B1G Game 6: Gophers host UCLA 1-14-26

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Be interesting to see how coach P matches up players vs UCLA. Believe one of her strengths is figure out unique possible ways to defend certain teams. After watching highlights vs Nebraska, I would not have bad collapses on Betts to give UCLA the 3 ball as they have 5 G/F that are 33% or higher and they feed off attention for Betts. Betts is only 68% at the FT line and so what if she scores 30 points. Can't allow the 3 balls. I know last year we also got beat by the longer shots from collapsing on Betts too many times.

Would like to see Coach P play Betts 1 on 1 with Battle and Holloway. Yes, don't believe can prevent from scoring, but believe they could hold tough getting some balls in at more difficult locations and frustrate Betts while she is trying to score. Yes, give up a few fouls sure too, but Betts might also get frustrated and get some offensive calls(not likely to get them). Think both Battle and Holloway have shown ability to guard the 5 spot (Battle did with Maryland). Tonga and Christian could also be used to give fouls and see on the 5. It is a unique aspect to have a player like Battle who has been willing to accept those challenges.

Then maybe get Hart in while Betts is sitting? Would keep Braun, Glenn, McKinney, GG guarding the 3 pt shot and still make it tough for Betts to get some balls and convert the 2.

I would let Betts score 30 before giving up 10-15 each of the outside guards in the shooting. 3's hurt ya more then 2's with UCLA. 1 UCLA loss is when Texas held UCLA to 13 3PT shot attempts and they only made 4.

My lineup chart would be

C-Battle/Hart/Holloway/Tonga
G/F-McKinney
G/F-GG
G/F-Braun
G/F- Glenn

Let Christian give the 4 G/F rest.

If Battle and Holloway can force Betts to catch the ball few feet farther from the basket than normal, would be ideal. 4 g/F cant get caught watching or collapsing and leaving their perimeter players. With correct spacing could get some tipped passes and need to get the loose balls!

Rah!
 






Ignatius L Hoops said:
Life has interfered with the time, such as it was, that it took to write my opponent game preview blurbs. I doubt they will return this season
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In his absence, perhaps someone who was at the Gopher's 2004 NCAA tournament victory over UCLA in the Barn can step up with some memories or highlights from that victory.
 




BigTenGuy said:
In his absence, perhaps someone who was at the Gopher's 2004 NCAA tournament victory over UCLA in the Barn can step up with some memories or highlights from that victory.
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Loudest I have ever heard the Barn. It was incredible. For one thing, it was the first time we were seeing Whalen in five weeks, since she'd been out with a broken wrist. I and many others wondered if she'd really be able to shoot, but she dived back in like she hadn't missed a minute. And there were a lot of future WNBA stars in that game, including Nikki Blue (who I think joined Whalen in scoring more than 30), Lisa Willis and Noelle Quinn, in addition to Whalen and McCarville (and Anderson, who I think played professionally overseas?).
 

BigTenGuy said:
In his absence, perhaps someone who was at the Gopher's 2004 NCAA tournament victory over UCLA in the Barn can step up with some memories or highlights from that victory.
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Hmm, might have to watch the replay of the game on You Tube, at least it used to be posted there,

Yes the barn was electric and that team was so fun to watch and Whalen’s return to the line up just amped up the atmosphere
 

thatjanelpick said:
Loudest I have ever heard the Barn. It was incredible. For one thing, it was the first time we were seeing Whalen in five weeks, since she'd been out with a broken wrist. I and many others wondered if she'd really be able to shoot, but she dived back in like she hadn't missed a minute. And there were a lot of future WNBA stars in that game, including Nikki Blue (who I think joined Whalen in scoring more than 30), Lisa Willis and Noelle Quinn, in addition to Whalen and McCarville (and Anderson, who I think played professionally overseas?).
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Agreed . It was an amazing game and atmosphere. Cheryl Reeves sat below us and she was into the game.
 



I remember Whay after making a 3 point.. holding up her hand and wave .. and everyone thought she was saying look my hand is okay.. but it was her calling out out the defense which was "5"

Janel and Nikki Blue got into a scuffle at the end of the game in the far corner kitty corner of the Gophers bench..
 



Case it point where the men's team tonight allowed Wisconsin to shoot 33 3's making 14 for 42% after Wisconsin beat Michigan shooting 15-33 on 3's. Too many times Minnesota defenders collapsed down on the ball only to leave open a shooter to dish out too who make MN pay. If gophers want any chance to take down UCLA they can not collapse and give their shooters easy shots.

Unless UCLA is somehow ice cold shooting, think our only chance like mentioned before is to let Battle/Holloway play Betts more 1 on 1 and just stick with it even if Betts scores 30-35 pts. Do think they have the ability to not stop, but make it more difficult for Betts to earn those 30 pts while covering the shooters. Even use Bershers at times, even if it is to just foul Betts few trips down the court to slow them up and make Betts earn 2 at the line. Don't think she would go 2 for 2 too often.
We have the perimeter D in Braun/McKinney/Glenn/GG/Christian but they can't collapse even if sometimes it will be given 2 pts.

See how coach P handles it.
Rah!
 

Nice to have a coach that finally knows what they are doing. This program is finally going to the tourney behind Coach P after the long drought with Whay & friends.
 

WayOfTheGopher said:
I wouldn't be surprised if Betts go 20/20.
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You must not remember last year when the Gopher defense held her to taking only 5 shots and making 3 of them. They did a great job keeping the ball out of her hands and if I remember right were one of the only Big Ten teams to keep her scoring lower like that last year. Now it still didn't work because they had other options to play through, but it was a nice defensive experiment!
 

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