Reply to thread

Message: [QUOTE="bballnut90, post: 2545842, member: 2117"] I still think of last year's upset as somewhat of a miracle game when you consider that UCONN really just didn't play well and Mississippi State was hitting every good look in the first half. If they played 10 more times, I'd bet big money on UCONN winning every matchup. UCONN was the better team last year despite the result. This year however, Mississippi State is MUCH improved from a year ago, while I don't think UCONN is playing as well as they did this time last year. They're on an equal playing field now IMO. Mississippi State is still less talented than UCONN but players seem to know their roles better. I think Mississippi State as a team plays with more confidence than UCONN does right now. At UCONN, there's no question the players are more talented, but there isn't anyone stepping up and consistently scoring 15ppg every single night. Players will have big nights and then disappear for a game here and there. That didn't happen much last year-- you knew you'd get big production from the big 3 night in night out, Nurse would fill her role and Chong would do a good job at PG. This year has been marked by more inconsistent play compared to a year ago. We'll see how Mississippi State does the rest of the SEC season, but if they were to play tomorrow I think it'd be a toss up. I'd probably pick UCONN to win on a neutral court since they are more talented and the players on the roster will be hungry for revenge, but it'd be a tough call. I am curious to see what happens come tournament time in regards to who gets #1 overall if both are undefeated. I'd be very surprised if it went to anyone other than UCONN (they've been the #1 team entering the tournament 8 of the last 10 years), but both teams would have strong cases. I do not think there'll be a significant advantage for the #1 over the #2. Baylor/Notre Dame/Louisville are all formidable teams when they play well and could easily upset either Connecticut or Mississippi State. If I'm Geno, I wouldn't have a major preference playing Baylor vs. Notre Dame....both would be difficult matchups regardless. [/QUOTE]

Verification: First name of men's bb coach