Peaking at the right time

[Suebird10fan]

I've long felt that one of the problems last year was the streak. UConn wanted it so badly and they played some inspired ball in the games toward the end of the streak. OSU and FSU particularly come to mind.

But I think that by the Stanford game (not to take anything away from the Cardinal), the Huskies were exhausted. And they never regained the level of play they achieved in December.

As frustrating as the losses at Baylor and ND were, they may serve a purpose. I think we may see the Huskies elevate their play, and if so, we're probably deep enough into the season that they can sustain it into March.

Let's hope so!

 

[Sonny44]

I agree, a really good [UCONN] team turns those two losses into blessings.
Have faith; we'll be in it to the end.

 

[alexrgct]

Last year was a hell of a season: program winning streak got up to 90, and even after Stanford loss, there were some real highlight games. UConn absolutely obliterated Duke, made a really solid DePaul team look bad, annihilated OU, etc. In regular season and tournament play, they went undefeated in a conference that sent five teams to the Sweet 16 (not to mention badly beat Ohio State, Duke, OU, and UNC, all of whom also made the Sweet 16). Ultimately, the vulnerabilities that haunted the team all season (youth and lack of depth) manifested themselves against an all-too-familiar opponent, and that was that.

I agree that UConn should be able to look at the past two losses and say, "We were in their gyms, we had them on the ropes, we didn't close them out, and we know what we have to focus on to triumph next time." I'm not sure that the vulnerabilities the team has go away this season, but some incremental improvement in execution might be enough to get this team over the hump.

I also think that, by the end of the game, both Baylor and ND were playing with a lot more energy. Putting aside the possibility of conditioning and such, I think the real issue was more that the crowds were going nuts and the home team fed off of it. That's why I hope the home crowds are out for blood this year against ND and in the BET. Unfortunately, two of our toughest home opponents, Georgetown and Rutgers, have a knack for turning games into slugfests that are not fun to watch. That can take fans out of the game.

 

[ChicagoGG]

I hope that we just got our bumps in the road out of the way. I agree the streak wore on the team, even if Coach said they weren't aware of it. If they use the two losses as motivational tools and learning experiences, they CAN peak at the right time. And if Kelly has taken the helm, bless her national flag blue Husky heart. Because if anyone has earned the right to speak their mind to their teammates, she is on the short list along with CD the Younger.

 

[easttexastrash]

Two close road losses to the current number 1 and 2 ranked teams in the nation is no indication of a down year...I guess unless your standards are that of the UCONN program.

Those close losses should be viewed as a very positive sign for this team. This team has not yet reached its full potential, which is a scary thought.

 

[Suebird10fan]

Two close road losses to the current number 1 and 2 ranked teams in the nation is no indication of a down year...I guess unless your standards are that of the UCONN program.

Those close losses should be viewed as a very positive sign for this team. This team has not yet reached its full potential, which is a scary thought.

Well said

 

[MilfordHusky]

Putting aside the possibility of conditioning and such, I think the real issue was more that the crowds were going nuts and the home team fed off of it. That's why I hope the home crowds are out for blood this year against ND and in the BET.

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT_2Y2coueYjILpiQ4ghqCEMj-TCymX47sJ7DQhXh0LMJSi9VI1yA

 

[Kibitzer]

Two close road losses to the current number 1 and 2 ranked teams in the nation is no indication of a down year...I guess unless your standards are that of the UCONN program.

Those close losses should be viewed as a very positive sign for this team. This team has not yet reached its full potential, which is a scary thought.

Shhhh. The Tiffany and Bria bashers might hear you and wake up and then we have to hear it all over again.

 

[Icebear]

Two close road losses to the current number 1 and 2 ranked teams in the nation is no indication of a down year...I guess unless your standards are that of the UCONN program.

Those close losses should be viewed as a very positive sign for this team. This team has not yet reached its full potential, which is a scary thought.

I've never understood the fatalistic response of some fans to either the Baylor game nor now the ND game. The difference between win and lose in these two road games was the edge of a knife with a very young team with a team that is still looking for its leader.