Doggydaddy's Den: DoggyDaddy's Dailies 11/3/16

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I left off the post game interviews with Geno and a few of the players. Enjoy!

Let me add a few more thoughts.

I was very happy with how Sanyia Chong looked. She played with confidence, didn't turn the ball over and most of all played like she was healthy. UConn is going to need her to play well.

I'm a big Kyra Irwin fan. In an early post I linked her highlight video and linked Notre Dames Erin Boley, a highly rated forward. I thought their games were comparable and Irwin did nothing in her first appearance as a Husky to change my mind. UConn is going to need her 6'2" big body.

I'm really looking forward to seeing more of Molly Bent. Her skills intrigue me. If she has any outside shot, she can be a solid contributor. Her defense alone will keep her in games.

Butler is getting hammered on the message boards, but I thought she looked better than last season. She did a much better job holding on to the ball and was strong in positioning in the paint. UConn is going to need her to play against the big teams. Thankfully there are only a few of those.

It's going to be fun watching this team grow together. Until they are pressed and defended hard in the paint, we don't know how they are going to react. It's a young team in regards to being THE players. There could easily be a few losses. Then again, they are talented enough to win every game. I don't see a super team out there.

Still hoping to see them in person on Sunday!!!

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Yes, UConn won their exhibition game 111-39. You sometimes wonder what they get out of a game against such an overmatched opponent.

But, with the Maryland 146-17 win against Div II over Bluefield State, the question is what the hell can you get out of a game like that!!!!

Maryland ran out to a 74-17 lead at halftime. They eased up in the second half only scoring 72 points. But amazingly, they SHUTOUT Bluefield State in the second half. Really. Zero points. Nada.

Unbelievable. And the Maryland coach, the lovely Brenda Frese said this.

"I thought tonight was a good tuneup for us"

Thank you for reminding me why I don't like you Brenda.

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I don't get really pissed off very often, but this really annoyed the hell out of me.

A poster on one of the UConn message board goes by the handle of "Longtimefan". After ONE exhibition game, he had this to say -

"The compliments to Molly...comparing her to Ekmark and Lawlor...leave me flat. She has to be much better than either of them or we are doomed. I am sure she is. Who ever saw anything, at this level, in either Lawlor or Ekmark? "Based upon last year, I also see little future for Butler. She may be okay against non competitive teams like Indiana of Pa. Or many of the teams in Uconn's league ( ugh). But she will be lit up against quality players on quality teams. Unless, of course, she has somehow metamorphasized over the summer."

My good friend David, who sends me those great "Numbers" information had this to say about it.

"I will never understand why a grown adult, who professes to be a longtime fan, feels the need to trash a kid who busted her butt for 3 years and gives 100% in effort and attitude. For the record, Shea Ralph saw the "anything at this level" in TLAW, when the team requested walk-ons to try out. Geno was looking for exactly what he got in Tierney... a team first, do whatever I can to help, never complain, never give up kid to round out the roster. Her effort earned her a scholarship and great praise from Geno and the staff. I guess I shouldn't expect much from a guy who's avatar features the back end of a horse... "

David hit the nail on the head. I will never understand grown people who trash players. These kids work harder than anyone can imagine and provide us with terrific entertainment. I write about this team more than most folks and you will never see me say anything like that.

This "longtimefan" is no fan at all. Just a jerk that should find a professional team to follow.

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By David in Naples!!!!!

UConn started their 2016-17 season with an 111-39 exhibition trouncing of an undersized, but game, IUP team. The stats don't count, but they are fun to analyze. Here are some of the best ones from last night.

1. The UConn defense gave up 19 points in the first 10 minutes, but only 20 points total in the rest of the game.
2. Gabby played 22 minutes and scored 22 points, grabbed 9 rebounds, gave out 6 assists and stole 5 passes. She also blocked 3 shots...

3. Katie Lou only shot 2-7 from the three point arc, but made up for that by going 8-12 inside the arc. She scored 24 pts to lead the Huskies.
4. IUP played 12 players during the game. 5 of them never scored and 2 more had only two points each.
5. UConn created 27 turnovers and blocked 5 shots. In contrast, IUP had 15 baskets.

6. Six UConn players scored in double figures, including Kyla Irwin who got 12 on 80% shooting.
7. The three freshman played 44 minutes total and had only 3 turnovers.

Hard to come away from watching last night's game and not be happy.
Go Huskies..!!

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