UConn vs So Carolina game thread

[mbr33ct]

Can't imagine why so many of us don't care for ESPN

Sometimes wish ESPN was not in CT, they brought so much grief for UConn.

 

[connie]

Wow... Aja is totally disrespectful. She gave little to no credit to UCONN... She is very arrogant

Huh. Really? I did not hear anything disrespectful (totally or even partially). And I don't think one could conclude from her answers that she gave no credit to UConn.

Look, these are college players. True, by the time a standout like Wilson reaches senior year she has a lot of experience in press conferences. But even among professionals, that forum is not one in which everyone shines. It is hard to come out after a loss -- esp. in a big game -- and answer questions as to why you lost. I thought she conducted herself respectfully. She tried to find things to spin positively (even if not entirely convincingly). She spoke positively of her coach and teammates. She acknowledged that UConn played well and was effective. And she provided the appearance of maturity, explaining that this is after all only one game, and the point now is to try to learn from it and move one. Good for her.

 

[the Q]

When they play like that, not a team in the country can stay within 20.

I think my only complaint was they had too many turnovers by being too unselfish....a nice problem to have

 

[mbr33ct]

I believe both Gabby & Wilson each had 14 pts & 14 rebounds, and Wilson played more minutes. Now you tell me who should be the NPOY?

I would give it to the shorter player.

 

[mbr33ct]

I like the rooster sound they play at the beginning of those videos.

You mean this sound?

 

[JavaMan]

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[SwingDog]

What a disappointing showing by the Gamecocks...

Agreed. For all the hype that this was going to be a showdown it was a huge disappointment.

 

[JustinesGuy]

I’ll never understand this argument though because UConn didn’t beat last year’s team tonight. They beat a significantly less experienced/talented squad. Not even close to last year’s team in terms of talent level really...

I saw this game result coming from 100 Miles away... SC lost too much last year and had too many important players for this year’s team sitting on the bench. They just don’t have it. The rosters aren’t comparable.

Coming into the season I didn’t think the disparity was that bad but it’s glaringly obvious after tonight. SC is not at the point where they reload on talent.. this looks like a roster that needs rebuilding and Dawn needs to consider that when she schedules teams next year because it’s not going to get any easier once they lose A’ja. You want to schedule good teams of course, but I don’t think getting your brains bashed in by 25 points helps your team’s confidence (and I can’t imagine it helps recruiting when it happens primetime on National TV)... and tonight won’t be the last time it happens if she doesn’t allow her roster to “grow up” a little bit next year. Lol, it sounds weird to say, but she might need to take a page out of Mulkey’s book!

What a disappointing showing by the Gamecocks...

Good post. Well your crowd was great it was nice too see, great atmosphere.

It's very hard to deal with uconn when they are hitting threes and forcing turnovers on the defensive end. When gabby has these types of games we become almost unbeatable.
I don't understand your coach not calling a TO when chit was hitting the fan. Just overmatched, it happens. It was a clean and hard fought game. Keep your head up.

 

[HoopsFan21]

I would have called time out as quickly in the 2nd quarter as she did in the 3rd. In 2015 once the score got to 36-19 after a quick bucket from Kia and a KML 3, she called a time out.

 

[SCGamecock]

Good post. Well your crowd was great it was nice too see, great atmosphere.

It's very hard to deal with uconn when they are hitting threes and forcing turnovers on the defensive end. When gabby has these types of games we become almost unbeatable.
I don't understand your coach not calling a TO when chit was hitting the fan. Just overmatched, it happens. It was a clean and hard fought game. Keep your head up.

Thanks. I agree, Gabby is just a freak of nature, and I mean that with the utmost respect. What was perhaps most disappointing to me was the lack of intensity on defense. This is perhaps the most lackadaisical defense we’ve had in 5 or so years. Going into this game I probably watched 3 UConn games this season (any by “games” I mean the 1st half).. but even I knew that if there’s a person you DO NOT want to leave open on the perimeter it’s Kia Nurse.. and I could’ve counted 5 or so times where Nurse was wide open on the perimeter. If Nurse is my assignment then I’m on her like white on rice the entire game. You play man to man and let UConn beat you 1-on-1. I can live with getting beat 1-on-1.. but I can’t live with Nurse and Samuelson making it rain from the perimeter. I was borderline disgusted by our play on defense.

 

[eebmg]

Thanks. I agree, Gabby is just a freak of nature, and I mean that with the utmost respect. What was perhaps most disappointing to me was the lack of intensity on defense. This is perhaps the most lackadaisical defense we’ve had in 5 or so years. Going into this game I probably watched 3 UConn games this season (any by “games” I mean the 1st half).. but even I knew that if there’s a person you DO NOT want to leave open on the perimeter it’s Kia Nurse.. and I could’ve counted 5 or so times where Nurse was wide open on the perimeter. If Nurse is my assignment then I’m on her like white on rice the entire game. You play man to man and let UConn beat you 1-on-1. I can live with getting beat 1-on-1.. but I can’t live with Nurse and Samuelson making it rain from the perimeter. I was borderline disgusted by our play on defense.

I agree. Not what I expected. SC may have issues on offense at times but I always thought their defensive commitment was there. If I were Dawn, I would have followed Geno's temper tantrum after the Tulsa game saying this was the worst effort I have seen etc. etc. The defense seemed better in the second half but we were still getting good shots. I think UConn mentally was not as sharp in the second half because they knew the game was theirs, Hard to play on a razor's edge when you are already celebrating internally. Not sure how this affects your next game against Miss ST . Do they come out with renewed commitment or do they shrink on the road feeling defeated from the start? Making life harder, Miss St will definitely be out for revenge as well and may want to send a message to UConn as well. Also, I think McGowan's game against Mizzou where she missed so many easy shots (and free throws) will want to make up for that game.

 

[the Q]

I’ll never understand this argument though because UConn didn’t beat last year’s team tonight. They beat a significantly less experienced/talented squad. Not even close to last year’s team in terms of talent level really...

I saw this game result coming from 100 Miles away... SC lost too much last year and had too many important players for this year’s team sitting on the bench. They just don’t have it. The rosters aren’t comparable.

Coming into the season I didn’t think the disparity was that bad but it’s glaringly obvious after tonight. SC is not at the point where they reload on talent.. this looks like a roster that needs rebuilding and Dawn needs to consider that when she schedules teams next year because it’s not going to get any easier once they lose A’ja. You want to schedule good teams of course, but I don’t think getting your brains bashed in by 25 points helps your team’s confidence (and I can’t imagine it helps recruiting when it happens primetime on National TV)... and tonight won’t be the last time it happens if she doesn’t allow her roster to “grow up” a little bit next year. Lol, it sounds weird to say, but she might need to take a page out of Mulkey’s book!

What a disappointing showing by the Gamecocks...

Fair point. But you’re never gonna convince me that had the 4 starters not named gabby hadn’t stained their shorts in the semi final they wouldn’t have steam rolled usc again.

But that happens sometimes, especially the one and done format. Uconn’s Title Stewart’s freshman year required one of the biggest upsets in tourney history with Louisville over Baylor.

 

[JustinesGuy]

Thanks. I agree, Gabby is just a freak of nature, and I mean that with the utmost respect. What was perhaps most disappointing to me was the lack of intensity on defense. This is perhaps the most lackadaisical defense we’ve had in 5 or so years. Going into this game I probably watched 3 UConn games this season (any by “games” I mean the 1st half).. but even I knew that if there’s a person you DO NOT want to leave open on the perimeter it’s Kia Nurse.. and I could’ve counted 5 or so times where Nurse was wide open on the perimeter. If Nurse is my assignment then I’m on her like white on rice the entire game. You play man to man and let UConn beat you 1-on-1. I can live with getting beat 1-on-1.. but I can’t live with Nurse and Samuelson making it rain from the perimeter. I was borderline disgusted by our play on defense.

Yea great post. The way to slow CT down is to defend the three and pressure the perimeter, deny passes and be aggressive.

Best of luck rest of the way.

 

[housekeys]

housekeys- - -Check out the wbbstate.com site, (Women's BB State.com). Check right side column in purple 2nd from the bottom OFFICIALS!
It has all sorts of ref stats, most prove my point that WBB refs stink! How many games a week they call, # of fouls called, etc.

Thanks for that info. I actually agree that WBB refs stink, last night a good example. In fact I probably think so, more than you. But I understand they are human. My comment on Dee rustled some feathers, and I understand that also. It is not like I have data and facts to back up my observation, and find it comical that somehow I boxed myself into defending Dee Kantner on fans message board. LOL.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Agreed. For all the hype that this was going to be a showdown it was a huge disappointment.

 

[housekeys]

... What was perhaps most disappointing to me was the lack of intensity on defense. This is perhaps the most lackadaisical defense we’ve had in 5 or so years.... I was borderline disgusted by our play on defense.

I can't help but think the incident with Missouri may have affected Dawns approach and USC's overall game.

 

[Gamecockfan77]

I can't help but think the incident with Missouri may have affected Dawns approach and USC's overall game.

I thought Missouri was the best defensive effort we'd had all season. This team has been borderline soft all season on the defensive end. It's not a team that particularly looks like they want it real bad.

 

[01Neaggrad02]

Huh. Really? I did not hear anything disrespectful (totally or even partially). And I don't think one could conclude from her answers that she gave no credit to UConn.

Look, these are college players. True, by the time a standout like Wilson reaches senior year she has a lot of experience in press conferences. But even among professionals, that forum is not one in which everyone shines. It is hard to come out after a loss -- esp. in a big game -- and answer questions as to why you lost. I thought she conducted herself respectfully. She tried to find things to spin positively (even if not entirely convincingly). She spoke positively of her coach and teammates. She acknowledged that UConn played well and was effective. And she provided the appearance of maturity, explaining that this is after all only one game, and the point now is to try to learn from it and move one. Good for her.

"Eh... it is not like anything I haven't seen already" "I want to apologize to my team because I did not play well today"

The reason you did not "Play Well" is because UCONN was amazing and make things hard for you. Give credit where credit is due.

 

[SCGamecock]

I can't help but think the incident with Missouri may have affected Dawns approach and USC's overall game.

Dawn did say that she lost some sleep over the incident, but mostly the ADs slanderous comments. If you know anything about Staley then you know that her reputation, the reputation of the women she coaches and her program’s reputation are VERY important to her. It probably did affect her, but she made it a point to not let that affect the team.

I think the team’s less than desirable approach to last night’s game had nothing to do with Missouri. They were just defeated by a far superior team.

 

[OneTrickPony]

Beautiful game, as only UCONN can play it...

Gabby & Lou...the straws that stir the drink...unquantifiable...
Kia...deadly on both ends of the floor...
Pheesa...she's baaaaack...

Crystal...shin splints are a killer if you've suffered...on a tough shooting night she still lays down a defensive blanket, doesn't commit a turnover, or a foul...professional...

Azura...went out and mixed it up with the big girls...loved what I saw...should be ready for the Big Dance...

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

Thanks for that info. I actually agree that WBB refs stink, last night a good example. In fact I probably think so, more than you. But I understand they are human. My comment on Dee rustled some feathers, and I understand that also. It is not like I have data and facts to back up my observation, and find it comical that somehow I boxed myself into defending Dee Kantner on fans message board. LOL.

Hey housekeys I don't think anyone dislikes WBB refs as much as I do as I'm screaming at the TV constantly or at the refs in the arena for most of the game!
They had a point of emphasis a year or so ago of no hand checking/hands off the ball handler, then the refs wouldn't make a call when one player ran another player over! How can a touch be a foul and over aggressive running over the opponent not be a foul!
The 2 calls that get me livid is the moving screens and charge/block. I count 15 to 20 uncalled moving screens per game and then with the game on the line, 4th quarter refs will call a moving screen and if the offensive player lowers her shoulder as she drives through the lane that's a charge! If she is NOT leading with her shoulder chances are it's a block depending on the arc!
And talking about Dee Kantnor, in approximately 84 potential days since the season started she worked 63 games, info per wbbstate.com! She's over 5o, this has to take it's toll on her body & mind with travel and all!

 

[UConnCat]

I'm sure someone has asked this already (I've not read this thread) but why did Dawn wait so long to call a timeout in the 2nd quarter? The game was put away in the 2nd quarter and Dawn used her first timeout when her team was down by 28 points.

The 2nd quarter began with UConn up 24-16. UConn then went on a 17-2 run while Dawn waited for the official timeout (deadball after 5:00) which didn't happen until there was only 4:09 left in the half and UConn up 41-18. She then called her first timeout with 1:51 left in the 2nd quarter with UConn up 51-23. I'm not sure the bleeding could have been stopped but something needed to be tried much earlier in the 2nd quarter.

 

[01Neaggrad02]

And talking about Dee Kantnor, in approximately 84 potential days since the season started she worked 63 games, info per wbbstate.com! She's over 5o, this has to take it's toll on her body & mind with travel and all!

If this truly is an issue then she should not be doing it. If she cannot ref the game to the best of her abilities... if she is too tired to do it right... she should not do it. That is like needing to go in for an operation and the doctor is too tired but does it anyways. While this is just a game and not surgery the same can be implied. If a doctor was too tired to do their best and something happened to a loved one I would not give that doctor a pass.... that is after all what you are suggesting we should do.

 

[Centerstream]

I can't help but think the incident with Missouri may have affected Dawns approach and USC's overall game.

Yup. Dawn had her usual approach, attack and intimidate the refs in their favor and to protect her NPOY. Luckily, UConn was up to the challenge and overcame it.

 

[Centerstream]

And talking about Dee Kantnor, in approximately 84 potential days since the season started she worked 63 games, info per wbbstate.com! She's over 5o, this has to take it's toll on her body & mind with travel and all!

I believe that she gets to choose the games that she is asked to referee, so...

 

[RockyMTblue2]

I'm sure someone has asked this already (I've not read this thread) but why did Dawn wait so long to call a timeout in the 2nd quarter? The game was put away in the 2nd quarter and Dawn used her first timeout when her team was down by 28 points.

I think she sat there thinking: "If I call a time out what will I say that might make a difference?" But, yes, even as an attempt to "ice the kicker" she should have been up a lot earlier.

 

[DefenseBB]

I’ll never understand this argument though because UConn didn’t beat last year’s team tonight. They beat a significantly less experienced/talented squad. Not even close to last year’s team in terms of talent level really...

I saw this game result coming from 100 Miles away... SC lost too much last year and had too many important players for this year’s team sitting on the bench. They just don’t have it. The rosters aren’t comparable.

Coming into the season I didn’t think the disparity was that bad but it’s glaringly obvious after tonight. SC is not at the point where they reload on talent.. this looks like a roster that needs rebuilding and Dawn needs to consider that when she schedules teams next year because it’s not going to get any easier once they lose A’ja. You want to schedule good teams of course, but I don’t think getting your brains bashed in by 25 points helps your team’s confidence (and I can’t imagine it helps recruiting when it happens primetime on National TV)... and tonight won’t be the last time it happens if she doesn’t allow her roster to “grow up” a little bit next year. Lol, it sounds weird to say, but she might need to take a page out of Mulkey’s book!

What a disappointing showing by the Gamecocks...

In looking at Dawn’s recruiting when I did the FF vs. Top 10 player rankings, it is obvious she needs to bring in higher level talent and not only recruit the “back yard”. Maybe the coach from Tenn will help as should her being the Olympic Coach. I firmly believe Dawn can actually coach and make the players and team better but part of coaching, if not the critical part is getting very good players. I was not as “down” on the result last night as you seem to be and think Mon is a huge opportunity for you as I do think A’ja will outplay Teira and Harris will out play William/Schaefer with the only question being who can contain Vivians. I know the game is on the road but still like your chances.

 

[sharris952]

Dawn's timeout really had to do with a body language that she saw from a couple of players on the defensive end in the 2nd qtr. She rarely takes a timeout because she usually wants them to play through their struggles. Aja, did have her second bad game of the week as she admitted, but prior to that comment she gave extreme credit to UConn' team, execution and talent. She knows it because she has played with most of the girls on UConn's team. I think Dawn had no idea of how they would play because of the youth of most of this team and the fact that the original starting lineup has not been together in weeks. The best shooter (Spann) is still sidelined, and Harrigan is not yet at full strength after just returning from injury. I do think the Mizzou thing bothered her personally because she seemed distracted this week leading up to the game. Nevertheless, it is a loss they will learn from and move on. Given what they lost last year, that could have returned, they are still in a positive direction moving forward. These young girls are getting more time than in year's past on Dawn's teams thus their development will proceed quicker and with the girls that return next year who are injured and cannot play, and the incoming talent, the future still points upwards. I would like to know any UConn fan that attended the game, to speak of the fan atmosphere and crowd, given the misrepresentation by the Mizzou AD earlier this week? I noticed that Geno had a different take on our crowd that the Mizzou AD.

 

[Papa33]

Your statement reminds me of Geno talking about all of the offensive rebounds Tina Charles was getting back in the day.

Years ago, Geno accused Swin Cash of deliberately missing shots so she gather in the rebounds and pad her stats. Very much a typical kind of Geno kidding criticism.

 

[Gamecockfan77]

In looking at Dawn’s recruiting when I did the FF vs. Top 10 player rankings, it is obvious she needs to bring in higher level talent and not only recruit the “back yard”. Maybe the coach from Tenn will help as should her being the Olympic Coach. I firmly believe Dawn can actually coach and make the players and team better but part of coaching, if not the critical part is getting very good players. I was not as “down” on the result last night as you seem to be and think Mon is a huge opportunity for you as I do think A’ja will outplay Teira and Harris will out play William/Schaefer with the only question being who can contain Vivians. I know the game is on the road but still like your chances.

I'm looking forward to Miss State.

I do not think it is a bad matchup for South Carolina. My main concerns comes down to toughness and the reliability of Cliney and Bianca Jackson to make shots on the road against a good defensive team that should be really motivated to play very hard.

I think a South Carolina win is probably a close game in the 60s. A Miss State win could be the same, but they probably have more chance of winning by 15 or so. I don't think South Carolina can win going away.

I guess that means I favor Miss State to win. But I don't feel bad about it. I think you live with Morgan William and the forward (Bibby?) getting shots. I'll live with Schaefer taking long, rushed threes, but please no uncontested ones.

USC has had a really good sense of how to stymie their offense in the past, so hopefully that will continue.