Doggydaddy's Den: Doggy's Doghouse 3/4/19

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Logan has his ticket in hand!! They are back in Connecticut!!!

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Well, that was interesting!! UConn was able to win a game that they played really poorly in so many ways. And that's a good thing. They beat South Florida 57-47, holding the Bulls scoreless for the last 6 minutes of the game. The defensive effort was led by Olivia Nelson-Ododa, who had a couple of blocks and a couple of steals plus a HUGE offensive rebound leading to a three point play by the other freshman Christyn Williams, who scored 8 of UConn's last 12 points.

UConn definitely looked off. Was it fatigue or the stress of knowing that Katie Lou Samuelson would not be able to play? Probably some of both. I know that when I played some hoops in ancient times there were plays where I had what I would call alligator arms. You know, where you just don't get full extension on your layup and leave it on the front rim. I think I saw that several times and by different players. Maybe the second game in three days and quick travel caused some fatigue. I don't know. It shows how much they missed Samuelson, not just her terrific play and leadership, but her 35-40 minutes. They will need her during the AAC tournament when they play 3 games in three days and of course the NCAA tournament of two games in three days.

I'm just glad this one is over and it was a win under a lot of duress.

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As bad as UConn played, No. 1 Baylor wasn't far behind, beating West Virginia 63-57 in a game that was close throughout. Lauren Cox led the Bears with 22 points and 10 rebounds. I'm sure that Coach Kim was not please with the low shooting percentage and too many turnovers. But just like UConn Monday night, a win is a win is a win.

David, in his "numbers" talks about bench play of the top teams or lack thereof. Same thing for Baylor in this game. In 25 minutes, they contributed for 6 points, 8 rebounds and 1 assist. And they had two starters play all 40 minutes and one play 38.

By David in Naples!!!!!

Saturday the UConn staters played the following minutes:

Dangerfield = 38 mins.

Williams & Collier = 35

Walker = 30

Samuelson played only 17 due to back spasms. Several UConn fans worry that playing too many minutes now will impact fitness in the NCAA tournament. I'm of the opinion the opposite is true. Going 35-38 minutes against Houston on March 3rd doesn't hurt in games played a month from now. But, just for fun, how long did Notre Lame starters play in the 37 point blow out of Virginia? Arike and Mabrey played 31 and 32 respectively. Turner, Shepard and Young went 29, 29 and 26.

How about Miss. State in their close game vs South Carolina? 40, 38, 38, 35 and 35. Well, so much for their bench helping out. How about Oregon in their close win over Arizona State? 38, 37, 36, 31 and 30. By the way, total scoring for Miss. State and Oregon bench? 0 points, combined..!! 8-)

Best of all, Oregon State went overtime against Arizona and their starters saw 47, 45, 43, 36 and 31 minutes of action. I guess nobody has a deep bench...