Tennessee Postgame Thread

[mainerhuski]

Imho Tennessee was clearly the better team, and the Huskies were fortunate to be close at the end

Without great games by KK Arnold and Aubrey Griffin this would’ve been a double digit loss

From afar, the chemistry seems to be lacking on this team

That being said it’s very difficult to beat a top 15 team on the road when you’re all american
Does not dominate the game

Tennessee is a much better team than the one I saw in a close game in Brooklyn against Iowa
And uconn seems to have regressed

I disagree, despite shooting FAR below their average & a bit of home-bias from the refs, UConn would likely have won the game without the weird timeout as Paige was driving to the hoop and/or Sarah’s uncharacteristic
late foul that rest the shot clock.

 

[cferraro04]

Imho Tennessee was clearly the better team, and the Huskies were fortunate to be close at the end

Without great games by KK Arnold and Aubrey Griffin this would’ve been a double digit loss

From afar, the chemistry seems to be lacking on this team

That being said it’s very difficult to beat a top 15 team on the road when you’re all american
Does not dominate the game

Tennessee is a much better team than the one I saw in a close game in Brooklyn against Iowa
And uconn seems to have regressed

I am going to disagree respectfully. I am not ready to concede that Tennessee was the better team. Tennessee was behind at the half and UConn was able to build its lead up to 7 points. Azzi and Paige picking up their 3rd foul early in the 3rd quarter allowed Tennessee to take the ball to the vulnerable player. And, that is exactly what Spencer was able to do...she exploited Azzi's vulnerability due to her foul trouble, and time after time they took it into the paint and were able to score.

I think that tonight Tennessee was the better team. However, UConn went into a difficult environment in Knoxville, was weak in the post (down a player), had a bad shooting night from three, and missed at least 8 lay-ups. Shot a dismal 25% from three. And, we only lost by 4 points.

Remember that UConn's defense was extremely good... forcing Tennessee into committing 19 turnovers while taking pretty good care of the basketball themselves only committing 12 turnovers. We saw how Aubrey is beginning to get back her sea legs and we saw some of what she is capable of bringing to the game. We also saw the improvement that KK has made and she is showing how she can impact the game. If this game is played on a neutral court, and UConn has an average night we win this game by double digits.

 

[VA Blue Dog]

When playing the BE the ladies are relaxed and confident. 30 and 40 point wins are the norm. When we play ranked teams we freeze up, threes dont fall and we have layup yips. Paige has been so dedicated as the generous facilitator she has lost her scoring touch.

 

[AzzisBraids]

I don't think "we'll learn from this" applies. That is something that can be said maybe in December when trying out lineups but those plus a lot of other "things' should have been worked out by now.

UConn hasn't had much time healthy with Paige in and out, Azzi in and out, Aubrey back, multiple new pieces like Jana, Chen and Sarah. Whether it's in March or next season or 2028, there's always something to learn and grow from.

 

[my2cents]

When someone states playing in the Big East hurts us, it's not a complaint, but a legitimate observation, The teams we play the most games against are just not that competitive and tend to be very slow and non-athletic. When we play an athletic team , it's a big challenge for us.
Saying a player had an off night is not trashing a player.
Paige is a phenomenal player, but does not get to the rim going right that often and really can't finish with her left. Too many times she does mid-range pull ups, which are much harder shots.
On to the next game...

 

[mainerhuski]

Not sure where you’re getting your stats from. Paige was 2/6 from the arc and 3/10 inside the arc.

PB going 5/16, ouch! Maybe that’s all the analysis needed!

 

[Zonepress]

Not surprising at all. I'm shocked it was as close as it was. The Huskies just aren't very good.

When playing the BE the ladies are relaxed and confident. 30 and 40 point wins are the norm. When we play ranked teams we freeze up, threes dont fall and we have layup yips. Paige has been so dedicated as the generous facilitator she has lost her scoring touch.

I think that’s a rather astute observation

 

[Zonepress]

I am going to disagree respectfully. I am not ready to concede that Tennessee was the better team. Tennessee was behind at the half and UConn was able to build its lead up to 7 points. Azzi and Paige picking up their 3rd foul early in the 3rd quarter allowed Tennessee to take the ball to the vulnerable player. And, that is exactly what Spencer was able to do...she exploited Azzi's vulnerability due to her foul trouble, and time after time they took it into the paint and were able to score.

I think that tonight Tennessee was the better team. However, UConn went into a difficult environment in Knoxville, was weak in the post (down a player), had a bad shooting night from three, and missed at least 8 lay-ups. Shot a dismal 25% from three. And, we only lost by 4 points.

Remember that UConn's defense was extremely good... forcing Tennessee into committing 19 turnovers while taking pretty good care of the basketball themselves only committing 12 turnovers. We saw how Aubrey is beginning to get back her sea legs and we saw some of what she is capable of bringing to the game. We also saw the improvement that KK has made and she is showing how she can impact the game. If this game is played on a neutral court, and UConn has an average night we win this game by double digits.

Your last sentence might be more wishful thinking that supported by any evidence

 

[Chet71]

I think AG and needs to be a starter with Strong. Paige needs to go back to the PG position. We need a big to step up if not Azzi and Shade play the wings. Or give Arnold a shot with Azzi and Paige on the wings Strong and AG down low. I can’t figure why the three bigs are not developing.

I hope Geno and his staff studies the transfer portal to look for some size underneath. Personally I despise the portal. Maybe I’m too old school but that being said- getting size in the post needs to addressed asap. The portal is where he’ll find it.

 

[oldude]

PB going 5/16, ouch! Maybe that’s all the analysis needed!

Again, go check JuJu Watkins shooting over her last 3 games, all of which were against unranked opponents.

 

[WiseWillie]

I think AG and needs to be a starter with Strong. Paige needs to go back to the PG position. We need a big to step up if not Azzi and Shade play the wings. Or give Arnold a shot with Azzi and Paige on the wings Strong and AG down low. I can’t figure why the three bigs are not developing.

It's beginning to sound like a broken record, but Paige thinking she can turn it on and off isn't working. When will it sink in? She is supposed to be the leader, the one everyone follows. However, in UConn's 3 losses, she has shot 25-58 and only 4-18 from 3-pt. People may disagree with me, but if she approached every game from the outset establishing herself as the go-to player we assume her to be, it would be easier for her to assert herself when needed.

I hope this game is a wakeup call.

How many "wake up calls" are needed? If basketball's winningest coach hasn't been able to do it over all the years that Paige has been a Husky maybe it's time for all of us stubborn, bone-headed Boneyarders (that includes yours truly) to realize that it just ain't gonna happen. Paige takes the alpha dog role when she can take advantage of poor defense of mediocre teams but in big games against highly ranked competition she lays back for whatever reason. Waiting for the game to come to her? In big games that should not apply. It is in those times that the best player needs to set the example and take the lead. At this time of the season, a clear leader in the biggest games is needed.

 

[Zonepress]

I disagree, despite shooting FAR below their average & a bit of home-bias from the refs, UConn would likely have won the game without the weird timeout as Paige was driving to the hoop and/or Sarah’s uncharacteristic
late foul that rest the shot clock.

I saw no referee bias for the home team
I’ll pass on commenting on the rest of your post

 

[Zonepress]

I am going to disagree respectfully. I am not ready to concede that Tennessee was the better team. Tennessee was behind at the half and UConn was able to build its lead up to 7 points. Azzi and Paige picking up their 3rd foul early in the 3rd quarter allowed Tennessee to take the ball to the vulnerable player. And, that is exactly what Spencer was able to do...she exploited Azzi's vulnerability due to her foul trouble, and time after time they took it into the paint and were able to score.

I think that tonight Tennessee was the better team. However, UConn went into a difficult environment in Knoxville, was weak in the post (down a player), had a bad shooting night from three, and missed at least 8 lay-ups. Shot a dismal 25% from three. And, we only lost by 4 points.

Remember that UConn's defense was extremely good... forcing Tennessee into committing 19 turnovers while taking pretty good care of the basketball themselves only committing 12 turnovers. We saw how Aubrey is beginning to get back her sea legs and we saw some of what she is capable of bringing to the game. We also saw the improvement that KK has made and she is showing how she can impact the game. If this game is played on a neutral court, and UConn has an average night we win this game by double digits.

Well, considering the game was played tonight I think it’s safe to say they were the better team

 

[uconnfan68]

What’s your solution? I’m tired of the complaining when there’s absolutely nothing that can be done about it

You can be as tired as you want to be. That won’t change anything either. The BE will be the end of this program. They’ll get about 4-5 competitive games a year, and they lose all of them. And none in league play.

 

[AzzisBraids]

Also - the screening has to be better for Fudd. Her shot was on and off today but there just wasn't a concerted effort to get her going, almost everything she got she created and she's a better catch-and shoot. They need triple, elevator and quadruple screens to help her get that shot off cleanly. Bueckers can create and shoot over and through players, Fudd's shot is better when assisted. Look at how the Mavericks screenfeed Klay Thompson for reference.

Lastly, UConn can't wait anymore leaving their best players on the bench against top talent. The best offensive players need to be in from the tip. Sparks off the bench just don't work when you're down early as UConn has been getting.

 

[Blueballer]

Weird that we only lost 1 quarter tonight (the 3rd by 7). Won 2 and tied the other.

 

[Vowelguy]

On the plus side, at least we didn't trail 50-15 at halftime.

 

[SARG 2011]

I flew down today to watch Paige, Azzi and Sarah play in person. Though it wasn't a win, I'm hopeful that this game is a glimpse of what's to come from Aubrey for the rest of the season. TN is long and athletic at numerous positions and UConn was sped up. Plenty of folks already mentioned the drives to the basket....watching TN repeatedly score off of them in person was wild. I'm not going to single out anyone, just glad they all got out of there in one piece.

 

[Gurleyman]

Not sure where you’re getting your stats from. Paige was 2/6 from the arc and 3/10 inside the arc.

Maybe 1-5. She made 2 threes, 2 pull up midrange Js from the foul line area, and had one mid range bank shot from about 10 (then missed another shorter one right after). She airballed a 5 footer early, threw up a wild shot in the paint to end the third and missed a 10 foot runner badly in the fourth right after she traveled. But she missed a couple 15-18 footers too, so maybe 1-5 inside of 15.

Whatever the exact numbers, her inability to get points around the rim or get to the line was a problem again. Your top scorer needs to find ways to score other than Plan A. If the jumper is off, get to the rim. Get to the line. We have Chen/KK/Fudd out there to rotate back - when’s the last time you saw Paige attack the offensive glass and get a putback or draw a foul? Shes averaging less than 3 FTs a game. The only two she got today were because Tennessee pushed their own player into her. And she probably should have finished that one and had one FT instead.

I honestly get frustrated watching her these days. As a freshman, I always felt like she had an answer to your answer. If you took one thing away, she’d beat you another. I don’t feel that way any more. You can let her shoot her 15-18 footers all night and even if she makes most of them, it won’t be enough. Her three is too inconsistent and she treats the charge circle like it’s hot lava, so she’s out of answers very quickly.

 

[JoePgh]

I disagree with most of the posts in this thread (and I have read them all! -- a major accomplishment), especially those which were most disparaging to the team. BUT, I will compliment all posters and The Boneyard generally for one major fact: no one has even mentioned the referees as being in any way deficient, biased, or the cause of the loss. Few other fan boards (probably none) could make that statement after a loss.

But I do think that the more negative posters here could learn something just by looking at the box score (as is often the case):

• Numerous posters have said that Tennessee got into the paint with ease, and that was a major cause of the loss. They did get into the paint a lot (as Geno noted in a sideline interview), but so did UConn. Per the box score, points in the paint were tied (yes!) at 42-42. I was watching the ESPN box score during the game, and UConn was well ahead in paint points in the first half.
• Posters have said that Tennessee dominated the boards, but offensive rebounds were in TN's favor by only 17-13, and second-chance points were essentially tied: 11 for UConn and 12 for TN. Sarah Strong got 9 rebounds -- more than any Tennessee player. (I can't imagine how one negative poster said that Sarah was merely "OK" tonight.) UConn did not lose this game because of an inadequate paint presence or the lack of an inside game, and the stats prove it.
• Posters who are disparaging Paige (like saying she stayed a year too long???) because of her shooting tonight must not have looked at her 8-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio tonight. Some of her passes were works of art, like the court-length pass to Aubrey in the second half.
• Not only did UConn shrug off TN's press (as the negative posters grudgingly acknowledged), but the team as a whole had 20 assists on 29 made field goals with just 12 turnovers, compared to TN's 13 assists (on 32 made FG's) and 19 turnovers.
• So why did UConn lose the game? Because of poor 3-point and mid-range shooting. That wasn't because of the Big East, and it wasn't because of TN's defense. UConn didn't take bad or well-defended jump shots, nor were the wrong players taking the shots -- the offense was working like a well-oiled machine to get shooters open. UConn probably would have had 30 assists if the good, open mid-range shots that they took had gone in at a more normal rate -- and UConn would have had a double-digit MOV if that had been the case. I don't know why good shots that go in at a high rate in Big East games do not go in against better out-of-conference opponents. I assume it has something to do with nerves and with not being tested often enough.

Will that problem get solved in time for the NCAA tournament? I don't know, but I hope so. If it is solved, UConn can be as good as many of us thought. If it isn't solved, the prognosis is much worse (obviously).

 

[hookshot]

KK needed more than 25 minutes.

Agree, we are starting to recognize that our most competitive lineup for March is KK, Paige, Azzi, Strong, Aubrey. Chen, Ash, Brady are suitable subs for these without too too much fall-off. That is your 8 player rotation, based on performance to date. Jana comes into play for certain post matchups, like UCLA. We are obviously undersized with that lineup, but neither the offense or the defense, including rebounding becomes any better when we add Jana / Brady. Perhaps best to concentrate on optimizing chemistry with that rotation rather than the current big line up, small lineup rotation used up till now. Chelli, Allie, and Q each have something to offer but none breaking out as a March rotation player (maybe Alli will yet, as we sure could use someone who is not afraid to shoot in a pinch). But freshman (Strong excepted) usually are not making a March rotation if they haven't already

 

[hoy-ah!]

How many "wake up calls" are needed? If basketball's winningest coach hasn't been able to do it over all the years that Paige has been a Husky maybe it's time for all of us stubborn, bone-headed Boneyarders (that includes yours truly) to realize that it just ain't gonna happen. Paige takes the alpha dog role when she can take advantage of poor defense of mediocre teams but in big games against highly ranked competition she lays back for whatever reason. Waiting for the game to come to her? In big games that should not apply. It is in those times that the best player needs to set the example and take the lead. At this time of the season, a clear leader in the biggest games is needed.

I caught the first half of the game and I thought it would be close and likely an L the way things were unfolding. Per your post, winning or losing "hinges" on Paige's play, which is unfair for her and the team. She can't/shouldn't shoulder the load. I don't think she's that type of player. Paige is a natural PG, a mental PG. She "sees" the game which is why she's "laid" back. She understands when/how to attack. From my perspective, the team is young in basketball experience, outside of Sarah Strong. The offense should flow, the defense should flow, but they don't. This all comes from experience, having played a LOT of basketball. Everywhere, to strengthen the mental aspect more so than the physical. You see them disjointed motioning each other to certain spots, etc. Compare this to years past when there was veteran leadership alongside Paige - Nika and Aliyah, Chrysten/Evina/Olivia/Dorka. One would think all the practice would translate to smoothness, but it hasn't.

Maybe the poor shooting nights are from players being concerned with having to play "well", instead of just playing. Placing too much stress on themselves to perform. Azzi and Aubrey are still finding their game after injuries. I wish Azzi would put more air/arc under her shots. It also bothers me to no end why players don't use the backboard more often on close shots. Sarah sure does!

 

[Jumper33]

And what is your solution? Its the conference we are in.

I don’t think we have to suggest a solution to make the observation. There is obviously no solution, except what Geno already does, schedule difficult out of conference games.