UCONN/ND prediction: poetry in motion

[watanabe]

In the first 5 minutes or so in the Maryland game (the only part that mattered).
Maryland got tons of easy shots close to the hoop
And Notre Dame rebounded so poorly that even the announcers noticed it.
If they play in a like manner against UConn, they will have a very difficult evening.

They may have been looking forward a game. Seems to slow a team down until it can settle with playing the team in front of them. UConn looms!

 

[PalPa]

There's a reason UConn loses most close and OT games. And not just against ND. You tell me. It's not dumb bad luck or entirely on the players. The players are not well prepared for certain real world game situations where it comes down to make it or lose. Maybe the coaching staff does work on this in practice and our players year after year are just dumb or crack under pressure, but I doubt that's the case.

They're unprepared. That falls on the coaching staff.

I've never coached and have never played organized ball so I'm trying learn the intricacies of the game. How does a coach prepare a team for a close game that depends on the last shot in the final seconds? In my muddled mind it seems like there are too many variables involved to be able to practice all the possibilities. I think it is a game time thing where you draw up a play or make defensive assignments. I must be wrong though because then the execution falls on the players. I think the players have equal responsibility. So what is it that I'm not seeing?

 

[tomcat]

I might as well get in on the predictions: ND by three. I base this on two primary things. First, home court advantage will help a team that's pretty well-matched with the Huskies. Second, their tendency to try to get players in foul trouble. UConn's key defender is a freshman and although I think she's terrific, I dout she's seen anything quite like the ND driving-and-flopping.

 

[rvwsleep]

UConn 82-74. Mainly because Turner doesn't play or, if she does play, is not as effective as she normally would be. With a fully healthy Turner and with it being played in South Bend, I think the game would be a toss-up.

 

[Buzzyboy]

If Stewie is able to get 25- 30 points we win. If Muffet does what every other team has done and roughs up Stewie and gets in her head we will struggle. We don't have a Dolson anymore to dump into in the post anymore for an easy 15 points. At Gampell it may be a different story but at ND it will be a battle. At the end of the year I think with Nurse and Williams more experienced will be a different story. Sort of early for UConn to beat ND at ND.

Why does it sound like more than a few people regard UConn as a one person team. I know that Stewie is a phenomenal talent but it almost sounds as if some people feel that we CANNOT win unless she plays well. If she were sick with the flu, does that mean that we couldn't beat anyone??? I really think that's so over the top that it bothers me. If we are supposed to be so good, how could we be so one dimensional. Other good teams have had injuries to key players and went out and kicked b*tt but we can't. Come on, that's silly. Earlier this season people were talking about potential All-Americans galore on this team and now without a stellar game from Breanna, we lose????? I don't buy it! Remember, we are UCONN!

 

[Buzzyboy]

Really? "AS MUCH AS I HATE ND" is what I prefaced my comment with is definitely an application. You got me. Stanford was all of 2 weeks ago, that is an eternity.

I don't understand. You seem to be talking of UConn deficiencies, particularly on the defensives sides between last years team and this years and yet you don't think that Notre Dame might not have any? You are basing this on how many Notre Dame games you've seen???? Is UConn as good as they were last year, at least at this point? Well, what about Notre Dame. How can you lose the players they've lost and think they're the same? I'm not buying it.

 

[VAMike23]

Any news on Turner's shoulder and MRI?

I sure would like to see her healthy and in the lineup tomorrow, but I wonder if this will keep her out for a little while. Shoulder injuries can take a while to heal and can also recur if you're not careful, so if I had to bet, I'd bet she sits. Hope I'm wrong, however.

 

[Orangutan]

Any news on Turner's shoulder and MRI?

I sure would like to see her healthy and in the lineup tomorrow, but I wonder if this will keep her out for a little while. Shoulder injuries can take a while to heal and can also recur if you're not careful, so if I had to bet, I'd bet she sits. Hope I'm wrong, however.

Not yet. McGraw had a press conference yesterday. She said they were going to talk to the doctors after the press conference and before yesterday's practice. Nothing has come out since then.

 

[Buzzyboy]

First off I agree that Geno is the BEST COACH in the game today. He is the best recruiter, best motivator, best team builder, best manager of egos, but he is IMHO not the best at in game X's and O's adjustments. If you look at the matchups between UConn and Notre Dame over the past few years through "unbiased and impartial glasses" it is absolutely plain to see by anyone with even a clue about basketball that McGraw is a better in game coach. Look at how many close games that were won by Notre Dame because that is when coaching shows up. In the Stamford game that you allude to there were multiple times in which UConn was not prepared. They could not stop the SAME exact play by Stanford at all in OT, they could not even inbound the ball following a TO, they came out of TO's on the defensive end and were confused who there man to guard was, all these are coaching related. Honestly, I think that the Turner injury is going to hurt Notre Dame significantly and that UConn now is the favorite to win this game of really evenly matched teams but to think that "down the road UConn is at least 20 points better" is just ABSURD.

Are you serious that their rosters are evenly matched? Notre Dame has one player that's even in conversation for national honors and UConn has a minimum of three. As has been mentioned, the previous Notre Dame "dominance" was winning close games that were only close as a result of totally distorted refereeing where Notre Dame was allowed to charge through the center of the UConn defense like a bull in a china shop and instead of offensive fouls (numerous) or no calls, Duggins and company somehow were able to get to the foul line where they scored an appreciable amount of their points. Inevitably, as a result of foul issues, UConn started playing cautiously to avoid more ridiculous calls or actually fouled out, another distinct Notre Dame advantage. When something gets into your head, you play tentatively. What about that ridiculous shot by McBride in that triple overtime game when she shot a three from downtown and it bounced over the rim and spun around and inevitably dropped in to the shock of everyone to send the game into the first overtime. What decision did Geno make to cause some usually excellent foul shooters to miss more than a few of the first of one and ones that could have sealed the victory? Everyone knows Muffett is a heckuva coach but to somehow spin this that she outcoached Geno is so totally outrageous. There were a couple of other games where usually reliable and steady UConn players late in the game made poor decisions or poorly executed, totally contrary to their nature and Geno somehow should have prevented this or caused this by not acting in a certain fashion??? Ridiculous!

 

[bballnut90]

Are you serious that their rosters are evenly matched? Notre Dame has one player that's even in conversation for national honors and UConn has a minimum of three. As has been mentioned, the previous Notre Dame "dominance" was winning close games that were only close as a result of totally distorted refereeing where Notre Dame was allowed to charge through the center of the UConn defense like a bull in a china shop and instead of offensive fouls (numerous) or no calls, Duggins and company somehow were able to get to the foul line where they scored an appreciable amount of their points. Inevitably, as a result of foul issues, UConn started playing cautiously to avoid more ridiculous calls or actually fouled out, another distinct Notre Dame advantage. When something gets into your head, you play tentatively. What about that ridiculous shot by McBride in that triple overtime game when she shot a three from downtown and it bounced over the rim and spun around and inevitably dropped in to the shock of everyone to send the game into the first overtime. What decision did Geno make to cause some usually excellent foul shooters to miss more than a few of the first of one and ones that could have sealed the victory? Everyone knows Muffett is a heckuva coach but to somehow spin this that she outcoached Geno is so totally outrageous. There were a couple of other games where usually reliable and steady UConn players late in the game made poor decisions or poorly executed, totally contrary to their nature and Geno somehow should have prevented this or caused this by not acting in a certain fashion??? Ridiculous!

In the last ten match ups, Notre Dame has shot more free throws in 6 of the games, UCONN in 4.

Going into the game, you could argue Stanford didn't have anyone in the conversation for national honors, so I don't think that argument carries much merit. And Turner has been fantastic, she's a major threat for NFOY and All-American honors.

This match up is interesting, Notre Dame hasn't lost at home in 2 years and they have a very talented roster. Lindsey Allen is much more aggressive this year and has been outstanding their 2 games against ranked opponents. Reimer looks more mobile this year and should provide a bigger presence in the post than she did in last year's title game. Mabrey is streaky, but when she is on, she's one of the best shooters in the nation. Then you have the x-factors for Notre Dame in Loyd and Turner. Loyd hasn't played well in the past against UCONN. She'll need to have a monster night for Notre Dame to have a chance. Turner is the real xfactor though. She's the best match up Notre Dame has for Stewart and has the length and athleticism to be disruptive. Will she be healthy to play? I don't know if anything has been reported. On the flip side, she has been very good offensively, but hasn't faced any strong posts yet. Skill wise she still looks a bit raw, I wouldn't be surprised for her to be a taller, more athletic Ogwumike type where she has a strong freshman campaign as an athletic forward but blossoms into an All American as a sophomore.

UCONN will be tested. Their lack of composure late against Stanford was evident, and this will be a similar environment. They'll need a leader to step up when Notre Dame makes their run/runs. They'll need Stewart and or KML to have a huge night. Tuck needs to take smart shots, and Jefferson has to be aggressive offensively. I could see this game going one of two ways--I think if it's close, Notre Dame wins it. If the margin is 10+, UCONN will roll.

 

[jsloanjr]

I like UCONN's chances on Sat...........

 

[RockyMTblue2]

In the last ten match ups, Notre Dame has shot more free throws in 6 of the games, UCONN in 4.

Going into the game, you could argue Stanford didn't have anyone in the conversation for national honors, so I don't think that argument carries much merit. And Turner has been fantastic, she's a major threat for NFOY and All-American honors.

This match up is interesting, Notre Dame hasn't lost at home in 2 years and they have a very talented roster. Lindsey Allen is much more aggressive this year and has been outstanding their 2 games against ranked opponents. Reimer looks more mobile this year and should provide a bigger presence in the post than she did in last year's title game. Mabrey is streaky, but when she is on, she's one of the best shooters in the nation. Then you have the x-factors for Notre Dame in Loyd and Turner. Loyd hasn't played well in the past against UCONN. She'll need to have a monster night for Notre Dame to have a chance. Turner is the real xfactor though. She's the best match up Notre Dame has for Stewart and has the length and athleticism to be disruptive. Will she be healthy to play? I don't know if anything has been reported. On the flip side, she has been very good offensively, but hasn't faced any strong posts yet. Skill wise she still looks a bit raw, I wouldn't be surprised for her to be a taller, more athletic Ogwumike type where she has a strong freshman campaign as an athletic forward but blossoms into an All American as a sophomore.

UCONN will be tested. Their lack of composure late against Stanford was evident, and this will be a similar environment. They'll need a leader to step up when Notre Dame makes their run/runs. They'll need Stewart and or KML to have a huge night. Tuck needs to take smart shots, and Jefferson has to be aggressive offensively. I could see this game going one of two ways--I think if it's close, Notre Dame wins it. If the margin is 10+, UCONN will roll.

Foul - Hedging is not permitted!!! On the other hand, cluelessness is permitted. On this game I am clueless, in part because I think we have quite a way to go to achieve UConn defensive prowess. We have great offensive skill if we do not rush. That's all I've got.

 

[Geno-ista]

sawxfan23 and HoopFans21 - - - Having watched UCONN practice many times over the years and listening to ex-players talk about practices I can't believe that the players are unprepared for games! I think as all players are human some do not react exactly as coached in time of stress! Were you really surprised that Kiah Stokes froze and through the ball backwards to KML with only seconds left in the Stanford game?
As Tonyc said in his post above these are 2 different teams than the ones that have played the last several years. Where ND had Diggins, McBride, Achonwa, Loyd, Novosel, etal, they now only have Loyd as a superstar player! While UCONN has offensively gifted- KML, Stewart, Tuck, MoJeff, Nurse, and Chong (just offensively)! With Stokes dominating defensively with rebounds & blocked shots the 2 teams is like comparing an Uzi vs a derringer or comparing Mr. Ed to Secreteriat!

Brilliant!!!! Win is right! Funny !

 

[chrissaran]

UConn 85-82.

 

[semper]

I just don't know...really. I'll say ND by 2 in OT. Just a gut feeling that the freshmen may be thrown by the atmosphere. GO UCONN. Prove me wrong. You can do it!

 

[reno tony]

87 - 80

 

[HoopsFan21]

I just don't know...really. I'll say ND by 2 in OT. Just a gut feeling that the freshmen may be thrown by the atmosphere. GO UCONN. Prove me wrong. You can do it!

What freshmen? 4 of the 5 starters are juniors and seniors and have all played here before. The lone freshman is on the Canadian national team, and as CD says, she does not consider her a freshman. If you're talking the bench, the first two off of it will be a senior and a sophomore.

 

[Superhuskies]

84-83, OT...........

 

[Shenandoah]

You don't ask for much, do you ? She won't be on the floor enough to get that kind of stat line.

6 points 18 rebounds 4 blocks...THE difference maker in this game. When Kiah came in the game, it totally turned the game around. It also freed Morgan up to be more aggressive offensively.

 

[RadyLady]

I gotta say...reading these threads post game is entertaining, enlightening and...ran out of applicable words commencing with the letter 'e'...maybe enigmatic...but that's a stretch.

We didn't need bravado
We didn't need negative waves
We didn't even need bad poetry written in a derogatory manner.

We needed
Tuck
Nurse
And Stokes - who by some accounts wouldn't even see many minutes on the floor.

Folks have bad games....when you are putting together a new team with some major pieces lost to graduation, it takes a little time for all the parts to start working together.

But when it works, baby it's beautiful. And even if other players have tough games...they are not bad players, it's just not their night. They will have their nights down the road. UConn is a team, and there is no I in team. Folks will step up, and the team will get it done.

Congratulations UConn. Great, great win!

 

[rvwsleep]

I gotta say...reading these threads post game is entertaining, enlightening and...ran out of applicable words commencing with the letter 'e'...maybe enigmatic...but that's a stretch.

We didn't need bravado
We didn't need negative waves
We didn't even need bad poetry written in a derogatory manner.

We needed
Tuck
Nurse
And Stokes - who by some accounts wouldn't even see many minutes on the floor.

Folks have bad games....when you are putting together a new team with some major pieces lost to graduation, it takes a little time for all the parts to start working together.

But when it works, baby it's beautiful. And even if other players have tough games...they are not bad players, it's just not their night. They will have their nights down the road. UConn is a team, and there is no I in team. Folks will step up, and the team will get it done.

Congratulations UConn. Great, great win!

Totally agree. However, I will say that I'm starting to get just a little concerned about Jefferson's offense. Though, based on today's game, it might not make a difference.

 

[RadyLady]

Totally agree. However, I will say that I'm starting to get just a little concerned about Jefferson's offense. Though, based on today's game, it might not make a difference.

She has sank (sunk?) a few threes and zoomed in for a few deuces in earlier games this year. This game, they may have marked her. I wouldn't worry about it. She has proven to me that she is worthy of the praise and accolades she received in past years. She will be fine. I am sure that there is no one more disappointed in her game today than herself.

 

[Buzzyboy]

UCONN is one of, if not the best prepared teams over a two decade period. That said, I believe that no amount of 'down 2, 30 seconds left' type drills prepares for reality when the players are rarely in that position in real-time. It comes down to mental toughness (DT comes to mind immediately) to be able to not be distracted by the thought of losing and just do your job. Distracted, fearful players do not perform as they are capable of doing, and while sports psych work can help individual players, some of us have more fear of failure, which often becomes a self-fulfilling prophesy.

All I can say is that no amount of preparation can automatically determine how a person will perform in a harrowing environment or circumstance until that situation actually occurs. There are many people thrown into a horrific wartime environment who've had prior intense training and yet have frozen or been able to perform while others have somehow shown themselves to excel at and even exceed expectations in very similar settings. You can coach or train someone to death and yet not actually know what that person will do until the chips are down and then you find that the Diana's and Maya's and Sue's rise to the moment while others may fall short. That's not to say that some who have initially fallen short can't inevitably rise from the ashes and eventually flourish.

 

[Buzzyboy]

They're unprepared. That falls on the coaching staff.

I really love the way that you and others make these presumptions. You act like Geno and the coaching staff did their job when Maya and Diana and Sue and others in those last minute and intensive situations excelled and performed wonderfully but then got lazy or became incompetent, allowing multiple players to "choke" or lose their cool in the waning moments of the Stanford loss. That sounds like a bunch of c**p to me because you just don't know how a person will respond in a given situation until after the fact. I can assure you that if you trace Diana's ENTIRE career with a fine tooth comb, you can find a moment or moments where she made a horrific play, a bonehead play, that contributed to a loss or changed the momentum of an important game but obviously those type of plays were few and far between. The same holds true with Sue and others but they are dwarfed by the many, many exceptional decisions, plays, etc. that contribute to their wonderful resumes. No one is flawless and surely, their coaches are rarely, if ever responsible for these occasional shortcomings. Life is typically not that BLACK and WHITE!