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Iowa proved last season that 2 players carrying most of the scoring worked out just fine (Clark & Czinano). Last I checked, as long as you score more than the other team...
Iowa proved last season that 2 players carrying most of the scoring worked out just fine (Clark & Czinano). Last I checked, as long as you score more than the other team...
For some reason ( I wonder if anyone asked him?), Geno seemed determined to have his starting 5 play all 40 minutes today. True, a hint of foul trouble surfaced briefly, and he subbed in Ice and, eventually, Q. But their time on court was briefer than usual. In Q's case, it was hardly enough to get an idea about her performance ( except for the 0-2 shooting ).Sort of inconsistent first half - better in Q2, for sure. 2nd half was a struggle. We'd start to pull away, then SJU would go on a mini-run. Their banked 3's were annoying. But credit to them for not giving up like they seemed to do in the last game. They battled and kept the game relatively close, even winning Q3. We just weren't crisp. We'd play good defense for 15 seconds, then get out of position and give up an open shot. Again, credit to SJU. They played poised and never let the game get out of hand. But still, just when you think/hope UConn has turned the corner and is really ready to play some cohesive good team ball, we seem to take steps backwards.
When was the last time Geno had to call a TO to stop a run, or re-set? But he had to 1 minute into Q4. Game never REALLY felt in doubt, but it was not the solid performance I would have liked to see. Liya and Paige were mostly great. The rest of the team... had their moments, but... Anyway a nice grind-out win overall - SJU is #3 in the BE. They really are no slouches. Hopefully some good stuff for the film session. and to end on a good note - Paige and Liya - STUDS!!
- Nika sub-par in Q1. 2 fouls (1 on a 3 point shooter) and some momentum stopping turnovers. But her defense on Drake (SJU top scorer) great, at least in the 1st half. But again, fouls caught up to her. Mystifying play at times from a senior.
- Paige with 4 turnovers the first half - 2 on consecutive possessions - and then only 1 the rest of the game. Seemed like we sort of needed her to take over in Q4. Which is really too bad. But she is unstoppable when she takes over. Just wow!
- Liya had a monster first half, but then... maybe got a tad tired for a minute? Still... career high! Woohoo! and really good from the FT line. POG for sure!!
- Watching SJU start their offense is like watching paint dry... Slow-Mo!
If Geno believed that he would play the end of bench moreGeno said it himself in the St Johns pregame. Too many players out.
I wondered about the subbing myself. I’ve been curious if there was going to be a conditioning element added to the starters so they adjust to having to play close to 40 minutes in March but the first game in February seems awfully early to start.For some reason ( I wonder if anyone asked him?), Geno seemed determined to have his starting 5 play all 40 minutes today. True, a hint of foul trouble surfaced briefly, and he subbed in Ice and, eventually, Q. But their time on court was briefer than usual. In Q's case, it was hardly enough to get an idea about her performance ( except for the 0-2 shooting ).
I sensed a fatigue element in the second half, but it was not critical. As you mentioned, Paige took over when St. John's came within 7 points. Up until that point, however, she had had a relatively poor game. Her ball security was as poor as I have seen it. And her shooting was not Paige like in its efficiency.
I agree that this team is not going to win any big game if we only use the starting five. Two of the starting five remain " developmental" and are inconsistent. Yes, they each show flashes of star quality, but they are off and on great. ASH missed two open shots which she needs to make if she is to become a "difference maker" in a big game. And KK needs to be a bit more visionary on some of her breaks to the hoop. Too often, her drives are getting blocked, often with an offensive charge call. And she shows little inclination to shoot mid range or long range . And she can shoot.
It is pretty clear that we have a team of three great players, and depth of four developing/inconsistent freshmen. Their progress is key to the team's progress. The core three can take us pretty far, but they just cannot be asked to play all 40 minutes. And we need more than just "place holders" from the freshmen. We may not get it, but that is what we need.
I don't know what coach was up to today. Have Q and ICE slacked off in practice? Was there another motive?
Otherwise, the game was pretty much as predicted ( Edwards more of a force than usual, but not that much more). I don't think we learned much about the four freshmen. Except the two on the bench may have dropped a notch in the coach's eye. Hope not.
Up until that point, however, she had had a relatively poor game. Her ball security was as poor as I have seen it. And her shooting was not Paige like in its efficiency.
I don't know what coach was up to today. Have Q and ICE slacked off in practice? Was there another motive?
I don't think he lost confidence in Q, nor in the other freshman. The freshman didn't hit the proverbial wall yet. Nor, I think, will they.This was a good Big East win, but the narrow distribution of points doesn't bode well for their chances in late March. The freshmen seem still to be a bit shaken by the ND loss and are playing a little tentatively. Geno may have lost confidence in Q, for example.
Aaliyah and Paige showed they can take over a game as needed and get wins like this one.
It is not a winning formula for UConn for Paige and Edwards to do most of the scoring.
Your post included numerous really good points, but I'm stumped by your reference to 'a team of three great players."It is pretty clear that we have a team of three great players.
We have two of the best freshman recruits out there, and I expect both to return to their scoring ways soon.It may not be a winning formula, but it’s basically the one we’ve got.