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As the regular season was winding down, UConn's history of improving down the stretch in anticipation of postseason play didn't seem to be replicated. Although UConn went 8-2 in their last 10 games, they weren't passing the eye test. I admit to having doubts whether the team could recapture the intensity and style of play from earlier in the season. Add in the continual unknown of who is available to play on a game-by-game basis contributed to the uneasy feelings.
Fast forward to the Big East tournament and how quickly those fears have evaporated. There are a couple of reasons why I feel confident the trend is positive:
Aaliyah recovered her early season form.
Nike was pushing the tempo, making the correct pass instead of forcing the "great" pass.
The team defense was dialed up, making it extremely hard for the other teams to execute on offense.
Spacing, offensive execution, protecting the ball, backdoor cuts, cutting down on turnovers were a point of focus.
Having and CD available made more of an impact on the team rather than the outcome. This bodes well for the future because we know they are capable of much more.
A rotation of 7 players provides Geno with more in-game options.
Looking ahead, If Baylor is the likely opponent in the 2nd round, this is a team that is eyeing the Final Four should defeat. This Baylor team is good, but not to be confused with the team UConn beat in an Elite Eight classic two years ago.
In the Sweet 16 game, OSU is the projected opponent. Like UConn, Ohio State has missed their best player for the majority of the season. Jack Sheldon creates space for Taylor Mikesell in a similar way that Azzi creates space for Lou. Of course, the concern playing OSU is their press. The comeback win against Indiana showed how devastating their press can be. However, IU played into their hands, inbounding the ball into the corner, letting the OS players set up their traps. In the championship game, Iowa attacked their press, pushing the ball, looking to score instead of merely trying to get the ball past mid-court ahead of the 10-second count.Other than the press, UConn matches up well against OS.
If Va Tech reaches the Elite Eight game, it is essentially a repeat of last year's game vs NC St. Of course, there will be no Paige heroics, but I don't think they'll be required. Dorka should offset Liz Kitley and Nika and Aubrey should do the same with Amoore and Soule. Va Tech has no answer for Aaliyah and I expect The Fudd show to be in full form by then.
Then, another Final Four!
Fast forward to the Big East tournament and how quickly those fears have evaporated. There are a couple of reasons why I feel confident the trend is positive:
Aaliyah recovered her early season form.
Nike was pushing the tempo, making the correct pass instead of forcing the "great" pass.
The team defense was dialed up, making it extremely hard for the other teams to execute on offense.
Spacing, offensive execution, protecting the ball, backdoor cuts, cutting down on turnovers were a point of focus.
Having and CD available made more of an impact on the team rather than the outcome. This bodes well for the future because we know they are capable of much more.
A rotation of 7 players provides Geno with more in-game options.
Looking ahead, If Baylor is the likely opponent in the 2nd round, this is a team that is eyeing the Final Four should defeat. This Baylor team is good, but not to be confused with the team UConn beat in an Elite Eight classic two years ago.
In the Sweet 16 game, OSU is the projected opponent. Like UConn, Ohio State has missed their best player for the majority of the season. Jack Sheldon creates space for Taylor Mikesell in a similar way that Azzi creates space for Lou. Of course, the concern playing OSU is their press. The comeback win against Indiana showed how devastating their press can be. However, IU played into their hands, inbounding the ball into the corner, letting the OS players set up their traps. In the championship game, Iowa attacked their press, pushing the ball, looking to score instead of merely trying to get the ball past mid-court ahead of the 10-second count.Other than the press, UConn matches up well against OS.
If Va Tech reaches the Elite Eight game, it is essentially a repeat of last year's game vs NC St. Of course, there will be no Paige heroics, but I don't think they'll be required. Dorka should offset Liz Kitley and Nika and Aubrey should do the same with Amoore and Soule. Va Tech has no answer for Aaliyah and I expect The Fudd show to be in full form by then.
Then, another Final Four!
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