11-18-2015, 06:46 PM
Thanks for getting us started!
Yes, this is a quality, top-20 team that won their conference and will probably win it again this year. Given that a lesser Gonzaga team led us with all but five minutes of the last game gone, I am concerned about a higher level of competition before our team has really begun to jell. If we struggle to win this one, then we will have even more problems with Texas and Tennessee coming up. We are going to learn what we are made of.
Given that they have 6-5 and 6-4, athletic posts, I can't see our inside offense scoring much. Erica could well have a tough offensive day. We had better be able to hit jump shots. That might mean a different lineup. Marta may not get a lot of time--Lili, Bri, and Karlie probably will get a lot of time. McPhee could also do well if she can hit some jumpers and not try taking it to the hoop every time. If ever there were a time for a stretch four--this would be it. Maybe Alanna, if she can stay out of foul trouble. But can Alana guard one of their giants, given her tendency to foul? We may find out.
On defense, I wonder if Coffee might get some time? Tara usually emphasizes our defense first. Who is most likely to be able to bother 6-4 Jonquel Jones?
Yes, this is a quality, top-20 team that won their conference and will probably win it again this year. Given that a lesser Gonzaga team led us with all but five minutes of the last game gone, I am concerned about a higher level of competition before our team has really begun to jell. If we struggle to win this one, then we will have even more problems with Texas and Tennessee coming up. We are going to learn what we are made of.
Given that they have 6-5 and 6-4, athletic posts, I can't see our inside offense scoring much. Erica could well have a tough offensive day. We had better be able to hit jump shots. That might mean a different lineup. Marta may not get a lot of time--Lili, Bri, and Karlie probably will get a lot of time. McPhee could also do well if she can hit some jumpers and not try taking it to the hoop every time. If ever there were a time for a stretch four--this would be it. Maybe Alanna, if she can stay out of foul trouble. But can Alana guard one of their giants, given her tendency to foul? We may find out.
On defense, I wonder if Coffee might get some time? Tara usually emphasizes our defense first. Who is most likely to be able to bother 6-4 Jonquel Jones?