Wow...was it ever. UCLA is one physical team. And the refs certainly let them play that way. What ever happened to the "freedom of movement" that the NCAA wanted to see?
That being said, I am so proud of my UConn Huskie team in winning 69-61. They could have easily folded when down 46-41 with around 3 minutes left in the third quarter. It was at this point in the game against Buffalo where they let the Bulls back into the game and were outscored 23-11 to end the game. But in this one, UConn stood tall behind their smallest player and outscored UCLA 28-15.
Dangerfield was just amazing in the second half scoring all 15 of her points. She hit from long range, mid-range and one amazing layup high off the glass. She refused to let UConn lose.
The Huskie defense was outstanding in this game. They knew that UCLA was not a good outside shooting team and other than a brief time where they hit a few threes, the strategy of playing off the shooters worked. Overall they held UCLA to 6-22 on threes for 27% and 31% overall. A great job by UConn.
The Bruin strategy of taking shots and working the offensive boards was somewhat successful. Onyenware is a really really good rebounder. While the refs refused to call any over the back rebounding fouls on UCLA, it shouldn't take away from the effort the Bruins put forward on the boards.
The battle of the point guards was no contest. Dangerfield led UConn to the win while Dean really struggled in this game shooting 6-22 from the field and 1-11 on threes. Those stats are just killers.
I know I've picked on the refs a little here. But they deserve it. I can name a few blatant bad calls that went against UConn. Some were HUGE.
- Katie Lou was fouled and they correctly make it a flagrant 1 foul. Two foul shots. But she clearly pumped faked the defender and was going up for the basket. It should have been two more foul shots and the ball. Terrible.
- After that call, there was some big time lobbying by Coach Close, basically continual yelling at the refs. Eventually they called a foul on Megan Walker. Replays showed she didn't tough the player.
- Samuelson was called for a blocking foul when the UCLA player clearly lowered her shoulder AND pushed Katie Lou down. Just a horrible call.
- Last in the game Samuelson was passed the ball on the inbound play and was clearly fouled when a Bruin slapped at her. Katie Lou then dribbled up the court where another Bruin clearly hip check her and no foul called.
There were more. It's too bad that's how the game was called. Great that UConn fought through all that and won a really tough game.
Did I mention how proud I am of them? So is Geno.
Fast forward to 20 minute mark for start of the UCLA Press Conference. To see the UConn press conference fast forward to 41 minute mark,
Remember this from yesterday?
"An opponent that thrives on toughness and aggression against a group of players that have tended to play meekly and tight in big games. This game is a big-time concern."
I hope whoever posted this the other day can even look themselves in the mirror.
IN YOUR FACE!!!
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UConn is going to get a rematch with Louisville who beat Oregon State 61-44. I don't know if they are happy with who they are playing, but I know I am. Revenge is a dish best served cold, and I expect UConn to have ice water in their veins and determination on their defensive play and shut down the Cards.
I'll try to have a Pre Game Report out sometime Saturday, but I'm not sure I will have time with the short turnover. Thankfully I have a great shell with the preview I did when they played earlier in the season.
By David in Naples!!!!!
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UCONN LINKS
UCLA bows out of women's NCAA Tournament with loss to UConn
UConn beats UCLA 69-61
Women's basketball's tournament run ends as UCLAt falls to UConn
UCLA's NCAA tournament run ends in Sweet 16 with 69-61 loss
WCBB LINKS
Friday's Games
Albany Region
2 Seed UConn 69 6 Seed UCLA 61 (Links in the UConn Section)
Louisville knocks off Oregon State, will face UConn in Elite Eight
Portland Region
Mississippi State advances to third consecutive Elite Eight
Oregon's defense makes the difference as Ducks beat South Dakota
Saturday's Games
Greensboro Region
2 Seed Iowa vs 3 Seed NC State 11:30 AM ESPN
1 Seed Baylor vs 4 Seed South Carolina 1:30 PM ESPN
Chicago Region
1 Seed Notre Dame vs 4 Seed Texas A&M 4:00 PM ESPN2
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