One of Geno’s great moments, Azzi three ball

[Jim Facey]

This was noticed in the post game thread, but I think it deserves a spotlight. A 17 point lead evaporated, and the team is sitting at only 5 up going into the 4th quarter, with USC feeling serious momentum. How many coaches would call the crucial next play for someone who was 0 for 9 in the game instead of Paige or Sarah who are both having monster games? Azzi being the shooter she is, muscle memory kicked in, the result of an untold number of shots put up in training and practice (nundreds of thousands). The shot goes in , we go up 8, soon to be increased, Azzi hits another three minutes later, this one with an incredibly quick release. The team gets comfortable, Azzi finishes feeling much better about things, and if she has a monster game in the Final Four, it would partly be due to this call.

Geno was masterful throughout the game with his substitutions, none better than putting in Aubrey when he did. it sure is nice to have options.
Starting the game with the offense going through Sarah was also a great move.

 

[dr. uconn]

 

[Vancat]

The Elevator doors!

 

[LwrcasefaN]

Elevator screen was boss. I’m still struggling with tagging Azzi as a streak shooter.

 

[dtbtbtb]

A brilliant play calling by Geno with a huge risk-reward...if Azzi misses, SC could shrink the lead further and have a great momentum and if Azzi makes it, she gets confidence and helps the team win in the 4 the quarter ( and she had 8 points in the 4th which were crucial) and possibly do better in the Final 4...This is the kind of trust that hopefully helps Azzi stop overthinking and just playing.

 

[Bone Dog]

It's always 'wheels turning within wheels' with Geno.

 

[Jeff H]

This was noticed in the post game thread, but I think it deserves a spotlight. A 17 point lead evaporated, and the team is sitting at only 5 up going into the 4th quarter, with USC feeling serious momentum. How many coaches would call the crucial next play for someone who was 0 for 9 in the game instead of Paige or Sarah who are both having monster games? Azzi being the shooter she is, muscle memory kicked in, the result of an untold number of shots put up in training and practice (nundreds of thousands). The shot goes in , we go up 8, soon to be increased, Azzi hits another three minutes later, this one with an incredibly quick release. The team gets comfortable, Azzi finishes feeling much better about things, and if she has a monster game in the Final Four, it would partly be due to this call.

Geno was masterful throughout the game with his substitutions, none better than putting in Aubrey when he did. it sure is nice to have options.
Starting the game with the offense going through Sarah was also a great move.

Maybe none?

 

[browns]

It was a risk but Azzi came through and hopefully she'll play better the next game..Never mind thr 0/9 in the first 3 quarters she just wasn't plaing well at all

 

[BBallF]

This was noticed in the post game thread, but I think it deserves a spotlight. A 17 point lead evaporated, and the team is sitting at only 5 up going into the 4th quarter, with USC feeling serious momentum. How many coaches would call the crucial next play for someone who was 0 for 9 in the game instead of Paige or Sarah who are both having monster games? Azzi being the shooter she is, muscle memory kicked in, the result of an untold number of shots put up in training and practice (nundreds of thousands). The shot goes in , we go up 8, soon to be increased, Azzi hits another three minutes later, this one with an incredibly quick release. The team gets comfortable, Azzi finishes feeling much better about things, and if she has a monster game in the Final Four, it would partly be due to this call.

Geno was masterful throughout the game with his substitutions, none better than putting in Aubrey when he did. it sure is nice to have options.
Starting the game with the offense going through Sarah was also a great move.

Iriafen does not have the mobility to guard her and with her shot Kiki had to respect it and come out to defend it taking her away from the basket and rebounds.

 

[TWG236]

Sometimes, it's not the number of points you score, but when you score them. Azzi took the air out of SC's comeback attempt. She would later admit that she struggled. But with all shooters, they believe that they would make their next shot. Hopefully, she regains her confidence, as I believe she is vital in winning #12.

 

[Dublin]

When you say Geno and GOAT in the same sentence, the Azzi strategic move will live forever.

 

[Kat]

"During the timeout, I took a hunch and I ran with it." --Geno

 

[Henry]

I don't know that I've ever seen the elevator doors screen before. Glad Rebecca pointed it out during the telecast.

 

[MSGRET]

I don't know that I've ever seen the elevator doors screen before. Glad Rebecca pointed it out during the telecast.

They've used almost in every game since the playoffs.

 

[Fore!]

This was such a brilliantly designed and executed play call. The replay angle that showed the “elevator doors” closing was terrific.

 

[hussybulldog]

I liked that after Azzi’s release , Andrey immediately sprang to the basket , ready to rebound!

 

[DRBackup]

This was noticed in the post game thread, but I think it deserves a spotlight. A 17 point lead evaporated, and the team is sitting at only 5 up going into the 4th quarter, with USC feeling serious momentum. How many coaches would call the crucial next play for someone who was 0 for 9 in the game instead of Paige or Sarah who are both having monster games? Azzi being the shooter she is, muscle memory kicked in, the result of an untold number of shots put up in training and practice (nundreds of thousands). The shot goes in , we go up 8, soon to be increased, Azzi hits another three minutes later, this one with an incredibly quick release. The team gets comfortable, Azzi finishes feeling much better about things, and if she has a monster game in the Final Four, it would partly be due to this call.

Geno was masterful throughout the game with his substitutions, none better than putting in Aubrey when he did. it sure is nice to have options.
Starting the game with the offense going through Sarah was also a great move.

He was especially trying to get her going after she faked a defender out of the play under the basket, had an open layup and was looking for someone to pass to while traveling.

 

[Bald Husky]

Showing how the elevator screen worked was really impressive. From the side angles you can't see how the screen develops. Thanks to the ESPN cameraman to catch it from the front.

 

[Siestakeyfan]

1962 Grad, I had 4 daughters and therefore occassionaly watched Uconn womens basketball - although not very good. Went to Italy, as 5 children are half Italian, When Geno arrived I was quite interested and watched early progress. Became a serious fan early on. Moved to Sarasota, FL mid 90's and still here. Was in Finanial world and thought Geno had a Quality and intresting method of coaching, A really special personality also !
He is, in my opinion, the highest quality coach ever ! These recent decisons are more example of SPECIAL quality game changing abilities !!
A Rare and wonderful talent !!!

 

[AmeriConn]

"During the timeout, I took a hunch and I ran with it." --Geno

He also said he considered going with Paige but went with his hunch.

 

[HCCForever]

I must admit that I was begging Azzi not to shoot after her 0-9 start. Fortunately, Geno knows much better than me.

Another play that I loved after Azzi's trey was when Paige was on one knee and had the composure to pass to Azzi who was cutting toward the net. Great play on both of them to avoid a turnover and never give up on a play.

 

[itsasport]

Azzi usually takes her threes close to the line. This was a Caitlin Clark distance three.

Azzi shooting is so finely tuned that, I think, it takes her some shots before she zeros in. Hopefully she can get this done earlier in the next two games.

 

[Blond D.]

Sometimes, it's not the number of points you score, but when you score them. Azzi took the air out of SC's comeback attempt. She would later admit that she struggled. But with all shooters, they believe that they would make their next shot. Hopefully, she regains her confidence, as I believe she is vital in winning #12.

Like Michael Jordan once said after missing 17 shots. When you're on shoot. When you're not on, shoot till you're on.

 

[donalddoowop]

Azzi usually takes her threes close to the line. This was a Caitlin Clark distance three.

Azzi shooting is so finely tuned that, I think, it takes her some shots before she zeros in. Hopefully she can get this done earlier in the next two games.

I truly believe there will not be two more games for UConn if Fudd is off the next game. If Fudd is on her game offensively it should result in a comfortable UConn win.

 

[martyn]

How many coaches would have risked that call in any game, let alone a game like this? It's an example of what separates Geno from the rest.