UConn SMU Post game report

 

 

UConn-SMU Post game report (pictures from the Hartford Courant)

 

Yeah, I know. SMU is a terrible team. They have lost 8 in a row. They can't shoot, they can't defend. They won my Ugly Game award. Blah blah blah.

 

All of this doesn't take anything away from a dominating performance by UConn. Geno loved the ball movement and the quick attacking offense. He said at the half that "the team sometimes passes until they hit the pass for the turnover". He was happy with today's passing for sure. They got so much accomplished in this game and my player by player write up shows what each player brought to the table Sunday.     

 

 

 

Player of the Game - Gabby Williams  

 

Gabby was ranked in various spots by the recruiting services, but it's looking more and more like ASGR was right in ranking her 2nd in the 2014 class. She is getting more and more comfortable and the 12 point 16 rebound game was just one more step to her becoming the big contributor UConn needs in the front court. She is starting to remind me of one of my favorite players, another small rebounding forward in Nina Davis of Baylor. I believe we will continue to see her improve every game over the weak conference schedule and her next big test will be against the South Carolina front line. She needs to be able to help UConn in games against tough opponents.   

  

Moriah Jefferson 
 

Moriah just keeps getting better and better and that is hard to believe. Sunday, she decided to be the queen facilitator and she did an amazing job with 10 assists and zero turnovers. She just did whatever she wanted. I haven't seen a defense yet that can control her. I believe she is on the march for AA status. She also shot 50% from the field and 50% on three pointers.

  

Morgan Tuck

 

Not the best game for Morgan, but as always, it's just great to see her play another 21 healthy minutes. That is always the No. 1 priority for me. She went 0-3 from beyond the arc as she was constantly challenged by the defense to take the open shot. As the winner of the 3 point shooting contest at the McD's game her senior year in HS, we all know she can make them. I just hope she doesn't get discouraged about that part of her game. She needs to keep taking them, even if she is missing. Think Kelly Faris. She will get it going eventually. 

 

Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis

 

I saw this picture and I knew I just had to use it. I've gotten so weary of the conversation about her being in shape and comments about her body shape. This picture, although in warm ups, shows how great she looks. Sunday, she broke Diana Taurasi's career three point shooting record, making her first three at 3:18 into the game. Congrats to KML!!   

 

 

 

Breanna Stewart 

 

Stewart came out on fire Sunday. She clearly has not been happy with her performances lately, based on a few interviews I've read. She has to be happy after this game. 19 points on 8-10 shooting, 2-2 on three's, eight rebounds and four blocks. It was great to see and I expect her to build off this terrific effort.    

 

Kia Nurse 

 

I just love this picture. It shows the effort and determination of Nurse guards a player 4 inches taller. Another double digit scoring effort for Kia along with 4 steals. The unusual stat is that she didn't have any assists in this game. Looks like Jefferson hogged them all!! Even so, a terrific all around effort from Kia.

 

Sorry, no game photo's for the next three players

 

Kiah Stokes

 

I LOVED Kiah's game tonight. She looked for the ball in the post and the guards found her. 7 points and 8 rebounds along with 6 blocks is something I will take from her every game. The 4 TO's? I can do without those. She is SO intimidating to the other team, it's amazing that she had 6 blocks. You would think the opponent would stop shooting anywhere near her.

 

 Saniya Chong

 

 A great game for Chong. I can't tell you how good that felt to write. She really looked better Sunday.

 She was 3-4 from the field and 2-3 on 3 pointers. With two assists and zero TO's, she did exactly what Geno wanted. This should be a big confidence booster for her. UConn needs her to back up the two guards with solid minutes. Geno got that Sunday.     

 

Courtney Ekmark

 

0-4 on three pointers, her only shots of the game. Tough outing, but if you are going to be a three point specialist you need to take them and make them. Just keep shooting them. Keep working at it Courtney. It appears Geno will get you minutes. 

 

My last photos are all about the defense, about the defense, no trouble.  

 

 

 

 

I could have given an award to the entire team for it's defensive effort. UConn needs to keep working hard in that area. It's what will eventually lead them to another National Championship.

 

 

 

UConn's next game is Wednesday at 7:00 against Tonya Cardoza's Temple Owls. It certainly won't be as bad as this game, but Temple won't be able to keep it much closer. Geno hates to run it up on his former coaches, so look for the plug to be pulled early.