What a Game Between UConn greats!!!

[PJCLaw]

The first game of the W Finals between the Liberty and Lynx was one for the ages!! The Lynx and Pheesa came back from as much as an 18-point deficit to defeat the Liberty and Stewie, 95-93 in OT. As former teammates, it was no doubt weird to be on the opposite teams in a Championship game (notwithstanding the in-season tournament, won by the Lynx over the Liberty). That said, as a long time UConn and Lynx fan, I felt that Pheesa is putting the ghost of MM to rest and claiming a new identity for the Lynx. Former USF PG standout, Williams, is just the energy the Lynx need, and she played a great game. Oddly, I have come to like Kayla McBride as the number 2 scoring option for the Lynx. Who would have thought a UConn fan rooting for an ex Fighting Irish! Well, I think this series will go all 5 games and, if the remaining games are as exciting as game 1, I look forward to watching great basketball, the UConn way!!

 

[NEforceUConn]

Stewie should have used her left hand on that last layup

 

[hoophuskee]

Stewie should have used her left hand on that last layup

I'm still stunned that she missed the layup. She didn't even hit the rim.

 

[huskeynut]

It was an exciting game. Two UConn greats going head to head.

I picked the Lynx to win it all.

 

[PvP]

In the last 5 minutes the Liberty played not to lose while the Lynx played to win.

That being said, Phee completely shut down Stewie the whole game and still Stewie had 2 chances to win the game, at the end of regulation and at the end of overtime and choked both times. I never thought I would ever see that.

 

[Bald Husky]

Yeah, it's funny how a college nemesis can become a fan favorite during their pro career. As for me, being a Conn. Sun fan, I still can't believe that I am rooting for, and actually liking Marina Mabrey. She is totally nuts, but I love it. LOL

 

[Gabbyfan]

Is Collier taller than when she was at UConn? She was guarding Stewart and even blocked her shots

 

[oldude]

The Liberty were up 15 in the 4th qtr with a little over 5 minutes to play and couldn’t hold on. Credit to MN for clawing their way back into the game and forcing OT.

 

[GoUconn7961]

Watching Collier and Stewart play like that last night made my Husky heart proud. Now Stewart needs to connect on offense and even the score. This is really going to be a fun series. UConn fans win either way.

 

[oldude]

Is Collier taller than when she was at UConn? She was guarding Stewart and even blocked her shots

Inch for inch, Pheesa is one of the best shot blockers in WBB. From college on into the pros she has a unique shot blocking technique in the post that I marvel at.

Pheesa bodies up the player she’s defending with both hands up in the air. This limits the offensive player’s ability to elevate. Whichever way the offensive player turns to shoot, she can block shots with either hand.

Pheesa has superb timing and she really doesn’t jump all that high. Watching her block the shots of taller players in the paint is a thing of beauty.

 

[Bone Dog]

Is Collier taller than when she was at UConn? She was guarding Stewart and even blocked her shots

Phee was like this at Storrs too. She and Gabby held down the front court against taller opponents while 6’3” Katie Lou mainly worked the perimeter practically a shooting guard.

 

[SLY63]

Collier is a beast !!!

 

[CL82]

Yeah, it was an exciting game. I felt bad for Stewie, who missed the second of her two free throws in the closing second of regulation, which would have given the game to the liberty and then she missed a lay up at the close of overtime that would have tied the game.

Collier definitely played Stewie tough, although I don't think you can say she "shut her down" given that Stewie's line was 18 points 9 rebounds and 3 assists. Instead it would probably be fair to say that Nepheesa played her even with a line of 21 points, 8 points and 2 assists.

 

[Zinethar]

Phee has always been so smooth that she sneaks up on you in the box score. Two UConn greats going head to head will make this final fun to watch for sure.

 

[yhun89]

Yeah, it was an exciting game. I felt bad for Stewie, who missed the second of her two free throws in the closing second of regulation, which would have given the game to the liberty and then she missed a lay up at the clothes of overtime that would have tied the game.

Collier definitely played Stewie tough, although I don't think you can say she "shut her down" given that Stewie's line was 18 points 9 rebounds and 3 assists. Instead it would probably be fair to say that Nepheesa played her even with a line of 21 points, 8 points and 2 assists.

Stewie went 1-8 in the fourth quarter. She was definitely shut down even if she got 20 points.

 

[TRuconnfan]

Yeah, it was an exciting game. I felt bad for Stewie, who missed the second of her two free throws in the closing second of regulation, which would have given the game to the liberty and then she missed a lay up at the clothes of overtime that would have tied the game.

Collier definitely played Stewie tough, although I don't think you can say she "shut her down" given that Stewie's line was 18 points 9 rebounds and 3 assists. Instead it would probably be fair to say that Nepheesa played her even with a line of 21 points, 8 points and 2 assists.

At one point later in the game the announcers said Stewie was 1 for 9 while Pheesa was guarding her.
Phee also has 3 steals and 6 blocks!

 

[Jackalope]

Is Collier taller than when she was at UConn? She was guarding Stewart and even blocked her shots

They talked about her 6'1" height during the game as being the reason she dropped down to #6 in the draft, per Coach Reeves. Pheesa has the combination of hops, timing, anticipation, strength, and wingspan that overcomes a few inches of height advantage. There is a reason that she takes the opening jump ball against the trees, even though she looses most of them. When Smith is out of the game, the tallest player for the Lynx is 6'2" versus the liberty where they have three players over 6'4".

 

[donalddoowop]

The Lynx should go after Griner in the off season. She will be a free agent. Griner would make the Lynx very hard to beat.

 

[topogigio]

Collier’s defense on Stewie was phenomenal! Liberty were panicked and rushed in OT. There is so much traveling from both teams that is not called!

 

[yhun89]

6 blocks is insane for a 6’1 player.

 

[Bone Dog]

6 blocks is insane for a 6’1 player.

Phee is virtually Paige-esque.

 

[DEpup]

In MN, they call it Phee-nomenal!

 

[PJCLaw]

Yeah, it was an exciting game. I felt bad for Stewie, who missed the second of her two free throws in the closing second of regulation, which would have given the game to the liberty and then she missed a lay up at the close of overtime that would have tied the game.

Collier definitely played Stewie tough, although I don't think you can say she "shut her down" given that Stewie's line was 18 points 9 rebounds and 3 assists. Instead it would probably be fair to say that Nepheesa played her even with a line of 21 points, 8 points and 2 assists.

You forgot, SIX blocks!!!

 

[cohenzone]

Yeah, it's funny how a college nemesis can become a fan favorite during their pro career. As for me, being a Conn. Sun fan, I still can't believe that I am rooting for, and actually liking Marina Mabrey. She is totally nuts, but I love it. LOL

Never, ever admit to liking anything connected to Notte Dame. Ok, I do have a friend who i like a lot who is an ND grad but please don’t tell anyone. As Seinfeld says, in sports we are actually rooting for laundry - change uniforms and heroes become villains and vice versa.

 

[CL82]

6 blocks is insane for a 6’1 player.

One of which happened while the player had pinned her off arm. Pheesa still managed to pivot around and get the block. Lobo waxed poetic about that one for a while. It was impressive athleticism.