Can South Carolina Shake Off the UConn Setback?
In this matchup, I can see both of these teams coming out to play, being very defensive even when they are missing shots. South Carolina had to focus on their transitional defense; that's where their biggest downfall was in the first quarter. The Huskies have opened up their offense to get shots up, but Te-Hina Paopao from South Carolina contributes many shots. Connecticut is in the lead as of now against South Carolina, so they have to go in the locker room to see where they can improve to get the lead back as of now. The Huskies needed to be big and small and have an aggressive mindset, which Connecticut has brought to the table. They are making sure they get South Carolina to shoot the ball better. UConn has been strong going up against the defense with Carolina. They are doing a nice job against them. Ashlynn Shade was off to a great start, contributing three consistent three-pointers. Connecticut is unstoppable right now, beating South Carolina at their own game, making them lose sight of how to control the ball on the court, making great assists and passes, and losing it.
UConn is pushing the pace; that's why they are at a 17-point lead in the second quarter. South Carolina is not moving the ball; there is too much passing being done and not enough shots going up and getting set to make a play. Joyce Edwards came in and saved the day by being big, bringing the contact to go to the line to get as many points on the board for South Carolina as she had been stepping up for her teammates. UConn has been getting their rebounds consistently, trying to get as many shots up no matter how close South Carolina is approaching them on defense. South Carolina has been looking good using the inside to get passes past court to get shots in. MiLaysia Fulwiley came in off the bench ready to go fast past with a hard court press nobody can stop when she's going up for a layup. Connecticut has a lot of three-point shooters on their team; that's how they keep getting the lead. The Huskies are seven for 11 in the first half. Jana El Alfy has been strong and tough, getting as many assists and rebounds as she can, as well as getting her own rebounds back up on the glass. Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers are the two players who have gotten Connecticut this far in the lead.
South Carolina hasn’t been making many shots and not slowing down to set up their offense; they have been doing too many turnovers. By this team being outside of South Carolina’s conference, this should be practice for them; this shouldn't be a hard task. They have what it takes to win against Connecticut, which has been taking steals from South Carolina way too easily. Sarah Strong has been having the quick hand in this game, taking advantage of this matchup. Paige Bueckers knew this was going to be tough team play, but she knew they had to come out on their feet and not be afraid and to know after halftime is over, the Gamecocks will be coming out harder to play because this is their home court; they don't want to lose on, but now they will lose their winning home court streak. It ends today against the Huskies. To witness UConn in such a big lead against South Carolina is very hard to believe. Connecticut players' confidence is high; offense wins tickets, defense wins games, and it shows from UConn. They have out-rebounded the Gamecocks; they have been locked in. South Carolina has not been able to guard and penetrate against Connecticut; the Gamecocks have been fumbling the ball like they don't want it as bad as UConn does. Connecticut was on fire since the beginning of the first quarter coming out; they didn't back down from a fight; they held their ground all the way through till the clock ran out in the fourth quarter.
