[treetop11]

Seeing that I expected to lose this game, I wasn't disappointed or upset. In fact, I think our players played really well overall, especially when I learned that they had travel problems making it even more difficult. The only thing that was frustrating was our really bad turnovers, particularly dumb passes.  But we shot pretty well (Jump was terrific) and generally rebounded well. I didn't understand why we weren't guarding Kneepkens more closely - she had too many wide open shots. I wasn't thrilled about the officiating again. Seems like we got the raw deal on calls that could have gone either way. Also, our fouls were a lot cheaper than theirs.

I was surprised that Tara didn't go with two bigs much if at all. Besides the O and D advantages, it takes pressure of our perimeter players and of of Brink in terms of potential fouls. 

Hand it to Utah though. They are a good team and play pretty clean. They're very aggressive but don't play a football like physical game. Preseason I thought Utah would be right there with us. Watching what they did the season before and who that they had coming back, I figured that they would be really good. When Tara singled them out early as a top team, it convinced me that they would be tough. 

I never want us to lose and certainly don't root for a loss, but this was a good loss. Despite all the disadvantages we had going in to the game, we made it a close game showed some good stuff. If we won, we might have been complacent going into the P12 tournament and been prime for a letdown. We will be more focused for the tournament and get some rest. So let's win 3 in the P12 tournament and 6 more in the NCAAs to get 36 wins adding to Tara's leading count.

[treetop11]

Seeing that I expected to lose this game, I wasn't disappointed or upset. In fact, I think our players played really well overall, especially when I learned that they had travel problems making it even more difficult. The only thing that was frustrating was our really bad turnovers, particularly dumb passes.  But we shot pretty well (Jump was terrific) and generally rebounded well. I didn't understand why we weren't guarding Kneepkens more closely - she had too many wide open shots. I wasn't thrilled about the officiating again. Seems like we got the raw deal on calls that could have gone either way. Also, our fouls were a lot cheaper than theirs.

I was surprised that Tara didn't go with two bigs much if at all. Besides the O and D advantages, it takes pressure of our perimeter players and of of Brink in terms of potential fouls. 

Hand it to Utah though. They are a good team and play pretty clean. They're very aggressive but don't play a football like physical game. Preseason I thought Utah would be right there with us. Watching what they did the season before and who that they had coming back, I figured that they would be really good. When Tara singled them out early as a top team, it convinced me that they would be tough. 

I never want us to lose and certainly don't root for a loss, but this was a good loss. Despite all the disadvantages we had going in to the game, we made it a close game showed some good stuff. If we won, we might have been complacent going into the P12 tournament and been prime for a letdown. We will be more focused for the tournament and get some rest. So let's win 3 in the P12 tournament and 6 more in the NCAAs to get 36 wins adding to Tara's leading count.

[crackpot]

I think we’ll be better positioned at the PAC-12 tournament

Except we're guaranteed to have Pac-12 refs.

It's been a long, long time that the conference has had most of the worst refs in the business. I realize they also work other conferences, but as a whole, they are exceptionally bad.

[crackpot]

I think we’ll be better positioned at the PAC-12 tournament

Except we're guaranteed to have Pac-12 refs.

It's been a long, long time that the conference has had most of the worst refs in the business. I realize they also work other conferences, but as a whole, they are exceptionally bad.

[chimera]

Seeing that I expected to lose this game, I wasn't disappointed or upset. In fact, I think our players played really well overall, especially when I learned that they had travel problems making it even more difficult. The only thing that was frustrating was our really bad turnovers, particularly dumb passes.  But we shot pretty well (Jump was terrific) and generally rebounded well. I didn't understand why we weren't guarding Kneepkens more closely - she had too many wide open shots. I wasn't thrilled about the officiating again. Seems like we got the raw deal on calls that could have gone either way. Also, our fouls were a lot cheaper than theirs.

I was surprised that Tara didn't go with two bigs much if at all. Besides the O and D advantages, it takes pressure of our perimeter players and of of Brink in terms of potential fouls. 

Hand it to Utah though. They are a good team and play pretty clean. They're very aggressive but don't play a football like physical game. Preseason I thought Utah would be right there with us. Watching what they did the season before and who that they had coming back, I figured that they would be really good. When Tara singled them out early as a top team, it convinced me that they would be tough. 

I never want us to lose and certainly don't root for a loss, but this was a good loss. Despite all the disadvantages we had going in to the game, we made it a close game showed some good stuff. If we won, we might have been complacent going into the P12 tournament and been prime for a letdown. We will be more focused for the tournament and get some rest. So let's win 3 in the P12 tournament and 6 more in the NCAAs to get 36 wins adding to Tara's leading count.

I mostly agree with this.  I can't say I expected a loss.  I thought a loss was more probable than not. Too many turnovers for sure, that was the big problem, but overall, the team played reasonably well, especially given the travel woes and the very tough scheduling.  I thought the officiating was terrible overall.  I don't want the total let them play stuff we often get but this game they were calling things way too tightly, and I do think we got the worst of the bad calls by far.  The block/charge calls were inconsistent, for sure.  

We clearly had a tired team, and given that, they did well.  Utah is very good and they were hitting their threes today.  

I have to say this but I hate, hate, hate the way women's basketball is broadcast generally and the P-12 specifically.  I cannot stand the announcing.  They puff instead of analyze.  They yammer on about how great players are instead of following the action and giving us some insight on what is working or not for each team, etc.  They suck.  The visuals are not much better.  I don't want to see the bench or a coach or a close-up of a player (usually so the announcers can tell us how wonderful she is) when the action is going.  I don't want to guess whoa foul was on.  I don't need them to almost always justify bad calls, instead of maybe telling it like it is when officials make mistakes.  I almost don't look forward to watching games these days.  My ability to stand that stuff has decreased to the point that I struggle to enjoy watching.  I know good sports broadcasting, see it for other sports, and what we had today was not good at all.  Stop puffing up every dang player who does anything good. Give us stats and insight instead.  Stop cheerleading the game like you have to make it all sound so amazing or we will turn off the TV.  If you are supposed to be an expert in the sport, tell me something I don't know.  Rant over.

[chimera]

Seeing that I expected to lose this game, I wasn't disappointed or upset. In fact, I think our players played really well overall, especially when I learned that they had travel problems making it even more difficult. The only thing that was frustrating was our really bad turnovers, particularly dumb passes.  But we shot pretty well (Jump was terrific) and generally rebounded well. I didn't understand why we weren't guarding Kneepkens more closely - she had too many wide open shots. I wasn't thrilled about the officiating again. Seems like we got the raw deal on calls that could have gone either way. Also, our fouls were a lot cheaper than theirs.

I was surprised that Tara didn't go with two bigs much if at all. Besides the O and D advantages, it takes pressure of our perimeter players and of of Brink in terms of potential fouls. 

Hand it to Utah though. They are a good team and play pretty clean. They're very aggressive but don't play a football like physical game. Preseason I thought Utah would be right there with us. Watching what they did the season before and who that they had coming back, I figured that they would be really good. When Tara singled them out early as a top team, it convinced me that they would be tough. 

I never want us to lose and certainly don't root for a loss, but this was a good loss. Despite all the disadvantages we had going in to the game, we made it a close game showed some good stuff. If we won, we might have been complacent going into the P12 tournament and been prime for a letdown. We will be more focused for the tournament and get some rest. So let's win 3 in the P12 tournament and 6 more in the NCAAs to get 36 wins adding to Tara's leading count.

I mostly agree with this.  I can't say I expected a loss.  I thought a loss was more probable than not. Too many turnovers for sure, that was the big problem, but overall, the team played reasonably well, especially given the travel woes and the very tough scheduling.  I thought the officiating was terrible overall.  I don't want the total let them play stuff we often get but this game they were calling things way too tightly, and I do think we got the worst of the bad calls by far.  The block/charge calls were inconsistent, for sure.  

We clearly had a tired team, and given that, they did well.  Utah is very good and they were hitting their threes today.  

I have to say this but I hate, hate, hate the way women's basketball is broadcast generally and the P-12 specifically.  I cannot stand the announcing.  They puff instead of analyze.  They yammer on about how great players are instead of following the action and giving us some insight on what is working or not for each team, etc.  They suck.  The visuals are not much better.  I don't want to see the bench or a coach or a close-up of a player (usually so the announcers can tell us how wonderful she is) when the action is going.  I don't want to guess whoa foul was on.  I don't need them to almost always justify bad calls, instead of maybe telling it like it is when officials make mistakes.  I almost don't look forward to watching games these days.  My ability to stand that stuff has decreased to the point that I struggle to enjoy watching.  I know good sports broadcasting, see it for other sports, and what we had today was not good at all.  Stop puffing up every dang player who does anything good. Give us stats and insight instead.  Stop cheerleading the game like you have to make it all sound so amazing or we will turn off the TV.  If you are supposed to be an expert in the sport, tell me something I don't know.  Rant over.

[81alum]

Despite all the challenges the schedule, travel problems, Utah’s court at elevation, etc. our team had to deal with, we came out firing on all cylinders and might have blown Utah out but the referees really altered the game. I don’t usually complain about the officials but this time they really altered the game even more than the FT #s indicate and the #s show a lot for Utah. The announcers indicated they thought there were lots of questionable calls against us or no calls against them. Lots of charges against us that should have been blocking against them, ticky tack fouls against us when they got away with lots of hard checks and bumps but mostly they got away with lots of moving screens which got their 3-point shots going. Brink got called for a moving screen that was less egregious but altered her play the rest of the game.

I think we’ll be better positioned at the PAC-12 tournament

Absolutely, perhaps at the Pac 12 tourney we can get a really good official like Missy.

---

We actually outclassed Utah in most categories except for made free throws.  Putting it pure and simple:  shooting fewer free throws and making them at a lower percentage, along with 21 turnovers, is the reason we lost. 

But those turnovers are deceptive.  Quite of few of them were caused by offensive fouls.  Turnovers look more normal otherwise.  So once again, it was the fouls.

I don't mind a game being called tightly, but not if it is called unequally. 

All that said, we did NOT defend Kneepkins well, even if she did get some undeserved free throws.  She was 5/9 from three point range, and some of those were wide open.

We DID defend Pili rather well--better than the first game, keeping her to 6/14 and a more reasonable 14 points.

No one else on Utah was outstanding.  Johnson and McQueen were at 10 and 9 points.  But Kneepkins with 28 was our undoing.

Jump was nearly as good as Kneepkins, and Brink about as good as Pili.  We needed a lot more from Jones in a high scoring game than we got, so perhaps the exhaustion factor took a toll.

[81alum]

Despite all the challenges the schedule, travel problems, Utah’s court at elevation, etc. our team had to deal with, we came out firing on all cylinders and might have blown Utah out but the referees really altered the game. I don’t usually complain about the officials but this time they really altered the game even more than the FT #s indicate and the #s show a lot for Utah. The announcers indicated they thought there were lots of questionable calls against us or no calls against them. Lots of charges against us that should have been blocking against them, ticky tack fouls against us when they got away with lots of hard checks and bumps but mostly they got away with lots of moving screens which got their 3-point shots going. Brink got called for a moving screen that was less egregious but altered her play the rest of the game.

I think we’ll be better positioned at the PAC-12 tournament

Absolutely, perhaps at the Pac 12 tourney we can get a really good official like Missy.

---

We actually outclassed Utah in most categories except for made free throws.  Putting it pure and simple:  shooting fewer free throws and making them at a lower percentage, along with 21 turnovers, is the reason we lost. 

But those turnovers are deceptive.  Quite of few of them were caused by offensive fouls.  Turnovers look more normal otherwise.  So once again, it was the fouls.

I don't mind a game being called tightly, but not if it is called unequally. 

All that said, we did NOT defend Kneepkins well, even if she did get some undeserved free throws.  She was 5/9 from three point range, and some of those were wide open.

We DID defend Pili rather well--better than the first game, keeping her to 6/14 and a more reasonable 14 points.

No one else on Utah was outstanding.  Johnson and McQueen were at 10 and 9 points.  But Kneepkins with 28 was our undoing.

Jump was nearly as good as Kneepkins, and Brink about as good as Pili.  We needed a lot more from Jones in a high scoring game than we got, so perhaps the exhaustion factor took a toll.

[TheFarm07]

I have to say this but I hate, hate, hate the way women's basketball is broadcast generally and the P-12 specifically.  I cannot stand the announcing.  They puff instead of analyze.  They yammer on about how great players are instead of following the action and giving us some insight on what is working or not for each team, etc.  They suck.  The visuals are not much better.  I don't want to see the bench or a coach or a close-up of a player (usually so the announcers can tell us how wonderful she is) when the action is going.  I don't want to guess whoa foul was on.  I don't need them to almost always justify bad calls, instead of maybe telling it like it is when officials make mistakes.  I almost don't look forward to watching games these days.  My ability to stand that stuff has decreased to the point that I struggle to enjoy watching.  I know good sports broadcasting, see it for other sports, and what we had today was not good at all.  Stop puffing up every dang player who does anything good. Give us stats and insight instead.  Stop cheerleading the game like you have to make it all sound so amazing or we will turn off the TV.  If you are supposed to be an expert in the sport, tell me something I don't know.  Rant over.

I completely agree with the rant. Every play is something a player did positively, rather than a missed assignment or a poor decision by their opponent.

[TheFarm07]

I have to say this but I hate, hate, hate the way women's basketball is broadcast generally and the P-12 specifically.  I cannot stand the announcing.  They puff instead of analyze.  They yammer on about how great players are instead of following the action and giving us some insight on what is working or not for each team, etc.  They suck.  The visuals are not much better.  I don't want to see the bench or a coach or a close-up of a player (usually so the announcers can tell us how wonderful she is) when the action is going.  I don't want to guess whoa foul was on.  I don't need them to almost always justify bad calls, instead of maybe telling it like it is when officials make mistakes.  I almost don't look forward to watching games these days.  My ability to stand that stuff has decreased to the point that I struggle to enjoy watching.  I know good sports broadcasting, see it for other sports, and what we had today was not good at all.  Stop puffing up every dang player who does anything good. Give us stats and insight instead.  Stop cheerleading the game like you have to make it all sound so amazing or we will turn off the TV.  If you are supposed to be an expert in the sport, tell me something I don't know.  Rant over.

I completely agree with the rant. Every play is something a player did positively, rather than a missed assignment or a poor decision by their opponent.

[81alum]

And yet Mary Murphy is one of the better ones.  She does inject positivity and enthusiasm and rarely says anything outright negative, but she does sometimes explain plays or calls in the way that only a former coach could do.  I'd prefer much more analysis than cheerleading, but they probably think that their audience is mainly of less knowledgeable fans and not basketball aficionados. 

The worst announcing of all was the game at Pacific when Tara broke the record, and the two announcers spent the whole game talking about her career, not even attempting to call the game itself.  I thought it was very disrespectful to the players.  Those were ESPN announcers.  I appreciate their respect for Tara, but there was actually a game being played.

[81alum]

And yet Mary Murphy is one of the better ones.  She does inject positivity and enthusiasm and rarely says anything outright negative, but she does sometimes explain plays or calls in the way that only a former coach could do.  I'd prefer much more analysis than cheerleading, but they probably think that their audience is mainly of less knowledgeable fans and not basketball aficionados. 

The worst announcing of all was the game at Pacific when Tara broke the record, and the two announcers spent the whole game talking about her career, not even attempting to call the game itself.  I thought it was very disrespectful to the players.  Those were ESPN announcers.  I appreciate their respect for Tara, but there was actually a game being played.

[old spanish trail]

Seeing that I expected to lose this game, I wasn't disappointed or upset. In fact, I think our players played really well overall, especially when I learned that they had travel problems making it even more difficult. The only thing that was frustrating was our really bad turnovers, particularly dumb passes.  But we shot pretty well (Jump was terrific) and generally rebounded well. I didn't understand why we weren't guarding Kneepkens more closely - she had too many wide open shots. I wasn't thrilled about the officiating again. Seems like we got the raw deal on calls that could have gone either way. Also, our fouls were a lot cheaper than theirs.

I was surprised that Tara didn't go with two bigs much if at all. Besides the O and D advantages, it takes pressure of our perimeter players and of of Brink in terms of potential fouls. 

Hand it to Utah though. They are a good team and play pretty clean. They're very aggressive but don't play a football like physical game. Preseason I thought Utah would be right there with us. Watching what they did the season before and who that they had coming back, I figured that they would be really good. When Tara singled them out early as a top team, it convinced me that they would be tough. 

I never want us to lose and certainly don't root for a loss, but this was a good loss. Despite all the disadvantages we had going in to the game, we made it a close game showed some good stuff. If we won, we might have been complacent going into the P12 tournament and been prime for a letdown. We will be more focused for the tournament and get some rest. So let's win 3 in the P12 tournament and 6 more in the NCAAs to get 36 wins adding to Tara's leading count.

I mostly agree with this.  I can't say I expected a loss.  I thought a loss was more probable than not. Too many turnovers for sure, that was the big problem, but overall, the team played reasonably well, especially given the travel woes and the very tough scheduling.  I thought the officiating was terrible overall.  I don't want the total let them play stuff we often get but this game they were calling things way too tightly, and I do think we got the worst of the bad calls by far.  The block/charge calls were inconsistent, for sure.  

We clearly had a tired team, and given that, they did well.  Utah is very good and they were hitting their threes today.  

I have to say this but I hate, hate, hate the way women's basketball is broadcast generally and the P-12 specifically.  I cannot stand the announcing.  They puff instead of analyze.  They yammer on about how great players are instead of following the action and giving us some insight on what is working or not for each team, etc.  They suck.  The visuals are not much better.  I don't want to see the bench or a coach or a close-up of a player (usually so the announcers can tell us how wonderful she is) when the action is going.  I don't want to guess whoa foul was on.  I don't need them to almost always justify bad calls, instead of maybe telling it like it is when officials make mistakes.  I almost don't look forward to watching games these days.  My ability to stand that stuff has decreased to the point that I struggle to enjoy watching.  I know good sports broadcasting, see it for other sports, and what we had today was not good at all.  Stop puffing up every dang player who does anything good. Give us stats and insight instead.  Stop cheerleading the game like you have to make it all sound so amazing or we will turn off the TV.  If you are supposed to be an expert in the sport, tell me something I don't know.  Rant over.

The announcers know the game, so it isn't lack of knowledge on their part. I suspect they think hyping the good plays and players will attract more casual fans., and perhaps they are also instructed same. The real fans are going to watch anyway...even if they dislike the announcers.

[old spanish trail]

Seeing that I expected to lose this game, I wasn't disappointed or upset. In fact, I think our players played really well overall, especially when I learned that they had travel problems making it even more difficult. The only thing that was frustrating was our really bad turnovers, particularly dumb passes.  But we shot pretty well (Jump was terrific) and generally rebounded well. I didn't understand why we weren't guarding Kneepkens more closely - she had too many wide open shots. I wasn't thrilled about the officiating again. Seems like we got the raw deal on calls that could have gone either way. Also, our fouls were a lot cheaper than theirs.

I was surprised that Tara didn't go with two bigs much if at all. Besides the O and D advantages, it takes pressure of our perimeter players and of of Brink in terms of potential fouls. 

Hand it to Utah though. They are a good team and play pretty clean. They're very aggressive but don't play a football like physical game. Preseason I thought Utah would be right there with us. Watching what they did the season before and who that they had coming back, I figured that they would be really good. When Tara singled them out early as a top team, it convinced me that they would be tough. 

I never want us to lose and certainly don't root for a loss, but this was a good loss. Despite all the disadvantages we had going in to the game, we made it a close game showed some good stuff. If we won, we might have been complacent going into the P12 tournament and been prime for a letdown. We will be more focused for the tournament and get some rest. So let's win 3 in the P12 tournament and 6 more in the NCAAs to get 36 wins adding to Tara's leading count.

I mostly agree with this.  I can't say I expected a loss.  I thought a loss was more probable than not. Too many turnovers for sure, that was the big problem, but overall, the team played reasonably well, especially given the travel woes and the very tough scheduling.  I thought the officiating was terrible overall.  I don't want the total let them play stuff we often get but this game they were calling things way too tightly, and I do think we got the worst of the bad calls by far.  The block/charge calls were inconsistent, for sure.  

We clearly had a tired team, and given that, they did well.  Utah is very good and they were hitting their threes today.  

I have to say this but I hate, hate, hate the way women's basketball is broadcast generally and the P-12 specifically.  I cannot stand the announcing.  They puff instead of analyze.  They yammer on about how great players are instead of following the action and giving us some insight on what is working or not for each team, etc.  They suck.  The visuals are not much better.  I don't want to see the bench or a coach or a close-up of a player (usually so the announcers can tell us how wonderful she is) when the action is going.  I don't want to guess whoa foul was on.  I don't need them to almost always justify bad calls, instead of maybe telling it like it is when officials make mistakes.  I almost don't look forward to watching games these days.  My ability to stand that stuff has decreased to the point that I struggle to enjoy watching.  I know good sports broadcasting, see it for other sports, and what we had today was not good at all.  Stop puffing up every dang player who does anything good. Give us stats and insight instead.  Stop cheerleading the game like you have to make it all sound so amazing or we will turn off the TV.  If you are supposed to be an expert in the sport, tell me something I don't know.  Rant over.

The announcers know the game, so it isn't lack of knowledge on their part. I suspect they think hyping the good plays and players will attract more casual fans., and perhaps they are also instructed same. The real fans are going to watch anyway...even if they dislike the announcers.

[chimera]

Seeing that I expected to lose this game, I wasn't disappointed or upset. In fact, I think our players played really well overall, especially when I learned that they had travel problems making it even more difficult. The only thing that was frustrating was our really bad turnovers, particularly dumb passes.  But we shot pretty well (Jump was terrific) and generally rebounded well. I didn't understand why we weren't guarding Kneepkens more closely - she had too many wide open shots. I wasn't thrilled about the officiating again. Seems like we got the raw deal on calls that could have gone either way. Also, our fouls were a lot cheaper than theirs.

I was surprised that Tara didn't go with two bigs much if at all. Besides the O and D advantages, it takes pressure of our perimeter players and of of Brink in terms of potential fouls. 

Hand it to Utah though. They are a good team and play pretty clean. They're very aggressive but don't play a football like physical game. Preseason I thought Utah would be right there with us. Watching what they did the season before and who that they had coming back, I figured that they would be really good. When Tara singled them out early as a top team, it convinced me that they would be tough. 

I never want us to lose and certainly don't root for a loss, but this was a good loss. Despite all the disadvantages we had going in to the game, we made it a close game showed some good stuff. If we won, we might have been complacent going into the P12 tournament and been prime for a letdown. We will be more focused for the tournament and get some rest. So let's win 3 in the P12 tournament and 6 more in the NCAAs to get 36 wins adding to Tara's leading count.

I mostly agree with this.  I can't say I expected a loss.  I thought a loss was more probable than not. Too many turnovers for sure, that was the big problem, but overall, the team played reasonably well, especially given the travel woes and the very tough scheduling.  I thought the officiating was terrible overall.  I don't want the total let them play stuff we often get but this game they were calling things way too tightly, and I do think we got the worst of the bad calls by far.  The block/charge calls were inconsistent, for sure.  

We clearly had a tired team, and given that, they did well.  Utah is very good and they were hitting their threes today.  

I have to say this but I hate, hate, hate the way women's basketball is broadcast generally and the P-12 specifically.  I cannot stand the announcing.  They puff instead of analyze.  They yammer on about how great players are instead of following the action and giving us some insight on what is working or not for each team, etc.  They suck.  The visuals are not much better.  I don't want to see the bench or a coach or a close-up of a player (usually so the announcers can tell us how wonderful she is) when the action is going.  I don't want to guess whoa foul was on.  I don't need them to almost always justify bad calls, instead of maybe telling it like it is when officials make mistakes.  I almost don't look forward to watching games these days.  My ability to stand that stuff has decreased to the point that I struggle to enjoy watching.  I know good sports broadcasting, see it for other sports, and what we had today was not good at all.  Stop puffing up every dang player who does anything good. Give us stats and insight instead.  Stop cheerleading the game like you have to make it all sound so amazing or we will turn off the TV.  If you are supposed to be an expert in the sport, tell me something I don't know.  Rant over.

The announcers know the game, so it isn't lack of knowledge on their part. I suspect they think hyping the good plays and players will attract more casual fans., and perhaps they are also instructed same. The real fans are going to watch anyway...even if they dislike the announcers.

With the sound off most of the time... What I feel is beyond dislike. It actually angers me how they debase the sport with the mindless puffing they do. If they are being instructed to do that, same difference to me - it sounds like they are announcing a rec league game or one where every grade school player gets a shout out.

[chimera]

Seeing that I expected to lose this game, I wasn't disappointed or upset. In fact, I think our players played really well overall, especially when I learned that they had travel problems making it even more difficult. The only thing that was frustrating was our really bad turnovers, particularly dumb passes.  But we shot pretty well (Jump was terrific) and generally rebounded well. I didn't understand why we weren't guarding Kneepkens more closely - she had too many wide open shots. I wasn't thrilled about the officiating again. Seems like we got the raw deal on calls that could have gone either way. Also, our fouls were a lot cheaper than theirs.

I was surprised that Tara didn't go with two bigs much if at all. Besides the O and D advantages, it takes pressure of our perimeter players and of of Brink in terms of potential fouls. 

Hand it to Utah though. They are a good team and play pretty clean. They're very aggressive but don't play a football like physical game. Preseason I thought Utah would be right there with us. Watching what they did the season before and who that they had coming back, I figured that they would be really good. When Tara singled them out early as a top team, it convinced me that they would be tough. 

I never want us to lose and certainly don't root for a loss, but this was a good loss. Despite all the disadvantages we had going in to the game, we made it a close game showed some good stuff. If we won, we might have been complacent going into the P12 tournament and been prime for a letdown. We will be more focused for the tournament and get some rest. So let's win 3 in the P12 tournament and 6 more in the NCAAs to get 36 wins adding to Tara's leading count.

I mostly agree with this.  I can't say I expected a loss.  I thought a loss was more probable than not. Too many turnovers for sure, that was the big problem, but overall, the team played reasonably well, especially given the travel woes and the very tough scheduling.  I thought the officiating was terrible overall.  I don't want the total let them play stuff we often get but this game they were calling things way too tightly, and I do think we got the worst of the bad calls by far.  The block/charge calls were inconsistent, for sure.  

We clearly had a tired team, and given that, they did well.  Utah is very good and they were hitting their threes today.  

I have to say this but I hate, hate, hate the way women's basketball is broadcast generally and the P-12 specifically.  I cannot stand the announcing.  They puff instead of analyze.  They yammer on about how great players are instead of following the action and giving us some insight on what is working or not for each team, etc.  They suck.  The visuals are not much better.  I don't want to see the bench or a coach or a close-up of a player (usually so the announcers can tell us how wonderful she is) when the action is going.  I don't want to guess whoa foul was on.  I don't need them to almost always justify bad calls, instead of maybe telling it like it is when officials make mistakes.  I almost don't look forward to watching games these days.  My ability to stand that stuff has decreased to the point that I struggle to enjoy watching.  I know good sports broadcasting, see it for other sports, and what we had today was not good at all.  Stop puffing up every dang player who does anything good. Give us stats and insight instead.  Stop cheerleading the game like you have to make it all sound so amazing or we will turn off the TV.  If you are supposed to be an expert in the sport, tell me something I don't know.  Rant over.

The announcers know the game, so it isn't lack of knowledge on their part. I suspect they think hyping the good plays and players will attract more casual fans., and perhaps they are also instructed same. The real fans are going to watch anyway...even if they dislike the announcers.

With the sound off most of the time... What I feel is beyond dislike. It actually angers me how they debase the sport with the mindless puffing they do. If they are being instructed to do that, same difference to me - it sounds like they are announcing a rec league game or one where every grade school player gets a shout out.

[old spanish trail]

No secret I don't like whining about the refs, but today they deserve it. The calls on Kneepkins drives to the basket were particularly maddening. When driving, if you get a shoulder in front, the defender will be called. Kneepkins did that maybe once. Otherwise our defender was sliding laterally and Kneepkins cut sideways into her. Happened at least three times. In the first half a couple Utah total flops resulted in a call. As others have noted, at an important time late, Nivar was mauled bringing the ball down. Also, Utah did a lot of slapping at the ball, hitting Stanford arms instead, and no call.

Jump was great. She also wasn't covered. Maybe other teams will think that's a good strategy. Hope so, but doubt it. Jump also shot even though it wasn't wide open. Hope that continues.

I'm with Treetop. Given travel issues and schedule, and fact Utah was clawing for their first title (shared of course), I had them favored by 6 points. We will probably see them again. Of course, if Ariz, Ucla, Colo, or even USC play a great game, they can take down either one of Stanford or Utah. It's a very good conference.

[old spanish trail]

No secret I don't like whining about the refs, but today they deserve it. The calls on Kneepkins drives to the basket were particularly maddening. When driving, if you get a shoulder in front, the defender will be called. Kneepkins did that maybe once. Otherwise our defender was sliding laterally and Kneepkins cut sideways into her. Happened at least three times. In the first half a couple Utah total flops resulted in a call. As others have noted, at an important time late, Nivar was mauled bringing the ball down. Also, Utah did a lot of slapping at the ball, hitting Stanford arms instead, and no call.

Jump was great. She also wasn't covered. Maybe other teams will think that's a good strategy. Hope so, but doubt it. Jump also shot even though it wasn't wide open. Hope that continues.

I'm with Treetop. Given travel issues and schedule, and fact Utah was clawing for their first title (shared of course), I had them favored by 6 points. We will probably see them again. Of course, if Ariz, Ucla, Colo, or even USC play a great game, they can take down either one of Stanford or Utah. It's a very good conference.

[BosCard]

No secret I don't like whining about the refs, but today they deserve it. The calls on Kneepkins drives to the basket were particularly maddening. When driving, if you get a shoulder in front, the defender will be called. Kneepkins did that maybe once. Otherwise our defender was sliding laterally and Kneepkins cut sideways into her. Happened at least three times. In the first half a couple Utah total flops resulted in a call. As others have noted, at an important time late, Nivar was mauled bringing the ball down. Also, Utah did a lot of slapping at the ball, hitting Stanford arms instead, and no call.

Jump was great. She also wasn't covered. Maybe other teams will think that's a good strategy. Hope so, but doubt it. Jump also shot even though it wasn't wide open. Hope that continues.

I'm with Treetop. Given travel issues and schedule, and fact Utah was clawing for their first title (shared of course), I had them favored by 6 points. We will probably see them again. Of course, if Ariz, Ucla, Colo, or even USC play a great game, they can take down either one of Stanford or Utah. It's a very good conference.

I hope we get to play Utah again in the final.  However, we need to make it there.  And they do as well.  USC or Colorado could easily beat Utah if the refs let those defenses play or they could give Utah 100 foul shots and just hand them the game.

[BosCard]

No secret I don't like whining about the refs, but today they deserve it. The calls on Kneepkins drives to the basket were particularly maddening. When driving, if you get a shoulder in front, the defender will be called. Kneepkins did that maybe once. Otherwise our defender was sliding laterally and Kneepkins cut sideways into her. Happened at least three times. In the first half a couple Utah total flops resulted in a call. As others have noted, at an important time late, Nivar was mauled bringing the ball down. Also, Utah did a lot of slapping at the ball, hitting Stanford arms instead, and no call.

Jump was great. She also wasn't covered. Maybe other teams will think that's a good strategy. Hope so, but doubt it. Jump also shot even though it wasn't wide open. Hope that continues.

I'm with Treetop. Given travel issues and schedule, and fact Utah was clawing for their first title (shared of course), I had them favored by 6 points. We will probably see them again. Of course, if Ariz, Ucla, Colo, or even USC play a great game, they can take down either one of Stanford or Utah. It's a very good conference.

I hope we get to play Utah again in the final.  However, we need to make it there.  And they do as well.  USC or Colorado could easily beat Utah if the refs let those defenses play or they could give Utah 100 foul shots and just hand them the game.

[mbdude]

did anyone other than Jump, Demetre (1) or Nnopu (1) make a jump shot?

[mbdude]

did anyone other than Jump, Demetre (1) or Nnopu (1) make a jump shot?

[81alum]

No secret I don't like whining about the refs, but today they deserve it. The calls on Kneepkins drives to the basket were particularly maddening. When driving, if you get a shoulder in front, the defender will be called. Kneepkins did that maybe once. Otherwise our defender was sliding laterally and Kneepkins cut sideways into her. Happened at least three times. In the first half a couple Utah total flops resulted in a call. As others have noted, at an important time late, Nivar was mauled bringing the ball down. Also, Utah did a lot of slapping at the ball, hitting Stanford arms instead, and no call.

Jump was great. She also wasn't covered. Maybe other teams will think that's a good strategy. Hope so, but doubt it. Jump also shot even though it wasn't wide open. Hope that continues.

I'm with Treetop. Given travel issues and schedule, and fact Utah was clawing for their first title (shared of course), I had them favored by 6 points. We will probably see them again. Of course, if Ariz, Ucla, Colo, or even USC play a great game, they can take down either one of Stanford or Utah. It's a very good conference.

I hope we get to play Utah again in the final.  However, we need to make it there.  And they do as well.  USC or Colorado could easily beat Utah if the refs let those defenses play or they could give Utah 100 foul shots and just hand them the game.

What I would really like is to play them again...in the national finals.

---

“They were more aggressive, and our turnovers were bad,” Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer said. “Our lack of execution (hurt us). They were the better team.”

“We caught them off-guard a little bit with how we were defending,” Roberts said. “21 turnovers is not normal for them. Conversely, we only had 10. I think that’s where the game was won.”

Read more at: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports...rylink=cpy
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports...03709.html

[81alum]

No secret I don't like whining about the refs, but today they deserve it. The calls on Kneepkins drives to the basket were particularly maddening. When driving, if you get a shoulder in front, the defender will be called. Kneepkins did that maybe once. Otherwise our defender was sliding laterally and Kneepkins cut sideways into her. Happened at least three times. In the first half a couple Utah total flops resulted in a call. As others have noted, at an important time late, Nivar was mauled bringing the ball down. Also, Utah did a lot of slapping at the ball, hitting Stanford arms instead, and no call.

Jump was great. She also wasn't covered. Maybe other teams will think that's a good strategy. Hope so, but doubt it. Jump also shot even though it wasn't wide open. Hope that continues.

I'm with Treetop. Given travel issues and schedule, and fact Utah was clawing for their first title (shared of course), I had them favored by 6 points. We will probably see them again. Of course, if Ariz, Ucla, Colo, or even USC play a great game, they can take down either one of Stanford or Utah. It's a very good conference.

I hope we get to play Utah again in the final.  However, we need to make it there.  And they do as well.  USC or Colorado could easily beat Utah if the refs let those defenses play or they could give Utah 100 foul shots and just hand them the game.

What I would really like is to play them again...in the national finals.

---

“They were more aggressive, and our turnovers were bad,” Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer said. “Our lack of execution (hurt us). They were the better team.”

“We caught them off-guard a little bit with how we were defending,” Roberts said. “21 turnovers is not normal for them. Conversely, we only had 10. I think that’s where the game was won.”

Read more at: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports...rylink=cpy
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports...03709.html

[TonyLima]

Tara who I always assumed was superstitious changed her lineup after a winning streak. I can’t remember her ever doing that. She has only tried two lineups consistently in however many games (except due to Lepolo’s injury):

Lepolo, Agnes, Haley, Cam, Hannah

Lepolo, Kiki, Haley, Cam, Hannah


No other experiments except during injury all year and unfortunately it’s too late to experiment now.

I suspect Kiki will be back in the starting lineup for the PAC-12 tourney, or she might double down on Agnes. It will be interesting to see.

One problem is that Kiki has no reliable shot other than a point-blank layup.

She has moves under the net. But at this point I’d settle for anyone who can make 80% of those shots.

[TonyLima]

Tara who I always assumed was superstitious changed her lineup after a winning streak. I can’t remember her ever doing that. She has only tried two lineups consistently in however many games (except due to Lepolo’s injury):

Lepolo, Agnes, Haley, Cam, Hannah

Lepolo, Kiki, Haley, Cam, Hannah


No other experiments except during injury all year and unfortunately it’s too late to experiment now.

I suspect Kiki will be back in the starting lineup for the PAC-12 tourney, or she might double down on Agnes. It will be interesting to see.

One problem is that Kiki has no reliable shot other than a point-blank layup.

She has moves under the net. But at this point I’d settle for anyone who can make 80% of those shots.

[Softball Fan]

I have to say this but I hate, hate, hate the way women's basketball is broadcast generally and the P-12 specifically.  I cannot stand the announcing.  They puff instead of analyze.  They yammer on about how great players are instead of following the action and giving us some insight on what is working or not for each team, etc.  They suck.  The visuals are not much better.  I don't want to see the bench or a coach or a close-up of a player (usually so the announcers can tell us how wonderful she is) when the action is going.

I agree completely.  I think it's even worse in the WNBA.  A routine play becomes the greatest play in the history of the sport.  IMO accept women's basketball is a different game than the men's game.  Treat it separately.  Don't make mental comparisons.  Announce the game in a straightforward manner and enjoy the game for what it is.

I haven't followed NET rankings or strength of schedule.  If Stanford stumbles in their first game in the PAC-12 tournament and Utah wins the tournament could we find Utah a #1 seed and Stanford bumped down by some other team to a #2 seed in the NCAAs?  Does the PAC-12 tournament require more from Stanford than just showing up to make a case for the NCAA's #1 seed?

[Softball Fan]

I have to say this but I hate, hate, hate the way women's basketball is broadcast generally and the P-12 specifically.  I cannot stand the announcing.  They puff instead of analyze.  They yammer on about how great players are instead of following the action and giving us some insight on what is working or not for each team, etc.  They suck.  The visuals are not much better.  I don't want to see the bench or a coach or a close-up of a player (usually so the announcers can tell us how wonderful she is) when the action is going.

I agree completely.  I think it's even worse in the WNBA.  A routine play becomes the greatest play in the history of the sport.  IMO accept women's basketball is a different game than the men's game.  Treat it separately.  Don't make mental comparisons.  Announce the game in a straightforward manner and enjoy the game for what it is.

I haven't followed NET rankings or strength of schedule.  If Stanford stumbles in their first game in the PAC-12 tournament and Utah wins the tournament could we find Utah a #1 seed and Stanford bumped down by some other team to a #2 seed in the NCAAs?  Does the PAC-12 tournament require more from Stanford than just showing up to make a case for the NCAA's #1 seed?

[Card10Fan]

I think a major turning point was the last possession of the third quarter. We were down 2. We could have held the ball, got the last shot and tied the game or taken the lead. We go too early, Jump misses a three and Pili comes back and nails a three as Jone's doesn't contest at all. Utah lead back to 5 and momentum back on their side again. 

They definitely earned the win and hit many open perimeter shots when they mattered most. But, IMO we didn't defend the perimeter well. I thought Lepolo, Jump, and Jones got exposed defensively at times with their lack of closeouts, getting through screens, contesting known shooters, etc. 

Utah plays the way, I wish we could play ourselves. If we had many knockdown shooters to put around Brink and Betts, we would be unstoppable with the inside and outside. But, not the case. 
Onto the Pac12 tourney where I expect us to redeem ourselves. If we win the Pac12 tourney, I think we keep our #1 seed and likely stay #3 overall behind (likely order SC, Indiana, Stanford, Utah)

[Card10Fan]

I think a major turning point was the last possession of the third quarter. We were down 2. We could have held the ball, got the last shot and tied the game or taken the lead. We go too early, Jump misses a three and Pili comes back and nails a three as Jone's doesn't contest at all. Utah lead back to 5 and momentum back on their side again. 

They definitely earned the win and hit many open perimeter shots when they mattered most. But, IMO we didn't defend the perimeter well. I thought Lepolo, Jump, and Jones got exposed defensively at times with their lack of closeouts, getting through screens, contesting known shooters, etc. 

Utah plays the way, I wish we could play ourselves. If we had many knockdown shooters to put around Brink and Betts, we would be unstoppable with the inside and outside. But, not the case. 
Onto the Pac12 tourney where I expect us to redeem ourselves. If we win the Pac12 tourney, I think we keep our #1 seed and likely stay #3 overall behind (likely order SC, Indiana, Stanford, Utah)

[BostonCard]

Now you have 3 very poor defensive rebounders - Hannah, Lepolo and Agnes - so you can’t get the ball and transition.

There were lots of problems today, but rebounding wasn’t one of them.  We outrebounded Utah 37-23 and held them to 7 offensive rebounds (in 32 opportunities).

BC

[BostonCard]

Now you have 3 very poor defensive rebounders - Hannah, Lepolo and Agnes - so you can’t get the ball and transition.

There were lots of problems today, but rebounding wasn’t one of them.  We outrebounded Utah 37-23 and held them to 7 offensive rebounds (in 32 opportunities).

BC

[treetop11]

Seeing that I expected to lose this game, I wasn't disappointed or upset. In fact, I think our players played really well overall, especially when I learned that they had travel problems making it even more difficult. The only thing that was frustrating was our really bad turnovers, particularly dumb passes.  But we shot pretty well (Jump was terrific) and generally rebounded well. I didn't understand why we weren't guarding Kneepkens more closely - she had too many wide open shots. I wasn't thrilled about the officiating again. Seems like we got the raw deal on calls that could have gone either way. Also, our fouls were a lot cheaper than theirs.

I was surprised that Tara didn't go with two bigs much if at all. Besides the O and D advantages, it takes pressure of our perimeter players and of of Brink in terms of potential fouls. 

Hand it to Utah though. They are a good team and play pretty clean. They're very aggressive but don't play a football like physical game. Preseason I thought Utah would be right there with us. Watching what they did the season before and who that they had coming back, I figured that they would be really good. When Tara singled them out early as a top team, it convinced me that they would be tough. 

I never want us to lose and certainly don't root for a loss, but this was a good loss. Despite all the disadvantages we had going in to the game, we made it a close game showed some good stuff. If we won, we might have been complacent going into the P12 tournament and been prime for a letdown. We will be more focused for the tournament and get some rest. So let's win 3 in the P12 tournament and 6 more in the NCAAs to get 36 wins adding to Tara's leading count.

I mostly agree with this.  I can't say I expected a loss.  I thought a loss was more probable than not. Too many turnovers for sure, that was the big problem, but overall, the team played reasonably well, especially given the travel woes and the very tough scheduling.  I thought the officiating was terrible overall.  I don't want the total let them play stuff we often get but this game they were calling things way too tightly, and I do think we got the worst of the bad calls by far.  The block/charge calls were inconsistent, for sure.  

We clearly had a tired team, and given that, they did well.  Utah is very good and they were hitting their threes today.  

I have to say this but I hate, hate, hate the way women's basketball is broadcast generally and the P-12 specifically.  I cannot stand the announcing.  They puff instead of analyze.  They yammer on about how great players are instead of following the action and giving us some insight on what is working or not for each team, etc.  They suck.  The visuals are not much better.  I don't want to see the bench or a coach or a close-up of a player (usually so the announcers can tell us how wonderful she is) when the action is going.  I don't want to guess whoa foul was on.  I don't need them to almost always justify bad calls, instead of maybe telling it like it is when officials make mistakes.  I almost don't look forward to watching games these days.  My ability to stand that stuff has decreased to the point that I struggle to enjoy watching.  I know good sports broadcasting, see it for other sports, and what we had today was not good at all.  Stop puffing up every dang player who does anything good. Give us stats and insight instead.  Stop cheerleading the game like you have to make it all sound so amazing or we will turn off the TV.  If you are supposed to be an expert in the sport, tell me something I don't know.  Rant over.

You should send a note to conference office regarding the telecasts. They need to hear and get feedback. I plan on sending a note about officiating because it's gotten reallybad.

[treetop11]

Seeing that I expected to lose this game, I wasn't disappointed or upset. In fact, I think our players played really well overall, especially when I learned that they had travel problems making it even more difficult. The only thing that was frustrating was our really bad turnovers, particularly dumb passes.  But we shot pretty well (Jump was terrific) and generally rebounded well. I didn't understand why we weren't guarding Kneepkens more closely - she had too many wide open shots. I wasn't thrilled about the officiating again. Seems like we got the raw deal on calls that could have gone either way. Also, our fouls were a lot cheaper than theirs.

I was surprised that Tara didn't go with two bigs much if at all. Besides the O and D advantages, it takes pressure of our perimeter players and of of Brink in terms of potential fouls. 

Hand it to Utah though. They are a good team and play pretty clean. They're very aggressive but don't play a football like physical game. Preseason I thought Utah would be right there with us. Watching what they did the season before and who that they had coming back, I figured that they would be really good. When Tara singled them out early as a top team, it convinced me that they would be tough. 

I never want us to lose and certainly don't root for a loss, but this was a good loss. Despite all the disadvantages we had going in to the game, we made it a close game showed some good stuff. If we won, we might have been complacent going into the P12 tournament and been prime for a letdown. We will be more focused for the tournament and get some rest. So let's win 3 in the P12 tournament and 6 more in the NCAAs to get 36 wins adding to Tara's leading count.

I mostly agree with this.  I can't say I expected a loss.  I thought a loss was more probable than not. Too many turnovers for sure, that was the big problem, but overall, the team played reasonably well, especially given the travel woes and the very tough scheduling.  I thought the officiating was terrible overall.  I don't want the total let them play stuff we often get but this game they were calling things way too tightly, and I do think we got the worst of the bad calls by far.  The block/charge calls were inconsistent, for sure.  

We clearly had a tired team, and given that, they did well.  Utah is very good and they were hitting their threes today.  

I have to say this but I hate, hate, hate the way women's basketball is broadcast generally and the P-12 specifically.  I cannot stand the announcing.  They puff instead of analyze.  They yammer on about how great players are instead of following the action and giving us some insight on what is working or not for each team, etc.  They suck.  The visuals are not much better.  I don't want to see the bench or a coach or a close-up of a player (usually so the announcers can tell us how wonderful she is) when the action is going.  I don't want to guess whoa foul was on.  I don't need them to almost always justify bad calls, instead of maybe telling it like it is when officials make mistakes.  I almost don't look forward to watching games these days.  My ability to stand that stuff has decreased to the point that I struggle to enjoy watching.  I know good sports broadcasting, see it for other sports, and what we had today was not good at all.  Stop puffing up every dang player who does anything good. Give us stats and insight instead.  Stop cheerleading the game like you have to make it all sound so amazing or we will turn off the TV.  If you are supposed to be an expert in the sport, tell me something I don't know.  Rant over.

You should send a note to conference office regarding the telecasts. They need to hear and get feedback. I plan on sending a note about officiating because it's gotten reallybad.

[cardfan1996]

Tara who I always assumed was superstitious changed her lineup after a winning streak. I can’t remember her ever doing that. She has only tried two lineups consistently in however many games (except due to Lepolo’s injury):

Lepolo, Agnes, Haley, Cam, Hannah

Lepolo, Kiki, Haley, Cam, Hannah


No other experiments except during injury all year and unfortunately it’s too late to experiment now.

I suspect Kiki will be back in the starting lineup for the PAC-12 tourney, or she might double down on Agnes. It will be interesting to see.

One problem is that Kiki has no reliable shot other than a point-blank layup.

I don’t like either of Tara’s lineups to be clear. But literally any starting lineup is better than the one that has both Agnes and Lepolo starting. That Agnes and Lepolo combo really is, and has been since November, the worst of all possible options. I had my “lucky” shirt in the dryer and I didn’t bother wearing it when I saw that starting lineup.

Stanford won comfortably and easily vs Utah and Colorado at home without Lepolo and Agnes was on the bench for much of those games. And when Agnes was in, the other team went in a run. I believe Stanford would have lost both those games if Lepolo had not been injured. Stanford was already down by double digits at the beginning of the Utah game before her injury. That combo doesn’t play well together and the way Stanford needs to score to win comfortably is not within either of their skillset. It is what it is.

---

Now you have 3 very poor defensive rebounders - Hannah, Lepolo and Agnes - so you can’t get the ball and transition.

There were lots of problems today, but rebounding wasn’t one of them.  We outrebounded Utah 37-23 and held them to 7 offensive rebounds (in 32 opportunities).

BC

I felt like they converted a lot of those 7 offensive rebounds and some led to backbreaking 3s. I need to rewatch the game.

[cardfan1996]

Tara who I always assumed was superstitious changed her lineup after a winning streak. I can’t remember her ever doing that. She has only tried two lineups consistently in however many games (except due to Lepolo’s injury):

Lepolo, Agnes, Haley, Cam, Hannah

Lepolo, Kiki, Haley, Cam, Hannah


No other experiments except during injury all year and unfortunately it’s too late to experiment now.

I suspect Kiki will be back in the starting lineup for the PAC-12 tourney, or she might double down on Agnes. It will be interesting to see.

One problem is that Kiki has no reliable shot other than a point-blank layup.

I don’t like either of Tara’s lineups to be clear. But literally any starting lineup is better than the one that has both Agnes and Lepolo starting. That Agnes and Lepolo combo really is, and has been since November, the worst of all possible options. I had my “lucky” shirt in the dryer and I didn’t bother wearing it when I saw that starting lineup.

Stanford won comfortably and easily vs Utah and Colorado at home without Lepolo and Agnes was on the bench for much of those games. And when Agnes was in, the other team went in a run. I believe Stanford would have lost both those games if Lepolo had not been injured. Stanford was already down by double digits at the beginning of the Utah game before her injury. That combo doesn’t play well together and the way Stanford needs to score to win comfortably is not within either of their skillset. It is what it is.

---

Now you have 3 very poor defensive rebounders - Hannah, Lepolo and Agnes - so you can’t get the ball and transition.

There were lots of problems today, but rebounding wasn’t one of them.  We outrebounded Utah 37-23 and held them to 7 offensive rebounds (in 32 opportunities).

BC

I felt like they converted a lot of those 7 offensive rebounds and some led to backbreaking 3s. I need to rewatch the game.

[81alum]

Utah presser:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rnJswqBDgM

With regard to the officiating, in comparison with Colorado:

"It was night and day, it was so extreme it is not even funny.  You have to adjust, is all I can say." 

"Tough road for us at the end of the season.  Hopefully this will make us very hungry."

Imagine what would have happened if the two officiating crews had been reversed.  Having a closely called game at Colorado to keep Colorado from playing us too physical, and an anything-goes game against Utah to let us push them around, and I think we come out with two easy wins.

Of course no team should be able to dial up exactly the style of officiating that will benefit them the most, even if it seems as if both of our opponents did so this weekend.  Yet another reason we are very lucky to get 1 win out of this trip.

Before the Utah game Tara was interviewed and dismissed the elevation factor, but pointed out a different one:  6 of the last 8 games on the road.

Scheduling, travel snafus, officiating--all took a toll.  We still deserved to lose, and we still have not really figured out our offense, and for the first time this year our defense let us down too.  At least now we get a few days to rest before Oregon or Washington.

[81alum]

Utah presser:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rnJswqBDgM

With regard to the officiating, in comparison with Colorado:

"It was night and day, it was so extreme it is not even funny.  You have to adjust, is all I can say." 

"Tough road for us at the end of the season.  Hopefully this will make us very hungry."

Imagine what would have happened if the two officiating crews had been reversed.  Having a closely called game at Colorado to keep Colorado from playing us too physical, and an anything-goes game against Utah to let us push them around, and I think we come out with two easy wins.

Of course no team should be able to dial up exactly the style of officiating that will benefit them the most, even if it seems as if both of our opponents did so this weekend.  Yet another reason we are very lucky to get 1 win out of this trip.

Before the Utah game Tara was interviewed and dismissed the elevation factor, but pointed out a different one:  6 of the last 8 games on the road.

Scheduling, travel snafus, officiating--all took a toll.  We still deserved to lose, and we still have not really figured out our offense, and for the first time this year our defense let us down too.  At least now we get a few days to rest before Oregon or Washington.

[Maple Leaf]

Despite all the challenges the schedule, travel problems, Utah’s court at elevation, etc. our team had to deal with, we came out firing on all cylinders and might have blown Utah out but the referees really altered the game. I don’t usually complain about the officials but this time they really altered the game even more than the FT #s indicate and the #s show a lot for Utah. The announcers indicated they thought there were lots of questionable calls against us or no calls against them. Lots of charges against us that should have been blocking against them, ticky tack fouls against us when they got away with lots of hard checks and bumps but mostly they got away with lots of moving screens which got their 3-point shots going. Brink got called for a moving screen that was less egregious but altered her play the rest of the game.

I think we’ll be better positioned at the PAC-12 tournament

Absolutely, perhaps at the Pac 12 tourney we can get a really good official like Missy.

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We actually outclassed Utah in most categories except for made free throws.  Putting it pure and simple:  shooting fewer free throws and making them at a lower percentage, along with 21 turnovers, is the reason we lost. 

But those turnovers are deceptive.  Quite of few of them were caused by offensive fouls.  Turnovers look more normal otherwise.  So once again, it was the fouls.

I don't mind a game being called tightly, but not if it is called unequally. 

All that said, we did NOT defend Kneepkins well, even if she did get some undeserved free throws.  She was 5/9 from three point range, and some of those were wide open.

We DID defend Pili rather well--better than the first game, keeping her to 6/14 and a more reasonable 14 points.

No one else on Utah was outstanding.  Johnson and McQueen were at 10 and 9 points.  But Kneepkins with 28 was our undoing.

Jump was nearly as good as Kneepkins, and Brink about as good as Pili.  We needed a lot more from Jones in a high scoring game than we got, so perhaps the exhaustion factor took a toll.

The impact of the travel, schedule and the double overtime and travel disruptions was evident by the number of turnovers, being unable to close out on the 3-point shooters and being unable to control the tempo.  I am impressed by how hard Stanford played, but the physical and mental fatigue was too much to overcome against an excellent Utah team. Stanford won 5 out of the last 6 games which includes 3 out of four on the road, against 5 teams that were ranked at the time.

[Maple Leaf]

Despite all the challenges the schedule, travel problems, Utah’s court at elevation, etc. our team had to deal with, we came out firing on all cylinders and might have blown Utah out but the referees really altered the game. I don’t usually complain about the officials but this time they really altered the game even more than the FT #s indicate and the #s show a lot for Utah. The announcers indicated they thought there were lots of questionable calls against us or no calls against them. Lots of charges against us that should have been blocking against them, ticky tack fouls against us when they got away with lots of hard checks and bumps but mostly they got away with lots of moving screens which got their 3-point shots going. Brink got called for a moving screen that was less egregious but altered her play the rest of the game.

I think we’ll be better positioned at the PAC-12 tournament

Absolutely, perhaps at the Pac 12 tourney we can get a really good official like Missy.

---

We actually outclassed Utah in most categories except for made free throws.  Putting it pure and simple:  shooting fewer free throws and making them at a lower percentage, along with 21 turnovers, is the reason we lost. 

But those turnovers are deceptive.  Quite of few of them were caused by offensive fouls.  Turnovers look more normal otherwise.  So once again, it was the fouls.

I don't mind a game being called tightly, but not if it is called unequally. 

All that said, we did NOT defend Kneepkins well, even if she did get some undeserved free throws.  She was 5/9 from three point range, and some of those were wide open.

We DID defend Pili rather well--better than the first game, keeping her to 6/14 and a more reasonable 14 points.

No one else on Utah was outstanding.  Johnson and McQueen were at 10 and 9 points.  But Kneepkins with 28 was our undoing.

Jump was nearly as good as Kneepkins, and Brink about as good as Pili.  We needed a lot more from Jones in a high scoring game than we got, so perhaps the exhaustion factor took a toll.

The impact of the travel, schedule and the double overtime and travel disruptions was evident by the number of turnovers, being unable to close out on the 3-point shooters and being unable to control the tempo.  I am impressed by how hard Stanford played, but the physical and mental fatigue was too much to overcome against an excellent Utah team. Stanford won 5 out of the last 6 games which includes 3 out of four on the road, against 5 teams that were ranked at the time.