No doubt KML and Diggins will both get theirs..."you can't stop them, you can only hope to contain them". I think the biggest battle will be between Dolson and Anchonwa...not necessarily who scores more points, but who can stay on the court the longest (i.e. stay out of foul trouble), which will inevitably lead to production.
Some other smaller battles that could turn the game:
Stewie or Lloyd - will either or both freshman step up big in this game?
BH or McBride - both are aggressive inside/outside players capable of big games.
Kelly vs. Braker - both contribute a lot to their teams that don't necessarily show up in the stats...Kelly with her excessive hustle and Braker with her long reach and interior presence.
Doty or Mabrey - neither is much of a scoring threat outside of launching 3-point bombs, but when they do hit them, the results can be devastating (i.e. see Mabrey's two 3-pointers in first meeting). Regardless of whether Doty scores or not, I GUARANTEE Mabrey does not score 11 points again. In fact, I will predict that Mabrey scores UNDER her season ppg average of 3.9 while Doty scores ABOVE her season ppg average of 3.8.
Key stats - in game one ND outperformed their average 3-point performance in terms of percentage (50% vs. 24%) and 3's made per game (6 vs. 4). On the other hand, UConn significantly underperformed on 3's, making only 22% vs. 28% for the season, and hitting only 5 vs. a per game average of almost 9). A slight variation in this stat alone could sway this game significantly.
MY PREDICTION: Reverse performances from game one by both teams in regard to 3-point shooting and stronger bench production by the Huskies will pave the way for a close UConn win.
And although UConn and ND are likely to meet two more times this season after tonight, I want to take this opportunity to say how much I enjoy watching these two teams compete, especially Skylar Diggins -- love her or hate her, she is truly an overall one-of-a-kind player and fierce competitor and has brought a renewed intensity to the UConn-ND series. I also want to acknowledge Kelly Faris who will be sorely missed after she graduates. She contributes to this team in so many ways with her hustle, intellect, athletic skills and many more attributes that won't be realized until after she is gone.
Looking forward to a great battle tonight...may both teams perform to the best of their abilities and play injury free.
Some other smaller battles that could turn the game:
Stewie or Lloyd - will either or both freshman step up big in this game?
BH or McBride - both are aggressive inside/outside players capable of big games.
Kelly vs. Braker - both contribute a lot to their teams that don't necessarily show up in the stats...Kelly with her excessive hustle and Braker with her long reach and interior presence.
Doty or Mabrey - neither is much of a scoring threat outside of launching 3-point bombs, but when they do hit them, the results can be devastating (i.e. see Mabrey's two 3-pointers in first meeting). Regardless of whether Doty scores or not, I GUARANTEE Mabrey does not score 11 points again. In fact, I will predict that Mabrey scores UNDER her season ppg average of 3.9 while Doty scores ABOVE her season ppg average of 3.8.
Key stats - in game one ND outperformed their average 3-point performance in terms of percentage (50% vs. 24%) and 3's made per game (6 vs. 4). On the other hand, UConn significantly underperformed on 3's, making only 22% vs. 28% for the season, and hitting only 5 vs. a per game average of almost 9). A slight variation in this stat alone could sway this game significantly.
MY PREDICTION: Reverse performances from game one by both teams in regard to 3-point shooting and stronger bench production by the Huskies will pave the way for a close UConn win.
And although UConn and ND are likely to meet two more times this season after tonight, I want to take this opportunity to say how much I enjoy watching these two teams compete, especially Skylar Diggins -- love her or hate her, she is truly an overall one-of-a-kind player and fierce competitor and has brought a renewed intensity to the UConn-ND series. I also want to acknowledge Kelly Faris who will be sorely missed after she graduates. She contributes to this team in so many ways with her hustle, intellect, athletic skills and many more attributes that won't be realized until after she is gone.
Looking forward to a great battle tonight...may both teams perform to the best of their abilities and play injury free.
