[PalmTree]

We are a big problem for other teams. Maryland was also a really good opponent. Texas, UCONN/Indiana, NC State, South Carolina, all of the remaining teams are highly talented and daunting to face. Yes, even Creighton and South Dakota.

I don’t think we could have scored at will in the 4th quarter if we wanted to, mostly because it’s ludicrous to think that we didn’t want to in the first place. One factor that it doesn’t seem like we’re talking about as much is that Cam fouled out with 6:43 remaining. Regardless of how one views the reffing in this game (I think it was not great on either end), Cam not being on the floor undoubtably affected our play in those last 6+ min of the game.

We dominated Maryland for 3 quarters, to the point that even our poor play in the 4th didn’t allow them to get closer than 6—and as BillBradley wrote, MD only achieved that margin on a last-second 3 when the game was decided. This was essentially a 9-point win over one of the best teams in the country.

We can play with and beat any team remaining in this tournament. Does that make it unreasonable to worry about our upcoming opponents? No. It’s sports! Worrying about the next game is practically included in the price of admission! It’s possible to both have confidence in our team and worry about our shortcomings and our opponents’ and potential opponents’ strengths.

Actually, Cam fouled out with about 4:10 or so remaining - MD got the ball inside and/or attacked the rim with multiple players on each of their shots, probably hoping to get fouls on her and it worked.  Fran did an OK job getting good inside positioning when she was in but she's more flat footed and less aggressive going after the ball, plus she tends to get tied up pretty easily when she's planted.  I have more confidence with Kiki subbing in for Cam, but that's just me - she's got more natural "game instinct" and is a better inside scorer, IMHO.

That said, we made it through - survive and advance.

[PalmTree]

We are a big problem for other teams. Maryland was also a really good opponent. Texas, UCONN/Indiana, NC State, South Carolina, all of the remaining teams are highly talented and daunting to face. Yes, even Creighton and South Dakota.

I don’t think we could have scored at will in the 4th quarter if we wanted to, mostly because it’s ludicrous to think that we didn’t want to in the first place. One factor that it doesn’t seem like we’re talking about as much is that Cam fouled out with 6:43 remaining. Regardless of how one views the reffing in this game (I think it was not great on either end), Cam not being on the floor undoubtably affected our play in those last 6+ min of the game.

We dominated Maryland for 3 quarters, to the point that even our poor play in the 4th didn’t allow them to get closer than 6—and as BillBradley wrote, MD only achieved that margin on a last-second 3 when the game was decided. This was essentially a 9-point win over one of the best teams in the country.

We can play with and beat any team remaining in this tournament. Does that make it unreasonable to worry about our upcoming opponents? No. It’s sports! Worrying about the next game is practically included in the price of admission! It’s possible to both have confidence in our team and worry about our shortcomings and our opponents’ and potential opponents’ strengths.

Actually, Cam fouled out with about 4:10 or so remaining - MD got the ball inside and/or attacked the rim with multiple players on each of their shots, probably hoping to get fouls on her and it worked.  Fran did an OK job getting good inside positioning when she was in but she's more flat footed and less aggressive going after the ball, plus she tends to get tied up pretty easily when she's planted.  I have more confidence with Kiki subbing in for Cam, but that's just me - she's got more natural "game instinct" and is a better inside scorer, IMHO.

That said, we made it through - survive and advance.