SC Postgame Thread

[Carnac]

Paige did something at the end of the overtime that was not smart. She tried to block the last shot by the SC player. Even if she made the shot it would not have tied the game. If one of the refs would have called a foul and the basket was good, then SC would have had a chance to tie the game. If the shot was missed the player would have gotten three free throws. If she hits two and misses the third and SC got the rebound, SC could have gotten the rebound and had a chance to tie or win. I see players do that often, try to block a late shot when they have a four point lead. Petty maybe, but it is attention to detail that Geno stresses so often.

My granddaughter’s JV basketball team lost a tournament game years ago similar to that. We were up by only 1 point. The opposing player threw up a prayer from half court at the end of the game with time running out. She was fouled, made the free throws.

The game was a close back and forth nail biter for 39 minutes and 50 seconds when we finally got the lead we believed would win the game. We win if we don’t foul her. The shot would have been an air ball. The player that fouled her realized she had cost her team the game. Players, coaches and parents were all upset, but couldn’t/ didn’t say anything.

All of the players on our team learned a valuable lesson that day. We ended up winning the tournament. That incident was one best made and learned at the JV level and not the varsity. It’s funny the things that stick with you over the course of time, even those that are seemingly insignificant. I will take that memory to the grave.

 

[Bama fan]

The Texas Final Four game, UConn was down 6 late and looking dead, and DT willed that win. Hit a deep 3 to put UConn ahead and had a block at the buzzer to seal the two-point win. As an apples to apples comparison on paper, Paige’s performance today was even better. But the stakes of a Final Four game makes that game more of an orange.

I like the apples and oranges reference, And the choice of the Texas game being the orange also fits the uniform color scheme. Kind of a serendipitous choice between two equally impressive fruits!

 

[Ron and Vida]

So I watched the game downstairs in my man cave. When Paige's 3 went in, I let out a yell, causing Mrs. Oldude to come running downstairs, greatly concerned about my well being. I guess she still loves me.

I completely lost it too
Thinking we weren’t alone...

 

[HuskyMJ]

I remember when Geno said Paige was best freshmen and something to the effect that any coach would trade one of their freshmen for her, and I saw the replies to those tweets, so many South Carolina fans began hating on Paige, saying this freshman or that freshman are just as good if not better. Some of them were such huge reaches, listing players that are not as good. South Carolina fans always complaining on Twitter so its fitting Paige played the way she did, confirming Geno's claim

 

[Papa33]

Someone a long part of this thread ago raised a follow up question to Aubrey's illegal screen call because it was too wide as sarcastically noted by Geno in his presser. Rule 4-34 provides that your screen stance cannot be wider than your shoulders. I have never seen that called before and it was typical of these referees in a big game who call the little technical garbage to prove they are so good at their jobs but miss the big plays like fouls on shots. If we enforced that rule, there would be nothing more than those calls. To selectively enforce it is unfair. How do you visually measure it? Like the refs in the Arkansas game, these were just plain terrible.

"Rule 4-34 provides that your screen stance cannot be wider than your shoulders." Quite true, but screen setters almost universally set their feet wider than their shoulders without being penalized. But when they also stick our their knees, or move into the defender, or use their elbows, refs are wildly inconsistent about calling them out. Safest bet is for screeners to set the screens early and not move or lean or elbow the defender. That's safer, but they may still be called, just less often

 

[Sanka541]

realistically all you want as you head into March is a team that gives you a chance of winning a championship. Last years team really didnt have that (we will never know but deep down we know) and theyd have done really really well to make final four. This years team are improving and putting themselves in with a chance at a championship, once you get to the tournament its about executing and we have seen in big moments this year this team has someone who can execute under the most intense pressure. I think this year is open and you could probably name 7/8 teams who will think theyve got a shot, but I think we have as good chance as anyone and youd take that at the start of the season given the number of unknowns.

 

[Boreifs]

And STILL we get no post game recap or interviews because...........the MEN's game was coming on! If you're as dissatisfied as I am, send them a comment (Contact Us | FOX Sports Supports)

So you want the next game to wait? That happens 100 per cent of the time when games run late in nationally televised games. It would also have happened if the next was a women’s game. If the UConn game was the late game and you missed the first five minutes because of post game commentary, would you be OK with that?

 

[SLY63]

Imagine how good Paige will be when the other team has other offensive threats to focus on.

 

[freshler40]

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.

 

[HopJim]

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.

Agree to a point. This was a classic game I will always remember. Putting Paige out there at the end of the game as the only scorer worked but is unlikely to be a repeatable tactic. While I am expecting creative defenses in the NCAA's to keep the ball in ONO's, Aubrey's, etc. hands and doubles on Paige when she gets ball, let me just enjoy the moment.

 

[DefenseBB]

Looking at this picture the ball is in the air, there is .1 seconds left and the lights behind the backboard are off. Shot is good, even if she did travel before the shot.

Not sure how you saw the ball by her waist with zeros on the clock.......

View attachment 64426

And BTW, for all the anti-UConn fans who claim “just luck” on Paige’s 3 point shot to end the game, what about this Hail Mary shot to end the half time? You can’t have it both ways...

 

[freshler40]

Liv was part of the plan to draw Boston out but because she was apparently tired from all the recent travel/games she couldn't get the ball over the front of the rim. Thus: She would surely step well back beyond the 3 point line and her shot/pass would pass as one to Edwards who would then spin in for an easy layup or total miss as she is prone to do at times. Had Liv hit a few early, this game would have been much different in our favor. Liv did make a number of great bounce passes for layups so the general plan for her to play a high post is solid, just need more work and an occasional quick drive to the hoop by Liv. This will work!

 

[HopJim]

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.

She has been limping the past 3 games, particularly after drives where she came down on knee. Her shot in each game has gotten flatter.

 

[Papa33]

"... I am wondering why in today's game (and in several other recent games) he's had our two "bigs," Liv and Alliyah, set up about 18'-20' from the basket. Since neither is really a serious threat to hit a high percentage of those shots-- not yet, at least-- the opponents sag to the basket, clogging up the lane and making cuts there and along the baseline difficult. Not many of such cuts executed successfully tonight vs SC.

Answer so the middle would be open to cutters and no shot blockers

I'll have to re-watch the game. As I noted above, I don't recall seeing many back doors or passes to cutters through the lane, which is why I questioned the strategy.

 

[HopJim]

I totally agree! I was saying that all night. To me they were nit-picking on such trivial things! This was a #1 / #2 match-up. Let them play! Oh yeah and how about FS1 NOT having any post-game talk afterwards? If it was a mens game, the women would most certainly have been started AFTER a post game review. Where is SNY when you need them?

Let's watch out what we all ask for. If you watch the last sequence in regulation, on 2 of the 3 layups SC missed, looked like clear fouls on the wrist by Aubrey. Thank you refs for looking the other way.

 

[HopJim]

Yes, Dawn was complaining about moving screens. Good coaching move, particularly if it works,

Nika has been sticking her hip out since the beginning of the year, getting 2-3 moving screen calls each game. We can debate whether its warranted, but it wasn't unique to this game.

 

[oldude]

Nika has been sticking her hip out since the beginning of the year, getting 2-3 moving screen calls each game. We can debate whether its warranted, but it wasn't unique to this game.

Nika was called on multiple occasions last night, but as I recall there were also moving screens called on Liv, Aaliyah & Aubrey as well.

 

[Heytherego]

I don't think your future as a talent evaluator is promising. Where is this vitriol coming from?
Perhaps you are bitter because they didn't select you to replace Simon Cowell on American Idol.

LOL I think you are right! I am being a little bit of a Simon Cowell. I am just disappointed, she misses open shots, she can’t create against good teams. I don’t see much progress from freshman year to now offensively.
But hey that’s just my opinion, you can have yours as well; and you’re right my future as a talent evaluator isn’t promising, I will leave that to Geno + crew.

 

[freshler40]

FoxSports could have done a better job with several women analysts during the game and post game. They immediately switched to a men's game. Perhaps some of this was due to the game moving into over-time. There was very little color commentary during the game. The camera angles were way below that provided by SNY along with their wonderful pre/post game comments. At least the game was on National TV, 1 VS 2 rankings but often played for viewers as a large scale high school game. The beauty was in the second half, trading leads and featuring runs and a more up-beat pace. We also had full drama, panic stricken players that didn't want to touch the ball and hair pulling arm chair fans.

I want post game interviews from both Dawn and Geno.

 

[freshler40]

Nika was called on multiple occasions last night, but as I recall there were also moving screens called on Liv, Aaliyah & Aubrey as well.

There were a number of calls away from the ball in this game, some refs still think they are doing a high school game and for much of this game they were! The second half and overtime were supreme with each team having their moments and great TV drama for fans. We surely missed have our fans at Gamble and the energy they might have provided to a team that appeared travel weary during this strange time. I do wish refs would allow some play in match-ups like this. For much of the second half, the best players were limited by their high foul count so couldn't
play defense.
Geno's low scoring plan worked out. We are a young team that need to practice with real refs calling it tight as sometimes happens in women's games. The chopped up season has hurt player development and restricted the implantation of game plans. We will get better with a very high up-side. The team is a joy to watch but fans must keep the possible 911 call handy!

 

[Charliebball]

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

while CW has not reached her full potential so far, if 16 points 4.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game is considered a bust then I hope Geno finds a few more of those........

 

[HopJim]

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

Did you watch last night's game? Did you watch the Arkansas game? When we had an 8 point lead in 4th quarter, we had no shooters in besides Paige (and Williams who did not qualify as a "shooter" last night), and could not score. 1-2 extra 3 pointers last night would have been huge.

 

[bballnut90]

If your going to talk about UConn history like you are! 1) know all of it 2) know the players better. Kerry Bascom led UConn to their first FF with clutch shot after clutch shot against teams like NC State and Auburn to name a couple! As far as Dee, she made those players in 03-04 better to where they played with a confidence to do what they did. As an upper classmen she led them to the 2 NCs with double and triple teams beating on her every game. Her leadership gave those players confidence to do what they did! Paige isn't there yet because she is a freshman and with such a young team doesn't have those leadership abilities yet! Hopefully It will come and once that part of her game does appear. Everyone should look out because UConn will be winning everything again with ease and I can't wait.

Ill admit Kerri Bascom was before my time considering I was born during her college career lol. And I'm not saying Paige is better than DT was or trying to compare her this season to DT in those seasons....those are apples and oranges. All I'm saying is Paige straight up carried UCONN to a win in a way that had not been done before and put together the most clutch finish in UCONN history.

 

[Waquoit]

I have noticed Anna's absence often, and last night was certainly an example of how much another outside shooter and good ball handler can help. When Nika got in foul trouble Anna would have been a nice option.

Anna isn't the answer. She just can't keep up at this level. She played last year because others on the team were even slower.

 

[oldude]

Did you watch last night's game? Did you watch the Arkansas game? When we had an 8 point lead in 4th quarter, we had no shooters in besides Paige (and Williams who did not qualify as a "shooter" last night), and could not score. 1-2 extra 3 pointers last night would have been huge.

As far as 3 pointers go, Paige had missed all 5 of hers until that miraculous shot with 10 seconds left bounced about 8’ high before falling through the basket, so nobody on UConn was particularly good last night from the arc.

 

[Glenn]

Wow. We beat the top team in the country. and held them well below their season average. My guess is that we played pretty well, particularly on defense. but the amount of negativity on this board is shocking, (unless you have been reading the BY this year). Some perspective would be welcomed.

 

[Florida Fan]

No. Nobody ever has. Ever. Given the names that have played here, this is insane that she has done that as a freshman.

Paige gets 30 times 3 because the others were throwing up bricks and air-balls. Uconn teams of old had more balanced scoring, although Maya had to carry the freight against Stanford in the finals.

 

[jonson]

Ill admit Kerri Bascom was before my time considering I was born during her college career lol. And I'm not saying Paige is better than DT was or trying to compare her this season to DT in those seasons....those are apples and oranges. All I'm saying is Paige straight up carried UCONN to a win in a way that had not been done before and put together the most clutch finish in UCONN history.

To me, the game was reminiscent of the DT battles against Tennessee: one team (less than the sum of its parts) that seemed to assume that its physical gifts (considerable) were enough to overwhelm any opponent, and another, led by the best player on the floor (and in the nation), that knew how to play the game as it should be played.

A couple of other observations:

1) Although I understand all the excitement about Azzi, Nika and Paige seem to me about as good a guard combo as one could wish, with the former's fire and intensity crucial imo to UCONN's success last night (and going forward). It's easy for me to see why the Oregon staff was so disappointed Nika chose UCONN.

2) The heart and mental toughness of this UCONN team reside in its freshmen (and a sophomore), not its upperclassmen. Maybe that will change, but both Christyn and Olivia have not proven that they can step up in big games and Evina's play was, to me, a step back to her time at Tennessee.

And, yes, Paige deserves to be POY.

 

[oldude]

Paige gets 30 times 3 because the others were throwing up bricks and air-balls. Uconn teams of old had more balanced scoring, although Maya had to carry the freight against Stanford in the finals.

Even in the Stanford game, Maya’s shooting was awful in the 1st half. In the 2nd half Maya came alive, and also got a little help from Tina down the stretch.

 

[CajunHusky]

There were lots of plays where Paige tried but couldn't "create" so she didn't shoot and reset. CW has played too much 3x3. Her game is drive and shoot, she does not reset. CW is a less than average jump shot shooter.

Paige is a playmaker with a sweet shot .... Her shots are so "soft". They even swish different.