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Message: [QUOTE="cferraro04, post: 4448278, member: 267"] Since this thread already exist, it saves me the trouble to set it up...however, I feel that even though we should beat Providence by a lot...having this thread before the Providence game is played is in a way a "diss" to their team. But, with four pages of responses I might as well get into the mix no disrespect intended to the Friars. This game is one that both fan bases tend to mark off on the calendar. ND and UConn have developed a sort of rivalry over the years. It isn't about who has more wins but more about the energy surrounding the game and the intensity at which the game is played. Ms. Diggins, Ms. Lloyd, Ms Turner and others deserve some credit for getting it rolling and after the romantic break-up of the Tennessee and UConn marriage the ND/UConn rivalries took on a life of their own. This promises to be a close one...I am not sure I would call it a barn burner this early in the season but I am sure this one will have its moments. I expect the back courts of both teams to be dynamic and competitive...much has been said about the Miles/Citron duo and deservedly so. However, the Fudd/Lopez-Senechal back-court is quickly developing into one of the best in the country. Should be interesting to see how this one shakes out (I can only dream about next year's match-up with Paige and Fudd...I know, I know...Paige will get zero minutes in this one but one can only dream). So, here we go... [B][COLOR=rgb(226, 80, 65)]Kylee Watson vs Aaliyah Edwards[/COLOR][/B] - This one should clearly belong to Aaliyah as I see a potential All American season coming from her. I don't see her double-double average as being in jeopardy here. Simple enough if she stays out of foul trouble..she should have a good night in South Bend. [B][COLOR=rgb(41, 105, 176)]Advantage - UConn[/COLOR] [COLOR=rgb(226, 80, 65)]Matty Westbeld vs Aubrey Griffin [/COLOR][/B]- While she has started every game and more than likely will start this one Matty's minutes have been inconsistent...she averaged over 20 minutes per game in 4 of the games and averaged 14 minutes in the other two. She may be dealing with an injury and the coaches are managing her time. Aubrey has been a bright spot for the team since returning to the line-up. It was hard to tell what we were going to get with Aubrey given the almost 2 years she was out of the line-up with various injuries. but who can complain about 12.2 and 5.4...given the other players who are on the bench with injuries this has been a God-send. But, her stats only tell a part of the story...her explosiveness to the basket and her crashing the boards, her defensive intensity and the fact that she has added a shooting touch to her game...should be helpful in getting UConn a win. [B][COLOR=rgb(41, 105, 176)]Advantage - UConn[/COLOR] [COLOR=rgb(226, 80, 65)]Sonia Citron vs Lou Lopez-Senechal [/COLOR][/B]- Lou ability to score and Citron's relentless attacks on the basket should at least offensively off-set each other...however, Cintron's ability to rebound the basketball I think will have a greater impact on the game from this position. [B][COLOR=rgb(41, 105, 176)]Advantage - Notre Dame[/COLOR] [COLOR=rgb(226, 80, 65)]Olivia Miles vs Nika Muhl [/COLOR][/B]- both players have similar height and weight but both bring different skill sets to the game. Olivia is Notre Dame's most impactful player 16 points, 7.5 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 2.8 steals a game mean that Olivia represents the "head of the snake". Nika has gained a reputation as a tough, tenacious player. Her ability to play on-ball defense can be bothersome to many players. However, foul trouble could bring a quick end to that quality. I almost rather Nika didn't have to play Olivia but frankly given Notre Dames height and talent in the other positions almost makes Nika the best person for the job. Can she hold Olivia to below average performance numbers? That could be big...but, Olivia is a proven player and probably will let the game come to her and be able to perform as usual. She is playing in front of the home crowd so I look for a good performance from Olivia. [COLOR=rgb(41, 105, 176)][B]Advantage - Notre Dame[/B][/COLOR] [B][COLOR=rgb(226, 80, 65)]Dara Mabry vs Azzi Fudd[/COLOR][/B] - Two sharp shooters but, let's be real here has anyone seen a better 3 ball shooter than Azzi Fudd? And, hasn't Azzi Fudd shown that she is more than a 3 point shooter. Azzi is averaging 25.6 per game against some pretty stiff competition. I think most of us have seen enough Mabrey women over the past decade to be really glad when Dara finally leaves...please tell me there aren't any more of them coming. I think this match-up is interesting but I am going to go with our next All American on this one. Fudd is a star in the making and she will shine bright in this one. [B][COLOR=rgb(41, 105, 176)]Advantage - UConn[/COLOR] [COLOR=rgb(226, 80, 65)]Intangibles[/COLOR][/B] - Well this game will be played in South Bend...that won't be helpful. We have seen some "home cooking" in years past but I am taking the high road on this one and expect a clean, hard fought game...hopefully, we will not see any flip-flopping in this one. Notre Dame makes a living in the paint but that is because their guards score a lot in the paint along with their bigs. UConn will need to be on their game with regards to their interior defense. Notre Dame shoots 29 FTs per game to UConn 12.2 per game...this is a very concerning stat. [B][COLOR=rgb(41, 105, 176)]Advantage - Notre Dame[/COLOR] [COLOR=rgb(226, 80, 65)]Bench[/COLOR][/B] - Both benches will be shortened in this one. I think both teams will get production out of 7 players with Notre Dame possibly going 8 deep. With that being said...we are fortunate to have Caroline finding her way back to her normal self 14 last game here is to hoping she can build off of that. But, Ebo and KK off the bench will probably give Notre Dame the edge. [B][COLOR=rgb(41, 105, 176)]Slight Advantage - Notre Dame[/COLOR] [COLOR=rgb(226, 80, 65)]Coaching[/COLOR][/B] - Niele and her staff are good but, Geno, Chris and the UConn staff are the best... [B][COLOR=rgb(41, 105, 176)]Advantage - UConn[/COLOR][/B] I think UConn wins this one by 7 points: [B][COLOR=rgb(41, 105, 176)]UConn - 79 Notre Dame - 72[/COLOR][/B] [/QUOTE]

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