It was clear that the ladies' struggled last night against Missouri - missed free throws, fairly easy shots missed (particularly in the paint), some missed assignments, etc. But they hung in there and were able to win the game through toughness and persistence - strong defense was key in the third quarter and at the end. Blair really stepped up, making shots and taking that late charge. This team really does resemble the personality of its coach.
The team seems at times to play up or down to the level of its opponent - parts of the Ole Miss game are an example. Our ladies also have an off game at times where shots they usually make just don't fall - last night was a good example.
I am hoping that they will be prepared for USC. Having a down game last night should serve as a strong motivator to make sure that they are "up" against USC. The three losses to them last year should prove to be a strong motivator. I am not sure that our ladies can survive an offensively "down" game against them. We will need to come out against them quickly and strike hard as we did against UConn last year.
Thankfully, we will not go into the USC game following a demoralizing loss or an emotional high (like playing USC in the finals last year after the win over UConn). I think this game is very winnable for our ladies, but they will have to bring their best.
Hopefully we will not draw the same officials as our games against USC last year.
The team seems at times to play up or down to the level of its opponent - parts of the Ole Miss game are an example. Our ladies also have an off game at times where shots they usually make just don't fall - last night was a good example.
I am hoping that they will be prepared for USC. Having a down game last night should serve as a strong motivator to make sure that they are "up" against USC. The three losses to them last year should prove to be a strong motivator. I am not sure that our ladies can survive an offensively "down" game against them. We will need to come out against them quickly and strike hard as we did against UConn last year.
Thankfully, we will not go into the USC game following a demoralizing loss or an emotional high (like playing USC in the finals last year after the win over UConn). I think this game is very winnable for our ladies, but they will have to bring their best.
Hopefully we will not draw the same officials as our games against USC last year.
