Doggydaddy's Den: DoggyDaddy's Dailies 3/10/16

******************************************************************************

UConn comes into the tournament undefeated for the 7th time in their history. Five times UConn went on to win the National Championship with perfect seasons. Only once did they not. I remember that 91-81 loss in the Elite Eight to Tennessee very well. It was a very frustrating game. Tennessee took UConn out of their comfort zone with typical Pat Summitt style of play. From this Courant Article:

``We just played with intensity,'' said Holdsclaw, a sophomore. ``But I think Connecticut was scared. That's the first time I've ever played them when they looked scared.''

Man.....I remember that quote after the game. I was so pissed off when I read that the first time. But I've mellowed over time. Sometimes players do play scared. It was clear UConn was rattled.

Holdsclaw's theory reflected one of the most popular in the aftermath of UConn's 91-81 loss: the Huskies weren't prepared or equipped to deal with the muscle thrown at them by Tennessee's big and ambitious frontcourt. The Huskies got pushed around and couldn't push back.

Yeah, I can't argue with that. UConn just wasn't ready for what Tennessee brought them. On the ball pressure defense along with rough and tumble play under the basket. Geno had this to say about it.

``I don't think we were nervous,'' UConn coach Geno Auriemma said. ``I didn't sense any difference in the team before the game. I thought we were in a good frame of mind, like we usually are for a game like this. But I guess we just weren't prepared for what Tennessee did, and that's something I have to take responsibility for, at least in the sense that we should have done a better job of handling the pressure.''

Remember, this was the 1996-97 season. A lifetime ago. At 33-0 coming in this game, it was only the second time UConn was undefeated in the tournament. It's certainly possible that Geno let overconfidence permeate the team and even himself. He was 20 years younger. A tough, arrogant (yeah, still arrogant, but not as much) coach that hadn't quite figured out how to handle this kind of situation yet. Yes, I know, they were the undefeated champion only 2 seasons before, but that might have been part of the problem. Sometimes it takes losing to learn the hard lesson that makes you better. And Geno is a much better coach now than he was back then.

UConn was down 42-27 at the half but closed to 53-52. They never could take the lead. Final word from Geno -

``We just couldn't get over the hump,'' Auriemma said. ``Some of the things that had hurt us during the season reared their heads again.''

You can bet that Geno still uses losing this game as a lesson in how to prepare his team for every NCAA tournament game.

So have no fear, UConn fans. None of the teams UConn might face are as physical as that Tennessee team, and none have a player as good as Holdsclaw.

Watch if you dare!

*****************************************************************************

Just in case you watched that video, this one will help get that bad taste out of your mouth.

UConn/South Florida AAC Final Highlights

*****************************************************************************

I know it's only Charlie SECremes bracketology and not the real thing, but I have to show you something that just jumped out at me.

Let's take a look at the No. 6 seeds in his brackets.

BYU - 26-6, 16-2 WAC Conference

West Virginia - 24-9, 12-6 Big 12 Conference

Miami - 24-8, 10-6 ACC Conference

Tennessee - 19-13, 8-8 SEC Conference

*****************************************************************************

From David in Naples

Geno has said several times the Katie Lou Samuelson is an important ingredient for UConn's NCAA tournament success. With 32 games down and hopefully 6 to go, KLS has impressive statistics to back up her considerable reputation. Consider:

1. Katie Lou has played 746 minutes or 23.3 per game. That compares favorably to Gabby (19.0), Napheesa (17.6) and Natalie (13.5).
2. KLS is one of four players to appear in all 32 games, starting 17 of them. (The other 3 are Gabby, Kia and Napheesa.)
3. Samuelson has scored 346 points for an average of 10.8 per game. But, in her last nine games, she has averaged 14.9 pts per game.

4. Her 68 made three point baskets are 23 more than the next Huskies. (Nurse at 45)
5. Despite Geno's jokes, KLS has 106 total rebounds, fifth highest on the team.
6. Katie Lou has 75 assists vs only 39 turnovers. That's a ratio of 1.92
7. Her 5 blocked shots are 1 less than Moriah.

8. From inside the 3 pt arc, KLS shoots 70% (56-80).

KLS is far more than a 3 pointer shooter. She is also an accurate passer, deadly from inside the arc, developing as a rebounder and improving greatly on defense.

*******************************************************************************

So, without further ado!!!

Ladies and Gents, DD looks at the news........