I was at the game live on Saturday with Milford and did not see anything from either Texas or UCLA that gave me any cause for concern. Boyette is a big (tall) body and could be disruptive, so it will be interesting to see how UCONN deals with 6'7". But if you look at how Texas plays as a team on offense - it's still a crapload of 1 on 1 play. Maybe 1 or 2 passes, then 1 player tries to do a shake and bake and jack up a shot.
That kind of offense is tailor made for UCONN because even tho we are great at help side defense, it seems we don't have to use it that often. Neither UCLA nor Texas seemed to want to move the ball around, to keep their players moving (so much standing around) to try to draw UCONN out of position. And it was noticeable that they ran specific "plays".
I think Texas is better than Miss State but I just don't see them with the horses to compete.
One thing about UCONN's offense that is different from every other team out there is that there are not a lot of "set plays". The kids are taught how to read the defense and use what is given to them to create open shots. UCONN will either take a quick shot, or work the clock, but the point is they are taught to take the FIRST shot that is wide open. I've seen every player on the team catch the ball with the intent of shooting, but realize they are either covered, the lane to the hoop disappeared, or a defender is bearing down too fast on them, so instantaneously, it's a quick pass to another player who's open and BAM. Score a hoop.
Texas is eager for a 2nd chance at UCONN and feels better prepared after facing us last year. And that's how they should feel, but UCONN is simply better in every aspect. I don't expect Texas to be shell shocked like Miss State was, so I expect the first quarter to be closer, but ultimately, I would be surprised if UCONN wins by less than 25-30.