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Message: [QUOTE="Surly1, post: 4520802, member: 11599"] I hesitate to chime in on this thread, but as so many posters say their truth, a contemporary Shakespeare might declare it's much ado about nothing. With Caroline and Azzi unavailable, Geno has no bench in a tight game. As much as people wish it to be, here are my reasons why: Take Lou out of the game, the only 3-pt shooter (not reluctant) is our 6'5 center. Dorka has been hitting the three lately, but I wouldn't confuse her with Ashton Prechtel of Stanford. Take Lou out of the game and you effectively take Aaliyah out of the half court offense. Take Lou out and effectively take away Aubrey's preferred weapon in the half court - attacking the basket. Teams will pack the paint and dare Aubrey and Nika to shoot from the outside. No offense to either, but opposing coaches would trade shots from Aubrey and Nika from the outside over shots by Lou & Aaliyah, regardless if they are missing. Lou is a 5th year senior and people wanted her to be replaced by a freshman who came in at the last second. One has played started minutes for the majority of her career and the other is relative greenhorn. No matter how off Lou is, this is not an equitable trade-off. In the game against Villanova, it was obvious to all that the team was running on tired legs. I submit the tiredness was more emotional/mental than strictly physical. It's games like these that determine whether a team can win without their "best" game. Imagine a tennis player who primarily relies on a big serve to win, struggling with his first serve. They have to find other ways to win. Sunday wasn't pretty, but the team gutted their way to win. It will serve them well down the road in similar, tight contests. Hopefully, by that time, two reinforcements will have arrived. Lastly, I didn't read too many comments about the starters playing too many minutes in the game against UT. For all the "coaches," I suggest accepting there is no "bench" until either Caroline or Azzi return. I predict the team will look more refreshed against Providence and the issue of using the "bench" against SC should be moot. [/QUOTE]

Verification: First name of men's bb coach