Games thread- Women's Basketball visits Arizona (Friday, 6:00 PM) and ASU (Sunday, 2:00 PM)

[AztecBuff]

Preview article-


Direct link - http://cubuffs.com/news/2018/1/17/w...ng-for-road-wins-this-weekend-in-arizona.aspx

"
BOULDER – Colorado's women's basketball team will hit the road for two games this weekend in Arizona. CU will take on U of A at 6 p.m. on Friday. That game will be televised on Pac-12 Arizona. Sunday's game will be at No. 22/25 Arizona State at 2 p.m. and will be televised on Pac-12 Mountain and Pac-12 Arizona.

Both games will be on the radio in the Boulder and Denver area with Cory Lopez and Carol Callan calling the action. Friday's game will be on 1190 KVCU and Sunday's will be on 630 KHOW.

SCOUTING THE OPPONENTS
Arizona is in the midst of a rebuilding season, according to second-year head coach Adia Barnes, who said after CU's 79-60 win in Boulder on New Year's Eve that the main focus this season was not wins and losses, but on preparing the team's culture for next season....

The Wildcats enter Friday's game at 4-13 overall and 0-6 in the Pac-12. Their current RPI is reflective of a rebuilding team, and at 286, the lowest RPI of a Power Five school. However, CU cannot overlook Arizona. The Wildcats have still be competitive in some big games, suffering just a 53-51 loss to No. 23 Cal, a 15-point loss to Stanford, and an 18-point loss to No. 8/9 Oregon on the road.
...

Arizona State comes into the weekend ranked No. 22 in the AP poll and No. 25 in the WBCA poll. The Sun Devils are 13-5 overall and 4-2 in the Pac-12, tied for third place. However, they are coming off a pair of losses at Oregon State and Oregon, though both were close results as they suffered a 57-54 loss at No. 22/21 OSU and a 74-64 loss at No. 8/9 Oregon.
...

UP NEXT
CU returns home next weekend to face the two top-25 teams from Oregon. The Buffs will host now-No. 7/6 Oregon at 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 26. Then No. 18/19 Oregon State comes to Boulder on Sunday, Jan. 28, for a 2 p.m. game. It will be Alumnae Weekend as the Buffs are inviting all former players back for a weekend of activities. Sunday's game vs. the Beavers will also be the Elevation Game as the goal is to get 5,345 fans into the Coors Events Center, the same number as CU's elevation in feet.
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Vs. Arizona (Friday, 6:00 PM MT start)
Live video - Game is being shown live on the Pac 12 Arizona channel. For those whose TV/ Satellite/ Cord Cutting subscription includes access to that Pac 12 channels, believe the game can also be streamed through a link at http://pac-12.com/womens-basketball/event/2018/01/19/colorado-arizona .

Live Audio - On Radio: 1190 KVCU, with broadcast also available for streaming via http://cubuffs.com/watch/?Live=1182&type=Live .

Live stats - http://arizonawildcats.com/news/2015/8/19/210276803.aspx

Vs. ASU (Sunday, 2:00 PM MT start)
Live video - Game is being shown live on the Pac 12 Mountain and Arizona channels. For those whose TV/ Satellite/ Cord Cutting subscription includes access to one of those Pac 12 channels, believe the game can also be streamed through a link at http://pac-12.com/womens-basketball/event/2018/01/21/colorado-arizona-state .

Live Audio - On Radio: 630 KHOW, with broadcast also available for streaming via http://cubuffs.com/watch/?Live=1183&type=Live .

Live stats - http://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=189847

 

[AztecBuff]

Game about 3 minutes in and looks like scoring has been at a premium so far, as it's only 2-3 AZ.

Note- great to see Zoe Correal back and in the starting lineup. (Edit - showing her "rust", looks like she picked up 2 fouls in 3 minutes and is already on the bench.)

 

[AztecBuff]

After Arizona got up 6 at one point, Buffs have closed it to one (at 14-15) at the end of the 1st.

Just looking at the stats, Buffs had a big shooting % disadvantage (27.8% vs. 46.2%) offset some by a 12-8 rebounding edge, including 5 offensive.

 

[AztecBuff]

It's 28-35 az at the half.

As seems to be a trend this conference season, the Buff opponent's best player can NOT miss a shot, as az's Bennett has 15 points on 7-7 shooting.

 

[AztecBuff]

It's 41-51 at the end of the 3rd.

Just from the stats, pretty much a shooting story on this one so far- not going to win any games with a 28.6% to 52.5% shooting % disadvantage. Hope the Buffs get hot in the 4th.

 

[AztecBuff]

Buffs have cut the lead to 5 at the final media timeout- 54-59 with 4:12 remaining.

Was finally able to watch a little of the game. Buff's playing a SMALL lineup at some points, with Leonard, Robinson, Castro, Thomas and Knight on the court at one time.

 

[AztecBuff]

Buffs can't complete the comeback, and go down 63-72 to give az their 1st Pac 12 win. (Buffs had to foul late, and that inflated the final score deficit.)

Buffs fought hard in the 4th from when I was watching, and gave themselves a chance at the comeback, mainly behind A. Robinson getting hot (she ended up with a career high 26 points). However, Az's Wright also made a couple 3's to keep the Buff's from ever quite getting it tied up in the 4th.

Buff's just need to let this one go and get ready for ASU.

(? for anyone else watched the whole game- did the announcer say why Bunn didn't play?)

 

[CUoldtimer]

Buffs can't complete the comeback, and go down 63-72 to give az their 1st Pac 12 win. (Buffs had to foul late, and that inflated the final score deficit.)

Buffs fought hard in the 4th from when I was watching, and gave themselves a chance at the comeback, mainly behind A. Robinson getting hot (she ended up with a career high 26 points). However, Az's Wright also made a couple 3's to keep the Buff's from ever quite getting it tied up in the 4th.

Buff's just need to let this one go and get ready for ASU.

(? for anyone else watched the whole game- did the announcer say why Bunn didn't play?)

We just can't put it all together. Bunn could've been the difference. Didn't hear where she was. The bench seemed light like others were missing. Didn't see Curtis either. Robinson seemed to be the only one that played up to her abilities in my mind. I have a hard time seeing 5 league wins this year.

 

[buffgal]

On radio it was stated that Bunn did not make the trip due to personal reasons. Curtis and Diop didn't make the trip due to concussion protocol.

This team can't guard the 3 and the other coaches know it. Zoe couldn't go any longer than she did due to her knees. Tough break for her senior year.

 

[Buffnik]

ugh

 

[Buffballer]

We just can't put it all together. Bunn could've been the difference. Didn't hear where she was. The bench seemed light like others were missing. Didn't see Curtis either. Robinson seemed to be the only one that played up to her abilities in my mind. I have a hard time seeing 5 league wins this year.

Not having Bunn was huge; may have been the difference in winning or losing. Janks almost had a dbl/dbl 9 & 9 and KL had 11/8/6, would have had 16 assists if we shot 40%. They both showed up tonight

 

[CUoldtimer]

Not having Bunn was huge; may have been the difference in winning or losing. Janks almost had a dbl/dbl 9 & 9 and KL had 11/8/6, would have had 16 assists if we shot 40%. They both showed up tonight

Jank was fine tonight due to being a FR. Didn't shoot well though. Kennedy carried us last year and I've taken up for her plenty on here but 3-12 FG with 5 turnovers is not a good game for her and I think she would agree.

 

[buffgal]

Team needs Bunn on the court.

 

[CUoldtimer]

Team needs Bunn on the court.

That was a bad game to miss meaning a very winnable PAC 12 game on the road.

 

[LuvdaBuffs]

Buffs need to make some coaching adjustments. Players get hot, and sometimes struggle. Coaches need to put players in positions where they can have some success.

Against ASU after 1Q KL has as many shots as entire rest of team combined, but already has three TOs on only assist. Buffs already down 10 against a very very good team. I think KL is at her best as an "either/or" guard due to the struggles she has at times with her shot (she truly puts in a ton of work on her shooting but is just streaky). When she's driving to create for teammates as much as just looking for her own shot she's at her best. When she's just looking for hers, the Buffs can fall behind quickly just on shooting percentage. Its easy to get preoccupied with scoring average. KL just needs to let the game come to her. She can score in bunches, the points will come. Just can't force it. She's one of the quickest to 1,000 points in CU history.

630 radio announcing that after KL committed fourth TO and almost committing fifth that JR finally put in Peyton, pulling Kennedy to let her regroup. ASU was almost perfect scoring off of KL's turnovers per 630AM.

Hope to see JR start to balance in minutes for the young players. Buffs aren't competitive right now, just too little talent, and its time to develop for the future and see what we have. It accomplishes nothing for the Buffs to continue to give significant minutes to Robinson/Kennedy if she's not also developing other young players. We know what we have with both, and neither really have that much more ceiling remaining. Both are great players at times, but both just haven't been able to translate that to wins in the Pac-12.

Peyton Carter came in and made a great pass to a teammate for an open three (missed) and then followed by knocking down a three herself. This team has talent, and the future and arguably the talent on this team is in its young depth. We just can't win Pac-12 games with our Seniors and Juniors, but they can all be keystone players right now. The balance needs to be in playing as a team, working together, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder, not any single player trying to force anything by carrying the team on her back. No player on this team has the shoulders for that right now. This isn't the non-conference schedule. This is a great team every game the rest of the way.

Team needs balance in attempts, and at some point hoping JR focuses on getting Buffs into good looks with respect to shot percentages. Buffs non-competitive in Pac-12 games simply on expected points per shot.

 

[LuvdaBuffs]

That was a bad game to miss meaning a very winnable PAC 12 game on the road.

You're so right. CU isn't a good Pac-12 team. Arizona isn't even a good mid-major team. Tough loss.

Buffs absolutely had to have the Arizona game, if they wanted to keep their WNIT hopes alive. Not sure where the wins could possibly come from the rest of the way the way this team is playing right now.

I can't quite imagine not winning any or many more games. The new young talent definitely has this Buffs team better than last seasons, but the Pac-12 record this year might not reflect that unless JR can work some coaching magic. Hope this adversity really brings this team together. JR Payne teams are known for being mentally tough.

 

[LuvdaBuffs]

Kennedy came back as a different player after collecting herself on the bench.

Didn't have a single other TO the rest of the way, and up to four assists now. 9 points on 3-7 shooting with two rebounds. Hollingshed already has 5 points and 3 rebounds and an assist on just 9 minutes in the first half. The game looks like its going too fast for her at times, but goodness can you see the immense talent. Hollingshed is going to be very special.

Buffs down just 26-33 at the half.

9-0 run by ASU. 630 radio saying the switch to Peyton was the impetus to stopping the run, and turning it around. Said KL was trying to make "the perfect pass" while Peyton just made the right pass. Carter has five points.

Kennedy came back just as a different player after catching her breath. Much better balance on attempts now. Buffs in this one. Hopefully, JR learned her lessons. Sometimes the leaders of the team still need leadership from their coach. If the Buffs win I think the narrative of the game will be KL carrying the team. Just recollecting herself seems to have helped her find her game.

Go Buffs!

 

[CUoldtimer]

Buffs need to make some coaching adjustments. Players get hot, and sometimes struggle. Coaches need to put players in positions where they can have some success.

Against ASU after 1Q KL has as many shots as entire rest of team combined, but already has three TOs on only assist. Buffs already down 10 against a very very good team. I think KL is at her best as an "either/or" guard due to the struggles she has at times with her shot (she truly puts in a ton of work on her shooting but is just streaky). When she's driving to create for teammates as much as just looking for her own shot she's at her best. When she's just looking for hers, the Buffs can fall behind quickly just on shooting percentage. Its easy to get preoccupied with scoring average. KL just needs to let the game come to her. She can score in bunches, the points will come. Just can't force it. She's one of the quickest to 1,000 points in CU history.

630 radio announcing that after KL committed fourth TO and almost committing fifth that JR finally put in Peyton, pulling Kennedy to let her regroup. ASU was almost perfect scoring off of KL's turnovers per 630AM.

Hope to see JR start to balance in minutes for the young players. Buffs aren't competitive right now, just too little talent, and its time to develop for the future and see what we have. It accomplishes nothing for the Buffs to continue to give significant minutes to Robinson/Kennedy if she's not also developing other young players. We know what we have with both, and neither really have that much more ceiling remaining. Both are great players at times, but both just haven't been able to translate that to wins in the Pac-12.

Peyton Carter came in and made a great pass to a teammate for an open three (missed) and then followed by knocking down a three herself. This team has talent, and the future and arguably the talent on this team is in its young depth. We just can't win Pac-12 games with our Seniors and Juniors, but they can all be keystone players right now. The balance needs to be in playing as a team, working together, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder, not any single player trying to force anything by carrying the team on her back. No player on this team has the shoulders for that right now. This isn't the non-conference schedule. This is a great team every game the rest of the way.

Team needs balance in attempts, and at some point hoping JR focuses on getting Buffs into good looks with respect to shot percentages. Buffs non-competitive in Pac-12 games simply on expected points per shot.

Funny. The only scorers on the team are Bunn, Robinson and Leonard. Bunn should play about 25-30 min. Leonard 35 and Robinson 30. They should try to get them 15 shots each. The rest are strictly role players right now. But yea, let's play the FR more over Leonard and Robinson.

 

[EdB60]

They're losing this game on the boards. The rest of all that stuff is just hot air.

 

[Buffalo Brad]

Next hot take from this crowd please. You are so insightful

 

[Buffnik]

Only down 6 after 3 quarters. Love the fight today. Would be one hell of an upset if they can find a way.

 

[CUoldtimer]

They're losing this game on the boards. The rest of all that stuff is just hot air.

Losing Bunn killed us on this road trip. Needed her scoring, defense and rebounding.

 

[CUoldtimer]

Only down 6 after 3 quarters. Love the fight today. Would be one hell of an upset if they can find a way.

Correal gave it all she had but she was in pain. They are fighting hard but just don't have the horses yet and especially without bunn.

 

[Buffballer]

Funny. The only scorers on the team are Bunn, Robinson and Leonard. Bunn should play about 25-30 min. Leonard 35 and Robinson 30. They should try to get them 15 shots each. The rest are strictly role players right now. But yea, let's play the FR more over Leonard and Robinson.

Did Luv really recommend sitting your two elite level players mid-way through their Jr year to develope other players??? WOW

 

[CUoldtimer]

Did Luv really recommend sitting your two elite level players mid-way through their Jr year to develope other players??? WOW

Apparently so. I doubt there are many teams playing as many FR as us for as many minutes but let's play them even more and see how many games we can lose by 30-40 points.

 

[LuvdaBuffs]

Did Luv really recommend sitting your two elite level players mid-way through their Jr year to develope other players??? WOW

Buffballer have you ever notice how you are only ever been online within five to ten minutes of CUoldtimer? That you only logi when CUOldtimer logs off, then you almost instantly log in. Rarely have I ever seen you login without CUOldtimer logging in first, then off. Just saying. Interesting stuff.

 

[Sykobuff]

Will they ever be able to challenge for pac 12 title? The two recruits coming in next year should help no?

 

[LuvdaBuffs]

Did Luv really recommend sitting your two elite level players mid-way through their Jr year to develope other players??? WOW

The idea would be that our Buffs are getting torched on the perimeter and that KL is a special player, but we're not seeing that consistently when she plays 37 or 38 minutes. KL loses a step defensively, late in games when she gets tired. She has been a steals and rebounding machine (from the PG position) in the past, but is playing tired in many games.

The idea would be to dial KL back to around 32 minutes a game and give more minutes to Carter, Quinessa, Castro.

It doesn't make sense to sink so many minutes into Lexi and KL, over 32 minutes a game when this team is completely non-competitive in the Pac-12. We aren't getting better. Why sacrifice developing the young players and for what? Put the program first not individual players agendas regarding scoring averages.

It would have made no sense to no play KL and Lexi when they were freshman, and now it makes no sense to give them such long minutes. Arguably, I think KL will find her groove if JR doesn't overplay her. Her perimeter defense will improve with not playing empty all the time, and we should see more quickness and steals than we've been seeing with her playing 37/38 minutes a game.

No one is saying bench them outright, just balanced minutes. Let your junior class play leaders minutes, around 30-32 a game, but mix in the young players for the development of the program. We truly don't know what the ceiling is on Castro, Caylao-Do, or Carter and it accomplishes nothing to hinder their development chasing another 6-12 Pac-12 record.

JR Payne On Peyton Carter's performance
"Coming into this game, we knew what Peyton could give us. She exudes calm for a young kid, she doesn't get flustered and against Arizona State's defense. It's typically high pressure, so we knew if we needed it she could give us some calm. Kennedy was scoring the ball well early in the first half, so we thought we could bring Peyton in, keep the calm, move Ken over to the wing and it proved to be a pretty good thing for us offensively.

 

[LuvdaBuffs]

Apparently so. I doubt there are many teams playing as many FR as us for as many minutes but let's play them even more and see how many games we can lose by 30-40 points.

It's been a tough road, but we've already been losing plenty of games by 30-40 points even with our junior backcourt in there. We are losing Zoe Correal and Brecca Thomas. We can't go into next season with a roster of players that have short game experience, save two. Roster needs more minutes all around.

I still think KL could be one of the best players in the country if JR Payne and Toriano switched to a Dribble Drive Motion system, where KL was constantly driving to the rim on the attack. I posted the "what if" thread about what New Mexico is doing with that system. New Mexico is on a different nationally relevant trajectory now, and KL was just born to run that system.

 

[Goose]

Buffballer have you ever notice how you are only ever been online within five to ten minutes of CUoldtimer? That you only logi when CUOldtimer logs off, then you almost instantly log in. Rarely have I ever seen you login without CUOldtimer logging in first, then off. Just saying. Interesting stuff.

As someone who can view login info you’re wrong. Now stop spreading crap that has nothing to do with the game.