Doggydaddy's Den: Doggy's Doghouse 2/6/19

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Well, that was fun! UConn broke out of a prolonged shooting slump to destroy East Carolina 118-55. And it never felt like it was that close.

Katie Lou quieted the critics for at least one night with a 31 point game. And she was 2-2 on threes but her game against the Pirates was way more than shooting. She posted up. She drove to the hoop. She rebounded. She defended. She passed. You name it she did it. She had 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals, 3 blocks. She got to the line often, going 11-13. And she was 9-11 from the field.

That normally would be the best shooting percentage for a game but Napheesa Collier went 10-10 in scoring her 21 points. She was just dominating when she got the ball in the paint.

Crystal Dangerfield never changes her expression. She never shows up the opponents with loud screams after a great play. She just does her thing. Her thing in this game was 13 points and 12 assists with zero turnovers. And many of her assists were of the spectacular variety. She is such a joy to watch.

Megan Walker only played 20 minutes but managed 14 points on 8 shots. She was 2-3 on threes and added 6 rebounds, 2 assists and a team leading 5 steals. She was really solid in this game, just what UConn needs from her the rest of the season.

So, did Christyn Williams finally break out of her slump? Maybe. The jury is still out. But she did play a lot better, scoring 15 points and adding 6 assists. I loved the three pointer she hit in rhythm on a fast break. No hesitation. The Huskies need more of that.

The bench....ah....the bench. They were just terrific in this game. They scored 25 points, grabbed 19 rebounds, handed out 7 assists and allowed the starters to get some needed rest. I believe Kyla Irwin had a career high 9 points and Bent had 8 points. But beyond the stats, all of the bench players looked like they belonged out there. Their play was crisp and even when all 5 bench players were on the court at the same time, there was little downslide. It was nice to see.

Geno was thrilled with the pace of the game and how they turned defense into offense early to kickstart their scoring.

Up next for UConn is Temple on Saturday in Storrs. The Owls played UConn tough on their court when the Huskies beat them 88-67 when Temple was only outscored in the second half 46-42. UConn will look to bring their improved pressure defense to make that margin more comfortable.

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Oops!!! Last night I said that UConn landed two on the late season Wooden Award list, Napheesa Collier and Katie Lou Samuelson. I can't believe I left off Crystal Dangerfield. And after her game against ECU where she had 13 points, 12 assists and zero turnovers, my mistake looks really really bad.

Sorry Crystal. You are indeed the best point guard in the country.

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Lots of Top 25 matchups on Thursday night.

No. 15 Syracuse is playing at No. 2 Louisville at 7:00.

No. 4 Notre Dame is playing at No. 25 Miami at 7:00. I remember Miami upsetting Notre Dame a couple of years ago. But this Miami team is really not that good.

No. 9 North Carolina State, coming off their first loss, is play at No. 24 Florida State.

No. 23 Michigan State is playing at No. 16 Iowa. ZZzzzzzzzz.

So, that means that in all likelihood, the No. 23, 24 and 25 teams will lose. Have fun poll voters!!!

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By David in Naples!!!!!

Want to break out of a shooting slump? Try scoring 70 points in one half..!! The Huskies shot 68% from the field, scored 27 baskets and held East Carolina to 25 points. Here are other highlights:

1. Katie Lou apparently doesn’t suck. She outscored ECU 27-25.
2. Napheesa went 7-7 shooting, felt 3 assists and blocked 2 shots.
3. Megan scores 9 points, grabbed 5 rebounds and had 4 steals.
4. UConn forced 17 turnovers and limited ECU to 11 baskets.
5. The Huskies assisted on 22 of their 27 baskets.

Lou shot 80% from the field and 100% from 3 range. Rumors of her decline are in fact, false. Critics will bitch at 2 missed free throws...😎

Go Huskies..!!