St John’s post game thread (merged thread)

[Fairfield Fan]

This game should have been a blowout. Instead, it was a grind from start to finish. UCONN turnovers let to a lot of SJU points. The 2 games leading up to Oregon had many feeling "good", and even tho we prettied up the corpse at the end, it really was a blowout. We followed up the Seton Hall blowout (a team who just beat this SJU team) with a lackluster struggle. Geno keeps talking about his struggles in getting the team to listen to him - even at halftime - he said "these kids don't believe me. I tell them they need to go out at the 3 point shooters with their arm(s) up, and they don't".

This team just doesn't have it for whatever reason. One could argue that the revolving door of injuries, covid issues, etc., causes consistency problems, but it feels like the issues are deeper. When Geno is quoted as saying that 2 kids on the team simply do not give "UCONN hard" effort, and that the players do not listen to him, again it speaks to a deeper problem. At halftime he said the team played pretty well, but the missed layups were specifically mentioned. Sure a double digit win on the road, but it just didn't feel like a great win.

Geno had to call a TO early in Q4 after SJU went on a 7-0 run to start the quarter. That's baffling against an overmatched team who is 1-5 in the BE. They were shooting over 43% late into the game. Instead of doing a player by player synopsis, 4 players stood out...

Caroline, Nika, ONO, and Dorka.

• Caroline continues to be our best offensive option. Her 3 point shooting is way off, but she finds so many other ways to score, and she works hard on defense. She's a gamer and will be really good for her career.
• Nika - 3 point shooting is not a strength - 4-12 in the last 2 games, but she's really no worse than anyone else on the team who plays right now. But her energy and defense is really nice to see.
• Dorka - really solid game from start to finish. Sure she made some mistakes, but she battles, gets open, makes a decent amount of layups (unlike the bricks some other have been shooting), and is really all around solid.
• Olivia for getting almost 20 rebounds. 18 boards and 10 assists. WOW. What an effort!!

Evina had nice numbers, but her mental lapses and leadership was a bit lacking today. Edwards - meh. Gotta make layups.

This game was close enough that we went no deeper into the bench. The game vs. SC, even with Christyn back, could be very ugly for UCONN. BUT this team is so inconsistent that maybe we will be surprised in a good way!

Right now, Ducharmes is the only player playing at a Top 25 team level. We can't beat a Top 25 team when the starting post takes just four shots, and makes just one. We don't need her standing at the top of the key wondering whom to pass to. That won't cut it against any team with a real front court.

But Ducharmes is the real deal. Deserves to be starting first team All Big East, and not just first team freshman All Big East. She's doing it all.

 

[HuskyNan]

Right now, Ducharmes is the only player playing at a Top 25 team level. We can't beat a Top 25 team when the starting post takes just four shots, and makes just one. We don't need her standing at the top of the key wondering whom to pass to. That won't cut it against any team with a real front court.

But Ducharmes is the real deal. Deserves to be starting first team All Big East, and not just first team freshman All Big East. She's doing it all.

Are you kidding me? Olivia had 18 rebounds, 10 assists. Geno was thrilled with her performance. Dorka picked up the scoring with 16 points.

Sometimes I wonder what people see when they watch a game

Women's Basketball vs St. John's (NY) on 01/23/22 - Box Score - University of Connecticut Athletics

University of Connecticut Athletics

uconnhuskies.com

 

[Glenn]

Olivia has been playing very well this year, and her numbers look similar to Stefanie Dolson's senior year. Indeed, her career numbers are pretty close. I am happy that she is getting some recognition from the Husky fans this year.

	Minutes	Points	Percent	Rebounds	Assists	Turnovers	Blocks	Steals
Nelson-Ododa
Sophomore	26.4​	10.9​	0.55​	8.5​	2.8​	2.4​	3.1​	1.1​
Junior	25.9​	12.0​	0.56​	7.8​	2.9​	1.9​	1.8​	0.6​
Senior	29.4​	11.7​	0.57​	8.5​	4.2​	2.1​	2.2​	1.5​
Dolson
Sophomore	23.9​	10.4​	0.59​	6.0​	1.7​	2.4​	1.5​	0.8​
Junior	26.8​	13.6​	0.59​	7.1​	3.1​	2.3​	1.5​	1.1​
Senior	32.3​	12.5​	0.56​	9.3​	3.4​	2.6​	2.3​	1.0​

 

[oldude]

Right now, Ducharmes is the only player playing at a Top 25 team level. We can't beat a Top 25 team when the starting post takes just four shots, and makes just one. We don't need her standing at the top of the key wondering whom to pass to. That won't cut it against any team with a real front court.

But Ducharmes is the real deal. Deserves to be starting first team All Big East, and not just first team freshman All Big East. She's doing it all.

What game were you watching? Liv had 18 rbs and 10 assists, both career highs. She constantly fed Caroline & Dorka in the low blocks. With Paige out, Liv is the best passer on this team right now, and the best passing Big in the country.

Fairfield, you’ve made no secret of the fact that you are not a fan of Liv’s. But for crying out load, criticizing Liv after her wonderful game today is ridiculous.

 

[PAHuskeyFan]

What game were you watching? Liv had 18 rbs and 10 assists, both career highs. She constantly fed Caroline & Dorka in the low blocks. With Paige out, Liv is the best passer on this team right now, and the best passing Big in the country.

Fairfield, you’ve made no secret of the fact that you are not a fan of Liv’s. But for crying out load, criticizing Liv after her wonderful game today is ridiculous.

Concur with you @oldude ... there are more ways to contribute than points... and I corrected your post for you... 18 rebounds (rbs) not points (pts).

 

[my2cents]

This game should have been a blowout. Instead, it was a grind from start to finish. UCONN turnovers let to a lot of SJU points. The 2 games leading up to Oregon had many feeling "good", and even tho we prettied up the corpse at the end, it really was a blowout. We followed up the Seton Hall blowout (a team who just beat this SJU team) with a lackluster struggle. Geno keeps talking about his struggles in getting the team to listen to him - even at halftime - he said "these kids don't believe me. I tell them they need to go out at the 3 point shooters with their arm(s) up, and they don't".

This team just doesn't have it for whatever reason. One could argue that the revolving door of injuries, covid issues, etc., causes consistency problems, but it feels like the issues are deeper. When Geno is quoted as saying that 2 kids on the team simply do not give "UCONN hard" effort, and that the players do not listen to him, again it speaks to a deeper problem. At halftime he said the team played pretty well, but the missed layups were specifically mentioned. Sure a double digit win on the road, but it just didn't feel like a great win.

Geno had to call a TO early in Q4 after SJU went on a 7-0 run to start the quarter. That's baffling against an overmatched team who is 1-5 in the BE. They were shooting over 43% late into the game. Instead of doing a player by player synopsis, 4 players stood out...

Caroline, Nika, ONO, and Dorka.

• Caroline continues to be our best offensive option. Her 3 point shooting is way off, but she finds so many other ways to score, and she works hard on defense. She's a gamer and will be really good for her career.
• Nika - 3 point shooting is not a strength - 4-12 in the last 2 games, but she's really no worse than anyone else on the team who plays right now. But her energy and defense is really nice to see.
• Dorka - really solid game from start to finish. Sure she made some mistakes, but she battles, gets open, makes a decent amount of layups (unlike the bricks some other have been shooting), and is really all around solid.
• Olivia for getting almost 20 rebounds. 18 boards and 10 assists. WOW. What an effort!!

Evina had nice numbers, but her mental lapses and leadership was a bit lacking today. Edwards - meh. Gotta make layups.

This game was close enough that we went no deeper into the bench. The game vs. SC, even with Christyn back, could be very ugly for UCONN. BUT this team is so inconsistent that maybe we will be surprised in a good way!

This had to be one of the most ridiculous posts I have ever read on the BY. This guy is making universal judgments about a team with ZERO regard to what its missing in regards to injuries and illness. This team has had its ups and downs with the numerous role changes and adjustments, but overall, I give it great credit for the grit it shows in these WINS.

 

[Viet Vet]

Good game by an understaffed squad. But SC by 14.

 

[CTBballfan243]

Thank you Ms. Nan.
With all due respect.
But there is nothing more important than protecting the ball.
Any sport: pick one: hoops, lacrosse, football, soccer, field hockey, name it.
When you have the ball in your possession, the other team cannot score.
The lazy passes, push passes, disrespecting the importance of controlling the ball drives me crazy.
Protect the ball, please....

They’re kids, not pros. Let me let you in on a little secret. UConn, like every other team, has flaws and is not perfect. They are going to throw the ball away, make mistakes and even miss layups. The team is getting better and the kids are learning and doing the best they can.

 

[Carnac]

agree, but she is just one - I think it has to do with Winston Churchill. See Geno's post game presser!

She has learned Geno’s “read and react” system wouldn’t you say? She got starter’s minutes because of players going down in front of her. She leads the team in scoring and (bless her) is not afraid to shoot. I’d say she’s learned his system pretty good.

 

[boontonbomber]

Right now, Ducharmes is the only player playing at a Top 25 team level. We can't beat a Top 25 team when the starting post takes just four shots, and makes just one. We don't need her standing at the top of the key wondering whom to pass to. That won't cut it against any team with a real front court.

But Ducharmes is the real deal. Deserves to be starting first team All Big East, and not just first team freshman All Big East. She's doing it all.

no "s", unless you think her contributions are as if she is multiple players.

 

[topogigio]

She has learned Geno’s “read and react” system wouldn’t you say? She got starter’s minutes because of players going down in front of her. She leads the team in scoring and (bless her) is not afraid to shoot. I’d say she’s learned his system pretty good.

You are correct, Caroline has learned Geno's system quite well as a freshman. I am wondering what has taken some of the rest so long to figure it out.

 

[STLCardinal]

Don't think the Winston Churchill thing went over so well.

What a shame they didn't know who he was. So many great things to learn from Churchill.

 

[TeamFirst!]

I think it would be a tough call to decide who is more valuable right now. Liv or Caroline. Liv's defensive value is huge for this team and we need the high point efficiency, the rebounds and assists as well. Zero doubt that Liv is a 1st round pick at this point in the season.

 

[oldude]

Good game by an understaffed squad. But SC by 14.

That would be a smaller MOV than the first time the Huskies played the Gamecocks with Paige, Christyn & Azzi in the lineup.

 

[Stymie]

They’re kids, not pros. Let me let you in on a little secret. UConn, like every other team, has flaws and is not perfect. They are going to throw the ball away, make mistakes and even miss layups. The team is getting better and the kids are learning and doing the best they can.

I understand that they’re not Pros.
LSU lost to unranked FLA today due to , in large part, to their 19 turnovers.
You’re whistling past the graveyard if you don’t think retaining/protecting the ball is the key to winning.

 

[HuskyNan]

I understand that they’re not Pros.
LSU lost to unranked FLA today due to , in large part, to their 19 turnovers.
You’re whistling past the graveyard if you don’t think retaining/protecting the ball is the key to winning.

I thought they won today

What happens today doesn’t mean it won‘t happen in the next game. The Huskies had 10 TOS last game and 16 today. I don’t think that means anything except they had 16 TOS today. It certainly doesn’t mean they’ll have 16 vs So Carolina

 

[Centerstream]

That would be a smaller MOV than the first time the Huskies played the Gamecocks with Paige, Christyn & Azzi in the lineup.

I understand your point, and as much as I hate discussing the SC game in a post game thread, Azzi didn't score in the SC game while playing 10 minutes. So she had no effect on the MOV is all my point is.

 

[FairView]

Some of the posts in here make it so difficult not to personally attack the poster.
However, always striving to remain on HuskyNan's good side, I will not.
BTW, your outfit looks great today, Nan!

 

[Centerstream]

I understand that they’re not Pros.
LSU lost to unranked FLA today due to , in large part, to their 19 turnovers.
You’re whistling past the graveyard if you don’t think retaining/protecting the ball is the key to winning.

LSU lost today, in a larger part, because FLA scored more points. Fact.

 

[CTBballfan243]

What a shame they didn't know who he was. So many great things to learn from Churchill.

It’s actually pathetic that they didn’t know who Winston Churchill was. One of the Great Men from the greatest generation.

 

[EricSD]

Why should it have been a blowout? St. John's has good players and one of the best in the BE. UConn's offense has been struggling and will continue to struggle. You probably need to lower your expectations until everyone gets back and even then, temper them. UConn's offense and turnovers will continue to hinder them from being the team we love to see.

3 reasons:

1. SJU is the 3rd worst team in the big east and is on an 8 game losing streak
2. SJU just lost to Seton Hall, a team UCONN walloped 2 days ago
3. Doesn't seem unfair to expect the team to build off the excellent all around game on Friday leading up to SC on Thursday. Instead it felt like a step backwards.

Sure - a win on the road. But given who the opponent was, we shouldn't have "only" been up 8 about 2 minutes into Q4

 

[Stymie]

I thought they won today

What happens today doesn’t mean it won‘t happen in the next game. The Huskies had 10 TOS last game and 16 today. I don’t think that means anything except they had 16 TOS today. It certainly doesn’t mean they’ll have 16 vs So Carolina

Yes they won.
They looked fair against 5-12 St John’s team.
If that is where the bar has been lowered to, who am I to argue?
Injuries, short bench, sure.
5-12 St John’s.
Dancing the Limbo here...

 

[EricSD]

Playing St. John’s at their gym, one should never expect a blowout. They appeared to be a much better team than Seton Hall.

Not sure at all how you figure how SJU must be better. They literally lost to Seton Hall 4 days ago. Granted it was a close game but still, they lost by 5.

I get if you mean they seemed to play us better, but our defense was just not nearly as good as it was against Seton Hall.

 

[Stymie]

I do believe that, in the end, this season may still be Geno’s crowning achievement.
Lotta hoops still to play.
I just try to keep it real.

 

[PAHuskeyFan]

3 reasons:

1. SJU is the 3rd worst team in the big east and is on an 8 game losing streak
2. SJU just lost to Seton Hall, a team UCONN walloped 2 days ago
3. Doesn't seem unfair to expect the team to build off the excellent all around game on Friday leading up to SC on Thursday. Instead it felt like a step backwards.

Sure - a win on the road. But given who the opponent was, we shouldn't have "only" been up 8 about 2 minutes into Q4

Sorry, but the score at the end of Q4 is the one that matters.

 

[STLCardinal]

Just to say hats off to those of you who see a group of 18-22 year olds, not professionals, playing in different circumstance than they imagined at the beginning of the summer, with different lineups than they practiced with, and in different positions than their strengths would normally put them in. Those of you who see improvement when it’s there. Who, as a fan, always ask for effort and try to see the big picture. Who recognize that a particular player may not have the ability or the mental aptitude to do what some expect they should and just ask that they play to their strengths. Who take the time to try and grasp the pressure kids who play college ball in general and at UConn in particular are under. Yes, it’s only a game and there shouldn’t be that kind of pressure. But there is. Anyway, I’m glad there seem to be more of you than there are those who seem to be looking for flawlessness and criticize when they don't see it. All from the comfort of their couch.

 

[HuskyNan]

Not sure at all how you figure how SJU must be better. They literally lost to Seton Hall 4 days ago. Granted it was a close game but still, they lost by 5.

I get if you mean they seemed to play us better, but our defense was just not nearly as good as it was against Seton Hall.

St John’s isn’t without talent. Leilani Correa was HoopGurlz #21 ranked player, Danielle Cosgrove is a senior transfer from Norte Dame, and Danielle Patterson, who got a look from Geno, was the #5 ranked forward out of high school.

The Johnnies have had their own issues with Covid and injuries, just like the Huskies. See the box below that shows only 3 players have played all 17 games. In the fall, before their health issues, St John’s lost by 8 to #19 ranked UCLA on the road. Maybe they aren’t as bad as you think they are. Geno himself said they’re better than their record and he’s the guy that’s watched game tapes and scouted the opponent

https://s3.amazonaws.com/redstormsports.com/documents/2022/1/23/Season_Stats.pdf

 

[EricSD]

This had to be one of the most ridiculous posts I have ever read on the BY. This guy is making universal judgments about a team with ZERO regard to what its missing in regards to injuries and illness. This team has had its ups and downs with the numerous role changes and adjustments, but overall, I give it great credit for the grit it shows in these WINS.

One of the most ridiculous posts you have ever read on the BY? Then today must be your very first day. And factually incorrect. I get it if you want to disagree, but the one and only disagreement you made about my post is just wrong.

I said "One could argue that the revolving door of injuries, covid issues, etc., causes consistency problems, but it feels like the issues are deeper. When Geno is quoted as saying that 2 kids on the team simply do not give "UCONN hard" effort, and that the players do not listen to him, again it speaks to a deeper problem."

So it seems like I at least gave 1% regard to what is missing. Oh, and my comment was wrapped around a quote from Geno criticizing effort by 2 unnamed players and his more general comment about the team not listening to him. Believe me, I don't like writing it any more than you like reading it, but most of that part is Geno's words, not mine.

You are correct - my post was not all warm and fuzzy, but also, I did give lots of praise to 4 players who I thought were really good. But pretending that this team does not have issues does not make them go away. And when Geno addresses that in pressers, or in comments to the media, unless it's hyperbole, it's extra concerning.

 

[CTBballfan243]

Not sure at all how you figure how SJU must be better. They literally lost to Seton Hall 4 days ago. Granted it was a close game but still, they lost by 5.

I get if you mean they seemed to play us better, but our defense was just not nearly as good as it was against Seton Hall.

The defense looked better against Seton Hall because Seton Hall was hitting any of their shots. St. John’s had players who made shots. Let’s remember, St.John’s is a D1 program. They have uniforms and everything.

 

[EricSD]

St John’s isn’t without talent. Leilani Correa was HoopGurlz #21 ranked player, Danielle Cosgrove is a senior transfer from Norte Dame, and Danielle Patterson, who got a look from Geno, was the #5 ranked forward out of high school.

The Johnnies have had their own issues with Covid this winter, just like the Huskies. In the fall, before their health issues, St John’s lost by 8 to #19 ranked UCLA on the road. Maybe they aren’t as bad as you think they are. Geno himself said they’re better than their record and he’s the guy that’s watched game tapes and scouted the opponent

Point taken. So please explain to me what changed for SJU from Wednesday, Jan 19 (4 days ago) when they played Seton Hall, to today.

I get it. Some folks think today's game was all around good and no criticisms were needed. I expected more so obviously we disagree. At the end of the day, we are all UCONN fans and further debate won't change anyone's mind. We disagree, but if we all always felt the same way, we'd be Stepford Wives, not unique and passionate UCONN fans!