[teejers1]

That third quarter was a disaster for the second game in a row.  Both times, Tara took too long to call a timeout. And tonight she didn’t sub. Henderson was lights out on defense, but part of this loss is on decision making.  I love Brink but tonight was not her night and it was terribly apparent.  Prechtel and Belibi outplayed her by light years yet at important moments Tara went back to Brink.  Really really bad decisions tonight both from players and coaches.  This game could have went our way easily.  Hopefully, they all learn from it.  

That being said, I’m happy we showed we can compete.  Prechtel had an amazing first half with 7 rebounds and 5 blocks.  Fran had 10 points in 10 minutes at the midpoint of the fourth.  Both showed they want to be on the floor and produce.

Hopefully we start keeping the players on the floor that are producing that game.  We have a ton of talent and I understand wanting to get a flow with starters.  But if other players come in and push you ahead, they may just be the better matchup that evening.

Stanford is who we thought they were: an excellent overall team with great depth, but lacking the elite PG/ball handler who can calm the waters when opposing elite perimeter players decide to get in their jerseys.  Coach needs to come up with a strategy to deal with these kind of games which are coming in March, and which will be Stanford's downfall if the situation is not addressed.  And to be perfectly blunt, Lacie at PG is not the answer.

I love Prechtel more than most here, I suspect, and she did have several blocks and good rebounds in 1H.  BUT, she also should have secured more rebounds than she did.  Red gets knocked off her base/pushed under the hoop and generally put in unfavorable rebounding positions such that she is NOT getting all the rebounds she should.  I'd bet good $$ that is what frustrates Tara most about Prechtel's game (but I'm sure she LOVES how Ashten extends the D and she is a pretty good passer, too).  When a big gets in her jersey at the 3-point line, Prechtel needs to have a move to the hoop.  Boston was not quicker than Ashten, and I would have loved to see Red try and drive by her when she was contesting up close at the 3 point line.

My predictions (actually a repeat of them):  (i) Wilson will play more and more as season progresses, and (ii) Emma Nopu better get ready to play meaningful minutes in NCAAs (and thus, she needs to play in 1H of conference games against elite guards).

I liked Brink's demeanor on the court today, especially as compared to Tennessee game, and she did some nice things out there.  But she also needs to be smart, and that shot she took with 16 seconds left was anything but.

As for Belibi, she should have an obscenely high shooting % when virtually all of her shots are from point blank range.  Still, I liked her movement around the hoop, and of course her finishes.

Lexie played pretty well; same for Jones.

We just need to cut down on the low % shots, many of which were drives to the hoop and "shots" that looked more like efforts to get a whistle.

It would have been fun to win - and really headline-grabbing - but Stanford is right where we all thought they were.  Coaches have weeks of practice and many games to be better prepared to address the style of play we saw in 2H today.  I remain optimistic about this team's chances of a good, deep run in March Madness.

[teejers1]

That third quarter was a disaster for the second game in a row.  Both times, Tara took too long to call a timeout. And tonight she didn’t sub. Henderson was lights out on defense, but part of this loss is on decision making.  I love Brink but tonight was not her night and it was terribly apparent.  Prechtel and Belibi outplayed her by light years yet at important moments Tara went back to Brink.  Really really bad decisions tonight both from players and coaches.  This game could have went our way easily.  Hopefully, they all learn from it.  

That being said, I’m happy we showed we can compete.  Prechtel had an amazing first half with 7 rebounds and 5 blocks.  Fran had 10 points in 10 minutes at the midpoint of the fourth.  Both showed they want to be on the floor and produce.

Hopefully we start keeping the players on the floor that are producing that game.  We have a ton of talent and I understand wanting to get a flow with starters.  But if other players come in and push you ahead, they may just be the better matchup that evening.

Stanford is who we thought they were: an excellent overall team with great depth, but lacking the elite PG/ball handler who can calm the waters when opposing elite perimeter players decide to get in their jerseys.  Coach needs to come up with a strategy to deal with these kind of games which are coming in March, and which will be Stanford's downfall if the situation is not addressed.  And to be perfectly blunt, Lacie at PG is not the answer.

I love Prechtel more than most here, I suspect, and she did have several blocks and good rebounds in 1H.  BUT, she also should have secured more rebounds than she did.  Red gets knocked off her base/pushed under the hoop and generally put in unfavorable rebounding positions such that she is NOT getting all the rebounds she should.  I'd bet good $$ that is what frustrates Tara most about Prechtel's game (but I'm sure she LOVES how Ashten extends the D and she is a pretty good passer, too).  When a big gets in her jersey at the 3-point line, Prechtel needs to have a move to the hoop.  Boston was not quicker than Ashten, and I would have loved to see Red try and drive by her when she was contesting up close at the 3 point line.

My predictions (actually a repeat of them):  (i) Wilson will play more and more as season progresses, and (ii) Emma Nopu better get ready to play meaningful minutes in NCAAs (and thus, she needs to play in 1H of conference games against elite guards).

I liked Brink's demeanor on the court today, especially as compared to Tennessee game, and she did some nice things out there.  But she also needs to be smart, and that shot she took with 16 seconds left was anything but.

As for Belibi, she should have an obscenely high shooting % when virtually all of her shots are from point blank range.  Still, I liked her movement around the hoop, and of course her finishes.

Lexie played pretty well; same for Jones.

We just need to cut down on the low % shots, many of which were drives to the hoop and "shots" that looked more like efforts to get a whistle.

It would have been fun to win - and really headline-grabbing - but Stanford is right where we all thought they were.  Coaches have weeks of practice and many games to be better prepared to address the style of play we saw in 2H today.  I remain optimistic about this team's chances of a good, deep run in March Madness.