This Loss is about what we will become

[Tonyc]

To come back once again from a double digit deficit and fall short again against a top team only shows where we can be down the road. We lack experience and we need to get healthy. Mainly Azzi and Griff coming back and dusting off the rust. After the first of the year that will happen. Both are impact players. There are are alot of couldve wouldves in yesterdays loss. That will all change as we move forward and our inexperienced players get more experience and our comeback players dust off the rush and get more playtime. In all fairness to Azzi she was rusty last nite. I am putting that aside for now and looking for her to get more play time and become proficient again and do the things Azzi does.

Last nite we saw some weaknesses and many posters have talked about Jana and Ice. Both are underclassman and Jana is playing her first real season and has only played in 12 games against some of the top teams in WCBB. I think we need to focus on our talent which we have alot of. We are still going through our growing pains. Thats the frustrating part. We know what we can be and we havent reached our potential yet We are not 100% healthy yet and that imo is a big problem. Sarah has been a blessing. As a freshman she play beyond her years. I see Morgan at 6'2 developing over the next few weeks into a solid player who has great fundamentals. She boxes out and gets rebounds. She can handle the ball and pass. She has a good shot which we need badly and that shot will get better with more playtime which I think shes earned. Now bring back Azzi and seeing what Ashlynn has in potential and we have 5 scorers who are fundamentally sound.

Ive been reading about we need Bigs who can play. Ice is in her second season and Jana in her first. Jana has not played at this level and is still learning. Again the talent is there and it will take time. What we need is patience and work Ice and Jana along which we have the luxury to do over the next 5 weeks during the BE season. Over the next 5 weeks we have time and I believe that time will show us their improvement.

We arent far off from being where we know we can be. We gonna look back on these two losses and say it shouldve never come down to this because of where we will be in the next few weeks. Realize that in these two losses we were in striking distance to win. IMO we lacked that one more scorer. We will have at least that one more scorer with the development of our underclassman and Azzi and Griff coming off the injured reserve. To be able to pull off what we did against ND and USC without Azzi and Griff tells you somethin about this team and their potential.

Let me say this too. Azzi when 100% healthy is an impact player. Just like Paige and Sarah. What happened last nite when we got close is USC knew it was going to be Paige as the first option and Sarah as the second option. So they keyed on those two. Another point is the two stats that we need to get a grip on is our foul shooting and how ND and USC shot over 55% from trey. Even with that stat we were in those games.

As frustrated as I am with both losses I have hope, because I know we have the talent. WIth our talent I know we're headed in the right direction. I know what we can become because of our talent. We will.

 

[Stinger92860]

I was thinking along these lines and agree with this 100%. While I was also frustrated by shot selection in the last minute or so, we had 2 freshmen on the floor and a sophomore. This game reminded me of the loss to ND at Gampel during Stevie’s freshman year. This game will make them better.

Over the past few years our players get knocked around quite a bit and seem to end up on the floor much too often, with no foul call. Thats going to change with Sara, Morgan, and Ashlyn.

 

[HuskyNan]

I was thinking along these lines and agree with this 100%. While I was also frustrated by shot selection in the last minute or so, we had 2 freshmen on the floor and a sophomore. This game reminded me of the loss to ND at Gampel during Stevie’s freshman year. This game will make them better.

Over the past few years our players get knocked around quite a bit and seem to end up on the floor much too often, with no foul call. Thats going to change with Sara, Morgan, and Ashlyn.

Two sophomores. Paige (senior), KK and Ashlynn (sophomores), and Sarah and Morgan (freshmen).

 

[Stinger92860]

I chose Morgan vs KK as Morgan was plus 15, best on the team I believe, and her D was very good.

 

[hjoerring]

I don't know how you do it, but you keep pushing along; there is, of course, no giving-up. But, the written signs on the wall are becoming clearer and clearer. And it isn't about this or that loss. For some seasons now we have not been able to match others who are in the same conversation as us. Injuries, youth, etc. are every one's problem. I think our playbook has been copied and passed around. We might be a good shooting team, but the game plan seems to have only two players free to take shots. I fail to see how you can beat good teams. It cannot be only the players-- we have about 5 head coaches on the bench and it took them one-half game to stop the bleeding-- though not completely. My only reason for not taking us out of the conversation is that we have not failed in getting to be one of the last team standing in the end. But, I am not sure we have been showing a commanding image of who we are and why the good ones should get on board. One of the hardest things to do-- and most academics will agree, is to throw away your well worked lecture notes that have payed dividents and; to start up a new research project different from what you have been doing and gained much courage. So Huskies you have nothing to lose, but your heavy chain.

 

[BRS24]

Last nite we saw some weaknesses and many posters have talked about Jana and Ice. Both are underclassman and Jana is playing her first real season and has only played in 12 games against some of the top teams in WCBB. I think we need to focus on our talent which we have alot of. We are still going through our growing pains. Thats the frustrating part. We know what we can be and we havent reached our potential yet We are not 100% healthy yet and that imo is a big problem. Sarah has been a blessing. As a freshman she play beyond her years. I see Morgan at 6'2 developing over the next few weeks into a solid player who has great fundamentals. She boxes out and gets rebounds. She can handle the ball and pass. She has a good shot which we need badly and that shot will get better with more playtime which I think shes earned. Now bring back Azzi and seeing what Ashlynn has in potential and we have 5 scorers who are fundamentally sound.

Ive been reading about we need Bigs who can play. Ice is in her second season and Jana in her first. Jana has not played at this level and is still learning. Again the talent is there and it will take time. What we need is patience and work Ice and Jana along which we have the luxury to do over the next 5 weeks during the BE season. Over the next 5 weeks we have time and I believe that time will show us their improvement.

I posted something in the USC game thread about Ice & Jana, similarly echoing Tony's thoughts about their experience so far.

 

[baggerbob]

To come back once again from a double digit deficit and fall short again against a top team only shows where we can be down the road. We lack experience and we need to get healthy. Mainly Azzi and Griff coming back and dusting off the rust. After the first of the year that will happen. Both are impact players. There are are alot of couldve wouldves in yesterdays loss. That will all change as we move forward and our inexperienced players get more experience and our comeback players dust off the rush and get more playtime. In all fairness to Azzi she was rusty last nite. I am putting that aside for now and looking for her to get more play time and become proficient again and do the things Azzi does.

Last nite we saw some weaknesses and many posters have talked about Jana and Ice. Both are underclassman and Jana is playing her first real season and has only played in 12 games against some of the top teams in WCBB. I think we need to focus on our talent which we have alot of. We are still going through our growing pains. Thats the frustrating part. We know what we can be and we havent reached our potential yet We are not 100% healthy yet and that imo is a big problem. Sarah has been a blessing. As a freshman she play beyond her years. I see Morgan at 6'2 developing over the next few weeks into a solid player who has great fundamentals. She boxes out and gets rebounds. She can handle the ball and pass. She has a good shot which we need badly and that shot will get better with more playtime which I think shes earned. Now bring back Azzi and seeing what Ashlynn has in potential and we have 5 scorers who are fundamentally sound.

Ive been reading about we need Bigs who can play. Ice is in her second season and Jana in her first. Jana has not played at this level and is still learning. Again the talent is there and it will take time. What we need is patience and work Ice and Jana along which we have the luxury to do over the next 5 weeks during the BE season. Over the next 5 weeks we have time and I believe that time will show us their improvement.

We arent far off from being where we know we can be. We gonna look back on these two losses and say it shouldve never come down to this because of where we will be in the next few weeks. Realize that in these two losses we were in striking distance to win. IMO we lacked that one more scorer. We will have at least that one more scorer with the development of our underclassman and Azzi and Griff coming off the injured reserve. To be able to pull off what we did against ND and USC without Azzi and Griff tells you somethin about this team and their potential.

Let me say this too. Azzi when 100% healthy is an impact player. Just like Paige and Sarah. What happened last nite when we got close is USC knew it was going to be Paige as the first option and Sarah as the second option. So they keyed on those two. Another point is the two stats that we need to get a grip on is our foul shooting and how ND and USC shot over 55% from trey. Even with that stat we were in those games.

As frustrated as I am with both losses I have hope, because I know we have the talent. WIth our talent I know we're headed in the right direction. I know what we can become because of our talent. We will.

The biggest difference between this team and the last Championship team is defense.
You had players like Ferris, Stokes, Stewie, Jefferson, Collier, Nurse, Williams.
You also had players like Tuck, Stef, who wouldn't be moved Hartley also.
Then a great shooter in KML, or KLS.
They all meshed together for a great 4 year run.
As they say the stars aligned for that to happen.
Everyone needs to appreciate how special that was, and if Paige doesn't get her championship it's not a bad thing.

 

[Postie]

I am always impressed when a team gets a road win. So that was a great win for USC. I think there are four teams that I would rate ahead of UConn right now, UCLA, South Carolina, Notre Dame, and USC. You might even throw a Texas in. Can the Huskies beat these teams? Absolutely. If the Huskies had to play each of these teams 10 times when they win the majority I don’t think so. But in the tournament you have to be hot on that night. As far as Aubrey, that’s like Waiting For Godot. Yes the Huskies are young and will get better. USC is young Smith Heckel Swords and Howell. Villanova had that Cinderella men’s team, where they beat Georgetown. they were the better team, but they had a great shooting night. The Huskies might have a night like that and when it all. But this team is not the dominant team that the Breanna Stewart years were.UConn go through the big east, and have one more loss to South Carolina. I would say they are a two seed for the tournament. but that’s OK. They were a two seed last year.

 

[Padutch5]

The sky is falling! NOT.
Some of the same people post over and over on the Boneyard and Facebook blasting coaching decisions and the players as well.
I actually think we will be just fine by tournament time. We now have 4 players who can score 20+ on any given night Sarah and Griffen will rebound. UCONN has more depth than in recent years for GENO to move in and out. During the last quarter there were panicked faces on USC , including Juju. I dont think there will be any team that wants to face UCONN in the countdown to the national championship

 

[Zarathustra]

The biggest difference between this team and the last Championship team is defense.
You had players like Ferris, Stokes, Stewie, Jefferson, Collier, Nurse, Williams.
You also had players like Tuck, Stef, who wouldn't be moved Hartley also.
Then a great shooter in KML, or KLS.
They all meshed together for a great 4 year run.
As they say the stars aligned for that to happen.
Everyone needs to appreciate how special that was, and if Paige doesn't get her championship it's not a bad thing.

SOME WHERE RECENTLY GENO quoted HANK SHRAM: " TO WIN IT
ALL, YOU HAVE TO HAVE IT ALL". Not exactly the "GOSPEL" truth but
a reasonable summary of what GENO was thinking at the time. (It
might have been in his post-game presser after N.D.??). I believe on
any given night UCONN can beat anyone.... it just will take a few
months to construct the best HUSKIE team that Geno will develop
for the BIG EAST Tournament and the NCAAs.

 

[Longtime fan]

To come back once again from a double digit deficit and fall short again against a top team only shows where we can be down the road. We lack experience and we need to get healthy. Mainly Azzi and Griff coming back and dusting off the rust. After the first of the year that will happen. Both are impact players. There are are alot of couldve wouldves in yesterdays loss. That will all change as we move forward and our inexperienced players get more experience and our comeback players dust off the rush and get more playtime. In all fairness to Azzi she was rusty last nite. I am putting that aside for now and looking for her to get more play time and become proficient again and do the things Azzi does.

Last nite we saw some weaknesses and many posters have talked about Jana and Ice. Both are underclassman and Jana is playing her first real season and has only played in 12 games against some of the top teams in WCBB. I think we need to focus on our talent which we have alot of. We are still going through our growing pains. Thats the frustrating part. We know what we can be and we havent reached our potential yet We are not 100% healthy yet and that imo is a big problem. Sarah has been a blessing. As a freshman she play beyond her years. I see Morgan at 6'2 developing over the next few weeks into a solid player who has great fundamentals. She boxes out and gets rebounds. She can handle the ball and pass. She has a good shot which we need badly and that shot will get better with more playtime which I think shes earned. Now bring back Azzi and seeing what Ashlynn has in potential and we have 5 scorers who are fundamentally sound.

Ive been reading about we need Bigs who can play. Ice is in her second season and Jana in her first. Jana has not played at this level and is still learning. Again the talent is there and it will take time. What we need is patience and work Ice and Jana along which we have the luxury to do over the next 5 weeks during the BE season. Over the next 5 weeks we have time and I believe that time will show us their improvement.

We arent far off from being where we know we can be. We gonna look back on these two losses and say it shouldve never come down to this because of where we will be in the next few weeks. Realize that in these two losses we were in striking distance to win. IMO we lacked that one more scorer. We will have at least that one more scorer with the development of our underclassman and Azzi and Griff coming off the injured reserve. To be able to pull off what we did against ND and USC without Azzi and Griff tells you somethin about this team and their potential.

Let me say this too. Azzi when 100% healthy is an impact player. Just like Paige and Sarah. What happened last nite when we got close is USC knew it was going to be Paige as the first option and Sarah as the second option. So they keyed on those two. Another point is the two stats that we need to get a grip on is our foul shooting and how ND and USC shot over 55% from trey. Even with that stat we were in those games.

As frustrated as I am with both losses I have hope, because I know we have the talent. WIth our talent I know we're headed in the right direction. I know what we can become because of our talent. We will.

What you say about ICE and Jana is true However, there are some basics that are hard to dismiss despite their youth. One is they have bad hands. Whenever a guard slipped a clean pass into the post it was usually mishandled and , at best, turned into a possession tie-up. They also both hesitate ( lack of confidence about whether or not they should put up a shot and how to manage it ) and allow the defense to converge upon them. It is even worse when they move out from under the basket. Everyone from here to Russia knows that neither of them will take a shot and, if they do, it will be a " doink." ICE has made shots but rarely two in a row, and then she retreats into a shell. My fear is that they will both "emerge" against the weaklings of the Big East and think they have improved. We all know where the last two tests come South Carolina nd Tennessee ) prior to the Big dance. That is where they have to show progress. I am shocked at the disparity between how effusive and complimentary coach has been about Jana, and what we see on the court. She does battle, but her basketball skills remain hidden. It was not an accident that the team played much better with four guards and Sarah. But unless those guards are brilliant from the arc, that wont be enough in today's world.

 

[Joevacc]

knee brace, knee brace, knee brace

 

[OldSchooler]

In a matchup like this, between 2 elite teams, it so often comes down to coaching and preparation. I thought Lindsay won this battle. UConn was well scouted, and her team had great practices. USC had a good defensive game plan. Though rattled, they were not caught off guard when Geno went with Sarah and 4 guards and erased the deficit in the second half. And down the stretch, her players hung in there, despite obvious fatigue. Lindsay understood the significance of her team going into the cradle of women's basketball success and showing well. Her players were well motivated and confident, to go along with their talent. Hats off to her.

Geno said last week that he loves big games like this, and hopes the two schools can work out a long-term schedule. This could be a coast-to-coast rivalry that, over time, can match what UConn-Stanford once was.

Nobody likes losing, but I'm always looking for silver linings. I thought the second half, 4-guard swarming defense looked great, and almost pulled it out for us. Ironically, we got another late moving-pick call that eerily reminded us of the end of the Iowa game last year. But Paige would be the first to say that neither officiating nor late FT misses were responsible for this loss. (She went oh-for-two on an early visit to the line.)

I was really impressed with KK, and what she brings to the game. And Geno is showing amazing confidence in Morgan, subbing her in early in the game, and playing her down the stretch. She's the kind of piece that Caroline was expected to be, and she's only going to get better.

As to Sarah, another great game. When she got fouled with 5 seconds to go, I felt terrible that such pressure would have to be placed on the back of a freshman, after all she had already done for the team. And actually, 2 of her 3 FTAs were right on target. She made the first one, and the third one (without any hesitation) was right where it had to be -- hard off the back rim, where Paige was actually able to get her hands on the rebound.

Forget the weekly polls. Forget bracketology. It's on to conference play, Tennessee, SC, and improving this team for tournament play.

 

[oldude]

Here’s my silver lining. In the 2nd half KK started playing tough man-defense for 94 feet. Subsequently, Paige started doing the same thing. Geno has always encouraged his guards to do that on their own. At about the 5 minute mark of the 3rd quarter, the entire team picked up full court, although at that point I’m sure it was a coaching decision.

UConn rattled USC in the 2nd half, winning the turnover battle with more steals. The Huskies defense picked up all over the court and they almost secured an impossible comeback win. UConn fans have talked about using a pressure defense for years. Unfortunately, the past few years we haven’t had enough healthy bodies to pull it off.

Right now UConn has 11 healthy players with our best defender due back on the court in a couple weeks. Surely after watching the game film, Geno and his staff have to think about playing defense for 94’, 40 minutes a night, to speed up opponents, force turnovers and create transition baskets.

This may sound sacrilegious, but UConn should take a look at what the new HC is doing down at TN. The LV’s are undefeated and back in the top 25, while scoring 94 ppg based in large measure on running a total pressure defense all over the court, all game long.

 

[huskyd]

Someone wanted an exciting game, and we got one (too exciting for my old heart).
Before Sarah missed that FT, the team had already missed too many FTs. Paige missed 2 in a row in the first half, nothing you see often. Hey, it happens. I've been watching UConn wbb for decades; I remember several games lost at the buzzer. KML missed a wide-open 3 that would have won a ND game and missed. I saw Bria Hartley miss 11 treys in a row, and KLS make 10 in a row. It happens.
I love that Geno let Morgan play in crunch time; the girl acquitted herself well. This will pay down the road. Ash did well when it mattered, so did KK, so did Sarah. Lotsa good stuff there.
Really, no one won this game, it was a very even match and could have gone either way.
NOW we have an endless string of conference games stretching into Feb. I won't get to see any of them live. This may be a gift in disguise.

 

[baggerbob]

Here’s my silver lining. In the 2nd half KK started playing tough man-defense for 94 feet. Subsequently, Paige started doing the same thing. Geno has always encouraged his guards to do that on their own. At about the 5 minute mark of the 3rd quarter, the entire team picked up full court, although at that point I’m sure it was a coaching decision.

UConn rattled USC in the 2nd half, winning the turnover battle with more steals. The Huskies defense picked up all over the court and they almost secured an impossible comeback win. UConn fans have talked about using a pressure defense for years. Unfortunately, the past few years we haven’t had enough healthy bodies to pull it off.

Right now UConn has 11 healthy players with our best defender due back on the court in a couple weeks. Surely after watching the game film, Geno and his staff have to think about playing defense for 94’, 40 minutes a night, to speed up opponents, force turnovers and create transition baskets.

This may sound sacrilegious, but UConn should take a look at what the new HC is doing down at TN. The LV’s are undefeated and back in the top 25, while scoring 94 ppg based in large measure on running a total pressure defense all over the court, all game long.

A good thought, but Geno doesn't have to go 94 feet. The Teams with Stewie normally started to get after you by half court to speed up the game. Take the opponent out of their comfort zone by pressuring the ball.
Don't let teams walk the ball up the floor.

 

[BBallF]

Here’s my silver lining. In the 2nd half KK started playing tough man-defense for 94 feet. Subsequently, Paige started doing the same thing. Geno has always encouraged his guards to do that on their own. At about the 5 minute mark of the 3rd quarter, the entire team picked up full court, although at that point I’m sure it was a coaching decision.

UConn rattled USC in the 2nd half, winning the turnover battle with more steals. The Huskies defense picked up all over the court and they almost secured an impossible comeback win. UConn fans have talked about using a pressure defense for years. Unfortunately, the past few years we haven’t had enough healthy bodies to pull it off.

Right now UConn has 11 healthy players with our best defender due back on the court in a couple weeks. Surely after watching the game film, Geno and his staff have to think about playing defense for 94’, 40 minutes a night, to speed up opponents, force turnovers and create transition baskets.

This may sound sacrilegious, but UConn should take a look at what the new HC is doing down at TN. The LV’s are undefeated and back in the top 25, while scoring 94 ppg based in large measure on running a total pressure defense all over the court, all game long.

I saw the LVs play Iowa at Barclays in the preliminary game to UCONN v. Louisville. Their press killed Iowa even with Lucy Olsen. You have several guards on our team who can press in KC, KK, Paige, Morgan, Ash, Azzi if healthy and as you point out Aubrey will be back soon. Sarah is also very good on defense as well in the mid and front court areas. You can always use Allie and Q as well for a few minutes on defense. One thing it does is get your offense in gear because you can't start slowly. You are running. That will avoid first quarters like at ND and last night since you are usually shooting closer shots like layups etc.. I think with us coming back while pressing last night that is what you will see from here on in. I would especially press Tennessee back. In basketball, the best offense is often good defense.

 

[maple]

Here’s my silver lining. In the 2nd half KK started playing tough man-defense for 94 feet. Subsequently, Paige started doing the same thing. Geno has always encouraged his guards to do that on their own. At about the 5 minute mark of the 3rd quarter, the entire team picked up full court, although at that point I’m sure it was a coaching decision.

UConn rattled USC in the 2nd half, winning the turnover battle with more steals. The Huskies defense picked up all over the court and they almost secured an impossible comeback win. UConn fans have talked about using a pressure defense for years. Unfortunately, the past few years we haven’t had enough healthy bodies to pull it off.

Right now UConn has 11 healthy players with our best defender due back on the court in a couple weeks. Surely after watching the game film, Geno and his staff have to think about playing defense for 94’, 40 minutes a night, to speed up opponents, force turnovers and create transition baskets.

This may sound sacrilegious, but UConn should take a look at what the new HC is doing down at TN. The LV’s are undefeated and back in the top 25, while scoring 94 ppg based in large measure on running a total pressure defense all over the court, all game long.

I agree with the TN comment.

Just make the team watch all of the old UConn/TN matchups. That’s how to play tough basketball. Don’t give up an inch.

 

[Plebe]

This may sound sacrilegious, but UConn should take a look at what the new HC is doing down at TN. The LV’s are undefeated and back in the top 25, while scoring 94 ppg based in large measure on running a total pressure defense all over the court, all game long.

First of all, yes this is sacrilegious. Second, I am more likely to become the next Pope, than Geno at age 70 is of tossing out his entire coaching philosophy on account of shiny object syndrome.

 

[ctfjr]

..\ . .
Everyone needs to appreciate how special that was, and if Paige doesn't get her championship it's not a bad thing.

It sure isn't a good thing

 

[oldude]

First of all, yes this is sacrilegious. Second, I am more likely to become the next Pope, than Geno at age 70 is of tossing out his entire coaching philosophy on account of shiny object syndrome.

Shiny new object? Geno has been running pressure defenses forever including both man and zone presses as well as half court traps. That’s just basketball.

If UConn goes with a smaller more athletic lineup using Sarah at the 5, it makes absolute sense to also employ a pressure defense as they did against USC. If you’re not pressuring all over the court with that lineup, you open yourself up to a defensive mismatch in the low blocks, which happened several times when USC got the ball in to Iriafen down low vs Sarah.

 

[HuskyNan]

This may sound sacrilegious, but UConn should take a look at what the new HC is doing down at TN. The LV’s are undefeated and back in the top 25, while scoring 94 ppg based in large measure on running a total pressure defense all over the court, all game long.

Yes, it’s impressive how the LVs survived this gauntlet of teams. Pressing Samford must have been exhausting

 

[oldude]

Yes, it’s impressive how the LVs survived this gauntlet of teams. Pressing Samford must have been exhausting

View attachment 105649

Granted. But UConn’s pressure defense worked against USC and that stands out as a prime example of what a team can accomplish if they commit to a pressure defense for a qtr, a half or a full game.

 

[Skeets]

We speculated all summer how Geno has enough fresh legs to play a pressure defense for a full game. Yet we only see it when UConn is in desperation mode. Wouldn't it make sense to play this more often? Someone get Geno on the phone.

 

[oldude]

We speculated all summer how Geno has enough fresh legs to play a pressure defense for a full game. Yet we only see it when UConn is in desperation mode. Wouldn't it make sense to play this more often? Someone get Geno on the phone.

Exactly!