Villanova Postgame Thread

[Inthepaint]

LOL...I know that Geno doesn't understand Croation! The only way he can communicate with Nika is by screaming at her. That usually gets her attention. And she makes steady eye contact with him during his outburst.

Not sure if Geno’s rants are more for Nika’s instruction or his stress relief.

 

[uconnfan68]

Great win. D was great. Nika showed poise after the 3rd foul.

Aubrey looks way off on both O and D and Nika with 0 points and 7 TOs, not her best effort.

What is the deal with all those tie ups when we were getting mauled?

We really need Azzi

Those tie ups are because they don’t allow the player with the ball to protect her space. Those elbows to the face used to prevent the maulings. The rules have neutered the player in possession.

 

[msf22b]

The Huskies beat the #14 ranked team on the road with 6 players. I can’t believe this is the only conclusion you drew from the game

Why 6?
Could have been 8 or 9
(See my unliked comment from the last game)

This comment not based on my seeing the game...driving through a Wyoming
wind episode today...

 

[npignatjr]

Griffin was in the game when the "held ball" occurred. She was chasing down the ball after it squirted out of the scrum. Since there was no replay, I'm guessing they called her for pushing a Nova player while diving for the ball. But the whistle had already blown for a held ball. VERY confusing & shame on the Fox announcers for a lack of clarification.

The ball squirted out to Caroline.

 

[hoophuskee]

With all do respect, what does any of this have to do with bad officiating?


This stat is mostly useless. The first five fouls, if not while shooting, do not cause a FT attempt. In theory you could have two teams with 5 files each and have a 10-0 FTA disparity. Never mind the end of regulation "fouls" from the losing team, that add to the discrepancy.


There are whistles and there are fouls. A 3 second call is a whistle but not a foul. A charge is whistle and a foul (plus scored as a turnover). The inconsistency is not only in who gets more whistles, but what is the result of the whistle (i.e foul or turnover?). Many people who want to see fewer whistles(like myself) are not advocating for fewer fouls. Do you see the difference? I would prefer refs be loose on the nit-picky turnover violations and tight on the physicality (i.e fewer no-calls). A directive by the NCAAW to officiate in this manner, would help. IMHO. Not holding my breath.


Fairness has nothing to do with it. We won and the officiating was still horrible. If UConn lost, the mantra is, "loser's whine, etc". The fact that you think it favored one team over another is proof of poor officiating. If UConn fouled Siegrist, call it. If they didn't, then the officials are poor. You agree? If Siegrist fouled a UConn player, call it. If they didn't then the officiating is poor. The idea that criticizing officials, by fans, is somehow a bad reflection on the fans is baloney, and frankly, I do not understand the posters who run to the refs defense, while ignoring what both teams fans see: bad officiating. As you state.

I usually agree with olddude nearly 99% of the time but not here. I'm with you. IMO the refs were a disgrace. The WCBB deserves so much better.

What was indicative of the game was in the 1st qtr I believe Edwards got called for a 3 second violation. The ref called it on her while Edwards was scampering out of the lane away from the ball in which very little was going on with UCONN's Offense on the opposite side. Instead the ref felt a need to interject. -- On the very next play it appeared Edwards was camped in the lane and drew a foul on Nova. The point isn't that the calls "evened out." It just highlights a clear picture of a ref over their head.

And as far as Siegrist complaining about a call? Ohh -please. She flopped 4 times in the game that I saw. Two of them she drew fouls on Nika. There is no way no way Nika could have knocked her to the ground on those two plays. And if the announcers were right - on another play in which Edwards got called for a foul on her from a pass that Edwards knocked out of bounds; according to the announcers she was complaining that it should be two shots as she raised her arm up and it seemed like quickly waving two fingers in the air.
.

 

[socal613ws]

Doesn’t like Tony Romo? That explains a lot.

he's not alone, a lot of ppl liked Romo early on, but now it's clear how he has favorites. Josh Allen and Mahomes he got excited, Burrow did something and he got depressed. If you want to be a fanboy that's fine, but if you're going to be picking favorites then don't call the games unless you are the team's announcer.

 

[uconnfan68]

It could be time the censors put up a pixelated area around her mouth, while cam is on her.

Even my wife read her lips. Surprised she didn’t get a T.

 

[uconnfan68]

From the box score on the UConn web site (not the ESPN box score), there were some notable and somewhat concerning stats:

• Most importantly, Villanova had 13 more field goal attempts than UConn. The turnover margin (as others have noted) was -13 (i.e., in favor of Villanova), but the offensive rebounding margin was +7 in favor of UConn. So those two stats would explain a margin of -6 (in favor of Villanova) in FGA's. But the actual margin is -13, which is hard to explain. Nonetheless, allowing an opponent 13 more FGA's in a game is something that Geno has to be concerned about. It resulted in both teams having the same number of made field goals (20) despite UConn's much higher shooting percentage.
• For all the complaints about the referees (most of which I agree with), Villanova still committed 23 fouls to UConn's 16. That resulted in UConn taking 26 free throws to Villanova's 12, and UConn's margin of +12 made free throws was really the only reason that the Huskies won. Granted, many of those Villanova calls occurred near the end of the game and were intentional, to stop the clock.
• I expected to hear a lot more moaning and groaning in this thread about whether Caroline re-injured herself and will need more time off, whether she should have been playing in the first place, and whether she should have been permitted to re-enter the game after the head hit. I hope someone other than her and the coaches (e.g., Janelle Francisco) gave a thumbs-up on the re-entry decision, but she appeared to play alertly and effectively after that. Now the question is whether she will have symptoms tomorrow -- hope not, obviously.
• Maddy Siegrist's uncharacteristic shooting slump in the second half (including a couple missed free throws) was a gift to UConn, without which UConn probably would have lost this game. She was wide open for several shots that she missed.
• Aaliyah continued to miss close-in shots, as well as 15-footers, that she has made for most of the season. But I'm inclined to give her a pass on that, given the amount of energy that she expended guarding Siegrist, and the fact that she had to play 37 minutes. I hope she gets more rest from here until the NCAA tournament starts.

The foul discrepancy was swayed by the intentional fouls at the end of the game. Had to be at least 4, with 2 shots for each.

 

[npignatjr]

Well my girl Nika had a very tough game today- shot 0 fer from the floor, had 7 turnovers and basically had the snot beaten out of her. Also after her second foul she lost her composure & mouthed off to the referee who promptly called her for a third as soon as possible.

On the other hand after that she calmed down and stayed in the game picking up just one more foul & ending with 8 assists.

I think having to play so many minutes finally caught up to her although I know she'd rather die than admit it.

Advice to Nika- next time the ref calls a stupid foul on you, borrow a trick from Sue Bird & pull your jersey over your mouth while you cuss him/her out!

I give a partial pass on some of the turnovers, as fouls, not called, are being committed as she's throwing a pass was a few, teammates not holding onto passes or not moving to meet the pass was a few, the "tie up" when she was fouled near the end was another. Also had 8 assists should have had more than 10, missed layups.

 

[Boreifs]

Has anyone mentioned that Siegrist had two rebounds?! That’s the story of the game. Both Dorka and Aalijah, in contrast, had double doubles. The game was won on the boards.

P.s. Both Carol and Audrey had six rebounds. Total dominance on the boards.

 

[npignatjr]

Aubrey, WAY OFF? Come, let us see that game again! My apology for being snarky--but Aubrey in my opinion was AUBREY--and I'm amazed at the transformation from a almost bench sitter to a 3rd Star on this team. She is the Steady Eddie of Uconn Women's BB. She's the Utility player that does it all. She doesn't glow RED one day then no light at all, she gives the team what it needs when it needs that.
I love Fudd, Caroline, LOU, the number 1 picks--love em. But when the shooting gets wild I want 3 or 4 Aubery's on the court playing for me (and Uconn).

With 5 starters she is #5, the more Caroline plays the less she will, if Azzi returns less again.

 

[Boreifs]

Looking ahead to the Big East Tournament, Marquette matches up best with us. The rebound better than Villanova or Creighton, play better defense and have the best coach. Despite the evolution of the game, match ups are still more important than previous wins and losses. They don’t score enough to go deep in the NCAAs, but are definitely a threat to us in the BE tournament.

 

[fomalhaut]

I believe you are correct. It wasn't just the play-by-play announcers who misled us. The director of the telecast also did a lousy job.

I agree. The directing of the telecast was appalling. At one point they showed a player sitting on the Villanova bench for what seemed like 45 seconds, then cut to Villanova's coach for a few more seconds, if I recall correctly. No indication was given of what was holding up play. When they finally cut back to the game, Lopez-Senechal was about to shoot free throws.

 

[jazz]

In the chat room, there was actually a complaint because the UCONN players weren't smiling after the final buzzer. The conclusion was that they are depressed & totally frustrated.
I guess there should be a new box score stat for facial expressions & levels of euphoria!

I think disappointment cuts deeper when you feel like you are being cheated. GA and the team think this entire year they are being cheating game in and game out with the lack of fouls called. GA blew up once and he is almost 70. A would think that this feeling (justified or not) would cut even deeper for 20 year olds. I think this feeling is being carried over game to game without a reset button and this is more apparent with emotional players (NM for one).

I can understand that despite winning the game, they are just pissed off at the world with the way games are being officiated (justified or not) and I think they have a bigger point this year than any in recent memory. It may feel a bit deflating when they get their first foul of a game...thinking 'here we go again'.

The above can be the same way for fans on this board as well. I for one, feel a bit frustrated sometimes, thinking each game we will get hosed by a number of calls...and therefore we will need to overcome this...maybe I'm right or maybe it is the accumulation of poor officiating.

 

[HopJim]

With all the comments suggesting Geno substitute more, the tenacity and physical fitness of this team sometimes appears to be overlooked. In virtually every game, UConn has a strong Q4. Yesterday's game was a good example where it was Villanova that seemed worn down, Siegrist and Olson missing shots they had made the entire game, Edwards bulling her way to rebounds, etc. Special team.

 

[jazz]

he's not alone, a lot of ppl liked Romo early on, but now it's clear how he has favorites. Josh Allen and Mahomes he got excited, Burrow did something and he got depressed. If you want to be a fanboy that's fine, but if you're going to be picking favorites then don't call the games unless you are the team's announcer.

Romo is an arrogant blow hard who is well past his sell by date....this coming from a die hard cowboy fan. can't stand listeing to his jibberish.

 

[Shenandoah]

Folks, there is a lot of complaining on the BY about the refs. While I will acknowledge some inconsistency by the refs, the fouls more than evened out in UConn’s favor. Nova was whistled for 7 more fouls than UConn (23-16). The Huskies shot 14 more FT’s than the Wildcats (26-12), scoring 11 more pts from the FT line (17-6).

Considering that UConn won by 9 pts, I would not at all be surprised if Villanova fans were complaining right now about how the refs handed the game to UConn.

The problem was, as I saw it, not the amount or disparity in foul calls, but the fact that they called the ticky-tack fouls, and had a blind eye on the assaults.

 

[oldude]

The problem was, as I saw it, not the amount or disparity in foul calls, but the fact that they called the ticky-tack fouls, and had a blind eye on the assaults.

My point exactly when I commented about the “inconsistency” of the refs. From a fouling standpoint the game was a bit of a roller coaster, with the refs alternately calling it tight and letting them play.

 

[drweo]

First, a solid win on the road. After letting Siegrist roam for 10 early points, the team collectively did a great job defensively on her, not allowing her clean looks. Aaliyah struggled again offensively, but made up for it with her rebounding and having the primary responsibility of guarding Siegrist.

The game was not pretty as the refs wanted to stamp their imprint on the game. Lou was back in her "flow."

One peeve I had was with the announcers. IT appeared they were more interested in hearing themselves speak rather than cal the game. It was beyond annoying how they couldn't let one second pass without speaking. Is it me or did anyone else feel likewise.

Hopefully, the team can have a few breathers in the next 3 games before the BE tournament begins.

I felt the same way about the announcers. Just kept talking without adding anything to the experience.

 

[papanimmer]

If this team could cut their to's in half the games would be over much much more sooner. 20+ turnovers a game isn't gonna cut it come tournament time.

 

[oldude]

If this team could cut their to's in half the games would be over much much more sooner. 20+ turnovers a game isn't gonna cut it come tournament time.

The turnover problem is certainly persistent, and shows just how much UConn misses a player like Azzi who, in addition to being the team’s best shooter, is also an excellent passer who takes care of the ball.

 

[SJF]

The half court Offense is very stagnant this season. Depending too much on getting Lou and Dorka open off screens and Edwards posting up after screening. The opposing Defense does not have to concern themselves with Nika attacking the bucket and scoring or collapding the D and kicking out to open shooter. Big fan of Nika but she can’t get to the bucket when needed. Hopefully she can improve this part of her game.

 

[Geew1992]

The half court Offense is very stagnant this season. Depending too much on getting Lou and Dorka open off screens and Edwards posting up after screening. The opposing Defense does not have to concern themselves with Nika attacking the bucket and scoring or collapding the D and kicking out to open shooter. Big fan of Nika but she can’t get to the bucket when needed. Hopefully she can improve this part of her game.

The problem is the only outside threat is Lou. Until CD gets in game shape and Azzi comes back, other teams will pack the paint and dare Nika and Aubrey to shoot

 

[oldude]

The half court Offense is very stagnant this season. Depending too much on getting Lou and Dorka open off screens and Edwards posting up after screening. The opposing Defense does not have to concern themselves with Nika attacking the bucket and scoring or collapding the D and kicking out to open shooter. Big fan of Nika but she can’t get to the bucket when needed. Hopefully she can improve this part of her game.

There is only one legitimate perimeter threat (Lou). Hopefully, Caroline makes it two. Spread a group of shooters around the floor, i.e. Lou, Caroline, Azzi & Paige (sigh) and the half court offense would open up, spreading the floor, with defenders scrambling to stop everything UConn could throw at them.

 

[Bone Dog]

Hopefully she can improve this part of her game.

This part of Nika’s game largely disappeared after Azzi and Caroline were injured. With only Lou as a perimeter threat, opponents started packing the paint and holding Lou. As a result, driving the lane got a lot harder for everyone, but especially for Nika and Aubrey. You’ll notice this is also when it got a lot harder for Aaliyah and Dorka to score on post moves. Just too many defenders in the paint.

Nika and Aubrey and the others didn’t simply forget how to play. The terms of the game changed on them and they had to adjust what they were trying to do. If you expect Aaliyah and Dorka to have easy post moves in the paint like Cameron Brink, or Nika and Aubrey to slash to the rim like Haley Jones, they need to have a clean lane. Stanford’s perimeter shooters make that possible for them, and ours used to make it possible for us.

 

[HuskyNan]

With all do respect, what does any of this have to do with bad officiating?


This stat is mostly useless. The first five fouls, if not while shooting, do not cause a FT attempt. In theory you could have two teams with 5 files each and have a 10-0 FTA disparity. Never mind the end of regulation "fouls" from the losing team, that add to the discrepancy.


There are whistles and there are fouls. A 3 second call is a whistle but not a foul. A charge is whistle and a foul (plus scored as a turnover). The inconsistency is not only in who gets more whistles, but what is the result of the whistle (i.e foul or turnover?). Many people who want to see fewer whistles(like myself) are not advocating for fewer fouls. Do you see the difference? I would prefer refs be loose on the nit-picky turnover violations and tight on the physicality (i.e fewer no-calls). A directive by the NCAAW to officiate in this manner, would help. IMHO. Not holding my breath.


Fairness has nothing to do with it. We won and the officiating was still horrible. If UConn lost, the mantra is, "loser's whine, etc". The fact that you think it favored one team over another is proof of poor officiating. If UConn fouled Siegrist, call it. If they didn't, then the officials are poor. You agree? If Siegrist fouled a UConn player, call it. If they didn't then the officiating is poor. The idea that criticizing officials, by fans, is somehow a bad reflection on the fans is baloney, and frankly, I do not understand the posters who run to the refs defense, while ignoring what both teams fans see: bad officiating. As you state.

What about the uncalled fouls where Siegrist was held or ended up on the floor? There were many. I understand complaints about inconsistency and incompetence but not the constant whine that every uncalled foul hurts UConn alone.

 

[Geew1992]

 

[BBallF]

The turnover problem is certainly persistent, and shows just how much UConn misses a player like Azzi who, in addition to being the team’s best shooter, is also an excellent passer who takes care of the ball.

No doubt. She would be the secondary passer.

The problem right now is twofold in my mind. First, Nika is trying to force passes because there is no real other option to make a play. That means someone as the target who is not open enough to get the ball or someone getting the ball in the wrong place. I think half of the time Nika should just settle for a safe, horizontal pass and then cut and perhaps the turnovers with her passes or by the bigs will decrease. Perhaps not.

Secondly, because of the lack of a secondary playmaker and also quick release shooter you have less first passes going for a shot and our bigs are handling the ball more and have to make passing plays or try to force moves like drives or spin moves all of which cause turnovers.

It is similar to the Caroline phenomenon. Many BYers forgot how valuable she is and then she comes back and wins the game against Creighton. Suddenly everyone remembers. Assuming Azzi's return you will see a brand new team again. A 7 player rotation with a great outside shooting cadre and less turnovers and voila. A real eye treat.

 

[Bone Dog]

What about the uncalled fouls where Siegrist was held or ended up on the floor? There were many. I understand compl about inconsistency and incompetence but not the constant whine that every uncalled foul hurts UConn alone.

Ordinarily I’m with you on this issue. Poor officiating tends to hurt both teams more or less equally. Officials don’t tend to favor a team — though in certain arenas it’s probably hard for an official not to be influenced by a roaring crowd. The Tennessee game comes to mind. This game was not like that.

But I still think the officiating yesterday happened to hurt UConn’s game more. Lou is just too easy a target, and if she can be knocked off her game, packing the paint becomes an effective strategy. I’ve watched the game 3 times through now, with much pausing and rewinding, and I just didn’t see Siegrist being held very much. Certainly nothing on the scale that Lou had to fight through.

But if we were to imagine calling all the holds and bumps Siegrist suffered as well as those Lou endured, and Aaliyah, Olsen would have fouled out before the end of the third quarter, Dalce too. Aubrey, Nika, Lou and Aaliyah simply did not hold Siegrist a comparable amount.

This sort of officiating tight would have changed the tone of the game completely, and maybe not for the better. But simply paying a little more attention to excessive contact, especially on cuts and screens, seems like a reasonable thing to hope for.

As long as teams think they can do this to Lou with Impunity, they won’t be able to resist doing it to Azzi, too, when she returns.

 

[BRS24]

Originally I thought Dorka was gassed for quite a bit during the game, however the sprained ankle had a bit to do with her mobility.
Some of this substack article may be behind a paywall:

Notebook: Dorka Juhász guts out double-double in 35 minutes on sprained ankle

Plus, the Huskies display their toughness (again), Lou Lopez Sénéchal bounces back and Nika Mühl plays through foul trouble in the win over Villanova.

uconnwbbweekly.substack.com

"In UConn’s final practice before heading to Villanova, Dorka Juhász sprained her ankle in a non-contact incident. The early indications weren’t good.

“I already sprained it, so that kinda was a re-sprain but it got a little worse,” she said. “I was not able to finish the practice. I wasn't really able to bear a lot of weight on it. I did a lot of icing, rehab and obviously, today it was still was pretty much bothering me on every jump, every change of direction.”

“I don’t know if that would’ve happened last year,” Geno Auriemma said.

It wasn’t easy, though. Juhász visibly struggled to get up and down the floor, and tweaked it a few times throughout the game as well. Even still, she only went to the bench twice throughout the entire contest."