Villanova Postgame Thread

[HuskyNan]

I thought the offense was incredible.

Paige, Sarah, and this game Caitlyn. I loved the comment by Meg or Alan - that Geno challenged Cait to be more aggressive. If this is the Cait we can expect the rest of the year (with KK coming off the bench as the backup PG playing the way she has been), that bodes well for the team. Off shooting night for Azzi, but Cait picked up the "slack". And the chemistry between Paige and Sarah is off the charts.

I thought the post play was better. Both Jana and Ice found ways to contribute. Small but incremental improvements. On the flip side, off game for Morgan.

Also I LOVED how after a huge Q1, we had a really solid Q2, and there was no letup in Q3. Often we go into long lulls after a big quarter or half. Much improvement and that's great to see.

Defensively, it was good but not great. Nova averages only 65 PPG. They scored 57. Their leading scorer averages 15 PPG and she got that tonight. I think you always have to look for places to improve and that's what I saw tonight.

Villanova has a short bench so the UConn reserves were playing the ‘Nova starters. The Huskies gave up some points but still outscored them

 

[freshler40]

The rapid pace of our defense was matched tonight by our offense. Only Eight (8) turnovers even with the rapid pace of play. Tonight's package on both sides of the ball is our game. Hope we continue the growth and confidence by all. This was a fun game to watch if you're a Huskie!

 

[Centerstream]

I thought the offense was incredible.

Paige, Sarah, and this game Caitlyn. I loved the comment by Meg or Alan - that Geno challenged Cait to be more aggressive. If this is the Cait we can expect the rest of the year (with KK coming off the bench as the backup PG playing the way she has been), that bodes well for the team. Off shooting night for Azzi, but Cait picked up the "slack". And the chemistry between Paige and Sarah is off the charts.

I thought the post play was better. Both Jana and Ice found ways to contribute. Small but incremental improvements. On the flip side, off game for Morgan.

Also I LOVED how after a huge Q1, we had a really solid Q2, and there was no letup in Q3. Often we go into long lulls after a big quarter or half. Much improvement and that's great to see.

Defensively, it was good but not great. Nova averages only 65 PPG. They scored 57. Their leading scorer averages 15 PPG and she got that tonight. I think you always have to look for places to improve and that's what I saw tonight.

I don't know if this is a fact but watching live it seemed to me that Bascom got many of her points in the 4th quarter when our best players were on the bench.

 

[donalddoowop]

We are coming together and it is be u tit ful. Oldude great analysis. How many teams can put up our numbers? Over 60% How many teams have a Big 3 like UConn? No Team has a Paige let alone a Paige Azzi and Sarah. Opponents are gonna have to control them and Im not sure they can even if we have an off game. Get out the cryin towels for our opponents. We can put up big numbers that no other team can put up NO Other Team

Not true. There are at least four or more teams that put up big numbers and at least three that have four scorers as good as UConn. You should check before you make a statement like that.

 

[Charliebball]

Some thoughts on the Villanova game:

• The Huskies dismantled yet another conference foe. While some BY’ers may question the level of competition in the BE, it might be time to recognize that this UConn team is deep, talented, exceptionally well-coached and starting to play up to their considerable potential.
• Once again UConn exploded out of the gate as the team appears to be fully embracing Geno’s simplified offense. The Huskies ball and player movement is effortless, efficient and effective…...an absolute thing of beauty.
• One element of that simplified offense is to run the hell out of the 2-man game with Sarah & Paige. They play off each other like they have been doing it their entire lives, and they have only played together for 18 games.
• Paige was on a heat check from the opening tip, scoring 14 pts on 6/7 shooting in the 1st qtr. For the game, the best player in WBB had 21 pts, 8 rebounds, 9 assists and 3 steals in approximately 25 minutes on the court.
• This was the most aggressive I have seen Kaitlyn on offense since she was at Princeton. She was a BIG-TIME SCORER at Princeton, and when she plays like she did tonight, Kaitlyn adds yet another scorer to UConn’s lethal offense, which must be terrifying to opponents.
• Azzi had an uncharacteristically ordinary shooting game, but my goodness is she tenacious on defense!!!
• Every game Jana does a few more things on the court that makes you feel that she’s starting to get it, and that she’ll become a force by March.
• UConn put up a bunch of ridiculous numbers tonight. Here are my favorites: 26 assists, 8 turnovers, 3.25 A/TO.

Let's see how the team plays against Creighton, Tennessee and South Carolina before pronouncing this UConn squad a true juggernaut.....

 

[oldude]

Let's see how the team plays against Creighton, Tennessee and South Carolina before pronouncing this UConn squad a true juggernaut.....

I believe I said they were “deep, talented and extremely well-coached.”

Juggernaut is your word….

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Well, what to say. I am starting to admire how Jana is moving out there. Also starting to realize and appreciate just how many shooters/options can go out there and damage their opponents. Ball movement is really clicking. Great fun.

 

[Tonyc]

Not true. There are at least four or more teams that put up big numbers and at least three that have four scorers as good as UConn. You should check before you make a statement like that.

Not at the percentages that UConn does. They can’t match up to UConn

 

[MilfordHusky]

Before the game, I was wondering if we would see an average performance with a 20-point win, or the scorched earth Huskies from Sunday and a 50-point MOV. My answer came quickly!

Paige was totally in control and magnificent.

Sarah played like an All-American.

Azzi's shot was a little off, so Kaitlyn showed her Princeton persona.

The defense wasn't as good as on Sunday, but the offense was really sharp. Keep it up! A very fun game to watch!

 

[BBallF]

Some real important positives were that both Jana and Ice played within the flow of the game. It's still baby steps for both of them. Also, KC did not just dribble the ball up on a break but rather passed it. She looked the most comfortable this year and we saw her in a new light. Geno was right. It's all about Paige taking the game over offensively immediately. We were then confident as a team out there. This game was like they were a new team and they were having a lot of fun.

 

[Zonepress]

Not true. There are at least four or more teams that put up big numbers and at least three that have four scorers as good as UConn. You should check before you make a statement like that.

You are correct

 

[JoePgh]

I saw one comment saying that Azzi and Morgan had "off-games", presumably based on their low scoring output.

Azzi had 9 points on 4-of-9 shooting and "only" 1-of-3 on 3-pointers. Watching the game live, it appeared to me that in the first half, Villanova's top defensive priority was to avoid giving Azzi 3-point looks, and so they gave up other chances because of that -- so Azzi helped the team even as a silent threat. I didn't see her get an open look for a 3 until the 3rd quarter, and I'm guessing that happened because Geno said something at halftime about running plays to get Azzi open. But the main reason that Azzi didn't score more is that she only took 9 shots (due in part to Villanova's defense on her), and other scorers got a benefit from that.

Morgan (in my opinion) did not have an "off night". Her scoring line was typical for her: 0 points on just one shot attempt, but 2 rebounds and 1 assist (along with good defense) in just 11 minutes on the floor. For some of those minutes, she was the tallest UConn player on the floor. She entered the game well before Ice, a trend that has been noticeable lately. It's looking like the UConn center position is not quite a two-way platoon between Jana (16 minutes tonight) and Ice (10 minutes), but a three-way circulation in which Sarah shifts to the 5 and Morgan plays the 4 for approximately one third of the minutes before garbage time. I also thought it was significant that Morgan did not play much during garbage time (Geno gave her minutes to Aubrey, quite appropriately), indicating Morgan's increasingly high rank in UConn's depth chart.

Bottom line: This was a good game for Azzi and Morgan as well as the other players.

 

[Huskee11]

The student section was full and the arena was really loud, especially at the beginning of the game. It felt very festive for a cold weekday night in January.

It also seemed like the game was being called much tighter than usual, but not favoring either team.

I love that we are pressing full court from the beginning and that the offensive movement and smart passing is creating good shots. We are not getting a ton of fast breaks but we are getting into the open court a lot off of misses and that is helping the flow.

Paige was also super aggressive early in looking for her shots.

This is more like the Chen I was expecting to see. She has been very good overall but it is nice to see the scoring piece as well. We may not see it all the time but it is nice to know it is there.

I am surprised that Villanova lost to Seton Hall (only by one point but at home). They just looked somewhat better overall.

This team has turned a corner. Paige and Sarah are playing at an All American level and that seems to have instilled confidence all around. Let’s see where it goes. Certainly reasons for optimism.

 

[TUCBTUD]

 

[TUCBTUD]

 

[BBallF]

I saw one comment saying that Azzi and Morgan had "off-games", presumably based on their low scoring output.

Azzi had 9 points on 4-of-9 shooting and "only" 1-of-3 on 3-pointers. Watching the game live, it appeared to me that in the first half, Villanova's top defensive priority was to avoid giving Azzi 3-point looks, and so they gave up other chances because of that -- so Azzi helped the team even as a silent threat. I didn't see her get an open look for a 3 until the 3rd quarter, and I'm guessing that happened because Geno said something at halftime about running plays to get Azzi open. But the main reason that Azzi didn't score more is that she only took 9 shots (due in part to Villanova's defense on her), and other scorers got a benefit from that.

Morgan (in my opinion) did not have an "off night". Her scoring line was typical for her: 0 points on just one shot attempt, but 2 rebounds and 1 assist (along with good defense) in just 11 minutes on the floor. For some of those minutes, she was the tallest UConn player on the floor. She entered the game well before Ice, a trend that has been noticeable lately. It's looking like the UConn center position is not quite a two-way platoon between Jana (16 minutes tonight) and Ice (10 minutes), but a three-way circulation in which Sarah shifts to the 5 and Morgan plays the 4 for approximately one third of the minutes before garbage time. I also thought it was significant that Morgan did not play much during garbage time (Geno gave her minutes to Aubrey, quite appropriately), indicating Morgan's increasingly high rank in UConn's depth chart.

Bottom line: This was a good game for Azzi and Morgan as well as the other players.

Yeah, I agree. Morgan was in the mix on several plays and her role has become a "floor player". An older expression to describe a front court player who rebounds, defends, sets up teammates, plays help defense( she got yelled at by Geno for missing her spot on one play) get steals, etc. Scoring is not important on this team this year for her. Azzi didn't have to score but her shot was off at times. Her defense at the guard position is exceptional. An off game for Morgan would be bad hands, bad defense, no box outs, giving up baseline etc. A bad game for Azzi would be 4-16 from the field not 4-9 when you are being focused on by the defense.

 

[AzzisBraids]

For everyone that got on me after I mentioned that Chen wasn’t playing well, THIS is the Kaitlyn Chen I know. She was aggressive, sharp and if she plays like this, UConn is a title contender.

Paige’s shot looks as good as it has ever been and she is in a groove. She looks plays and walks like a superstar.

Sarah Strong is a first team all American and one of the best freshman UConn has ever had.

Azzi is still working her way back but her defense is just insane, Ice was solid, Kk is the spark of all sparks, El Alfy had a solid showing and UConn is blowing out Big East teams so everything feels right in the world.

 

[nutmegger]

Enjoyable game to watch.

Team came out and put the hammer down on Nova, both on offense and defense. Paige and Sarah on the court together is scary.

Kaitlyn Chen showed up as the 3rd big scorer tonight with Azzi having an off game on the offensive side.

Our two headed post did well. Jana almost brought the house down with the steal and the run to the basket. Both Jana and Ice played very good defense.

Next up Creighton.

It's too bad Geno didn't play Paige a few more than 26 minutes to get a triple double (21/8/9).

 

[msf22b]

Taking a victory lap....

The other day I wrote:

There is one member of the starting unit who gets less ink than anyone and is frequently forgotten...our grad student via Princeton; Kaitlyn Chen.

There's one part of her game that no ones's seen (at UConn)...her scoring prowess...
I suppose we may never experience it in a game...
or Perhaps Geno's keeping it in wraps for an NCAA's surprise (semi-joke)

But it's always there, lurking...and I've been waiting all season for the right moment for it to emerge.
-----

Didn't have to wait long for my prophesy....

Go Kaitlyn

 

[CONN78SEJ]

I saw one comment saying that Azzi and Morgan had "off-games", presumably based on their low scoring output.

Azzi had 9 points on 4-of-9 shooting and "only" 1-of-3 on 3-pointers. Watching the game live, it appeared to me that in the first half, Villanova's top defensive priority was to avoid giving Azzi 3-point looks, and so they gave up other chances because of that -- so Azzi helped the team even as a silent threat. I didn't see her get an open look for a 3 until the 3rd quarter, and I'm guessing that happened because Geno said something at halftime about running plays to get Azzi open. But the main reason that Azzi didn't score more is that she only took 9 shots (due in part to Villanova's defense on her), and other scorers got a benefit from that.

Morgan (in my opinion) did not have an "off night". Her scoring line was typical for her: 0 points on just one shot attempt, but 2 rebounds and 1 assist (along with good defense) in just 11 minutes on the floor. For some of those minutes, she was the tallest UConn player on the floor. She entered the game well before Ice, a trend that has been noticeable lately. It's looking like the UConn center position is not quite a two-way platoon between Jana (16 minutes tonight) and Ice (10 minutes), but a three-way circulation in which Sarah shifts to the 5 and Morgan plays the 4 for approximately one third of the minutes before garbage time. I also thought it was significant that Morgan did not play much during garbage time (Geno gave her minutes to Aubrey, quite appropriately), indicating Morgan's increasingly high rank in UConn's depth chart.

Bottom line: This was a good game for Azzi and Morgan as well as the other players.

If anyone has had some off games lately it’s Ashlyn. She still leads the team in 3pt shooting at almost 45%, and is still the fourth leading scorer on the team after Paige, Sarah, and Azzi. She also hasn’t missed a free throw all season. I know that now she has lost her starting spot the argument can be made for that reason, still though if anyone needs to pick it up a little it’s her. In my opinion she’s still the fourth best player on the team and they will need her going forward against some tougher teams on the schedule.

 

[JellyBean]

The team is clicking at the right time! I love what I saw out on the court yesterday. Back to Back games of ELITE shooting. 66% in the 1st quarter and 70 something in the 2nd quarter. Well done. And then the 3-point shooting was equally impressive. Nobody was out there shooting them just to shoot them. They were smart about their shot selection.

Chen- My GIRL!! All the noise about she needs to shoot more. She needs to do this or that. My girl just went out there and played her game as usual! The shots were falling and I love to see her smile! Heck I love to see any of the players smile. It is a game after all. Have fun out there. Well done, Chen!!

Ice-My GIRL!! Well done! I love that she was being aggressive on both ends of the floor. She looked good rebounding, defending, and shooting. She has always been a pretty good passer. Way to go, Ice!!

Overall, the Big 3 keeps doing their thing and the rest of the team is right there with them. Doing all of the other little things, like Ashlynn racing down the court on fastbreaks. She had a few plays where they tried to get her the ball and then some plays they weren't looking in that direction. But they know she is on that right or left wing, ahead of the pack.

Great game, UConn!! No let up. Keep it going this weekend.

 

[Dogdude]

The concept of some player on the team having an "off night" due to scoring totals is a little odd. The whole point of having so many scorers on the team is to not worry if one opponent or another decides to concentrate on one or two of ours defensively. When the offense is really clicking, the ball moves quickly to whomever is open, which is a good thing. That will always be a different player. Sure, the main focus of our offense will always be Paige, Sarah and Azzi, but as for the others, scoring totals will largely be up to the other team and how they've elected to play. Morgan or Ash may not have totals equal to their talents, but when they're being covered and making smart plays by not shooting, then they're playing well.

 

[Vancat]

Now THAT’S the Paige we need from here on out.

 

[HuskyNan]

Yeah, I agree. Morgan was in the mix on several plays and her role has become a "floor player". An older expression to describe a front court player who rebounds, defends, sets up teammates, plays help defense( she got yelled at by Geno for missing her spot on one play) get steals, etc. Scoring is not important on this team this year for her. Azzi didn't have to score but her shot was off at times. Her defense at the guard position is exceptional. An off game for Morgan would be bad hands, bad defense, no box outs, giving up baseline etc. A bad game for Azzi would be 4-16 from the field not 4-9 when you are being focused on by the defense.

I had been thinking Morgan was similar to Kelly Faris but I see a lot of Shea Ralph in her, too.

 

[freshler40]

I saw one comment saying that Azzi and Morgan had "off-games", presumably based on their low scoring output.

Azzi had 9 points on 4-of-9 shooting and "only" 1-of-3 on 3-pointers. Watching the game live, it appeared to me that in the first half, Villanova's top defensive priority was to avoid giving Azzi 3-point looks, and so they gave up other chances because of that -- so Azzi helped the team even as a silent threat. I didn't see her get an open look for a 3 until the 3rd quarter, and I'm guessing that happened because Geno said something at halftime about running plays to get Azzi open. But the main reason that Azzi didn't score more is that she only took 9 shots (due in part to Villanova's defense on her), and other scorers got a benefit from that.

Morgan (in my opinion) did not have an "off night". Her scoring line was typical for her: 0 points on just one shot attempt, but 2 rebounds and 1 assist (along with good defense) in just 11 minutes on the floor. For some of those minutes, she was the tallest UConn player on the floor. She entered the game well before Ice, a trend that has been noticeable lately. It's looking like the UConn center position is not quite a two-way platoon between Jana (16 minutes tonight) and Ice (10 minutes), but a three-way circulation in which Sarah shifts to the 5 and Morgan plays the 4 for approximately one third of the minutes before garbage time. I also thought it was significant that Morgan did not play much during garbage time (Geno gave her minutes to Aubrey, quite appropriately), indicating Morgan's increasingly high rank in UConn's depth chart.

Bottom line: This was a good game for Azzi and Morgan as well as the other players.

Good insight for shifts of playing time and shrinking of bench minutes. The benefit of all players, especially starters, being a threat was the clear outcome of this and recent games. The fourth quarter was KK running a clinic of where new players should be on the court. This was a very different learning period than the first three quarters.