Week 6 - Dec 9 to 15

[GamecockFam]

I have to say that there seems to be a noticeable gap between elite eight and sweet sixteen level teams this season. I've enjoyed watching this Iowa/Iowa State game but both teams have pretty noticable deficiencies that will prevent them from winning championships. With that said, my criticism of Iowa State at the beginning of the season was a little too harsh. They must have had a really rusty start to their season and I think the knock in the teeth from the South Carolina game has woken them up. They look much better.

 

[nwhoopfan]

Cal Baptist blew a 17 point lead in the 2nd half, CSUN came all the way back to tie it w/ 10 seconds left, but CBU got the game winner as the clock expired. And to top it off the shot was by a player who transferred to CBU from CSUN.

 

[nwhoopfan]

Iowa St. led most of the way, but Iowa with a late surge to get the win.

 

[nwhoopfan]

Crooks is a lot to handle. She was going off most of the game, but Stuelke slowed her down at the end.

Cyclones didn't help themselves any with their FT shooting, only 6-16. Crooks was 3-10. Iowa started out about the same, but they started hitting them eventually.

 

[visitingcock]

I have to say that there seems to be a noticeable gap between elite eight and sweet sixteen level teams this season. I've enjoyed watching this Iowa/Iowa State game but both teams have pretty noticable deficiencies that will prevent them from winning championships. With that said, my criticism of Iowa State at the beginning of the season was a little too harsh. They must have had a really rusty start to their season and I think the knock in the teeth from the South Carolina game has woken them up. They look much better.

 

[Plebe]

Crooks is a lot to handle. She was going off most of the game, but Stuelke slowed her down at the end.

Cyclones didn't help themselves any with their FT shooting, only 6-16. Crooks was 3-10. Iowa started out about the same, but they started hitting them eventually.

Iowa State was outscored 25-7 over a roughly 11-minute stretch spanning the end of 3Q and most of 4Q. Turnovers hurt them a lot in their descent to ineptitude. Iowa is not a team you should be committing 21 turnovers against.

I'm not convinced either of these teams is legit top 25 based on current level of play.

 

[darrell]

Crooks is a lot to handle. She was going off most of the game, but Stuelke slowed her down at the end.

Cyclones didn't help themselves any with their FT shooting, only 6-16. Crooks was 3-10. Iowa started out about the same, but they started hitting them eventually.

I’m eager to see how Geno preps for her. She’s a lot to handle in the post, but quickness might be her kryptonite. Can’t wait to see how Sarah responds should they match up.

 

[nwhoopfan]

I’m eager to see how Geno preps for her. She’s a lot to handle in the post, but quickness might be her kryptonite. Can’t wait to see how Sarah responds should they match up.

Length can give her trouble too. In the Tourney last year against Stanford Brink and Iriafen harassed her into a really poor shooting game.

 

[GoChips20]

I was really surprised by the lack of offensive scheme Iowa State showed. Very little shot creation shown by their guards. ISU has the potential to be one of the best three-point shooting teams in the country with Hare/Hansford/Ryan/Harris/Brown/Joens all able to hit from deep at high clips, but their percentage is poor and watching them tonight it just seemed like they don’t know how to get each other open. Crooks is a handful inside but she had a great game tonight and it wasn’t enough.

 

[GamecockFam]

I’m eager to see how Geno preps for her. She’s a lot to handle in the post, but quickness might be her kryptonite. Can’t wait to see how Sarah responds should they match up.

Crooks tonight took advantage of Iowa's biggest deficiency -- no competent posts. O'Grady should be a backup. She wouldn't be a starter on most teams but it's either her or a freshman so I understand the coaching decision. Iowa looks pretty good at the 1-4 but that 5 spot is a real weakness.

Crooks size is both a detriment and an advantage. It lets her push around other posts but it costs her on defense and in transition. I also think it contributed to the late collapse against Iowa. I would think that carrying around that much "bad" weight has to take a toll on her endurance by the 4th quarter.

 

[darrell]

Length can give her trouble too. In the Tourney last year against Stanford Brink and Iriafen harassed her into a really poor shooting game.

Sadly, UConn lacks length with experience. Jana has length, but is foul prone.

That game was incredible, btw! Kiki’s “coming out” party if you will.

 

[TheFarmFan]

Iowa State was outscored 25-7 over a roughly 11-minute stretch spanning the end of 3Q and most of 4Q. Turnovers hurt them a lot in their descent to ineptitude. Iowa is not a team you should be committing 21 turnovers against.

I'm not convinced either of these teams is legit top 25 based on current level of play.

Yes, but: someone has to be in the top 25. My main reaction so far this season is I feel like as a whole, there's been some regression relative to last season. Really only a few teams that seem genuinely better than last year...

 

[GamecockFam]

Yes, but: someone has to be in the top 25. My main reaction so far this season is I feel like as a whole, there's been some regression relative to last season. Really only a few teams that seem genuinely better than last year...

I think there are around 8ish teams that stick out as having all the pieces to win the tournament, which I feel like is higher than usual. But after that there is a noticeable gap where there is a mass of good but very flawed teams.