Doggydaddy's Den: Doggy's Doghouse 1/1/18

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Florida and New Years has put a crimp in my blogging but everyone is resting so I'm putting this one together. There won't be a complete UConn/Memphis Post game report. Sorry!

Logan wants to wish everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

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UConn had an easy time in their AAC opener against Memphis. It was a terrific game for Gabby Williams, who had 20 points on 10-10 shooting. The Huskies had 6 players with double digit scoring and oddly Stevens wasn't one of them.

It was great to see Megan Walker back on the court after her bout with the flu. She played only 13 minutes, but was 5-6 from the field, 2-2 on threes and finished up with 12 points.

Overall a nice game for UConn. Should be a repeat when they visit East Carolina next.

Game Highlights

And if you are interested

The full game, commercial free

Player Post Game Interviews

Geno's Post Game Interview

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Here is my UConn/East Carolina Pre Game Report!

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Twenty-three of the Top 25 teams were in action Sunday. Only two upsets, with No. 14 Duke losing to unranked Miami in their ACC openers (congrats David!!) and No. 23 Iowa defeated No. 21 Michigan in a minor upset.

Some interesting games as usual for me to comment on!!!

No. 4 South Carolina squeaked by No. 22 Texas A&M 61-59 on a basket by A'ja Wilson with 2 seconds left in the game. The Gamecocks battled back form an 11 point deficit to beat the Aggies. Texas A&M freshman Chennedy Carter had 19 points in the third quarter to create that big lead but she was obviously tired from throwing up so many shots as she was only 1-8 in the fourth quarter. Her 10 second violation was a killer for the Aggies. As good as Carter is when she helped the Aggies take the lead, she was just as bad when she helped them lose it. Freshmen!

Speaking of freshman, the Tennessee fans continue to go gaga over their freshman class, especially Elvina Westbrook. Granted her 17 points led the Lady Vols in their win over a really mediocre Kentucky team, but she had 11 in the first quarter. She had 6 points and 7 turnovers in the last 30 minutes. The freshmen for the game had 15 turnovers. This will eventually catch up for Tennessee when they actually play better teams.

In a weird bit of polling, Texas A&M moved from No. 22 to No. 19 after beating SMU (Big Whoop) and losing to No. 4 South Carolina. Yes, it was a close game, but improving three slots? SEC bias.

And more weird polling. Stanford, who dropped out of the top 25 for the first time in 21 years last week is back in at No. 24. I'm sure the bottom of the poll will fluctuate all season, but wow. 8-6 and back in the top 25.

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By David in Naples!!!!!

From Yesterday -

According to DoggyDaddy's pre-game report, UConn makes 41.7% of their 3 point tries. That is good enough for 5th in the nation. Tonight's opponent, Memphis, makes only 30.5%. Not good for the Tigers. The Huskies feature three players shooting over 50% on threes, including Kia (55.8%), Katie Lou (51.4%) and Crystal (51%).

For Kia, this is the 4th year she has been a three-point threat. Consider:
1. Her first year she made 53 threes at a rate of 41%.
2. Next season, she made 51 threes at a 37% rate.
3. Last season, she hit for 73 threes and raised the average to 46.2%.
4. This year, Kia already has 29 threes at her nation-leading 55.8%.

For her career, Nurse has made 206 threes, good enough to place her 12th all time, just behind Jenn Rizotti and Sue Bird at 207. After those two, the next player she needs to pass is some California girl named Katie Lou Samuelson, who is already at 216 threes.

For Kia, 7th and 8th place on the all-time list are achievable with 224 threes (Mel Thomas) and 254 threes (Renee Montgomery). Even Bria Hartley at 259 can be passed by Nurse to move into 6th place.

Here are the top five all-time 3 point leaders for UConn, in reverse order.
5. Wendy Davis 279
4. Ann Strother 290
3. Maya Moore 311
2. Diana Taurasi 318
1. Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis 398

Not likely that Kia Nurse will move into that elite group. That kid from California...? That is another story...

Go Huskies..!!

And another -

The Blue Flowers of Duke tried to take their #14 ranking on the road against Miami today. As usually happens away from home, they lost, 51-48. After going 9-0 at home, Duke is now 2-3 on the road. Duke shot 34.5% from the field, including 0-5 from three for Greenwell. The Dukies had 22 turnovers and only 8 assists. Their scoring by quarter was 14, 13, 11 and 10. Not a good progression. It won’t get better for Duke. Thursday they play Louisville, on the road.

And one more -

UConn crushed Memphis 97-49, to raise their record to 11-0. The victory also lifted their AAC regular season record to 83-0. Gabby Williams poured in 20 points and led six Huskies scoring in double figures. Other fun numbers include:

1. Gabby went 10-10 from the field for her 20 points.
2. Megan Walker almost was perfect from the field at 5-6, including 2-2 from three range.
3. Katie Lou tied Napheesa with 9 rebounds to lead the team.
4. UConn had 24 assists on 44 baskets.
5. The Huskies outrebounded Memphis 46-16.
6. The defense held Memphis to fewer baskets (17) than turnovers (18).
7. UConn did not take a free throw in the first half and only 4 in the whole game.
8. Azura, Megan and Kyla scored 24 points off the bench.

Next up for UConn is East Carolina on Wednesday on SNY.
Go Huskies..!!

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