Some thoughts about UCONN-Texas from the game

[EricLA]

Just a few thoughts FWIW...

For the record, I thought UCONN would end up winning by 25-30 points. I thought Texas looked just O.K. against UCLA and didn't see anything that posed any concerns. I was wrong.

I agree with Kib - Texas brought their A game. UCONN played well, but at best, it was a B+ effort for them. They looked sluggish, and a half step slow. Texas had way too many wide open 3's and it seemed like UCONN was often losing their defender - maybe because of help side defense, but it was leaving a Texas player wide open in the corner for a shot, and several times they drained them.

I also noticed something bizarre in the 2nd half. Jefferson looked tentative and confused. She kept stopping on offense and chatting with Geno while she had the ball in her hands. It happened at least 4-5 times, and those around us noted it almost seemed like she was a freshman - having no idea what kind of offense to run and constantly relying on Geno to direct her every move. I know she had 9 assists, but she had 2 passes at one point (in a row) that went to absolutely nobody in the white jersey. I think those were the only TO's that she had, but it compounded the observation that she looked confused and tentative.

UCONN seemed uncharacteristically disjointed on both offense and defense. I know we dropped 86 points on a very good team, but it never felt like UCONN found their groove. A far cry from the Mississippi State game. Let's hope they play closer to that in the FF...

Tuck couldn't hit the broad side of the bard to start the game. Then I looked up and she had 12 points. I was like "huh? I don't recall her scoring". She does it so quickly and quietly. She looks more mobile than I've ever seen, and showed that she can score over (around) a 6'7" player who's just not as quick as her. And no one with her size and strength can step out and hit the 3. The announcers keep saying she's not coming back. I hope they are wrong. She would be spectacular next year - probably the leading scorer on the team. And a NPOY candidate along with KLS. IMHO...

Strewie does things no one else can. It's not only her reach, but her hand strength - she snatches more 1 handed rebounds, and controls them, than any player I've ever seen. Not only does she do everything, but she does it really really well. She's always moving, and I noticed that it was often her calling out what kind of defense to run (after a made basket or a miss) on the court, not even checking with Geno. I am of the opinion that win or lose the NC, she's the best to ever play at UCONN.

Overall I thought the freshmen played really well, especially Napheesa. Lou had a ragged start to the game both offensively and defensively, but I think she really found her groove as the game went on. Shen she came out earlier in the game, she was really frustrated with herself. But I noticed Shea had a little chat with her and that seemed to calm her down as she picked her game up for the rest of the contest.

I also thought Gabby looked terrific in flashes, but the 2 times she was in, she made 2 rather large errors and was instantly pulled. She was noticeably frustrated and shaking her head, mentally castigating herself as she went to the bench after Geno instantly yanked her. I do wish he'd pulled her over and had a short chat, leaving her in, but he did not.

I know Kia Nurse missed a bunny or 2, but no one plays harder than her and no one is more intense every second she's on the court. Love this kid. But I'll tell you something - the only other player who played with as much energy as Kia was Saniya Chong - off the bench, in the last 2 minutes of the game. I wish she'd get more scratch. I don't like Chong as the PG because I think the offense tends to grind to a halt when she runs things. But I would love to see her spend more time as the off guard. This is one reason I think Dangerfield has a great chance to start as a freshman. I think Nurse is a better PG than Chong too, but I think Chong could be really good as an off guard if she were given extended minutes.

Overall, not a "flawless and fun" game as a fan to watch in person, but it was the game to get to the final 4. Texas played REALLY hard. They attacked relentlessly and they defended well. They even beat UCONN down the court on several occasions. When was the last time you saw another team out hustle UCONN on more than one occasion.

Texas looked nothing like the team that faced UCLA. It goes to show just how amazing the last 4 years have been. Texas played out of their minds and still came up short. UCONN has had an amazing 4 year run. It makes me aware of just how hard the sustained excellence has been for UCONN over that time frame. As fans, we can nitpick about things - UCONN played near perfect against Miss State. They did not vs. Texas. But give credit to Texas for bringing it - but ultimately give UCONN credit for being the team who goes to the FF. They are simply spectacular. Hopefully 2 more games to enjoy the seniors and I will cherish every second I get to watch them. Go UCONN!!

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Just a few thoughts FWIW...

For the record, I thought UCONN would end up winning by 25-30 points. I thought Texas looked just O.K. against UCLA and didn't see anything that posed any concerns. I was wrong.

I agree with Kib - Texas brought their A game. UCONN played well, but at best, it was a B+ effort for them. They looked sluggish, and a half step slow. Texas had way too many wide open 3's and it seemed like UCONN was often losing their defender - maybe because of help side defense, but it was leaving a Texas player wide open in the corner for a shot, and several times they drained them.

I also noticed something bizarre in the 2nd half. Jefferson looked tentative and confused. She kept stopping on offense and chatting with Geno while she had the ball in her hands. It happened at least 4-5 times, and those around us noted it almost seemed like she was a freshman - having no idea what kind of offense to run and constantly relying on Geno to direct her every move. I know she had 9 assists, but she had 2 passes at one point (in a row) that went to absolutely nobody in the white jersey. I think those were the only TO's that she had, but it compounded the observation that she looked confused and tentative.

UCONN seemed uncharacteristically disjointed on both offense and defense. I know we dropped 86 points on a very good team, but it never felt like UCONN found their groove. A far cry from the Mississippi State game. Let's hope they play closer to that in the FF...

Tuck couldn't hit the broad side of the bard to start the game. Then I looked up and she had 12 points. I was like "huh? I don't recall her scoring". She does it so quickly and quietly. She looks more mobile than I've ever seen, and showed that she can score over (around) a 6'7" player who's just not as quick as her. And no one with her size and strength can step out and hit the 3. The announcers keep saying she's not coming back. I hope they are wrong. She would be spectacular next year - probably the leading scorer on the team. And a NPOY candidate along with KLS. IMHO...

Strewie does things no one else can. It's not only her reach, but her hand strength - she snatches more 1 handed rebounds, and controls them, than any player I've ever seen. Not only does she do everything, but she does it really really well. She's always moving, and I noticed that it was often her calling out what kind of defense to run (after a made basket or a miss) on the court, not even checking with Geno. I am of the opinion that win or lose the NC, she's the best to ever play at UCONN.

Overall I thought the freshmen played really well, especially Napheesa. Lou had a ragged start to the game both offensively and defensively, but I think she really found her groove as the game went on. Shen she came out earlier in the game, she was really frustrated with herself. But I noticed Shea had a little chat with her and that seemed to calm her down as she picked her game up for the rest of the contest.

I also thought Gabby looked terrific in flashes, but the 2 times she was in, she made 2 rather large errors and was instantly pulled. She was noticeably frustrated and shaking her head, mentally castigating herself as she went to the bench after Geno instantly yanked her. I do wish he'd pulled her over and had a short chat, leaving her in, but he did not.

I know Kia Nurse missed a bunny or 2, but no one plays harder than her and no one is more intense every second she's on the court. Love this kid. But I'll tell you something - the only other player who played with as much energy as Kia was Saniya Chong - off the bench, in the last 2 minutes of the game. I wish she'd get more scratch. I don't like Chong as the PG because I think the offense tends to grind to a halt when she runs things. But I would love to see her spend more time as the off guard. This is one reason I think Dangerfield has a great chance to start as a freshman. I think Nurse is a better PG than Chong too, but I think Chong could be really good as an off guard if she were given extended minutes.

Overall, not a "flawless and fun" game as a fan to watch in person, but it was the game to get to the final 4. Texas played REALLY hard. They attacked relentlessly and they defended well. They even beat UCONN down the court on several occasions. When was the last time you saw another team out hustle UCONN on more than one occasion.

Texas looked nothing like the team that faced UCLA. It goes to show just how amazing the last 4 years have been. Texas played out of their minds and still came up short. UCONN has had an amazing 4 year run. It makes me aware of just how hard the sustained excellence has been for UCONN over that time frame. As fans, we can nitpick about things - UCONN played near perfect against Miss State. They did not vs. Texas. But give credit to Texas for bringing it - but ultimately give UCONN credit for being the team who goes to the FF. They are simply spectacular. Hopefully 2 more games to enjoy the seniors and I will cherish every second I get to watch them. Go UCONN!!

Dare I say Texas could well be a Final Four team next year?

 

[JoePgh]

Regarding Moriah slowing down late in the game and talking to Geno a lot, I also noticed that but I thought it was clear that the reason was that Geno was telling her to slow the offense down and milk the clock, and (since those are obviously not typical instructions for the UConn offense) she was having trouble processing it. I don't know whether she was arguing with him about it or just not sure exactly what he wanted, but slow is not her style.

You would think that UConn would practice "milk the clock" situations just like they practice everything else, but maybe not. You may recall that the 4th quarter in South Carolina looked at little ragged also, probably for the same reason.

In any case, they better get that fixed (and I'm sure they will), since a similar situation may well arise against Oregon State, and slow IS their style. It might be better to keep the gas pedal depressed to the final buzzer if slowing down the pace causes this much confusion.

 

[CocoHusky]

Eric OMG! "
Tuck couldn't hit the broad side of the bard to start the game."
What are you talking about Morgan hit the first two shots of the game and hit her first 5 shots she took.

She (Moriah) was a freshman - having no idea what kind of offense to run and constantly relying on Geno to direct her every move.
Geno calls every play in the half court set-of course she was waiting for Geno to direct her.

"But it compounded the observation that she (Moriah) looked confused and tentative".
There came a time in the game when UCONN had the game won and at that point you work the shot clock a deep as possible. What look tentative to you was actually masterful because UCONN did not take a shot until there was less than 6 seconds left on the shot clock-BRILLANT!

 

[rugbymate]

Great insights....its very helpful to hear from someone as knowledgeable as you are who see the game up close. Those of us who watch on TV miss a lot of the little things that make UCONN great.
Couple things....the 86 points were the most scored on Texas this year. Not bad for a team, that according to consensus,. didn't bring their A game.
Secondly... a shout out to the Texas coaching staff. In an interview prior to the game, Boyette commented on last years defeat by saying that they gave up. This year they played 40 minutes of aggressive, challenging basketball. Clearly the coaches had them prepared and up for the game. This will play huge dividends for their program next year. It strikes me as another example of teams seeing the high bar that UCONN sets and the coaching staffs trying to get their teams to achieve a new level of play.

 

[bags27]

I've spent a lot of time thinking about this game (I spent more time traveling to and from it--by far--than I actually spent in the arena), and this is a fantastic analysis, ericsandiego. It helped me recall my own impressions and added a lot to them. Thanks, ericsandiego! I see now the reactions of CocoHusky and JoePgh, two other outstanding observers. So, on some specifics there is obviously room for disagreement. My point below is a reflection of my overarching emotional reaction:

At this point, with nearly a week until the next game and a lot of silly publicity in between, I am divided in my thinking:

1. Geno was quite obviously very, very tight and anxious. This was observable there and clear in the presser as well. He cares so much for these kids who are trying for something historic. But as you said, and as I proposed in my post of last night, the team was uncharacteristically tight as well. Are the kids feeling the pressure of the moment or just reflecting the feelings of their coach? (and is there a difference?)

2. Geno has always said that the Elite Eight is the toughest game. It was trench warfare. Lots and lots of mistakes, but a win got through better talent and a great deal of determination against a team playing with a lot of inspiration (and a fantastic band!: they were louder than ours by lots. Maybe 100 TX rooters in the stands, but at times you thought they were the home team).

So, what will it be? Increasing pressure because of the unprecedented nature of what they're trying to achieve, so that UConn will have to play against both OSU and themselves (see point #1), or a looser team that will once again play with such incredible precision and confidence?

 

[Tenspro2002]

Regarding Moriah slowing down late in the game and talking to Geno a lot, I also noticed that but I thought it was clear that the reason was that Geno was telling her to slow the offense down and milk the clock, and (since those are obviously not typical instructions for the UConn offense) she was having trouble processing it. I don't know whether she was arguing with him about it or just not sure exactly what he wanted, but slow is not her style.

You would think that UConn would practice "milk the clock" situations just like they practice everything else, but maybe not. You may recall that the 4th quarter in South Carolina looked at little ragged also, probably for the same reason.

I think something Geno has really emphasized this year is employing "Goliath strategies". (This is the opposite of "David strategies", i.e. ways for an inferior opponent to try to level the playing field against a superior opponent.)

A common David strategy is to shorten the game by playing at a slow pace to limit the number of possessions (at an extreme: a big underdog can win over a period of 10 possessions, but is much less likely to win over 100 possessions). By contrast, as a Goliath, you want to maximize the number of possessions -- sample size is your friend.

Thus, for most of the game, Geno is speeding up the pace to try to maximize the number of possessions and smooth out small-sample variance.

As we take a sizable lead into the 4th quarter, the strategy then reverses completely, minimize the number of possessions to force your opponent to get every single one of a smaller number of outcomes to go right (as opposed to merely winning a majority of a large number of outcomes).

It's just statistics.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

I've spent a lot of time thinking about this game (I spent more time traveling to and from it--by far--than I actually spent in the arena), and this is a fantastic analysis, ericsandiego. It helped me recall my own impressions and added a lot to them. Thanks, ericsandiego! I see now the reactions of CocoHusky and JoePgh, two other outstanding observers. So, on some specifics there is obviously room for disagreement. My point below is a reflection of my overarching emotional reaction:

At this point, with nearly a week until the next game and a lot of silly publicity in between, I am divided in my thinking:

1. Geno was quite obviously very, very tight and anxious. This was observable there and clear in the presser as well. He cares so much for these kids who are trying for something historic. But as you said, and as I proposed in my post of last night, the team was uncharacteristically tight as well. Are the kids feeling the pressure of the moment or just reflecting the feelings of their coach? (and is there a difference?)

2. Geno has always said that the Elite Eight is the toughest game. It was trench warfare. Lots and lots of mistakes, but a win got through better talent and a great deal of determination against a team playing with a lot of inspiration (and a fantastic band!: they were louder than ours by lots. Maybe 100 TX rooters in the stands, but at times you thought they were the home team).

So, what will it be? Increasing pressure because of the unprecedented nature of what they're trying to achieve, so that UConn will have to play against both OSU and themselves (see point #1), or a looser team that will once again play with such incredible precision and confidence?

Ah, yes, the question we ponder through this week. good one.

 

[UcMiami]

I also noticed something bizarre in the 2nd half. Jefferson looked tentative and confused. She kept stopping on offense and chatting with Geno while she had the ball in her hands. It happened at least 4-5 times, and those around us noted it almost seemed like she was a freshman - having no idea what kind of offense to run and constantly relying on Geno to direct her every move. I know she had 9 assists, but she had 2 passes at one point (in a row) that went to absolutely nobody in the white jersey. I think those were the only TO's that she had, but it compounded the observation that she looked confused and tentative.

Tuck couldn't hit the broad side of the bard to start the game. Then I looked up and she had 12 points. I was like "huh? I don't recall her scoring". She does it so quickly and quietly. She looks more mobile than I've ever seen, and showed that she can score over (around) a 6'7" player who's just not as quick as her. And no one with her size and strength can step out and hit the 3. The announcers keep saying she's not coming back. I hope they are wrong. She would be spectacular next year - probably the leading scorer on the team. And a NPOY candidate along with KLS. IMHO...

I also thought Gabby looked terrific in flashes, but the 2 times she was in, she made 2 rather large errors and was instantly pulled. She was noticeably frustrated and shaking her head, mentally castigating herself as she went to the bench after Geno instantly yanked her. I do wish he'd pulled her over and had a short chat, leaving her in, but he did not.

I know Kia Nurse missed a bunny or 2, but no one plays harder than her and no one is more intense every second she's on the court. Love this kid. But I'll tell you something - the only other player who played with as much energy as Kia was Saniya Chong - off the bench, in the last 2 minutes of the game. I wish she'd get more scratch. I don't like Chong as the PG because I think the offense tends to grind to a halt when she runs things. But I would love to see her spend more time as the off guard. This is one reason I think Dangerfield has a great chance to start as a freshman. I think Nurse is a better PG than Chong too, but I think Chong could be really good as an off guard if she were given extended minutes.

Just highlight a couple of things from your excellent post to reply to:
Geno decided sometime towards the ned of the third Q or start of the fourth to shorten the game - he has done this before, most notably at SC - he wanted Uconn to use at least 20 seconds and preferably 25 seconds of the shot clock so Mo went to holding the ball near mid-court for about 10 seconds each possession before starting the offense. I don't much like it because I do think it hurts the offensive flow, but it is intentional and not Moriah's decision, and it does give his players that he is playing 30+ minutes an easy end game and it makes it harder for a team down 15+ points to make a comeback, but cutting minutes off of the game.

Your are wrong about Tuck - she started the game 4-4 with two threes - she was hitting everything. Stewart was struggling but Tuck was on fire.

CD does most of the game coaching for players coming out - they always shift down the bench and the player sits next to CD and she spends a fair amount of time talking to them about what is happening, what they did right or wrong, etc. Gabby didn't have a great game, but ... it happens.

Good point about Chong - I thought her few minutes in this game were good. But Geno went with the starters all night which is not unusual at this point of the year.

 

[Henry]

I agree with others. Moriah was not confused. I was there too and it was a large crowd that got loud during our possessions. She had trouble hearing him at times,I believe and as the previous poster said, Geno was employing a strategy that we do not normally use. Moriah was the person who had to calm down Stewie after she threw 2 passes away. Tuck as a total anchor last night. She kept everything together and my wife thought she should have been the MOP. The amount of fouling Texas got away with in the first half was annoying especially when Kia was dragged to the ground at the refs feet and no call. Overall, I was proud of the players for their toughness something UCLA failed at in their game with Texas.

 

[Huskies Rule]

Regarding Moriah slowing down late in the game and talking to Geno a lot, I also noticed that but I thought it was clear that the reason was that Geno was telling her to slow the offense down and milk the clock, and (since those are obviously not typical instructions for the UConn offense) she was having trouble processing it. I don't know whether she was arguing with him about it or just not sure exactly what he wanted, but slow is not her style.

You would think that UConn would practice "milk the clock" situations just like they practice everything else, but maybe not. You may recall that the 4th quarter in South Carolina looked at little ragged also, probably for the same reason.

In any case, they better get that fixed (and I'm sure they will), since a similar situation may well arise against Oregon State, and slow IS their style. It might be better to keep the gas pedal depressed to the final buzzer if slowing down the pace causes this much confusion.

Your point is absolutely perfectly on target. This is a team that plays best when it gets out and runs; though they play the half court game very well, it's clearly a team that prefers and thrives on an up tempo game.

Moriah has the ability to play great at any speed, but as in Columbia SC, when Geno decided to slow it down in Q4 with the game pretty much in hand, the entire offense got bogged down and out of sync, and that included all the seniors. Moriah and the entire team is extraordinary at making that extra pass and finding the best available shot. But I doubt the team does much (if any) slow-it-down stall ball, run-the-shot-clock-down offense in practice, so any uncertainty in implementing that on Moriah's part is totally understandable.

As 'uncomfortable' and uncharacteristic as it might have been, Moriah was magnificent in following Geno's unusual in-game adjustment last night.
It's not easy for an Indy car to go slow.

 

[bags27]

I agree with others. Moriah was not confused. I was there too and it was a large crowd that got loud during our possessions. She had trouble hearing him at times,I believe and as the previous poster said, Geno was employing a strategy that we do not normally use. Moriah was the person who had to calm down Stewie after she threw 2 passes away. Tuck as a total anchor last night. She kept everything together and my wife thought she should have been the MOP. The amount of fouling Texas got away with in the first half was annoying especially when Kia was dragged to the ground at the refs feet and no call. Overall, I was proud of the players for their toughness something UCLA failed at in their game with Texas.

Excellent, Henry! thanks. A couple of our passes (Tuck to Stewie and vice-versa) into the post were horrific: I heard myself screaming "don't pass it". It was a good "teaching moment" and an excellent preparation for next week. But it was so out of synch with, not only the magnificent first half against Miss. State, but generally this year--even against teams with big post players, like South Carolina. That game was before 18,000 screaming and hostile fans, and yet our kids played a more precise game then. That's what the pressure of the tournament will do. As Geno said in the post-game presser, kids who never make a shot in the regular season come up big now (and of course, vice-versa; remember Dee against ND the 2nd half of her first year's championship game?).

 

[OldAlum]

With Texas taking away the transition game, I thought UConn did more standing around and way more dribbling than I am used to seeing. Even before they obviously began slowing things down, I thought there was more dribbling around the perimeter without a clear purpose. And it was difficult to see the others nearly stationary without all the great cuts we are used to seeing. I guess it was part of spreading the floor and milking the clock, but it wasn't pretty. Still, it was a convincing win and I'll take it!

 

[JordyG]

I've spent a lot of time thinking about this game (I spent more time traveling to and from it--by far--than I actually spent in the arena), and this is a fantastic analysis, ericsandiego. It helped me recall my own impressions and added a lot to them. Thanks, ericsandiego! I see now the reactions of CocoHusky and JoePgh, two other outstanding observers. So, on some specifics there is obviously room for disagreement. My point below is a reflection of my overarching emotional reaction:

At this point, with nearly a week until the next game and a lot of silly publicity in between, I am divided in my thinking:

1. Geno was quite obviously very, very tight and anxious. This was observable there and clear in the presser as well. He cares so much for these kids who are trying for something historic. But as you said, and as I proposed in my post of last night, the team was uncharacteristically tight as well. Are the kids feeling the pressure of the moment or just reflecting the feelings of their coach? (and is there a difference?)

2. Geno has always said that the Elite Eight is the toughest game. It was trench warfare. Lots and lots of mistakes, but a win got through better talent and a great deal of determination against a team playing with a lot of inspiration (and a fantastic band!: they were louder than ours by lots. Maybe 100 TX rooters in the stands, but at times you thought they were the home team).

So, what will it be? Increasing pressure because of the unprecedented nature of what they're trying to achieve, so that UConn will have to play against both OSU and themselves (see point #1), or a looser team that will once again play with such incredible precision and confidence?

Excellent observations. I would say however:

1) That tense tight look on Geno's face is his Elite 8 face. That seemed natural to me. The team's tight response was clearly uncharacteristic. However, it was much the same the first half against Dayton last year. UConn tried to push at the beginning of the 2nd half as they did against Dayton, but teams that have played the Husky's before (re: USF) know what to expect. Last year KML had issues shooting the 3 as did KLS this year. The difference last year was Stewie shot better (and it was clear she was off early from the perimeter), had and made more FT's, and Moriah dominated the Texas backcourt. Not the case last night. Moriah was not allowed to penetrate, and Stewie spent more time on her butt than I can recall. Texas was allowed a lot of rough interior play which they were penalized for last year.

2) Good practice for a dangerous OSU team on a neutral court. A team that UConn needs to be physical on the perimeter to beat. UConn needs to react better to their inside, outside play, cover the 3 better, run through screens better, shut off their occasional pick and roll, and make Hamblin beat them from 8 feet out. OSU will run the high screen (double screens, rubs, staggered, singles) all night. Force them to screen higher up. Tough team that shoots well.