UConn vs Texas Bonus Perk

[UcMiami]

After Kiah left, fans were wondering how we would replace her defense,especially blocks. Well, Stewie has stepped her blocking even more and Lou has helped out too. Plus, I think we play better defense generally because this year's team is more mobile. I loved Kaleena but she could not cover her player and move as well as Lou. I feel with our ball movement we will get their center in foul trouble. Morgan will post up but she has a quick first step and will get her to bite and foul her. When we reverse the ball and move her around she will either be out of position or foul. Plus, she does not have a lot of stamina. Our only worry should be whether we come out strong or not.

Don't forget Miss Collier and her 45 block's (second on the team.)
And blocked shots are not really an indicator of good defense - some of the best defensive teams did not accumulate impressive block totals, and many blocks are the result of breakdowns of primary defenders on their men.
I agree that the speed and cohesiveness of the team defense on this team is great and more than compensates for the loss of Kiah.

 

[magic]

Hi from Austin,

Under Coach Karen Aston - Year 1, losing record. Year 2, round of 32. Year 3, sweet 16. Year 4, elite eight. Impressive in my eyes. And, if Texas were on the other side of the bracket, do you think they wouldn't have a chance to come out of that mess for a final four? We fans will have to live with whatever happens tomorrow. I'll hope the Longhorns lose by less than last year and less than Mississippi State yesterday. Texas made the sweet 16 years starting 3 players (Rodrigo, Taylor, and Sanders) who were outside the top 100 as prospects. Davenport was ranked around 70. Talent has already made a change. Top 10 recruits, Atkins and Higgs (off the bench) made game changing plays down the stretch yesterday to help Texas reach the elite 8. I will be interested to see how our young talent (freshmen and sophomores) play tomorrow. Of course, Imani could be a big key for Texas. Her apparent lack of competitiveness in the UConn game last year was really disappointing. Also, I think that coaches as well as players can improve. Aston works as hard as anyone. She will continue to look for ways to improve the team.

I think coach Ashton is doing a great job with this program. And unlike Coach Mulkey , she is not afraid to schedule difficult non-confence games. This willneventually pay off. I also cringed during yesterday's press confrrence. How many times does a sportwriter have to ask players the same question about how good the huskies are ? On the other hand, the players didn't seem to have any answers as to what they will try and do different tonight.

 

[Plebe]

If I recall correctly, the last beatdown of Texas was accomplished with UT missing at least one of its better players (bigs?) due to injury. Like it mattered.

Texas last year was really damaged goods after their leading scorer and rebounder, Nneka Enemkpali, tore her ACL in January vs. Baylor. Until then they were looking like a probable #2 seed in the tournament. They lost quite a few games after that, ended up a #5 seed in the tournament, and overachieved by beating #4 seed Cal at Berkeley in the second round.

Texas is unquestionably a better team right now than they were last year after the Enemkpali injury. I'm not saying they can threaten UConn, and I don't believe they can, but I'd be surprised if they lose as badly this time.