UConn - Providence post game

[hoopsnloops32]

Play of the game was Ines chasing down a breakaway opponent, and she didn't just push the ball out of bounds or block the shot, ala Maya vs. DePaul, she stole the ball and passed it back to a teammate. Maya just called a timeout, so Ines was even better. Well maybe not that good, but pretty darn good. I think she stepped up and showed she could give us 5+ minutes of relief for Muhl. Scariest (dumbest???) play of the game was Page chasing a ball out of bounds and then jumping over the chairs to land really hard putting stress on her knees. I was scared to death when she came up and seemed to be limping. Definitely a WTF was she thinking. She needs to protect herself at least a little. And protect me. My heart can't take that stuff.

I don't think she was limping at all. She just looked gassed at that point. Paige making plays like that shows me how much more confidence she has in her body right now.

 

[cferraro04]

I don't understand why so many BYers forget that Geno wants his post players to be able to score from outside. That way they can pull the opponent's post player away from the lane.

Yes, that is very true...but, primarily Geno wants his bigs to play in the paint and occasionally step out to the foul line extended, to draw their opponent out with them opening up the lane for our guards.

Stepping out for the foul line and shooting a jumper isn't necessarily the primary strategy. Amari needs to establish herself in the paint...something Amari has been reluctant to do. Once she becomes a force in the middle...both offensive and defensively...then Amari's ability to knock down the foul line extended jumper and her ability to be a facilitator like Dolson was will add another dimension to her post-play and give UConn other options in the half-court.

 

[RoadMaster]

 

[Gus Mahler]

The pressure defense in the first quarter was the story line of the game for me. I was there at the game and it felt different than anything I have seen yet this season. Many times there was simply nowhere for Providence to go with the ball. Felt like 7 on 5.

Everyone was denying their player the ball and probably saying to herself that she was not going to be the weak link that gives them an out. UConn led 27-8 and we shot ok (10-21) but we missed a lot of very makeable shots, it could have easily been 37-8. In any event, the game was over at that point.

It reminded me of a game at Gampel against DePaul in December 2016 with Kia, Gabby, Napheesa et al where UConn drove Doug Bruno crazy and led 37-6 after one.

Amari`s body language was different last night, she was playing with a purpose. In the past she has seemed to me to be hesitant, even disengaged. But give credit where credit is due. Ice looked more at home out there as well.

Nice post!

 

[HuskyNan]

 

[OldSchooler]

Ice making progress. But she needs work with her right hand. It really shows in blown righty layups and shots from the paint.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Ice making progress. But she needs work with her right hand. It really shows in blown righty layups and shots from the paint.

One thing I've noticed that Ice needs to improve: Court awareness, especially when she has her back to the basket. She has given up the ball or gotten tied up too often in those situations.

 

[RoadMaster]

Swipe..

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

They continue to win the games that they should win. Yes the blossoming of Last Second Arnold and Ashlynn continues, and Brady seems to be finding herself. But most of the reaction to defeating a team that they clearly outclassed seems to fall into the category of irrational exuberance.

LarryLegend- - -I always told my wrestlers they had to win vs the opponents they were definitely better than, then out gut the opponents they were even with and vs a superior opponent stay close, avoiding the big mistake and try to pull it out at the end!

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

The pressure defense in the first quarter was the story line of the game for me. I was there at the game and it felt different than anything I have seen yet this season. Many times there was simply nowhere for Providence to go with the ball. Felt like 7 on 5.

Everyone was denying their player the ball and probably saying to herself that she was not going to be the weak link that gives them an out. UConn led 27-8 and we shot ok (10-21) but we missed a lot of very makeable shots, it could have easily been 37-8. In any event, the game was over at that point.

It reminded me of a game at Gampel against DePaul in December 2016 with Kia, Gabby, Napheesa et al where UConn drove Doug Bruno crazy and led 37-6 after one.

Amari`s body language was different last night, she was playing with a purpose. In the past she has seemed to me to be hesitant, even disengaged. But give credit where credit is due. Ice looked more at home out there as well.

Huskee11- - -That DePaul game in 2016 was when I had my heart attack and wouldn't leave at 1/2 time and found out the next morning when I saw my Doctor and he rushed me to L&M Hospital!
Sometimes I'm too stubborn for my own good!

 

[HopJim]

KK and Ashlynn r truly amazing. Couldn't be more impressed by them the past 6-8 games. Also think Nika and Paige ability to play up and guard bigs is great. They both just do whatever the team needs. It sounds cliche and obvious but it's a quality about them that just feels unique.

Used to be that UConn blow outs were boring and worthy of being turned off after the 3rd quarter. KK, Shade, etc. are making every minute of recent games very entertaining. Have watched the Providence game several times and got a smile each time.

 

[Longtime fan]

I wasn't at the game but made the same observations from home. The press was very different last night and I assume those are adjustments made without Aubrey. The girls looked gassed though 3/4 of the way through the first so they'll have to figure out the right conditioning if they want to do it again.

Inez needs to play a role. She is quick as a cat, and has energy. This may take a bit of a mind adjustment for the coach, but he seems willing already.