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GO UCONN!!!!!
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The impact of Cardoso missing the game
I keep reading the predictions, comments, and negative thoughts about UConn's chances in this game.
I really believe that fans are not giving enough weight to the impact of Cardoso missing this game. It is in several levels.
1. South Carolina Offensive.
Cardoso is the leading scorer on the team at 13.8 PPG. It's not just her scoring but how she gets her points. She leads the team with 65 offensive rebounds and many of those become a putback by Cardoso. Those are really disheatening to the opponent.
She also leads the team in getting to the free throw line. She shoots them at a respectible 69%. Teams have no choice to foul her when she is making her move to the hoop.
It's not easy to make up her production and her presence opens things up for other players when the opponent has to double her in the post.
2. South Carolina Defensive.
It almost goes without saying. She had 60 blocks on the season, 2.9 per game. While that is a big number, that doesn't take into consideration how many shots get intimidated by her size in the middle. She impacts every drive to the basket to the point where teams stop doing that.
3. UConn offense.
In this game, UConn will be able to play like they do against other opponents. While Watkins has blocked as many shots as Cardoso, she is not intimidating. The Huskies will be able to drive to the basket without looking at 6'7" with long arms waiting for them.
4. UConn defense.
The biggest impact on defense for UConn is that they won't have to double team the post. That is huge. Double teaming has a trickle down effect of leaving perimeter players open for shots. And against a team that leads the countty in three point shooting percentage, that is really important.
5. Comfort level.
South Carolina has a comfort level when Cardoso is on the court. It's something they had going for them all season. Now she won't be there. They just haven't played without her other than the previous game against Missouri. And Missouri is no UConn. We know how missing your star player impacts a team the first game you play without them. It ain't easy.
I posted comparisons of stats for a few UConn/South Carolina players. It's pretty close. And I left off Paige in those comparisons.
This game is going to be closer than many think.
GO HUSKIES!!
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UConn/South Carolina Preview
The Hoodie and The Headband
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** Designates Upset
Games Saturday February 10th, 2024
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#1 Player in the country, Sarah Strong showed out on Senior Night in front of Dawn Staley! @thesarahstrong pic.twitter.com/5tmBPVBQgs
— Ballislife Womens Basketball (@ballislifewbb_) February 10, 2024
It's gonna hurt if Strong ends up at South Carolina. I wouldn't be surprised if she is at the game Sunday. Probably behind the South Carolina bench on a visit. Bummer!
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Straight from the Dog
Well, no one wanted to play so I'll just give you the answers.
Here are the first contestants Johnny!!!
Raven Johnson - 9.1 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 5.2 APG, 2.3 SPG, 1.6 TPG, 49.4 FG%, 38.1 3FG%, 62.5 FT%
KK Arnold - 9.4 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 3.1 APG, 2.2 SPG, 1.9 TPG, 51.3 FG%, 39.5 3FG%, 71.9 FT%
Pretty comparable players don't you think?
Here are the next contestants Johnny!!!
Bree Hall - 10.0 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.9 TPG, 48.2 FG%, 45.6 3FG%, 70.0 FT%
Ashlynn Shade - 11.2 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.9 TPG, 51.5 FG%, 37.6 3FG%, 94.4 FT%
Another close match up....
And our last contestants Johnny???
Te-Hina Paopao 1 - 11.6 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 3.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.5 TPG, 48.9 FG%, 48.5 3FG%, 82.6 FT%
Nika Muhl - 7.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 6.3 APG, 1.3 SPG, 2.4 TPG, 49.3 FG%, 41.1 3FG%, 54.5 FT%
One scores more, one passes better....tough call.
Wait we have a couple of late arrivals!!
Ashlyn Watkins - 9.0 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.1 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.3 TPG, 58.3 FG%, 0.0 3FG%, 55.6 FT%
Aaliyah Edwards - 17.7 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.5 SPG, 2.3 TPG, 60.2 FG%, 0.0 3FG%, 74.5 FT%
Clear winner here!!!!
My point is that the South Carolina players, at least statisitcally, are not superior to the UConn players. Of course other factors come into play like experience and atmosphere but without Cardoso, it's a pretty darn close match up.
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By PHIL
Milestone watch
Plus one for every assist block point rebound and steal. I don’t add extra for offensive rebounds as it already seems to favor the bigs. Minus one for every missed shot (2, 3 or foul), turnover or foul committed.
UConn 85, Seton Hall 10.
Net positives/minutes played: Aaliyah 31/33, Paige 16/30, Ashlynn 13/37, Qadence 6/12, Nika 6/35, Ice 5/15, Ines 4/4, Amari 0/6, KK -3/28.
Oh Canada!! Subs looked better, keep improving! Go Huskies!
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