I loved watching the team today. The game had us in a real dog fight into the third quarter, but what I saw today from the team is very encouraging. We were playing great in the first quarter and then you could see providence ratchet up their physicality and we struggled with that and also struggled to contain efosa. What I liked is how we responded by playing ultra hard and tougher like a boxer we hung in there and fought back for the knock out. Kk was outstanding and Ice really matched their physicality. I still think Shade is passing up too many shots as I’d like to see her be more aggressive and get that 3 or shot back on track.
In terms of the physical play. It’s no surprise how teams pay us now. It’s been happening for many years since Stewie left. I always liken the strategy to what Belechick did with his patriots against the St Louis rams. Hold and play physical because the refs can’t call everything every single play. Couple this with good guard play against us to get us in foul trouble or get to the foul line. When we had enough talent and depth in the front court this was strategy that UConn could weather but now teams know to have a chance it’s gotta be closer to the UCF strategy.
Paige awesome today. If Liya can’t play the silver lining is Ice will be thrown into the fire and. I think she will respond. I also like seeing Nika play aggressive, even if she drives and misses she makes the defense play her. Hope Qadence can learn to drive and pull up more inside the three. Her drive at the end is something I think she can do more of.