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Message: [QUOTE="housekeys, post: 4275890, member: 2379"] Lot of opinions and views, but the box score tells the real story. 1) Both teams made 22 field goals. Shooting percentages, (UConn - 40.7%, SC -36.7%). Hmmm? Taken alone, this is not indicative of the score and outcome. UConn should have had a better outcome, but... 2) Offensive rebounds (UConn - 6, SC - 21). This typically indicates extra FG attempts at the basket, so SC should have about 15 more FG attempts. And ... 3) Turnovers (UConn -15, SC -14) also typically indicates extra FG attempts. This stat is basically even. 4) Yet, FG attempts where nearly even (UConn - 54, SC - 60). How come? Where did the expected 15 more FG from the offensive rebounds mentioned in 1), go? If UConn had 54, SC should have 69 or more. What gives? 5) The answer: Free throws attempts (UConn - 4, SC - 26). Most of the offensive rebounds manifested themselves (not necessarily resulted) in fouls against UConn and FT attempts for SC. The FT's made (UConn - 1, SC - 17) is basically the margin of victory. SC was called for some fouls at the end, which was "window dressing" by the officials. Too little, too late and of no relevance to the game. The above results question the legitimacy of a some of the narratives and opinions thrown around. For example: [LIST] [*]"Amazing defense by SC. Best in history". True, but UConn's defense was equal if not better. Note that 3) shows that both defenses caused the same number of turnovers. Good defense also implies missed shots, but UConn shot better as indicated by 1). Defense was even. [*]"Officiating was not a factor". As shown in 5) it was a factor. Apparently, not only did UConn allow SC to outrebound them on the offensive glass, but they eventually fouled. The officials rewarded SC aggressiveness and penalized UConn's lack of aggressiveness. [*]"SC clearly the better team". The only thing SC was clearly better at was in 2) offensive rebounds and 5) getting officials to call fouls on UConn, while somehow not getting called for fouls themselves. Peculiar, because 1) and 3) indicate both teams played equally tough defense. [/LIST] There you have it. SC aggressiveness was rewarded. UConn was not aggressive enough. The officials called the game this way and it favored SC. They capitalized on what was given and won the game. Credit to SC. My conclusion and opinion is that SC deserved the win and they where the better team this night with these officials. But, I do not buy some of the narratives being thrown about. Specifically, they are not "clearly" the better team and not 16 point better than UConn. The Vegas spread is probably more realistic (4points or so favoring SC). Considering UConn's health issues, it is amazing what UConn accomplished. Bravo to both teams, but, especially UConn. [/QUOTE]

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