Doggydaddy's Den: DoggyDaddy's Dailies 3/25/17

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

Standings in the DoggyDaddy's Dailies brackets.

Rank	Bracket, OwnerBracket	R64	R32	S16	ChampionChamp	PPR	TotalTot	PCT
1	espn41965188 1 connboy77espn41965188	290	300	80	UConn	1200	670	100
2	PinotBear 2PinotBear	290	280	80	UConn	1160	650	99.9
3*	MacbethJBB1985JBB1985	280	280	80	UConn	1200	640	99.5
3*	UConnChapette 2Chapinsfan	280	280	80	UConn	1200	640	99.5
3*	Janice9342 1Janice9342	280	280	80	UConn	1160	640	99.5
6*	Romeo and JulietJBB1985JBB1985	270	280	80	South Carolina	1200	630	98.6
6*	ChongMasterespn09481555	290	260	80	UConn	1200	630	98.6
8*	Husky1974espn74005316	260	280	80	UConn	1200	620	96.8
8*	espn16111129 1espn16111129	280	260	80	UConn	1160	620	96.8
8*	Chuck 7espn76827413	280	260	80	UConn	1160	620	96.8
8*	Synfulsynful	300	280	40	UConn	1160	620	96.8

Bracket

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

Here is my UConn/UCLA Pre Game Report.

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

Well, so much for Notre Dame struggling without their leading scorer, Brianna Turner. The Irish hammered Ohio State 99-76.

Now, some of this was the usual lousy Ohio State defense. They really have no clue how to stop another team. And they certainly didn't adjust to anything that Notre Dame did. That is typical of a Kevin McGuff coached team. He really isn't a very good coach.

However, Muffet McGraw is. She is a terrific coach. She put her players in position on offense to be open for threes. Great passing and even better shooting. Notre Dame went 12-24 and with Turner out, this is the style they will have to play to get to the final four. But her best coaching was on the defensive end. Mitchell was the only OSU player in double digits with 18 points. McGraw constantly switched defense and McGruff had no McAnswer.

In the late game, Stanford pulled away from Texas in the third quarter and beat the Longhorns 77-66. McCall was Mcterrific in this game with 23 points and 11 rebounds, 6 of those on the offensive boards. Samuelson added 15 points on 4-8 three point shooting.

Now we have a rematch from last year, where Stanford beat Notre Dame in the Sweet Sixteen. Now they meet in the Elite Eight. Should be a great battle. And two great coaches in Tara and Muffet.

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

In the other early game, Mississippi State continues to play pretty good basketball and beat a tired Washington team 75-64. Mississippi State ran waves of players at the Huskies and their tight defense just tuckered Washington team.

Kelsey Plum finished her college career scoring 29 points, but she took 25 shots to do it. Mississippi State really forced her into tough shots.

The Bulldogs were led by their 6'7" sophomore McGowan, who dominated the game. She scored 26 points on short jumpers, post moves and offensive rebounds. And she added 12 rebound, EIGHT of those were offensive. AND she had 5 blocks. A true center, she paint was all hers.

In the other late game, Baylor showed why they are the favorite after UConn in this tournament. They just destroyed Louisville 97-63. They Bears had 5 players in double figures with Alexis Jones starting to round back into shape. They are going to be a really tough out for anyone, and that includes UConn.

Louisville was just overwhelmed and played intimidated most of the game. They had no answer for Kalani Brown, who had a double-double with 4 blocks.

I can't wait to see the matchup between 6'7" Brown and 6'7" McGowan. It should be Mcfabulous.

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

By David in Naples!!!!!

Napheesa Collier is a sophomore who has played 34 games this season. Any comparison to the legendary Stewie would be silly on many levels. Having said that, one could argue that Pheesa is playing "Stewie good" at the moment. Consider a comparison between the season Collier is having this year, and Stewie in her senior season. Please note, Stewie played 37 games and Pheesa has only played 34.

1. Stewie scored 716 points her senior year and averaged 19.4 pts per game. Napheesa has scored 688 points in just 34 games and averages 20.2 pts per game. Collier is 28 points away from passing Stewie's total in points.
2. But Stewie's senior year was filled with blow outs and Napheesa plays more minutes, right? No, Stewie averaged 29.1 minutes per game and Collier averages 29.7 minutes per game. Virtually identical.
3. Stewie scored 274 baskets to lead the team. Pheesa has already scored 284.
4. While Stewie made 57.9% of her shots from the field, Collier makes an incredible 69.3%.
5. But, Stewie was a better rebounder, right? Not really. Stewie had 323 boards her senior year for a 8.7 per game average. Napheesa has 302 rebounds, so far, for a 8.9 per game average.
6. Collier is not the same three point threat that Stewie was, but still makes 42% of her tries (18-43). Stewie made 46 of 108 attempts for a 42.6% rate.
7. Free throws stats are dead even. Collier has made 83.6% of her free throws (102-122). Stewie made 83.6% of her attempts (122-146). Steals almost even at 60 for Collier and 67 for Stewie.
8. Blocked shots and assists lean heavily in Stewie's favor. She had 126 blocks, and 147 assists. Collier currently has 68 blocks and 75 assists.
9. Napheesa leads Stewie in offensive rebounds (95 vs 80) and in fewer turnovers (47 vs 60).
10. Finally, Stewie never fouled out of a game in her career. She had just 50 fouls her senior season. Napheesa had 63 last year to lead the team and 71 this season to again lead the team. But then again, Stewie never was undersized compared to her opponent.

While there may not be a case for Napheesa being better than Stewie, she certainly is playing "Stewie good" at the moment. Considering the comparison is between a sophomore and an All American senior, that says it all.

Go Huskies..!!

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

UCONN LINKS

Huskies' don't sweat when heat is on Carl Adamec

UConn looking to march into the Elite 8 this weekend Eye Witness News 3

UCLA accepts No. 1 UConn challenge with focus and grit LA Daily News

It all starts with point guard Jordin Canada, who leads UCLA women against UConn LA Times

UCLA coach appreciates Huskies’ success American Republican

The Auriemmas, UConn dynasty: Philly roots, and why they stayed Philadelphia Daily News

UConn Women’s Basketball Team Dynasty Reveals Sexism in March Madness Teen Vogue

UCLA Women’s Basketball Could Serve Up Some Sweet, Sweet (16) Justice Go Joe Bruin

A look at the UConn women’s basketball recruiting class: 2017-18 Sportz Edge

UConn’s Recipe for Success Is to Run, Run and Run Some More NY Times