Battle of the undefeated: #1 UCONN vs. #2 South Carolina, who ya got?
- Alicea Ulmer
- Feb 7, 2016
- 3 min read
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
#1 Connecticut hits the road to match up against #2 South Carolina at Colonial Life Arena Monday February 8, 2016. Both teams come into this game undefeated at 22-0. The last time these two teams met, almost a year ago to this date in Storrs, the Huskies ended the Gamecocks 22 game win streak handing them their first loss of the season in convincing fashion. This game has a lot of hype and this could certainly be a preview of what’s to come should the two meet in the National Championship this year. Let’s have a look at the two teams resume to this point in the season as I break down my findings, reveal my keys for both teams to win and my favorite to win.
SOUTH CAROLINA
First, let’s look at the host team. South Carolina is fresh off of a final four run a season ago, 2-time SEC player of the year Tiffany Mitchell is back for her senior campaign, along with sophomore A’Ja Wilson, SEC Freshman of the year a season ago. The two lead the charge for the undefeated Gamecocks. After having their win streak snapped, I’m sure the Gamecocks have enough motivation to win on their home floor.
South Carolina ranks 24th in NCAAW scoring offense and 37th in scoring defense; scoring 75.8 points per game while allowing 56.5. Known for their tenacious defense, the Gamecocks average 5.5 blocks per game to go with 8 steals per game. They also hold their opponents to 27 percent shooting from the 3-pt line. South Carolina boasts three double figure scorers in Wilson (16.7), Mitchell (14.), and Alaina Coates (12.9). Coates and Wilson have proved to be a great 1,2 punch in the paint. Has this young frontcourt matured enough to match the Huskies after being held to 16 points combined in the matchup last year?
UCONN
The Huskies, aside from a 10-pt victory over Notre Dame early in the season has yet to be really tested. They return All-Americans Breanna Stewart, Moriah Jefferson and Morgan Tuck for their senior campaigns. While their underclassmen and newcomers fall in place, Geno Auriemma’s squad is rolling. UCONN ranks 1st in NCAAW in scoring offense and scoring defense; scoring 90 points per game while allowing just 48 points per game. The Huskies get after it defensively holding their opponents to just 33 percent and ranks 5th in NCAAW for steals per game averaging 12 on the season to date. UCONN features four double figure scorers leading the way is Stewart (19.4), Tuck (14.2), Jefferson (13.5) and Gabby Williams (10).
KEYS TO THE GAME
UCONN
X-Factor(s): Gabby Williams energy off the bench, Katie Lou Samuelson and Kia Nurse shooting well opening the paint up for Stewart and Tuck
Keep Coates and Wilson off the glass
Push the tempo, force SC to go deep into bench
SC
NO LULLS; must be able to score with UCONN to relieve pressure off their defense
Establish Coates and Wilson early in paint
Take care of the basketball
Slow the game down, limit UCONN transition
FAVORITE TO WIN
I’ve watched both teams play several times this year and compared stats, but my favorite to win this match-up is UCONN. South Carolina is pretty solid defensively but I worry about them offensively. They often have scoring droughts which was evident in games versus Mississippi State, Texas A&M and Kentucky. Teams that usually pose some threat to the Huskies are teams that defend but most importantly score with them. UCONN’s seniors are battle tested and don’t shy away in big moments.
Agree or disagree? Let me know in the comments below.
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