guess, but I am sure the coaching staff reminded her that she is not a one dimensional player. Great job by them. Let's hope she continues to wow us with her 2 pt game. The 3's will get easier too.

Azzi’s first step is lethal, even against the quick defenders that Ole Miss had. With Fudd and Bueckers on the floor at the same time, they’re gonna be tough to guard for any team.

 

[EricLA]

Few Thoughts:
in the decisive minutes during the 4th quarter, Geno went with Paige, Azzi, Sarah, Jana and KC. It seems to me that those 5 are the ones he trusts the most.
It was interesting for me that when the teams warmed-up before the game Ole Miss spent the first few minutes on defensive drills...i don't think i saw something like this before.
First half was a s good as we could expect with Paige and Sarah controlling the offence, the team playing great defense and Ole Miss missing everything.
The third quarter was scary as Ole Miss started hitting all kinds of shots while UConn seemed in a disarray. But here comes Azzi to save the day.
The 4th quarter was more like it with good defense and offense by UConn.
Paige: had way too many turnovers but what a player. Can do everything on the basketball court. Clearly the best player in this tournament and fully justified MVP.
Azzi: it was good to be reminded how great of a player is Azzi. No trace of limitations of movement. Crafty, strong, great handles, great defense and those moves around the basket. wow.
Sarah: missing a lot of 3's but you want her to continue shooting them as sooner or later they will fall. Great first half, not so great second half but the fouls called on her did seem to impact her.
Jana: loved the way she played. Strong, physical, going for the boards on both offense and defense, making her lay ups. Need to improve her free throws but this kind of performance against a veteran physical team of athletes, bodes real well for the future.
Ice: struggled some against the physicality of Ole Miss. and i really don't like her shooting 3's but what do i know.
Chen: was basically in control and didn't take any bad shots.
KK: good on defense but what will be with those forays to the basket which she very rarely finishes with a basket?
Ash: Somewhat of a disappointing game. Works hard but seems confused at times.
All in all, a good win against a quality opponent. I saw the game where Ole Miss played against BC and they absolutely destroyed them.
Hopefully Geno starts Paige, Azzi, Sarah, Jana and Chen the next game.

I agree with you on the starting lineup and I hope it's only a matter of time before Geno decides on that as well. However, I think it's far more likely he puts in Azzi over Ash than he does Jana over Ice. Jana was terrific today, but IMHO, Ice has been more consistent on both sides of the ball this year (including some nice assists). I think Jana's upside is higher, but if Geno makes THAT switch, I'm guessing it won't be till later in the year.

Sooner rather than later, Kaitlyn, Azzi, Paige, Sarah, and Ice. Maybe it stays that way for the rest of the year, and then again maybe he swaps Ice for Jana.

 

[Dugway]

You know two days ago in a different thread, “what three things do you want to see”, my thoughts were, 1) quality play on a team wide basis for a full 40-minutes. 2) Jana to be Double-Double with 2 fouls max, and 2 turnovers max. 3) Azzi to go off, scoring 15 points by hitting 50% from the arc.

In typing them out, I honestly thought that they were very lofty goals! Well Azzi went off! Not from the arc, but she was a real difference maker. And Jana, although not getting the Double-Double, went 8 & 9 and kept the fouls and TOs in check!

Could not be more pleased with two of my three “I want” desires!

 

[Cuango]

Easy to be super critical of this game. I don't want to ever contribute to hyperbole so I'll just say, this was the worst win in the entire history of the program. What happened to tough players with killer instinct. We haven't seen anyone like that since Stewwie left. Is it Geno's coaching style in his older years? Has he grown soft so the team has become soft? No reason at all that this wasnt a 35 plus point win.

Sarah is now 8 for 32 from 3. How many games until you are what your shooting percentage says you are? Just maybe being the second leading scorer and assister while leading the team in steals, blocks and rebounds is good enough?

I think that’s a bit (a lot) harsh! I’m not sure what you’re talking about wth the “killer instinct” snark. I saw a team, a very young team, get smacked in the mouth in the third, cough (hack) up a huge lead, fall completely apart, and then find the backbone that was needed to win a game that could easily have been lost! I saw our “Great Pyramid” actually contribute under duress, I saw our long awaited, potential second superstar step up and help save this game, and I saw our star, after coughing up more bad turnovers in one quarter than she had given up the whole season, right herself and make repeated critical shots to reestablish our control of a game that could easily have slipped away!

Yes, Ash, KK, Kaitlyn, and Sarah, didn’t have their best offensive games but all played pretty solid defense (except for our continued weak three point defense). I think KK, Ash & Kaitlyn are still adjusting to their new roles. They will figure it out soon, I believe, and as for Sarah, I have very few complaints! She did take (for the first time I can remember) some very bad attempts from three tonight! One in particular, I believe her first one, she was basically facing the sideline and seemed to be completely anomalous. I’m reasonably sure Geno and CD will show her this in the film oom and we will see better shot selection next game. I (and I’m convinced Geno) am willing to live with some poor three point shooting on her part (for now) because It is clear that she has good form when she takes good shots, and those shots will start falling if she keeps shooting! She merely needs an adjustment, not any kind of shot limit Imo.

The truth is, we weren’t supposed to get that big lead so easily! This was a very tough, well coached team that despite the early collapse of their defense, is playing with a lot of confidence after a dominant start to their season, including almost beating the third best team in the country! This game, far from being the “worst win in the entire history of the program” was exactly what this team needed! They were a physical, tough team that did not roll over and show their belly when we got a big lead! That was a much needed lesson as we prepare to run a gauntlet of tough teams in the coming weeks! We overcame a complete collapse in the third, righted the ship, and won fairly handily. Our stud big played well and more importantly, played well in a meaningful way! Azzi looks like she could be everything many of us were hoping for, Ice continues to be solid, and our superstar demonstrated once again her ability to step up under pressure! I’m ecstatic!

 

[Boreifs]

Any one know why she was back in a shoulder sling again tonight?

Geno addressed that postgame. She had a setback in Tuesday’s practice. She is totally frustrated.

 

[LwrcasefaN]

Yall musta forgot -Azzi Fudd. Look folks, she didn't forget how to shoot. She's relearning to trust her body.

Strong is shooting 53% from the field. She's a FRESHMAN. GIRL, shoot that thang! For a general reference...bigger names like Pao Pao, Hidalgo, Iriafen and Juju shoot a lower percentage.

Lastly - getting ready for March is not blowing away every team by 30. It includes, and should include, facing adversity.

 

[JoePgh]

The Bulldogs collected nearly 50% of their misses. That is terrible rebounding by UConn.

Your math is seriously deficient.

Mississippi shot 22-for-68, so they missed 46 shots. They got 16 offensive rebounds. The ratio 16/46 equates to about 35%, which is a far cry from "nearly 50%".

UConn, on the other hand, shot 31-for-53, so they missed 22 shots, and got 7 offensive rebounds. That is a ratio of about 32%, not significantly below what Ole Miss managed.

 

[JoePgh]

Ash and Chen each 1-2, KK 1-3, Ice 1-4. We need more from them. If you don't put up shots you stop being guarded tightly and when that happens you really need to sit.

I see that several posters made essentially this point, and I think you are all missing a big factor in evaluating this.

If you watched any of the video snippets of UConn practice in the late summer and fall, you heard Geno telling the team to "know who you are on the court with", and get the ball to the players with the most offensive talent if they are open. I can guess that he was referring to Paige and Sarah on the current team, and now I'm sure that Azzi has been added to this list.

So Ash, Kaitlyn, and KK are under orders from Geno that (in effect) if they are open and Paige, Azzi, or Sarah is also open or can get open with a pass or a screen, they should get the ball to Paige/Sarah/Azzi rather than shooting it themselves. Ash / Kaitlyn / KK should shoot only if the defense has the more talented scorers thoroughly covered. Therefore, the low shooting volume by these players is exactly in line with Geno's offensive plan.

You can read these statistics as a proof that UConn's offense is working, and Ole Miss's defense was unable to keep all of the UConn threats under control. I haven't been able to watch the game yet, but I've read that Ole Miss concentrated their defense on Paige from the tipoff, so if she was still able to score 29 points, that is a credit both to her skill and to Geno's offense.

 

[fomalhaut]

The Bulldogs collected nearly 50% of their misses. That is terrible rebounding by UConn.

16 offensive rebounds for Ole Miss to 30 defensive for Connecticut is a little too high for comfort, but nowhere near 50%.

 

[fomalhaut]

Noen of the players not named Piage are the potential offensive player that Azzi is.

Oh no, did Sarah Strong leave the team?

 

[fomalhaut]

Mighty small sample size, to say the least. Steph Curry had several streaks last year where he shot worse than 8–32 over a series of games. Would you have ordered him to stop shooting threes? If Strong is still hitting 25% in January, then it might be time to make a judgment. But certainly not now.

Before anyone distorts what I’m saying, I’m not suggesting that Sarah Strong is the second coming of Steph Curry when it comes to shooting from behind the arc.

Some of the posters have forgotten she missed her first 10 in a row before hitting four in a row.