South Carolina Preparing For UConn ...Again

[CocoHusky]

As a UCONN homer and huge WCBB fan I hoping for a game that is worthy of the #1 & #2 teams in the country. Regardless of the MOV or defeat South Carolina is to be commended for agreeing to play UCONN and delivering 15K fans to watch women play basketball.

 

[PalPa]

I don't expect the 15K fans to bother UCONN much. We played at Louisville in the Native American Night game they had for Shoni and Judy with 22K fans in attendance. Louisville lead the game by a fair margin for a good part of the first half and the fans were going wild, the game ended up being another UCONN blowout.

 

[huskyd]

The big + for SoCar is they're playing at home! That is the ONLY +! The 15,000 crowd will not rattle UCONN! Are you kidding me?
Stewie, MoJeff, Tuck (if healthy), are capable of scoring between 15 & 25+ points; Collier, KLS, Gabby, Chong, Butler, Nurse (if Healthy), are all capable of scoring between 5 to 10 points. So if you go the low end, 15 each for the 3 stars and 5 for the next 6 = 75 points! If you go the top end it's way over 100! So if you go mix & match UCONN capable of easily scoring 85+ points vs SoCar!
SoCar has faced a defense the type UCONN brings only once in the last 2 years and that was vs UCONN last year and we all know how that turned out!
SoCar is averaging top end 75 to 77 points a game, so where does SoCar get the extra 10 points? And can SoCar hold UCONN to the 70's? I say no way on both accounts!
As mentioned above by huskyd, Stewie covers Wilson, Tuck covers Coates, MoJeff covers Mitchell, so the 3 stars for SoCar are held at least 5 under their averages, they cannot score into the 80's to beat UCONN! SoCar defense cannot stop the Huskies!
Even UCONN's bench is superior!
IMO the final score will be UCONN 83 / SoCar 52!

And if worse comes to worse, RV, we can bash SC over the head with an exclamation point!!!

 

[JavaMan]

ESPN Preparing Also - Big Time!

Battle of Nation’s Undefeated – No. 1 UConn Travels to No. 2 South Carolina for a Big Monday Tilt
By Rachel Margolis Siegal | Posted on February 4, 2016

For the eighth-straight regular season, the No. 1 vs. No. 2 teams in the nation will square off – this season top-ranked UConn visits No. 2 South Carolina in a Big Monday matchup on February 8, at 7 p.m. on ESPN2. Dave O’Brien, analyst Doris Burke and reporter Maria Taylorwill have the call of the game.

Last season, South Carolina was the No. 1-ranked team when the Gamecocks visited No. 2 UConn in a February 9 Big Monday tilt, resulting in the Huskies regaining the top ranking with a 87-62 victory.

Game Coverage

• Pending wins in games before Monday, elements highlighting UConn’s 48-game win streak and South Carolina’s 45-game home win streak.
• Explore the Olympic connection between head coaches Geno Auriemma (UConn) and Dawn Staley (South Carolina).

Studio Coverage

• SportsCenter anchor Zubin Mehenti will be live onsite providing segments during the 6 p.m. edition, anchored by Lindsay Czarniak in ESPN’s Bristol, Conn., studios.
• Rebecca Lobo visits the UConn campus and spends time with UConn senior Breanna Stewart to discuss this landmark season for her and the Huskies, with the featured segment running during the 6 p.m. edition of SportsCenter.
• Also from the Bristol studios, anchor Doug Kezirian, along with analysts Kara Lawsonand Lobo, will provide game analysis and breakdown.

espnW.com

• Columnist Mechelle Voepel will be onsite from Columbia, S.C., providing live coverage and postgame content.
• Voepel will profile South Carolina seniors Tiffany Mitchell and Khadijah Sessions and how they are preparing for the biggest home game of their careers.
• Bracketologist Charlie Creme will profile Stewart, who late last year revisited her childhood home, the place she learned to dribble between her legs, developed her ball-handling skills and really fell in love with the game. “Growing Up Stewie” also features original video from espnW.
• Voepel will look back at the longstanding history between Staley and Auriemma, who first faced each other in the 1990s, when Staley’s Virginia Cavs met the Huskies in the Final Four. The piece will also feature a video segment of the two coaches – who work side-by-side on the USA Basketball staff.
• Once the game tips, WNBA player and ESPN analyst Chiney Ogwumike will be answering questions in an hour-long Twitter Q&A. Follow along at #HoopsWithChiney.

[MORE]

 

[Tonyc]

UConn has to many ball handlers, UConn is to quick, and UConn has Stewie Mojeff and Tuck. SC does not have bigs who can handle the ball. SC has Mitchell as their only reliable outside shooter. UConn will pack it in on defense, guard Mitchell on the outside and SC will have to force an outside shot or try to force a pass inside and many times UConn will deflect that pass. UConn inside has Tuck and Stewart who are to quick for SC. Mojeff will drive Sessions and Cuevas crazy on both sides of the ball. SC doesn't score a lot of points and UConn does. UConn may not win by 25 but the game will not be in doubt. IMO Stewie and Mojeff and Tuck are in another league then any other college player and they are all on the same team. They recover so well and defensively they are so intimidating that the intimidation factor is in every opponents mind. SC is not a good foul shooting team and lacks outside shooters.

You cant defend UConn because you only have 5 players. UConn is to versatile inside and out and to proficient for any college team to defend. Now can UConn lose...only if they are unable to play defense and that can only happen with foul trouble. I don't see that happening as Dee Kanter and staff will be calling the game and I expect a very consistent called game.

UConn will gain control of this game with their quickness and explosiveness. I do expect SC to be hyped up for game, however if UConn comes out hot on defense which makes their offense go then this game could be embarrassing. UConn will put on a show in this one. Well the going gets tuff the tuff get going. UConn 81 SC 54

 

[Buzzyboy]

Some 3s from Mo and Tuck like we got early on in last year's game will really help.

I'm definitely one who would rely on three point shots from Morgan. She's not what I would consider a good three point shooter. Her strength is within fifteen feet and her ability to dip and tuck and score with either hand inside.

 

[Buzzyboy]

UConn has to many ball handlers, UConn is to quick, and UConn has Stewie Mojeff and Tuck. SC does not have bigs who can handle the ball. SC has Mitchell as their only reliable outside shooter. UConn will pack it in on defense, guard Mitchell on the outside and SC will have to force an outside shot or try to force a pass inside and many times UConn will deflect that pass. UConn inside has Tuck and Stewart who are to quick for SC. Mojeff will drive Sessions and Cuevas crazy on both sides of the ball. SC doesn't score a lot of points and UConn does. UConn may not win by 25 but the game will not be in doubt. IMO Stewie and Mojeff and Tuck are in another league then any other college player and they are all on the same team. They recover so well and defensively they are so intimidating that the intimidation factor is in every opponents mind. SC is not a good foul shooting team and lacks outside shooters.

You cant defend UConn because you only have 5 players. UConn is to versatile inside and out and to proficient for any college team to defend. Now can UConn lose...only if they are unable to play defense and that can only happen with foul trouble. I don't see that happening as Dee Kanter and staff will be calling the game and I expect a very consistent called game.

UConn will gain control of this game with their quickness and explosiveness. I do expect SC to be hyped up for game, however if UConn comes out hot on defense which makes their offense go then this game could be embarrassing. UConn will put on a show in this one. Well the going gets tuff the tuff get going. UConn 81 SC 54

I like that you think UConn MIGHT not win by 25 but are predicting them to win by 27 points. I guess 27 isn't 25, is it? I think that SC is a very mediocre offensive team who uses size to inevitably wear down opponents. Their length might be an advantage to their ability to somewhat limit their opponents scoring but were UConn to lose to SC, it would have to be because they played horrifically, shot extremely poorly and had foul trouble or injury issues and maybe all of the above. I feel overall that SC isn't in the same league as Notre Dame or UConn. If Muffett were coaching SC I think they'd be appreciably more formidable than they presently are with Dawn Staley. Had they not had the home court advantage with Aja Wilson, they wouldn't be a top 10 team and probably not a top twenty team. Meanwhile, if UConn lost Stewie, they'd probably still be the number one team in the country. JMHO!

 

[Hongster]

UConn fans may hate me for saying this, but you can take a good intramural boy's team that can play at least as well as UConn. Sorry, but I'm old school, so, until UConn beats a good boy's intramural team, that's my belief.

This is pure irrelevant and nonsense.

 

[Hongster]

The only thing I don't like about this game is ESPN. Screwed cable!

 

[arty155]

When you come right down to it, howthehell are you going to prepare for UConn?

 

[Carnac]

After reading all of the posts here, and listening to several analysts on TV, I can report that I haven't read or heard 1 person predicting a South Carolina win. For a myriad of reasons, from a-z, from soup to nuts, UConn is the overwhelming favorite.

This is a statement game for BOTH teams. The clash of the Titans. Depending on who you talk to, the winner of this game may be perceived as the odds on favorite to win the national championship come April.

I'm adding my 2 cents into the ring. I'm going to emulate former NFL NY giants head coach "Jim Fassel".
I'm taking off the turban and the cape and shoving them to the center of the table (along with all of the chips).

I'm betting the farm on UConn!! I'm so sure of a UConn victory, I consider this to be more of an investment, than gambling.

 

[Suebird10fan]

UConn has to many ball handlers, UConn is to quick, and UConn has Stewie Mojeff and Tuck. SC does not have bigs who can handle the ball. SC has Mitchell as their only reliable outside shooter. UConn will pack it in on defense, guard Mitchell on the outside and SC will have to force an outside shot or try to force a pass inside and many times UConn will deflect that pass. UConn inside has Tuck and Stewart who are to quick for SC. Mojeff will drive Sessions and Cuevas crazy on both sides of the ball. SC doesn't score a lot of points and UConn does. UConn may not win by 25 but the game will not be in doubt. IMO Stewie and Mojeff and Tuck are in another league then any other college player and they are all on the same team. They recover so well and defensively they are so intimidating that the intimidation factor is in every opponents mind. SC is not a good foul shooting team and lacks outside shooters.

You cant defend UConn because you only have 5 players. UConn is to versatile inside and out and to proficient for any college team to defend. Now can UConn lose...only if they are unable to play defense and that can only happen with foul trouble. I don't see that happening as Dee Kanter and staff will be calling the game and I expect a very consistent called game.

UConn will gain control of this game with their quickness and explosiveness. I do expect SC to be hyped up for game, however if UConn comes out hot on defense which makes their offense go then this game could be embarrassing. UConn will put on a show in this one. Well the going gets tuff the tuff get going. UConn 81 SC 54

If I look at UConn's play over the course of the season 81-54 seems too optimistic. But if they play the way they did against Tulane, 81-54 is entirely reasonable. There's a part of me that hates to get overoptimistic--I don't want to be disappointed if it's a close fought win. But the reality is that, right or wrong, my gut tells me that Mo and Stewie are going bring their A+ games and SC won't know what hit them.

 

[Kibitzer]

I like our chances.

 

[Carnac]

Question to all of the yarders:
Who do YOU think will have the most pressure on them come BIG MONDAY?
UConn or South Carolina?.

You know USC still has visions (nightmares) of that wuppin they got a year ago. Are they afraid history will repeat itself, and they get embarrassed ..........again at home in front of 15,000 + fans?

Give us YOUR prediction of the outcome of this game, and why.

 

[Huskie78]

Question to all of the yarders:
Who do YOU think will have the most pressure on them come BIG MONDAY?
UConn or South Carolina?.

You know USC still has visions (nightmares) of that wuppin they got a year ago. Are they afraid history will repeat itself, and they get embarrassed .....again at home in front of 15,000 + fans?

Give us YOUR prediction of the outcome of this game, and why.

As far as the pressure ?... this is the greatest way to look at who the pressure is on.
Take it Geno...
3:19 mark

 

[Zorro]

Well, it is undoubtedly true that teams playing UConn for the first time have little chance to win. That is also true of teams playing them for the second, third, fourth and fifth times.

 

[Carnac]

As far as the pressure ?... this is the greatest way to look at who the pressure is on.
Take it Geno...
3:19 mark

A thousands thanks Huskie78. I had never seen that video clip before. I loved it.
I guess we can move on to another subject now. Geno has answered the pressure question for us.

 

[HuskyPhan]

I love, love, love that video-Geno is THE MAN! I'm going with UConn 82 SC 59. I also predict that after this game, many in the media will start asking this question, "Is this the all-time greatest women's BB team"? I believe the answer is yes-however, we know that that question can't be answered until the first week in April. Go Huskies-what a fun season this has been so far

 

[SCGamecock]

Are any of you Huskies fans going to the game on Monday?

 

[Geno-ista]

UConn fans may hate me for saying this, but you can take a good intramural boy's team that can play at least as well as UConn. Sorry, but I'm old school, so, until UConn beats a good boy's intramural team, that's my belief.

That's the dumbest post I've ever read. I feel sorry for you- u r a true sexist hater.

 

[Geno-ista]

I actually saw the South Carolina itinerary for Monday. It has mandatory chapel or mass before and after the morning shoot around. Not sure how they can get away with that at a public university though.

Makes me want to root for them!!! faith doesn't play well in Ct/New England!

 

[RockyMTblue2]

UConn fans may hate me for saying this, but you can take a good intramural boy's team that can play at least as well as UConn. Sorry, but I'm old school, so, until UConn beats a good boy's intramural team, that's my belief.

I'm surprised you have that many teeth.

 

[Woof 101]

UConn fans may hate me for saying this, but you can take a good intramural boy's team that can play at least as well as UConn. Sorry, but I'm old school, so, until UConn beats a good boy's intramural team, that's my belief.

That's the dumbest post I've ever read. I feel sorry for you- u r a true sexist hater.

Everyone relax we just must just smile on one another and educate. For Aluminny....
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/05/s...-these-men-lots-of-guts-but-little-glory.html
http://www.nytimes.com/1997/02/20/s...-uconn-s-no-1-basketball-team-get-better.html


OK I'll stop there Alfred should get the point. No attack Al but get with the times.

 

[JordyG]

To me this is the same SC team as last year. UCONN for my money is a better, deeper team than last year. With far too many weapons. A team that has played a far tougher OOC schedule. Home court is an advantage, but UCONN by 20-25. Geno empties the bench in the last 5-8 minutes.

 

[Kibitzer]

OK, let's try this to make it interesting:

Winner is awarded a guaranteed #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Loser gets a #65 ranking and is required to play that pre-tourney "qualifying" game to earn a #16 seed. Game to be played against a boys' intramural squad.