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Message: [QUOTE="EricLA, post: 4945959, member: 26"] I am so unbelievably proud of this team. I needed a night to let the enormity sink in. Perhaps one of the most impressive, surprising, and satisfying wins in history (obviously NC wins are the most awesome). Once all the injuries sunk in, I really felt this team should make the sweet 16, but their absolute upside was the elite 8. During the season, we lost to every top 10 team we played including ND who is at the least top 15, if not top 10. So from my perspective, this team was not going to be able to beat a 1 or 2 seed. So happy I was wrong. It's not that I doubted the teams' heart, talent, desire, etc., but when you start 2 freshmen, and your only 2 core subs off the bench are also 2 freshmen, well... it's not a recipe for success. We took USC's best shot in the first quarter when USC raced out to their lead. Geno has said several times that the team is not good coming from behind down the stretch because they are tired, but early in the game with fresh legs, the deficit was not too much to handle. This was a total team effort. Sure Paige (with a POY caliber performance) and Liya shined with their offense, but the defense and PG play of Nika (8 assists, 3 turnovers) was also key. KK and Ash did not have a lot of offense, but they hustled and battled. And I was shocked (and thrilled) to see Geno using Q off the bench, and then so happy she played well. And Ice - such a good game from her. I'll say it again. 7 core players, 4 of them freshmen. Just wow. And the happiness and celebration after the game - seeing their enjoyment (and tears - Jana was in tears, and this from a kid who has not even played 1 minute of basketball for UCONN) - a testament to the chemistry and love this team has for each other. The coaching job Geno and the staff did this year is 2nd to none. Geno should be COY for what he did with what we lost, so for him to not even be in the top 5 is shameful. So proud of this team and what they accomplished. And not only the result on the court - seeing Paige (and Geno) stop Juju in the handshake line and say some encouraging words to her was a class act. Over the moon that they get to experience a final 4. Regardless of what happens, yes... they are in the final 4. Geno has often said that to win a NC, most of the time you need a lot of luck in additional the skill, hard work, preparation, etc. Well, the stars have certainly aligned up to now. At this point, anything is possible. Final 4 baby!! Here we come!! [/QUOTE]

Verification: First name of men's bb coach