Similarly Sessions was hitting shots she normally doesn't make.Do I think USC can beat UConn? Probably not. But even Geno admitted after the game that it's rare to have 4 players (Stewart, KML, Jefferson, Tuck) all bring their A game for a game this big. Tuck was shooting less than 20% from 3 on the season, and then made 2/3 against USC. If not before, that's when Staley knew it wasn't their day.
I don't know - Khadijah Sessions shot 50% (2-4) on threes last night after going 8-38 (21%) previously.Do I think USC can beat UConn? Probably not. But even Geno admitted after the game that it's rare to have 4 players (Stewart, KML, Jefferson, Tuck) all bring their A game for a game this big. Tuck was shooting less than 20% from 3 on the season, and then made 2/3 against USC. If not before, that's when Staley knew it wasn't their day.
Additionally Mitchell shoots somewhere in the 40% range but was 75% beyond the arc vs. UCONN. Lastly, there were a number of circus shots and a plethora of O-boards that led to 2nd chance points as well.I don't know - Khadijah Sessions shot 50% (2-4) on threes last night after going 8-38 (21%) previously.
I think Geno was engaging in some polite coach-speak. Yes, he can be polite . The win had more to do with Geno's changing up the defense on Mitchell and the post players, spacing on offense, and defensive intensity. The shots went in because the USC defense was confused and out of sorts. I don't think they've played anyone with UConn's combinatin of speed, precision, and experience before.
I think SC "can" beat UConn. I don't think that they will, at least this year, but they certainly can.Do I think USC can beat UConn? Probably not. But even Geno admitted after the game that it's rare to have 4 players (Stewart, KML, Jefferson, Tuck) all bring their A game for a game this big. Tuck was shooting less than 20% from 3 on the season, and then made 2/3 against USC. If not before, that's when Staley knew it wasn't their day.
Actually, in a vacuum yeah...it is possible that anybody can beat UConn...but, truthfully, the question with regards to South Carolina really should be: Will they??? The simple answer is no. Why?
6. No offense to Staley's coaching...but bringing Coates and Wilson off the bench at this stage of the season doesn't make sense.
Dawn is breath of fresh air after that stiff shirt Summit. It's nice to have an opposing coach that appreciates and understands the whole thing. I'd say she has a good situational awareness. No excuses, but realistic about moving forward. I'm glad she and Geno will be coaching together and against each other for a long time to come. Couldn't help but respect her and her team after last night. Classy.
Actually, in a vacuum yeah...it is possible that anybody can beat UConn...but, truthfully, the question with regards to South Carolina really should be: Will they??? The simple answer is no. Why?
Good to see that she didn't put the blame on her players. Get 'em next time.Dawn is breath of fresh air after that stiff shirt Summit. It's nice to have an opposing coach that appreciates and understands the whole thing. I'd say she has a good situational awareness. No excuses, but realistic about moving forward. I'm glad she and Geno will be coaching together and against each other for a long time to come. Couldn't help but respect her and her team after last night. Classy.
Like start Aja?I thought Burke's observation/question after the game was interesting: Geno made a line-up change after the Stanford loss; will Dawn do the same after this one?
In one possession there were two SCAR bigs setting double screens, they literally walked to the spots on offense where they were suppose to be setting screens. I didn't see any effort at all in those last 15 minutes that said we are a top team.Why was that a bad line? I thought her comments about the game were honest and refreshing. Also thought her team's effort was pretty good. They just weren't used to playing a team like UConn.
If you get a chance to watch a replay or recorded it, I would. I wasn't impressed by SCAR at all. Also, I averaged the numbers on their wins vs ranked opponents and our wins/loss vs ranked opponents and to be honest, from a statistical stand point there was not one single thing that even remotely made me think SCAR had a chance. In big games they are sub-par with the exception of the Texas A&M game. You can't expect to come in to a game averaging 66 points a game vs top opponents and average shooting less than 40% vs top opponents and expect to beat UConn. That'll work in the ACC which I like to call the "No Defense" conference. That will work in the SEC but that won't work vs UConn. I was shocked frankly at how many analysts even thought they had a chance.Additionally Mitchell shoots somewhere in the 40% range but was 75% beyond the arc vs. UCONN. Lastly, there were a number of circus shots and a plethora of O-boards that led to 2nd chance points as well.
I thought SC played hard. I just think UCONN beats them 9 times out of 10 by a similar margin.
Occasionally it's good to acknowledge the efforts of opponents, especially when they are top teams. Posters like you used to deride the efforts of Notre Dame for many years in the 2002-2010 period, and then suddenly the team UConn continually pounded became always dangerous. What happens with USCar is still to be seen, but they do have key building blocks.Post game presser- "The effort was there." Shelled by 25 and beaten in every phase of the game. That can't be reassuring for her or the team for the next meeting.
Why was that a bad line? I thought her comments about the game were honest and refreshing. Also thought her team's effort was pretty good. They just weren't used to playing a team like UConn.
Because by definition it means her team is left without hope for a different outcome in the future.
You hit the nail on the head. I argued with more than one SC fan regarding how "good" SC was based on their overall easy schedule last year (no top 10 wins), subsequent 1 seed, and flameout in the sweet 16. Sure they lost no seniors last year but this season's team was still one that really faced no good competition. Go out and play Baylor, ND, or Maryland, and then talk about how solid they are and that they are a really really good team...If you get a chance to watch a replay or recorded it, I would. I wasn't impressed by SCAR at all. Also, I averaged the numbers on their wins vs ranked opponents and our wins/loss vs ranked opponents and to be honest, from a statistical stand point there was not one single thing that even remotely made me think SCAR had a chance. In big games they are sub-par with the exception of the Texas A&M game. You can't expect to come in to a game averaging 66 points a game vs top opponents and average shooting less than 40% vs top opponents and expect to beat UConn. That'll work in the ACC which I like to call the "No Defense" conference. That will work in the SEC but that won't work vs UConn. I was shocked frankly at how many analysts even thought they had a chance.