[mbdude]

Quote from Boneyard: "Massey ranking: Utah [b]fell[/b] one spot in Massey for beating Stanford. Stanford did not move for losing."

I am not very familar with Massey ranking

and latest RPI as of midnight yesterda
RealTimeRPI.com Women's College Basketball Rating Percentage Index (RPI) Ratings - A leading sports ratings and resources community on the Internet

[mbdude]

Quote from Boneyard: "Massey ranking: Utah [b]fell[/b] one spot in Massey for beating Stanford. Stanford did not move for losing."

I am not very familar with Massey ranking

and latest RPI as of midnight yesterda
RealTimeRPI.com Women's College Basketball Rating Percentage Index (RPI) Ratings - A leading sports ratings and resources community on the Internet

[81alum]

Quote from Boneyard: "Massey ranking: Utah [b]fell[/b] one spot in Massey for beating Stanford. Stanford did not move for losing."

I am not very familar with Massey ranking

and latest RPI as of midnight yesterda
RealTimeRPI.com Women's College Basketball Rating Percentage Index (RPI) Ratings - A leading sports ratings and resources community on the Internet

Massey is a mathematician who developed his system in the 1990s to evaluate any competitive league, and you can use his system for almost any pro or college sport.  It predated things like RPI and NET and was partly an inspiration for them, but was always more sophisticated and---to its fans--more accurate.  It is like all computer rating systems dependent on the amount of data that goes into it, and so it gets more accurate as the year goes on.

He gives a full explanation here:
https://masseyratings.com/theory/massey.htm#overview

Ratings Overview
In essence, each game "connects" two teams via an equation. As more games are played, eventually each team is connected to every other team through some chain of games. When this happens, the system of equations is coupled and a computer is necessary to solve them simultaneously.
The ratings are totally interdependent, so that a team's rating is affected by games in which it didn't even play. The solution therefore effectively depends on an infinite chain of opponents, opponents' opponents, opponents' opponents' opponents, etc. The final ratings represent a state of equilibrium in which each team's rating is exactly balanced by its good and bad performances.

Utah probably dropped because it was getting credit for wins over good opponents, who must have lost that day.  For example, one of Utah's best wins was over 14 Arizona, but Arizona lost yesterday to a weaker Oregon State.  Perhaps this, and other games, are what affected Utah. 

Massey does take account of home and away games, so my guess is that we were weakened by our loss, but not enough to drop us below UConn with even more losses than we have.  If we had lost at home, it might have been enough. 

One of the interesting things about Massey is that his system generates offensive and defensive power ratings.  Here, for example, are what they are today for a few teams:

Offensive Teams:
1 Iowa
2 Oklahoma
3 Utah
4 Maryland
5 South Carolina
6 DePaul
7 LSU
8 Ohio State
9 UConn
10 Florida State
11 Indiana
12 Stanford

Defensive Teams
1 South Carolina
2 Duke
3 Stanford
4 UConn
5 Princeton
6 Texas
7 USC
8 Mississippi
9 Indiana
10 Georgia
11 Colorado
12 Washington

Notice that Utah really is an elite offensive team and we are next in the league, but a ways back.
Notice that we really are an elite defensive team, but see that USC, Colorado, and even Washington are nationally ranked for defense too.

Utah is 80th in defensive rating, but that must be an improvement over last year.

[81alum]

Quote from Boneyard: "Massey ranking: Utah [b]fell[/b] one spot in Massey for beating Stanford. Stanford did not move for losing."

I am not very familar with Massey ranking

and latest RPI as of midnight yesterda
RealTimeRPI.com Women's College Basketball Rating Percentage Index (RPI) Ratings - A leading sports ratings and resources community on the Internet

Massey is a mathematician who developed his system in the 1990s to evaluate any competitive league, and you can use his system for almost any pro or college sport.  It predated things like RPI and NET and was partly an inspiration for them, but was always more sophisticated and---to its fans--more accurate.  It is like all computer rating systems dependent on the amount of data that goes into it, and so it gets more accurate as the year goes on.

He gives a full explanation here:
https://masseyratings.com/theory/massey.htm#overview

Ratings Overview
In essence, each game "connects" two teams via an equation. As more games are played, eventually each team is connected to every other team through some chain of games. When this happens, the system of equations is coupled and a computer is necessary to solve them simultaneously.
The ratings are totally interdependent, so that a team's rating is affected by games in which it didn't even play. The solution therefore effectively depends on an infinite chain of opponents, opponents' opponents, opponents' opponents' opponents, etc. The final ratings represent a state of equilibrium in which each team's rating is exactly balanced by its good and bad performances.

Utah probably dropped because it was getting credit for wins over good opponents, who must have lost that day.  For example, one of Utah's best wins was over 14 Arizona, but Arizona lost yesterday to a weaker Oregon State.  Perhaps this, and other games, are what affected Utah. 

Massey does take account of home and away games, so my guess is that we were weakened by our loss, but not enough to drop us below UConn with even more losses than we have.  If we had lost at home, it might have been enough. 

One of the interesting things about Massey is that his system generates offensive and defensive power ratings.  Here, for example, are what they are today for a few teams:

Offensive Teams:
1 Iowa
2 Oklahoma
3 Utah
4 Maryland
5 South Carolina
6 DePaul
7 LSU
8 Ohio State
9 UConn
10 Florida State
11 Indiana
12 Stanford

Defensive Teams
1 South Carolina
2 Duke
3 Stanford
4 UConn
5 Princeton
6 Texas
7 USC
8 Mississippi
9 Indiana
10 Georgia
11 Colorado
12 Washington

Notice that Utah really is an elite offensive team and we are next in the league, but a ways back.
Notice that we really are an elite defensive team, but see that USC, Colorado, and even Washington are nationally ranked for defense too.

Utah is 80th in defensive rating, but that must be an improvement over last year.

[martyup]

<rant> I'll second the complaint about the announcers of WBB games.  I'll also add that I'm sick of watching commercials during WBB broadcasts for scientifically engineered junk food, which chemically tricks the brain into thinking the food is nutritious and wholesome while providing very little nutrition and a load of empty calories, followed by commercials for rest-of-life drugs to treat the ailments brought on by eating too much of that junk food.  Oh, and don't you just love it when you hear a catchy jingle for a prescription diabetes drug while a voice rattles off the litany of side effects, including death, of this wonderful drug that you should ask you doctor about.  That's the doctor that received an all inclusive vacation to Figi from the pharmaceutical company that makes the drug.  But, hey, a bell just rang and I've got to get to Taco Bell for my Breakfast Crunch Wrap. </rant>

[martyup]

<rant> I'll second the complaint about the announcers of WBB games.  I'll also add that I'm sick of watching commercials during WBB broadcasts for scientifically engineered junk food, which chemically tricks the brain into thinking the food is nutritious and wholesome while providing very little nutrition and a load of empty calories, followed by commercials for rest-of-life drugs to treat the ailments brought on by eating too much of that junk food.  Oh, and don't you just love it when you hear a catchy jingle for a prescription diabetes drug while a voice rattles off the litany of side effects, including death, of this wonderful drug that you should ask you doctor about.  That's the doctor that received an all inclusive vacation to Figi from the pharmaceutical company that makes the drug.  But, hey, a bell just rang and I've got to get to Taco Bell for my Breakfast Crunch Wrap. </rant>

[RuralFan]

 we still have not really figured out our offense

Our offense is just a mess.  We have not really had a good offensive game since the second Kal game.  We have tried to add a post game with Betts but it has not been very successful.  When Betts is double or triple teamed and passes the ball back out, we don't take the open shot.  We literally have no mid-range game except Haley and Haley is tired or sick or injured. Most of her shots fall short.

I hope the coaches have some new lineups or some new offensive plays for the tournaments,

[RuralFan]

 we still have not really figured out our offense

Our offense is just a mess.  We have not really had a good offensive game since the second Kal game.  We have tried to add a post game with Betts but it has not been very successful.  When Betts is double or triple teamed and passes the ball back out, we don't take the open shot.  We literally have no mid-range game except Haley and Haley is tired or sick or injured. Most of her shots fall short.

I hope the coaches have some new lineups or some new offensive plays for the tournaments,

[81alum]

 we still have not really figured out our offense

Our offense is just a mess.  We have not really had a good offensive game since the second Kal game.  We have tried to add a post game with Betts but it has not been very successful.  When Betts is double or triple teamed and passes the ball back out, we don't take the open shot.  We literally have no mid-range game except Haley and Haley is tired or sick or injured. Most of her shots fall short.

I hope the coaches have some new lineups or some new offensive plays for the tournaments,

Regarding the mid range, we did add the mid range screens for Jones and Jump.  I agree that Jones has been erratic on taking and making those mid range shots.  We lose games if she can't--like yesterday.

Yesterday, the mid range screen worked well for Jump, however.  She came around those screens and hit a couple of two pointers, and this seemed to get her confidence up and she went on to start hitting treys.  For such a long time we have been trying to get her open on screens, and her accuracy was simply off when she moved laterally--almost always to her left.  One bright spot yesterday is that she drained several shots moving left around screens, and if she can continue that it will help solve a big problem with our offense, namely the velcro defenders shutting Jump down and enable paint-packing by everyone else.

[81alum]

 we still have not really figured out our offense

Our offense is just a mess.  We have not really had a good offensive game since the second Kal game.  We have tried to add a post game with Betts but it has not been very successful.  When Betts is double or triple teamed and passes the ball back out, we don't take the open shot.  We literally have no mid-range game except Haley and Haley is tired or sick or injured. Most of her shots fall short.

I hope the coaches have some new lineups or some new offensive plays for the tournaments,

Regarding the mid range, we did add the mid range screens for Jones and Jump.  I agree that Jones has been erratic on taking and making those mid range shots.  We lose games if she can't--like yesterday.

Yesterday, the mid range screen worked well for Jump, however.  She came around those screens and hit a couple of two pointers, and this seemed to get her confidence up and she went on to start hitting treys.  For such a long time we have been trying to get her open on screens, and her accuracy was simply off when she moved laterally--almost always to her left.  One bright spot yesterday is that she drained several shots moving left around screens, and if she can continue that it will help solve a big problem with our offense, namely the velcro defenders shutting Jump down and enable paint-packing by everyone else.

[Jskass]

Use Bosgana more.

[Jskass]

Use Bosgana more.

[M T]

Use Bosgana more.

Clearly, we should use Papadaki more.  We've won every game she's played in.  `(;-)

[M T]

Use Bosgana more.

Clearly, we should use Papadaki more.  We've won every game she's played in.  `(;-)

[stopandpop]

I was at the game and sat a few rows behind our bench.  I want to confirm what you've already said about the horrible officiating.  I saw our players being mugged in front of the officials who just swallowed their whistles.  One would expect the refs to miss a call or two during a game, but this was terribly 1-sided and those officials (along with our bad passing and turnovers), were the reasons for our loss.

One other thing that shocked me was how disrespectful the fans were toward our team, beginning with the warm-ups, player introductions, to the tip-off, and all during the game.  Members of the Utah band were among the biggest culprits.  It was ugly.  

But the best moment of the game for me came when Tara took out Brink just before the final horn. Band members were yelling and pointing fingers at her.  CAM BLEW THEM A KISS and that silenced them!    

 I do hope we meet the Utes again (on a neutral court) and I believe the outcome will be different.

[stopandpop]

I was at the game and sat a few rows behind our bench.  I want to confirm what you've already said about the horrible officiating.  I saw our players being mugged in front of the officials who just swallowed their whistles.  One would expect the refs to miss a call or two during a game, but this was terribly 1-sided and those officials (along with our bad passing and turnovers), were the reasons for our loss.

One other thing that shocked me was how disrespectful the fans were toward our team, beginning with the warm-ups, player introductions, to the tip-off, and all during the game.  Members of the Utah band were among the biggest culprits.  It was ugly.  

But the best moment of the game for me came when Tara took out Brink just before the final horn. Band members were yelling and pointing fingers at her.  CAM BLEW THEM A KISS and that silenced them!    

 I do hope we meet the Utes again (on a neutral court) and I believe the outcome will be different.

[cardfan1996]

I was at the game and sat a few rows behind our bench.  I want to confirm what you've already said about the horrible officiating.  I saw our players being mugged in front of the officials who just swallowed their whistles.  One would expect the refs to miss a call or two during a game, but this was terribly 1-sided and those officials (along with our bad passing and turnovers), were the reasons for our loss.

One other thing that shocked me was how disrespectful the fans were toward our team, beginning with the warm-ups, player introductions, to the tip-off, and all during the game.  Members of the Utah band were among the biggest culprits.  It was ugly.  

But the best moment of the game for me came when Tara took out Brink just before the final horn. Band members were yelling and pointing fingers at her.  CAM BLEW THEM A KISS and that silenced them!    

 I do hope we meet the Utes again (on a neutral court) and I believe the outcome will be different.

I love Brink’s entire attitude. She is a character for sure and absolutely insane on the court in the best way - as long as she stays in control of her own narrative.

[cardfan1996]

I was at the game and sat a few rows behind our bench.  I want to confirm what you've already said about the horrible officiating.  I saw our players being mugged in front of the officials who just swallowed their whistles.  One would expect the refs to miss a call or two during a game, but this was terribly 1-sided and those officials (along with our bad passing and turnovers), were the reasons for our loss.

One other thing that shocked me was how disrespectful the fans were toward our team, beginning with the warm-ups, player introductions, to the tip-off, and all during the game.  Members of the Utah band were among the biggest culprits.  It was ugly.  

But the best moment of the game for me came when Tara took out Brink just before the final horn. Band members were yelling and pointing fingers at her.  CAM BLEW THEM A KISS and that silenced them!    

 I do hope we meet the Utes again (on a neutral court) and I believe the outcome will be different.

I love Brink’s entire attitude. She is a character for sure and absolutely insane on the court in the best way - as long as she stays in control of her own narrative.

[here4WBB]

I was at the game and sat a few rows behind our bench.  I want to confirm what you've already said about the horrible officiating.  I saw our players being mugged in front of the officials who just swallowed their whistles.  One would expect the refs to miss a call or two during a game, but this was terribly 1-sided and those officials (along with our bad passing and turnovers), were the reasons for our loss.

One other thing that shocked me was how disrespectful the fans were toward our team, beginning with the warm-ups, player introductions, to the tip-off, and all during the game.  Members of the Utah band were among the biggest culprits.  It was ugly.  

But the best moment of the game for me came when Tara took out Brink just before the final horn. Band members were yelling and pointing fingers at her.  CAM BLEW THEM A KISS and that silenced them!    

 I do hope we meet the Utes again (on a neutral court) and I believe the outcome will be different.

We were at the game and absolutely confirm the lack of respect from the Utah announcers and fans.  The game announcing was all one-sided for Utah, and concluded with claiming Utah won the Pac-12 championship rather than correctly naming the Stanford-Utah tie.  The fans booed the players throughout the game.  Hurray for Cameron's poise and for all of our players who focused on their game.

[here4WBB]

I was at the game and sat a few rows behind our bench.  I want to confirm what you've already said about the horrible officiating.  I saw our players being mugged in front of the officials who just swallowed their whistles.  One would expect the refs to miss a call or two during a game, but this was terribly 1-sided and those officials (along with our bad passing and turnovers), were the reasons for our loss.

One other thing that shocked me was how disrespectful the fans were toward our team, beginning with the warm-ups, player introductions, to the tip-off, and all during the game.  Members of the Utah band were among the biggest culprits.  It was ugly.  

But the best moment of the game for me came when Tara took out Brink just before the final horn. Band members were yelling and pointing fingers at her.  CAM BLEW THEM A KISS and that silenced them!    

 I do hope we meet the Utes again (on a neutral court) and I believe the outcome will be different.

We were at the game and absolutely confirm the lack of respect from the Utah announcers and fans.  The game announcing was all one-sided for Utah, and concluded with claiming Utah won the Pac-12 championship rather than correctly naming the Stanford-Utah tie.  The fans booed the players throughout the game.  Hurray for Cameron's poise and for all of our players who focused on their game.

[qwerty49]

Playing at Utah reminds me a bit of WVB playing at Nebraska.  Their fans will go crazy, and that won't change even if they have to drive 400 miles to Vegas.  The simple reality is that there's not a lot of sporting alternatives up there this time of year, unless you want to pop for $250/day lift tickets.

Bottom line: don't expect it will be any easier on a neutral court.

[qwerty49]

Playing at Utah reminds me a bit of WVB playing at Nebraska.  Their fans will go crazy, and that won't change even if they have to drive 400 miles to Vegas.  The simple reality is that there's not a lot of sporting alternatives up there this time of year, unless you want to pop for $250/day lift tickets.

Bottom line: don't expect it will be any easier on a neutral court.