Reply to thread

Message: [QUOTE="VAUConnFan, post: 4910609, member: 501"] 1. As long as UConn has Paige Bueckers, they have a better than good chance. 2. One cannot place too much hope and emphasis based on UConn's play in the BET. The Big East is sadly weak. Long gone are the days of a 9 bid league. 3. Of the teams to whom UConn lost during the season, I do not feel that they match up better now; even with injuries to key opponents. 4. UConn has to dictate pace; marathons as opposed to sprints. 5. UConn will be no worse than a #3 seed; a very good spot from which to mount a charge. They will, likely face a tougher opponent in the Sweet 16 than they will in the Elite 8, so the third round is key. If Paige does not have to defend a bigger, physically imposing player in that round, she will be an offensive force ready to take over the game in the fourth quarter. 6. As mentioned by previous posters, defense will be key. An underdog with confidence is dangerous in March. The most effective confidence destroyer is defense. A lot of very good teams in WCBB. It is in a very nice place. TV ratings are at unprecedented levels. Coaches like Nick Saban and Jeff Walz are bemoaning NIL. I am convinced that NIL has been especially good for the women's game. [/QUOTE]