[81alum]

Gritty win but this game showed the importance of Dodson/Fingall.  On offense, we missed our two best offensive rebounder / put back players and thus don't have the opportunities for easy points.  And on defense, we struggled to contain penetration and heavily struggled with rebounding in the fourth quarter.  Both Dodson and Fingall clear a lot of space with their box outs, allowing Smith or Carrington to snare the defensive rebound.  Without them, it was multiple offensive rebounds for UCLA and we are a little lucky their shooting cooled down in the second half.

Probably you are right.  On the other hand, Lindy before the game and Tara after the game noted that UCLA is the #1 offensive rebounding team in the nation.  We were probably going to struggle with that regardless.  Yes we gave up 16 offensive rebounds, but we also got 12 of our own.  And our two best rebounders on the season?  Carrington and Lexie Hull, who is now coming back.  We might be able to make do until Dodson gets healthy.

Also, for what it is worth, Tara called out Carrington, Smith, and Jerome as the outstanding three to talk to the crowd today. She praised Jerome's two baskets and especially her defense. Perhaps she is trying to build up her confidence in anticipation of a lot more minutes coming her way, and possibly Jerome played well defensively. I was not following her that carefully to see. I did see her guarding Kennedy Burke at one point, who had an average day with 4/10 shooting.

[81alum]

Gritty win but this game showed the importance of Dodson/Fingall.  On offense, we missed our two best offensive rebounder / put back players and thus don't have the opportunities for easy points.  And on defense, we struggled to contain penetration and heavily struggled with rebounding in the fourth quarter.  Both Dodson and Fingall clear a lot of space with their box outs, allowing Smith or Carrington to snare the defensive rebound.  Without them, it was multiple offensive rebounds for UCLA and we are a little lucky their shooting cooled down in the second half.

Probably you are right.  On the other hand, Lindy before the game and Tara after the game noted that UCLA is the #1 offensive rebounding team in the nation.  We were probably going to struggle with that regardless.  Yes we gave up 16 offensive rebounds, but we also got 12 of our own.  And our two best rebounders on the season?  Carrington and Lexie Hull, who is now coming back.  We might be able to make do until Dodson gets healthy.

Also, for what it is worth, Tara called out Carrington, Smith, and Jerome as the outstanding three to talk to the crowd today. She praised Jerome's two baskets and especially her defense. Perhaps she is trying to build up her confidence in anticipation of a lot more minutes coming her way, and possibly Jerome played well defensively. I was not following her that carefully to see. I did see her guarding Kennedy Burke at one point, who had an average day with 4/10 shooting.