SCar vs UConn ( Potential ) Rematch

[visitingcock]

Guys, let’s use this thread for rematch discussion PLEASE. It’s starting to clutter up the “SC Gamecocks 2023” thread which I would like to see just next opponent discussion, recruiting news , etc etc.

Let me applaud the behavior of both sides in the discussions and debates thus far. Let’s keep it the same here. Big Sister is watching.

Now about those players 1- 9 matchups . . . Carry on.

 

[Cornell Lt]

If they were to face each other again, if SC plays their best and UConn plays their best...SC wins.

 

[LwrcasefaN]

What was the difference last game? Four points? Either team can win. Comparing 1-9 matchups is a nice game, but these matchups aren't consistent throughout a game....if there's coaching involved.

 

[bballnut90]

Either team could win but SC would be the clear favorite going into it. Their depth up front and dominance on the boards gives them a massive edge IMO. I’ve said it in other threads but if Cooke is shooting well I don’t think anyone can beat SC. If she shoots poorly (like she did the first matchup) then it opens a door for UCONN.

 

[triaddukefan]

I dunno about this kind of thread. Has
potential backfire written all over it. But carry on, while I contemplate making a Duke vs Toledo potential rematch thread.

 

[Gamecockfan77]

I would look to Ole Miss as a guide.

 

[Bone Dog]

If they were to face each other again, if SC plays their best and UConn plays their best...SC wins.

If they both play their best, it will be the best game of the year, whoever wins!!! These are the games all of us fans live for.

 

[hoopsnloops32]

I would look to Ole Miss as a guide.

I think UConn is a tad bit better than Ole Miss. It’s as ridiculous as saying “I would look to Marquette as a guide”.

This thread has jinx written all over it imo but doesn’t stop me from participating sadly.

 

[hoopsnloops32]

Either team could win but SC would be the clear favorite going into it. Their depth up front and dominance on the boards gives them a massive edge IMO. I’ve said it in other threads but if Cooke is shooting well I don’t think anyone can beat SC. If she shoots poorly (like she did the first matchup) then it opens a door for UCONN.

They had the same advantages last game and only managed to only win by 4 during UConn’s worst stretch of basketball in a decade.

Cooke’s shooting is largely determined by the defenses she is playing. She’s not Caitlyn Clark. The reason she shot poorly against UConn was because she was defended by a taller quicker defender in Muhl. You add Azzi and Aubrey to the mix of defenders you can put on her and it won’t be a surprise to me if it’s another poor shooting outing for Cooke. She’s just not big enough to shoot over our backcourt and they are all (minus Lou) defensively sound enough to stay in front of her.

 

[SCspur]

They had the same advantages last game and only managed to only win by 4 during UConn’s worst stretch of basketball in a decade.

Cooke’s shooting is largely determined by the defenses she is playing. She’s not Caitlyn Clark. The reason she shot poorly against UConn was because she was defended by a taller quicker defender in Muhl. You add Azzi and Aubrey to the mix of defenders you can put on her and it won’t be a surprise to me if it’s another poor shooting outing for Cooke. She’s just not big enough to shoot over our backcourt and they are all (minus Lou) defensively sound enough to stay in front of her.

SC absolutely played terrible that game and still managed to beat UConn in front of a sold out crowd. SC missed 10 FTs and were called all game for touch fouls. All I hear is excuses because at some point SC was down 14 in the first half and then went up 12 with 2:00 minutes left until the refs tried to make the game close again. SC played their C game that day. If they play their A game these next 6 games no one is coming within 15 IMO.

Also Cooke was guarded by Griffen not Muhl (who’s neither taller or faster than her). Griffen however is taller and just as fast if not faster and played tough defense for sure but I do think Zia’s poor shooting that day was due to her pressing not the defense played. She actually got off some good shots she just couldn’t find a rhythm. I’ve never seen a defense actually “shut her down” she either comes out hot hitting her first couple shots or she takes a while and either never gets it going or eventually has respectable numbers. She’s been hot and cold her career but the constant positive for her this year is her defense and decision making. She keeps doing those two things regardless of her shooting and SC will definitely have success.

 

[GoChips20]

They had the same advantages last game and only managed to only win by 4 during UConn’s worst stretch of basketball in a decade.

Cooke’s shooting is largely determined by the defenses she is playing. She’s not Caitlyn Clark. The reason she shot poorly against UConn was because she was defended by a taller quicker defender in Muhl. You add Azzi and Aubrey to the mix of defenders you can put on her and it won’t be a surprise to me if it’s another poor shooting outing for Cooke. She’s just not big enough to shoot over our backcourt and they are all (minus Lou) defensively sound enough to stay in front of her.

I understand the game was only won by 4 points but South Carolina was in firm control up by 10 until UConn began intentionally fouling and SC missed every other free throw. I am not one to blame the refs for an outcome and my posts here back it up, but I will say some of those 3-4 shooting fouls late in the 4th were suspect, especially given how well SC usually defends without fouling. I’m not sure it was as even a game as it’s been characterized on this board.

You raise an excellent point about Cooke’s shooting though. Her shooting is a byproduct of how she’s being defended. Cooke is very aggressive and can be baited into 12+ shots even when they aren’t falling. In the February matchup UConn chose to try and take Cooke away rather than Boston (which I thought was a brilliant strategy by Geno) and it’s probably a route I’d try again if I’m UConn.

 

[HuskyNan]

I dunno about this kind of thread. Has
potential backfire written all over it. But carry on, while I contemplate making a Duke vs Toledo potential rematch thread.

Yes it does

 

[hoopsnloops32]

I understand the game was only won by 4 points but South Carolina was in firm control up by 10 until UConn began intentionally fouling and SC missed every other free throw. I am not one to blame the refs for an outcome and my posts here back it up, but I will say some of those 3-4 shooting fouls late in the 4th were suspect, especially given how well SC usually defends without fouling. I’m not sure it was as even a game as it’s been characterized on this board.

You raise an excellent point about Cooke’s shooting though. Her shooting is a byproduct of how she’s being defended. Cooke is very aggressive and can be baited into 12+ shots even when they aren’t falling. In the February matchup UConn chose to try and take Cooke away rather than Boston (which I thought was a brilliant strategy by Geno) and it’s probably a route I’d try again if I’m UConn.

They weren't in firm control up by 10 though. UConn had the ball down by 6 - when Geno got the technical foul that brought the game two 10 when UConn had to start fouling. It was. 1-2 possession game the whole second half until the tech. Its revisionist history to act like they built a consistent double digit lead when it was a thrown water bottle that caused UConn to have to start fouling. It is convenient to blame officials for the close game while overlooking out of bounds handover that would have give UConn the ball back down by one possession without their point guard fouling out.

 

[hoopsnloops32]

SC absolutely played terrible that game and still managed to beat UConn in front of a sold out crowd. SC missed 10 FTs and were called all game for touch fouls. All I hear is excuses because at some point SC was down 14 in the first half and then went up 12 with 2:00 minutes left until the refs tried to make the game close again. SC played their C game that day. If they play their A game these next 6 games no one is coming within 15 IMO.

Also Cooke was guarded by Griffen not Muhl (who’s neither taller or faster than her). Griffen however is taller and just as fast if not faster and played tough defense for sure but I do think Zia’s poor shooting that day was due to her pressing not the defense played. She actually got off some good shots she just couldn’t find a rhythm. I’ve never seen a defense actually “shut her down” she either comes out hot hitting her first couple shots or she takes a while and either never gets it going or eventually has respectable numbers. She’s been hot and cold her career but the constant positive for her this year is her defense and decision making. She keeps doing those two things regardless of her shooting and SC will definitely have success.

UConn has been quite fortunate that 29 of the opponents they have faced have played terrible against us! 30 now if you include South Carolina! Praise the heavens we play 6 more teams that happen to have bad games thanks to luck and the officiating! We are most grateful for the gods of ye old basketball to bless our bounty with more poor shooting from opponents that isn't at all caused by the defense and fouls only caused by officials looking to be entertained!!!!

 

[bballnut90]

They had the same advantages last game and only managed to only win by 4 during UConn’s worst stretch of basketball in a decade.

Cooke’s shooting is largely determined by the defenses she is playing. She’s not Caitlyn Clark. The reason she shot poorly against UConn was because she was defended by a taller quicker defender in Muhl. You add Azzi and Aubrey to the mix of defenders you can put on her and it won’t be a surprise to me if it’s another poor shooting outing for Cooke. She’s just not big enough to shoot over our backcourt and they are all (minus Lou) defensively sound enough to stay in front of her.

UCONN played one of their best games of the season vs SC that first go-around. The downfall happened after.

In regards to Cooke, she's just a streaky scorer. Playing UCONN last year she scored 17 on 8-17 shooting while being guarded by Bueckers/Westbrook/Williams (all of whom are taller than Muhl) but has struggled the past 2 times. Vs Arkansas this year she had one of her best games of the season along with one of her worst. She's an inconsistent shooter, and if you catch her on a bad day and bait her into a lot of shots, SC becomes a lot more beatable. When she shoots well it becomes far more difficult to beat them.

 

[hoopsnloops32]

UCONN played one of their best games of the season vs SC that first go-around. The downfall happened after.

In regards to Cooke, she's just a streaky scorer. Playing UCONN last year she scored 17 on 8-17 shooting while being guarded by Bueckers/Westbrook/Williams (all of whom are taller than Muhl) but has struggled the past 2 times. Vs Arkansas this year she had one of her best games of the season along with one of her worst. She's an inconsistent shooter, and if you catch her on a bad day and bait her into a lot of shots, SC becomes a lot more beatable. When she shoots well it becomes far more difficult to beat them.

They had been playing terrible before the South Carolina game. They had squeaked by Nova at home by 5 scoring 63 with Lou and Aaliyah playing their first of stretch of terrible games. Squeaked by Providence only scoring 64 with more pretty bad play from their best players. They did play well against South Carolina but their terrible stretch of basketball had already begun by the time they played USC - it was the only game they scored more than 70 in since late January except for 1 game in the BET.

And I should stand corrected, Aubrey guarded Zia Cooke against South Carolina. A taller and better defenders than Bueckers, Westbroook and Williams. I actually think if UConn were to play South Carolina again we'd be playing with Fudd as point guard and Lou and Aubrey on the wings for most of the game as Aubrey is too tall and quick for Cooke to shoot over or drive by.

 

[shiverz45]

SC absolutely played terrible that game and still managed to beat UConn in front of a sold out crowd. SC missed 10 FTs and were called all game for touch fouls. All I hear is excuses because at some point SC was down 14 in the first half and then went up 12 with 2:00 minutes left until the refs tried to make the game close again. SC played their C game that day. If they play their A game these next 6 games no one is coming within 15 IMO.

Also Cooke was guarded by Griffen not Muhl (who’s neither taller or faster than her). Griffen however is taller and just as fast if not faster and played tough defense for sure but I do think Zia’s poor shooting that day was due to her pressing not the defense played. She actually got off some good shots she just couldn’t find a rhythm. I’ve never seen a defense actually “shut her down” she either comes out hot hitting her first couple shots or she takes a while and either never gets it going or eventually has respectable numbers. She’s been hot and cold her career but the constant positive for her this year is her defense and decision making. She keeps doing those two things regardless of her shooting and SC will definitely have success.

I still think Cooke best game ever was in the final 4 against Stanford. I think she has another one in her.

 

[visitingcock]

Yes it does

I hope not, but if a thread is to be locked, I would rather it be this one than the other

 

[LwrcasefaN]

UCONN played one of their best games of the season vs SC that first go-around. The downfall happened after.

In regards to Cooke, she's just a streaky scorer. Playing UCONN last year she scored 17 on 8-17 shooting while being guarded by Bueckers/Westbrook/Williams (all of whom are taller than Muhl) but has struggled the past 2 times. Vs Arkansas this year she had one of her best games of the season along with one of her worst. She's an inconsistent shooter, and if you catch her on a bad day and bait her into a lot of shots, SC becomes a lot more beatable. When she shoots well it becomes far more difficult to beat them.

Cooke played well against LSU as far as ranked teams go...and that's all I can recall off the top of my head. SC can win without her shooting well because they are BIG. There's just no other team I'm aware of that can put 3 players 6'4" and up on the court at the same time. Maybe Stanford? They have that luxury. Height cures many ailments. The most effective counter to height is pace...whether it's personnel, ball movement or shot attempts. Obviously, they are a difficult out, but definitely within reach of a few teams.

 

[SCspur]

I still think Cooke best game ever was in the final 4 against Stanford. I think she has another one in her.

Absolutely! I think she can channel that and be that player these next 6 games.

 

[bballnut90]

They had been playing terrible before the South Carolina game. They had squeaked by Nova at home by 5 scoring 63 with Lou and Aaliyah playing their first of stretch of terrible games. Squeaked by Providence only scoring 64 with more pretty bad play from their best players. They did play well against South Carolina but their terrible stretch of basketball had already begun by the time they played USC - it was the only game they scored more than 70 in since late January except for 1 game in the BET.

And I should stand corrected, Aubrey guarded Zia Cooke against South Carolina. A taller and better defenders than Bueckers, Westbroook and Williams. I actually think if UConn were to play South Carolina again we'd be playing with Fudd as point guard and Lou and Aubrey on the wings for most of the game as Aubrey is too tall and quick for Cooke to shoot over or drive by.

Regardless of whether UCONN played well or poorly in the surrounding games, they played one of their best games of the season vs SC. Matching that same execution (over 50% FG) is hard to replicate. On the flip side, I don't think SC played close to their best game, particularly on the defensive side.

I also don't think height is a significant factor guarding Cooke. So you're right that Griffin is a great defender and has more height, but I'd be surprised if Cooke shoots as poorly (2-15) the next go around.

In regards to lineup, Muhl averages 36.4 minutes per game and is #2 in the nation in assists, she isn't coming off the court in favor of Fudd at PG (and Fudd has never been a PG). In the BET we saw Fudd's return reduce minutes for LLS/Griffin which is what I predict will happen in the NCAA tournament.

 

[GoChips20]

They weren't in firm control up by 10 though. UConn had the ball down by 6 - when Geno got the technical foul that brought the game two 10 when UConn had to start fouling. It was. 1-2 possession game the whole second half until the tech. Its revisionist history to act like they built a consistent double digit lead when it was a thrown water bottle that caused UConn to have to start fouling. It is convenient to blame officials for the close game while overlooking out of bounds handover that would have give UConn the ball back down by one possession without their point guard fouling out.

I didn’t intend to overlook the handover but I do agree that was a major missed call and should have been caught given the magnitude and timing in the game.

 

[FormerCTrez]

Geno will have his team motivated. Dawn will have her team motivated. Let’s hope the NCAA’s seedlings allow both teams to successfully play their respective games, and then get to the finals safely, with no added injury to any member. SCar is expected to win it all, but I’ll forever cheer for UConn.

PS: Every other team in the NCAA tournament has the same goal of winning the championship

 

[Bone Dog]

I still think Cooke best game ever was in the final 4 against Stanford. I think she has another one in her.

I’d like to see her have the best tournament of her career. She could be great, and could use this tournament to launch her career.

 

[hoopsnloops32]

Regardless of whether UCONN played well or poorly in the surrounding games, they played one of their best games of the season vs SC. Matching that same execution (over 50% FG) is hard to replicate. On the flip side, I don't think SC played close to their best game, particularly on the defensive side.

I also don't think height is a significant factor guarding Cooke. So you're right that Griffin is a great defender and has more height, but I'd be surprised if Cooke shoots as poorly (2-15) the next go around.

In regards to lineup, Muhl averages 36.4 minutes per game and is #2 in the nation in assists, she isn't coming off the court in favor of Fudd at PG (and Fudd has never been a PG). In the BET we saw Fudd's return reduce minutes for LLS/Griffin which is what I predict will happen in the NCAA tournament.

Fudd actually was a point guard in high school and Geno and Fudd both said she was intended to play back up point guard to Muhl this season. Paige and Azzi became friends because they were both trying out for point guard on team USA.

I’m not saying she’s a better point guard than Muhl but match up wise my prediction is the best line up on the floor will be Fudd, Lou, Griffen,Edwards and Dorka against South Carolina. I don’t think that will hold true against most other teams