Tennessee vs Notre Dame Post game Analysis of Analysis

[doggydaddy]

Please forgive me, my boneyard friends, while I direct this post to the kind folks on the other board. I'm hoping that the mods will give me this leeway. ​

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Jmpenn was kind enough to report that they thought my analysis of the Tennessee / ND game was even handed. So, just for them, here is a post game analysis of my analysis. After this I will need analysis.​

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Here goes.​

PG – Massingale5’7” SO (8.6 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 4.3 apg) vs Diggins 5’9” SR (15.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 5.6 apg)
Massingale has not performed like the top recruit that she was. She struggles both from the field and the 3 point line. She has a solid assist/to ratio. Diggins has turned it on lately but she has struggled shooting for much of the season. Difference here is defense. Massingale has difficulties keeping players in front of her and Diggins will take advantage of that.

Advantage Notre Dame

Got this one right. It was not just Massingale, Diggins handled all defenders. A total AA game by an AA that wasn't to this point playing as well as last year.

SG – Simmons 5’7” JR (17.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.1 apg) vs Loyd 5’11” FR (12.7 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 1.5 apg)

Simmons has really turned it around during this winning streak. Still taking the occasional bad shot, she has made a higher percentage of her shots the last 9 games. While she still doesn't get many assists, she has taken care of the ball. Loyd has her work cut out staying with Simmons. But Simmons will have the same problems in guarding Loyd.

Advantage Tennessee

Simmons was NOT good tonight. She had two fouls early and while Tennessee was able to close the gap and keep it close in the first half, you can't help the team from the bench. She hit some big shots here and there, but I just didn't see a different Simmons tonight. Loyd was a freshman. Some good minutes, some quiet minutes. She did play some solid defense.

I'd call this a draw. And a tie goes to me!

SF – Spani 6’1” SR (9.6 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 1.2 apg) vs McBride 5’11" JR (14.2 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 2.2 apg)
Spani has also had a resurgance in the last 9 games. Shooting better and clearly feeling better. She is strong enough to stay with McBride, but not quick enough. She could get into foul trouble quickly.

Advantage Notre Dame

Spani had a nice game. She played smart and tough and made it difficult for McBride, who did not get the calls she is used to getting. Gotta give this one to Spani and in that regard, I was WRONG!


PF – Graves 6’2” FR (14.5 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 1.1 apg) vs Bracker 6’1” (5.8 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 1.4 apg)
Should be a good physical matchup. Graves has been just terrific this year and is a FOY candidate. Bracker has to stay tough to keep this matchup close, but Graves is just a force.

Advantage Tennessee

Graves is everything I described her to be. Tough and strong on the boards and solid post moves. She dominated underneath in this game. Bracker, not so much. Got this one CORRECT!!!!

C – Harrison 6’3” SO (10.2 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 1.0 apg) vs Achonwa 6’3” (13.8 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 2.3 apg)
This should be a great matchup. Two improved posts going at it. Harrison is even more foul prone than Achonwa. It could be a problem for Tennessee. Harrison likes to take her shots from around the foul line out to close to the 3 point line. If it pulls Achonwa out of the paint, Graves could dominate.

Advantage Notre Dame
Sad to see Harrison go down like that. They say meniscus issue she's been dealing with. I hope that is all it is. Achonwa was good when she was on the cou rt. But she revisited her prior foul trouble in this game. Still, she gets the nod in this matchup as do I. CORRECT!!!!

Bench – Tennesssee -Williams5’11” SR (5.4 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 2.6 apg),Jones 6’2” SO (4.9 ppg, 4.5 rpg, .8 apg)vs Wright6’2" (4.9 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 1.0 apg), Marbrey 5'11 (4.4 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 1.8 apg), Cable 5'11" (5.2 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 1.0 apg)

Total stats off the bench – Tennessee – 10.3 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 3.4 apg.ND – 14.5 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 3.8 apg

This game will be decided by the starters. But both teams could get some nice performances by Williams for Tennessee and Cable for ND.​

Advantage - EVEN

Williams and Jones had their moments for Tennessee as did Marbrey and Cable. Tennessee had 16 points and 13 rebounds off the bench. ND had 15 points and 13 rebounds off the bench. Even as it can get. That makes me CORRECT!!!!!


Coaches – Holly Warlick vs Muffet McGraw​

McGraw is a heck of a coach, and will do a great job in this game in both preparation and in-game adjustments. Warlick is doing a fine job. Her team is responding to her and they winning, although winning ugly at times.

Advantage - Notre Dame
It wasn't even close. More of the same for Tennessee, rebounding and defense. McGraw runs a wonderful offense that is a pleasure to watch. They picked the Tennessee zone apart.

Intangibles – Home court makes a difference. ND has recent history on their side.​

Advantage Tennessee

I should have called this even. I guess I admit to being wrong here...lol.​

Final analysis – It's a tale of two different styles. Tennessee needs to run, run and run some more and hit the boards. While they are playing better in the half court, ND will disrupt the Tennessee offense more often than not. ND runs terrific offense sets and Tennessee will have problems defending them. Now, will Notre Dame get to the line like they do against everyone else in TBA? If there is any arena that can prevent ND from getting to the line it's there. I'm really looking forward to this. One of the teams that I love to watch lose will lose. Sadly one will win.​

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I think I had a lot right here. Tennessee scored most of their points off rebounds, steals and fast breaks. Great job by Massingale in running and dishing. ND ran excellent halfcourt offense. ND did not get to the line as they usually do. Many of the 21 foul shots were from Tennessee fouling to stop the clock late in the game. ​

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Final prediction – ND will disrupte Tennessee's offense enough and gets to the line just enough to win this game in a close battle. ​

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Got this right. While ND pulled away, it was a tough and competative contest. ​

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So, TN fans, here is my score card.​

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6-2 on my matchups (Spani/McBride matchup and Intangibles were wrong) and my overall prediction was correct.​

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How did you do?​

 

[semper]

Hope the analysis of the analysis will become a regular feature of your psychiatric practice!

 

[doggydaddy]

Hope the analysis of the analysis will become a regular feature of your psychiatric practice!

More like psychotic practice.

 

[sTu]

Psychotic, no- schizophrenic?

 

[doggydaddy]

Psychotic, no- schizophrenic?

Why do you say that? Have you heard anything? People are talking?

 

[Fiftyish]

Very entertaining game. UT playing much better than expected and almost came back from a 19 point deficit. Skylar Diggins played like the AA she is by putting the team on her back and put daggers into UT at crunch time. It is amazing how McBride looked less than average after the game she played against us. You just never know. Congrats to ND for finally winning on UT floor.

 

[OneTrickPony]

I'm going to have to look at Spani's work on McBride again...was it her height that bothered Kayla?

 

[Kibitzer]

I have now determined why DD's otherwise superior analysis was in error regarding McBride.

The real McBride showed up to play vs. Spani and Tennessee. DD was fooled by the fake McBride that tore UConn apart a couple weeks ago. I hired that hotshot investigative firm recently used by the ND AD and they uncovered the nefarious plot against UConn. Apparently, for that game, they sent McBride off with Manti Te'o to watch a private viewing of the "Knute Rockne" movie (you know, the one in which Ronald Reagan asked Pat O'Brien to "Win one for the Gipper") during the UConn game. Meanwhile, Natalie Novosel underwent a complete cosmetic overhaul, was outfitted in McBride's uniform, and proceeded to wreak havoc on our Huskies, just as she always has.

Hey, this is no more a fantasy than DoggyDaddy getting praised on The Summitt.

 

[Jmpenn]

Finally arrived home. The drive seems so much longer after a loss. Your analysis was pretty right on. Our turnovers and lack of defense killed us. I'm not sure why we played so poorly after halftime. Either they were worried about Izzy or they just didn't expect ND to come out playing harder. TN let it spiral out of control for a bit. I am proud of them for fighting back after they got down by 19. They got within 5 but Diggins always had an answer. She was great and no one could guard her. It was nice to see Pat's banner raised and to see Parker, Catchings, Holdsclaw, and Marciniak in attendence. I was just sick most of the game worrying about Izzy.

 

[stwainfan]

I hated to see Izzy go down. I hope she isn't out for the year. She was playing good. Having her out hurt in the post. I thought the some real good moments against a real good team. I think this team is getting close to putting it together. If there are no more injuries by March this team can make a deep run. Burdick could be back Thursday's game. She got the cast off today.

 

[Justavisitor]

You did well is summarizing what you thought, but I'd like to add an account based on the injury factor. Up until Issabelle went down, the game belonged to anyone. Skylar was getting hers, but the others weren't getting much. The back door cuts and action wasn't there, but again, Harris was in the game and patrolling the paint. She's extremely long and very athletic and also, a great shot blocker. After Harris went out, there was a small line up on the court. Not only was the ND players cutting, but it was easy to find those players and deliver the pass over the shorter line up.

On the Harris vs. Anchonwa - a full game from Harris and she wins this battle. Harris had 6 points and 5 rebounds in 13 mins.

On the Holly vs. Muffett - with Harris in the game, Holly was winning. Skylar started off strong, but then Holly adjusted and put in Kamiko. Those were the highlights at the half where it showed TN's defense was working great after the defensive adjustmemt.

On the offense - the absence of Harris hurt the offense alot.

I think it was a respectable summary and you kept with the facts. I just think those facts would be different if TN could quit getting bit by the injury bug.

It's now the end of the 8 game stretch. Guess who was right?! That would be me.

7 wins to 1 loss

 

[doggydaddy]

Finally arrived home. The drive seems so much longer after a loss. Your analysis was pretty right on. Our turnovers and lack of defense killed us. I'm not sure why we played so poorly after halftime. Either they were worried about Izzy or they just didn't expect ND to come out playing harder. TN let it spiral out of control for a bit. I am proud of them for fighting back after they got down by 19. They got within 5 but Diggins always had an answer. She was great and no one could guard her. It was nice to see Pat's banner raised and to see Parker, Catchings, Holdsclaw, and Marciniak in attendence. I was just sick most of the game worrying about Izzy.

Love the camera shot of Parker, Catching and Holdclaw in the stands. Some real firepower there.

If ND and Tennessee hit their usual percentage of foul shots it's a 17 point game. Nice comeback, but I don't think anyone felt Tennessee could make it all the way back.

They did play hard and that is something to be proud of. But you can't keep playing Graves, Spani and Massingale for 40 minutes. It will help when Burdick gets back.

 

[doggydaddy]

You did well is summarizing what you thought, but I'd like to add an account based on the injury factor. Up until Issabelle went down, the game belonged to anyone. Skylar was getting hers, but the others weren't getting much. The back door cuts and action wasn't there, but again, Harris was in the game and patrolling the paint. She's extremely long and very athletic and also, a great shot blocker. After Harris went out, there was a small line up on the court. Not only was the ND players cutting, but it was easy to find those players and deliver the pass over the shorter line up.

On the Harris vs. Anchonwa - a full game from Harris and she wins this battle. Harris had 6 points and 5 rebounds in 13 mins.

On the Holly vs. Muffett - with Harris in the game, Holly was winning. Skylar started off strong, but then Holly adjusted and put in Kamiko. Those were the highlights at the half where it showed TN's defense was working great after the defensive adjustmemt.

On the offense - the absence of Harris hurt the offense alot.

I think it was a respectable summary and you kept with the facts. I just think those facts would be different if TN could quit getting bit by the injury bug.

It's now the end of the 8 game stretch. Guess who was right?! That would be me.

7 wins to 1 loss

I surrendered on that prediction weeks ago....lol. Heck, I only did it to annoy you! Litttle did I know that it would give you some relief from your loss tonight. Glad I could help.

All your statements here assume that the game would play out as it was going before Harrison was injured. Lots of variables there.

Please don't compare McGraw to a first year coach. Adjusted and put in Kamiko? It's the only move Holly has. She only put in when she had to after Harrison was injured.

ND looks like a team that knows how to run an offense and Tennessee looked liked they were playing with they hair on fire.

 

[speedoo]

You did well is summarizing what you thought, but I'd like to add an account based on the injury factor. Up until Issabelle went down, the game belonged to anyone. Skylar was getting hers, but the others weren't getting much. The back door cuts and action wasn't there, but again, Harris was in the game and patrolling the paint. She's extremely long and very athletic and also, a great shot blocker. After Harris went out, there was a small line up on the court. Not only was the ND players cutting, but it was easy to find those players and deliver the pass over the shorter line up.

On the Harris vs. Anchonwa - a full game from Harris and she wins this battle. Harris had 6 points and 5 rebounds in 13 mins.

On the Holly vs. Muffett - with Harris in the game, Holly was winning. Skylar started off strong, but then Holly adjusted and put in Kamiko. Those were the highlights at the half where it showed TN's defense was working great after the defensive adjustmemt.

On the offense - the absence of Harris hurt the offense alot.

I think it was a respectable summary and you kept with the facts. I just think those facts would be different if TN could quit getting bit by the injury bug.

It's now the end of the 8 game stretch. Guess who was right?! That would be me.

7 wins to 1 loss

Based on the play by play, Achonwa picked up her 2nd foul and left the game after 9 minutes in the first half. So she and Harrison were in the game together for 9 minutes and you are making a full game projection based on nine minutes? Get serious.

 

[meyers7]

Why do you say that? Have you heard anything? People are talking?

Just remember, just because you are not schizophrenic, doesn't mean they are not out to get you.

 

[meyers7]

I have now determined why DD's otherwise superior analysis was in error regarding McBride.

The real McBride showed up to play vs. Spani and Tennessee. DD was fooled by the fake McBride that tore UConn apart a couple weeks ago. I hired that hotshot investigative firm recently used by the ND AD and they uncovered the nefarious plot against UConn. Apparently, for that game, they sent McBride off with Manti Te'o to watch a private viewing of the "Knute Rockne" movie (you know, the one in which Ronald Reagan asked Pat O'Brien to "Win one for the Gipper") during the UConn game. Meanwhile, Natalie Novosel underwent a complete cosmetic overhaul, was outfitted in McBride's uniform, and proceeded to wreak havoc on our Huskies, just as she always has.

So what I got out of this was......McBride is Te'o's girlfriend. Are we sure she is real?

 

[Icebear]

She was unreal against UCONN.

 

[meyers7]

She was unreal against UCONN.

The dots are beginning to connect.

 

[wire chief]

Psychotic, no- schizophrenic?

Actually, one can't be schizophrenic w/o being psychotic; the former is a subset of the latter.

 

[VAMike23]

I'm reminded of that children's verse:

"Roses are red,
violets are blue,
I'm a schizophrenic,
and so am I."

 

[Justavisitor]

I surrendered on that prediction weeks ago....lol. Heck, I only did it to annoy you! Litttle did I know that it would give you some relief from your loss tonight. Glad I could help.

Nice attempt at trying to spin things. You didn't do it for my benefit, because you posted that guess prior to my arrival in that that thread. After you posted it, I responded that I didn't agree with it, so glad I could help you out by directing to a more realistic viewpoint!

All your statements here assume that the game would play out as it was going before Harrison was injured. Lots of variables there.

Agree that there are lots of variables there, but being without Harrison has a big impact on the team due to the post depth or lack their of. Going minutes here and there without her can be sustained. Losing her for an entire game totally changes, not for the good, what the team can achieve.

Please don't compare McGraw to a first year coach. Adjusted and put in Kamiko? It's the only move Holly has. She only put in when she had to after Harrison was injured.

I understand how everyone says Holly is a first year coach, but she's not. She's a first year HEAD coach. If CD started coaching tomorrow, I wouldn't assume that Muffett could coach rings around her. CD has sat in that chair beside Geno too long to be considered a rookie coach. We'll find out next year when we play ND with a rotation of more than 6 players just how many rings she'll be coaching around TN, but then again, she's out witted Geno on several occassions, so perhaps there is no comparison to Muffett.

ND looks like a team that knows how to run an offense and Tennessee looked liked they were playing with they hair on fire.

Tennessee's offense is just fine when healthy players are available. Trying to run an offense that is predicated on both an inside/outside game is difficult to do without a center. I've seen enough games this year to see that this is a potent offensive team. The analysts that have covered the games have stated that TN has amazed them with how good they are in the half court set while being such a young team. If the players hit the bunnies that came from executing the offense, there won't be a mad scramble to try to get the rebounds and put backs. Watch how the play evolves that set up those bunnies. It's no different than how bad the UConn offense looks when all those threes aren't falling. When they go in, that offense looks like a thing of beauty. When they played ND, it looked really ugly. That TN offense still managed to score 67 points, only 5 points less than your team, with only 6 players. That same TN offense scored more points against South Carolina than any team that has faced them this year. TN with Harrison is a vastly different team than TN without Harrison.

With this, I am now done. Y'all have fun trying to shoot holes in it and continue to convince yourselves of these things. I won't be back here to read it, so you can talk amongst yourselves. I'll go back over yonder and continue to enjoy this years team, knowing that the future years for my team will be very bright, like that beautiful shade of orange. ;-) Baylor and everyone else this year!