SC versus UConn — So, how worried are you?

[Carnac]

Agree with almost all you've said in this post! The only slight difference I see is its a core 6! MW likely will not play or contribute significantly unless someone's in foul trouble or hurt.
Agree that they will win by double digits or more!
Bronx23

I included Walker because she will be needed if Dangerfield can't give more than 20-25 mins, or someone gets in early foul trouble. Saturday, Dangerous played 29 minutes, and was relatively ineffective (6 pts, 3 ast, 4 stls). I believe it was because of her on-going injury. IF she's able to give Geno 33 minutes or more, then I don't expect to see Walker at all, until the game has been decided. Since I have no way of knowing her current state of health, I'm including Walker because things don't always go as planned.

 

[Tenspro2002]

Here's the pro's picks.

View attachment 30099

I am shocked that many are picking Oregon over ND. Do they think the home court (Oregon much closer to Spokane) will be a factor?

I just don't see newcomer Oregon taking down a team and coach that has gotten to the Final Four regularly over the last decade.

 

[Sam.the.Man]

This is OT but something you touched upon that I don't understand. I am guessing here but I believe that when the regular season ended, Lou led the nation in 3 point field goal percentage. But seeing that she played 3 games in the AAC tournament and now in the NCAAs, her % has gone down. Why should tournament play affect the regular season stats? It doesn't seem fair. Especially if the person in 2nd place plays for a team that plays 1 game in a tournament and doesn't make it to the NCAAs. Their stats might not even be affected. Not fair.

Stepping down from the soap box.

Katie Lou - my NPOY.

You don't have to guess, I already told you that she lead the nation in 3-pt shooting percentage at the end of the regular season. However, stats continue throughout "the season" which includes tournament play. A small example, when they post a team's win/loss record, it's for the season ... the entire season.

Katie Lou is also my NPOY.

PS - She currently ranks 3rd in 3-pt. percentage.

2018 Women's College Basketball Individual Statistics - ESPN

 

[ASweet3781]

We are in the final week of the season. The season either ends tonight, Friday, or Sunday. If you don't have butterflies in you're tummy at this point I don't know what to tell ya.

 

[Carnac]

I have to say the constant sniping at A’Ja Wilson is the thing I understand the least about this board.

I sort of get not loving Dawn or being upset about a championship that you don’t believe was deserved but what earthly difference to you does it make that people think A’ja Wilson is really good. She’s demonstrably an excellent player. Is having a UConn player be the darling of awards season that important to you?

For the record I largely agree with the analysis of South Carolina’s chances vs UConn. They are slim.

Harris will have to look to score more and continue hitting a high percentage of shots, Bianca Jackson will need to have the kind of game that she had vs UConn before plus the SECT, have to get good Cliney and good Jennings and it still might not be enough.

Cannot turn it over more than 113-14 times or be out rebounded.

GC, I can't and won't attempt to speak for everyone or anyone. This is just one fan's opinion, but................I think the "sniping" as you call it at A'ja is because of the constant references by others (Dawn/Holly Rowe, and other members of the pre/post game TV broadcast media) that she is the best player in WCBB this year. To some folks, it does make a difference what others think, especially if it differs from theirs. Remember, here in the yard, we "snip" at each other, so outsiders and players on other teams are definitely fair game.

There also may be a little hostility left over by some for her snubbing UConn, and staying home. The staff wanted her bad. Just like they wanted Asia Durr, Lauren Cox, Arike Ogunbowale, Charli Collier etc, but, it wasn't meant to be. There are some here in the yard that think Katie Lou Samuelson is a better player than Wilson, in spite of the fact that Wilson got 32 first place votes for AA, and Lou got 30. It depends on one's perspective. We're UConn fans so of course we're going to be jaded/biased in our way of thinking. Personally I do believe that Wilson is a very good player, and deserves the recognition she received as an AA this year.

She did lead her team to a NC last year, however, I don't think she's the best player in Division 1, far from it. Personally, I'm more impressed with Teaira McCowan (Mississippi State) than I am with Wilson. I think Wilson's name comes up in the conversation, but that's it. I think she will be the first player taken in the WNBA draft in a couple of weeks, unless Las Vegas Aces coach Bill Laimbeer has made a deal, or has other plans. There are other players coming out that could also help his team THIS year. Conventional wisdom says he takes Wilson.

Tip in - I also don't think South Carolina could beat any team left in the tournament.

 

[Centerstream]

I think when the one compares scores from playing a common opponent, that's problematic. So much of team sports and as much or more in wcbb is match ups. You are also comparing two seasons with different teams each with some pluses and minuses.
Yes SC beat MS, but that's in many ways because Jones is significantly better than McGowan. Against mostly Gabby she has to deal with speed, quickness and athleticism on both ends of the court. When AZ is in she is more mobile than Jones and essential same height.
We will still win if we play our B game and still it won't be a nail biter. We have two significant gains from last year in AZ & CD. Both SC & MS had more losses than gains. Also psychologically U Conn knows how it felt to lose. Especially Gabby & Kia, also KLS and Pheesa, are much more prepared this year.
I think you are a bit overly anxious! Yes, we could lose but a lot of bad things have to happen for us and a lot of good things for them!
Bronx23

Who is Jones?

 

[scubadog]

I am shocked that many are picking Oregon over ND. Do they think the home court (Oregon much closer to Spokane) will be a factor?

I just don't see newcomer Oregon taking down a team and coach that has gotten to the Final Four regularly over the last decade.

Because it comes down to who has the better team now. The past decade is irrelevant

 

[Golden Husky]

There is one way UConn could lose. Now mind you I actually had this dream. I was very glad when I woke up and I was only dreaming.

In my dream UConn was not playing that well and at half Geno sent out only one player and the team remained in the locker room even until after the game started. The other team took out the ball - 5 against 1 and went down and scored. Because there was no one to throw the ball in there was a delay of game. (Mind you, this was a dream... I have no idea if any of this could even happen.) They gave UConn 3 minutes to show up and at the very last second they came out of the locker room. I was in the crowd and as soon as they appeared all of the UConn fans, aware that the game was about to be forfeited began to applaud so the refs knew that the team had appeared. Then they came out to sit on the bench but there were extra players. Some of the players were wearing hoodies tied up around their face so you couldn't really tell who they were. The fans were guessing that Geno was going to try to play the cheerleaders. The last thought I had before I was blessedly awakened was, "Wow, the fans care more about UConn winning than Geno does." (Which I think might be true during the regular season but not in March.)

So, despite my vote of "we got this" my subconscious is saying there is a way to lose.

Mag, didn't you promise to stop smoking peyote before hitting the sack? I think even Hollywood executives might reject the screenplay as too "outré."

 

[mag 7]

Mag, didn't you promise to stop smoking peyote before hitting the sack? I think even Hollywood executives might reject the screenplay as too "outré."

probably just a bit of undigested beef...

RE: sniping at A'ja Wilson. Earlier I was not sniping at A'ja Wilson at all. But I am very serious when I say that I would have a very hard time - no, impossible time - in choosing one of our top 6 to trade for A'ja Wilson. Which would I choose? Wilson is one of the best but I like our "team."

 

[dogged1]

GC, I can't and won't attempt to speak for everyone or anyone. This is just one fan's opinion, but......I think the "sniping" as you call it at A'ja is because of the constant references by others (Dawn/Holly Rowe, and other members of the pre/post game TV broadcast media) that she is the best player in WCBB this year. To some folks, it does make a difference what others think, especially if it differs from theirs. Remember, here in the yard, we "snip" at each other, so outsiders and players on other teams are definitely fair game.

There also may be a little hostility left over by some for her snubbing UConn, and staying home. The staff wanted her bad. Just like we wanted Asia Durr, Lauren Cox, Arike Ogunbowale, Charli Collier etc, but, it wasn't meant to be. There are some here in the yard that think Katie Lou Samuelson is a better player than Wilson. It depends on one's perspective. We're UConn fans so of course we're going to be jaded/biased in our way of thinking. Personally I do believe that Wilson is a very good player, and deserves recognition as an AA this year.

She did lead her team to a NC last year, however, I don't think she's the best player in Division 1, far from it. Personally, I'm more impressed with Teaira McCowan (Mississippi State) than I am with Wilson. I think Wilson's name comes up in the conversation, but that's it. I think she will be the first player taken in the WNBA draft in a couple of weeks, unless Las Vegas Aces coach Bill Laimbeer has made a deal, or has other plans. There are other players coming out that could also help his team THIS year. Conventional wisdom says he takes Wilson.

Tip in - I also don't think South Carolina could beat any team left in the tournament.

A better response than a similar one I was starting to write, thanks for saving me the effort. Only one thing to add:

Cannot turn it over more than 113-14 times or be out rebounded.

Gamecockfan77, I guaranty that if you turn it over 113 times, you will lose.

 

[Golden Husky]

what's shocking is the strong support for Oregon. Not surprising, but shocking in that the secret is out: this is the dark horse team of the tournament. Like when D was playing, with Ionescu on the court, it's never smart to bet against her.

For what it's worth, Bags, those intrepid souls who actually accept wagers on the game opened Notre Dame as a 3-point favorite.

 

[CocoHusky]

I humbly disagree.

She is emotionally tough enough to deal with dyslexia. Physically, she has the strength of a center, the agility of a forward, and an outside shot.

If she had played at UConn, she would have become exponentially more skilled; and, I think, would be on a par with the best players on the team this year (except for Super Woman.)

Dawn said is so well about what can happen to a player who buys into Geno's spell.

Not sure enough people here were aware of this revelation made by A'Ja on saturday so I decided to start a separate thread.

 

[Rixxx]

I think Jennings is the X factor. I know we took care of Wilson and Coates in the past, but I have seen an attitude from Jennings I haven't seen before. Just saying.....

 

[JoePgh]

For the record, I think that A'ja would have done just fine at UConn, and would not have had any problems with Geno (more than anyone else). I don't see any resemblance between her attitude (which has always seemed very positive and cooperative to me) and that of another former UConn recruiting target whom we have been directed not to criticize in this forum.

I think she probably knew as a high school senior that she would learn more basketball skills at Uconn, but she unselfishly chose to remain in her home state to allow her parents to attend her games, and to help Dawn build a basketball power close to home. You have to respect that kind of decision making.

 

[Ozimoto]

I picked choice number 6. However, it is that time of year where a bad shooting game (think the Duke game) coupled with foul trouble could be the Huskies' undoing. This is not the Stewie, Tuck, and Mo team of 2015-2016. They just don't seem to be as locked in as I would like. No complaints about the defense, but the offense has not been quite right. Maybe the defensive effort is taking the legs out from under their jump shots and affecting the motion offense?

If they were to lose I would be disappointed, but not shocked.

 

[CL82]

(You can thank me later.)

 

[Huskygamble19]

I think that with Azure's great improvement from the last time we played them, it will make a big difference against Wilson. I am pretty confident that we will get to the final four because of this.

 

[sarals24]

I think Wilson is a great player, but I am just as sick of her as I was of the "Big 3" that year with Griner, EDD and Skylar. I get that they are trying to promote WCBB and make these women household names, and I appreciate it! I really do! But it seems like they picked the A'ja storyline before the season started and have just stuck with it, no matter what. Again, she had a fine season, and USC would be nothing without her this year. But there are other names - Ionescu, McCowen and Vivians, Durr, and yes, a few UConn players, that I feel have not been promoted the same way, for whatever reason.

 

[Tonyc]

Do you realize how bad UConn has to play to loose to SC. First they have to get into really bad foul trouble quickly. If not they will have to shoot the ball terribly and SC doesnt have the defense to keep UConn under 75 pts. Even on a good day SC wont score 70 pts against UConn. One other point SC is pretty much a one man team and we can and have proven we can slow Wilson down. If SC isnt hitting their shots early this game is over early

 

[shiverz45]

GC, I can't and won't attempt to speak for everyone or anyone. This is just one fan's opinion, but......I think the "sniping" as you call it at A'ja is because of the constant references by others (Dawn/Holly Rowe, and other members of the pre/post game TV broadcast media) that she is the best player in WCBB this year. To some folks, it does make a difference what others think, especially if it differs from theirs. Remember, here in the yard, we "snip" at each other, so outsiders and players on other teams are definitely fair game.

There also may be a little hostility left over by some for her snubbing UConn, and staying home. The staff wanted her bad. Just like they wanted Asia Durr, Lauren Cox, Arike Ogunbowale, Charli Collier etc, but, it wasn't meant to be. There are some here in the yard that think Katie Lou Samuelson is a better player than Wilson, in spite of the fact that Wilson got 32 first place votes for AA, and Lou got 30. It depends on one's perspective. We're UConn fans so of course we're going to be jaded/biased in our way of thinking. Personally I do believe that Wilson is a very good player, and deserves the recognition she received as a unanimous AA this year.

She did lead her team to a NC last year, however, I don't think she's the best player in Division 1, far from it. Personally, I'm more impressed with Teaira McCowan (Mississippi State) than I am with Wilson. I think Wilson's name comes up in the conversation, but that's it. I think she will be the first player taken in the WNBA draft in a couple of weeks, unless Las Vegas Aces coach Bill Laimbeer has made a deal, or has other plans. There are other players coming out that could also help his team THIS year. Conventional wisdom says he takes Wilson.

Tip in - I also don't think South Carolina could beat any team left in the tournament.

Didn't SC just beat MSU in convincing fashion a few weeks ago?

 

[Bigpetunia]

UConn will win this game, and will do so handily. But that is only the first of two declarative statements I will offer about the game, and, I'm sad to say, the more I read our forum the more controversial the second is than the first: Whichever team emerges victorious, ITWILLNOTBEBECAUSEOFTHEREFEREES!! There, I said it! However, I do think that made and missed shots will play a big role, as will turnovers, defensive aggressiveness, relative free throw proficiency, rebounding edge, that sort of thing. But that's just me...

 

[azfan]

I agree with this poster completely. I believe the injuries to our three starters may play a factor. Their talent has been amazing and they have overcome the impact of these nagging to serious injuries. A breakout game by A'ja Wilson could spell the difference. I've been excited and nervous since the DukeDuke . I'm on the treadmill right now trying to work off some of those nerves before the game. It'll be an amazing one. Gino and his teams do not lose the final they can be had in the final four or the Elite 8. Should be a good game.

I voted somewhat worried, a loss can happen. I can’t get over last year. This year’s team has quarters where we’re incredible and others, not so great. Yes we’re 34-0. And if we play our A or B+ game we win...no matter how SC plays. But stuff can happen. How healthy is Danger? Gabby’s hip. Z didn’t look good against Buffalo. I expect us to win, but a bit worried.

 

[Zorro]

As I keep tryin' to tell y'all;

 

[rugbymate]

what's shocking is the strong support for Oregon. Not surprising, but shocking in that the secret is out: this is the dark horse team of the tournament. Like when D was playing, with Ionescu on the court, it's never smart to bet against her.

Am so hoping O wins this game....a Nurse vs Ionescu match up would be must see tv

 

[Wbbfan1]

Many think tonight is going to be a relatively easy game and So Carolina has no chance. That's also what most of us thought when facing Miss St in last years Final Four. We know what happened in that game. UConn the team with experience came out tight and didn't play their usual game. I think tonights game is going to be tougher then many expect, because like Miss St, So Carolina has something to prove. A'ja if she doesn't get into foul trouble will have a good game and she'll be trying to carry her team back to the Final Four. On Saturday, I believed UConn easily wins. The closer we get to the game and seeing how loose the So Carolina players are, a little doubt is creeping in. Still predicting a UConn win, maybe by single digits.

Just looked at the poll results, and a loss is possible, exceeds all other choice.

 

[Tenspro2002]

Do you realize how bad UConn has to play to loose to SC. First they have to get into really bad foul trouble quickly. If not they will have to shoot the ball terribly and SC doesnt have the defense to keep UConn under 75 pts. Even on a good day SC wont score 70 pts against UConn. One other point SC is pretty much a one man team and we can and have proven we can slow Wilson down. If SC isnt hitting their shots early this game is over early

We've scored less than 75 points in 4 out of the last 5 games, against teams much worse than SC.

You're probably right about the other side of the ball, but our offense has not been firing on all cylinders for some time (St. Francis notwithstanding).

I expect a game in the 60's, where a few shots rimming in or out, or a few bad calls, could be the difference.

 

[Carnac]

Didn't SC just beat MSU in convincing fashion a few weeks ago?

Yes, but strange things can happen. Remember the year (2013 I believe without looking) Notre Dame played UConn 3 times prior to the NCAA tournament and won all three, but lost big to them in a 4th game in the final four three weeks later.

 

[Rayvin56]

We've scored less than 75 points in 4 out of the last 5 games, against teams much worse than SC.

You're probably right about the other side of the ball, but our offense has not been firing on all cylinders for some time (St. Francis notwithstanding).

I expect a game in the 60's, where a few shots rimming in or out, or a few bad calls, could be the difference.

All this just means we're due!

 

[Huskybass]

Double digit win. Not concerned at all. Primarily a Men's fan but I am eagerly looking forward to tonight's game.

 

[LoTrader]

GO HUSKIES!!!!