UConn vs South Carolina - Game Analysis

[JonathanXIV]

I would argue the only true advantage between the teams is Boston at center. I think you could make an "even" argument the rest of the way. Paige has been really good...but...this is not your average team so the "real deal" label may be true...but maybe not against all competition. I may agree with your bottom line score predictions, but I think your bias is reflected in your match up summation.

In fairness, he rated the coaching matchup as "even." Despite the fact that Geno is the WCBB GOAT.

 

[Tank]

Tank, I acknowledged in my post that the SEC is a better conference than the New Big East. Most of what you say, I agree with...however, UConn is not your typical New Big East Team. I think UConn would benefit from playing tough competition day in and day out but, we can only play the cards we are dealt. The good news is we have upgraded from the American Athletic Conference and that should going forward get us more prepared for playing in March.

Sure, but other than a 25ish ranked DePaul team, the rest of the league is lacking compared to playing a PAC12 or SEC conference schedule. The point was simply that UCONN would find themselves in several close games/battles if in either of those conferences. Tbh, most of the Big East teams will not compete on most nights, they don’t have the quality of talent and size those other conferences have. UCONN always has to play Big East teams with an eye to dominate in order to ensure they are staying sharp, and only when UCONN plays OOC is a loss possible. Teams like SC play 3-4 top 15 type OOC teams in addition to their conference schedule, where many teams can actually, you know, beat you.

 

[cferraro04]

Surely you're not comparing the defense of the #1 team in the country with non-top 30 teams.

Sure, but other than a 25ish ranked DePaul team, the rest of the league is lacking compared to playing a PAC12 or SEC conference schedule. The point was simply that UCONN would find themselves in several close games/battles if in either of those conferences. Tbh, most of the Big East teams will not compete on most nights, they don’t have the quality of talent and size those other conferences have. UCONN always has to play Big East teams with an eye to dominate in order to ensure they are staying sharp, and only when UCONN plays OOC is a loss possible. Teams like SC play 3-4 top 15 type OOC teams in addition to their conference schedule, where many teams can actually, you know, beat you.

With all due respects Tank...So far So. Carolina has played 4 teams currently ranked in the top 25: Gonzaga #17; N.C. State #4 (loss); Kentucky #20; Arkansas #18.

UConn haas played four teams currently ranked in the top 25. DePaul twice currently ranked #22; Tennessee ranked 16; and Arkansas currently ranked 23 (loss).

Based on the number of currently ranked teams each team has played I do not see where you above raised points make one team better prepared than the other. This match-up will come down to talent, game plan and execution. It will have little to do with inter-conference competition.

 

[mbr33ct]

It seems that UConn brings out the best of some players. Chelsea Dungee (Arkansas) went off for 37 points against us, but came back to earth the next game against Auburn with only 16 (5-14/1-5)

Isn't it about time UConn reverses that trend and maybe some of the UConn players can reach down for their best...for a change?

 

[Big East Fa]

 

[mbr33ct]

How much is Fox loving UConn's move to the Big East?

 

[Vowelguy]

With all due respects Tank...So far So. Carolina has played 4 teams currently ranked in the top 25: Gonzaga #17; N.C. State #4 (loss); Kentucky #20; Arkansas #18.

UConn haas played four teams currently ranked in the top 25. DePaul twice currently ranked #22; Tennessee ranked 16; and Arkansas currently ranked 23 (loss).

Based on the number of currently ranked teams each team has played I do not see where you above raised points make one team better prepared than the other. This match-up will come down to talent, game plan and execution. It will have little to do with inter-conference competition.

SC also played ranked SoDakSt and Ga

 

[cferraro04]

SC also played ranked SoDakSt and Ga

True...my bad...they weren't ranked when South Carolina played them so I missed them...South Dakota is ranked #23 and Georgia is ranked #24...the point is in this case, at this point in the season...the competition level of either conference has not imparted that much of an advantage to either team...this game will come down to game plan, talent, and execution.

 

[bluedevil]

Isn't it about time UConn reverses that trend and maybe some of the UConn players can reach down for their best...for a change?

Post of the Day!

 

[cferraro04]

It is too bad that UConn didn't lose those three games due to COVID

1. Mississippi State (early season tournament)
2. Louisville
3. Baylor

 

[jazz]

I think if we can hit our shots from 3, limit penetration and limit SC bigs on the offensive boards, we can win. It's a tough one so we will see in a few hours.

We just can't slow down Boston and expect to win. We have to do more than that.

 

[Carnac]

You raise a good point Carnac...truth is it is a game and anything can happen in a game. Who thought Kansas City would get blown out the way they did...I think everyone thought it was going to be a close game. That is why they play the game...because no one has a crystal ball. The ole' sayin' that "the best laid plans of mice and men" holds here. We can only hope that Geno puts forward a winning game plan and our players stick to the plan. I hope our defense is able to keep Boston in check and I hope Olivia wakes up and gives us a Chelsea Dungee kind of evening.

I agree with all of your points except one. I have a crystal ball. The problem is sometimes it doesn’t work, and I’m left hanging. ONO needs to at least play Boston even. If she can do that, we should be able to pull this thing out.

 

[Cuango]

I would argue the only true advantage between the teams is Boston at center. I think you could make an "even" argument the rest of the way. Paige has been really good...but...this is not your average team so the "real deal" label may be true...but maybe not against all competition. I may agree with your bottom line score predictions, but I think your bias is reflected in your match up

Isn't it about time UConn reverses that trend and maybe some of the UConn players can reach down for their best...for a change?

Two words- Paige Bueckers! Done and done!

 

[cferraro04]

I agree with all of your points except one. I have a crystal ball. The problem is sometimes it doesn’t work, and I’m left hanging. ONO needs to at least play Boston even. If she can do that, we should be able to pull this thing out.

lol

I don't think this game hangs soley on ONO's ability to negate Boston. I agree with you it is important...but both teams have other players who can really make a difference in the game. There are a couple of factors with regards to UConn that I haven't mentioned in this analysis. 1. Aubrey Griffin...she is capable of impacting a game, I am not sure if she is injured but there is no doubt that so far this season she has not played up to the level she was playing at last season. A break-out game at this point in the season would be an "x" factor that hasn't been figured into this analysis. 2. A healthy Anne Makurat would also be impactful.

 

[Cuango]

I agree with all of your points except one. I have a crystal ball. The problem is sometimes it doesn’t work, and I’m left hanging. ONO needs to at least play Boston even. If she can do that, we should be able to pull this thing out.

Agreed! I think the key is to not let Boston go off for double or triple her average. If Boston just gets her average 14 & 11, I think we win. If Liv gives us 10 points, 8 boards, 3 assists, and 3 blocks I think we win. She just needs to play well, not great. Go Huskies!

 

[VA Huskie]

lol

I don't think this game hangs soley on ONO's ability to negate Boston. I agree with you it is important...but both teams have other players who can really make a difference in the game. There are a couple of factors with regards to UConn that I haven't mentioned in this analysis. 1. Aubrey Griffin...she is capable of impacting a game, I am not sure if she is injured but there is no doubt that so far this season she has not played up to the level she was playing at last season. A break-out game at this point in the season would be an "x" factor that hasn't been figured into this analysis. 2. A healthy Anne Makurat would also be impactful.

Before our last game Geno indicated that Aubrey could have played, they were just being cautious. Haven’t heard anything re tonight’s game. Hope she’s ready to go... her quickness and athleticism could be a difference maker.

 

[browns]

Agreed! I think the key is to not let Boston go off for double or triple her average. If Boston just gets her average 14 & 11, I think we win. If Liv gives us 10 points, 8 boards, 3 assists, and 3 blocks I think we win. She just needs to play well, not great. Go Huskies!

Liv getting 10,8,3,and3 would be playing great for her..problem is she hasn't played well against kids her size..I hate when she's out near the 3 point line but in this game it may be the right call..she can screen and pass from there..if nothing else it will take Boston out there

 

[DaBball]

SC also played ranked SoDakSt and Ga

They played South Dakota, not South Dakota State.

 

[cferraro04]

They played South Dakota, not South Dakota State.

Thank you DaBall so only Georgia #24 would be added to the 4 ranked teams that So. Carolina played...as opposed to the 4 ranked teams that UConn played. This just further supports my thesis...Inter-conference competition will only play a very minor role in this match-up. It will come down to game plan, talent, and execution.

 

[Tank]

With all due respects Tank...So far So. Carolina has played 4 teams currently ranked in the top 25: Gonzaga #17; N.C. State #4 (loss); Kentucky #20; Arkansas #18.

UConn haas played four teams currently ranked in the top 25. DePaul twice currently ranked #22; Tennessee ranked 16; and Arkansas currently ranked 23 (loss).

Based on the number of currently ranked teams each team has played I do not see where you above raised points make one team better prepared than the other. This match-up will come down to talent, game plan and execution. It will have little to do with inter-conference competition.

Ceffaro, understand, point taken. I was generally referring to a PAC12 or Sec team that adds 3-4 OOC heavyweights annually to their schedule in addition to playing their conference gauntlet. There are 6-7 SEC teams in the top 25 for example, and even the ones not in top 25 can be prickly on any given night, teams like Bama, OM, LSU, Mizz etc etc. , I don’t see that in the BEast. Maneuvering through a season of PAC12 or SEC conf games plus adding 3-4 heavyweight OOC’s would challenge even UCONN to prevent 3-4 losses a season.

 

[jazz]

I agree with all of your points except one. I have a crystal ball. The problem is sometimes it doesn’t work, and I’m left hanging. ONO needs to at least play Boston even. If she can do that, we should be able to pull this thing out.

That is one way of winning but is it realistic? Boston may get something like 15 an 10. Liv gets say 12 and 8. I'm good with that. As long as Boston's 10 rebounds don't include 5 or 6 offensive rebounds.

I am mostly worried about the glass and Liv getting into foul trouble because we can't stop penetration. I think it starts there really. We need to be a good perimeter defensive team.

 

[Vowelguy]

e..if nothing else it will take Boston out there

Depends. Only reason for Boston to come out is if Ono hits outside shots or is able to screen and get our players open 3s that they hit.

 

[Zorro]

Carnac, I too have a crystal ball, but the damn thing keeps saying;"Answer unclear: ask again later".

 

[hoophuskee]

My prediction yesterday was 79-68 SC-they just have more experience than us and frankly, our 3 best players since the Arkansas loss, are freshman. I've never seen ONO or Christyn have games against big teams that can make me trust them(that 28 point game at ND her freshman year doesn't count with Crystal, Lou, and Phee as your teammates). If Christyn shoots more than 3-3's, we are screwed. Furthermore, at some point, Paige has to hit a freshman wall. She just isn't going to be this efficient for her entire career and this might be the game. The SC defense is different than the Tennessee length on defense. They're quick, athletic, and will really harass her and attempt to get her out of rhythm. Keys for UCONN to pull off an upset: 1. Alliyah Edwards and ONO can play a bulk of minutes together, with Olivia at the high post. She is a good passer from there and it brings Boston out of the lane, which allows our guards to get layups on back door cuts and not have to contend with her defending the rim. 2. We hit 3 and FT's; One has gotten better(3's)....and the other is still bad(FT's) 3. Paige is Paige. 4. On D, which is the most important aspect of this game, we need to limit transition and dribble penetration.

South Carolina has small guards. Sure they are quick and athletic-- but they are easy to shoot over when you have big guards. I don't understand why some of you seem to treat the SC guards like they are Bird/Jefferson.

In CWill's frosh year in E8 she got 16 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists to 1 TO but that doesn't count either? Nor does this year count vs Tenn? And any subsequent game just like you want to use that her game vs ND doesn't count, what's going to stop you from saying the same this year because you'll just say that CWill had Paige and Evina? And next year you'll say she had Paige and Azzi?

IMO you are being unfair. And you're not accounting for in general players do get better if they are having a HOF coach work with them in which they have some talent.

 

[BobbyJ]

Liv getting 10,8,3,and3 would be playing great for her..problem is she hasn't played well against kids her size..I hate when she's out near the 3 point line but in this game it may be the right call..she can screen and pass from there..if nothing else it will take Boston out there

IMO, if Staley is smart she'll tell Boston to stay home in the paint, even if ONO makes 1 or 2. Every shot ONO takes is one that Bueckers doesn't or gets a layup for someone else. ONO's not going to beat you from out there.

 

[MSGRET]

Ceffaro, understand, point taken. I was generally referring to a PAC12 or Sec team that adds 3-4 OOC heavyweights annually to their schedule in addition to playing their conference gauntlet. There are 6-7 SEC teams in the top 25 for example, and even the ones not in top 25 can be prickly on any given night, teams like Bama, OM, LSU, Mizz etc etc. , I don’t see that in the BEast. Maneuvering through a season of PAC12 or SEC conf games plus adding 3-4 heavyweight OOC’s would challenge even UCONN to prevent 3-4 losses a season.

UConn has 6 undefeated season's in which 4 of them happened in the Old Big East, which was considered the top women's BB conference. How many other teams out there have more than one undefeated season? None, 18 teams have ended their regular season undefeated and 9 of them ended up winning it all. UConn with 6, Texas, Tennessee, and Baylor each had 1.

 

[HopJim]

That is one way of winning but is it realistic? Boston may get something like 15 an 10. Liv gets say 12 and 8. I'm good with that. As long as Boston's 10 rebounds don't include 5 or 6 offensive rebounds.

I am mostly worried about the glass and Liv getting into foul trouble because we can't stop penetration. I think it starts there really. We need to be a good perimeter defensive team.

Rebounding against SC will be a team effort. They are big and quick to the ball. We need ONO and everyone to box out and be physical.

 

[hoophuskee]

Liv getting 10,8,3,and3 would be playing great for her..problem is she hasn't played well against kids her size..I hate when she's out near the 3 point line but in this game it may be the right call..she can screen and pass from there..if nothing else it will take Boston out there

Please God - No! This is last resort type of thing. Going into this game it shouldn't be treated like last resort.
UCONN is favored by 4.5. So you want UCONN to go to one of it's least successful options rather than play of it's strengths?

The SC defense shouldn't be construed in similar fashion as the Pittsburgh Steelers STeel Curtain.

I agree with all of your points except one. I have a crystal ball. The problem is sometimes it doesn’t work, and I’m left hanging. ONO needs to at least play Boston even. If she can do that, we should be able to pull this thing out.

Even??????????????? Don't you think UCONN's perimeter play is much better than S.C's? It;s possible Paige is NPOY or near it. At best SC has a 3rd team A/a on the perimeter. There is also a good chance Evina is better than their perimeter players. As is CWill. If UCONN is better on the perimeter why must UCONN's center be even with arguably the best center in wcbb?

 

[RockyMTblue2]

From the SC perspective:

"This year, coach Dawn Staley says Henderson has to be dominant, but within her own style of play.

“Ty is a pick-you-apart point guard, and she did just that. Special game by her, she controlled the entire tempo on both sides of the ball. Henny probably has a little bit less pressure in that. Henny just has to do what she does, which is push the ball down the floor, find us some easy buckets, whether it’s her or dishing it off to one of her teammates,” Staley said.

“But the pace has got to be in a place in which we put UConn back on their heels. They’re gonna put us back on our heels — we got to give it right back to them and not be a half-court set-up team against UConn. We have to find some easy transition buckets, and we got to push tempo, we got to make them play on the defensive side of the ball.”

South Carolina vs UConn basketball gameday guide: Point guard matchup looms large

Here’s all the essential info on when and how to watch, plus what to watch for.

news.yahoo.com

 

[Alydar]

Is it the "what have you done for me lately" concept? Who is the better game time coach and why? Not agreeing or disagreeing, just asking.

Geno and Chris Daley have 70 years of experience coaching UConn. And a better record of success. Daley gets ignored in the "best coach" argument but she's the reason UConn always looks prepared.

Time for some Treehugger to show up.