USF Game Thread

[hoophuskee]

Just had chance to watch entire game.

1--- The referees were disgusting. Two calls on Stewie were a complete joke. Her 1st foul -- I think was wrong too - but arguable. But frankly in a BIG GAME in that these two teams are prohibitive top 2 and you call that vs what you let go - it is disgusting. Incompetence rules here. Would the refs call as many touch fouls like that on Williams? And even the 4th foul - but I can see that one. But even that - Williams barreling down the lane throws her body in - her shot not affected. Maybe because this wasn't a two point game. Anyhow awful excuse for competent officiating from the refs.

2-- The game wasn't that close. Not a complete blowout but let's not overdo it here. Over 20 points ahead - they hit 3 contested threes. For them to have a chance they would have needed - what? To drill 8 contested threes in a row in a span of a minute and half? Are we playing Steph Curry and the olden State Warriors? No --

3- Geno may have to consider pulling NC as a starter. Obviously he favors her defense and rebounding but her offense - not giving UCONN anything.

4-- Don't know why Chong an Butler didn't play. This year very odd - especially now reading CD's comments about "talent." Though as I mentioned on the other thread - sometimes CD makes oddball comments which in this case could have been nothing more than a little vent and coaching.

5-- Nice to see Mo, Nurse, KLS and Tuck drill 3's. And what a move Mo put on for the one floater in the lane. Hopefully Mo, Nurse and KLS can have a nice springboard of nailing shots at higher % vs their season numbers going forward.

6-- That frosh they got -- very nice player. Good for the league to keep bringing in talent.

7-- Over the next two games unless injuries come up- this was USF's chance yet they had the injury. Does anyone really think they are going to beat UCONN in Ct? Or come NCAA time when refs will probably not seek out calling fouls on UCONN's best player - one of the greatest wcbb player's the game has ever seen (I did not say THE greatest)?

 

[Teacherdeb]

That she hasn't doesn't mean she won't. Lou has dominated Laksa defensively and Laksa has done squat in that regard. I'd take KLS over Laksa every day of the week and twice on Sunday.

Yes indeed- 4 years from now,who will be a more renowned player? KLS or Laska? My money's on KLS

 

[Sluconn Husky]

Yes indeed- 4 years from now,who will be a more renowned player? KLS or Laska? My money's on KLS

Maybe, but it's not an outrage to point out that Laska has scored and shot better of the two this year, and today.

 

[HuskyNan]

I agree. It's like spoilied fans on steroids sometimes. Not only are we expected and favored to win all the games we are expected to be "perfect" by some as well. Too bad things have evolved to this point. That was a great win over a team that played as good as they could have. That Williams is a tremendous talent.

Those "some" include our very own head coach. These high standards are the reason we've been so successful. Ignoring areas for improvement is how you become Tennessee or Duke.

We are fans, not coaches. Our job is to buy tickets and cheer for the team, not criticize kids for not being robots.

 

[hoophuskee]

Just got home from the game a little while ago. I live in Lakeland, which is forty-five minutes east of the Sun Dome. You wouldn't have heard it on your broadcast; however, the announcer in the arena got booed as loud as anyone could in a home arena when he said, "That was a little bit of a dirty foul, Breanna Stewart" when Breanna got tangled up with one of USF's guards and fell over her towards the end of the third quarter. The UConn fans let him hear it. Too many missed open players, too many missed layups, cold shooting and Courtney Williams and that freshman three-point shooter are for real. Still won by fifteen on their court.

Are you kidding me? The announcer thought that was a foul on Stewart?

 

[Blue Huskie]

I was wondering about injuries or did we get a glimpse into where the bench stops in big games. Seven players.

It may, but there are also more "development" games to come for players like Butler in conference. If there is foul trouble the bench may have to go deeper. As for Chong the knee condition at game time will probably dictate her status. I think she is one of the trusted players now.

 

[hoophuskee]

One thing I noticed today was KLS taking her player down low and posting up. she most ofter is guarded by a significantly smaller player and if our posts are playing a high post the low post area should be relatively clear of bigs. I like that as a play going forward for her. I know it worked at least once for a score and I saw her calling for the ball down low a few times.

If that is on occasion - sure. Im sure part of the offense when she cuts is to try and post. And she is a super passer. She has to learn to do everything. But until imo we see a year to two years of her throwing up bricks from 3, I want her to keep shooting 3's at a high rate especially when teams go zone and all but give her the go-ahead to shoot.

 

[HuskyNan]

Again, not too pleased with some of the comments directed at or about our players by a few members of the BY. We are not the Duke coaching staff; our kids do not deserve to be thrown under -- or even NEAR the damned bus. I am not a mod, nor do I want to be. But maybe we could lighten up just a little? Maybe I am asking too much.

I would much rather watch the game than read some of the comments in the game threads but if the score stays close for a while, I log in to keep some of the more restless fans from crucifying the kids. The players don't owe us anything and to expect perfection is ridiculous.

 

[UC10NN]

Just thought. I'd mention that during the game, I noticed on several occasions Uconn had players wide open under the basket. Gabby was begging for the ball at least twice but nobody could find her.

Seems like both Pheese and Lou would get open in the post and no one sees them for the entry pass attempt. I sometimes wonder if it's intentional.

 

[slug25]

It may, but there are also more "development" games to come for players like Butler in conference. If there is foul trouble the bench may have to go deeper. As for Chong the knee condition at game time will probably dictate her status. I think she is one of the trusted players now.

Butler didn't play because Geno knew he had to have mobile defenders who could match up with Williams and Laksa on switches. Not much more to read into her lack of PT. The USF bigs were no factor.

 

[HuskyNan]

Maybe, but it's not an outrage to point out that Laska has scored and shot better of the two this year, and today.

KLS
7.9 ppg (40.4% FG%, 30.8% from three)
3.1 rpg
2.0 apg
0.8 spg
28 assists to 13 TOs = 2.2 A:TO
15 personal fouls

Kitija Laksa
12.1 ppg (40.5% FG%, 41.5% from three)
1.9 rpg
0.6 apg
0.5 spg
9 assists to 19 TOs = 0.5 A:TO
33 personal fouls

Kitija Laksa has shot the three ball better than Lou at this point in the season, but Katie Lou Samuelson is a better basketball player. That's been my point. And her defense on Laksa was stellar.

 

[Blue Huskie]

Butler didn't play because Geno knew he had to have mobile defenders who could match up with Williams and Laksa on switches. Not much more to read into her lack of PT. The USF bigs were no factor.

Perhaps but I she is more fluid and athletic than I expected her to be. I think with more experience she gets into the rotation even against athletic teams.

 

[Woof 101]

Just got home from the game a little while ago. I live in Lakeland, which is forty-five minutes east of the Sun Dome. You wouldn't have heard it on your broadcast; however, the announcer in the arena got booed as loud as anyone could in a home arena when he said, "That was a little bit of a dirty foul, Breanna Stewart" when Breanna got tangled up with one of USF's guards and fell over her towards the end of the third quarter. The UConn fans let him hear it. Too many missed open players, too many missed layups, cold shooting and Courtney Williams and that freshman three-point shooter are for real. Still won by fifteen on their court.

Glad you made the game! We did not hear the arena announcer but we did hear the booing! At that point the TV talking heads mentioned how well UCONN fans travel and also have fans nation wide. "Sounds like we are playing this at UCONN". Stewart had four fouls today and both of the charging fouls would have been no calls on a neutral court.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

Kitija Laksa has shot the ball better than Lou from the three at this point in the season, but Katie Lou Samuelson is a better basketball player. That's been my point. And her defense on Laksa was stellar.

Ok, not arguing at this point. Will say that KLS is not averaging 6 rebounds a game. You put in Williams' number.

 

[Blue Huskie]

Just got home from the game a little while ago. I live in Lakeland, which is forty-five minutes east of the Sun Dome. You wouldn't have heard it on your broadcast; however, the announcer in the arena got booed as loud as anyone could in a home arena when he said, "That was a little bit of a dirty foul, Breanna Stewart" when Breanna got tangled up with one of USF's guards and fell over her towards the end of the third quarter. The UConn fans let him hear it. Too many missed open players, too many missed layups, cold shooting and Courtney Williams and that freshman three-point shooter are for real. Still won by fifteen on their court.

You mean the announcer in the arena was offering "Commentary" on the plays rather than just matter of factly reporting on who was called for a foul, who scored and the substitutions? I haven't been to a live game for a while but is this common now?

 

[HuskyNan]

Ok, not arguing at this point. Will say that KLS is not averaging 6 rebounds a game. You put in Williams' number.

Whatever.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

Whatever.

That's what I thought when you decided to make the subject overall play when my only comment during the game was that I wished Samuelson was shooting like SF's freshmen.

 

[Blue Huskie]

That's what I thought when you decided to make the subject overall play when my only comment during the game was that I wished Samuelson was shooting like SF's freshmen.

But that's the point - you focus on the negative.

 

[chrissaran]

Geno seems to have a quick hook on Napheesa lately, and has played Katie Lou more in key moments. Here's to hoping the both keep improving, along with Natalie, which gives us the best chance of winning this year and hope for next year.

 

[Baroloboy]

Rebecca Lobo said she thought SC could beat Uconn. Here is why she may be right. Against a USF team without Jenkins Uconn shot FT% 44.6. Allowed USF to shoot 46.2 % from beyond the arc. Had 3 more turnovers than USF and 2 less steals. When as the last time that happened.. Had more fouls than USF. When did that ever happen.? And Uconn could not slow down, much less shut down CW. Yes Morgan was great but if we are honest this was a sub-par performance and Geno is going to have heartburn. If we play like this against SC we are going to have our hands full.

 

[FairView]

I enjoyed the game.
I liked being nervous yet confident.
I reveled in the team's offensive improvement as the game went on.
UConn won by a bunch.
Hooray for us!

 

[donalddoowop]

Butler didn't play because Geno knew he had to have mobile defenders who could match up with Williams and Laksa on switches. Not much more to read into her lack of PT. The USF bigs were no factor.

However, her presence could have taken some pressure off Stewart and UCONN may have scored even more inside..

 

[Sluconn Husky]

But that's the point - you focus on the negative.

Well then so does Geno.

Nurse and Tuck were great in the second half. There's my positive comment for the day.

 

[donalddoowop]

Rebecca Lobo said she thought SC could beat Uconn. Here is why she may be right. Against a USF team without Jenkins Uconn shot FT% 44.6. Allowed USF to shoot 46.2 % from beyond the arc. Had 3 more turnovers than USF and 2 less steals. When as the last time that happened.. Had more fouls than USF. When did that ever happen.? And Uconn could not slow down, much less shut down CW. Yes Morgan was great but if we are honest this was a sub-par performance and Geno is going to have heartburn. If we play like this against SC we are going to have our hands full.

I don't remember UCONN missing over 50% of their free throws in this game.

 

[Blue Huskie]

Well then so does Geno.

Nurse and Tuck were great in the second half. There's my positive comment for the day.

He does, that's his job and he's good at it. As for us ..... I thought the "team" was great in the second half.

Mighty big of you to throw two players a bone.

 

[HuskyNan]

Rebecca Lobo said she thought SC could beat Uconn. Here is why she may be right. Against a USF team without Jenkins Uconn shot FT% 44.6. Allowed USF to shoot 46.2 % from beyond the arc. Had 3 more turnovers than USF and 2 less steals. When as the last time that happened.. Had more fouls than USF. When did that ever happen.? And Uconn could not slow down, much less shut down CW. Yes Morgan was great but if we are honest this was a sub-par performance and Geno is going to have heartburn.

The Bulls are the closest to making something dramatic happen against the 10-time national champion, who came into Sunday's game at the Sun Dome 45-0 in conference play in AAC history

"It was a really well-played game between two teams," coach Geno Auriemma said.

Hartford Courant

“We’ve been coming down here a long time and every time we come down here Jose (Fernandez) has a better team each time,” UConn head coach Geno Auriemma said. “It’s unfortunate that they weren’t at full strength today. I thought the environment was great, the crowd was fabulous and I think both teams played really well.”

The full quote from the USF website

 

[Kaizen]

Rebecca Lobo said she thought SC could beat Uconn. Here is why she may be right. Against a USF team without Jenkins Uconn shot FT% 44.6. Allowed USF to shoot 46.2 % from beyond the arc. Had 3 more turnovers than USF and 2 less steals. When as the last time that happened.. Had more fouls than USF. When did that ever happen.? And Uconn could not slow down, much less shut down CW. Yes Morgan was great but if we are honest this was a sub-par performance and Geno is going to have heartburn. If we play like this against SC we are going to have our hands full.

They said the same thing last year until we beat USCr badly.
Any team have a good mood and bad mood times. At bad mood , you may not play perfectly. But UConn is a great team who can recover from the bad mood and win the game. That is important for a great team.

 

[UcMiami]

I REALLY wish we had a "don't like" button

Do what I do - give the post a 'Like', and then you can hit the 'UnLike' button.
It isn't quite as satisfying as a 'Don't Like' button, but it if you look at the persons 'likes received' count before you hit the 'Unlike' you get the added pleasure of seeing the counter going backwards!

If the post is particularly offensive, you can do it like ten times in a row and work off a little of your frustration. (Or you can do the like at the start of a day, and then hopefully after the person has already seen that they received a like, do the unlike lat at night so they wake up to fewer likes than then had the day before!!!)

 

[UcMiami]

KLS
7.9 ppg (40.4% FG%, 30.8% from three)
3.1 rpg
2.0 apg
0.8 spg
28 assists to 13 TOs = 2.2 A:TO
15 personal fouls

Kitija Laksa
12.1 ppg (40.5% FG%, 41.5% from three)
1.9 rpg
0.6 apg
0.5 spg
9 assists to 19 TOs = 0.5 A:TO
33 personal fouls

Kitija Laksa has shot the three ball better than Lou at this point in the season, but Katie Lou Samuelson is a better basketball player. That's been my point. And her defense on Laksa was stellar.

One really nice feature on the Bulls site is that they maintain a the cumulative stats for each game of the year. Laksa has just had two hot shooting games where she scored 47 points on 13 of 19 three point shots - that has raised her season stats to those listed above. Prior to these two games she was shooting .354/.333 - she looks like an interesting player and a good one, but ...
Moriah Jefferson had a six week stretch as a Sophomore where she was shooting around .750/.680 - she couldn't miss, but I and most others were wise enough not to think that that would continue for her career. (She had another hot stretch last year during which she shot a more modest .680/.650 as well.)

 

[Jimbo]

You mean the announcer in the arena was offering "Commentary" on the plays rather than just matter of factly reporting on who was called for a foul, who scored and the substitutions? I haven't been to a live game for a while but is this common now?

I don't get to attend many games anymore either, so I can only hope it's not that common. Even so, while extra commentary from a PA announcer is obnoxious as a general matter, having the announcer call out an opposing player for a perceived "dirty" play is just completely inappropriate. IMO if that's what happened here (and I have no reason to doubt chrissaran's account of it), the AAC or somebody ought to make clear to the gentleman in question that broadcasting his editorial criticisms of opposing players to everyone in the arena during the game is not acceptable.