What value metric are you using for cheap fouls so I can final my comparison?Hey, what about Providence?
Seriously, I would match Miles and Nika, Fudd and Mabrey in the comparison sheet since I think that is how the matchups will look from the ND side at least. And I would make Nika / Miles even and Fudd super edge on Mabrey unless you count cheap fouls
UConn vs. Notre Dame (Match Up Analysis)
- Thread starter CONNCAN
- Start date
DefenseBB
Snark is always appreciated!
- Joined
- Nov 10, 2016
- Messages
- 8,748
- Reaction Score
- 32,971
I laud the comparison effort with these slight observations:
1. UConn will go 7 deep against ND.
2. ND will go 8 deep against UConn (Jenna Brown will play very limited minutes, if at all).
3. Just like the Iowa game, Nika will guard Miles to make her work very hard for everything.
4. The down low question is which team is better offensively (UConn) and which team will win the battle of the boards. ND has 4 players to rotate in Watson, Westbeld, Ebo and Marshall. UConn has 3+ with Edwards, Griffin, Ducharme and Patterson.
5. Who should guard Citron out on the wing will be key as she is their #2 scorer. Aubrey makes the most sense but then who do you put inside against those other ND bigs-Patterson who fouls too much or Ducharme? I am curious what Geno does. Maybe he challenges Lou or Azzi on her. Maybe Azzi and Lou on Mabry.
6. Team defense is still key and UConn has the big edge here.
ND's inside game is suspect, but they do put up 35.5 points per game thus far (against less than quality front court teams). If Nika can shut down Miles like she did to Caitlin, UConn will win.
Of real interest to me is if Miles and Mabry lose their cool as has been their modus operandi when things don't go their way.
1. UConn will go 7 deep against ND.
2. ND will go 8 deep against UConn (Jenna Brown will play very limited minutes, if at all).
3. Just like the Iowa game, Nika will guard Miles to make her work very hard for everything.
4. The down low question is which team is better offensively (UConn) and which team will win the battle of the boards. ND has 4 players to rotate in Watson, Westbeld, Ebo and Marshall. UConn has 3+ with Edwards, Griffin, Ducharme and Patterson.
5. Who should guard Citron out on the wing will be key as she is their #2 scorer. Aubrey makes the most sense but then who do you put inside against those other ND bigs-Patterson who fouls too much or Ducharme? I am curious what Geno does. Maybe he challenges Lou or Azzi on her. Maybe Azzi and Lou on Mabry.
6. Team defense is still key and UConn has the big edge here.
ND's inside game is suspect, but they do put up 35.5 points per game thus far (against less than quality front court teams). If Nika can shut down Miles like she did to Caitlin, UConn will win.
Of real interest to me is if Miles and Mabry lose their cool as has been their modus operandi when things don't go their way.
Carnac
That venerable sage from the west
- Joined
- Jan 9, 2015
- Messages
- 15,927
- Reaction Score
- 78,858
You know they want a piece of us, as they don't particularly care for anything/anyone UConn. The game is in South Bend. It won't be a walk in the park by any means. UConn will get their best effort. I wouldn't call this game a test. UConn has already had three tests.
I would classify this game as a "challenge." Things may get a bit "chippy." Notre Dame is ranked #7. They are 6-0 and play their first ranked team this year as #12 Maryland visits South Bend this Thursday (6:30 pm ET ESPN). This will give us a chance to do a little advanced scouting. Other than a NC, nothing will give me more pleasure than wins over Notre Dame and Tennessee this year.
This is the last Mabrey per a prior post from a poster that follows ND.
Last edited:
I’d put my money on Nika in that matchup.
.-.
- Joined
- Nov 30, 2015
- Messages
- 4,003
- Reaction Score
- 18,904
I am waiting for the first time Miles pushes off on Nika. The way the refs call it will have a big effect on the game moving forward. If the call goes against Miles, look out.
I expect she will try to drive the lane to put Aliyah in foul trouble. With good defensive rotation that could set her up for a charge or two. It will be an interesting game. I hope the team isn't looking past Providence the way some of the posters are...
If certain officials show up for the game (without naming names) they will have some additional things to overcome.
I expect she will try to drive the lane to put Aliyah in foul trouble. With good defensive rotation that could set her up for a charge or two. It will be an interesting game. I hope the team isn't looking past Providence the way some of the posters are...
If certain officials show up for the game (without naming names) they will have some additional things to overcome.
- Joined
- Nov 3, 2022
- Messages
- 569
- Reaction Score
- 2,456
I like your comment about possibly having Aubrey Griffin guard Sonia Citron, out on the wing. QUESTION: Did Aubrey Griffin ever go up against Sonia Citron, when both played in High School (Aubrey for Ossining HS and Sonia for Ursuline Academy), and if so, did either guard the other, given that both High Schools were in the same conference in New York?
I said that Uconn lost the first 3 games that year and beat ND in the championship game,which was the final 4 . They beat Louisville in the finals. I was assuming the final 4 was for the championship as the 4 teams were the only ones that could win it, hence championship game.
I believe Geno has stated many times that the only game that really counts is the last one. I know every loss bothers him tremendously and he voices his frustrations vocally, but it's still the last game that counts the most when you win it I rest my case. GO HUSKIES!!!
Yes they did I saw them play against each other three times and was thoroughly impressed with both their games.
Huskee11
The Sultan
- Joined
- May 8, 2016
- Messages
- 2,338
- Reaction Score
- 21,353
The great Elite eight matchup of UConn versus NC State really should not have occurred, since NC State literally stole the previous game from Notre Dame. Perez stole the ball from Mabrey with only about twenty seconds to go and Notre Dame up one, and the rest is history.
Watching that game in person, I was very impressed with Miles. She is long and quick, and moves almost effortlessly. Streaky shooter. She played 38 minutes and after a terrific first half, seemed to drift at times in the second half. She only took two shots in the third quarter, making one. And I still do not understand why the ball was not in her hands at the end of that game.
Also was at the UConn ND game at Gampel last December, which we won pretty easily. That was unfortunately when Paige got injured. It was also Caroline`s coming out party.
Notre Dame did not appear to me to play with much intensity in that game, seemed like they played very passive defense down the stretch when the game was still arguably in doubt. Although Citron was pretty average against NC State, I thought she was Notre Dame`s best player in the UConn game.
So Miles and Citron are the ones who concern me the most. Nika will cover Miles. Given Notre Dame`s size we may start Lou on Citron and put Aubrey on a bigger player.
Watching that game in person, I was very impressed with Miles. She is long and quick, and moves almost effortlessly. Streaky shooter. She played 38 minutes and after a terrific first half, seemed to drift at times in the second half. She only took two shots in the third quarter, making one. And I still do not understand why the ball was not in her hands at the end of that game.
Also was at the UConn ND game at Gampel last December, which we won pretty easily. That was unfortunately when Paige got injured. It was also Caroline`s coming out party.
Notre Dame did not appear to me to play with much intensity in that game, seemed like they played very passive defense down the stretch when the game was still arguably in doubt. Although Citron was pretty average against NC State, I thought she was Notre Dame`s best player in the UConn game.
So Miles and Citron are the ones who concern me the most. Nika will cover Miles. Given Notre Dame`s size we may start Lou on Citron and put Aubrey on a bigger player.
.-.
- Joined
- Jul 28, 2022
- Messages
- 180
- Reaction Score
- 1,323
You know they want a piece of us, as they don't particularly care for anything/anyone UConn. The game is in South Bend. It won't be a walk in the park by any means. UConn will get their best effort. I wouldn't call this game a test. UConn has already had three tests.
I would classify this game as a "challenge." Things may get a bit "chippy." Notre Dame is ranked #7. They are 6-0 and play their first ranked team this year as #12 Maryland visits South Bend this Thursday (6:30 pm ET ESPN). This will give us a chance to do a little advanced scouting. Other than a NC, nothing will give me more pleasure than wins over Notre Dame and Tennessee this year.
This is the last Mabrey per a prior post from a poster that follows ND.
- Joined
- Nov 8, 2021
- Messages
- 2,059
- Reaction Score
- 10,069
Good stuff, except we don't want to see Nika 'shut down' Miles as she did Caitlin. The Huskies don't want Olivia getting 25 points.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Nov 8, 2021
- Messages
- 2,059
- Reaction Score
- 10,069
Not sure, but I believe Aubrey was two years ahead of Sonia in high school...
Dillon77
WBB Enthusiast; ND Alum, Fan
- Joined
- Nov 6, 2015
- Messages
- 7,279
- Reaction Score
- 27,761
Hey, I'm not looking beyond Maryland in any way, shape or form. After that, all focus on the Huskies.
Dillon77
WBB Enthusiast; ND Alum, Fan
- Joined
- Nov 6, 2015
- Messages
- 7,279
- Reaction Score
- 27,761
Always interesting see how the competition sizes up one's players and competition.
I'll comment on a few things I've seen and attach some stat sheets for your review and context setting and I'll ponder some match-ups from the ND perspective.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish 2025-26 Women's College Basketball Stats - ESPN
Visit ESPN for Notre Dame Fighting Irish live scores, video highlights, and latest news. Find standings and the full 2025-26 season schedule.
- If you go to this attachment, you'll see that Miles and Citron are not only ND's leading scorer, they're also ND's leading rebounders. Quite candidly, they're the engines that drive ND. Miles is the flashier and more outwardly intense of the two, but don't fool yourself, Citron is a critical factor -- she'll plays the most minutes for the Irish.
- If you judge ND's inside game by traditional input (centers and bigs scoring) perhaps they're suspect (but I don't buy that). However -- and this is where they're interesting -- Citron and KK Bransford crash the offensive boards -- Citron with her vision and adeptness and Branford with brute force. So, guards are part of the inside scoring equation.
- Where ND is suspect, in my opinion, is that Mabrey is pretty much the only guaranteed source of downtown shooting, unless Citron makes a point of it. However, Citron tends to let the game come to her and she'll take what is given her.
- Miles has improved as a ball handler. Zip turnovers against ASU. Her one-armed passes are more accurate.
- I'm intrigued by how the Irish match up defensively against UConn. Ivey has been emphasizing man to man a lot this fall, but they can slip into zone at any given time. If they do go man, the natural match-up is putting Citron on Senechal or Ducharme.
However, I have a suspicion that if you see Azzi warm up, you'll see a rotation of guards play her, including Bransford and possibly even Citron, who is a long guard who knows Azzi from national team duty.
- Muhl on Miles is something I can see and understand. That will be crucial for both teams. If Muhl can bulldog and frustrate Miles, big advantage to UConn. But if Muhl gets into foul trouble, watch for Miles to drive incessantly. She's taller, smoother and stronger than you think. Should be a great match-up.
.-.
HuskylnSC
North is a direction; South is a lifestyle
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2017
- Messages
- 2,431
- Reaction Score
- 12,451
Good stuff, except we don't want to see Nika 'shut down' Miles as she did Caitlin. The Huskies don't want Olivia getting 25 points.
Caitlin shot 9/24, 2/11 from 3. 25 points on 24 shots. Points really only tell half the story.
DefenseBB
Snark is always appreciated!
- Joined
- Nov 10, 2016
- Messages
- 8,748
- Reaction Score
- 32,971
I can't reply to our Irish loving colleague directly as we are now in game mode (7 days before any big game, fraternizing with the enemy is forbidden) but I will offer this, If NIKA when sick, can throw Clark at 6'0 who is the pre-eminent point guard in the game, off her stellar game, I feel pretty sure that a healthy Nika can handle Miles at 5'10" and will absolute frustrate her!
Nuf ced....
Nuf ced....
- Joined
- Dec 20, 2021
- Messages
- 498
- Reaction Score
- 5,407
Anytime there's a Mabrey on the team I get concerned because they have a personal "show out against UConn" mentality. Michaela, less so. Mabrey, more so and Dara the youngest who has something to prove.
Matchup up wise, Azzi, Aaliyah and Caroline will have big games and that will be enough.
Matchup up wise, Azzi, Aaliyah and Caroline will have big games and that will be enough.
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2021
- Messages
- 4,507
- Reaction Score
- 21,063
The game is at SOUTH BEND = N.D. home crowd.... should be very interesting!
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2021
- Messages
- 4,507
- Reaction Score
- 21,063
Of equal interest to me is what might happen with the contested " jump balls". It seems neither team
releases the ball easily to the opponent. These are strong ladies.... and strong minded .. determined.
The UCONN players will maintain their composure... and perhaps we 'll see some one sided technicals??!!
Let's watch to see what refs are assigned to this national televised games ... good game... best refs!
.-.
npignatjr
Npignatjr
- Joined
- Aug 27, 2011
- Messages
- 1,377
- Reaction Score
- 3,377
There will be a lot of lime green
- Joined
- Mar 8, 2016
- Messages
- 4,311
- Reaction Score
- 18,207
On the point of technicals, when was the last time Geno got one? He has also been very firey in most of the ND games. Over and under regarding Mr. A getting one tech?
Tonyc
Optimus Prime
- Joined
- Aug 26, 2011
- Messages
- 6,139
- Reaction Score
- 43,144
Keep in mind we have shooters who stay outside. We werent on the line at all against Iowa until the end of the game. With that said we may not see the flops and fouls that we saw in past ND games. ND will have to come out and guard us. Edwards is gonna be a load for ND to guard. Im not sure they can contain her one on one. As big as Texas NC State and Iowa were they couldnt handle Edwards.
Azzi and Lou will get alot of attention which means who ever guards them will be running around alot. We are a better rebounding team then we were last season and we are a better scoring team then last season. Another point is we have 2 great defenders in Nika and Aubrey who can slow down Citron and Miles and that will cause alot of frustration. If ND loses their composure and gets frustrated this game could be over early.
We have shown Nika and Edwards can stay out of foul trouble. In some past ND games that doesnt matter because there were other UConn teams that were known for not fouling but were called for fouls at ND. Mainly flops. If UConn stays out of foul trouble UConn will cruise to victory.
Many of you are concerned about teams with height and all the tall players on opponents teams. Remember in most cases they all those tall players cant play at the same time. Typically tall players play inside. Remember when one of the Oregon teams had alot of tall players? Most of them sat the bench. If bigs cant handle the ball and create their own shot imo it doesnt make much difference. ND will be tuff but I think we are a better team then last season. It will be a struggle but our foul shooting late in the game will solidify our win.
Azzi and Lou will get alot of attention which means who ever guards them will be running around alot. We are a better rebounding team then we were last season and we are a better scoring team then last season. Another point is we have 2 great defenders in Nika and Aubrey who can slow down Citron and Miles and that will cause alot of frustration. If ND loses their composure and gets frustrated this game could be over early.
We have shown Nika and Edwards can stay out of foul trouble. In some past ND games that doesnt matter because there were other UConn teams that were known for not fouling but were called for fouls at ND. Mainly flops. If UConn stays out of foul trouble UConn will cruise to victory.
Many of you are concerned about teams with height and all the tall players on opponents teams. Remember in most cases they all those tall players cant play at the same time. Typically tall players play inside. Remember when one of the Oregon teams had alot of tall players? Most of them sat the bench. If bigs cant handle the ball and create their own shot imo it doesnt make much difference. ND will be tuff but I think we are a better team then last season. It will be a struggle but our foul shooting late in the game will solidify our win.
- Joined
- Jan 23, 2020
- Messages
- 189
- Reaction Score
- 1,810
Massey currently had us beating SC at home by 1. Guess it’s time to raise the Massey Banner!
Kudos for UConn scheduling all these awesome competitive games. Loving this season!
CocoHusky
1,000,001 BY points
- Joined
- Jan 24, 2015
- Messages
- 17,203
- Reaction Score
- 73,827
Caitlin was the leading scorer in the game and scored her season average. How can that being considered as being shut down? .-.