Well, we are slowly regaining that early season grove. After our normal beginning of the game funk, we went out and dominated Virginia with a 21-1 run. Virginia slowly crept back into the game, which included our also usual post halftime funk, , but was never able to get closer than 6. The Terps looked complacent in the second half, as if they felt Virginia was going to roll over and die. No one in the ACC does that so we can't just turn it off because we have a big lead. The next two games are going to be very telling. The win moves us to 8-1 in the ACC, clinching a winning record for the first time since 1997. We are also 21-2, one win away from last year's win total. And we swept Virginia for the first time since 1989.
Game Story | Box Score | Quotes | Notes
Postives
Laura Harper. Again the star of the game with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Her offense game is coming alive and she is starting to hit the glass with more force. This can only help open things for the other players.
Shay. Another solid game out of her. She looked a little like the old Shay with the way she took the ball to the basket instead of relying on her jump shot.
Toliver. 9 assists, 2 turnovers vs. one of the best PGs in the conference. She picked her spots to take her shot and ran the offense very well.
Free Throw shooting. Another game over 70% and we made them down the stretch to seal the game.
More assists than turnovers. I can't recall the last time that happened.
Negatives
Our 1-on-1 defense. All teams are doing are isolating the defender and then driving past them. Zoll did it most of the second half yesterday and occasionally Granberry and Sardin would do the same. We have to be better at not being taken off the dribble on every possession, especially with UNC on Thursday.
Complacency. We have to stop letting teams back into games. It's been a problem since the start of the season. When we build a big lead it's time for the team to step on their throats and make the game a laugher.
Three-point defense. Virginia isn't a great 3-pt shooting team, but McGuire had only 3 looks all game and UVA only took 8 shots from behind the arc. It's an improvement since the games last week.
Sloppy passes. In the half court offense we tend to want to force the ball into spaces that don't exist. Just pass the ball around the perimeter and eventually that spot will open.
Crystal. She needs to work harder down low to get open and create her shot. She can't just set up shop and expect to get the ball and then not get doubled. She's too good of a player to only take 7 shots.
Articles
The Diamondback
Baltimore Sun
Washington Post
Washington Times
Charlottesville Daily Progress
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