UCF postgame

[Sargassoc]

Are you guessing, or is that official? If it's official, which non-UConn players made the team?

I saw it with my own two eyes. KayKay Wright from UCF and one (two?) kid from USF.

 

[mbr33ct]

Olivia makes a difference on defense.She doesn't have to block a shot just change it. She also rebounded very well. A couple of bogus foul calls.

Mikayla - WOW. She absolutely made Wright disappear. Wright had 4 points for the game!

Squeaks had a game. 2 blocks, a couple of steals & 13 points. 5 turnovers were not good.

Phee was UNREAL. She's my NPOY.

As to UCF - very disappointed in their bench behavior. No class. The trap of Kyla by the UCF starters was bush league. Geno was pissed and rightly so. Coach Abe did not do herself any good in Geno's eyes.

Geno wants her to "drive"...is that too hard to ask for?

 

[wbball novice]

Satisfying win for the conference championship. After the field goal barrage of the South Florida game, I wasn't surprised that shooting from outside was off this time around. Isn't that the way it usually happens? Napheesa played beyond high expectations, obvious MVP for the conference. CW seems to be finding her inner attack dog, and played some opportunistic defense. Coombs was perfect sub to guard a small fast guard like Wright, who really hurt Cinci last night. UConn defense was good, but UCF defense was pretty good too (Napheesa excepted), holding the UConn scoring machine to 65. Central Florida can afford to be overly physical; with a deep bench they have a lot of fouls to give, and without UConn's talent, this is an obvious strategy. The UConn players expect this by now and I didn't notice any bared teeth, so to speak. Hope UConn never has to play this year's UCLA team; they're savage and really rattled Oregon. Anyway, the UCF bench likes to celebrate; you should have seen them at the Cincinnati game. I found them (UCF) to be delightful, like backup cheerleaders. Can't they be happy to be in the finals and probably getting into the big dance? If they don't know all the "unwritten rules" it's probably because they've never had much success. Geno-Coach Abe interaction: he likes to be pissed off at something; it energizes him.Yesterday Plebe made much of what he interpreted as Coach Neighbors indignation at Vic Schafer for leaving AEH late in the game when she was on her 3 pt run -- it didn't bother me & I was happy for her. I'm not even sure he was really all that mad, but I do think coaches like to be pissed off about something or other.

 

[Plebe]

UCF press conference live on Facebook now.

 

[CocoHusky]

Why are the UConn players trying to go baseline from the wing all of the time? It is essentially another defender and I can recall 7 or 8 times in the last 3 games where the move ended up in a turnover. I don't recall seeing it as often in the regular season.

Two reason: 1) Geno is instructing Christyn Williams to drive the basketball because that is one of the stronger parts of her game. 2) Mikayla Coombs has been the 6th man since KLS has been hurt. Mikayla is not a credible wing or baseline deep shooter. Mikayla is either going to drive or kick the ball back out. Mikayla did have two very nice diagonal pass from the corner tonight but far too often she drifts from the weak side (opposite the ball) corner and her defender ends up sagging in on ONO or Pheesa.

 

[psconn]

I know it's been mentioned a few times, but UCF's bench behavior was a total embarrassment to the school and the team. It was disturbing to me that Lobo said she liked it. I just don't get that. It wasn't so much the cheering and jumping around in support of UCF's positive plays, although you'd think that would be tempered by the 20 point deficit. It was the outlandish mugging and mocking UConn turnovers, etc. If I'm the UCF AD, I have a conversation with the coach about that. I thought that behavior was more egregious than the hard trap on Kyla. I think Geno overreacted a bit to that.

 

[Soxx]

Who knows on the bench. As for Geno's comment to Coach Abe, he was pissed that after he subs out his starters up 20+, with less than a minute in the game, UCF tries to trap Kyla. it move.

Lobo commented on this as well. I was surprised by this point. Why would it be wrong to play hard to the bitter end? How is this different from Geno having his starters go all out when they are up 30? He’s always said that at wvery moment, no matter the score, they play UCONN ball.

 

[Soxx]

Two reason: 1) Geno is instructing Christyn Williams to drive the basketball because that is one of the stronger parts of her game. 2) Mikayla Coombs has been the 6th man since KLS has been hurt. Mikayla is not a credible wing or baseline deep shooter. Mikayla is either going to drive or kick the ball back out. Mikayla did have two very nice diagonal pass from the corner tonight but far too often she drifts from the weak side (opposite the ball) corner and her defender ends up sagging in on ONO or Pheesa.

Walker got caught on baseline drives as well.

 

[oldude]

Lobo commented on this as well. I was surprised by this point. Why would it be wrong to play hard to the bitter end? How is this different from Geno having his starters go all out when they are up 30? He’s always said that at wvery moment, no matter the score, they play UCONN ball.

UCF wasn't running a trapping half court defense. They only slapped it on when Geno pulled his starters. In my mind, that's a it move.

 

[uconnfan68]

I didn’t like the close line on ONO

And no call.

 

[Centerstream]

Lobo commented on this as well. I was surprised by this point. Why would it be wrong to play hard to the bitter end? How is this different from Geno having his starters go all out when they are up 30? He’s always said that at wvery moment, no matter the score, they play UCONN ball.

If you don't know the difference or don't see the difference, I don't think anyone around here could explain it to you.
PS...did they try to trap the "starters"????????

 

[BroadwayVa]

A couple thoughts on the game today:

- Another solid defensive effort. Particularly Crystal & Mikayla bird dogging Kay Kay Wright.
- I watched Ionescu last night, and she is truly a great player, but Pheesa deserves the NPOY.
- For the most part, UCF was on their best behavior. However, I was a little concerned after Megan got smacked in the nose during the 1st minute of the game.
- Not sure if I would be celebrating like UCF’s bench if I was getting beaten by 20+.
- Time for our Huskies to go Dancing.

One poster coined a word for Mik Coombs; the disrupter. Very apt. She is a solid player (needs a shot) we can all (I think) see what she can become ala ONO.
I have been an Ionescu fan since she arrived in WCBB. I particularity liked her liking GENO even after she choose Oregon. She's a DT type player that will carry her team as far as it can go. She's not a showboat.
UCF's bench should have gotten a T for unsportsmanlike behavior, they were mocking Megan and other UC kids all the while holding their bleeding behinds in their hands after those kids being mocked kicked it into that condition. Geno was more than mildly urinated at their coach.

 

[Biff]

I thought it was Olivia who hit Megan.

Nope. Slo-mo replay showed it was the UCF player that wacker her in the nose.

 

[Centerstream]

Nope. Slo-mo replay showed it was the UCF player that wacker her in the nose.

Yes it was and was completely inadvertent I believe.

 

[oldude]

Last, is it me or does Coach A eerily remind us of a former scowl looking women whose teams lacked offensive prowess?

She does seem to be in a permanent state of disgust on the sideline.

 

[BroadwayVa]

I know it's been mentioned a few times, but UCF's bench behavior was a total embarrassment to the school and the team. It was disturbing to me that Lobo said she liked it. I just don't get that. It wasn't so much the cheering and jumping around in support of UCF's positive plays, although you'd think that would be tempered by the 20 point deficit. It was the outlandish mugging and mocking UConn turnovers, etc. If I'm the UCF AD, I have a conversation with the coach about that. I thought that behavior was more egregious than the hard trap on Kyla. I think Geno overreacted a bit to that.

The real question is Why Did the REFS put up with (by the rules) unsportsmanlike behavior--A T on the bench, 2 and they get ejected. Why????

 

[UConnNick]

Satisfying win for the conference championship. After the field goal barrage of the South Florida game, I wasn't surprised that shooting from outside was off this time around. Isn't that the way it usually happens? Napheesa played beyond high expectations, obvious MVP for the conference. CW seems to be finding her inner attack dog, and played some opportunistic defense. Coombs was perfect sub to guard a small fast guard like Wright, who really hurt Cinci last night. UConn defense was good, but UCF defense was pretty good too (Napheesa excepted), holding the UConn scoring machine to 65. Central Florida can afford to be overly physical; with a deep bench they have a lot of fouls to give, and without UConn's talent, this is an obvious strategy. The UConn players expect this by now and I didn't notice any bared teeth, so to speak. Hope UConn never has to play this year's UCLA team; they're savage and really rattled Oregon. Anyway, the UCF bench likes to celebrate; you should have seen them at the Cincinnati game. I found them (UCF) to be delightful, like backup cheerleaders. Can't they be happy to be in the finals and probably getting into the big dance? If they don't know all the "unwritten rules" it's probably because they've never had much success. Geno-Coach Abe interaction: he likes to be pissed off at something; it energizes him.Yesterday Plebe made much of what he interpreted as Coach Neighbors indignation at Vic Schafer for leaving AEH late in the game when she was on her 3 pt run -- it didn't bother me & I was happy for her. I'm not even sure he was really all that mad, but I do think coaches like to be pissed off about something or other.

I don't see anything wrong with the UCF bench being overly exuberant. They believe they cemented an NCAA invite with their semifinal win, so they were in the mood to celebrate. When I've coached I'd rather have my bench players engaged and involved in the games than sitting on their hands being emotionless. These UCF players haven't been to the big dance. They deserve to enjoy the accomplishment.

 

[Biff]

Yes it was and was completely inadvertent I believe.

Yes it appeared to be inadvertent.

 

[huskeynut]

Geno wants her to "drive"...is that too hard to ask for?

Did you watch the game? She drive to the hoop.

 

[CocoHusky]

I have to disagree with much of what is being said here about the UCF bench behavior and the trap on Kyla.
I deplore the rough play, always have always will, but that was expected since the first UCF game this season.
With regards to bench behavior was it really that much different than what UCONN players do when a three ball is hit by Molly Bent in garbage time or Polly's shot in garbage time of the National Championship game? Kyla Irwin is a Junior at UCONN. I would be very disappointed in her if she does not know how to handle a trap-She did BTW.

 

[uconnfan68]

I have to disagree with much of what is being said here about the UCF bench behavior and the trap on Kyla.
I deplore the rough play, always have always will, but that was expected since the first UCF game this season.
With regards to bench behavior was it really that much different than what UCONN players do when a three ball is hit by Molly Bent in garbage time or Polly's shot in garbage time of the National Championship game? Kyla Irwin is a Junior at UCONN. I would be very disappointed in her if she does not know how to handle a trap-She did BTW.

When you’re down 20 with a minute left, you don’t press the subs... unless you have no class.

 

[ochoopsfan]

On the trap on Kyla one of the UCF players started clapping at the foul call. I don't think Geno liked that reaction, which was sarcastic clapping, IMO.

 

[psconn]

I have to disagree with much of what is being said here about the UCF bench behavior and the trap on Kyla.
I deplore the rough play, always have always will, but that was expected since the first UCF game this season.
With regards to bench behavior was it really that much different than what UCONN players do when a three ball is hit by Molly Bent in garbage time or Polly's shot in garbage time of the National Championship game? Kyla Irwin is a Junior at UCONN. I would be very disappointed in her if she does not know how to handle a trap-She did BTW.

It is MUCH different. UConn players in that circumstance are just excited for the success of a teammate, an end of the bench player who works hard every day and finally gets a few seconds in the sun. The UCF bench mocking Megan's traveling violation was way out of line. You can be excited that your team got a turnover but to actively mock an opponent? Ridiculous. 'Nuf said by me on this topic, moving on and thankful to CD and Geno that my team does not countenance that kind of behavior.

 

[oldude]

I don't see anything wrong with the UCF bench being overly exuberant. They believe they cemented an NCAA invite with their semifinal win, so they were in the mood to celebrate. When I've coached I'd rather have my bench players engaged and involved in the games than sitting on their hands being emotionless. These UCF players haven't been to the big dance. They deserve to enjoy the accomplishment.

No problem with UCF celebrating their return to the Big Dance, but there is a time and place for everything. Celebrate after beating Cincinnati in the semis. How is it appropriate to celebrate during a 20 pt beatdown in the conference finals?

 

[Alydar]

Not a good 2nd half for UConn. Seems like in the 4th Quarter, Geno was content to slow the game down, knowing UCF could not score enough points to make the game close. Slowing the game down affected the players as they started to stand around, which made the offense more difficult.

UCF likes to lead with Elbows.

Charlie Creme has UCF in the tournament and if they face a team that has not played a team that plays tough physical defense, they just might win a game. Don't think they score enough points to get into the 2nd weekend.

If they catch a cold 3 seed they can get to the S16 but unlikely. They make up for less skill and talent with high-energy physicality. They go 10 deep and will bang all game. And surprisingly I watched them play uptempo vs Cinci and they were good in transition.