Villanova post game thread

[Notyetready]

I give credit to Villanova for playing well. However I would say that the UCONN loss was attributable to two main reasons:

1. LUCK - I have never seen as many shots (by Villanova) in the general direction of the basket that somehow found their way into the basket. And I have not seen so many attempts by UCONN that didn't quite make it in. Such a combination of good luck and bad luck!

2. I disagree with those who saw an absence of effort by UCONN players. I saw players at unfamiliar positions trying, with huge effort, to pass to and defend with people who were not playing tonight. Azzi and Christyn nearly pulled out the game with individual efforts, but the team effort in the Tennessee game was absent, because of the team's unfamiliarity with each other at those particular positions, made worse by the inability to practice with each other.

You can’t discount the luck factor… in most any endeavor.

 

[Pilot B52]

With Olivia out and Dorka hobbled, we were outrebounded by 16. Our presence in the paint was compromised and this affected everything, not to mention the absence of Paige and Caroline. I note that we have two 6'5" players sitting on the bench that seemingly have not been groomed to step into situations like this. I wonder how they must feel wanting to play but not given the chance. I feel a little uncomfortable with the comment that we only had 6 players to use. How do you think they must feel about this?

 

[browns]

I give credit to Villanova for playing well. However I would say that the UCONN loss was attributable to two main reasons:

1. LUCK - I have never seen as many shots (by Villanova) in the general direction of the basket that somehow found their way into the basket. And I have not seen so many attempts by UCONN that didn't quite make it in. Such a combination of good luck and bad luck!

2. I disagree with those who saw an absence of effort by UCONN players. I saw players at unfamiliar positions trying, with huge effort, to pass to and defend with people who were not playing tonight. Azzi and Christyn nearly pulled out the game with individual efforts, but the team effort in the Tennessee game was absent, because of the team's unfamiliarity with each other at those particular positions, made worse by the inability to practice with each other.

I'm sure they use different combinations in practice.when u hav a Nova player shoot an miss but go through 4 UConn players to get the rebound on the other side of the basket that's lack of effort on Uconn's part

 

[todbo]

The Huskies didn’t have enough players to press or play man for long. Fatigue was an issue

Villanova played 8, but their bench played 19 minutes (16, 2, 1) to Dorka's 20. Bench points were exactly even.

 

[JBK]

I think they move too much without the ball to have one player able to stick with her.

And I can't see DeBerry having any shot in this style of game.

Understand your thoughts
The practice guys stated DeBerry was lighting it up in practice and Dorka and Edwards were completely ineffective. Very slow game that we needed some inside presence.
I guess it is a mute point

 

[JBK]

After the first half my thought was they were playing like a team that lacks maturity. But, then I reflect on the fact that Villanova was shooting out of their minds. Villanova played a nearly perfect game (undoubtedly a perfect half) on a night when the Huskies were missing their key inside defender and one of their more productive scoring threats. Once Villanova started hitting their three point shots and pulling the defense out to the three point line they were making outstanding entry passes to the paint. To many open looks down low, likely because Dorka is still not 100$% mobility wise and Aliyah was saddled with fouls. I think it is now pretty obvious how much Olivia means to this team.

This can go one of two ways. They hitch up their britches and play well to get the bitter taste out of their mouths from tonight or they have a meltdown and the season gets away from them. The fourth quarter comeback gives me hope that for the next game we see the former and not the latter.

I am sure the Blue Demons are licking their chops right now.

As to how they could play so well on Sunday and so "lousy" today? It's simple. Villanova ran an offense and hits their shots. The Huskies didn't rebound and seemed to forget how to run an offense in the first half. On Sunday, the Huskies did those things.

I know high school rankings mean little in college, but we had enough talent to win vs Villanova
High school rankings
Williams - 1
Fudd - 1
Westbrook - 1 or 2
Deberry in the bench - top 5
Edwards. Top 30
Dorka. Big ten all star for 2 years
Not sure why Dorka - Westbrook and Edwards are still in a funk in February.

 

[hoophuskee]

How do you think they must feel about this?

The same that the players that played feel.

 

[Littlemin]

With Olivia out and Dorka hobbled, we were outrebounded by 16. Our presence in the paint was compromised and this affected everything, not to mention the absence of Paige and Caroline. I note that we have two 6'5" players sitting on the bench that seemingly have not been groomed to step into situations like this. I wonder how they must feel wanting to play but not given the chance. I feel a little uncomfortable with the comment that we only had 6 players to use. How do you think they must feel about this?

Players earn playing time, coaches need to coach them up but getting on the court is earned. That has been a constant for this program forever and I for one applaud Auriemma for sticking to that principle; that is much more important in the development process of young people entrusted to him than losing a basketball game.
I have no insight into why neither play and will not speculate but the way I would feel is PO’d at myself for not earning the coaches trust enough to play when my team needed me.

 

[LarryLegend]

Even without the degree of difficulty that an injury and covid plagued season has presented to fielding a well conditioned team, it’s pretty tough to ask players to play 35-40 minutes of a division one game and be prepared to pressure and trap for more than a few possessions. Fatigue makes a coward of everyone who has ever played, and before being critical about the lack of pressing or trapping earlier you might ask yourself how many times you were able to practice it with only the players who were available in tonight’s game, some of which were in foul trouble & were probably playing in a different position when they did practice it.

JMO

again begs the question why are there two players who just sit on the bench game after game? Couldnt they be subbed in even for 60 seconds to give one of the others a breather

 

[JBK]

Nah, this was the worst beating in my memory… over 30 years. We were competitive in some bigger losses, but we didn’t compete in this one until about 4 minutes left.

Question. I know Villanova is not ranked at this point - but was wondering if Nika Muhl would start on Villanova. She started most of the games last year and this season for UCONN.
I do root for her and respect her energy, grit and fire , but other then a steal once in awhile her defense is just okay - offensive is below average and passing is too aggressive.
Ps. I am not questioning anyone’s judgement - it is just my opinion and question as a fan.

 

[gold2323]

You are right…and specially against tough teams , she is a liability at both ends.
You cannot deny her grit but she is good for 10-15 off the bench.

 

[hoophuskee]

again begs the question why are there two players who just sit on the bench game after game? Couldnt they be subbed in even for 60 seconds to give one of the others a breather

Why? How do you know those 60 seconds the team won't play worse? Then what would some say after those 60 seconds anyway? They'd say Geno wasn't being fair with them because they are looking over their shoulder to get pulled.

It doesn't "beg the question." Geno has already "answered the question." Geno feels they aren't good enough. It seems like you want players to play regardless of what the coach feels.

To further that, it seems like you want to sub them in because you feel bad for them. Otherwise Geno is telling you that he thinks he has better options, isn't he?

 

[freshler40]

Gotta say don't understand not changing up the defense, and applying pressure sooner. Of course there were people with a few fouls, but when you're down double-digits seems like you better do something different. Nothing different for 3+ quarters. 'Nova loved it.

Was hopping to see our other 6'5" bench players to help with the rebounding weakness. When Edwards got three early fouls and a lot of quick foul calls everywhere, the extra height might have helped.

The game quickly got out of reach early in the 3rd quarter. Nova's 3 point shooting was impressive. It was usually the result of fast ball movement and sagging defense on our part. We also got beat off the dribble numerous times by a team that didn't miss it's opportunities. Nova is well coached and had a great game plan.

 

[LarryLegend]

Why? How do you know those 60 seconds the team won't play worse? Then what would some say after those 60 seconds anyway? They'd say Geno wasn't being fair with them because they are looking over their shoulder to get pulled.

It doesn't "beg the question." Geno has already "answered the question." Geno feels they aren't good enough. It seems like you want players to play regardless of what the coach feels.

To further that, it seems like you want to sub them in because you feel bad for them. Otherwise Geno is telling you that he thinks he has better options, isn't he?

and what would the better options be?

 

[freshler40]

Because Villanova spreads the floor with 5 players and Amari would have been lost out there trying to guard one of Nova's forwards on the perimeter.

Well, we don't really know or if a zone might have resulted in our keeping better rebounding position and preventing the many drives for layups that Nova had. At least your just giving up the 3's not the other areas as well. In one sequence Nova had four offensive rebounds in the 3rd quarter!

 

[npignatjr]

Some nimrod said there was no leadership. I hope he heard Christyn’s press conference

There are words and deeds. So going forward she has to follow up her words with her play, otherwise.

 

[Jletoile]

So.....thank god "it's only basketball."

 

[npignatjr]

Wow! You call Azzi’s shooting 10-19 for 29 points and 1 turnover not even good. You’ve got pretty high standards. What level of play would it take for you to call it good?

Yes missed many short shots, as did Chystin and the whole team. Poor defense, poor rebounding, the whole team. Even the "comeback" wasted time, missed shots, rebounding. She played the best of a bad lot.

 

[eebmg]

So.....thank god "it's only basketball."

resembled basketball

 

[npignatjr]

The 16 point loss to SC earlier this season was far worst than this loss to Villanova.
UCONN was most healthy only missing Aubrey. UCONN was playing pretty much the same SC team which we had beat the year before and had added Azzi, Caroline and Dorka. This loss you can easily attribute to any one of the injuries to 3 different starters. That SC game was a beatdown.

SC game, Caroline didn't play, coaches decision, Azzi and Nika both it turned out played hurt. Dorka?

 

[LwrcasefaN]

Some of you folks are dramatic. There, I said it. You're just not accustomed to UCONN looking average. Well, you would be average too under these realities. UCONN isn't dead. They are hobbled...and despite the loss...still kicking and fighting. Apply reality and you'll find the answers to most of your questions. Stop bashing the players. They haven't quit. They are tired. It showed. When Ducharme was scratched before the TN game I saw panic. You can check my posts...I wasn't worried and stated...I still got UCONN. They are STILL that good. Lose three starters...and naturally, the odds of winning get slimmer. They STILL almost won. Some of you hang on Geno's every word, for example...they weren't hustling. That's him needling his players...it's not for you to take literally. He KNOWS it's hard. He KNOWS they haven't quit. I get that fans, some more than others, have this rabid emotional attachment to their team, but sometimes it clouds reality. I shook my head every time I read a TN fan saying that their slide was because Keyen Green got hurt. Now I'm doing the same when UCONN fans can't accept that losing THREE starters (not backups) is somehow not going to impact outcomes...even against Villanova. Villanova...hats off to your efforts. See you in the tourney.

BTW...the dominating thought I had in the game last night was that Fudd might earn the tag...unguardable.

 

[freshler40]

I give credit to Villanova for playing well. However I would say that the UCONN loss was attributable to two main reasons:

1. LUCK - I have never seen as many shots (by Villanova) in the general direction of the basket that somehow found their way into the basket. And I have not seen so many attempts by UCONN that didn't quite make it in. Such a combination of good luck and bad luck!

2. I disagree with those who saw an absence of effort by UCONN players. I saw players at unfamiliar positions trying, with huge effort, to pass to and defend with people who were not playing tonight. Azzi and Christyn nearly pulled out the game with individual efforts, but the team effort in the Tennessee game was absent, because of the team's unfamiliarity with each other at those particular positions, made worse by the inability to practice with each other.

While some of what you said may be true, you make your own luck. We continued to run a 25 second offence until late in the game then when we went to a pro style offense. These players are deep in the season, have played many games with different combinations and some are position less.
We shot well but missed some key layups, Nova shot better but did seize up late in the game off of an overdrive by the Huskies. Loved that comeback, showed what we can do even with fatigued legs. Our future is bright.

Until you recognize how you lost you will never adjust.

 

[npignatjr]

Don't care about the coaches but if the players look like they just rolled out of bed, that is an issue.

Notice the "nope that wasn't it" part.

 

[Bald Husky]

OK, we were bad last night, with the exception of Christyn and Azzi. Tonight is the second tournament reveal, and most of us were looking forward to seeing us as a 2 seed in Bridgeport. Well, that boat has sailed, so we are right back where we were last time.
Lets stop and take a breath, we know we are better than this, but not until we get our players back. It doesn't matter whether we are a 2 seed, a 4 seed, a 10 seed, and it doesn't matter if we play in Bridgeport or Spokane. The point is we won't go anywhere unless all our players are back, because when they are, we can beat anyone, anywhere. Instead of getting stressed over each game result, we have to pray that Paige can come back healthy, Caroline gets healthy, Dorka gets healthy, and everyone else stays healthy. Geno is doing the right thing by keeping Caroline out if she is borderline, and now, if Dorka is in the same boat, she has to sit. I'm sure Liv has just has a short illness and will return pretty quickly.
We are not looking for February, we are looking for March. That is when we hopefully get everyone back, and that is when we can expect the real UConn to show up. We need to let the girls heal properly, and if that means sitting someone out, so be it. We have to get rid of the lingering injuries now, because we may have our biggest tournament challenge in decades. Lets just support them, and hope that we can still play well enough to get through the BE schedule without any more losses. It won't be easy, but the other players must step up and do their part until we do get completely healthy.

 

[hoopster]

we were not "Nasty" tonight

 

[meyers7]

Or maybe UConn has a great training and medical staff, and they are cautious when other teams would tell their players to play through an injury.

Since Rosemary left, (2016 - the last time we won a NC), things just haven't been the same.

 

[BobbyJ]

Players earn playing time, coaches need to coach them up but getting on the court is earned. That has been a constant for this program forever and I for one applaud Auriemma for sticking to that principle; that is much more important in the development process of young people entrusted to him than losing a basketball game.
I have no insight into why neither play and will not speculate but the way I would feel is PO’d at myself for not earning the coaches trust enough to play when my team needed me.

A statement he uses regularly to the players in practice is 'make me play you or make me sit you'.

 

[mhshuskies]

Best post game quote from Geno: “we are challenged defensively, we’re just not where we were in past years”

 

[eebmg]

A statement he uses regularly to the players in practice is 'make me play you or make me sit you'.

Maybe remove the comfortable padding from the bench seats.

 

[willtalk]

UConn rode a win over an illusory top ten team back into the top ten themselves. Tenn has looked nothing but less than average lately, being knocked off by unranked teams left and right. They did not drop as far as they should have and a win over them should not have counted enough to put UConn back in the top ten. Of course the voters are swayed more by reputation more than actual reality. What we can surmise is that wins by top ten teams over lesser teams is no longer a given., and single game results can no longer be used as a measure of a teams actual strength. The women's side of college ball is beginning to resemble the men's where upsets abound and single game wins and losses have lesser value.