UConn freshmen

[Storrsbred]

The good thing is they will become sophomores. They should be mentally tougher (decisions) in crunch time and more focused (free throws). I hope.
It would have been nice not to have to rely on them so heavily this year, but the lack of depth is really hurting. Can't see things being any different for the remainder of the season.

Geno needs to come up with several high quality guards that can run a team. Until he does, UConn is going to waste a lot talent

 

[ASweet3781]

I don't think UCOnn has had to rely on them heavily at all. In fact I would say all 3 of them are in the perfect position to have an impact. Up until a game ago all 3 were coming off the bench and most teams are focusing on KML/Dolson. Seems like a perfect opportunity for them to shine and have an impact. You would expect that from a recruiting class with the top 2 players in their class to be relied on some right?

 

[Replicant]

They should be mentally tougher (decisions) in crunch time and more focused (free throws).

Morgan is already there...young lady is fearless and only goes in one direction - forward.

 

[Tenspro2002]

Tuck is a stud in the making. Jefferson should get steadier with experience.

Stewart looks like a deer in the headlights -- I'm not sure that's the sort of thing you just work through or get over.

 

[Vowelguy]

Tuck and stewart had their best games of the year against top competition.
Not nearly as good as I had hoped before the season, but better than they've done so far.

 

[Vowelguy]

Tuck is a stud in the making. Jefferson should get steadier with experience.

Stewart looks like a deer in the headlights -- I'm not sure that's the sort of thing you just work through or get over.

Stew had a very good defensive game. And finally got a few shots to fall late.

 

[Tenspro2002]

Stew had a very good defensive game. And finally got a few shots to fall late.

Save the two at the line that would have slammed the door. She was the only thing that gave ND hope at the end.

 

[RadyLady]

*sigh*

 

[UConnCat]

Stewart wasn't bad defensively, but offensively she has a long way to go. She scored 5 points in 40 minutes and wasn't looking to score. She was hanging out at the perimeter again.

 

[Vowelguy]

Save the two at the line that would have slammed the door. She was the only thing that gave ND hope at the end.

Ahh. Obviously you saw that post I wrote where I said she played flawlessly.

Oh wait I didn't.

I merely said that she played significantly better than she had in previous big games. I stand by that assessment.

 

[glenn fisk]

It takes time for taller players to develop,no matter how good they were in high school.I still think Breanna will be an impact player before college is done.Morgan is headed for stardom,and I feel Moriah will be exceptionally good.Let's remember,it could have been very different with Banks in the rotation.Also,this year isn't over yet.I still think they will go deep,and have a good shot at winng the BET.

 

[Icebear]

There are always those who prefer to see the things that went wrong rather than the things that went right. Missed FTs, fouls, TOs, are all easy to note because they are visually blatant. What is lost in that are the numerous positives coming out of the game.

This game only hurts this much because our frosh competed really well in OT. They did not fold despite missed FTs. They fought and competed with a far more experienced ND team while two key upperclassmen leaders sat on the bench. They played with will and intent.

Morgan Tuck made some great plays and decisions offensively. She was aggressive but not wreck less driving into trouble. Really good choices.

As VG said Brianna played some excellent defense.

They did all this in a hostile arena, against the #2 team in the country, and made some tremendous plays. Ex. Tuck's attack and kick out to KML. She could have forced the shot as she has before but made the perfect pass. That is growth. Where the growth grows is still unclear but if this team continues on its present trajectory good things are possible. If it grows soon enough it could be the most satisfying end ever.

Another game and those FTs may well fall, if so, it is over for ND.

 

[hoopfan515]

Tuck and Jefferson should have played more minutes. Geno should have put Moriah back in at the start of the 2nd or 3rd overtime.
And Tuck should have played more minutes before the end of regulation. I know Stewart was playing outstanding defense, but we needed more of Morgan's offense. And presense.

 

[Kevin G]

This was a great game for them! They played a lot of minutes (minus Jefferson) in a crucial game. This will only help them to grow. I was very proud of them regardless of the turnout

 

[Wbbfan1]

In hindsight Geno probably should have started Moriah since the beginning of the year. She's the only true PG on the roster. Sure she would have made mistakes and possibly the team would have more losses. However, she would have had the experience and been able to contribute more then she did last night. Even with that said, Moriah at least scored two points in her 4 minutes of play and Caroline didn't score any in her 21 minutes of play. If not Moriah, then I would have started Banks until she got injured. By showing loyalty to Caroline, he hindered the development of Moriah in big game time situations.

If a Big East and/or NCAA tournament game, comes down to a possession by possession game, I'm not convinced that the UConn guards will play any different then they did in the two ND games and the Baylor game.