UCF Postgame Thread

[ucbart]

Is there a crisis of confidence? The team played some ugly games in early to mid November but seemed to progress steadily after that. Is this a mental fallout from the late collapse against Baylor?

My take is this:

1. That Baylor game was very winnable for 33 minutes. They completed wilted under the pressure and it's completely messed with their heads.
2. The team is GASSSSSSSED. That was our 4th game in 8 days, the last two on the road....and nowhere near close to home.
3. Meghan just seems off.
4. Any team that plays us in a 1-2-2 zone has a chance because we aren't good at moving without the ball and our 3 point shooting can be very spotty.

I expect a game later in the season against this very UCF team, could turn out much different....for the better.

 

[hoopsfan22]

I expect a game later in the season against this very UCF team, could turn out much different....for the better.

Let's hope so because the next time we play them is senior day.

 

[HuskyNan]

My thoughts

• No offensive continuity. They look lethargic
• Defense was good the majority of time until Liv was out and we gave up some easy buckets as the interior was only Irwin
• CW had a bad game and didn’t do enough when she couldn’t score. I’m shocked that her shooting has actually regressed compared to her freshman year. It’s not like her shots are out of control, they are mostly wide open. We have no shot at winning in the tournament if she cannot be a big scorer. In a zone she should be able to attack the middle whenever she wants it for some reason Ashe deferred too much and didn’t Attack. Im just baffled how un aggressive our team is, even when Geno has asked them all to be more aggressive
• Liv played decently but the refs impacted the game with their whistles
• Megan was alright, but her carelessness and turnovers are just baffling
• Irwin made a shot, but she needs to take more shots especially when the zone was wide open where she catches in the high post
• Dangerfield was good.
• Anna played well but she could’ve easily scored more if she just shot when open and not hesitate and drive the ball. She needs to take at least 10 shots a game
• Aubrey was not great but she needs more minutes. I know she didn’t hustle for that loose ball but Her defense was good
• I’m hopeful we can get better but as each game goes by I’m relegated to think this is what our team will be. Unless something incredible happens like CW making threes, makarat scoring double digits. Aubrey playing significant minutes and contributing points and rebounds, Liv getting better down low and AT THE FREE THROW LINE. As you can see there are a lot to improve, ugh

Aubrey - and I’m a big fan - had a bad night. She ran around aimlessly on both offense and defense and tried to force up a shot when surrounded by defenders. I didn’t see a compelling reason to leave her on the court and “learning how to play” is not a good reason

 

[ABCDFE]

I didn’t see what others did. From my seat in the 20th row, I thought Anna was pretty good tonight. Others were tentative but Anna’s issue was that she was deferring to upper classmen. Chris Daily started screaming across the court at Anna and then Anna started shooting more. Her defense was effective, for the most part. She poked away or slowed the movement of the ball when UCF had it. She’s got great hands on defense and moves her feet well. The travels are a habit she picked up in Europe, I think. She’ll grow out of it.

I was watching body language of the team tonight. It was awful in the first quarter, much better in the second quarter, especially when Wright went to the bench with foul trouble. Third quarter, the Huskies were back to playing tentatively. Not sure what’s going on with the team in that regard

Meg- I wonder if she has a flu or nagging injury. Her movement seems off, like she’s trying to push through pain or something. And she was getting ping-ponged around all night. That she could score 19 points while being constantly grabbed and held (one blatant off the ball takedown, too ) is impressive.

Crystal was great in the first half but her play tailed off a bit, probably because she was tired from face-guarding Wright all night. A heroic effort on her part.

Honestly this game was an improvement over Memphis. UCF is a better team and there were spells where things looked just fine, on offense and defense. This effort still isn’t what the team will need in March, but it’s a step forward

Step forward from last game but maybe steps back from Oklahoma game or even Baylor. You’re on to something regards to Megan, after her turnovers she didn’t hustle down the floor.

 

[Mdoggie]

We are acting like spoiled kids. 15-1 and unhappy. One game at a time people. No game is a write in.

 

[Centerstream]

An increasingly frequent refrain from Megan Culmo during games is, "I can't remember the last time a UConn team did that." I think that pretty much sums up the quality of play the last two games.

I agree but can anyone remember the last time a UConn team held teams to less than 5 points scored in a quarter in 2 out of 3 games in a row? Held Houston to 2 and (I think) UCF to 3. Just putting it out here....

 

[donalddoowop]

Could be, but tonight 32 minutes with 6 turnovers! Can't do that. Just can't.

Megan is a junior and she had five. That is 11 in the last two games. Don't leave her out.

 

[donalddoowop]

UConn seems to be confused on offense lately. It seems something is causing them to be uptight. I believe the coaching needs to adjust and have these players play to their strength, simplify things and maybe they will loosen up. If Williams had scored anywhere near her average the game would not have been close. Someone said UConn needs more from the bench. The bench had ten points tonight.

 

[Woof 101]

This team isnt the most talented team, for a UConn team, nor is it a team with a High BB IQ.

Questioning talent is one thing but BB IQ? Knowing what to do and executing it is two very different things.
They are being lead and taught by a very respected and competent coaching staff. IQ is not the problem. Can anyone give credit to opposing teams playing defense? This against a team in restaff / transition.

This team hasnt figured out how to beat a zone. Teams are just clogging the middle & forcing UConn into shooting 3's or low percentage shots. No easy baskets.

BostonBay , you must have not seen the game tonight. Not once not twice but time and again Megan repeated nobody is going into the wide open middle. She even drew it out during a time out. UCF played in your face smothering D, nothing more nothing less.

Not attacking anyone just a difference of opinion.
I get a chuckle out of some of the post game comments. It was clear and well published during the off season that this would be a non typical UConn season. Many on this forum proclaimed there could be some in season losses maybe no final four. Now it is all such a surprise???
I find the surprise is that this team has only lost one game so far. That and without bashing players, many fans or those that claim to be fans do not understand the roster. Another good win tonight over a hungry opponent.
The last element for now is everyone should realize the locker room banter and charge from opposing coaches to be "the only team to beat UCONN in an AAC conference game!" One can be sure this is most teams target game of the year.
Nice W in a hostile environment tonight!

 

[uconnever]

Scared to shoot.....even when open. First noticed this in the Baylor game. Shots they normally took.....they didn’t. Traveling, really soft lazy passes and just a total lack of awareness. This team is weird because I can see them in the sweet sixteen, but if they play like they did for three quarters against Baylor, I can see them in the final four. Overall, I see this as a learning year for a return to dominance next year.

 

[uconnfan68]

I agree with you about Anna's traveling issues but tonight it was spreading.

Some of them were bogus it seemed... just like some of Walker’s were. Just some really shaky calls. And not a single moving screen called, and UCF committed one every time they set up.

 

[Steelerone]

I try to make it a point not to criticize officials having been involved in umpiring myself but this game, for future reference, will be know as "The Night Of The Phantom Fouls".

 

[Carnac]

Aubrey - and I’m a big fan - had a bad night. She ran around aimlessly on both offense and defense and tried to force up a shot when surrounded by defenders. I didn’t see a compelling reason to leave her on the court and “learning how to play” is not a good reason

Me too. I think she's hit the wall. If she's running the floor aimlessly, she still doesn't have a clue yet.
Give her time. Even though we really need her now, she's not ready. That will change next year. Like every freshman before her, she's just got to work through it.

 

[eebmg]

The only word that comes to mind is "Tight". At least, TN is going to be overconfident.

 

[pvdoggy]

The way Uconn is playing, will Oregon beats Uconn by more or less the margin they just whooped Stanford by?

 

[Jingo]

Do people think Aubrey needs to play through her mistakes.

yesss...

 

[eebmg]

I see we have given up the Bad Ass award. Good. That would require some heavy duty creative writing.

 

[Dove]

4 games in 7 days people. That explains the lethargy and being in a rut.

And what was with those shorts?

 

[hoopsfan22]

Keep in mind they've played four games in the last week. Their schedule was play Baylor last Thursday night, then 40 hours later play Houston, then hop on a plane the next day for Memphis, play Tuesday night, get on another plane for Orlando to play another game less than 48 hours later, and then fly back to UConn for practice before Sunday's game against Tulsa. They went 3-1, avoided the emotional let down after the Baylor loss, and then had to grind out two tough road wins. We can cut them a little slack, can't we?

 

[Boreifs]

Scared to shoot.....even when open. First noticed this in the Baylor game. they normally took.....they didn’t. Traveling, really soft lazy passes and just a total lack of awareness. This team is weird because I can see them in the sweet sixteen, but if they play like they did for three quarters against Baylor, I can see them in the final four. Overall, I see this as a learning year for a return to dominance next year.

After watching the six underclassmen play tonight, why would you ever predict a return to dominance? Freshmen don’t dominate; even Taurasi couldn’t do that.

 

[FridaFriend]

The refs really wrecked the game tonight. They were completely unpredictable and did not let either team get into any kind of rhythm. When Megan and Olivia get in foul trouble, they don't know what to do and back away from the game.

At times tonight UCONN players reacted as if they were in a pick-up game with strangers as teammates. They seemed baffled by the defense and by the task of finding plays to run. I know that they are so talented individually, it is sad to see them unable to work as a team.

 

[Dokey]

After watching the six underclassmen play tonight, why would you ever predict a return to dominance? Freshmen don’t dominate; even Taurasi couldn’t do that.

Freshman don’t need to dominate but can still be difference makers. If Anna can be talked into taking ten shots a game, it will force teams to pay more attention to her, freeing the other guys. Making a three a quarter would do that. If Oregon plays us like they did Stanford, we might need her to hit all ten. And Meg to...and Crystal...and Christyn...and poor Liv.... who we put on Ionesco? Probably Crystal.

 

[Dokey]

I also wonder why she is the designated inbounder.
And at the moment I can't remember who does it when she is not on the court.

Simple. No brainer. Best passer to best shooters, especially inside. Lou, a three point specialist like Anna, had same assignment.

 

[Littlemin]

Between the way the UConn staff is handling Aubrey and the BY comments, I'd be surprised if she returns next year .. I know that I wouldn't...

Ah, the ridiculous modern world. I don’t pretend to know him anymore, but I knew her father pretty well when he was at Seton Hall and I would be shocked if he taught his kids to be quitters; I believe work harder, learn and grow, would be the clear message. She is a young colt trying to run with mature mustangs and you especially, but others also, were completely fooled Into thinking she was already something I am sure she will become.