(02-28-2016, 04:30 PM)81alum link Wrote:I am in fact worried about Washington. They are up to 23 on Sagarin and are fighting for seeding in the NCAAs. It will be at home for them and they and Plum have beaten us there before. It is by far the hardest draw for the four bye teams, so even if we get past them we will have to work at it and be a bit depleted for the semis. Getting a re-re-match with OSU will be interesting. They would be well prepared for us, but I do think we can match them physically. The finals, should we be so fortunate, are another matter. UCLA seems to be coming on strong, and we were not competitive with them. I think I may fear them more than ASU, given how close we came to beating ASU last time--we are well practiced for them.
Let's also not forget that Washington will also be fighting to secure a berth in the NCAA tourney. They are a #8 seed in the latest ESPN Bracketology, but I am sure securing a win over us would boost their chances on Selection Monday and make them feel safer as the bracket is revealed.
Oregon State will surely want revenge after the drubbing we gave them as well.
This is when we need to pick it up. Erica, as good as she has been over the last couple games will need help from everyone. Bri, Marta, Kaylee and Kailee will need to make them pay when they sag off of them. Brit will have to continue with their aggressive mentality. Karlie will need to nail contested 3-point shots, because she won't get too many open looks and Lili will need to find some consistency amidst the rough times she has been going through.
This is when our depth can help us. Our rotation can dip to 9 deep without sacrificing too much (Lili, Bri, Marta, Kaylee, Kailee, Karlie, Brit, Alanna and Erica) and if we are going to win 3 games in 3 days against tough opposition, we'll need contributions from everyone.