The Biggest Threat in the Tournment

[DefenseBB]

As I've said before the season started and so I'll repeat: Baylor is the biggest threat to win the tournament. It's The UConn and Baylor, then the field.

I echo your thoughts and would only add that Baylor will not be bounced early this year as 1. They learned from last year 2. They have more depth to replace any nervous nellies on the court that doomed them last year 3. Kim learned from her behavior in that game that cost them almost as much as their poor play. While I did enjoy the clothing toss, I think she is doing a good job with this years team. She's no MASTER but then again besides him who is? And remember she does have 2 titles so she does know how to navigate this. Too bad she'll have to settle for 2nd place....

 

[tomcat]

To me, Baylor looks the toughest, but the biggest threat, it seems to me, is the combination of games that the tournament requires. Let's say, for example, they have to play that much-improved MSU or SC in the Final Four. If they survive that -- which barring injuries and foul-happy refs (neither of which UConn can control) -- they should be able to do, they then have to face Baylor a short time later. Or some other combination of difficult foes. You get my meaning.

 

[JordyG]

I echo your thoughts and would only add that Baylor will not be bounced early this year as 1. They learned from last year 2. They have more depth to replace any nervous nellies on the court that doomed them last year 3. Kim learned from her behavior in that game that cost them almost as much as their poor play. While I did enjoy the clothing toss, I think she is doing a good job with this years team. She's no MASTER but then again besides him who is? And remember she does have 2 titles so she does know how to navigate this. Too bad she'll have to settle for 2nd place....

Yeah, such a shame. Once again though I question Mulkey's behavior and on court decisions when the going gets tough. If she thinks the refs are hosing her in Dallas her doing another break dance or using her jackets as gliders will cost her another tournament.

 

[JordyG]

Meanwhile in Georgia I've watched Washington, generously listed at 6'2" block two of Coates' shots. Good luck against Gabby next month.

 

[JordyG]

6'3" Robinson who looks to be limping up and down the court and can't jump giving Wilson problems defensively in Stegeman.

 

[JordyG]

It's the 4th quarter and SC has 8 points in the paint so far. It's also 35-31 Sc at the start of the 4th. This is basketball only in the strictest sense.

 

[JordyG]

Watching ND they have improved little as a team since facing UConn. Sad and surprising.

 

[JordyG]

Cuevas has sat the bench most of the game against Georgia. Still showing poor judgement and playing too much out of control for Dawn's taste. Or anyone's for that matter.

 

[Bigboote]

Im not concerned about any team playing UConn unless UConn gets in foul trouble.

You never know when they'll be playing against opponents and referees, as happened in the South Carolina-Mississippi State game the other night.

 

[todbo]

I would ask everyone to look back at last years tournament where South Carolina, Notre Dame, Baylor, Stanford, et. al., were eliminated before the final four. Could stranger things happen again? Take nothing for granted.

And not that long ago, an apparently invincible Baylor team, featuring Brittany Griner fell to Louisville, whom we dispatched with little difficulty.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Biggest impediments:

1. An injury or illness to any starter
2. Baylor
3. Florida St
4. South Carolina
5. Maryland
6. Notre Dame

I largely agree.

Injury, Baylor, FSU, ND, Maryland, South Carolina (I'll reassess after our SC game).

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

The biggest threat to UCONN is UCONN! Illness or injuries!
I just watched SoCar just squeeze by an average GA team, barely scoring 60 pts., 64.
How can SoCar beat UCONN if they can't score 80+ pts. vs a good team? vs Miss St. they also scratched out the low 60's!
Baylor is good but not scary good! They can't play defense as well as UCONN can and they can't run the floor as well as UCONN can!
And the biggest hurdle for Baylor is we have Geno & his staff!
ND is a 1 vs 1 team no team offense! Defense can't limit UCONN!
FSU was 1st game and won't be as tough!
MD doesn't play inspired defense and needs individuals to get red hot!

 

[uconnell]

Literally yes, Baylor might be the "Biggest" impediment to a UCONN NC this year and next.
Question: Couldn't we have said this same thing last year?

And not that long ago, an apparently invincible Baylor team, featuring Brittany Griner fell to Louisville, whom we dispatched with little difficulty.

I wouldn't brag about that game, besides it a new year and a new team.

 

[ThisJustIn]

Injury is the biggest issue. I've seen this team overcome individual players' "meh" games. They are greater than the sum of their parts. But, take away one of those parts.....

I knock wood for the health of every team.