Sluconn Husky
#1 Source of Info
- Joined
- May 22, 2014
- Messages
- 18,039
- Reaction Score
- 79,739
The Huskies had control, with a 64-55 lead in a game that had been a one-possession tug-o-war for the better part of 32 minutes. Then they lost control, in every way. They didn’t run offense very well. They didn’t make a few available open shots, blowing layups late like they had early. They certainly couldn’t stop Notre Dame, turbocharged down the stretch and riding Ogunbowale’s hot hand that pushed UConn into a cold place.
...
But the most painful losses are ones of missed opportunity. That’s what this became, and that’s what is maddening.
UConn was magnificent on defense in the first half, but missed enough layups and 3-pointers to lead by just one, 30-29, at the break. The Huskies were outstanding on offense for much of the second half, particularly Samuelson, who was scoreless at halftime and had 15 points in the third quarter alone.
You don’t take a nine-point lead in this setting without being really good and doing a lot right, and UConn was really good and did a lot right for a stretch book-ended by periods of play lacking a finishing touch.
...
Auriemma had said the Huskies would be undaunted by the moment, that they wouldn’t play scared. “We might get beat,” he explained, “but we're not going to lose. They're going to have to beat our asses. We're not just going to lose because we're afraid to lose.”
After Friday’s game, he conceded that it always ends up being a combination.
Yes, Notre Dame earned this victory.
And, yes, UConn should have.
Mike Anthony: Same pain delivered with different method as UConn smothered out of the Final Four by fourth-quarter Notre Dame takeover
...
But the most painful losses are ones of missed opportunity. That’s what this became, and that’s what is maddening.
UConn was magnificent on defense in the first half, but missed enough layups and 3-pointers to lead by just one, 30-29, at the break. The Huskies were outstanding on offense for much of the second half, particularly Samuelson, who was scoreless at halftime and had 15 points in the third quarter alone.
You don’t take a nine-point lead in this setting without being really good and doing a lot right, and UConn was really good and did a lot right for a stretch book-ended by periods of play lacking a finishing touch.
...
Auriemma had said the Huskies would be undaunted by the moment, that they wouldn’t play scared. “We might get beat,” he explained, “but we're not going to lose. They're going to have to beat our asses. We're not just going to lose because we're afraid to lose.”
After Friday’s game, he conceded that it always ends up being a combination.
Yes, Notre Dame earned this victory.
And, yes, UConn should have.
Mike Anthony: Same pain delivered with different method as UConn smothered out of the Final Four by fourth-quarter Notre Dame takeover
