SC Postgame Thread

[hoopsfan22]

The problem is that these picks have been allowed for every game until tonight. So, will they be OK again going forward? Did Dawn Staley get in Dee Kantners' ear to call fouls on those picks?

Dee Kantner makes that a point of emphasis and has for years. UConn needs to be more aware of that. Stef used to pick up two quick illegal screen fouls in the opening minutes of games Kantner officiated. Whenever I see Kantner I know we're gonna hear a lot of whistling. I made that comment tonight at the start of the game, and sure enough... I don't know how she ends up working so many of our big games, but any time there is one of these national games, there she is.

 

[ABCDFE]

I got to think this game was a little personal for Paige because Paige invested a lot of time and her Parents money in Boston coming to UCONN. Paige was @ UCONN when Boston made her official visit.

If some our upperclassman could play with that personal chip, we’d be a much more balanced team.

 

[bballnut90]

Does Chelsea Dungee scoring 37 point against UConn, including 4 for 5 from 3 pts, 13-21 overall, count? She is a redshirt senior, though.

I meant a game by Taurasi when she was at UCONN. I posted, "I cant recall a single game where Taurasi singlehandedly won a game in the fashion that Bueckers did tonight."

@blackbird said "most of the big games her junior and senior year." and I asked him/her to give 1 specific example.

 

[npignatjr]

Sorry, but it goes by the light on the backboard. That light doesn't go on until the ball is clearly in the air. Watch again.

The lights are triggered by the clock, the clock system has a digital output that triggers, turns on, the lights. The light will lag behind clock.

 

[pvdoggy]

Great win. However this kind of play from our 3 upperclassmen isn’t going to cut it. I’m tired of the excuses they need to step up. I was happy to see CW didn’t start overtime, she is turning out to be a bust, has a solid game once a year.
Our future does indeed look bright, that is something to be ecstatic about

I thought it says a lot when Geno sat both CW and Liv for the last couple minutes of regulation even when Uconn was behind.

 

[housekeys]

Evina’s knee has been bothering her and I saw her tweak it early in tonight’s game. She was kinda gimpy for much of the first half.

IMO, that would be the only justification for Geno to keep her out of the game, at critical times. Evina with her experience and talent should be in these types of games. She is one of the few who can create her own shot and is enough of a threat to give PB some needed room away from sticky defenders and double teams. I know she did not play well in this game. But she was in at the end, and I was happy to see her in there.

 

[ABCDFE]

And Azzi is on deck! Who's bad for basketball again?

Azzi is exactly what this team needs a knock down three point threat that can shoot lights out. Because that means if you d up on Paige and Azzi the other three players will be eating all night. Pick your poison...

 

[Heytherego]

Also has anyone even noticed Anna’s absence? You’d think we would be hurting missing a “starter”

 

[uconnfan68]

Can we stop Liv from shooting long distance, especially 1 foot inside the 3 point line. Just set double screens and let Paige get open.

Usually right on the line... move in a step or out a step.

 

[Kaizen]

The happy face,

 

[King Kong]

the UConn/Tenn regular season game her year junior year. Seriously, go look at the schedule and box scores. Diana pretty much had to do this against half the Big East, and the top teams. Geno was trying to figure out a way to have Diana pass Diana the ball. 😂

Those teams had no business winning a championship, but did because DT was magic those two seasons.

I don’t say this to negate anything that Paige is doing..heck, she’s being compared to The GOAT as a freshman..but what DT did with those teams, was just..remarkable. Remember the second best WNBA player from those teams was Ashley Battle.

I think it is fully ingrained in Paige's mind how much the team wants her to score, as no one, to this point, can stop her. All the abundant intensity & athleticism on this team is supported & enhanced when Paige scores so much. This is Paige's team, she is a freshman, & UConn is the best team in the country.

 

[King Kong]

Freshmen trio shot 21/41 (51%). Rest of team 8/32 (25%).

Can't get over how unafraid of the moment Bueckers, Muhl, & Edwards are...future is blindingly bright!

WOW!

 

[Hayven]

i missed most of the game I must admit I had South Carolina winning this one. I don't mind being proven wrong. I can't wait for the replay to be uploaded so I can watch the game

 

[JordyG]

I will readily admit not buying into the Paige hype before tonight. I thought she was good, but I didn't get the hype.

HA, Paige Bueckers is GOOOOOOOOD. Like, I'm literally still in shock from that overtime.

Great win for UConn.

We didn't lie to you about Paige. I saw many HS games and FIBA games with her to get a good assessment of this kid. She's never been less than the best player on the floor pretty much every game. Now I'm going to tell you some more truth. Azzi Fudd was a better shooter in HS and in the FIBA games. She was also a better defender off the dribble, has the best power drive I've seen in some time, and her pull up is equally as good as Paige's. Azzi also rarely turns the ball over.

 

[King Kong]

Freshmen trio shot 21/41 (51%). Rest of team 8/32 (25%).

Can't get over how unafraid of the moment Bueckers, Muhl, & Edwards are...future is blindingly bright!

Bueckers, Muhl, & Edwards gotta start! It is written.

 

[cbraarj]

Just watch what she did against Texas and Tennessee in the 03 FF! Against Tennessee 3/4 shot at halftime, 3 pointer to send to overtime and then a shot with 51 seconds let to win it all in one game.

That was for the Tennessee fan who made the comment on you lol.

 

[npignatjr]

The calls against UConn or non calls against SC were bad. The calls against the Chiefs were good.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

 

[JordyG]

""

It really wasn't fair, and I'm going to complain to the NCAA. It was clear from my view that when SCar had the ball they were forced to use the Nike ball and when UConn had the ball they secretly switched in the Wilson ball. Damn outrageous and it cost SCar an easy victory.

 

[ABCDFE]

I’m not sure why so many people are happy here. Yes Paige is the best ever as a freshman we’ve ever had.... easy to see. But we are in serious trouble if the upper class players don’t take a long look in the mirror. I’m embarrassed as a UConn fan for the way they played tonight. It takes away from the excitement of the future titles that Paige and her crew will bring us. The freshman, those are UConn championship players like we’ve had in the past. The three ALL THREE I don’t expect them to be starts at this point, but dont be scared and at least contribute. We are not significantly, but I think at least 10-15 points better than SC. The juniors need to at least do something positive because Paige is gonna need help to keep this thing going. At least DT3 had role players that did their part. These women aren’t as far as I’m concerned and it’s kinda upsetting to me. I believe these three juniors have what it takes. I’m not just saying that, I really think that. Maybe Westbrook was off because she usually does a little of everything, so I give her a pass, but the other two need to figure out what they can do besides shoot from the outside because they both aren’t the best shooters. Liv needs to focus on being a defensive force and just rebound like crazy and maybe get some easy putbacks. Williams needs to drive more and just maybe focus on defens. I’m not sure but don’t be a liability, she is too talented for that. I only watched her a couple of times and she was lost or out of sorts out there. Unacceptable at this point in her career. I love and want them both to succeed more than anything, but man it’s frustrating. We won’t win a title like this.

You do make some very astute observations. I’m beginning to think that for whatever reason they are good against most teams but for the most part Liv and Williams don’t have the confidence that typically our upper class man have. And unfortunately they realize that when they shoot they hurt our team. When Liv shoots it takes away a big body for offensive rebounds and put backs and when Williams isn’t driving and finishing near the basket we are far less efficient offensively. As someone said they are complimentary pieces, we need to stop having the expectations that they will rise to the occasion. I hope the be proved wrong, but when you have so many data points it’s tough to be something that you’re not. It’s unfortunate, because I’ve really love Liv and Williams as players but if they are not clutch and when the game is on the line I just don’t have much confidence in them. There still time to notice marginally and maybe that’s all we need for the rest of the year.

 

[uconnever]

What a pathetic post. Our team won a tight game against a highly ranked opponent and fans aren’t allowed to be happy? Paige’s shot was one for the ages and all you can do is take the time to write about all their perceived deficiencies. I’m at a loss for words. SMH

Actually your pathetic, Paige played awesome as we all expect. I guess when you look at it from a game to game basis you should be excited to have watched a good game. In the grand scheme of things, the way we win doesn’t look good. As a freshman (hopefully not) Paige will hit her freshman wall and time is running out on our veterans to get with the program. Yeah this win is good, but I don’t wanna see Sc cutting down the nets in March, because are veterans can’t figure out how to contribute. On Sc everyone was playing as a team and contributed. They had an off night shooting as did we, but Paige may not be able to carry us for the rest of the year every single time. A signature of UConn is everyone does their part and I’m not seeing that and that is not a championship team in March. Be happy if you want, I already said days ago that Paige is the best at this point in her career than anyone we’ve ever had, but this isn’t 2004, these teams are better equipped to take on a team not fully engaged. I hope I’m wrong trust me.

 

[ABCDFE]

It really wasn't fair, and I'm going to complain to the NCAA. It was clear from my view that when SCar had the ball they were forced to use the Nike ball and when UConn had the ball they secretly switched in the Wilson ball. Damn outrageous and it cost SCar an easy victory.

LOL

 

[Golden Husky]

You may miss the overtime because the game went over into the Ohio State / Maryland men's game.

You're right, @donalddoowop. The recording ended with UConn down and only a couple of minutes left in overtime. I guess I'll have to wait for the replay to see Paige's heroics. Until then, I'll savor the Boneyard comments.

 

[willingtonfan]

Great Game y’all! Sad someone had to lose that one!

Classy post. I have had a high opinion of Ms. Staley as a coach for a while. Several years ago, I was in Columbia on a business trip during the season, and so one day I called the ticket office just to see if I could get a ticket to go see them play. The folks at the ticket office were very nice, worked with me to arrange a ticket (got me a very good seat) and I went and watched and said to myself, "This program is going to be a championship team in the not too distant future." Well, they are definitely that caliber team now. And I agree, it's the kind of game that you almost want to end as a tie, as neither team deserved to lose.

I wish your team well in the SEC; perhaps we'll play again this season on a bigger stage, if you take my meaning.

 

[CL82]

I love how bad shooting nights for Paige are still over 50 percent.

Paige is carrying this team the way Diana carried her team as a junior. It’s unbelievable.

Also want to talk about Nika, who is one of the most intense basketball players I have ever seen, and Aaliyah..who makes the team better just by being on the floor.

I just love the Freshmen.

Same. Because intensity reminds me of Ken Renzotti.

 

[oldude]

Relative to Dawn’s postgame comments about the ball. In all the years I played basketball, through all the many games, for the life of me, I can not recall the particular brand of basketball we used in a single game.

 

[JordyG]

Don't forget this one.

 

[Blue Huskie]

Dee Kantner makes that a point of emphasis and has for years. UConn needs to be more aware of that. Stef used to pick up two quick illegal screen fouls in the opening minutes of games Kantner officiated. Whenever I see Kantner I know we're gonna hear a lot of whistling. I made that comment tonight at the start of the game, and sure enough... I don't know how she ends up working so many of our big games, but any time there is one of these national games, there she is.

My response is "Call it both ways". Boston did a couple that they let her get away with. Paige had a moving screen set on her right before the last 3 point attempt of the night by SC in OT. Kantner didn't feel like calling that one apparently.

 

[Golden Husky]

Full assessment:

No South Carolina fan has been fully confident in the guards this season and tonight it showed. Both are talented but struggle with shot selection and turnovers. Gamecocks need more consistency and less damage from those two to be elite at season’s end. That said, both were a few degrees worse tonight than they typically are.

Boston was good but has issues finishing that I just cannot explain for a player of her caliber. Her rebounding is absolutely ridiculous and she cooly matched her season average in blocks tonight. She was good—not great—and that’s more than you can say for the others.

Saxton is so much better than she is recognized for. This game has a different outcome if she gets 6-7 shots instead of 3.

Bueckers was unbelievable (as an opposing fan, I hate her! lol). I’m not going to say a whole lot else because there really isn’t much you can say. She’s a professional. This isn’t news. If she isn’t a first-team AA, so help me god.

The rest of UConn’s non-freshman roster was dreadful which is part of what makes the loss tough to swallow. I do think both ONO and Williams appear to have regressed this year (they’re lower-usage, so it could just be optics, but Williams in particular seemed much better as a freshman than she does now).

I think South Carolina has more persistent deficiencies in its play (turnovers an issue, shot selection an issue, perimeter shooting as well), but as we saw, this team can hang and is very much in the national title conversation. But I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge UConn as the rightful favorite at this point.

She’s a professional.

Memo to NCAA: Paige is not a professional.

 

[RockyMTblue2]