Interesting game today...watching UConn respond to yet another devastating injury to a key player. This team did not miss a beat...hitting their average of 83 points. They did this even though Georgetown holds their opponents to an average 49.5 points per game. UConn had balanced scoring with all starters hitting double figures. Incredibly, despite the physicality and defensive pressure of Georgetown, UConn only committed 8 turnovers...I hope this is a sign of what the future holds.
I was impressed with Ashlynn Shade's play as well as with all the freshmen in this game. Ashlynn was completely under control, she played incredible one-on-one defense, she got 1 steal and 2 blocks, and still contributed on the offensive end...with 16 points going 2 for 5 from three-point.
KK Arnold is like a magician with the basketball, turning on the jets, changing direction, finding the holes, and finishing her lay-ups. KK was extremely disruptive on defense getting 4 steals...and holding Ransom 3 points below her average.
Nika Muhl said it all in her post-game interview...she has been working her arse off practicing her three-point shot and it is paying off. Interestingly, she said it wasn't about the ball going in the basket but rather having the confidence to step up and shoot it. As far as I am concerned, I hope this becomes a regular occurrence because we need Nika to score... Great game from her today 14 points with 4 for 5 from three-point, 8 assists, and, 4 steals.
Qadence Samuels continues to improve...I keep hearing Geno say, "Her upside potential is incredible". Wonder what he sees for her? One thing for sure is he has given her the green light to shoot and Q certainly is not shy about shooting the basketball she took 10 shots in limited minutes. She was 0 for 4 from three-point and 3 for 10 from the floor for 6 points. When she starts hitting her shots more consistently she will be another double-figure threat.
Aaliyah continues to be that quiet leader who leads by example and hard play. Her 18 points and 6 rebounds with only 2 fouls is extremely important. We cannot afford to lose Aaliyah to fouls...she needs to be available at all times if UConn is going to be able to compete.
Ice continues to progress...she gave us some important minutes today. We will need Ice to be able to provide valuable minutes giving Aaliyah a break, or covering for her if she gets into foul trouble...which, brings me to my major concern with Ice...she is prone to foul...she will need to get that under control as we are just not deep enough in the front court. I would like to see Ice become a more consistent rebounder. I was surprised to see that UConn had 11 rebounds under their average. This is where the loss of Aubrey will be most noticed...her 6 plus rebounds per game (translates to 6 for us and 6 less for them) were something that UConn could count on. If Ice can make up for Aubrey's loss of 6 rebounds it will go a long way towards UConn making up for some of what Aubrey's absence means to this team. In this game, Georgetown out-rebounded UConn 44 to 27.
All of this above and I haven't even mentioned Paige Bueckers yet. Her stat line was impressive...she scored 15 points, got 4 rebounds had 5 assists, and 3 steals. She helped to get everybody involved in the game. She was solid knowing when to drive to the basket absorb the contact and get to the line. Her defense and ability to disrupt the opponent's offense are often overlooked.
Finally, Ines Bettencourt played some significant minutes today. She will be called upon going forward to give Nika, Ashlynn, or KK a rest. And, she will need to be ready to go if Nika or KK gets into foul trouble early.
One last observation...UConn assisted on 23 of 32 baskets. That is right up there with the legendary performances of the past.
