UConn and Notre Dame's Grades are in and They're NOT What You Expect

[@jackmatheson4671]

Hidalgo is incredible! People were saying ND was over rated for losing to unranked Utah. Looks like Utah should’ve been ranked higher!

[@northshores7319]

Gino blamed the loss because he felt some players didn't step up. I disagree. I thought his offensive scheme has been the same for the last dozen years and hasn't changed, which makes him inflexible and his team's easy to defend. So don't blame the players Geno, blame yourself.

[@usveteran9893]

Also, by not changing over the year's every opponent can prepare against him.

[@erics9213]

They were on Paige like white on rice all night and she still managed 25 points. She did play good D and they didn't get her the ball when she needed it. Hard to fault her, especially when she practically played the whole game. UCONN was just smothered and couldn't figure a way out of it. To their credit, they didn't get blown out. Both ND and UCONN were missing key players so who knows what would have happened if everyone was healthy. ND is a different caliber a team compared to who they played up until then.

[@GeneralRock114]

@@erics9213 Has everyone forgotten that ND was beaten by an unranked Utah team in addition to TCU???? Who was missing on ND??? UCONN has several contributing players out which is a college mystery and should be investigated by someone. Never in the college sports history has there been so many out with this many serious injuries.

[@oil9tankersultaccount805]

@@GeneralRock114 Notre dame missed Maddy, btw maddy destroyed uconn last year, they had no answer, and they were missed liza when they played tcu. Not to mention the 6'5 freshman got fouled out, so they were forced to to put a 6'0 girl on a 6'7 big. Notre dame outclassed uconn, and if they had all of their players healthy, they would have beat uconn by 20 tonight. If uconn has everyone and notre dame has everyone, I'll take notre dame all day long.

[@MiltonBrown-g1y]

Their whole front court, that's who​@@GeneralRock114

[@MiltonBrown-g1y]

Their whole front court, that's who​@@GeneralRock114

[@jvmbmc]

Agree 100%, I'm a UConn fan but they couldn't buy a 3 point shot in the first half. I was really disappointed in Shade's contribution Really showed how they missed Azzi on the court. Also the rebounding was just not good need to improve and if that means El Alfi to start then that's fine. .Overall The B grade is fine for this early in the season and with this young of a team.

[@dougpost8958]

I too was disappointed in Shae's inability to score, but she was the 2nd highest rebounder, and only took 4 shots. Other teams let their scorers find their rhythm, if they're missing early, they just keep shooting until they find it (a la Paige.) Shade is 3rd or 4th option when she's on the floor, and then she's taken off if scoring isn't there early. And if I remember correctly, there were a coiuple of sequences whe3re she looked open on the perimeter, but passed to someone else. Good shot for a great shot sure, but the great shots weren't falling, so take the good shot. And I thought she was playing pretty good defense, despite B2S's comment that her defense suffers when she's not scoring. I thought the refs were OK until the 4th quarter when they decided to tighten things up, likely to give the home team the home court advbantage as they always seem to do. Unless it's UConn who rarely get the HC advantage. And Strong got the ticky tack fouls they call on freshmen to let them know who's in charge (I expected el-Alfi to get them.) Although not a ND fan, I was glad to see Liza Karlin back on the floor. And looking forward to Cintron getting into the W and leaving the college game behind, she does enough damage to all ND's opponents.

[@jvmbmc]

@dougpost8958 also I think uconn had two turnovers right at the beginning of the 4th that seemed give ND the momentum

[@dougpost8958]

@@jvmbmc Yes, coupled with Hidalgo's buzzer beater at the end of the 3rd. One thing I've noticed, not every game, but many, is UConn has trouble making their first shots and their opponents don't, at least the good opponents. Against the weaker teams they can recover quickly from this, but not so much against the better teams as in this game. I think they were down double digits early, fought back, and then ND opened up in the 4th Q.

[@reachllnx3954]

@@dougpost8958she was 0-5 kk and Chen were better

[@usveteran9893]

@@dougpost8958 Since you mentioned Jana El Alfy. What I would try to work with her is similar to Lew Alcinder's [Kareem Abdul Jabber's] skyhook. I would want her to get in position under the rim, basically putting her defender under the rim. Once that is done, they pass the ball to her, one bounce on the floor, and do a hook shot banking off the glass into the rim. The only way to defend that would be to foul her.

[@cubfan747]

Hey anytime you put up 25 points against Citron and this Irish defense, you get an A+, Beckers is really really good, her teammates need to visit the Wizard of Oz and gain some courage to shoot threes, they passed on SOOOO many open threes!

[@Clannaboy]

I agree with you. I'm a long time ND season ticket holder who has seen a lot of great players for both the Irish and their opponents. I was very impressed with Bueckers for just the reason you cited. She had to work hard for everything she got, and she got 25. Bueckers isn't physically imposing, but she played really well in a very physical game. I also thought highly of Strong. She will be an outstanding player in time.

[@reachllnx3954]

So juju gets an A+ for her performance vs notre dame

[@SinisterAristotle]

@@reachllnx3954 if the benchmark was how they played against Sonia Citron, I think it’s undeniable that Paige performed better than Juju. The quality and degree of difficulty in the shots she was making was very impressive. Sometimes players will make shots and part of you will think, is this because it’s a fluke or because of skill? How reliable is this? After watching the shots she was making again, it was definitely more skill in creating space and making those baskets. Nevertheless, it was just one game.

[@norriswarner616]

@cubfan747 that was hilarious 🤣..the Wizard of Oz. I agree tho

[@SinisterAristotle]

Fwiw, this game had 915k viewers, which is the highest rated women’s college basketball game thus far this season. For reference, the highest rated game in December 2023 was 588k for Iowa vs Iowa State with Caitlin Clark also on ESPN. Not bad. It was a fun game to watch.

[@marcgwadz3998]

Good point about ND being better off with the loses. Now they know they have to bring it every night and keep improving, and don’t have the pressure of an undefeated season and top ranking.

[@back2sports]

yep agree.

[@amyk6319]

That is just BS because everyone is holding those 2 games against Notre Dame even though they have also defeated 3 top 10 teams already this year. What other top 10 team have as competitive a con-conference schedule as Notre Dame? Has any other team that the press has anointed as "top 10" team actually defeated 3 other top 10 teams?

[@janicerobertson6239]

Good Analysis! I agree with your starting lineup change while Azzi is out. El Alfi needs more time in games. I also agree with your grades, except I would give Paige an A.

[@ShanghaeThomas]

Paige is never overrated theres no i in team she just atleast need a 2nd out there if sttong didnt get into foul trouble thr game wouldve been closer

[@1WizeDove]

Well done! I enjoyed your analysis. Paige is the real deal; she just needs to start off faster. I do not agree with the grade you gave her but its subjective. Sarah Strong will take over college basketball. If Ms. Jane EL Alfy gets into the lab and work on her strength and conditioning, she has the potential and Euro experience to be a top big. You can definitely see glimpses of her skill. She appears to have mental lapses with confidence and maturity. Kate Koval for Notre Dame needs to get in the lab and work on her footwork and lower body strength. She has tremendous potential.

[@JayGHDTTP]

This was actually a pretty solid review/rating of the game and players. In regards to Brady vs El Alfy...right now, it doesn't matter which one starts because their production is about the same. The difference with them right now is that Ice has played more and is more comfortable in the system at this time. The separation will be determined as the season moves forward by which one shows the better production on both offense and defense. They will get another test in the post on Tuesday night vs Audi Crooks and against Kiki Iriafen next Saturday.

[@back2sports]

Team defence is better with el Alfy in line up. Every game.she is in a lineup that has the best PPP net.

[@Ifetayoyoga]

Paige’s super power is her efficiency, she’s always effortlessly efficient. But in big games she’s never taking over and dominating, And obviously teams are game planning specifically for her, but that never stopped Caitlin Clark from getting a 30 piece. I’m rooting for Paige and Sarah to step even more into their greatness 💪🏽

[@lecowardjames]

HOW CAN CALRK TURNOVER THE BALL AVG 5 PER GAME 😂😂SHE IS OVERRATED............ON EVERYTHING.................

[@Ifetayoyoga]

@ bc the ball is in her hands 80% of the game. She’s not over rated. Her impact is unmatched.

[@lecowardjames]

@@IfetayoyogaALSO EXPLAINED SHE IS A BALL HOGS JUST LIKE LECHOKE JAMES...............

[@Benzy-d3u]

Hidalgo is an absolute killer on the court. She's super aggressive, and her fire and passion are contagious. She's so quick and shifty that she's impossible to guard one on one.

[@dougpost8958]

25 is getting close to 30. Given how she was defended I think that's a pretty good night.

[@bhargavi9917]

Offence of uconn was fine. It's the poor defence that lead to the fall.

[@johnklein6040]

No, not true at all. UConn missed a lotta open shots.

[@beechercc6722]

Notre dame scored on 7 straight possessions in crunch time under 6 minutes to play and shot 55% from three…I think defense was Major issue along with turnovers

[@aryaa8849]

Leaving 3pts shooters open is crazy

[@TheDisruptiveOne]

There is nothing really for UConn to be worried about here. They are actually a very young team. This was a road game against the best backcourt in the country (I agree with Geno on that). They were in the game until late. Theoretically, they can add Azzi and Aubrey for the March games. Aubrey will help their defense and athleticism. And Azzi will help their shooting. There is nothing that scares me about their potential here. I will say, I want them to beat USC next weekend. I will probably feel a little less optimistic if they lose that game.

[@aryaa8849]

B is still okay to me. She needs to make them 3s. She has not been able to score them 3 even since Louisville game.I hope she got her 3s mojo back. She was double/triple guarded and still managed to get 25pts.

[@maidstoneplantfarm8079]

I don't think Geno was surprised to lose this game and I suspect UCONN will benefit from the loss. Shade is an on or off player and she was likely bothered by so many family members attending the game. However, give the girl credit; she always hustles. KK is tough and quick. I think UCONN will ultimately be switching their starting five depending on the strengths or weaknesses of their opponent,

[@Beatles4Sale.]

Notre Dame did a great job cutting off the passing lanes. UConn got very few open looks at the basket. Geno mentioned that they didn’t take or make enough threes. I also couldn’t understand why the UConn guards were going to the basket and leaving the three point shooters open. Maybe it was because they couldn’t get rebounds. But Notre Dame made them pay. I agree it was a good December loss. Even if they lose to Iowa State and USC it’s only December.

[@SinisterAristotle]

@@Beatles4Sale. If they do lose, I think it depends on how they lose. It all depends on how repeatable the success is. Sometimes teams lose because of lack of defensive effort (fixable) or the other team just gets hot (not repeatable) vs losses due to size advantages that gives a lopsided rebounding / paints in the paint edge (systematic and worrying-like Iowa vs South Carolina last year where they could have played 10 times and South Carolina would have probably won 8 or 9 of those just because of this advantage), etc, But if they lose to Iowa state and it’s not a clear case of something fixable like defensive effort, I would be worried-Connecticut has a better player in every position against them.

[@norriswarner616]

I'm still in therapy after this loss. I wanted the W from this game also as much as a natty. Hidalgo swept the whole floor single-handedly. I'm devastated!

[@back2sports]

Yep ND has their number. Good luck with grief

[@anthonywilliams763]

Can we get another South Carolina video ? And they’re progress ?

[@back2sports]

it is coming , going to take a deep dive into their best line up. thanks

[@Brain__Drain]

Reminder: UConn will go as far as Azzi Fudd's health will carry them. Without Fudd, there are just a decent team.

[@Asma-h7g]

really sad to see how the injuries derailed her career when she has more of taking over mentality at crunch time and always can have a calm presence saw her at the last game she was phenomenal and really really hard to guard

[@Kevin-tr6js]

Anything less than A- grade for Paige is too harsh. Scoring 25 on over 50% shooting against the tough D she was facing wasn’t easy. That said, I didn’t like her passiveness in those crunch time possessions, and I didn’t like that Strong managed to get up more three-point shots than her. That can’t happen. I agree with the rest of the grades though. I agree that KK and Jana should play more. I don’t care about KK’s outside shot; UConn is better with her on the floor. Shade should only be getting significant minutes when her outside shot is falling. Jana is still very raw but has much more upside than Ice. Playing her a lot against the weak Big East competition won’t hurt UConn at all and will only make her better for postseason. No one should be surprised that ND won like they did. That team is legit. It will be interesting to see what happens with Azzi and the other injured players and what Geno finally settles on for his rotations. UConn has a lot of things to figure out if winning it all is the goal.

[@reachllnx3954]

Ashlynn Shade ghost in big games time after time

[@usveteran9893]

Many times that has also been Azzi Fudd.

[@reachllnx3954]

@ eh not really and if it has she’s had legitimate good excuses whether she was fresh off injury hurt or sick if you’re one of those who hold her injuries over her cool.

[@dominictramonte2687]

I tend to agree with all. Uconn played well, but ND played great. They lost, and deservedly. It's hard for me to see why anybody thinks Paige is overrated, with 25 points, 3 boards, and 2 each steals and assists in 37 minutes. She was double teamed the whole game, too, except when she drew a triple. One thing I think you've missed-- you've mentioned they got out-boarded-- was they didn't share the ball well; 10 assists on 31 made field goals. We're used to seeing 20 or 25 in that number of baskets. Some of that was down to ND's defense, no doubt, but not all of it. The passing wasn't there. The double team thing works well, and Paige doesn't seem to mind, but there was no perimeter shooting to make it worth while in this game. I also think you're right: it's time to bench Ice in favor of Jana, and at least think about benching Ashlyn in favor of KK, at least till Azzi comes back. That hurts me more than I can say, because I love Ash, but the numbers don't lie. If she's gonna shoot like that, she deserves some pine time. Jana needs to stop fouling, but Ice can come off the bench if she gets in foul trouble. Maybe we've misfigured Ice; perhaps she's a natural role player who gives her all in short bursts. Morgan did OK, she got two boards in 5 minutes. Against ND's defense, that's nearly spectacular. She didn't take a shot. I keep going back to what Geno thinks about big guards. While she's got the Frosh jits, I think Morgan has that in spades. She's doing what the team needs: a solid performance on the boards and shoots in the high 40s from three. Q... I don't like this, but she needs to go to a lower ranked team, one where she can start and get some minutes. She's a sophomore. If she were going to develop into a bench player, she'd be showing signs of it already. She isn't ever going to start at Uconn, unless the injury bug bites. Hard. She's behind too many good-to-great players. Kaitlyn played a good game. I think you've down-rated her too much. Yes, I see the "Ghost of Nika" in her game, but unlike you I don't think that's bad. It doesn't always work, but when it does... Katy bar the door. A respectable showing from her. All in all, and while I am disappointed in their loss, we're still talking about a championship caliber team. I thought they might have taken it in the third quarter. It took Hannah having the game of her career to beat them. And a note on Notre Dame: Hannah and Olivia eat up all the press, but I think Sonia Citron is the best guard they have. I wish she played for us. She's what I think Morgan will grow into, except Morgan will be a batter shooter from deep by about 5-10 points.

[@billnichols5381]

UCONN’s team D was a D…and that’s generous. Give the offense a C-. Add to that, ND was without 3 players. They basically played 6.

[@billnichols5381]

I wish that you had graded the coaches and team defenses and offenses. I would give ND an A on all. I would give UCONN a C-, a D- and a C-. Your thoughts?

[@bennybenson5]

I think Paige deserves the A+. She’s not been put in the best position to succeed. If the ball was in her hands she could’ve contributed more. Her scoring as much as she did while being face guarded and having to run around lots of screens is very impressive. Hopefully Geno learns from this and decides to put the ball in her hands

[@RustyLou18]

Paige is spending a lot of time ON the floor. She looks like she's lost weight. Like Fudd, she's fragile, especially against more aggressive powerhouse teams.

[@bennybenson5]

@ why don’t you go weigh her then get back to us

[@fernandopaterno3710]

​@bennybenson5 bad sarcastic answer reflects immaturity .

[@khalfanjunim2982]

I'm still waiting for that dude who said he would come back to my comment that ND would win. I'm still waiting. Keep that same energy.

[@josephpullaro3159]

This snapshot of the right now: Hannah Hidalgo is that player who used to go to UConn when Geno would stack talent like cord wood. No longer. Paige is uncomfortable assuming the mantle of leader - always has been. Remember the BC game where Geno at half time said unless she has the ball in her hand she just stands around and everyone thought he was just being sarcastic Geno- that was not more evident than in this ND game. Which leads to the next thought - the player they miss the most is Aubrey who is that leader they need so desperately Jana right now is slow compared to the more athletic bigs she plays against. The number of fouls she accrues and the lack of rebounds especially against undersized more athletic opponents is evidence of that. As far as Azzi - unfortunately they need to move forward as though she is not going to be that consistent impactful player. They need a third scoring option and I think Aubrey is that third person. Shade and Brady are a transfer waiting to happen as they would do better elsewhere. Same with Ziebell. They miss the athleticism of Patterson. Cheli needs to play more. Sarah is the best all around player on the team bar none.

[@omegacon4]

Geno thinks exactly as you do but has lost his nerve in his old age to make the moves that are needed.

[@SinisterAristotle]

Yeah, Azzi has played a grand total of something like 30 games in 4 years at UConn! The odds of her playing 6 games in a row in the NCAA tournament let alone be a reliably available player for them for the rest of the year has to be really LOW. They can’t hang their hat on her being available in big games given that injury history.

[@VincentBaker-j1b]

Bruin Vince here, so you get an outsiders perspective on this game. First, I preferred your previous description of Hidalgo as, "the Tasmanian Devil." That's a better fit than your LT comparison, IMHO. I'm now convinced that Hidalgo is the best WCB guard in America. UConn got exposed for not having a 3 point specialist, and are much weaker on the glass than I thought. Fudd's knee situation may hinder her athletic ability in the future, which definitely could hurt UConn's chances down the road. As for ND, they looked great(especially Hidalgo), but better not get anyone injured, because they have little or no depth.

[@Kevin-tr6js]

Lol, UConn did have a 3 point specialist on the floor. Paige Bueckers shoots 42% from deep. Problem is, she only shot 4 and missed all of them. UCLA looking nice so far. Picking up Gardiner was a sneaky great move.

[@VincentBaker-j1b]

@@Kevin-tr6js You are right on all counts. I didn't realize that Bueckers shoots 42% from beyond the arc. Speaking of Gardiner she has been a great 3 point shooter for the Bruins. Gardiner is consistently good from 3 point range, unlike Londyn Jones, who runs hot and cold from deep.

[@usveteran9893]

This what I would work on with Jana El Alfy: What I would try to work with her is similar to Lew Alcinder's [Kareem Abdul Jabber's] skyhook. I would want her to get in position under the rim, basically putting her defender under the rim. Once that is done, they pass the ball to her, one bounce on the floor, and do a hook shot banking off the glass into the rim. The only way to defend that would be to foul her.

[@brianstarfire]

I agree with most of the grades and comments. I do hope el alfy starts in the future as you said. She seems more aggressive than Brady. I just feel like uconn doesn't have a real dawg or big game player the way HH is for the Irish. I also think the uconn coaching staff didn't prepare the team well. I expected better in-game adjustments. You cannot fall behind on teams like the Irish.

[@tko8218]

Both teams have one great superstar each. If their superstar has a bad night, the team has a bad night. Still, they'll both be at the big dance by the end of the season.

[@DT_Brown]

Hannah was just too fast her motor is too much for anyone else at this level. She’s insane

[@Benzy-d3u]

Hidalgo's a killer on the court. Her passion and intensity are off the charts. She's super aggressive on the court, and her quickness and shiftiness make her impossible to guard.

[@roxydejaneiro5640]

Not a fan, but Bueckers and the Huskies overall with an "A". There's nothing you can do about getting hit on the arm as you shoot jump shots and not getting free throws. 1 free throw in 35 minutes is very hard to overcome. ND at no point in that game had to be at all careful not to foul, while UConn did. The other issue: UConn didn't sure up defensive rebounding quickly enough in the first half (it didn't help the refs allowed ND to camp in the lane for 5-10 seconds). ND gets an "A" but it was an easy test. Their shots were going in and the officials CERTAINLY let them play. Of course it's women's basketball so both teams have a lot of room to clean up things as well as get stronger. Coaching. If it's the tourney, Geno gets a "D-". But I'm sure he's just using these games as practice and preparation.

[@KentaThusen]

More like Hannah Hidawgo!

[@00126601528]

Always a great job

[@back2sports]

thanks

[@Benzy-d3u]

Sarah Strong is great. She's the best freshman in the country. I like her size, and she can score inside and out. She's UConn's #2 option as a freshman. That says a lot.

[@BernardWallen]

It is obvious that ND gets up for big games. It is their lesser opponents that I am interested in watching them play where that chip on their shoulders isn’t present.

[@jackmatheson4671]

“Lesser” opponents (Utah) beat ND by double digits. Maybe UConn & USC ain’t all that.

[@oil9tankersultaccount805]

@@jackmatheson4671 They beat texas too, are they also not all that? What about if they beat ucla or sc??? Will those teams all of a sudden be "not as good"? That tournement was more like a vacation, they didnt take the games seriously, not to mention they were up in double digits both games. Notre dame was also missing 2 key players who play in the post. With the front court and backcourt finally set, notre dame will be just fine.

[@MiltonBrown-g1y]

​@@jackmatheson4671exactly!!!

[@MiltonBrown-g1y]

​@@oil9tankersultaccount805their not beating S.C. so keep wishing.

[@MiltonBrown-g1y]

​@@oil9tankersultaccount805they're not beating S.C. so keep wishing.

[@dougf9900]

This is just how it goes when UConn plays ND. The wins/losses come in streaks, but it’s always battle. I think the killer was how UConn started the 4th quarter with 3 straight turnovers after closing the gap in the 3rd. Unacceptable

[@Viper-ln6yt]

And yet, Notre Dame has already lost twice this season. Hidalgo is a great player, but one game isn't a good barometer to judge a season or player.

[@RustyLou18]

Get over ND's two losses, you got one now😅

[@Te_onhere]

3 top 5 teams have lost to ND top 5 championship contenders 🤷🏽‍♂️ they are legit

[@Viper-ln6yt]

@@Te_onhere Never said ND wasn't legit. Let's talk again after an entire season and the NCAA tournament.

[@Viper-ln6yt]

@@RustyLou18 I'm not bashing ND. My only point is that it's very early in the season to be giving out grades.

[@reachllnx3954]

She’s been the best player on the court twice vs UConn in the past 2 seasons

[@beechercc6722]

They showed up on the playground and Notre Dame took them to the Woodshed…spank city D+

[@chewymatchewy]

If you can put both arms around a player to stop their movement and not get a foul for that then you probably are going to stop that player from being impactful. I saw at least 2 times when Citron did that to Beuckers. Other times it seemed like ND was extremely handsy with no calls. King Crashed down on Beuckers for a rebound clearly out of control and not in position and no call. I get it they aren't going to let Beuckers beat them but some of those should have been called. Still a close game until late with the main difference being ND hit their 3s and Uconn didn't. Foul discrepancy is kind of an issue as well. Im hoping Griffin comes back sometime. I think she if 100 percent will greatly impact a game. We needed her athleticism to equal King from Notre Dame.

[@Bigballer-r7d]

I'm not a Notre Dame fan I knew Hannah Hidalgo would be.the difference in the game know answer

[@kozmiczian]

Not to be boring . . . but, the thing about South Carolina, is there IS no super-star . . . there are 13 of them, and any can hurt you any number of ways, it all ads up ina score collum. . . . well' see 👀.

[@back2sports]

but life is easier when you have Cardoso and Boston

[@JamesSnell-rc5xt]

Agree with you on Paige. My rating for her is B-. Yes she put up a lot of points, but her game just lacks any kind of soul right now. You can also see that whenever she's speaking to the media. The added pressures that NIL brings probably has a lot to do with it. So it's definitely National Championship or bust for Paige. I sure hope that Fudd and Griffin will be in prime playing shape come March, because I don't think the team otherwise has enough.

[@FabrizioPati-i6f]

B+, and what I thought even before seeing the video. Those missed open shots from 3s weigh heavily, but otherwise she did what she had to do, considering ND's aggressive marking. In my opinion, UConn's current way of playing forces her to expend too much energy; in attack she is the one who moves the most, she makes more screens than she receives, it's something that needs to be resolved

[@Viper-ln6yt]

Unfair. ND was mugging her the whole game and committing three defensive players at times to stop her. UConn players other than Paige and Sarah need to contribute to take the pressure off of Paige. This game would have been totally different if any other UConn player had been able to hit some 3s.

[@Benzy-d3u]

What added pressure does NIL bring?

[@JamesSnell-rc5xt]

@@Benzy-d3u Big money, and all of the distractions that go with it.

[@Benzy-d3u]

@@JamesSnell-rc5xt All the top players get NIL. That's a weak excuse. No excuses once you step on that court.

[@aryaa8849]

The day geno decided offense would go through paige i would be happy

[@back2sports]

it does, in that game she had a usage rate of 33%. Man everyone is being brain washed by Hunter's video.

[@howardosden3112]

You're an easy grader, but it was across the board, so okay. They shot like masons beyond the arc and out boarded on both ends. It seems like the shooters don't know their shot is going to miss until it does; they never trail in for their own rebounds. They just back off down court. The pluses were that it's early. It was on the road against a tough team in a tough environment. And they're playing short-handed with three upper classmen on the bench with injuries. This game should serve them well in identifying the areas they need to work on. And yeah, B+ on Buckets was kind, but compared to the rest of your grades, it was fair.

[@MichaelWright-im9zx]

I think Paige gets an A- and Ashlynn Shade an F, Ice Brady gets an F

[@Jimmie-e5e]

Love Strong - A. She's good. She is going to be great. Paige A-Started slow but still scored 25 points. Ice is overrated. D+ KK C+, please work on your jump shot, little sister. Chen did decently. Limit the turnovers. I would love to see Allie Z (sharp shooter) play more. She's a top-10 player. Let her play and set some picks. Jena needs more basketball moves. She's coming off an injury, but it's time to put it together, big girl. Shady: I'm disappointed. I expected more. Tame your nerves in big games, please. Morgan will come along.

[@back2sports]

yep seems about right

[@theodoremorehouse6460]

AZZI is hurt more than we are being told. She barely got touched and could be out for 3 weeks. Sad. We cannot count on her. Not her fault

[@carlfredb]

I wonder if KK and Jana start vs Gtown. Message sending time.

[@johnklein6040]

The notre dame game was the message sending time.

[@beechercc6722]

Kk needs to take over some Shade minutes

[@RudCh01]

I'm a UConn fan but I'd still give Paige a C+. It's one thing to say that ND game-planned for her, but in those situations Caitlin Clark would use her gravity to create plays for her teammates. Paige isn't creating plays, she's getting double-teamed and immediately moving the ball in a panic. Two assists with her gravity is unacceptable. So is getting out-rebounded 3x by someone six inches shorter. The fact that Hannah Hidalgo out-rebounded every Huskie is embarrassing and they need to do better. El Alfy is a foot taller and grabbed only two rebounds in 15 minutes.

[@chewymatchewy]

I don't disagree but what I have noticed over the last season and this one is teams will be very aggressive with their defense of her and if they don't double they will face guard and probably do some grabbing while they are at it. Totally reliant on the refs to determine whether that really works or not. This game Citron was grabbing at good times and faceguarding for much of the game. I have seen worse such as the Iowa semi game last year. That was definitely too much contact. What Paige hasn't been able to do as you said is dribble more and take players with her to set up an open player or develop some sort of juke move where she can get those players that are faceguarding with grabby hands to obviously foul where it gets called. Easier said than done but really I think if you can get a defender to get 2 early fouls for being to aggressive it would make life a lot easier for the rest of the game.

[@aryaa8849]

The difference between cc and pb is that cc is the main facilitator and offense run through her meanwhile in uconn, pb is not the main facilitator and offense doesn't run through her. During ND, it was chen/kk/ice.

[@forev.1491]

UConn’s ceiling is so high… I think that’s what excites me

[@DT_Brown]

Also I’m sorry I truly appreciate all the effort going into this content but her name is pronounced “Lee Uh Too” = Liatu

[@back2sports]

I am sorry it went 20 min as had to stay up till 2 am editing. Oh well.

[@regularpotato]

My main issue with uconn is their defense... terrible. Good defense would've made this a close game

[@charlesmitchell6452]

One game. 😂 We'll see who's in the final four!

[@cinquebleuu9408]

Notre Dame prove UConn is over rank. Coach Ivey out coach Auriemma point blank. Now the excuse is Notre Dame had home advantage, but had UCionn won ti would have been expected. Remember this with Sara Strong, Paige Bueckers, and team america coached by Geno Auriemma how can you lose. Yep! Obviously on court. Great job Coach Ivey for better scheduling at this point

[@aryaa8849]

Sarah would've played better had she not gotten that 3 early foul.

[@ShanghaeThomas]

I wouldve bench bradÿ for big games she just never show up with her size she should be causing problem know thry play too diff positions buy i'd rather play Q than her let Q get in foul trouble unless she does brady wouldnt get any

[@konga1653]

This loss by three things. What was Ice doing up top? Defending Hidalgo? Not in (her) position for shooting or rebounding? Sarah being better distributing, shooting the 3, and driving. UCONN looked RATTLED from the 1st quarter, reflected in their shooting/passing! UCONN is a MUCH better team than was exemplified by this game.

[@ShanghaeThomas]

Paige is her like cc she doesnt like to lose and when she does is like a beast is woken which a love

[@dlrichardson56]

lol i remember when back to back sports said paige is the best player in college ball. interesting.....there's a distinct reason she isn't, and it continuously shows why she's not. She doesn't have that dog in her. i dont care about her stats and how efficient they are. they are effecient becuase she's too selective in her attack and aggression. why do think geno made the comments he made and about hidalgo's aggression?? back to back sports you must attone for you mistakes in your mis evaluation. I also enjoy how you highlighted the little asian girl's 1 of 3 turnovers but paige herself had a idiotic turnover early in the game where she drove to the basket and had a point blank layup bcuz the defense decided to stay home, but instead she tried to force the pass to a player who wasnt open whatsoever. either way paige is great and love her game but i will force back to back sports to be fair, honest, and objective.

[@back2sports]

I said Chen did well in commentary. Happy for any poison u have but F _ _ _ ING hate we people accuse me of being racially biased. If that was the case , why did I crush Shade?

[@amyk6319]

Your whole video falls apart when you start whining about the free throw disparity. The refs weren't calling fouls on any shots the entire game. The free throws were only 5 FT shots for UConn vs 8 FT shots for Notre Dame until 1:37 minutes left in the game when UConn started purposefully fouling Notre Dame for the rest of the game. The foul whine is understandable if you just watched the highlights & looked at the box scores instead of actually watching the game, but then that would also negate your entire opinion on the actual game. Notre Dame got 3 foul calls on shots vs 1 for UConn during the game pre-bonus, but then UConn also got a lot of team fouls called on Notre Dame early in the 4th quarter which put them in the bonus round early in the 4th (with almost 4 minutes left). When UConn started purposefully fouling Notre Dame at the 1:37 mark, they still had to give Notre Dame 2 more fouls just to get them to the bonus. And during the 1st thru 3rd quarter the team fouls for both teams were even, so at the point UConn started purposefully fouling Notre Dame at the end of the 4th, the refs had called more team fouls over the whole game against Notre Dame than against UConn. So exactly how is this unfair or just the result of playing on the road? Unless you mean that UConn didn't have the advantage of their home referees making sure UConn got more fouls called on their opponents & extra FT shots.

[@back2sports]

Like i said in the video. I don't care. I like when refs let them plan. Wasn't bothered by the foul calls. I said UConn fan perspective would be PB was being held. Of course that is what they would think. Who care you won the game, be happy. The real point was in you lose 3pt , FT , and rebounds then you are likely going to lose and was surprised UConn did not lose by more - when you look how bad they lost in those three areas.

[@Hamilton47]

Hidalgo is kind of meh to me. Hope she has a long career in the W if she chooses to go

[@Benzy-d3u]

Meh?? What do you mean? Hidalgo is a superstar. She's only a sophomore, so she won't be draft eligible for a few years.

[@jackmatheson4671]

Meh??? What games are you watching? She’s incredible!

[@BigTexan59]

I don't get the "meh". Hidalgo is electrifyingly good.

[@HieuHoang-vp6ou]

Funny what Geno said & how praised HH also applied to exactly the same to CC, but Geno HAS NEVER & could never admit for CC. Such a warped discriminatory/ bigoted mind with beef towards CC clearly

[@Benzy-d3u]

CC wanted to play at UConn, but Geno didn't recruit her. She said if Geno had recruited her, she would have gone to UConn instead of Iowa. Geno always thought Paige was better, that's why he recruited Paige instead.

[@JPB242hgc2]

I'm not convince ND is as good as advertise they lost to TCU and Utah. Two teams I don't expect to be in the hunt for a championship and are not top ten ball clubs. UCONN will be OK, Geno will figure it out. PB did fine considering the double triple teams no help from the role players. SS has to be more aggressive driving to the basket instead of settling for 3's. Azzi back on the court, UCONN will be hard to beat

[@back2sports]

Or they are injured and playing tough early season schedule

[@cubfan747]

The Irish are so stacked, when healthy they could compete for WNBA championship! They LOADED! Go Irish!💚

[@byronkeith8490]

Paige to nice Paige a overrated descent player not the best player women's college basketball

[@lecowardjames]

HOW CAN CALRK TURNOVER THE BALL AVG 5 PER GAME 😂😂SHE IS OVERRATED............ON EVERYTHING.................

[@Benzy-d3u]

Paige is a great player, and she's efficient. She's more efficient than Caitlin. UConn is 8-1. Paige will be fine.

[@lecowardjames]

@@Benzy-d3u SHE DIDN'T LIVEUP THE HYPE,IF SHE NOT GET A RING

[@Benzy-d3u]

@@byronkeith8490 UConn is one of the favorites to win the national championship. This was their first loss of the season, on the road to a very good Notre Dame team. Paige still had 25 points in the game. People are making a big deal about a game in December? UConn is 8-1. They're good.