UConn vs Duke Post Game Thread

[Golden Husky]

Geno managed the game. Win and advance. A'ja cannot be allowed to mug people on both ends with impunity. Our girls need both eyes going forward.

"Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose."

 

[HoopsFan21]

We're currently in the growing parity era of WCBB. There are no obvious favorites to win anymore and probably won't be going forward.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Having just driven back from the game and not having watched the replay yet (that’s next), I have a different and more positive take on the game than most of the posters here. The shooting was bad, both from the field and from the free throw line. Before I saw the box score, I expected to see UConn’s field goal percentage for the game in the low forties or even high thirties. It was actually 45%, which certainly surprised me.

But I really thought that was the ONLY thing that was wrong. I didn’t see any problems with offensive flow — what I saw was an offense that was producing open, “easy” looks on nearly every possession, and then too many of those shots were being missed. Napheesa especially was missing in a completely untypical way — she made some very difficult shots and missed a lot of (for her) easy ones.

It looked to me as if UConn was playing against Duke’s zone pretty much the way that they have played against other defenses that they have seen this year. In the second quarter especially, Duke’s defense was being shredded on a regular basis. In the other quarters, it was more a matter of missed shots than of having difficulty getting shots.

I did not think that Duke’s running the shot clock down on so many possessions was the result of an attempt to slow the game down and lose by a respectable margin. Instead, I thought they were just having extreme difficulty getting a good look against UConn’s defense. Duke was far more visibly stymied by UConn’s defense than UConn was by Duke’s zone.

One other observation that I’m surprised that no one has made: I thought Megan Walker played really well in the limited minutes that Geno gave her, and played a significant role in keeping the lead. She hustled for rebounds (looking like a very strong rebounder, as she has in other games), and I did not notice her missing defensive assignments. If she can do that for three more games, Crystal can get some more rest.

I also watched the South Carolina game against Buffalo. My general reaction was, “If you think UConn has problems, ...”. Based solely on what I saw in both games today, I would much rather be in Geno’s position than Dawn’s going in to Monday night.

Two thoughts on your various points:

1. There may have been a few possessions on which Duke deliberately slowed things down, but I agree that our defense stymied them time after time. They looked for an opening, occasionally thought they saw one, and then saw it disappear, as our rotation and movement took it away immediately. Brown and Greenwell were limited to less than half their normal scoring. Job very well done. Maybe our defense didn’t concentrate on Odom, but I think she scored mostly because she is good. I expect her to be a star. She is decent on the dribble, takes the ball into the paint, elevates, and puts up a soft jumper or floater. She scored over Gabby and had at least 3 hit the rim multiple times before falling through. Very soft touch. She had 3 good games in the tourney and still has 2 years left.

2. Meg may have been a fraction slow on one or two defensive rotations, but I thought she played well. She did miss one shot from almost point blank range, but it was contested and she was slightly too far directly under the basket. Meg rebounded with ferocity and looked almost like Maya or Tina hitting the boards. She elevates, uses her length, and grabs the ball with strength. She’s a solid rebounder.

 

[Mlb0814]

Oh yeah. Wilson best player in the country and number 1 pick should be a drinking game phrase....that will get you drunk quick....

Hhmmm good idea but not for a Monday night game with high schoolers to teach in the am

 

[oldude]

While a number of Husky fans were bemoaning the fact that we didn’t beat Duke by 40 points, I was enjoying a very nice dinner in Saratoga with family members from CT who, like me, thoroughly enjoyed watching UConn win and advance today at TUC.

While at dinner, we met 4 wonderful ladies from SC who had also attended the games at TUC. We had a very nice discussion with them about Dawn, Geno, A’ja, etc. From our conversation, it’s fair to say that their confidence level relative to their beloved Gamecocks on Monday night is somewhere between slim and none, but they were having a great time, and their support for their team was absolute.

We Husky fans might learn something from SC fans about supporting our team no matter what.

 

[Bronx23]

The next matchup worries me a bit only because Z really did not play well which I think was a symptom of playing Duke but the same feelings will be involved in going after Wilson. Maybe Geno sees Megan as playing a more significant role if Z stalls a bit and gave her some good minutes

I'm not sure what game you were watching but Z did a lot of good things particularly blocking and rushing Duke's shots. Yes she didn't convert a lot of baskets in close and put backs but she was a whole different and better player than earlier in the year. She also was not in foul trouble.
For the few minutes MW was ok but how you jump to her playing a more significant role in hopefully three more games this season is just wishful thinking.
Sorry to sound so pointed but I just didn't see any of that you described.
Bronx23

 

[Bronx23]

And you don’t think A’ja is being defended the same way? I love Lou as much as anyone and she’s been our best player during the regular season but she’s faded this postseason. Not scoring or passing at her normal clip. That being said, she doesn’t have to force like A’ja bc she has other AA’s around her so I do applaud her for not trying to do to much. I’m just telling you right now, the committee is noticing. Right, wrong or indifferent.

I agree with the first part of your post about Lou!
Yes she doesn't need to force things because of the talent she's surrounded with. What I disagree with is quite a few recent games, she's getting lost offensively. She's way too good of an offensive force to be mostly passing the ball around the perimeter. She's not demonstrating the same intensity offensively that Gabby & Pheesa.
I've been a huge KLS supporter for NPOY but the last four or five games, she's not even close. Maybe something is bothering her although her movement and foot / ankle seem ok from afar.
We need her along with Gabby, Pheeza and AZ to all take a strong hand offensively. I think Kia and CD hopefully are good support players offensively.
Our defensive effort and pressure was quite good.
Bronx23

 

[huskeynut]

Maybe a little off topic - maybe not so here goes.

We all became extremely spoiled by Stewie, Morgan, Moriah and company. We witness some massive blowouts like the 60 point win over a decent but young MSST team. Or the 51 point dismantaling of Texas. The blowout of Louisville or crushing ND in the semis and others. Unfortunately we fans expect that in every game against every team regardless of their record. That expectation is pure fool's gold.

Before Stewie and company, games were closer, especially in the tournament. Go back and check the records. The blowout in Philly of Tennessee in 2000 was considered huge at 19 points. In 2003, we beat Tennessee by 6.

We all need to take a deep breathe, step back and enjoy the ride.

 

[Centerstream]

Never seen coach JPM that gracious in defeat before. Also Lexi said that "We could have beaten UConn", yeah, sure

Well, they did beat us in the 4th quarter, so using the Louisville/ACC rationale, she is right.

 

[scubadog]

Sitting in a parking garage at TUC. Here’s some random thoughts.

- Duke played well, but the game was never really in doubt.

- Duke packed their zone in the paint and dared UConn to shoot 3’s. UConn made some, but they missed a lot of wide open shots.

- This was an interesting game for Z. She was much better on the defensive end than on offense.

As others have said, this time of year it’s either win and advance or lose and go home.

Still sitting in the parking garage. Got to find a better parking spot on Monday night.

We park next to empire state plaza for free. An easy walk. Usually we can get even closer.

 

[PAHuskeyFan]

At this time of year a win is a win...by 1 point or 60 points... Of course the closer games give us BYers ulcers and heartburn... but it doesn't matter how much our Huskies win by... We're down to the last 8 WCBB Teams... they are good because they too have survived. Close...or Closer games should be expected. Win, Survive, Move on to the next battle!

 

[wallman]

Just an outside observation. When Azure Stevens is in the game, there is little room for anything other than to feed her the ball in the post as the defender will not guard her away from the basket. Thus your three point threats have to spread the floor in order to feed her the ball at the post. The problem I see and it is just minor is that when she receives the ball she still tries to score when the double comes. This is where she needs to be aware of the open man and kick out the ball, especially as you have some of the country s top threats.

 

[scubadog]

I'm not a fan of ref-bashing but after a half of "let them play" didn't it seem like some oddly ticky-tack stuff got called in the second half? I know UConn was playing a physical game but it wasn't overly so, I didn't think. The Huskies got called for a couple head-scratchers in the second half.

Same type of stuff in the first game. And as usual Wilson throws her elbows everywhere and finally got called for one blatant one. We saw several phantom calls on huskies with arms straight up on KLS and Phees. At least 2 out of bounds tipped balls called wrong right in front of us.

 

[MD#12Fan]

I agree with the first part of your post about Lou!
Yes she doesn't need to force things because of the talent she's surrounded with. What I disagree with is quite a few recent games, she's getting lost offensively. She's way too good of an offensive force to be mostly passing the ball around the perimeter. She's not demonstrating the same intensity offensively that Gabby & Pheesa.
I've been a huge KLS supporter for NPOY but the last four or five games, she's not even close. Maybe something is bothering her although her movement and foot / ankle seem ok from afar.
We need her along with Gabby, Pheeza and AZ to all take a strong hand offensively. I think Kia and CD hopefully are good support players offensively.
Our defensive effort and pressure was quite good.
Bronx23

I see the KLS dropoff! Weak year for POY. Wilson seems so unidimensional. Swinging those bows. What's she doing? I can't wait to see what Geno has in store for her! Durr good player but far from a POY. Mitchell- ugly. I don't care how many points she's scored. I truly believe POY is between Ionescu and Gabby.
Is it possible that UConn is actually in a rut offensively so as to be too unselfish and at the same time overly confident in their own shooting ability to the point that they don't know when to shoot. All those games when they do whatever they want offensively is numbing their senses for reality when good teams defend them. (get out of that stupid league!!) It's barely a conscious thing for players to know when to shoot. I think UConn looks confused. Why isn't Crystal slashing? My favorite #33, besides KLS, like a 6th sense, knew when to pass and when to shoot. Whatever they do, do it with conviction!

 

[Roger G]

I come to the BY and read all this criticism. I go to the Internet and read where "UCONN Routes Duke". No mention of all the negative things I have read on here. It gets old. Just a thought; I think UCONN's offense will be sharper on Monday.

Which gets old, the negativism or the non mentioning of the negative things?

 

[shizam]

His answer was perfect. You play her like any "good" player. Take away some things and live with others.

At the risk of sounding like a new Geno worshipper, he answers a lot of stuff adroitly. I enjoy what he has to say. How he doesn’t get bored is what impresses me. He has aged gracefully (except when you fire head coaches that were his former players or assts)

 

[Bronx23]

Based on ESPN post-game analysis the best way to counter the UConn offense is zone. Is this what they'll see from here on out? What are the various ways teams break a zone defense? Is better outside shooting the only solution?

I think actually if U Conn is playing well zone defense doesn't work very well.
The best way to break a zone is movement both of the ball and bodies cutting and moving here and there. You rarely see U Conn players dribbling more than once or twice. The ball moves much faster than a zone defense can adjust if there are sharp cuts and passing, which is actually what U Conn does best offensively.
Bronx23

 

[bbballfan23]

Just an outside observation. When Azure Stevens is in the game, there is little room for anything other than to feed her the ball in the post as the defender will not guard her away from the basket. Thus your three point threats have to spread the floor in order to feed her the ball at the post. The problem I see and it is just minor is that when she receives the ball she still tries to score when the double comes. This is where she needs to be aware of the open man and kick out the ball, especially as you have some of the country s top threats.

Agreed. I personally think our best offense is when Pheesa is posting and Gabby is making plays from the high post. Pheesa’s shooting percentage isn’t as high as last year but how many more jumpshots has she been forced to take becuss of the offense putting her outside with Z inside?? When we get Pheesa the ball inside, great things happen because she doesn’t force it. She is constantly kicking it out to an open Kia or Lou when she sees the defense cheating. Getting our facilitator (Gabby) the ball at the high post is huge for not just Napheesa but how many times has Lou gotten back door layups from Gabby this year? Moral of the story...run it through Gabby. She will feed our best scorers.

 

[shizam]

Agreed. I personally think our best offense is when Pheesa is posting and Gabby is making plays from the high post. Pheesa’s shooting percentage isn’t as high as last year but how many more jumpshots has she been forced to take becuss of the offense putting her outside with Z inside?? When we get Pheesa the ball inside, great things happen because she doesn’t force it. She is constantly kicking it out to an open Kia or Lou when she sees the defense cheating. Getting our facilitator (Gabby) the ball at the high post is huge for not just Napheesa but how many times has Lou gotten back door layups from Gabby this year? Moral of the story...run it through Gabby. She will feed our best scorers.

Today was the first time ( I haven’t watched UConn much) I saw a defensive player anticipate and steal UConn passes on cuts to the basket. Lexie Brown had some nice thefts. She is in her element and quick on D. Gives one hope that UConn is human. Wish L’ville could do that instead of looking like they want UConn player autographs the whole 1st quarter (26 to 4). Probably the worst 1st quarter any team had all year verse UConn. UConn is like a heavy weight boxer that jumps you in the first round and pounds you with their pace. If you can hit back just as hard and make them flinch you’re in business. No one seems to be able to. Is it how good UConn is or how incomplete everyone else is? I think parts of both. UConn is good but their isn’t another complete team out there to compete with them.
Glad the final score was under a 15 point difference. Flickers of hope.

 

[Golden Husky]

While a number of Husky fans were bemoaning the fact that we didn’t beat Duke by 40 points, I was enjoying a very nice dinner in Saratoga with family members from CT who, like me, thoroughly enjoyed watching UConn win and advance today at TUC.

While at dinner, we met 4 wonderful ladies from SC who had also attended the games at TUC. We had a very nice discussion with them about Dawn, Geno, A’ja, etc. From our conversation, it’s fair to say that their confidence level relative to their beloved Gamecocks on Monday night is somewhere between slim and none, but they were having a great time, and their support for their team was absolute.

We Husky fans might learn something from SC fans about supporting our team no matter what.

Regards your last sentence, Dude, as Moss Hart once said to Kitty Carlisle, "Kitty, you've been with me through thick."

 

[donalddoowop]

You're free to adopt whoever's take you want, but you're basically saying that you follow the casual observer (e.g. national media outlets) over the committed fan (everyone here).

No, I try to follow the more sensible observer. Anyway, what makes you think the writer of that article was a casual observer? Also, everyone on here are not negative after every game that the team does not meet the expectations of many on this board. Sometimes it is just best to be thankful and enjoy what you have and not complain about what you do not have.

 

[pvdoggy]

So in the post-game interview with Geno with Holly, he said something like "as seniors (Kia/Gabby), they know we are down to the last couple games, ....". I hope it does not turns out that way, otherwise, UConn will fall in the semifinal game again, possibly to the same team as last year.

 

[shizam]

No, I try to follow the more sensible observer. Anyway, what makes you think the writer of that article was a casual observer? Also, everyone on here are not negative after every game that the team does not meet the expectations of many on this board. Sometimes it is just best to be thankful and enjoy what you have and not complain about what you do not have.

I don’t follow your advice but I agree with it

 

[drweo]

Watch out, UConn just got it’s sort of bad one out of the way

Stevens, I don’t know. She has a tendency to shoot flat footed and loses her height edge, leaving shots short. But she is definitely a plus.

Plus, several times she got a pass or a rebound and brought the ball down below her shoulders, where the Duke players tied her up/stole it, etc.

BtW, I think the Duke team was instructed to swarm her whenever they could....

 

[drweo]

I'm not a fan of ref-bashing but after a half of "let them play" didn't it seem like some oddly ticky-tack stuff got called in the second half? I know UConn was playing a physical game but it wasn't overly so, I didn't think. The Huskies got called for a couple head-scratchers in the second half.

Totally agree. Phantom fouls.

 

[drweo]

Random thoughts in regard to some comments on this thread:
... AND...it seems she has not been getting the ball. The fluid motion offense hasn't been there the last few games...so she is not getting the cuts, back cuts and so on....but today it seemed like Lou was standing alone on the wings or in the corner with the closest defender 15 or so feet away and she wasn't getting the ball.

I noticed that too. At one point she was calling for the ball with arms outstretched. THe ball went the other way and she shrugged with a "What the...?" look.

 

[Gus Mahler]

Poetry not attempted

That's OK. We know you have a high basketball haiku anyway.

 

[Gus Mahler]

Highly doubtful he still thinks that with how she’s played lately.

I dunno. He slapped her on the tush pretty hard after causing that misfire that made him dance.

 

[Longtime fan]

And the FT shooting. Crystal just looked like she was gutting it out through pain. Geno sat her early, but the offense crawled without her. Nice to hear from you.

And Crystal will not get any recovery time before Monday. Frankly, if she is not close to 100%, I don't see us winning this thing. Ugh.

 

[Los24]

And Crystal will not get any recovery time before Monday. Frankly, if she is not close to 100%, I don't see us winning this thing. Ugh.

I think we win this game with or without Crystal. Obviously better to have more depth and talent for the game but we still have plenty.