03-19-2012, 06:23 PM
A couple of quick thoughts:
(1) Chiney and Nneka can't give away fouls as they did late in the first half. While they were a bit ticky tack (and one was called by Missy from about 40ft, to balance out an equally distant call she made against WVU), they still took our two best players off the court for extended minutes. It didn't matter in this game, but we can't afford to do that going forward.
(2) The driving against the ball pressure was just what the doctor ordered; the high pick and roll and the backdoor cuts also were wonderful in making the Mountaineers pay for overpressing on the perimeter. I think some future opponents just had their defensive strategies rewritten.
(3) That said, we haven't seen much zone. I don't think Dawn Staley and SoCarolina will do so, but if the Cardinal does meet Duke, you can bet on it. Hopefully Jos stays hot, and Toni finds her shot again.
(4) Amber was amazing. There was such a distinct slow-down of the offensive execution with her on the bench for her rare breaks. Again, this game we could afford it. Going forward, not as much, I don't think. Especially given the possibility/probability of some pressing from the Gamecocks.
VG
(1) Chiney and Nneka can't give away fouls as they did late in the first half. While they were a bit ticky tack (and one was called by Missy from about 40ft, to balance out an equally distant call she made against WVU), they still took our two best players off the court for extended minutes. It didn't matter in this game, but we can't afford to do that going forward.
(2) The driving against the ball pressure was just what the doctor ordered; the high pick and roll and the backdoor cuts also were wonderful in making the Mountaineers pay for overpressing on the perimeter. I think some future opponents just had their defensive strategies rewritten.
(3) That said, we haven't seen much zone. I don't think Dawn Staley and SoCarolina will do so, but if the Cardinal does meet Duke, you can bet on it. Hopefully Jos stays hot, and Toni finds her shot again.
(4) Amber was amazing. There was such a distinct slow-down of the offensive execution with her on the bench for her rare breaks. Again, this game we could afford it. Going forward, not as much, I don't think. Especially given the possibility/probability of some pressing from the Gamecocks.
VG