Also a matter of talent.
by OITLinebacker (2019-01-11 08:57:43)

In reply to: Now every team knows…  posted by BabaGhanouj


MM's teams/offense struggles more when the other team also has top players and they play a pushy, in your face defense. What team wouldn't struggle in that sort of situation? Love them or hate them Geno and Waltz both preach aggressive defense and at least at the moment have great players to challenge ND.

I think the reason why this team looks so good on the break is that is what they are seeing in game situations no matter the opponent. This team is lethal off a steal or a quick clean rebound because that is what they see game in and game out. Even in games where they see tough, aggressive defenses, they seldom see teams that have the athletes to keep up with them, so they can break them down or just continue to feast on the breaks.




That is very true. Louisville had a stifling defense in
by Tim Kelley  (2019-01-11 09:55:48)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

half court similar to UConn. It was great to see ND overcome that. Louisville’s foul trouble was a big issue and I believe to a great extent was related to the tempo of the ND offense. Arike’s (and the teams’s) energy at the end of the game was exciting to see.

Last point. I love Amin as a play by play announcer and that announcing team is the best in women’s BB. They were great during last year’s tournament.


I'll forever have a man-crush on Amin.
by PWK2  (2019-01-11 14:38:16)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

I have a crush on the entire crew, including Holly, for their NCAA calls last year. And beyond that, they're some of the best in the game.


Yes, and true.
by BabaGhanouj  (2019-01-11 09:13:46)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

We do practice against quick, athletic men, however. Can't we learn from that?


while true, it's hard to instill that same sort of ethos.
by OITLinebacker  (2019-01-11 13:32:26)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

Particularly for a scout team. I am not sure how you can get any group to have that same ingrained personality that a UCONN or UL coached team has. Not with a few practices or weeks a year. Probably not when they're trying to give a show of offensive and defensive plays and principles. I would think that sort of defense takes a good deal of honed practicing that the scout team just doesn't have time for.


I think we have learned. . .
by NDLAW88  (2019-01-11 09:32:35)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

ND could barely get the ball up court against Louisville last year. MSU pressed us like crazy in the second quarter. It seems that Jess and Bri are used much more as outlets to get the ball up court and to initiate the offense rather than having MM or JY dribble away too much time to start the offense.

We were more aggressive yesterday driving to the hoop against the Cards' pressure, which led to a lot of the early foul calls. This is much more of JY's specialty than MM, so having JY assume all point guard duties in the second half was a good move. MM had a brutal stretch of bad passes in the 2nd quarter.


Agree. MM Saw The Same Thing...
by dillon77  (2019-01-11 09:43:10)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

..regarding Louisville's aggressive man-to-man, in-your-face defense. It does not play to Marina's strengths, but to Jackie's dribbling ability. Good. solid coaching move.

We'll play other teams that sag into a zone and require someone who has more of a "move the ball around and get everyone in position" approach or just plays soft man. Back to MM maybe.

For those who have the chance, listen to MM's presser. It's apparent she's looking to do certain things based on the scouting reports we have coming back.
This team has so many strengths that they can adjust what's necessary against teams that have excellent personnel, such as Louisville.