The Maryland Game

[HoopsFan21]

For the fact that this thread was started tells me you Husky fans are a wee bit nervous about this game . Oh yeah the TERPS win

We also started a thread on the Nebraska game, and I can assure you no one here was any bit nervous about playing a 4-8 team. Usually we start threads on upcoming games to discuss whether we're going to win by 20 or 40

 

[Tonyc]

We play defense for 40 minutes. MD doesnt. We are very disciplined and execute offense. MD doesnt. Barring injuries, sickness, and foul trouble UConn will beat MD by double digits. Jones and Kimbrough are not going to take over the game and they arent going to stop UConn from executing. ND and Baylor are really good and they didnt stop UConn. MD is very talented and has not played a tuff schedule. IMO they didnt play a tuff schedule because they werent confident they could beat a bunch of top teams. With that said the only question for me is. looking forward, is the SC game.

 

[TerpWomenFan]

We play defense for 40 minutes. MD doesnt. We are very disciplined and execute offense. MD doesnt. Barring injuries, sickness, and foul trouble UConn will beat MD by double digits. Jones and Kimbrough are not going to take over the game and they arent going to stop UConn from executing. ND and Baylor are really good and they didnt stop UConn. MD is very talented and has not played a tuff schedule. IMO they didnt play a tuff schedule because they werent confident they could beat a bunch of top teams. With that said the only question for me is. looking forward, is the SC game.

So Maryland lost by 10 points on a neutral court with UConn having Stewart, Tuck and Jefferson. UConn has no depth, playing on Maryland's home court yet they will win by double digits. Interesting.

BTW, Maryland beat ASU in Las Vegas. Not on their home court.

 

[reno tony]

I believe Geno is right and it is time for a good "a## kicking" and Maryland will be on the receiving end. UCONN is going to run them early and often. After this week long rest Geno will let the horses run. Transition, transition, transition them until they don't even know which way to run on the court. I hope UCONN pounds them good and am looking forward to Brenda's presser. "Well, we had a game plan but didn't follow it that well." "We made a lot of mistakes out there tonight and will use this as a learning experience." Geno's presser "Well, that was fun. Crystal got two steals tonight... a new personal best."

 

[oldude]

So Maryland lost by 10 points on a neutral court with UConn having Stewart, Tuck and Jefferson. UConn has no depth, playing on Maryland's home court yet they will win by double digits. Interesting.

BTW, Maryland beat ASU in Las Vegas. Not on their home court.

TW, I like your spirit venturing into hostile territory to take on the Husky faithful. Last year's UConn team clearly had more size, experience, depth & talent than this year's team, but this team has an ability to impose their will on a game that is pretty special, even for a UConn team.

Best of luck on the 29th. It will take everything the Terps have & then some to come away with a victory.

 

[Tonyc]

So Maryland lost by 10 points on a neutral court with UConn having Stewart, Tuck and Jefferson. UConn has no depth, playing on Maryland's home court yet they will win by double digits. Interesting.

BTW, Maryland beat ASU in Las Vegas. Not on their home court.

Gotta agree with you about last years game. This is this year and both teams have changed. MD has alot of talent and will be tuff but UConn plays unbelievable defense and I dont see MD winning. Hey MD should be a FF team with their talent. They are very talented I just dont see them beating UConn. Should be a good game.

 

[HopJim]

Gotta agree with you about last years game. This is this year and both teams have changed. MD has alot of talent and will be tuff but UConn plays unbelievable defense and I dont see MD winning. Hey MD should be a FF team with their talent. They are very talented I just dont see them beating UConn. Should be a good game.

Maybe this is being a bit of a contrarian, but not happy playing Maryland, particularly at this point in season. For anyone who watched Neb, UConn is at the top of their game. Steps quicker than most teams, better shape, getting near 100% from its offense and defense. Just like Baylor, ND, Texas, etc. found out, their goals to win are likely higher than they know. Would rather they come into NCAA's cocky and overconfident. Doesn't matter who wins-better to keep underestimating UConn.

 

[Charliebball]

Massey has UConn winning 80-66 with an 89% probability of winning..........I was at the game last year at MSG.......only game all season that I thought UConn could loose while it was going on...........haven't seen the Terps play this year so I can't say if they are a stronger team or not............Coach Brenda will certainly have them up for this game, especially at home.............gonna be a tough one.......

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

With all things being equal no coach prepares to take away the opponent's strengths like Geno does!
Now that Saniya Chong is back our guards are at full strength and no team comes close to UCONN's defensive pressure for the full 40 minutes!
MD has to "run with the Huskies" for that full 40 minutes also and no team in Div. I is in better physical shape than UCONN!
IMO UCONN frustrates Brenda Frese once again, this time, 82-69!

 

[Carnac]

One has to wonder why Brenda did not schedule Winthrop. An oversight, I'm guessin'.

I like to watch games first as a fan - then on replay watch only 1 or 2 players and give them the " eye test". Granted when I do this I have on my Uconn rose colored glasses that I ordered special from the online Uconn store - but still - here is my take. In their victories so far Uconn has had the superior team - luck was not involved. Looking ahead there are some strong teams out there - but so what. We are better than they are right now - come tournament time we will be a juggernaut . Make no mistake - "our girls" are on a mission to prove they are great players in their own right and they will prove this by winning the NC

I certainly like your outlook, perception and enthusiasm. I agree that it's easier to swim in the ocean with ALL the fish when that's all you know (as opposed to starting out in a pool, and then try an make that transition).

I understand why coaches like to pad their OOC schedules with soft teams. Teams that they know going in, are a guaranteed W. I can't see how those games help them to prepare for league play when they play a team that is their equal, or one that is superior. How do you flip that switch?

 

[Carnac]

Mmmmmmm a 100 game winning streak or 5 straight championships with more to come. No brainer

Most teams in WCBB begin their season with "the thought" of winning a NC. Most know that they have no realistic chance of doing so, but they begin with that mindset. Who starts out with the idea or goal of creating or extending a winning streak? Glenn is on that Island by himself. In the minds of most sports fans, NOTHING supercedes winning a CHAMPIONSHIP.

 

[tomcat]

As of this moment, I think UConn can win this game, but t'aint necessarily so. As others have pointed out, MD is a very good, if relatively untested team. If UConn comes in flat (which can happen after time away from the game) or (a more likely scenario) someone gets into foul trouble., this could be a struggle leading to a loss. It does not take much for the magic chemistry of this team to be upset. Just look at what happened during games when Napheesa and/or Gabby got into foul trouble, Crystal is fun to watch, but she cannot replace those players by herself. Butler puts in good minutes, but represents a falloff in offensive firepower if one of those two has to come out. In other words, this game is anything but a bgreeze.

 

[Bigpetunia]

Most teams in WCBB begin their season with "the thought" of winning a NC. Most know that they have no realistic chance of doing so, but they begin with that mindset. Who starts out with the idea or goal of creating or extending a winning streak? Glenn is on that Island by himself. In the minds of most sports fans, NOTHING supercedes winning a CHAMPIONSHIP.

Could not agree more (obviously). I don't think they hang banners from the rafters of arenas for consecutive win streaks.

I started this thread in the hope of getting some discussion going over the break, and I'm glad that effort proved successful. Although I still think that The Master should consider sitting Saniya and going with a bigger lineup at least to start the MD game, most obviously do not share that view, which is perfectly cool with me. This is what discussion boards are all about. Lots of thoughtful posts here.

Mostly, I return here to wish all the warmest of holiday greetings and to share my hope that we all return from family gatherings safe and sound. Most of all, avoid political discussions!

 

[Carnac]

So Maryland lost by 10 points on a neutral court with UConn having Stewart, Tuck and Jefferson. UConn has no depth, playing on Maryland's home court yet they will win by double digits. Interesting.

BTW, Maryland beat ASU in Las Vegas. Not on their home court.

TerpWomenFan, please allow me to add my two cents here, and explain our mindset going into this game. I don't expect or ask you to agree with it, just try to understand our thinking here.

What happened last year has nothing to do with next week. THIS UConn team is playing THIS year's Maryland team. In our minds, the score, who played, who left from last year's team/game is not relevant here. We both lost some key players. The "short bench" you referenced is also not in question. We've had that short bench all season, and have incorporated it into each game plan. Our short bench didn't just pop up last week. It won't be an issue.

We've played road games against teams that we feel are as good, maybe better than Maryland. If we were successful against all of them, why wouldn't we feel confident about going into College Park with our A+ game, and coming out with a win?

I apologize for what I'm about to say, because it can't be asked without sounding as though I'm bragging, but I'll try. What is Maryland going to do against UConn that hasn't already been done by other HIGHER ranked teams that have more height?

 

[Carnac]

Could not agree more (obviously). I don't think they hang banners from the rafters of arenas for consecutive win streaks.

I started this thread in the hope of getting some discussion going over the break, and I'm glad that effort proved successful. Although I still think that The Master should consider sitting Saniya and going with a bigger lineup at least to start the MD game, most obviously do not share that view, which is perfectly cool with me. This is what discussion boards are all about. Lots of thoughtful posts here.

Mostly, I return here to wish all the warmest of holiday greetings and to share my hope that we all return from family gatherings safe and sound. Most of all, avoid political discussions!

Thanks BP, the same to you and yours. I think I'm going to take a break from the yard to do some last minute holiday shopping which is always fun. Anyone can shop early and avoid the crowds, that's easy. I like the challenge of seeing how late I can start, jumping in right in the middle of the hundreds of other shoppers, and still get all of my shopping done. WalMart here I come.

It's time to really enjoy the family/friends and the Christmas season. This is MY favorite time of the year. I love playing Santa to the grands. After I'm gone, I hope these are times they'll always remember.

I'll return on the other side of the Maryland game to catch up on everyone's takes and comments after the game. Win or lose, I'm sure there will be lots of observations and opinions here to catch up on.

Happy holidays everyone. I hope Santa brings each of you exactly what you want. Don't forget the reason for the season. Enjoy your family and friends during this most wonderful time of the year.
Be a blessing to someone. Carnac out.

 

[TerpWomenFan]

TerpWomenFan, please allow me to add my two cents here, and explain our mindset going into this game. I don't expect or ask you to agree with it, just try to understand our thinking here.

What happened last year has nothing to do with next week. THIS UConn team is playing THIS year's Maryland team. In our minds, the score, who played, who left from last year's team/game is not relevant here. We both lost some key players. The "short bench" you referenced is also not in question. We've had that short bench all season, and have incorporated it into each game plan. Our short bench didn't just pop up last week. It won't be an issue.

We've played road games against teams that we feel are as good, maybe better than Maryland. If we were successful against all of them, why wouldn't we feel confident about going into College Park with our A+ game, and coming out with a win?

I apologize for what I'm about to say, because it can't be asked without sounding as though I'm bragging, but I'll try. What is Maryland going to do against UConn that hasn't already been done by other HIGHER ranked teams that have more height?

You make some great points here. I wasn't overly high on UConn at the beginning of the season. I didn't think UConn was going to make the Final 4. But they breeze through the tough OOC schedule and made a believer out of me after the Notre Dame game. I didn't think that game was close at all. Maryland has one advantage and only one advantage in this game. Brionna Jones. I'm sure Geno will devise a game plan to neutralize BJ and have UConn win by double digits. I think the tough game for you guys will be South Carolina. Their two bigs will give you issues. If only they can execute their game plan.

 

[Huskie78]

Throw all the bigs you want at the Huskies (and many have) eventually they just seem to run out of gas.

 

[Rixxx]

TWF, Brionna is my favorite big in WCBB. She has given UCONN fits in the past. However, I believe the quickness of our two bigs, along with Butler's effort, will neutralize Brionna. South Carolina is another story and I agree with your thoughts. If SC can be taken out of their rhythm, via shutting down Coates, or hasseling the guards, SC can be beaten. Tuck took care of Coates the last two years, I believe, which helped in two victories by UCONN. IIRC, Wilson was hurt during the game last year. Anyway, this will be a great game this year. As you said, SC has to execute their plan. They failed the last two years.

 

[SCspur]

TWF, Brionna is my favorite big in WCBB. She has given UCONN fits in the past. However, I believe the quickness of our two bigs, along with Butler's effort, will neutralize Brionna. South Carolina is another story and I agree with your thoughts. If SC can be taken out of their rhythm, via shutting down Coates, or hasseling the guards, SC can be beaten. Tuck took care of Coates the last two years, I believe, which helped in two victories by UCONN. IIRC, Wilson was hurt during the game last year. Anyway, this will be a great game this year. As you said, SC has to execute their plan. They failed the last two years.

I believe UCONN wins the game but if Gray and Davis are hitting their shots and Coates and Wilson are able to get post touches, then I think SC could make it interesting. One way to beat UCONN is attack them defensively and drive to the whole. No one on your team is a tremendous shot blocker and that's how Lindsay Allen and Alexis Jones got a good bit of their points because they drove to the lane looking for contact. And defensively you must take away their three weapons KLS, Williams, and Collier. I know it's easier said then done but none of them can really create for themselves. They score off screens, backdoors, and curls and the key to defending that is pressuring the player who has the ball giving the pass. You must give them hell until your player can adjust defensively. Also make players like Chong, Nurse, and Butler (who aren't accustomed to taking majority of the shots) make plays. No team this year has been able to do this so I doubt it happens but that's definitely one way to slow them down.

 

[Charliebball]

I believe UCONN wins the game but if Gray and Davis are hitting their shots and Coates and Wilson are able to get post touches, then I think SC could make it interesting. One way to beat UCONN is attack them defensively and drive to the whole. No one on your team is a tremendous shot blocker and that's how Lindsay Allen and Alexis Jones got a good bit of their points because they drove to the lane looking for contact. And defensively you must take away their three weapons KLS, Williams, and Collier. I know it's easier said then done but none of them can really create for themselves. They score off screens, backdoors, and curls and the key to defending that is pressuring the player who has the ball giving the pass. You must give them hell until your player can adjust defensively. Also make players like Chong, Nurse, and Butler (who aren't accustomed to taking majority of the shots) make plays. No team this year has been able to do this so I doubt it happens but that's definitely one way to slow them down.

I have to disagree about the lack of a shot blocker..........Collier is an excellent shot blocker for her size with exquisite timing..............

 

[msf22b]

I was musing about Katie Lou (while practicing Haydn)
Some switch went off in the Nebraska game ;
a new level of fierceness

a delight in her (newish), Breanna like move over the middle).
a ball hawking that I didn't remember in the past.
a new delight in physically, mixing it up in the paint.

This is no Valley Girl any more
She gets it.
Part of the game is pushing people around, of defending her turf,
of smashing to the hoop.

I never thought she'd ever look or play anything like Breanna.
Now I'm not so sure.

 

[JoePgh]

I could understand the heightened level of concern about Brionna Jones if we hadn't already seen UConn neutralize Kalani Brown, Beatrice Mompremier, Kelsey Lang, and Joyner Holmes -- not to mention Briana Turner. It's true that Jones is more experienced than most of them, but she is not a better athlete than Turner or Holmes. And she has shown a problem with stamina that Turner and Lang do not seem to have.

And that was done without major reliance on Natalie Butler.

I expect the Maryland game to look a lot like the Baylor and Texas games. If that proves to be true, then I will expect the South Carolina game to look very much like those three games.

But I am prepared to be surprised.

 

[hoophuskee]

I believe UCONN wins the game but if Gray and Davis are hitting their shots and Coates and Wilson are able to get post touches, then I think SC could make it interesting. One way to beat UCONN is attack them defensively and drive to the whole. No one on your team is a tremendous shot blocker and that's how Lindsay Allen and Alexis Jones got a good bit of their points because they drove to the lane looking for contact. And defensively you must take away their three weapons KLS, Williams, and Collier. I know it's easier said then done but none of them can really create for themselves. They score off screens, backdoors, and curls and the key to defending that is pressuring the player who has the ball giving the pass. You must give them hell until your player can adjust defensively. Also make players like Chong, Nurse, and Butler (who aren't accustomed to taking majority of the shots) make plays. No team this year has been able to do this so I doubt it happens but that's definitely one way to slow them down.

All three can create for themselves once you give them the ball at the high post.

This team just has some magic. All five players can handle the ball. All five can shoot the ball. Thus anytime any player on UCONN's starting 5 faces the basket, they are a true/ aggressive triple threat ((shoot, pass (for an assist), dribble toward the basket in an "offensive" manner)). I know you're thinking for example Lou isn't much for creating for herself -- but it's not because she can't. It's better for the team overall if she is knocking down 3's.

But Lou is 6'3, once she catches the ball and faces the basket, if the player over commits and tries to get in her grill, they better be on balance because she'll put the ball on the deck and take two or 3 long strides toward the hoop. On the flip side, if Lou turns quickly ready to fire up a quick high post/ free throw jump shot, IF the player isn't in her grill, Lou has such great size and quick release, she is an extreme threat ot be very efficient.
And as for Gabby, she is leading the team in assists for a reason. And Collier is a quick forward being guarded by slower centers - otherwise who does the center guard? It's a conundrum for the opposition. Because Gabby and Collier are so quick and athletic for their size, the big players can't remain in front of them while simultaneously contesting the shot. The bigs can become a defensive liability because they are a bit slower.

For example, can Coates defend quick players that can also handle the ball well while driving and defend the quicker player than also can shoot well from the outside? If Coates needs help- maybe she doesn't which would be extremely positive for USC- but if she does need help-- then she'll need "help." If she needs help, this opens up the game for Lou and Kia. There is your conundrum. The UCONN's frontline of Collier is so quick/athletic and can put the ball on the deck and create, it can open up the 3 point shooters. Conversely, if the defense is too keyed up on the shooters and especially KLS- it opens up the inside for Collier/Gabby.

I wonder if a triangle and two can work. Though I'm not sure if that can work for a team that has a lot of skill at least 4 positions.

 

[Charliebball]

I could understand the heightened level of concern about Brionna Jones if we hadn't already seen UConn neutralize Kalani Brown, Beatrice Mompremier, Kelsey Lang, and Joyner Holmes -- not to mention Briana Turner. It's true that Jones is more experienced than most of them, but she is not a better athlete than Turner or Holmes. And she has shown a problem with stamina that Turner and Lang do not seem to have.es.

But I am prepared to be surprised.

I hope you are right but Jones is a much better offensive player then any of the others you mentioned..........UConn will have their hands full with her and SWK.........

 

[oldude]

All three can create for themselves once you give them the ball at the high post.

This team just has some magic. All five players can handle the ball. All five can shoot the ball. Thus anytime any player on UCONN's starting 5 faces the basket, they are a true/ aggressive triple threat ((shoot, pass (for an assist), dribble toward the basket in an "offensive" manner)). I know you're thinking for example Lou isn't much for creating for herself -- but it's not because she can't. It's better for the team overall if she is knocking down 3's.

But Lou is 6'3, once she catches the ball and faces the basket, if the player over commits and tries to get in her grill, they better be on balance because she'll put the ball on the deck and take two or 3 long strides toward the hoop. On the flip side, if Lou turns quickly ready to fire up a quick high post/ free throw jump shot, IF the player isn't in her grill, Lou has such great size and quick release, she is an extreme threat ot be very efficient.
And as for Gabby, she is leading the team in assists for a reason. And Collier is a quick forward being guarded by slower centers - otherwise who does the center guard? It's a conundrum for the opposition. Because Gabby and Collier are so quick and athletic for their size, the big players can't remain in front of them while simultaneously contesting the shot. The bigs can become a defensive liability because they are a bit slower.

For example, can Coates defend quick players that can also handle the ball well while driving and defend the quicker player than also can shoot well from the outside? If Coates needs help- maybe she doesn't which would be extremely positive for USC- but if she does need help-- then she'll need "help." If she needs help, this opens up the game for Lou and Kia. There is your conundrum. The UCONN's frontline of Collier is so quick/athletic and can put the ball on the deck and create, it can open up the 3 point shooters. Conversely, if the defense is too keyed up on the shooters and especially KLS- it opens up the inside for Collier/Gabby.

I wonder if a triangle and two can work. Though I'm not sure if that can work for a team that has a lot of skill at least 4 positions.

Last year's SC game, Wilson & Coates struggled to guard Stewie & Tuck away from the basket. Gabby & Pheesa are quicker but they are going to have to hit some outside shots in order to pull SC's bigs away from the basket.

 

[Bigboote]

For the fact that this thread was started tells me you Husky fans are a wee bit nervous about this game . Oh yeah the TERPS win

I'm a native Nutmegger living in Maryland; I've seen quite a bit of both teams.

This year is the third in the past nine years that UMD has had the best recruiting class (I think according to Hoopgurlz). They haven't done an awful lot with that talent. I have always loved Shatori, and Brionna is very talented. And the broadcasts always show Brenda Frese giving these inspirational, impassioned pep talks, but their whole system just comes up short next to UConn's.

"A wee bit nervous" maybe, but nothing compared to the Baylor or Notre Dame games.

 

[JordyG]

So Maryland lost by 10 points on a neutral court with UConn having Stewart, Tuck and Jefferson. UConn has no depth, playing on Maryland's home court yet they will win by double digits. Interesting.

BTW, Maryland beat ASU in Las Vegas. Not on their home court.

I really enjoy reading the friendly give and take between you and we UConn fans. I have to say if you're an example of most Terp fans then I have to tip my hat to your gracious and respectful nature. As far as I'm concerned you're welcome here anytime. Good luck to you Terrapins. Good luck trying to defend Pheesa, Lou and Kia as well. You'll need it. UConn by 16.

 

[Ozzie Nelson]

Anyone here old enough to remember "Jungle Jim" Loscutoff...and the strategy Auerbach employed to use him?

Hometown Report: ‘Jungle Jim’ Loscutoff played a fierce game, talked a fun one---third from left

 

[SCspur]

All three can create for themselves once you give them the ball at the high post.

This team just has some magic. All five players can handle the ball. All five can shoot the ball. Thus anytime any player on UCONN's starting 5 faces the basket, they are a true/ aggressive triple threat ((shoot, pass (for an assist), dribble toward the basket in an "offensive" manner)). I know you're thinking for example Lou isn't much for creating for herself -- but it's not because she can't. It's better for the team overall if she is knocking down 3's.

But Lou is 6'3, once she catches the ball and faces the basket, if the player over commits and tries to get in her grill, they better be on balance because she'll put the ball on the deck and take two or 3 long strides toward the hoop. On the flip side, if Lou turns quickly ready to fire up a quick high post/ free throw jump shot, IF the player isn't in her grill, Lou has such great size and quick release, she is an extreme threat ot be very efficient.
And as for Gabby, she is leading the team in assists for a reason. And Collier is a quick forward being guarded by slower centers - otherwise who does the center guard? It's a conundrum for the opposition. Because Gabby and Collier are so quick and athletic for their size, the big players can't remain in front of them while simultaneously contesting the shot. The bigs can become a defensive liability because they are a bit slower.

For example, can Coates defend quick players that can also handle the ball well while driving and defend the quicker player than also can shoot well from the outside? If Coates needs help- maybe she doesn't which would be extremely positive for USC- but if she does need help-- then she'll need "help." If she needs help, this opens up the game for Lou and Kia. There is your conundrum. The UCONN's frontline of Collier is so quick/athletic and can put the ball on the deck and create, it can open up the 3 point shooters. Conversely, if the defense is too keyed up on the shooters and especially KLS- it opens up the inside for Collier/Gabby.

I wonder if a triangle and two can work. Though I'm not sure if that can work for a team that has a lot of skill at least 4 positions.

If this game was two years ago I would most definitely be worried but Alaina seems to have trimmed down and is a lot quicker on the perimeter. Herbert Harrigan will be used a lot in the UCONN game not just for scoring but she is a quick defender and great shot blocker. Last year Tuck made great moves to the basket on Coates so I won't be surprised to see the same thing from Williams and Collier. I think Aja will guard Collier most of the game so Alaina must match up with Williams. She is also very good at closing out on the perimeter and disrupting shots I just hope she doesn't get into foul trouble.

 

[hoophuskee]

If this game was two years ago I would most definitely be worried but Alaina seems to have trimmed down and is a lot quicker on the perimeter. Herbert Harrigan will be used a lot in the UCONN game not just for scoring but she is a quick defender and great shot blocker. Last year Tuck made great moves to the basket on Coates so I won't be surprised to see the same thing from Williams and Collier. I think Aja will guard Collier most of the game so Alaina must match up with Williams. She is also very good at closing out on the perimeter and disrupting shots I just hope she doesn't get into foul trouble.

Okay I gotcha. I was just responding to the point the Huskies Big 3 can't create on their own. For example, you realize that Gabby Williams is actually a guard/wing with ball-handling capabilities, right? Just because she is defending bigger players - it doesn't change what she is. While she is playing pf and center for UCONN, she really is a guard/wing and not a stationary guard/wing but someone good at using her quickness that can put the ball on the floor. Doesn't shoot the 3 like a guard but has quickness with the ball to be a guard. That's what makes her special. She's leading UCONN in assists for a reason.

So while Coates may have trimmed down, if USC does what you say, she'll be at a similar disadvantage now than she was with Tuck. Gabby is quicker and a better ball handler than Tuck. OFC Gabby will struggle more with Coates size than Tuck did along with UCONN not having Stewie. ANd Gabby doesn't shoot the 3 like Tuck. But it still doesn't take away from the other end that Coates will have to give Gabby open 15 foot shots if she is playing her man-to-man. Coates can't defend her tight. Gabby has guard-like quickness. The quickness between the two is like night-and-day just like the size between the two is night-and-day. But if this is the matchup, Gabby can create her own shot (which was my initial point) and facilitate shots for others especially if her 15 foot shot is going in a bit.