Predictions for tonight?

[MikeR01950]

All I know is my stomach has been in knots all morning!! Can't wait for game time. I just hope UCONN plays great and has no injuries or foul trouble. Oh and lastly win of course.

 

[GoUconn7961]

I never predict - and so far that's worked for me. I'm already tied up in knots. WE ARE DOOMED!!!

 

[VAUConnFan]

No need for analysis, breakdowns of matchups, strengths, weaknesses, averages, etc. A Syracuse win would be THE biggest upset in the history of sports; Bigger than Jets-Colts 1969, USA-CCCP 1980, Villanova-Georgetown 1985, Houston-NC State 1983. For such a monumental upset to occur far too much has to go perfectly for Syracuse and far too many things for UConn have to go wrong. Syracuse could play the perfect game and still lose by double digits.
I will be pulling for Syracuse to play a competitive game and, in so doing, increase their national WCBB profile. If it plays out as hoped, the game will be fun, competitive, and memorable.

My prediction: Syracuse covers the spread and gives basketball fans a glimpse into the future of WCBB with more trapping, more possessions, and more three point shooting with little regard for percentages.

 

[uconnfan68]

Just win.

 

[Tonyc]

UConn is too smart, to big and play to much as a team for this game to be close. I expect UConn up by double digits in the 1st qtr and explode from there. The only thing keeping Cuse going is their press and I don't expect UConn to have to many problems with it. Why? Because UConn has the ball handlers and more importantly the passing to break the press . The UConn press is going to cause problems for Cuse. One they will play out of control jacking up shots and they shoot under 30 percent from 3. They shoot under 70 percent from the line. This game could get ugly early like before the half because of the one on one play that Cuse plays. UConn win this one 93-56

 

[Roundball fan]

If the Cuse hit 12 3's and 6 foul shots with 7 2's that is 56 points, not going to win doing that. So I predict 84-56. Go UConn, 1 to history.

 

[pacific 44]

102-62 would be a lovely outcome.

 

[Orangutan]

UConn wins and covers the spread.

 

[huskyblooz]

I, too, have a stomach in knots. I'm worried about their pressure and their long-range shooting. They did impress me over the last few weeks. ... Can someone please ease my anxiety and tell me why I shouldn't be worried.

 

[MikeR01950]

Hey huskyblooz just take a anti acid everything will be ok!! We got this!!!

 

[Sonny44]

UConn is too smart, to big and play to much as a team for this game to be close. I expect UConn up by double digits in the 1st qtr and explode from there. The only thing keeping Cuse going is their press and I don't expect UConn to have to many problems with it. Why? Because UConn has the ball handlers and more importantly the passing to break the press . The UConn press is going to cause problems for Cuse. One they will play out of control jacking up shots and they shoot under 30 percent from 3. They shoot under 70 percent from the line. This game could get ugly early like before the half because of the one on one play that Cuse plays. UConn win this one 93-56

Say it again Tony.

 

[Rayvin56]

A career night for Gabby, with an alley oop dunk from Mo to Stewie to cap it off. UConn by 25+.

 

[PhillyCoach]

I, too, have a stomach in knots. I'm worried about their pressure and their long-range shooting. They did impress me over the last few weeks. ... Can someone please ease my anxiety and tell me why I shouldn't be worried.

Hey huskyblooz - I don't predict scores, but I like looking at records and what teams have done all year. Yea, anything can happen, however, I like the odds for a UConn win. Let's give Cuse the benefit of the doubt and a great shooting game.
Let's say Cuse takes 40- 3pt. shots and makes 40%--that's 48 points. As a perspective Cuse is a 30% shooting team & only hit 40% 2-3 times all season. Also, I checked when they played top 10 teams over the season--Cuse shot 22% on average. Notre Dame held them to 23% and 16% in their two games.
If UConn takes 40 shots and hits 50% (below their average) and makes only their average 8- 3pt. shots - - UConn scores 48 too. With Cuse playing 4 guards 5'11" and under, there is a good chance UConn will score inside quite often and the UConn shooting % goes up!
Turnovers - did you know that UConn had only 435 turnovers which is top 10 level--and Syracuse had 512! Against the good competition Syracuse averaged almost 20 turnovers a game.
UConn has 799 assists to 489 for Cuse. So let's see what we have--Cuse turns over the ball and does not pass well. That could be a problem with the #1 defense in the land. And for the weak of heart if the game is close at the end--Cuse shoots 67% FT and UConn is #1 again at 80%.
Yes, anything can happen. Nevertheless, I like the UConn odds--a lot! Rest easy and let's enjoy the game.

 

[Bigpetunia]

I expect an outcome, a margin of victory, and a final score very similar to what we witnessed in the semifinal.

 

[Kaizen]

Vegas' SportBet is UConn win by 24

 

[ABachelor6CR]

No need for analysis, breakdowns of matchups, strengths, weaknesses, averages, etc. A Syracuse win would be THE biggest upset in the history of sports; Bigger than Jets-Colts 1969, USA-CCCP 1980, Villanova-Georgetown 1985, Houston-NC State 1983. For such a monumental upset to occur far too much has to go perfectly for Syracuse and far too many things for UConn have to go wrong. Syracuse could play the perfect game and still lose by double digits.
I will be pulling for Syracuse to play a competitive game and, in so doing, increase their national WCBB profile. If it plays out as hoped, the game will be fun, competitive, and memorable.

My prediction: Syracuse covers the spread and gives basketball fans a glimpse into the future of WCBB with more trapping, more possessions, and more three point shooting with little regard for percentages.

Just remember what Geno always says "ANY team can be beaten on any given night"

 

[Hongster]

I expect an outcome, a margin of victory, and a final score very similar to what we witnessed in the semifinal.

Nah! OSU will beat SU by double digits.

 

[Carnac]

I never predict - and so far that's worked for me. I'm already tied up in knots. WE ARE DOOMED!!!

Thanks GoUconn7961, I do make predictions. As the official "Boneyard prognosticator", I'll take it from here. All of my notes, observations, sources, eye tests and other psychic aids indicate that UConn will win handily. How soon we forget. Some UConn fan's attention has become mis-directed and focused in the wrong direction. Some of them have been mesmerized and blinded by the recent success of Syracuse.
They forget that these milestones were not accomplished against the likes of UConn.

Have we already forgotten the praise and accolades that Mississippi head coach Vic Shaefer or Duquesne head coach Dan Burt made during post-game pressers about the huskies just last week? They know a little something about WCBB. They observed first hand and up close how dominate UConn is (not can be.......is!). Both of these coaches said that in their opinion, no one is going to beat UConn. ESPN studio analysts Kara Lawson and Rebecca Lobo who also know a little something about the women's game, also pick UConn going away. Two other veteran college basketball analysts Seth Greenberg and Jay Bilas pick Uconn. Not one college basketball analyst is picking Syracuse. So why are we (you) shaking in your boots? Let's look at their 7 losses during the season:

Fri, Nov 20 @ #4 Tennessee - 57-55
Wed Dec 2 @ #5 Maryland - 82-64
Sat Dec 12 #24 Arizona State - 61-54
Thur Jan 7 @ North Carolina - 77-73
Thur Jan 21 @ #3 Notre Dame - 90-62
Mon Jan 25 # 14 Louisville - 71-53 ( back to back losses)
Sun Mar 6 #2 Notre Dame 68-57

I submit to you that UConn is as good or better than any of the programs that beat Syracuse this year. UConn played and beat two of the teams (Maryland & Notre Dame) that beat Syracuse. The Orange lost to a depleted and unranked UNC team. So why are some folks shaking in their boots, and having nervous palpitations about this game? In all of those losses, Syracuse only broke 70 once. If they are going to beat UConn, they are going to have to score more than 70 points. Folks are also quick to forget that UConn is the #1 ranked defense in the country, and they play like it! Of the teams the Orange lost to, I think Notre Dame is closest in similarity to UConn. I look for the outcome to be similar also. Syracuse did not have any luck with Notre Dame.

Syracuse played the Washington Huskies at the Carrier Dome in November, and beat them 66-62, so they were already familiar with them. I recognize and respect that Syracuse is on a roll, but so is UConn.
I'm saying that our best is better than their best. UConn will be lead by the infamous BIG 3. They will not be denied. They are going into this final game with more determination and resolve than ever before.
One more factoid to remember: Geno has never lost a final four championship game. I don't believe he's going to start now. Las Vegas has UConn favored by 24. How much more convincing do you need?

ALL signs point to a UConn victory. Unless you have completely loss all faith in UConn and all they've done up to this point, then relax and enjoy the game. I'm predicting a final score of UConn 85 - Syracuse 66.

Go Huskies.

 

[GoUconn7961]

Thanks GoUconn7961, I do make predictions. As the official "Boneyard prognosticator", I'll take it from here. All of my notes, observations, sources, eye tests and other psychic aids indicate that UConn will win handily. How soon we forget. Some UConn fan's attention has become mis-directed and focused in the wrong direction. Some of them have been mesmerized and blinded by the recent success of Syracuse.
They forget that these milestones were not accomplished against the likes of UConn.

Have we already forgotten the praise and accolades that Mississippi head coach Vic Shaefer or Duquesne head coach Dan Burt made during post-game pressers about the huskies just last week? They know a little something about WCBB. They observed first hand and up close how dominate UConn is (not can be..is!). Both of these coaches said that in their opinion, no one is going to beat UConn. ESPN studio analysts Kara Lawson and Rebecca Lobo who also know a little something about the women's game, also pick UConn going away. Two other veteran college basketball analysts Seth Greenberg and Jay Bilas pick Uconn. Not one college basketball analyst is picking Syracuse. So why are we (you) shaking in your boots? Let's look at their 7 losses during the season:

Fri, Nov 20 @ #4 Tennessee - 57-55
Wed Dec 2 @ #5 Maryland - 82-64
Sat Dec 12 #24 Arizona State - 61-54
Thur Jan 7 @ North Carolina - 77-73
Thur Jan 21 @ #3 Notre Dame - 90-62
Mon Jan 25 # 14 Louisville - 71-53 ( back to back losses)
Sun Mar 6 #2 Notre Dame 68-57

I submit to you that UConn is as good or better than any of the programs that beat Syracuse this year. UConn played and beat two of the teams (Maryland & Notre Dame) that beat Syracuse. The Orange lost to a depleted and unranked UNC team. So why are some folks shaking in their boots, and having nervous palpitations about this game? In all of those losses, Syracuse only broke 70 once. If they are going to beat UConn, they are going to have to score more than 70 points. Folks are also quick to forget that UConn is the #1 ranked defense in the country, and they play like it! Of the teams the Orange lost to, I think Notre Dame is closest in similarity to UConn. I look for the outcome to be similar also. Syracuse did not have any luck with Notre Dame.

Syracuse played the Washington Huskies at the Carrier Dome in November, and beat them 66-62, so they were already familiar with them. I recognize and respect that Syracuse is on a roll, but so is UConn.
I'm saying that our best is better than their best. UConn will be lead by the infamous BIG 3. They will not be denied. They are going into this final game with more determination and resolve than ever before.
One more factoid to remember: Geno has never lost a final four championship game. I don't believe he's going to start now. Las Vegas has UConn favored by 24. How much more convincing do you need?

ALL signs point to a UConn victory. Unless you have completely loss all faith in UConn and all they've done up to this point, then relax and enjoy the game. I'm predicting a final score of UConn 85 - Syracuse 66.

Go Huskies.

I like the way you think! Glad you're the prognosticator and not me..lol But, in all seriousness I have the utmost faith in the Huskies..

 

[Jeff H]

I, too, have a stomach in knots. I'm worried about their pressure and their long-range shooting. They did impress me over the last few weeks. ... Can someone please ease my anxiety and tell me why I shouldn't be worried.

One famous definition of insanity is to keep doing the same thing over and over and expect a different result. Not saying anyone is insane to be worried, but these girls have been doing the same thing over and over for 74 games. No reason to expect a different result now.

 

[mdakota]

I woke up at 5:30 am this morning, about an hour ahead of my alarm clock... I thought it was 5:30 PM and the game would be on in two hours lol Then I realized it was still dark out...

 

[Rayvin56]

Just remember what Geno always says "ANY team can be beaten on any given night"

But this is not just 'any team', now is it?

 

[Henry]

Syracuse had a week to prepare for Washington, a #7 seed. They pressed all night shot 33 3's and hopefully wore themselves out. They have 2 days to prepare for us after the programs have not met for three years. We have seen pressing, have been better at defending the 3 lately and have Stewie, a player who can play just about anywhere on the floor. Our bench is shorter tonight and they go deep but we have proven over the past 3 years that it is quality over quantity.

 

[Suebird10fan]

No need for analysis, breakdowns of matchups, strengths, weaknesses, averages, etc. A Syracuse win would be THE biggest upset in the history of sports; Bigger than Jets-Colts 1969, USA-CCCP 1980, Villanova-Georgetown 1985, Houston-NC State 1983. For such a monumental upset to occur far too much has to go perfectly for Syracuse and far too many things for UConn have to go wrong. Syracuse could play the perfect game and still lose by double digits.
I will be pulling for Syracuse to play a competitive game and, in so doing, increase their national WCBB profile. If it plays out as hoped, the game will be fun, competitive, and memorable.

My prediction: Syracuse covers the spread and gives basketball fans a glimpse into the future of WCBB with more trapping, more possessions, and more three point shooting with little regard for percentages.

I'll disagree slightly. Yes, biggest upset in a championship game ... but in my eyes it would not be quite as big an upset as Louisville over Baylor ... I thought Louisville was a 25 point underdog in that one. I know UConn is a 24 point favorite tonight but I think that's on the high side given that Syracuse has been shooting 3s well in the tournament and has the type of quick guard-oriented lineup that gives us a bit of trouble. And KLS out.

My prediction 81-63.

 

[f1f1ferrari]

I, for one, don't understand the undue amount of praise being heaped on Syracuse. Sure, they're pretty good, but they're not as good as Oregon State, and UConn beat them by 29. If Syracuse manages to keep it under 30, they can consider it a moral victory. JMHO