UConn-ND game preview

[HuskyNan]

Hot off the press!

UConn-ND game preview

 

[VAUConnFan]

The analysis is spot on. UConn is the better team with the better players, but the best player on the floor plays for the Fighting Irish at the point guard spot; Huge advantage. Notre Dame matches up much better than I believed they might before the season started. Just goes to show...

With recent history indicating close games going against UConn, it would be difficult picking against Notre Dame at home.

 

[doggydaddy]

The analysis is spot on. UConn is the better team with the better players, but the best player on the floor plays for the Fighting Irish at the point guard spot; Huge advantage. Notre Dame matches up much better than I believed they might before the season started. Just goes to show...

With recent history indicating close games going against UConn, it would be difficult picking against Notre Dame at home.

Nah....it was easy.

 

[connboy77]

UCONN should win, but the question of the day is, will they win?

 

[UConnCat]

Very nice analysis.

Diggins didn't have a great game when the teams met in January. She shot 4-15 and had 7 turnovers. But great players make big plays and she made 3 big plays in the second half -- two big 3s to erase a 6-point deficit and reverse UConn's momentum, and the drive that drew the foul and the 2 FTs which were the last 2 points of the game.

The analysis mentions 3-point shooting. Mabrey has made 16 three-pointers all season shooting 29%, yet she was 3 of 4 against UConn. Those shots hurt.

Kara Lawson talked about getting Dolson the ball in the paint against Achonwa which I agree is key for UConn. I do not believe Achonwa can stop Dolson. I also think UConn has to take advantage of either Braker or Wright down low. I don't care if its Stewart or Tuck but that position has to be advantage UConn.

Finally, one thing I'll be curious to see is if UConn decides to press ND. Scotter questioned that strategy after the first game, thinking that it's better to force ND's guards to play against UConn's half-court defense than to defend them in the open court. UConn had some success turning ND over but that was with Banks in the game. Without her, it'll be interesting to see what UConn does. It may also depend on whether Loyd is available.

 

[calpedaler]

The analysis is spot on. UConn is the better team with the better players, but the best player on the floor plays for the Fighting Irish at the point guard spot; Huge advantage. Notre Dame matches up much better than I believed they might before the season started. Just goes to show...

With recent history indicating close games going against UConn, it would be difficult picking against Notre Dame at home.

I disagree; the best player on the floor wears 23 for UConn.

 

[doggydaddy]

I disagree; the best player on the floor wears 23 for UConn.

That, my friend, is hard to argue with.

 

[calpedaler]

That, my friend, is hard to argue with.

But you know someone will.

 

[Kibitzer]

My modest prognostication: If Kaleena takes 15+ shots, UConn wins.

 

[Tonyc]

Stef and or Breanna Stokes or Tuck underneath, and patience. Pound it down low and try to draw fouls. Beat'em at their own game. KML will put on a show tonite. IMO outside of Griner KML is the best player in WCBB. There isnt a better combo then KML and Stef in WCBB. No more injuries and stay out of foul trouble. It is very important to go into the last 10 minutes of the game without anybody with 3+ fouls. I expect to see UConn on fire tonite.

 

[baylorprof]

Good luck tonight. Next to Kelsey Bone and the TAMmies (my name for Texas
A & M ladies) Notre Dame and Diggins is my new WFF (worst friend forever). If it weren't our Senior Night I'd stay home and watch.

Have a great, injury-free upcoming tourney.

 

[Kevin G]

UCONN needs to exploit the post! Achonwa cannot defend Dolson & ND does not have anyone to match up against Stewart!

 

[UConnCat]

ND does not have anyone to match up against Stewart!

That's what I thought and wrote before the first match-up. Stewart actually played okay for much of that game. Her scoring was inefficient (5-17 for 10 points) but she grabbed 9 rebounds and blocked 6 shots. But it was the end of that game that I think affected Breanna's confidence, particularly when she was stuffed by Braker in the lane. Stewart needs to win that match-up.

 

[speedoo]

That's what I thought and wrote before the first match-up. Stewart actually played okay for much of that game. Her scoring was inefficient (5-17 for 10 points) but she grabbed 9 rebounds and blocked 6 shots. But it was the end of that game that I think affected Breanna's confidence, particularly when she was stuffed by Braker in the lane. Stewart needs to win that match-up.

Yes, that was a big play by Braker.

 

[Kevin G]

That's what I thought and wrote before the first match-up. Stewart actually played okay for much of that game. Her scoring was inefficient (5-17 for 10 points) but she grabbed 9 rebounds and blocked 6 shots. But it was the end of that game that I think affected Breanna's confidence, particularly when she was stuffed by Braker in the lane. Stewart needs to win that match-up.

Absolutely agree! If Stewart wins that battle UCONN has a very good chance!

 

[OneTrickPony]

Great analysis DD...especially the recognition of toughest player in the WCBB being on the line...can't wait for round 2!

 

[OneTrickPony]

That's what I thought and wrote before the first match-up. Stewart actually played okay for much of that game. Her scoring was inefficient (5-17 for 10 points) but she grabbed 9 rebounds and blocked 6 shots. But it was the end of that game that I think affected Breanna's confidence, particularly when she was stuffed by Braker in the lane. Stewart needs to win that match-up.

When Breanna learns to use her off arm a little more effectively, the Ariel Braker's of the world will never come close to blocking her shot unless she's kneeling.

 

[dakotaboy]

I would just like to say how much I appreciate this site and everyone on it Go Uconn

 

[wire chief]

Any recent update on Loyd?

 

[doggydaddy]

Any recent update on Loyd?

She is cleared to play.