UCF seemed vastly improved.
I thought Crystal looked uncertain during her first stint, but had a lot more spring in her step after being subbed in after Saniya made the two bad passes. It was an opportunity, and by and large she took advantage of it. I've been worried about Crystal's mental state, because now comes the most difficult part of the season Geno-wise.[/QUOTE
Most of the teams in the AAC did show improvement during out of conference play. Dangerfield is still learning to play with this team, at this level. Her performance in the Baylor game proves she CAN play at this level. She's under intense pressure from Geno to cease and desist with the turnovers. She had 3 turnovers today, but so did Chong. Nurse had 4. Even TLaw got in on the action and picked up 1.
She's under a huge microscope right now. Once she settles down and in (and she will), the turnovers will shrink down to nothing, her assists will grow, and her defensive acumen and posture will become more consistent.
At some point, the light will go on. She will get there, be it this season or by the beginning of next season. Geno can afford to play her 25-30 minutes a game now until the end of the February. Ready or not, she's still going to be needed during the post-season. She'll just have a lot more minutes under her belt by then. Let's be patient, Crystal will be fine.