UConn Women vs. #8 Baylor

[KhalidShockedTheWorld]

This game at #3 Baylor tonight is going to be a tougher matchup for UConn than ND, because of Baylor‘s size. Baylor has the biggest front court in the nation with a 6’7” center and a 6’ 5” power forward. I saw this team crush South Carolina on the road and Baylor’s big girls are wide bodied immovable objects who clean the glass pretty effortlessly.

There is a very real chance that UConn ‘s 4 years plus regular season winning streak ends tonight. UConn will need to run, shoot 3s and wear down Baylor’s big girls to offset the likely rebounding problems.

Collier has to have help this game from one or both of Nelson Ododa and Camara who is healthy and a much needed front court body in this game. Katie Lou will also need to sneak in and grab some boards as she can do. ESPN 9 pm expect a great game from Baylor and a severe test for the Huskies.

 

[CaNOLEE]

I like our chances, Khalid. But all valid points. We need for Walker to get back on track and play more physically/rebound.

Hopefully Ono gets some burn and contributes.

 

[KhalidShockedTheWorld]

To be down only 1 after shooting 29% and being pretty thoroughly outplayed is a solid development for UConn. Baylor was very good on D, actually the best D I have seen against UConn this year and Baylor is also controlling the boards. Baylor played a really sloppy, tired last 2 minutes and so it’s only a 1 point lead. UConn is in good shape.

 

[Dominicfrank]

This was an easy one to see coming. We aren't a dominant team.......yet. KLS cant shoot like this and us win the title unless CW makes up for it. CD is just not where I thought she would be either. This team is flawed like most teams......just not used to seeing it at UConn.

Oh well, I think we are one of 3-4 teams that can win it all. That is a dream for most schools to be able to say that. I think we get beat again before the tourney and lose in the final four after a near miss or two before that.

We have no leader out there, no ice veined killer.........which means we lose to teams that out hustle and out MUSCLE us like Baylor did.

 

[KhalidShockedTheWorld]

This was just a bad matchup for UConn on the road against a team that is bigger, stronger and actually played well. It was the best defense UConn played against this year.....held to lowest point total by 8 points.

 

[CaNOLEE]

You called it Khalid. I think Megan not being able to knock down her first 4 wide open shots were big. Because it allowed the 6’7 girl to sag off her and Collier had no room to work, as a result.

Conversely, their big hit 4-4 of those uncontested shots. And KLS forced some shots. She’s become a really good all around player, but she just lacks the athleticism to put the team on her back.

Hats off to them. They deserved it. Well officiated game too imo. I don’t think we'll curl into a ball I’d we see them again in the tourney. Dom is right, it’s open this year and we’ll just need to play well when it counts most. I’m glad Geno got Camara and Coombs some minutes. Wish he played Ono more. Going undefeated is great. But I’d rather go 35-2 and a national championship than 36-0 and losing in the final 4.

 

[KhalidShockedTheWorld]

Canolee I agree with your analysis. Although Camara was whistled for 3 quick fouls, her defense on Brown was very good and she more than held her own and I think she might have actually gotten a blocked shot. She played physically and was not pushed around.

KLS consistently has had poor games against bigger, more athletic defenders. Baylor just played a very good physical defense on her. The whole team struggled with their D, and Walker did not make them pay when left open, although she wasn't a total nonfactor.

I kind of felt this was a bad matchup for UConn and if Baylor came to play it was a very possible loss. Now that they have been beaten, I see it as a positive for the team as they know that they can be beaten. I really don't think anyone would have beaten Baylor last night playing that way, at home in front of a sellout crowd. You just take the loss and move on. UConn is just one of 4 or 5 teams that can win it, and there is nothing at all wrong with that. I think UConn will be a very tough out in the NCAAs but they probably would like to avoid playing Baylor until at least the Final 4.

 

[the Blades]

Once again just like the men " you can't coach height "