View from the Den- UConn vs Duke Post game report

Actual game view

 

 

 

 

Well, it's over. Finally. Duke vs UConn. UConn vs Duke. Unless they meet in the NCAA's, UConn will not be playing the Blue Devils again in the foreseeable future. Duke coach Joanne P. McCallie is going home and taking her ball with her.

 

But who can blame her? Since starting a yearly game against UConn, Duke has been embarrassed on the court pretty much every time. If Duke was using UConn as a measuring stick every year, they might as well be using light years. The gap is huge, but we won't be finding out anytime soon if that will stay that way.

 

This game was no different than most of the others between these two programs. Duke plays UConn tough for several minutes, maybe even a half. UConn destroys Duke in the second half. Rinse, Lather and Repeat. This game was eerily similar to two years ago in Gample where UConn had a two point lead at the half and went on to win by 30. This time UConn was up seven and won by 31.

 

UConn and mostly Tuck and Stewart had real trouble with the ball and decision making in the first half. UConn had 11 turnovers, but it seemed like 100. And most of them were just sloppy errors that just shouldn't happen. And most of those occurred during the Duke 16-3 run. It was as ugly a 3 minutes of play as you will see from this team. Bad decisions, weak passes, metal errors. Yuck!!!!!

 

It was clear that UConn was missing Nurse, who was out with foul trouble. UConn was up 11 when she went out, and until 7 minutes left and the score was 22-22. At this point Geno subbed in Chong and it's no coincidence that UConn ended the half on an 11-4 run. She was all over the court, making her presence felt on defense. She had a tough offensive rebounds and at least one nice pass to an open KML for a 3. Chong is still struggling from three  point land, but she didn't let that effect the rest of her game. She really was a spark plug the last 5 minutes of the half.

 

Behind the three point shooting of Jefferson and some terrific pressure defense, UConn started the half on a bit 23-11 run, expanding the lead to 19 in the first 8 minutes. It might as well been 30 and that is basically where it ended up.

 

UConn just stretched out the lead it appeared that, like their coach, Duke was happy the game was over and feeling good that they wouldn't be facing them again next year. I'm sure Williams, who had a nice game, will be happy to never see a UConn jersey on the court with her ever again.

 

Moriah Jefferson Player of the Game

 

Jefferson had another great performance with her 18 points and her 3 point shooting percentage is back over 40% after going 3-4. But while her offense was great, it was her defense that made a big difference in the game. Once UConn went into their full court and pressure defense, Duke had no answers. Between her and Nurse, they have maybe the best defensive backcourt in the country. After the Stanford game, based on fan reaction, you would have thought they were the worst. Silly Huh.

 

There were several concerns before the game voiced by many fans and I'm pretty sure they answered them all. Other than that 3 minutes hiccup, UConn outscored them by 42 points.

So, how did my prediction go? Let's review.

A few things you can always count on. It will rain right after you wash your car. The Cubs won't win a world series and Duke will lose by a lot to UConn. Well, in Duke's case, maybe they can change that this year.

Nope. No change.

I'd have to say after watching both the South Carolina game and the Kentucky game that Duke has a shot to keep it close. For that to happen, a few things have to happen. 

1. UConn has to shoot 33% or less on three point shots. If UConn is 40% or more, it's going to get ugly.

Guess what, it got ugly and UConn shot 41%.

2. Duke has to hold UConn's fast break opportunities to a minimum.

Fast break points-DUKE 2,UCONN 17.

3. Slow down Stewart. Bump and hold like the other teams have. They have the size to do it.

Stewart with 14 points 5 rebounds 6 turnovers. They did a good job but Stewart took herself out of the game.

Do those three things and they can keep it close. But those three things have only to do with Duke stopping UConn. Can Duke score against the improving UConn defense? Can they hit at a higher percentage than the 44% from the field and 29% on 3's that they have done to date?

They only were able to do 2 out of 3.  And UConn's defense was outstanding, holding Duke to 31% for the game.

Oh yeah. I left off their coach. She might have to be home with the flu for Duke to win.

Enough said. Her post game presser was disgusting. Blaming the players without taking any responsibility is just something I find distasteful.

Duke is too young, not quick enough and their defense is made for UConn's 3 point loaded offense.

Yep, Yep and more Yep.

UConn by 15+.    

 

I keep underestimating this team. It's good for the Mojo.