UCONN Non-Conference Schedule

[doggydaddy]

I agree that UConn seldom lowers its play to the level of their competition, but you are clearly overstating your case here. Since the 2000-2001 season (12 seasons), UConn has only beaten all its opponents (in the regular season) by more than 10 once (2009-2010), and they've never even come close to beating them all by 15. In the 2008-9 season, there were 9 games decided by 15 points or less (despite the fact that UConn's smallest margin of victory was 10 points (twice: Notre Dame and Rutgers). So UConn is 1 for 12 and came very close another time, so I wouldn't say that UConn has been very successful at navigatig that path.

They have been very successful at navigating that path when they have the clearly superior team.

Other than Baylor and possibly Duke, what other game do you see as close as 15?

 

[Fightin Choke]

Who will play UConn "as close as 15"? I don't know. Who called Notre Dame's loss to WV or UConn's loss to St. Johns last season? Surprises happen, and that's great! Maryland should be good next year. Stanford, A&M, and Penn State could surprise. And then there's the whole BE slate. Louisville could cause problems, or ND, Rutgers, or some other upstart. Do you honestly believe that UConn will win every game next year (except Baylor and maybe Duke) by at least 15 points? Even at their most dominant, UConn never did that! Baylor was extremely dominant last year and won by 15 or fewer points 8 times in the regular season!! Expecting that sort of performance can only disappoint.

 

[wallman]

Any chance of a game being scheduled for the Cali girls?

 

[speedoo]

Who will play UConn "as close as 15"? I don't know. Who called Notre Dame's loss to WV or UConn's loss to St. Johns last season? Surprises happen, and that's great! Maryland should be good next year. Stanford, A&M, and Penn State could surprise. And then there's the whole BE slate. Louisville could cause problems, or ND, Rutgers, or some other upstart. Do you honestly believe that UConn will win every game next year (except Baylor and maybe Duke) by at least 15 points? Even at their most dominant, UConn never did that! Baylor was extremely dominant last year and won by 15 or fewer points 8 times in the regular season!! Expecting that sort of performance can only disappoint.

I agree it is unlikely that UConn will beat everyone but Baylor and possibly Duke by at least 15 or whatever was said here. That's because UConn will be a very good, but not yet dominant team, maybe better if the frosh contribute as much as they seem to be capable of contributing. I think some UConn fans are expecting Stewart and the other frosh to play like All Americans immediately. They might, but they might not.

 

[Icebear]

The issue was 10 points, not 15. And they have come very close on other occassions with only a single loss under 10 which was my expectation given the inclusion of Baylor in your original post. And I would assert expectations and attitude are a significant part of the battle. No one knows how to manage that better than UConn. Take last year's FF team and add #s 1,2, and (4/6) and I find it very reasonable to suggest that outside of Baylor it is likely no one else plays within 10. I do not expect any team to play UConn under ten if not next year then certainly the following year and certainly not more than maybe one opponent.

 

[doggydaddy]

Who will play UConn "as close as 15"? I don't know. Who called Notre Dame's loss to WV or UConn's loss to St. Johns last season? Surprises happen, and that's great! Maryland should be good next year. Stanford, A&M, and Penn State could surprise. And then there's the whole BE slate. Louisville could cause problems, or ND, Rutgers, or some other upstart. Do you honestly believe that UConn will win every game next year (except Baylor and maybe Duke) by at least 15 points? Even at their most dominant, UConn never did that! Baylor was extremely dominant last year and won by 15 or fewer points 8 times in the regular season!! Expecting that sort of performance can only disappoint.

Probably not. I haven't seen how good the freshman are on the college level and how they will assimilate into Geno's system.

Now, anything is possible. St. John's beating UConn was stunning. BUT.....this team will be better than last years. I'de say even MUCH better.

Of the teams you mentioned, can you say the same?

Maryland? Sorry, but after seeing them get destroyed in the NCAA's, I just don't see it.
Stanford? Not without the elder O.
Penn State? Did you watch the NCAA game against UConn this past season?
Louisville? Not yet.
ND? Much worse than last year.
Rutgers? HAHAHAHA!

Sorry, but you are underestimating this years team and overestimating the other teams. The gap between Uconn, Baylor and even Duke and everyone else is substantial.

 

[Fightin Choke]

Now, anything is possible. St. John's beating UConn was stunning. BUT.....this team will be better than last years. I'de say even MUCH better.

Of course you can look at each game and say UConn should win this game. But that's not the way it works. Look over past years' data. I agree that this year's rendition of UConn should be better than last year's. But did you ever imagine last year's UConn team losing to St. Johns? Of course not. Did you imagine ND beating UConn in the FF 2 season's ago? Of course not. Upsets happen. Close games happen even more frequently than that. To expect UConn to win each game by 15+ points just because they are 15 points better than every other team (except Baylor and maybe Duke) is unrealistic. You are setting up yourself for disappointment.

 

[doggydaddy]

Of course you can look at each game and say UConn should win this game. But that's not the way it works. Look over past years' data. I agree that this year's rendition of UConn should be better than last year's. But did you ever imagine last year's UConn team losing to St. Johns? Of course not. Did you imagine ND beating UConn in the FF 2 season's ago? Of course not. Upsets happen. Close games happen even more frequently than that. To expect UConn to win each game by 15+ points just because they are 15 points better than every other team (except Baylor and maybe Duke) is unrealistic. You are setting up yourself for disappointment.

I don't think you know me well enough to understand what "dissapointment" is for me.

I go into every game thinking UConn will win. They are capable of doing just that.

Am I disspointed in them not winning every game by 15+ points? Of course not.

I've seen several undefeated seasons, and based on that experiences and my opiniion on who they are playing, they have a great shot of beating every team they play, including Baylor. Confidence in the team you root for is not a bad thing if it's based on some realism. I believe this is.

 

[DEK1234]

Of course you can look at each game and say UConn should win this game. But that's not the way it works. Look over past years' data. I agree that this year's rendition of UConn should be better than last year's. But did you ever imagine last year's UConn team losing to St. Johns? Of course not. Did you imagine ND beating UConn in the FF 2 season's ago? Of course not. Upsets happen. Close games happen even more frequently than that. To expect UConn to win each game by 15+ points just because they are 15 points better than every other team (except Baylor and maybe Duke) is unrealistic. You are setting up yourself for disappointment.

You keep saying fans are setting themselves up for disappointment. I don't think fans will be crushed if UConn wins some games by less than 10 or 15 points next season. The 2010 NC game was one of the games that was decided by less than 10. But I don't think any fan would want to change that outcome. As long as the game ends with a W, that's all that matters.

 

[Fightin Choke]

Wait, people, follow the thread. I never said that UConn would have a disappointing season. I never even said or implied that UConn would lose a game. All I said is that history has shown that it is difficult to win every game, and EXTREMELY difficult to win every game by 15+ points. And if you go into the season expecting that type of performance (winning each game by 15+ points), THEN you will be disappointed. But I think UConn has a decent chance to go undefeated, although I consider Baylor the favorite. I expect UConn to play Baylor twice next season, first in Connecticut and later in Lousiana.

 

[doggydaddy]

Wait, people, follow the thread. I never said that UConn would have a disappointing season. I never even said or implied that UConn would lose a game. All I said is that history has shown that it is difficult to win every game, and EXTREMELY difficult to win every game by 15+ points. And if you go into the season expecting that type of performance (winning each game by 15+ points), THEN you will be disappointed. But I think UConn has a decent chance to go undefeated, although I consider Baylor the favorite. I expect UConn to play Baylor twice next season, first in Connecticut and later in Lousiana.

And I never said they would win every game by 15 points. Just that outside of Baylor and maybe Duke, they are capable of doing just that.

 

[Kibitzer]

I agree that UConn seldom lowers its play to the level of their competition, but you are clearly overstating your case here. Since the 2000-2001 season (12 seasons), UConn has only beaten all its opponents (in the regular season) by more than 10 once (2009-2010), and they've never even come close to beating them all by 15. In the 2008-9 season, there were 9 games decided by 15 points or less (despite the fact that UConn's smallest margin of victory was 10 points (twice: Notre Dame and Rutgers). So UConn is 1 for 12 and came very close another time, so I wouldn't say that UConn has been very successful at navigatig that path.

Nice of you to pay us a visit and remind us of all those nail-biters we have endured over the years.

It apparently did not occur to you that "garbage time" may have been instrumental in narrowing the final margin of victory.

 

[DEK1234]

Wait, people, follow the thread. I never said that UConn would have a disappointing season. I never even said or implied that UConn would lose a game. All I said is that history has shown that it is difficult to win every game, and EXTREMELY difficult to win every game by 15+ points. And if you go into the season expecting that type of performance (winning each game by 15+ points), THEN you will be disappointed. But I think UConn has a decent chance to go undefeated, although I consider Baylor the favorite. I expect UConn to play Baylor twice next season, first in Connecticut and later in Lousiana.

I am following the thread and I know you didn't say the season would be disappointing. You said the FANS would be disappointed if we didn't win by 15+. I don't think most fans will be disappointed if we don't win every game by a large margin. As long as the game ends with a win, I know I won't be disappointed.

 

[triaddukefan]

There will be very few teams that will give UCONN or Baylor a good game next season. I'm not sure that either will have a game closer than 15 to 20 except when they play each other.

 

[MarieM]

in the 2008-2009 season what was the average of uconn beating everyone else wasn't it 23 or by 33 points??? This uconn team i think will match that margin

 

[doggydaddy]

You'd have to draw an inside straight to keep it close, my friend.

Isn't this year a home game for UConn against Duke?

 

[MarieM]

it happened in 2009-2010

Wait, people, follow the thread. I never said that UConn would have a disappointing season. I never even said or implied that UConn would lose a game. All I said is that history has shown that it is difficult to win every game, and EXTREMELY difficult to win every game by 15+ points. And if you go into the season expecting that type of performance (winning each game by 15+ points), THEN you will be disappointed. But I think UConn has a decent chance to go undefeated, although I consider Baylor the favorite. I expect UConn to play Baylor twice next season, first in Connecticut and later in Lousiana.

 

[Fightin Choke]

I am following the thread and I know you didn't say the season would be disappointing. You said the FANS would be disappointed if we didn't win by 15+. I don't think most fans will be disappointed if we don't win every game by a large margin. As long as the game ends with a win, I know I won't be disappointed.

I did not say fans would be disappointed if UConn didn't win every game by 15+. I said that IF FANS EXPECT UCONN TO WIN EVERY GAME BY 15+ POINTS (EXCEPT BAYLOR AND PERHAPS DUKE), the fans would be disappointed. That's a HUGE difference and I cannot believe that I am getting so much flack over it.

 

[Fightin Choke]

it happened in 2009-2010

No it didn't.

UConn 80-68 over Duke.
UConn 66-52 over St. John's
UConn 59-44 over ND in BE tourney was exactly 15

UConn 53-47 over Stanford (but that was in the championship game of course, so we can consider Stanford as Baylor/Duke for that season.

 

[doggydaddy]

No it didn't.

UConn 80-68 over Duke.
UConn 66-52 over St. John's
UConn 59-44 over ND in BE tourney was exactly 15

UConn 53-47 over Stanford (but that was in the championship game of course, so we can consider Stanford as Baylor/Duke for that season.

Looks like nitpicking to me.

The 80-68 game was against Stanford not Duke. UConn was up 22 with 4 minutes left and it was an 18 point lead with 2 minutes left. UConn eased up on defense.

Against St. John's, UConn was up 23 with 6:43 left. 17 with 4:22 left. And 17 with 25 seconds left.

Against ND, It was closer than any other game other than the final. But 15 point win fits in to me. I might have misread, but I thought the criteria was 15+.

 

[Icebear]

I did not say fans would be disappointed if UConn didn't win every game by 15+. I said that IF FANS EXPECT UCONN TO WIN EVERY GAME BY 15+ POINTS (EXCEPT BAYLOR AND PERHAPS DUKE), the fans would be disappointed. That's a HUGE difference and I cannot believe that I am getting so much flack over it.

Simply because you are preaching to a group of people who clearly know and understand UConn basketball and its tradition far more than you.

 

[Fightin Choke]

Look. Winning every single game by 15 points or more IS difficult. That was MY point. If I am nitpicking because I am pointing out that (for whatever reason) they were unable to accomplish that feat in the past, how does negate my argument? Yes, it's very, very hard.

And Icebear, one or more posters said they fully expected UConn to win each game by 15 points or more. I do not see how my statement reveals my ignorance of UConn's accomplishments or tradition. Your post appears condenscending.

 

[speedoo]

I did not say fans would be disappointed if UConn didn't win every game by 15+. I said that IF FANS EXPECT UCONN TO WIN EVERY GAME BY 15+ POINTS (EXCEPT BAYLOR AND PERHAPS DUKE), the fans would be disappointed. That's a HUGE difference and I cannot believe that I am getting so much flack over it.

Patience, visiting WCBB fan. You have shown that you can contribute here, at least to me, and we are not so stupid as to think fans of other teams can't add to the discussion. Well, at least most of us anyway. So I hope you can overlook the tendency by some here to be dismissive of "outsider's" opinions.

I would add that saying "follow the thread" can be taken as an insult, so I would not be so quick to respond as you did. Just a thought to try to help you enjoy your stay.

 

[Icebear]

Look. Winning every single game by 15 points or more IS difficult. That was MY point. If I am nitpicking because I am pointing out that (for whatever reason) they were unable to accomplish that feat in the past, how does negate my argument? Yes, it's very, very hard.

And Icebear, one or more posters said they fully expected UConn to win each game by 15 points or more. I do not see how my statement reveals my ignorance of UConn's accomplishments or tradition. Your post appears condenscending.

It was meant to sound condescending since I was trying to echo your tone. I was not the only one who had that feeling given the responses of other posters. When you come into a place it is usually helpful to get the lay of the land a bit before deciding to tell people what their team can or cannot do.

I agree the winning every game by 15 is extremely unlikely, however, it is very possible for the team to win every game by 10 points outside of Baylor. I responded to your post about winning by 10 points not those speaking of 15 points. It is a fan board, fans will always be excited about their team and CT fans are used to far more success than most and Geno knows how to manage unrealistic expectations far better than most because as Geno has said again and again UConn never plays to a score or an opponent they play to play the game a particular way. What Geno steadfastly calls the right way. Invariably opponents note the 40 minutes never take a play off effort of UConn on BOTH ends of the court. If teams average 45 PPG against UConn and UConn averages 75+ PPG throughout the schedule there will be relatively few games that threaten to go under 10 points margin of victory. Manage those well and it becomes very, very possible.

That is why UConn has had so many seasons that have come so close to what seems impossible. Look at how many top 10 teams have suffered 25, even 30 point losses against UConn and tell me it is unreasonable to believe in the possibility of running a season by 10 PPG.

No one believed back to back undefeated seasons and 90 in a row is a practical choice either but guess what? It happened. Undefeated has happened regularly at UConn, long streaks are common, never question what is possible simply because it is not probable.

 

[doggydaddy]

Look. Winning every single game by 15 points or more IS difficult. That was MY point. If I am nitpicking because I am pointing out that (for whatever reason) they were unable to accomplish that feat in the past, how does negate my argument? Yes, it's very, very hard.

And Icebear, one or more posters said they fully expected UConn to win each game by 15 points or more. I do not see how my statement reveals my ignorance of UConn's accomplishments or tradition. Your post appears condenscending.

If that was your point, you should have just said that. And I don't think anyone would disagree that it's not easy. And I didn't think it was each game or every single game. I believe Baylor and Duke were singled out as teams that UConn would not beat by 15+.

That being said, we have seen Geno's teams to things that are difficult and that no other team has done before. And with everyone but Hayes coming back and adding the best recruiting class in years that includes someone as impressive as Stewart, some here think it is possible. I know, one said it would happen and that is who you had a problem with.

I appreciate you posting here, although I haven't agreed with you much. Keep on posting!

 

[ChicagoGG]

I have a question, (hope no one minds my "choking" off this thread for a moment..) is UConn playing Holy Family University of Philadelphia or Holy CROSS in Mass. (like usual) in the non-conference schedule? I was wondering, since we have played HC for years, if it was a typo, or a real schedule change.
Inquiring minds want to know....Thanks!!

 

[HuskyNan]

I agree that UConn seldom lowers its play to the level of their competition, but you are clearly overstating your case here. Since the 2000-2001 season (12 seasons), UConn has only beaten all its opponents (in the regular season) by more than 10 once (2009-2010), and they've never even come close to beating them all by 15. In the 2008-9 season, there were 9 games decided by 15 points or less (despite the fact that UConn's smallest margin of victory was 10 points (twice: Notre Dame and Rutgers). So UConn is 1 for 12 and came very close another time, so I wouldn't say that UConn has been very successful at navigatig that path.

In 2001-02, only one game was won by less than 10 points, a 9 point win over VA Tech. And Tech needed a Phabulous Phantom Phoul on Diana Taurasi to make that happen.

 

[Vowelguy]

I have a question, (hope no one minds my "choking" off this thread for a moment..) is UConn playing Holy Family University of Philadelphia or Holy CROSS in Mass. (like usual) in the non-conference schedule? I was wondering, since we have played HC for years, if it was a typo, or a real schedule change.
Inquiring minds want to know....Thanks!!

It's an exhibition game, and it's not against Holy Cross.

Holy Cross elected not to play UConn this year.

 

[MilfordHusky]

in the 2008-2009 season what was the average of uconn beating everyone else wasn't it 23 or by 33 points??? This uconn team i think will match that margin

I believe that the 2001-02 team holds the record for average margin of victory at 34+ or so. Both the 2008-09 and 2009-10 teams were close to that, so 33 sounds right. 23 is way too low.

 

[DaddyChoc]

I cant wait to post my "Score Predictions" threads...