UConn will win this game 83 - 72
Tennessee will go with a very tall line-up they will play 6'5", 6'2", 6'2", 6'2", 6'1". UConn will be at a height disadvantage. I expect Geno will have UConn push the ball and try to our run the taller Tennessee. This game will be a very physical game with high emotions. Tennessee will look to make Evina pay for abandoning their program, UConn will look to give Evina a win...the team know exactly why Evina left the Tennessee program and they will look to make sure Evina has a satisfying experience playing her old squad. UConn has more talent than Tennessee. Tennessee will start one Senior, one Junior, two Sophomores and one Freshman. UConn will start three Juniors, one Sophomore and one Freshman.
Match-ups:
1. Tamari Key 7.5 points / 4.3 rebounds vs. Olivia Nelson-Ododo 16.5 / 7.1 - This matches two 6'5" women but, I think Olivia is too quick and much more polished around the basket than Tamari. BIG ADVANTAGE UCONN
2. Rennia Davis 14.2 / 7.1 vs Aubrey Griffin 8.8 / 4.9 (Keep in mind Aubrey is 17.5 / 9.5 in the last two games). This match-up is intriguing. In order to contain Rennia you need an athletic player like Aubrey. Aubrey has to play smart and not get into foul trouble. If she can keep Rennia in front of her she will be a very tough match up for Rennia. This match up may end up playing out to be EVEN
3. Rae Burrell 16.7 / 3.0 vs. Evina Westbrook 10.5 / 4/3 Evina will be playing inspired basketball. If she can play under control and not let her emotions get the better of her this match-up could be EVEN....however, based on simple statistics without intangibles Rae should win this match up... I will give the SLIGHT EDGE TENNESSEE
4. Jordan Horstan 9.5 / 4.1 vs. Paige Buekers 18.1 / 5.6...interesting test for the Freshman from UConn however, Paige is Paige and I expect her to out play Jordan and I give a STRONG ADVANTAGE UCONN *
5. Marta Suarez 6.1 / 5.7 vs. Christyn Williams 14.9 / 5.3 I think the Tennessee Freshman will be overwhelmed by Christyn and it will be a STRONG ADVANTAGE UCONN *
* Match-up number 4 and number 5 could be reversed with Paige matching up with Marta and Christyn matching up with Jordan either way the result will be the same... STRONG ADVANTAGE UCONN in both match-ups
Bench:
Tennessee - 31.3 vs. UConn - 22........ADVANTAGE TENNESSEE
Coaching:
Need I even comment..........ADVANTAGE UCONN
Intangibles:
Away game, possible home cooking, could get our starters in foul trouble... ADVANTAGE TENNESSEE