UConn - SC post game

[Centerstream]

But neither is Nika typically, unless she is wide open for a three. If Ines is wide open, she can hit a three too. Maybe Ines would have had fewer turnovers today.

Maybe Ines could have given the starters much needed rest

I guess you missed Geno's remarks that the 7 that are playing are basically the 7 he has... Of course, he could be sending a message to Ines but we don't know that...

 

[hookshot]

Who falls the most spots tomorrow in the AP poll? Iowa who lost to unranked Nebraska or UConn who lost to South Carolina. To me it should Iowa, but being that it's the AP it will most likely be UConn even though SC is the #1 team.

Uconn has a few teams that are suspect better just behind them, although so does Iowa. I think Uconn may gfo dow 3, Iowa down 2

 

[Centerstream]

Who falls the most spots tomorrow in the AP poll? Iowa who lost to unranked Nebraska or UConn who lost to undisputed #1 South Carolina. To me it should Iowa, but being that it's the AP it will most likely be UConn even though SC is the #1 team.

Sadly, my guess is UConn...(I edited your post for you.)

 

[msf22b]

I guess you missed Geno's remarks that the 7 that are playing are basically the 7 he has... Of course, he could be sending a message to Ines but we don't know that...

As you know, it's not really seven

 

[LCConnFan]

But you don't and they literally put a graphic up talking about it however you complain about them talking about a player who is going to actually play in future games this year being missing. UConn injuries have been know for months now. Move on it is what it is, this is the team you have and will have barring no future injuries.

And whhat about the other 4? We've been playing short handed for years! What is it that you can't see about their comment? SC is missing 1 and ESPN acts like they were "short handed" when in fact WE'RE the ones short handed! hey! You don't like my comment? Fine! I don't like yours either, however, this is a forum where ALL of us are expressing our thoughts about the game! Get over it!!

 

[MSGRET]

Sadly, my guess is UConn...(I edited your post for you.)

Thanks, I actually edited my post because of you, and I agree.

 

[baggerbob]

Right now, there is big disparity between UConn & SC as programs. This year's SC team is better, more well-rounded than last season's team, which only lost one game to Iowa & Caitlin Clark. Kudos to Dawn for going out and addressing the one weakness they historically have had - outside shooting. That isn't the case anymore. Unlike UConn, who rely primarily on 2 players, SC has different players step up from game to game, depending on the situation.

Since the ND game, Paige has looked like a different player. She has notably slimmed down - the muscle she entered the season with has been trimmed away. Her outside shooting has been affected, the legs don't appear to be what they were at the start of the season. For her sake, I sincerely hope she returns next year, using the offseason again to build her body back up. She's had a fantastic season coming back after missing so much time. Next year, Paige will be fully back.

For now, UConn is outgunned against the top tier teams. No shame, but they will be hard pressed to beat teams with a combination of size and speed. This game displayed where Azzi, Aubrey and help for Aaliyah could have made a difference. Not saying they would have beaten SC, but the game would have been more competitive.

Losing Dorka and Lou was bigger then Uconn was prepared for. Both of them played through injuries to keep the team going.
Uconn never really replaced them.

 

[SJF]

I couldn’t agree more, your best players need to play their best in the biggest game, if the team is to win. I hate to say it and a lot of people will disagree, but i would not vote for Paige as an All American. I’m each of our losses, she was not the best player on the court, not even sure she was the best guard on that respective day:

NC State game, rivers was better
UCLA - KK Rice had more impact
Texas - Harmon was amazing
ND - Hidalgo, no question
SC - PaoPao

While Paige will probably get the AA hardware, it will be on reputation more than results.

Agree, it’s not for lack of effort, but she looks like them team has looked for a number of years now, mentally tired as much if not more than physically tired.

Nika was the one guarding everyone of them.

 

[JSB60]

It’s the lack of size. Ice isn’t ready for starter minutes, and Paige having to guard 4s takes too much out of her and hurts her offense.

 

[uconnfan68]

In all of the games played so far this season both women's Pro and College there have been fewer dunks in total then the dunks in most of any of the men's single game total.

It’s not just dunks, it’s rebounds, blocks, tips. Just being able to defend the rim… something we can’t do very well this year.

 

[Blond D.]

We lost to the #1 team by only 18 points and some of you are acting like the sky is falling. Our shots weren't falling and they couldn't miss. I'm not all down and boo-hooing about this game, I think we will learn a lot from it.
On to Xavier...GO HUSKIES!

 

[Stinger92860]

Why didn’t Ines get into this game?

why did you believe Ines should have gotten into the game?

 

[Sluconn Husky]

We lost to the #1 team by only 18 points and some of you are acting like the sky is falling. Our shots weren't falling and they couldn't miss. I'm not all down and boo-hooing about this game, I think we will learn a lot from it.
On to Xavier...GO HUSKIES!

It was a 25-pt deficit after three. UConn closed it a bit in what was essentially garbage time. UConn kept the board battle "relatively" close with Cardoso out , was even in the TO battle, were only outscored by 4 at the line, and hit the same number of threes. And still were never competitive.

 

[AzzisBraids]

Azzi, Caroline, Ayanna, and El Alfy all missing from this game. But can I add that the biggest presence missing was Aubrey? She would have gave Watkins and Kitts fits in the lane. Her speed would have produced quick buckets and her offensive and defensive rebounding was needed.

There's alot of stars missing but Griffin in this match-up is the biggest hole missing.

 

[Valleyfan]

Azzi, Caroline, Ayanna, and El Alfy all missing from this game. But can I add that the biggest presence missing was Aubrey? She would have gave Watkins and Kitts fits in the lane. Her speed would have produced quick buckets and her offensive and defensive rebounding was needed.

There's alot of stars missing but Griffin in this match-up is the biggest hole missing.

Agree on Aubrey, a huge loss and would have made a big impact today. She fills up stat sheets and is as athletic as anyone in the country.

Not sure about the others making an impact- with the exception of maybe El Affy. Azzi can’t put together an injury free two months, no guarantees she comes back at all, and given how we’re talking about Paige not fully back yet from her injury year, imagine how long it will be for Azzi. Patterson has chronic knee issues, Caroline we just want her to resume normal human activities not related to basketball. We should not rely on meaningful contributions from any of them, and certainly hope that’s not plan A.

 

[maple]

Some takes in this thread…

Every team has bench players who see limited minutes. There is a reason some players rarely see the floor and others play 30-40 minutes every game. UConn is no outlier.

 

[Longtime fan]

Seriously? UConn has 7 players, two of which are freshmen not ready to play in that atmosphere against that team. It's a 5-player team.

And one of those freshmen ( Arnold) scored two points, even though she was our best defender. And Shade can't be a starter and shoot way she did. Anyone can go 6/19. I doubt she had such an off day in her entire HS career. what I aim saying is that our two starting freshmen would not be starting if we hadn't lost 5 players to injury for the season. And their back-ups are on the bench for a reason. So any expectations have to be tempered. We aren't that good. It will be a major accomplishment to win the Big East. So now, we play out the string. Engage in the BE tournament. And push on.

 

[Blue Huskie]

You enjoy your type of basketball and I'll enjoy mine. When I played it was below the rim and if you even had any type of grip on the rim it was a technical. Today they hang all over the rim and there's no call. I don't considerate it basketball anymore in the men's game, both pro and college.

THIS 100%. I really loved the UCONN teams of the 90's when the success started as it was more the brand of ball that should still be played. But the powers that be want more competition and what better way to level the playing field than to allow ultra physical play. You don't have to be able to coach great anymore, just recruit big strong athletic players who can grab and out muscle opponents. Speed is used to throw yourself at people driving to the basket and get calls. Where's the skill there? They wanted it more like the guys game and they are getting it. But my interest is waning because of that. And by the way I wonder why there are so many injuries? This is a very rough sport. The evolution of the game is not for the better IMO.

 

[K14]

I still think UCONN has a chance to make a good run at the Final Four this year. With the right draw we could really make some noise especially if 2 or 3 players catch fire during the tournament. Look at LSU last season. They got blown out by South Carolina but then got a favorable draw and won the NCAA title while SC lost in the semifinals after everyone said they were unbeatable. Look at 2016-17 and 2017-18 when we entered the tournament undefeated and then lost to teams we were favored to beat. This loss does suck. No one likes losing by 18 especially in the way we lost. But I think this team can still reach its goals and with some luck get back to the Final Four.

 

[Rowdy831]

First, thank you coach for running out the clock in the end instead of pouring it on. This game was not nearly as close as the final score would indicate. Losing by 30 is not as much a concern as how UConn defended the guards in the last two games they lost. When you have 4 guards on the floor you can't let the other teams guard outscore you.

The reason that is happening is they have to sag so much to help defend the post they are leaving three point shooters wide open and they are hitting enough of them to make it impossible for UConn to stay in the game. They are plenty good enough to beat the other teams in the Big East but when they are up against equal or better athletes they struggle mightily.

To have a chance in the tournament they will need to set one of the guards and play Ice with AE on the inside. Then they can play the post straight up and allow the guards to play tougher defense. This team will require great match ups to have success in the post season because they are completely opposed to doing anything different than they did today.

 

[Rowdy831]

Some takes in this thread…

Every team has bench players who see limited minutes. There is a reason some players rarely see the floor and others play 30-40 minutes every game. UConn is no outlier.

You say that like the ones they are playing are doing great. What is evident is the 6 they are playing now have no chance to beat a good team.

 

[Rowdy831]

Did you not see when they listed all the UCONN players out with injuries?

That is an excuse. UConn only has top players in the country on their roster and if they can't play that is on the coaches. At some point you need to point to the coaches who refuse to do anything different to try to be better. Playing 4 guards is a losing proposition but keep banging your head against the wall Geno.

When was the last time UConn beat a team with more talent than they have? I can't remember one either.

 

[cferraro04]

Every SC player was better than every Husky today! I don't even think we would have won with the 5 injured warriors on the bench. SC is relentless and deserves all the kudos. Only consolation is that Iowa got beat. Learn from the loss, move on, and hope we get sent out west!

Not true...Aaliyah, Paige, and Ashlynn all out-played the player they were match-up with.

 

[Cuango]

I’ve gotta say, I was pretty disappointed with Geno’s postgame comments. I thought he was way too dismissive of SC. The fact is, they are just better than us and imo he should have acknowledged that. Instead he made it out as though we didn’t win because we didn’t play well. That is true of course, but much of our poor play was caused by SC! They were simply better in every possible way and given our roster limitations, the only way we have any chance against them is for all of our team to play exceptionally well and for them to play poorly! We are not in their class at all and won’t be until we get our roster healthy. The truth is, we would not likely have beaten them even if we had played well!

I also thought his comments vis a vis our players either too harsh or downright delusional. I could not believe it when he said that SC had nothing to do with Nika’s poor performance today! I felt like they had everything to do with it! I’ve always admired his honesty when we were beaten badly but today, it just wasn’t there. I felt he was too harsh with Ice and way too lenient with Nika.

For the first time I find myself wondering if Geno still has it in him to get this team back on par with the elites. My heart says, wait til he has a healthy roster but some of the things he’s saying are, in my mind, pretty questionable. I mean, how does Ines feel after listening to that? Or Amari, for that matter, though to be fair she has made her own bed. Also, he made out like Paige is playing 37-39 minutes a game when in fact she has been playing far less until today! I don’t know, but you can color me concerned!

 

[MSGRET]

It’s not just dunks, it’s rebounds, blocks, tips. Just being able to defend the rim… something we can’t do very well this year.

Your reading comprehension must be a little off because I was talking about dunking, or did you miss the bit about hanging on the rim. The women's game is still different from the men's, where most of the rebounds, blocks, tips are still BELOW the rim. The only area I see that is a lot like the men's is the officials let it get too physical sometimes. Mr. Naismith would not recognize much of the game today, it was at one time a non-contact sport.

 

[cferraro04]

C'mon folks...we were playing a true road game against a team that is undefeated and happens to be the number one team in the country. We are number 11 for a reason. South Carolina has earned its number one ranking just as we have earned our number 11 (probably move down in the rankings maybe 14 or 15).

We are playing with a depleted line-up Caroline, Azzi, Griffin and El-Alfy probably would have been able to have an impact on this game...not to mention we could have had some quality reserves available to give our starters some much-needed rest.

I think people can stop with the "Bueckers isn't that good", "she isn't as good as she was pre-injury", and "Other players are better than she is". Paige is an elite player, she always gets the other team's best defender, and even with that she is doubled and triple-teamed. Paige plays out of position as a swing-forward. She is posting up, playing in the post, and blocking and rebounding as a 6'0" guard for UConn to make up for the loss of our bigs. Our reserves are not ready for the big games yet. Q and Ice are okay for routine Big East conference games but against top ten teams...they need more time. Ines and Amari are not being counted on to provide any help off the bench. So, Paige is charged with being the top scorer, making everyone look and play better, playing the post, and swinging out to the guard position to make three-pointers. Despite it all this kid is averaging 20 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.2 steals, 1.1 blocks, and 2.0 three-pointers per game. Paige is shooting .537 from the field, .442 from three-point, and .838 from the foul line. I simply don't want to hear any more negativity aimed in Paige's direction it is simply not true and completely unwarranted.

Our freshmen have been asked to take on responsibility that is completely different than what the expectations were at the beginning of the season. They have done extremely well. It is fair to say at this stage of the season that Ashlynn Shade is farther along in her ability to grasp the game at this level. KK is doing well in many categories (9.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.2 steals) ...she is inconsistent with scoring but we all knew that when KK came here. She was a slasher and scored most of her points driving to the basket. I think South Carolina's size and athleticism caught KK off guard. I going to guess that KK will learn from this game and be better for it. Remember we have two freshmen in our starting line-up and our most productive player off the bench is also a freshman. Sure there are some super freshmen out there but they are on teams that go deep into the bench, and are surrounded by a lot of very senior, experienced players.

Edwards is an undersized post player who plays with a big heart. She is playing outstanding basketball.

The bottom line we just don't have enough horses and it isn't feasible to expect UConn to be able to run with the top 10 teams with only 5 quality starters and two freshmen reserves.

I wanted UConn to win this game as much as anyone...I knew what it would have meant to the program if we had won that game...however, while my heart was calling for a close win by UConn I knew in my head that I was hoping that UConn would keep it close and lose by no more than 10 points... The 18-point loss was disappointing but we were playing a deep team at home in a very hostile environment.

If you take away the horrible first half we played and consider the second half (post-adjustments)...UConn did not do so badly. We cannot afford to hang our heads...we have a Big East Conference to win, A Big East Tournament and we need to prepare for the NCAA Tournament. Talk of next year doesn't help...we know it is going to be different next year...but this is now! Let's enjoy these players, some of whom will not be here next season. Let's realize how blessed we are to be able to see Aaliyah Edwards having the best season of her life. Let's enjoy our seniors because we may not have them with us next season. GO HUSKIES!!!!

 

[uconnfan68]

Your reading comprehension must be a little off because I was talking about dunking, or did you miss the bit about hanging on the rim. The women's game is still different from the men's, where most of the rebounds, blocks, tips are still BELOW the rim. The only area I see that is a lot like the men's is the officials let it get too physical sometimes. Mr. Naismith would not recognize much of the game today, it was at one time a non-contact sport.

That’s why I said it’s not just dunks. The 1990s aren’t coming back. We have enough short slow players.

 

[Drfla]

We lost to the #1 team by only 18 points and some of you are acting like the sky is falling. Our shots weren't falling and they couldn't miss. I'm not all down and boo-hooing about this game, I think we will learn a lot from it.
On to Xavier...GO HUSKIES!

We did learn a lot from the game. Injuries have decimated this team and because of that they are not in the upper tier of teams that can make the Final Four. There is no team in the country that could withstand the injuries this team has had and still be a Final Four contender.

We have 5 talented players and unfortunately that is it. Q has promise for the future but is not ready this year and it seems, despite the preseason hype, Ice is in the same category, promise for the future but not ready this year.

I agree that we should appreciate the effort and talents of the team. They are trying their best. Unfortunately, though in the end we lost by only 18 points, as you say, the reality is that the game was not that close. our shots weren’t falling because SC plays good defense and they couldn’t miss because they are very good offensively. There was no good or bad luck involved.

The injury devastation has left us a level or two below the best teams, just like for so many years there were very few teams with a realistic chance to beat us, realistically there are teams we don’t have a chance to beat this year. Got to be realistic.

Still love the team and their effort. GO HUSKIES! Still #1 in our hearts.

 

[uconnfan68]

I’ve gotta say, I was pretty disappointed with Geno’s postgame comments. I thought he was way too dismissive of SC. The fact is, they are just better than us and imo he should have acknowledged that. Instead he made it out as though we didn’t win because we didn’t play well. That is true of course, but much of our poor play was caused by SC! They were simply better in every possible way and given our roster limitations, the only way we have any chance against them is for all of our team to play exceptionally well and for them to play poorly! We are not in their class at all and won’t be until we get our roster healthy. The truth is, we would not likely have beaten them even if we had played well!

I also thought his comments vis a vis our players either too harsh or downright delusional. I could not believe it when he said that SC had nothing to do with Nika’s poor performance today! I felt like they had everything to do with it! I’ve always admired his honesty when we were beaten badly but today, it just wasn’t there. I felt he was too harsh with Ice and way too lenient with Nika.

For the first time I find myself wondering if Geno still has it in him to get this team back on par with the elites. My heart says, wait til he has a healthy roster but some of the things he’s saying are, in my mind, pretty questionable. I mean, how does Ines feel after listening to that? Or Amari, for that matter, though to be fair she has made her own bed. Also, he made out like Paige is playing 37-39 minutes a game when in fact she has been playing far less until today! I don’t know, but you can color me concerned!

I think I saw what Geno saw. Nika made more than a few unforced errors, and couldn’t pull the trigger a few times in the 2nd half, but I blame Geno for that. He told them to work it around more. KK had some poor decisions to go with poor shooting. Ashlynn just couldn’t get a rhythm going from deep. Paige, uncharacteristically, missed some bunnies, and Edwards could only manage a dozen rebounds, when we needed 2 dozen from her.

I think there was a lot of blame to go around, but I don’t think an A+ game would have beaten a much better team.

 

[Huskygamble19]

I would like to point out to Dave O'Brien that Cardoso being out is a loss for south Carolina to be sure, but he kept harping about it the whole game and South carolina still has a lot of depth to choose from when we have 5 players done for the year. We have no depth!!!