They had more rebounds than USC in the end. That looked impossible the first minutes of the game.View attachment 98750
Wow. Talk about a team effort!
If she doesn't see UConn is the place to be after tonight's game, don't know what to think.Sarah Strong committing tomorrow (at the McDonald’s game) would truly make this the best 2-days I’ve experienced as a UConn fan.
I was particularly thrilled with two things; 1. The early appearance and contribution of Qadance Samuels. She logged 14 minutes, hit a three and played good defense. She proved she can help. And this was the elite 8. 2. Ice Brady looked smooth. Some big defensive work and 8 points, including two shots from outside. KK and ASH are struggling a bit at this level, and at this point of the season,. But they are still making this the team what it is. Our three seniors are the load bearers. A terrific and unexpected ( by me ) win.A couple thoughts on tonight’s game:
- YESSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!
- When you come to UConn and play for Geno, these are the games you dream about…..the Big Dance in March & April…..with everything on the line. After all that UConn has been through this season; the injuries, the lack of size, experience and depth, somehow this Husky team found a way to take down the #1 seed in their bracket on their way to the program’s 23rd Final Four!!!
- Once again UConn was led by their incomparable superstar. Paige continues to play a brilliant, complete brand of basketball the likes of which I have never seen before. Paige’s stat line tonight: 28 pts, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks.
- Ju Ju Watkins is the most talented freshman scorer in WBB since Caitlin Clark. Tonight, she was dogged by Nika, KK and Paige. Despite all the attention, Watkins still managed to put up 29 points. She is the future of WBB. But tonight belonged to UConn!!!
- I also want to recognize the extraordinary efforts of Aaliyah over the past four games. She’s been playing out of position at center all season. Coming back after a broken nose, Aaliyah has been matched up against a string of players who go 6’3”, 6’6”, 6’5”, 6’6”, 6’5”, 6’4” & 6’6” in games vs Jackson St, Syracuse, Duke & USC. In those games Aaliyah has been nothing short of spectacular, battling heroically in the paint against a wave of opposing Bigs.
- UConn got some solid and much needed PT from Ice & Q tonight, particularly with KK & Nika in foul trouble.
- The Huskies were fighting fatigue at the end of the game. It certainly showed at the foul line. Somehow they hung in there and pulled it out. YOU GOT TO LOVE THIS TEAM!
- Against all odds, UConn has made it back to another FF. Iowa and CC will be waiting for the Huskies in Cleveland. On paper, Iowa has more experience, more depth and should be the favorite to end UConn’s championship run this year. Yessiree, UConn has them right where we want them…..
Good post, although I would add to "unexpected" and "much appreciated". Critical. We do not win without them. IMO.Lastly, I want to point out the contributions that Ice Brady & Qadence added. Unexpected, but much appreciated.
Something needs to change with this officiating. Paige doesn’t get the calls anywhere near what the other top players get.How does Paige only shoot 3 free throws in that game?
Geno asked if he trusted Nika to not pick up that 5th foul. "The word trust doesn't exist between me and Nika." "Did I trust whether she was going to be able to not foul out? No. I prayed.""I told myself I wasn't gonna foul out this game, but I didn't tell myself I wasn't going to get four fouls." -Nika Muhl.
LOL..... How great is Nika!!
Errands took me into overtime, so I missed the game also, and will have to watch the replay. But I’m truly happy for my team.I’ve caught my breath and can think straight. The girls held them to 33% shooting and shot 48% themselves. And they won the rebounding battle.
I’m busy watching replays of horrendous uncalled fouls. I missed the game live because I teach an evening class. My wife texted me as I was coming out of class with the unbelievable news.
Nothing but respect for Paige and Aaliyah and Nika and Ice and Ash and KK and Q!!!!!!!!!!!
Shhhhhhhh! Not a good look for a fan base.8 on 5 and we still won!!!
Remember, there were some posters who earlier in the season posted this UConn team was the worst team in UConn history. I wonder what they are thinking now.WOW! I’m speechless
Evina Westbrook is the Mom in question, haha.
Shade also hit some key shots.What is in the water at Storrs? Ice & Q played with such confidence on the biggest stage. Geno instills that into them from their first day on campus.