I saw a UConn team that was motivated to play hard for 40 minutes and dedicated to winning. Every single one of them.
They were opposed by an underrated team (I thought PV could have beaten either KS or Princeton) that played with discipline and pride and, by the way, had several speedy players and a few who were excellent shooters. A most worthy opponent that represented their school well from opening tip until closing buzzer.
I was especially pleased to see Banks and Stokes get a lot of minutes and to play well. Brianna once put too much mustard on an outlet pass and Geno gave a loud on-the-spot critique -- "Dribble the damn ball!" -- and sat her. When she returned to the lineup there was not the slightest sign of despondency, no moping or pouting. She just played like a veteran, which is to say very well. She was an especially tenacious defender while guarding the very fleet-footed PV guards, always managing to stay in front of her opponent.
Kaleena is a scoring machine-a.
No PV player got to a loose ball faster than any Husky, including Caroline, Heather and Stefanie.
Aside from the game, I was disappointed that coach Gene O'Riamma didn't sport a green tie or that neither band gave us even a whiff of Irish music. I must assume there was an adequate supply of blarney at the presser.
It was unfortunate that the PV kids had to go back to Texas after just one game, but I wish they could have left that quartet of Sousaphone (no those big wraparound brass instruments are not tubas) players in their band behind.
They were a welcome treat during those loooong TV timeouts.
We saw Husky Bill. I always wondered why he always wears a cap. He momentarily took it off. Now I know why he keeps it on.
Back to you, Bill.
LOL Kibitzer Excellent posts from Sonny,Ice,Daddy Choc.Nan.Roy,Tony and the "infamous" Kibitzer! I thought we played an excellent game against a team that should be interesting next season with 3 impact players out for the season,everyone returning,recruits? I do agree the 2nd half was much better defensively,Tiff was not afraid to go strong to the basket,mins limited hopefully just because we could,CD is great whether on the bench or doing what Geno wants from her.
Bria had a game in which I did not realize she had 18 pts,Stef loved every aspect of her game yesterday,KML has added to her game which is already pretty damn good for FR/almost SO. Everyone has to notice she is going to the basket more either driving to get the basket,using her body and strength to score and get fouled or getting fouled and shotting 2. She is also willing to post up! All of this is going to benefit the team and give her even more room for that beautiful shot of hers. Kelly love that kid and points are great! She Rebounds,best Assists and A/TO ratio,Defense,120%, diving for balls! Every player seems to be going for that loose ball no matter what it takes! Doty diving for balls.
I liked that Kiah was working on what we need from her,Banks learning,Buck playing as a 2nd big!
I keep going back to 6.5,7,8,9 playing the ball we are playing at this point of the season! We are going to need it all.
I liked Nan's perspective! Are we perfect,NO! Do we have list of things we need to continue to work on,YES! Are the Bigs important YES! Do we need no injuries,YES! Do we need Kiah YES!
Next up Tues evening! It is one and move on or go home!
