Doggydaddy's Den: Doggy's Doghouse 3/1/19

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So, my daughter flew to Florida for a long weekend. Perfect timing to miss two Connecticut snowstorms. If she is lucky her return flight will be delayed and she gets to spend one more day with her brother.

Logan is show us his snack bar

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Ahhh…..Senior night. Always such a bitter sweet time. I love that the players stay four years and graduate with their class. But it's a tearjerker to watch them walk with their parents to midcourt to the ovation of the crowd. Last time playing in Gampel.

These two young ladies, Katie Lou Samuelson and Napheesa Collier, have done nothing but bring joy to the program. Their work ethic was as good as any players ever in the program. And amazingly, they ended up the highest scoring duo in UConn history, with more points yet to come.

I was so lucky to go to a practice and meet these two wonderful young women. My hope is that they can end their careers on a winning note!!!!

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UConn is also honoring Rebecca Lobo, retiring her No. 50 and celebrating her career at UConn. Her decision to come to Storrs and play for Geno changed the history of WCBB. She was the BEST player in the country and her running around the court after UConn beat Tennessee for the title in 1995, the first of eleven for the Huskies.

Thank you Rebecca for coming to UConn! This Connecticut fan really appreciates you!!!! And thanks for letting me get this selfie!

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By David in Naples!!!!!

PART I

UConn has shot 49.6% from the field so far this season, scoring 2,347 points. That includes the 627 three-point attempts that only go in at a 37% rate.

The 5 worst shooting performances were:

1. Baylor = 29.4% from the field.

2. Louisville = 38.0%

3. Cincinnati = 39.6%

4. Oklahoma = 40.0%

5. Tulsa = 40.6%

Obviously, the two worst shooting performances resulted in losses to Baylor and L'ville. The other 3 games with sub par shooting resulted in wins of 9 points, 10 points and 19 points. The average margin of victory is 29 points, so poor shooting matters. That is not news.

But, poor shooting can sometimes be made up for with good defense. Cincinnati, Oklahoma and Tulsa scored 55, 63 and 49 points. Baylor and L'ville only scored 68 and 78 points respectively but won because UConn scored less. Notre Shame scored 71 and lost big, 89-71. So did Temple, who scored 74, but gave up 109. South Carolina actually scored 79 points, but again lost because the Huskies scored 97.

The Baylor and L'ville loses were by 11 and 9 points, despite the Huskies worst two shooting performances. In the NCAA tournament, UConn will need very good defense with better than average shooting. Can the defense be "very good"? It can. Can the offense shoot 45% against the best teams? I hope so.

PART II

If the two worst shooting games were losses, what would UConn have had to shoot to win? The answer is surprising.

1. Baylor - UConn went 20-68 (29.4%) from the field. Increase that to 36% and UConn wins. That is just 4 more baskets made, out of 48 missed. (36% x 68 shots = 24 baskets). As long as 1 of them was a three, the Huskies win. ( 3x3 =9 plus 1 x 3=3) An 11 point loss becomes a 1 point win. Clearly a closer game plays out differently for Baylor as well. But, in theory, simply missing 44 shots instead of 48 wins the game.

2. L'ville - At Louisville, UConn went 27-71 or 38.0%. They lost by 9 points. Raise that shooting % to 45% and UConn scores 4 more baskets. Make two of them three-pointers and a 9 point loss becomes a 1 point win. They miss 40 shots instead of 44. How reasonable is shooting at least 45%? The Huskies failed to reach 45% only 6 times all year.

The point is that losing two games required the two worst UConn shooting efforts of the year. The team averages 50% for the season. Making just 8 more baskets would have made those two losses into wins.

Maybe...

Go Huskies..!!

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In the early Friday night games, there were two upsets!!!

No. 21 Arizona State beat up on No. 9 Oregon State 66-54. The PAC12 is so competitive this year!!! This game will really cost Oregon State in seeding. They might be out of the 2nd seed position. And ASU might be a solid 3 seed after this win.

No. 13 Marquette, despite a furious last minute rally, looked pretty lousy in a 71-65 loss to unranked Creighton. A seeding complicating loss. Does this more Marquette outside the 4th seed area? Marquette is a dangerous team, but this loss was a head scratcher.

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UCONN LINKS

Life of Lobo: UConn to honor a Connecticut legend

UConn Women's basketball: Huskies to honor seniors, retire Lobo's

Close friends and teammates Napheesa Collier, Katie Lou Samuelson

Women's basketball gameday: Houston at No. 2 UConn

WCBB LINKS

Top 25

Friday's Games

No. 6 Oregon Arizona (Late Game)
No. 7 Stanford Washington State (Late Game)
No. 9 Oregon State 54 No. 21 Arizona State 66
No. 13 Marquette 65 Creighton 71
No. 23 Drake women hold off Southern Illinois 71-64
No. 25 UCLA Utah

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