Loyd is a very good player. So is McBride. But can anyone seriously argue that they, as a backcourt, are better than MoJet and Bria? Achonwa has become a very good player. But can anyone seriously argue that she is better than, or even as good as, Stef? Braker is a decent player, but can you seriously compare her to TBS? That leaves a comparison of Allen and KML. No contest, even if KML is at 70%. So what about the bench? We have defensive demon Kiah, battle-proven and solid defensive player Banks and solid eighth player Chong. They have Reimer, Cable and Mabry. I think we compare very nicely. Muffet is an excellent coach, but Geno is the best. On the question of team defense, the Huskies are unquestionably superior.
In short, we have the advantage on talent, experience, and team defense. I like our chances. IF they can shoot 60+% on their threes, and IF a couple of our players get into early foul trouble, and IF a lot of rebounds just ricochet into their hands and IF we draw a set of zebras who are impressed by flops, they could win. Under normal conditions, we win by 12-15 points, maybe more.
One other thing; Our starting five, at least, are all “gamers”; they are at their best when faced with a serious challenge. Their play against Houston and SMU was not bad, but you could tell that they were just not at their highest level of concentration. If we do end up playing ND for the NC, they will be. I hope I get to see it.