What would it take to beat us?

[Cuango]

A team that is better than Uconn and I don't believe that team exists. A team with a better coach than Geno and I don't believe that coach is here. A team with a better bench than Uconn and that bench doesn't exist. Uconn will do all that is necessary to win 6 in a row. Uconn's destiny is already written and that is NO 13 Championship Trophy. GO HUSKIES!!!!!!!

Everyone on the Boneyard is squirming uneasily as they read this post!🤣

 

[joea]

If UConn plays its game, they can not be beaten, except... in 1985 unranked Villanova beat #1 Georgetown in the National Championship by going 80% from the field, and had 27 free throws to 8 for G'Town.
Villanova won by 2 points.

 

[Cuango]

Have to agree and add one other low probability but possible issue. If the bad shooting night is Azzi related, other team may choose to sag on Sarah. While Sarah is one of the most consistent and creative shooters in basketball, could be an issue. I did not mention both Sarah or Azzi both having a bad game the same night due to sickness or other issue, since I view this as unlikely.
The other side of this coin is the other team has an exceptional shooting night. The one downside of UConn's press as previously mentioned has been it often gives up 3's. Other teams have been missing but this is the primary issue why many teams the last month have stayed close in Q1. Unlikely UConn doesn't adjust but still a potential speedbump.

Although I do not really want to see this in the tournament, it would be interesting to see Sarah in a situation where she just puts her head down and decides it’s “Sarah time” What might she do if she were to get mad and decide to really “put the hammer down”?

Though always a concern, an off night from one of our stars is something that Geno imo has done a masterful job in preparing for. I think his bringing along, nurturing, and preparation of our bench is probably the best work he’s ever done in that respect. He is simply the best. Just amazing!

 

[Pharos]

The thing I worry the most about is the consistency of the officiating. Foul trouble could be their Achilles heal

If the officiating is "over-involved" and yet balanced, a lot of fouls will be called. UConn's bench is a huge asset if that happens. If the officiating is "under-involved," injuries could be an issue over a six-game campaign. If the officiating is unbalanced, well... we'll be talking about it.
The key I'll be looking for is how well the starters "problem solve" against a worthy opponent.

 

[Pharos]

Watched a lot of games last week, including those featuring the most often mentioned candidates to win it all : UCLA, Texas, South Carolina, LSU, UCONN. A few thoughts: there are some really good women’s basketball teams this year. The team lifting the trophy will have truly earned it. If that team is UCONN, my take, it will be because of our defense, our defense turning into offense, and our perimeter shooting. We need to shoot threes like we did last year. When Azzi hit one, then Ash, then Sarah, then Paige it’s not just the points alone, but it is so demoralizing to the other team. As long as our post players just minimize the contributions of the other teams bigs, we can get #13! Go Huskies!ni

And UConn bench players are not a drop off in 3pt threat. So UConn can spread the floor even with subs in the game. That gives Ms. Strong a lot of opportunity. And, I think the whole team -- KK, Kayleigh, Allie, Ashlynn, even Blanca -- is getting the idea of the Paige-esk stop and pop mid-range opportunity.... or dish off opps to Serah or Jana... Like the way they play!

 

[Tonyc]

Well one thing is agreed by almost every post in this thread, and it starts with "IF". UConns defense has forced teams to not shoot well. UConns defense has keyed on opponent's top scorer(s) and they haven't shot well. UConns defense has forced teams to turn the ball over a lot. UConns defense has forced teams to play to fast and out of sync. UConns defense is the difference.

Opponents cant do anything about UConns defense to change the game. They cant stop it. They will have to figure out a way to not turn the ball over, get open shots and make them, keep UConn from scoring, make UConn turn the ball over. For any team to beat UConn they have alot to overcome because of UConns defense. Bottom line UConns defense keeps opponents from scoring.

 

[JellyBean]

An opponent locking our locker-room door. Officials with quick whistles, slow whistles, or just being lazy out there calling the game. Teams that are physicals; holding or just playing bully ball, are a problem.

 

[Urshurak]

A team that is better than Uconn and I don't believe that team exists. A team with a better coach than Geno and I don't believe that coach is here. A team with a better bench than Uconn and that bench doesn't exist. Uconn will do all that is necessary to win 6 in a row. Uconn's destiny is already written and that is NO 13 Championship Trophy. GO HUSKIES!!!!!!!

UConn had a far better team than Mississippi State. Uconn had a far better team than Notre Dame the following year. Any team can be beaten on a given day. The best team does not always win. I assure you, a good day by UCLA accompanied by a bad day for UConn will net a loss.