A Backcourt Is Born?

Rocky, one thing I noticed was that the half-court offense was much, much more mobile and active with this line-up. It's 4 guards, yes, but, three of the four are pretty tall for guards...and the fourth is scrappy as hell. Last year's UConn team wasn't a versatile, didn't have as many "parts" that you could switch in and out, to create a different impact. This group can go big, small, fast, "bombs away", with depth in shooting and passing..still could use a bit more size, but depending on Piath and Poff, that may come.

With Aubrey out of action, Aaliyah cannot start, since both she and Liv are foul-prone. This small line-up is fantastic, but I wonder if Geno will go back to Aubrey or Aaliyah when Aubrey is recovered. And especially against South Carolina....

Both Aaliyah and Liv have been a bit better lately staying out of foul trouble.  

I imagine we'll want both of them on the floor together vs SCar.  Need Edwards to battle Boston physically for space, and Olivia to challenge her to block shots against 6'5" and to tie her up with passes inside.

Aubrey is critical to change that dynamic, adding quickness and energy. Christyn driving into the lane may get blocked, but may earn a few fouls on their bigs.  

The gamecocks are the best defense yet.  They've  played a zone with AB in the middle and everyone else out to disrupt threes and passes, at times.  I think they'll combine that with someone dogging Paige.  

Regardless of what happens when the visitors are on offense, The game may be decided upon the UCONN total. 72 points will probably be enough to beat them.  62 won't do it.  Between those, it's a battle to the wire.  I believe we have a better chance of getting over the target than they do of keeping us to the low end of that range.

Also, a familiar slow start isn't doom, but a fast start may let our group get a lead and never look back.  Do we have one of those in the kit bag?

If Nika and Paige stay in the starting lineup, has there ever been a time when there was two freshmen as the starting backcourt?

I am so loving watching this team this year. They may not win the NC, though I am feeling better about their chances after seeing the impact the freshmen have had. Still, they are freshmen...

I think Monday vs South Carolina will tell us a lot about the mental strength of these fabulous freshmen. The talent is there, but can they withstand the bright lights and pressure of such a high profile game at this point in their careers.

Sure wish the Louisville game had not been cancelled.

... except Anna