UCLA UConn

[Tonyc]

We must stay out of foul trouble. Buffalo caught up because we were in foul trouble and with no bench we cant play defense. If the refs call the regional games like they did the other nite we could have problems I dont think we loose to UCLA. I expect UCLA to be tired from the trip and the interviews when they get here. When UConn is in big time foul trouble they struggle shooting. They settle to much for outside shots and dont dribble penetrate. Foul trouble puts pressure on them imo. Its tuff to play when your in foul trouble which results in ... defenseless. Much like the FF last season. UConn got in foul trouble and ND went nuts scoring. ND lived at the line and I believe UConn outscored ND from the floor by a bunch.

 

['nuff sed]

I think we can defend the perimeter well enough here. Even enough to absorb a bad shooting night.

UCLA should not be a problem.

 

[Fairfield Fan]

They are playing really, really well. They're one of those teams that is peaking in the tournament. Yes, UConn has improved. But UCLA is not just a fourth-ranked also-ran. They're one of five Pac 12 teams in the Sweet Sixteen, and you don't get there by being an also-ran.

UCLA will be a monumental opponent on Friday night.

 

[connie]

They are playing really, really well. They're one of those teams that is peaking in the tournament. Yes, UConn has improved. But UCLA is not just a fourth-ranked also-ran. They're one of five Pac 12 teams in the Sweet Sixteen, and you don't get there by being an also-ran.

UCLA will be a monumental opponent on Friday night.

Absolutely agree. In fact, I give a decided edge to UCLA. This does not mean (to state the obvious) that UConn cannot win, or (to state the obvious) that I do not hope they do. As noted in the Towson postgame thread, "everything changes when outside shots go down"--or, one might add, when outside shots do not go down. Anything less than a strong night of outside shooting for UConn can spell defeat. And even that is no guarantee. UCLA is no cream puff. They've scored at least 73 points per game in their last nine games, including 83, 89 and 85 in their last three.

So . . . make no mistake, given UCLA's length and athleticism, its confidence and momentum, if and when UCLA starts to hang close, get a lead, or even perhaps stretch a lead a bit into the first five minutes of the third quarter, they may begin to smell blood in the water; and things could get ugly for UConn. Under such circumstances UCLA, could win this by 15 points, perhaps even more.

 

[Topsail]

Absolutely agree. In fact, I give a decided edge to UCLA. This does not mean (to state the obvious) that UConn cannot win, or (to state the obvious) that I do not hope they do. As noted in the Towson postgame thread, "everything changes when outside shots go down"--or, one might add, when outside shots do not go down. Anything less than a strong night of outside shooting for UConn can spell defeat. And even that is no guarantee. UCLA is no cream puff. They've scored at least 73 points per game in their last nine games, including 83, 89 and 85 in their last three.

So . . . make no mistake, given UCLA's length and athleticism, its confidence and momentum, if and when UCLA starts to hang close, get a lead, or even perhaps stretch a lead a bit into the first five minutes of the third quarter, they may begin to smell blood in the water; and things could get ugly for UConn. Under such circumstances UCLA, could win this by 15 points, perhaps even more.

This will be a battle for sure. I hope our shots are falling. I think this game goes to the wire.

 

[GoUconn7961]

ESPN pundits predicting our demise against UCLA because we don't rebound well. Most doubt it's fixable before the game. We shall see. I don't take much stock in the talk of pundits...

 

[boontonbomber]

UCLA is one of the best offensive rebounding teams in the country, that definitely could be a problem. Olivia may need to be on the court more minutes. regarding dribble penetration, I think UConn has developed into one of the weakest penetrating teams in the country. they either pass inside to Collier, or shoot a three. what an offense; hard to watch. c'mon Williams, c'mon Dangerfield, c'mon Samuelson; get inside!

 

[HopJim]

ESPN pundits predicting our demise against UCLA because we don't rebound well. Most doubt it's fixable before the game. We shall see. I don't take much stock in the talk of pundits...

Some of UConn's rebounding issues are fixable. If you watch the replays, UConn routinely gets pushed deep under the basket, making it easier for competitor to get offensive rebounds. Also, the switching Geno has them doing the last part of year often causes them to be out of position when shots go up. Competitors camp under basket and are in better position to rebound than defender. This is out of my swim lane-counting on Geno to fix!

 

[huskyd]

ESPN pundits predicting our demise against UCLA because we don't rebound well. Most doubt it's fixable before the game. We shall see. I don't take much stock in the talk of pundits...

The solution to rebounding by the opposition is shooting a high percentage--so there are fewer rebounds. Against Buffalo, we shot lights out early in the game and built a lead. In the second half when our shots weren't falling, Buffalo was able to rebound and creep back into the game. What is insoluble is for UConn to become a great rebounding team between now and Friday; the athletes we have this year just aren't adept at collecting rebounds. They lack size and speed. We also get in trouble when we continually trap the opposition. Eventually, they get open for easy lay-ins.
UCLA has lost 12 times this year, so they're hardly unbeatable. Maryland's excuse for losing yet another key game was that they lacked intensity. We can do intensity.
It's pretty obvious: make shots, which we can, or make summer plans.

 

[Jeff H]

UConn this year:

83.4 points per game - Opponents: 55.3 Margin = 28.1
41.5 Rebounds per game - Opponents 34.7 Margin = 6.8

UCLA
74.1 points per game - Opponents 68.8 Margin = 5.3
41.6 Rebounds per game - Opponents 35.6 Margin = 6.0

Also, UConn 2 losses UCLA 12 losses

I know we're doomed, but we're not that doomed.

 

[CajunHusky]

What is this "dribble drive" stuff? That isn't UConn. UConn plays team basketball not that SEC stuff.

 

[buddy]

ESPN pundits predicting our demise against UCLA because we don't rebound well. Most doubt it's fixable before the game. We shall see. I don't take much stock in the talk of pundits...

ESPN is anti UConn in everything. Keep it in mind when listening or reading.

 

[GoUconn7961]

ESPN is anti UConn in everything. Keep it in mind when listening or reading.

As I said - I don't much listen to pundits...

 

[DefenseBB]

They are playing really, really well. They're one of those teams that is peaking in the tournament. Yes, UConn has improved. But UCLA is not just a fourth-ranked also-ran. They're one of five Pac 12 teams in the Sweet Sixteen, and you don't get there by being an also-ran.

UCLA will be a monumental opponent on Friday night.

So by beating a badly coached Tenn team and young and severely overrated Maryland team makes them a monumental opponent?
This team has 12 losses and yes, they have played better lately against their PAC12 brethren of which only Oregon has the firepower that UConn has.
This team still has Cori as a coach who while beating Holly and Brenda at checkers has to play chess now. Not convinced this team can match up.

 

[DefenseBB]

ESPN is anti UConn in everything. Keep it in mind when listening or reading.

As evidenced by what? They sent their “A” team to Storrs, the team has more TV exposure on their channels than any other team, anything Geno says gets quoted and discussed so while observations are given by various ESPN personnel ALL TALK ABOUT UConn team with respect, a tad envy and jealousy. But to say their “anti” is ludicrous.

 

[DaBball]

This UCLA team’s situation reminds me of Oregon State’s last season. Both teams were ranked #6 and both teams won their first round game, and although they played a #3 seed in the second round, both teams won and it didn’t really feel like an “upset” in the sense that a 3-6 matchup typically would because both teams were peaking at the end of the season. This is where I hope the stories are no longer similar - Oregon State went on to upset #2 Baylor in the Sweet 16.

 

[Jmsdawg]

I just watched the MD UCLA game. UCLA is a team that can win it all. I expected MD to beat UCLA and thought the only way UCLA could win was for MD to have a bad game. After watching the game, MD did not have an off game and I believe UCLA beat them because they were the better team. This team does not look like a 6 seed,
UConn must be ready because, IMHO, it appears to me UCLA is ready!

 

[Drumguy]

Absolutely agree. In fact, I give a decided edge to UCLA. This does not mean (to state the obvious) that UConn cannot win, or (to state the obvious) that I do not hope they do. As noted in the Towson postgame thread, "everything changes when outside shots go down"--or, one might add, when outside shots do not go down. Anything less than a strong night of outside shooting for UConn can spell defeat. And even that is no guarantee. UCLA is no cream puff. They've scored at least 73 points per game in their last nine games, including 83, 89 and 85 in their last three.

So . . . make no mistake, given UCLA's length and athleticism, its confidence and momentum, if and when UCLA starts to hang close, get a lead, or even perhaps stretch a lead a bit into the first five minutes of the third quarter, they may begin to smell blood in the water; and things could get ugly for UConn. Under such circumstances UCLA, could win this by 15 points, perhaps even more.

ROFL I'll take that bet. There will be less fouls this game, no way we lose to a team that has lost 12 games this season.

 

[oldude]

I watched UCLA against both TN & MD. They have some really good athletes. They crash the boards hard. They also have some limitations.

UCLA doesn’t have great size or anyone capable of defending Pheesa in the post one on one. They are not a particularly good outside shooting team, aside from their pg, who is a streaky shooter at best. They turn the ball over when pressured.

Getting back to their pg, she had a number of stretches when she played a little out of control. She is 5’6”, the same size as Crystal and not nearly as strong or disciplined.

Don’t know how UCLA can handle Pheesa or Crystal. If Lou is closer to 100% and the Huskies get contributions from their supporting cast, UConn wins this one comfortably.

 

[UConnNick]

ESPN is anti UConn in everything. Keep it in mind when listening or reading.

That's because their management consists largely of Syracuse alums, and we've surpassed them by such a wide margin in men's and women's BB.

 

[Topsail]

I watched UCLA against both TN & MD. They have some really good athletes. They crash the boards hard. They also have some limitations.

UCLA doesn’t have great size or anyone capable of defending Pheesa in the post one on one. They are not a particularly good outside shooting team, aside from their pg, who is a streaky shooter at best. They turn the ball over when pressured.

Getting back to their pg, she had a number of stretches when she played a little out of control. She is 5’6”, the same size as Crystal and not nearly as strong or disciplined.

Don’t know how UCLA can handle Pheesa or Crystal. If Lou is closer to 100% and the Huskies get contributions from their supporting cast, UConn wins this one comfortably.

they have scored 80 plus points against Oregon &Maryland. We are not a good defensive team. I think this will be a high scoring game and anything can happen.

 

[oldude]

they have scored 80 plus points against Oregon &Maryland. We are not a good defensive team. I think this will be a high scoring game and anything can happen.

Frankly, I don’t think Oregon & MD are particularly good defensive teams. MD in particular allowed UCLA to get a bunch of uncontested jump shots from 15’ in, and just about every single MD defender got beat repeatedly off the dribble. Against Stanford, a good defensive team, UCLA had 51 pts.

 

[UConnNick]

As evidenced by what? They sent their “A” team to Storrs, the team has more TV exposure on their channels than any other team, anything Geno says gets quoted and discussed so while observations are given by various ESPN personnel ALL TALK ABOUT UConn team with respect, a tad envy and jealousy. But to say their “anti” is ludicrous.

We currently sit in the AAC largely because of ESPN. That's about as anti-UConn as you can get. They acted in concert with the ACC to destroy the old Big East because they had hitched their economic wagon to the ACC. Getting rid of the Big East meant one less major conference mouth to feed with rights fees. UConn got voted out of the ACC by Boston College, Clemson and Florida State, but ESPN was calling the shots from behind the scenes. The North Carolina schools wanted UConn. Meanwhile, UConn's administration sat idly by while watching a glorified community college in northern Kentucky, with a corrupt athletic administration, lobby the ACC for admission. Adding insult to injury, the politicians in CT have showered ESPN with tax breaks to keep them from leaving the state. The state has become ESPN's lapdog, while ESPN is principally responsible for putting UConn's athletic budget in a 40 million dollar hole. Rest assured UConn has no friends in management at ESPN.

 

[Topsail]

I understand that Oregon and MD are not good defensive teams as well as us. My point is I think it will be a high scoring & tight contest to the finish. This is just my thoughts on it.

 

[oldude]

I understand that Oregon and MD are not good defensive teams as well as us. My point is I think it will be a high scoring & tight contest to the finish. This is just my thoughts on it.

You may be right. I think it will depend on how well UCLA takes care of the ball. I can foresee a scenario where UConn goes on a run and creates a 15-20 pt separation that settles the outcome for all intents and purposes.

 

[Hayven]

UCLA’s frontcourt is athletic and the team does not lack any confidence. UConn cannot give up 20+ offensive rebounds once again

 

[hoopsfan22]

ROFL I'll take that bet. There will be less fouls this game, no way we lose to a team that has lost 12 games this season.

Why not? We could have lost to Buffalo the other night, and they had nine losses while playing in a mid-major conference.

 

[hoopsfan22]

You may be right. I think it will depend on how well UCLA takes care of the ball. I can foresee a scenario where UConn goes on a run and creates a 15-20 pt separation that settles the outcome for all intents and purposes.

And then lets up on the intensity and effort letting UCLA climb back into it by midway in the third quarter. With this team 15-20 points is not enough, because when the pressure is on they fall apart.

 

[inthisopinion]

It comes down to the health of UConn's most important player. However, after the health issue it then depends on the empowering of that player. If she is not allowed to employ all her incomparable varied capabilities her value is reduced and that puts the team in danger of losing if the opponent is actually capable of winning. In 7 total games vs 2 common opponents UConn is +18 PG vs UCLA (in regulation) which includes 2 games without KLS. So, I don't think they are in danger in this game, at least. However, all the factors mentioned above may come into play in the next game.

 

[oldude]

And then lets up on the intensity and effort letting UCLA climb back into it by midway in the third quarter. With this team 15-20 points is not enough, because when the pressure is on they fall apart.

Yessiree, they sure did fall apart this year going only 33-2, ranked 2nd in the nation.

 

[BobbyJ]

Frankly, I don’t think Oregon & MD are particularly good defensive teams. MD in particular allowed UCLA to get a bunch of uncontested jump shots from 15’ in, and just about every single MD defender got beat repeatedly off the dribble. Against Stanford, a good defensive team, UCLA had 51 pts.

Problem is, defensively UConn is a lot closer to MD. than Stanford. UCLA could have near 35 offensive rebounds in this one.

 

[Vowelguy]

The solution to rebounding by the opposition is shooting a high percentage

Uhhh, the problem is defensive rebounds. Buffalo had a ton of offensive rebounds, esp in 1st half.

 

[GoUconn7961]

Honestly - I think this team kind of likes being thought of as an underdog - especially Napheesa

 

[Tonyc]

We can score alot of points against UCLA. We have height and we are fundamentally sound. UCLA has been able to speed games up which is an advantage for them because of their quickness. UConn can play up tempo. Two things UConn has to do imo. Hit a fair percentage of their outside shots and not rely on outside shooting and they must attack the basket on offense. UConn must stay out of foul trouble. If UConn is in foul trouble and with a short bench they are defenseless. You saw that against Buffalo. I like our chances alot in this game. Tenn and MD are not UConn. UCLA ran right around Tenn and MD. Neither showed me any good defense. So as good as UCLA looked against both they wont look that way against UConn. Geno will have a game plan to stop UCLA. Dont be surprised if UConn beats UCLA by 15+pts.

We had problems with Buffalo because of foul trouble and everybody but me was in foul trouble. lol We have been playing at a different level too except when we're in foul trouble. Geno will have UConn ready for next weekend. UCLA is playing good but not UConn good.

 

[oldude]

Problem is, defensively UConn is a lot closer to MD. than Stanford. UCLA could have near 35 offensive rebounds in this one.

I think it’s the other way around. MD gives up 61 ppg (same as Stanford) to UConn’s 55. UConn held ND, Baylor & Louisville all under their season average.

While UConn does not have a NDPOY on the team this year, they play fundamentally sound defense, giving up roughly one more basket per game then last season when the Huskies had 2 NDPOY’s on the team.

Watching MD yesterday, their defense broke down constantly allowing open looks and easy baskets. I really don’t see any comparison between the Huskies and the Lady Turtles.

 

[Jmsdawg]

Frankly, I don’t think Oregon & MD are particularly good defensive teams. MD in particular allowed UCLA to get a bunch of uncontested jump shots from 15’ in, and just about every single MD defender got beat repeatedly off the dribble. Against Stanford, a good defensive team, UCLA had 51 pts.

Oregon held McCowan to 5 points, I say that indicates they know defense! As for matchup, I fear UCLA rebounding will cause UConn problems, rebounding was a key to the win over MD. DO NOT LOOK PAST UCLA!

 

['nuff sed]

We currently sit in the AAC largely because of ESPN. That's about as anti-UConn as you can get. They acted in concert with the ACC to destroy the old Big East because they had hitched their economic wagon to the ACC. Getting rid of the Big East meant one less major conference mouth to feed with rights fees. UConn got voted out of the ACC by Boston College, Clemson and Florida State, but ESPN was calling the shots from behind the scenes. The North Carolina schools wanted UConn. Meanwhile, UConn's administration sat idly by while watching a glorified community college in northern Kentucky, with a corrupt athletic administration, lobby the ACC for admission. Adding insult to injury, the politicians in CT have showered ESPN with tax breaks to keep them from leaving the state. The state has become ESPN's lapdog, while ESPN is principally responsible for putting UConn's athletic budget in a 40 million dollar hole. Rest assured UConn has no friends in management at ESPN.

UConn was not blocked from the ACC by ESPN

UConn was thwarted in an attempted entry to the ACC by Boston College right from the start way back when.

ESPN had nothing to do with it.

Wanna blame somebody, blame BC and a swamp full of bad blood.

 

[connie]

ROFL I'll take that bet.

Seriously? To the extent wagering is permitted (and I take no position on that for purposes of this colloquy), then depending on the amount at issue . . . I accept.

If UCLA loses, I'll have purchased more happiness for the price paid than I could otherwise acquire on the open market anywhere else.

 

[NEforceUConn]

I think Crystal will have an outstanding game! Kind of reminds me when, on the men's side in 2014, DeAndre Daniels blew up (especially after Coach Calhoun told DeAndre that ESPN Analysts are talking about everyone else and not you). For Friday's game I see a lot of names being mentioned as keys (not so much Crystal) but I think it may well be time where CD blows up.

edit: throwing salt over shoulder.

 

[connie]

giving up roughly one more basket per game then last season when the Huskies had 2 NDPOY’s on the team.

In the words of Johnny Carson, I did not know that. Wonderful stat.

 

[UConnNick]

UConn was not blocked from the ACC by ESPN

UConn was thwarted in an attempted entry to the ACC by Boston College right from the start way back when.

ESPN had nothing to do with it.

Wanna blame somebody, blame BC and a swamp full of bad blood.

You're wrong. Then BC athletic director Gene DeFilippo was even quoted afterward as admitting they consulted with ESPN and acted in concert. Maybe a slip of the tongue or maybe not, but it's the truth. It was all about money in ESPN's case, and frankly BC would have needed help to influence the vote because they were and still are an outlier in the ACC. BC was wet pants scared that ACC membership would legitimize UCONN and marginalize BC in their shared territory and markets.

 

[Rixxx]

At this point in the tournament, you begin seeing teams with height. This year is no exception. Remaining teams with height= Baylor, ND, Stanford, MSS, even Louisville. UCLA has a rebounding reputation. Beginning with UCLA, each of the above opponents will present a rebounding opportunity.

 

[veryolddog]

This is an easy read. UConn must get the ball through the hoop more times than UCLA and have more points consistently for 4 quarters not like the last game. Let's not miss umpteen layups, hand the ball over to the other team with stupid passing, and continually try making 3's when you are missing and just pass the dam ball to the best inside player in women's basketball to make two points every time, Pheesa Collier.

 

[BroadwayVa]

Absolutely agree. In fact, I give a decided edge to UCLA. This does not mean (to state the obvious) that UConn cannot win, or (to state the obvious) that I do not hope they do. As noted in the Towson postgame thread, "everything changes when outside shots go down"--or, one might add, when outside shots do not go down. Anything less than a strong night of outside shooting for UConn can spell defeat. And even that is no guarantee. UCLA is no cream puff. They've scored at least 73 points per game in their last nine games, including 83, 89 and 85 in their last three.

So . . . make no mistake, given UCLA's length and athleticism, its confidence and momentum, if and when UCLA starts to hang close, get a lead, or even perhaps stretch a lead a bit into the first five minutes of the third quarter, they may begin to smell blood in the water; and things could get ugly for UConn. Under such circumstances UCLA, could win this by 15 points, perhaps even more.

When the 3 isn't going and Napheesa is triple teams. Uconn has options it has not used. When 3 players guard ONE, 2 players have no one guarding them--take advantage of that. When the 3 isn't going, find ways to score within 7 ft. Walker and Napheesa are great from that distance. CW is the best driving player since RENE, give her the ball and say Go, win this game (as he did to Danger against Baylor as a frosh.) When they are driving, tighten up the zone and let the 3's fly--usually they are only a 30 percent shot at best. Hit the boards.

 

[GoUconn7961]

UConn was not blocked from the ACC by ESPN

UConn was thwarted in an attempted entry to the ACC by Boston College right from the start way back when.

ESPN had nothing to do with it.

Wanna blame somebody, blame BC and a swamp full of bad blood.

You are exactly right. The problem started when BC left the Big East for the ACC and Jim Calhoun called them out publicly for it. That had nothing to do w/ESPN.