Title Game

[ThatCG1801]

Because in this case...it's true. UCONN had players standing around watching the Paige show. Now they aren't...so the dynamics are different. SC has had the same identity all year. How are they different? Not once did I use the word IMPROVE.

I believe the interpretation was that you were referring to improvement. And I am certain that, Along the way, there have been subtle changes in the "dynamics" of all teams during their seasons. As teams learn each other's strengths, weaknesses, as these change as the season progresses... Dynamics change along with them.

 

[LwrcasefaN]

But isn't that contradictory to say we know what to prep for if the claim is that UConn is not the same team as the one we played the first time?

No. I would go as far as saying...UCONN didn't have an offensive or defensive identity most of the year, possibly even now. Boston will with a high probability lead SC in rebounds and points in the championship game. Who will that be for UCONN? I have no idea...and that's the point I'm making about preparation. EVERYBODY eats. Two months ago...I would just shadow Paige and get early fouls on Liv...and enjoy the win.

 

[shiverz45]

You could elaborate on how SC is different. They shoot well enough and make up for any deficiencies by using their height to get second and third shots. And then, there's their defense. What did I miss? I'm not saying they don't do those things well, but you certainly have a pretty good idea what to prep for.

We have bigger guards we can now throw at Paige, Fudd and Williams if needed. Grissett and Rivers did not play in the first game against UConn.

 

[AgStatesman]

UConn has not scored 60 points in regulation on SC in 3 years. Hopefully that trend continues. If that happens, I like SC chances.

I was thinking if UConn could keep SC in the low 50's they had a chance. So I think we're on the same page.

 

[GamecockFam]

In my mind Boston and Bueckers neutralize each other's production. So I really think it comes down to two things for a USC victory 1) Can Cooke and Henderson make good shots and 2) Can we get ONO and Edwards into foul trouble. In my opinion, those are the keys to a South Carolina victory.

 

[GoChips20]

After a dynamic WBB season, we’re finishing pretty much where we started with the championship showdown that many predicted.

There are no more games after tomorrow. These are the two best teams in the country as decided by the tournament. Someone will go to bed a champion and someone will come up short. We all want it to be our own team and it’s going to hurt if it’s not. I’m sure it will be a battle on the court, but these players and coaches respect one another. I personally never had as much fun with the hateful rivalries of the sport (like ND and UConn, among others).

I hope the Gamecocks can finish the journey tomorrow, but if they don’t, they’ll have gone out against a team who beat UCF, Indiana, NC State, Stanford, and of course, South Carolina. That’s one hell of a gauntlet. Hard to make any arguments if you can win the chip with that kind of lineup. If UConn loses, it’s a similar story. They’ll have fallen to a team that was undefeated against the Top 25 and beat every 1-seed at least once.

It is what it is. I’m happy South Carolina got here and I’m happy Paige gets to play for a title at home, too.

 

[LwrcasefaN]

We have bigger guards we can now throw at Paige, Fudd and Williams if needed. Grissett and Rivers did not play in the first game against UConn.

I concede that SC has length. It's part of their DNA. It's not sneaking up on anyone's planning. If Paige is comfortable shooting over Brink, then I don't think length will deter her much. Like Boston...Paige falls into the "contain" category. Fudd and Williams, possibly, but just a few months ago I thought they settled for too many threes. In fact, I pretty much concluded that Williams was a two level scorer...threes or drives for layups. That has changed. Fudd too...although I thought against Stanford she could have taken more midrange shots. I don't think it's so much about who did or did not play than it is about preparing for things you did not see...or experience. Rivers is long and obviously a ton of talent, but in your opinion is she ready for this? Kianna Williams had no issue with her length. This will be a close game...I just don't see it being the egg UCONN laid in the last one for an entire quarter.

 

[Charliebball]

This. I thought Jump and Hull would make enough threes to make a difference. But they were at one time 2-18. I think South Carolina could have one of those games as well.

if South Carolina doesn't shoot well from outside it allows UConn to crash the defensive boards.........if SC shoots well from outside UConn is in for some trouble.......

 

[Conndog]

Of Stanford and UConn, we got the opponent we wanted. Bueckers doesn’t need anyone whispering in her ear “remember, you too are mortal.” Brea Beal will teach that lesson again, while UConn has no answer for Boston.

Bull

 

[LwrcasefaN]

Bull

We want UCONN is back. lol. Paige had 19 points and 7 assists the last time. Azzi took 1 shot playing just 10 minutes. The difference in the game really was the 17 rebounding difference.

 

[BRS24]

After a dynamic WBB season, we’re finishing pretty much where we started with the championship showdown that many predicted.

It wasn't until week 6 of the season that UConn fell from #2 in one of the polls, so as you say, here we are.

 

[GCKSFN4L]

We want UCONN is back. lol. Paige had 19 points and 7 assists the last time. Azzi took 1 shot playing just 10 minutes. The difference in the game really was the 17 rebounding difference.

If we're being honest Stanford has been biggest threat to South Carolina in terms of matchups. They marginally outmatched in size and and has just as much depth as us and besides been arguably the most consistent team all season. Of the two teams we definitely wanted UConn, not saying it will be easy but it's without a doubt the more favorable matchup for us.

 

[VA Huskie]

If we're being honest Stanford has been biggest threat to South Carolina in terms of matchups. They marginally outmatched in size and and has just as much depth as us and besides been arguably the most consistent team all season. Of the two teams we definitely wanted UConn, not saying it will be easy but it's without a doubt the more favorable matchup for us.

I say… be very careful what you wish for. This UConn team could be a team of destiny. And then there’s that 11-0 in National Championships thing!

 

[eebmg]

While I realize games now vs games early in the season are a totally different animal, when we beat UConn earlier this season, Paige was healthy and playing.

But playing by herself too much. Nothing about a Nov game means anything now

 

[eebmg]

I take my scouting from Paige. The game hangs on the boards. If we stay close to SC on the boards, we win. Big if even if there is no foul trouble.

Also, we better get a few more 3pt shots. Anyhow, I expect this to be in the low 60's and down to the last shot.

 

[Huskiefan23]

Paige Bueckers has averaged 25 points against South Carolina in her career. This is also when Beal is defending her so maybe SC needs to try something different.

 

[GCKSFN4L]

I say… be very careful what you wish for. This UConn team could be a team of destiny. And then there’s that 11-0 in National Championships thing!

Huh, I didn't say we were going to run the table but from an objective standpoint with the options that were left, that's the team on paper we rather play based on how we play. I'm sure UConn would rather play Louisville in the final instead us if the shoe was on the other foot. As for the second part, no history matters tomorrow. Not the 11-0 for Geno or even the matchup from the Bahamas. It's all about who shows up for those 40 minutes.

 

[cockhrnleghrn]

I like the Gamecocks' experience. They played loose against Louisville and I expect the same on Sunday. There is no substitute for experience.

 

[Jmsdawg]

I think SC bigs will outplay UConn bigs. UConn wins if they prevent SC guards from getting the ball inside, tough task but I believe they can do it, the key to a UConn win is defense which they are playing all out in recent games. MY PICK, UCONN,

 

[HuskyNan]

Oh ok then.

I think this is what @LwrcasefaN was trying to say

Voepel: I'm not sure the Gamecocks have had to grow a lot as much as they've had to maintain a level of excellent play all season. They have been No. 1 wire to wire because of their experience (starting two seniors and three juniors), relative good health and defense, which Staley has called the best she has had at South Carolina. The target has been on their backs all season, and even though they lost the SEC final to Kentucky, for the most part the Gamecocks have met every challenge.

As for UConn, Auriemma is accustomed to his program being a machine that runs over the opposition like a lawnmower over grass. He has built it and trained his players that way for nearly 40 years. So dealing with injuries to key performers, uncharacteristic missed shots, poor execution -- stuff almost every coach faces at some point every season -- has convinced Auriemma that this team has overcome miraculous odds to get to the championship game.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=newssearch&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwj16vC67vf2AhV2TDABHedLBbUQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAI&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.espn.com%2Fwomens-college-basketball%2Fstory%2F_%2Fid%2F33655286%2Fuconn-south-carolina-predictions-why-huskies-championship-history-not-matter&usg=AOvVaw3FzBTR1illbwW2xczSXJFA

 

[JJTB]

As I’ve mentioned with the last two games……UConn guards are better and if the bigs hold their own, UConn wins. Geno vs Dawn? I take Geno! Go Huskies!

 

[jchusky]

Paige Bueckers has averaged 25 points against South Carolina in her career. This is also when Beal is defending her so maybe SC needs to try something different.

I could be wrong but the 1st matchup to me looked more like Zia Cooke was defending her. I remember watching Paige many times burn her with layups in that Uconn matchup at Storrs.

 

[Gamecockfan77]

Our backup PG was lost for the year after 8 minutes.

Henderson missed 3 or 4 games.

Cooke's whole season seems to have been affected by an early injury.

Grissette is not the same player as before her injury.

But otherwise, sure. We've basically ignored all of that without much trouble.

Certainly nothing as impactful as the Bueckers injury.

 

[jchusky]

Our backup PG was lost for the year after 8 minutes.

Henderson missed 3 or 4 games.

Cooke's whole season seems to have been affected by an early injury.

Grissette is not the same player as before her injury.

But otherwise, sure. We've basically ignored all of that without much trouble.

Certainly nothing as impactful as the Bueckers injury.

I was surprised at how much Rivers played vs Louisville, 20 minutes and wow she was terrific. Did not look like a freshman at all. Wonder how much she plays tonight.

 

[ThatCG1801]

I want 8 to hurry up and get here but on the other hand I don't want 8 to hurry up and get here. I'm 100% certain I'll shed tears tonight. Just not sure if they'll be happy or heartbroken tears.

And even if they are happy tears, those will be mixed with sadness at knowing we've likely seen the last time our seniors will play wearing Garnet and Black, a certainty with LeLe since she has no eligibility remaining. That's always bittersweet. You get so attached to your team members and their individual personalities on and off the court. Gah....making my own self tear up just thinking about it. I'm sure I can't be the only one who feels that way about their team.

Best of luck to both teams tonight. Hoping for a hard fought, injury free game.

 

[Gamecockfan77]

I was surprised at how much Rivers played vs Louisville, 20 minutes and wow she was terrific. Did not look like a freshman at all. Wonder how much she plays tonight.

She apparently had a three game suspension to begin the tournament. It was eyebrow raising she got as many minutes as she did though not that inconsistent with what she was getting in the latter half of conference season.

If Rivers ever makes shots, she's an all American.

Hopefully she will get there. It doesn't look bad.

 

[cancontent]

If we're being honest Stanford has been biggest threat to South Carolina in terms of matchups. They marginally outmatched in size and and has just as much depth as us and besides been arguably the most consistent team all season. Of the two teams we definitely wanted UConn, not saying it will be easy but it's without a doubt the more favorable matchup for us.

A lot can be said about match ups, however many were saying the same about Stanford before they played UConn.
Maybe it's me, but this year, how teams match up hasn't had as much of an impact for the presumed favourites.

I'm not going to try to hazard a guess as to how these teams will play each other. I'm looking for a competitive, injury free game. Definitely rooting for Aaliyah but will also be happy for Amihere from as Canadian perspective. They've both gone through so much to get to this point.

 

[jumpstart]

I am going to make a bold prediction......the team that scores the most points will win the national championship.

 

[JstVisiting]

I think this is what @LwrcasefaN was trying to say

Voepel: I'm not sure the Gamecocks have had to grow a lot as much as they've had to maintain a level of excellent play all season. They have been No. 1 wire to wire because of their experience (starting two seniors and three juniors), relative good health and defense, which Staley has called the best she has had at South Carolina. The target has been on their backs all season, and even though they lost the SEC final to Kentucky, for the most part the Gamecocks have met every challenge.

As for UConn, Auriemma is accustomed to his program being a machine that runs over the opposition like a lawnmower over grass. He has built it and trained his players that way for nearly 40 years. So dealing with injuries to key performers, uncharacteristic missed shots, poor execution -- stuff almost every coach faces at some point every season -- has convinced Auriemma that this team has overcome miraculous odds to get to the championship game.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=newssearch&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwj16vC67vf2AhV2TDABHedLBbUQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAI&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.espn.com%2Fwomens-college-basketball%2Fstory%2F_%2Fid%2F33655286%2Fuconn-south-carolina-predictions-why-huskies-championship-history-not-matter&usg=AOvVaw3FzBTR1illbwW2xczSXJFA

‘This year we had to overcome adversity’ just shows the lilly-gilded path UConn has traveled to many of their championships. Just wait til he learns that some teams have to play in hostile environments to reach the Final Four.

It’s a credit to Geno he built such a dominant program that he thinks overcoming adversity is special, but typically every championship teams needs to do it. Whether it’s an injury, a player not adjusting to her role or expectations, or just bad luck, every championship team in almost every sport faces a rough patch.

Geno better get used to it. The drop off is no longer from UConn to everyone else, but from a handful of programs (including UConn) to the rest.

 

[Basket]

Of Stanford and UConn, we got the opponent we wanted. Bueckers doesn’t need anyone whispering in her ear “remember, you too are mortal.” Brea Beal will teach that lesson again, while UConn has no answer for Boston.

I'm not sure why people are downplaying South Carolina, this game could easily go either way due to a number of factors. South Carolina has found ways to win against multiple opponents and unlike Stanford we're not as heavily reliant on the 3 to succeed. Our defense has been our bread and butter and our offense has been better as of late especially from the unheralded players like Saxton and Beal. Like UConn we now have more options both offensively and defensively than the beginning of the season. We seem extra focus and confident as of late, that plus our post depth is why I believe we can win this game.

Whenever I watched SC in the past with this group I surprisingly never came away impressed with Beal or Cooke. Both played well against Louisville. If Beal can slow Paige down a bit, game, set, match. SC seems focused which takes away their biggest opponent, themselves.