Doggydaddy's Den: Doggy's Doghouse 2/21/20

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Image result for not pretty has to be gritty

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UConn is playing Central Florida in a rematch from the game in Orlando where the Huskies had to hold off a Knights fourth quarter rally to win 59-52. It was only the second single digit win for UConn in their entire AAC existence.

Here are the highlights from that game

It was a brutal game, physical to the point of nasty. Here is what I wrote after the game:

This was only the second game in 125 conference outings that UConn did not win by double digit poinst. It did take a really dumb foul on a three point shooter with ten seconds left to create that final margin. However, it was only the death of a thousand cuts that made it even this close. The Knights just kept up that physical pressure defense, and closed the gap even though the game was NEVER in jeopardy.

This game was both a poor offensive outing for the Huskies and a terrific defensive outing for UCF. Even though I despise how they play and can't stand their coach, a woman of many faces, all them them show her disgust with her players and the refs, I have to give them plenty of credit. They committed 24 fouls and not all of them at the end of the game. They fouled all game long, and that 24 could have easily 34. It was that physical.

When you have a game played at that tempo it's truly difficult to get into any flow. I can tell you I have never seen a UConn team have back to back clock shot violations. Geno has to be besides himself.

As bad as UConn's offense was in this game, their defense was that good. Holding UCF to 3 second quarter points was the difference in the game. UCF is offensively challenged, but UConn's own pressure defense made them even worse.

No need to go into any more details of the game. UConn has turned into the gang that couldn't shoot straight and they need to break out of their slump before the Tennessee game. I still have a ton of faith in this team going into the Tulsa game.

Central Florida played some hellatious defense against UConn. I mean, serious kick-ass defense. Now, UConn didn't necessarily handle it well, but I'm not sure how many teams could have scored many points against the Knights the way they played. Granted, the officials helped them as they didn't call all the fouls.

Sometimes, we fans only look at what our team did wrong and not what the opponent did right. I say give credit where credit is due. UCF was terrific defensively in this game. I'm not sure they will face a more intense defense this season. That is, until February 22nd when they meet again.

I expect this game to be more of the same, but it UConn can hit some early shots, it could be over quickly. I don't expect UConn to shoot 38% from the field and 5-19 on threes either. That is what happened in their previous game against UCF. And I can't imagine Central Florida scoring 25 points in the last quarter again.

Geno has really been emphasizing defense lately and against the offensively challenged Knights, I would imagine it would be difficult for them to reach 45. UConn should get to at least 65 in this one.

So, I'll just do the math and say UConn by 20+.

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UConn/UCF Pregame Interviews

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Ok, here are three players. One of them declared for the WNBA in their junior season. The other two juniors have not.

Player A - PPG 16.0, FG% 47.3, 3FG% 33.0%, RPG 7.4, 55 assists, 54 turnovers, 22 stls, 9 blks
Player B - PPG 19.0, FG% 45.8, 3FG% 41.0%, RPG 8.9, 71 assists, 64 turnovers, 31 stls, 12 blks
Player C - PPG 18.1, FG% 48.3, 3FG% 32.0%, RPG 8.1, 59 assists, 64 turnovers, 24 stls, 12 blks

All three teams play comparable schedules.

You'd think that any of the three could be the player that declared for the draft. However, that player is Player A. Satou Sabally the terrific 6'4" forward from Oregon.

The player with clearly the best stats is Player B, Megan Walker. She leads this trio in points, rebounds, three point shooting, assists, steals and tied for blocks. So, should UConn fans be worried about her leaving? Lists always help.

Why stay at UConn?

1. Continue to get the best coaching in WCBB to improve your game.
2. Have a chance to win an NC.
3. Get to play with your BFF Westbrook
4. Improve your draft position to Top 5.

Why leave?

1. Damned if I know.

I just don't think Walker is even considering leaving.

Player C is Rennia Davis, the 6'2" forward from Tennessee. She is having a very good season and her stats match up with Sabally. I would think she would be a top ten pick with all the Tennessee fans out there, her addition to any team would improve visability. So, should Tennessee fans be worried about her staying?

Why leave?

1. A probable top ten pick that won't improve with another season under Coach Harper.
2. No chance to win an NC
3. While they get Zay Green back, they only add a couple of lower ranked freshman guard/forwards.
4. The team won't be much better than the probably double digit loss team she is on now.

Why stay at Tennessee?

1. Damned if I know.

It just feels like Davis leaving is something that will happen.

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Going along with the theme that players don't want to leave UConn, I posted a couple of links to nice write-ups about Evelyn Adebayo, UConn's graduate senior. She doesn't play much, but does she regret coming to UConn???

“The coaches are so supportive, they’re great, they want the best from me and they expect that from me and they won’t let you settle for less. CD is always on me in practice, Coach (Auriemma) is always on me in practice, everyone’s always on me in practice because we need everyone to be at their best,”

CD is the most friendly, loving, nurturing teacher and coach. She’s honestly a great coach,” Adebayo said. “She makes sure you understand and get something and same thing with Coach Auriemma. He really tries to make sure you understand and learn. He wants the best for you and Coach Shea [Ralph] and Coach Jamelle [Elliot], everyone’s so nurturing and loving.”

“The whole environment, atmosphere is amazing. It’s just different. You won’t ever get this anywhere else, the whole culture and everything. Honestly, this year, no matter what, I think this might’ve been my best year ever. I really loved this year because I really learned so much as a player and a person.”

“It’s crazy but it’s great. I love it here. I’m really going to miss it. Best program ever. It’s true.”

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By David in Naples!!!!

Time for a stats quiz that will surprise and impress UConn fans. (Answers further below)

1. Who has more offensive rebounds, Megan or Christyn?

2. Who is 2nd on the team in blocked shots, Aubrey or Megan?

3. Does Olivia have more blocked shots than Anna Makurat has assists?

4. Which current starter has the least free throw attempts?

5. Who has the most steals on the team?

6. Which players have started every game?

7. Who leads the team in overall shooting %? (minimum 40 attempts)

Answers:

1. Christyn 45 to 42.

2. Trick question, they are tied at 13.

3. Yes, 83 vs 72.

4. Anna has tried only 8. Next fewest is Crystal with 41.

5. Crystal is 1st with 48, Aubrey is 2nd with 38.

6. Megan, Christyn and Liv has started all 25 games.

7. Kyla is 25-45 or 55.6%. Liv is 2nd at 127-232 or 54.7%.

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UCONN LINKS

Women's basketball Gameday: UCF at No. 6 UConn
Defense has been UConn calling card
Graduate Senior Evelyn Adebayo getting a PhD in Basketball
"No matter what, this might be my best year ever"

Top Twenty-Five Scores and Links

Upsets in Red

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