Guest Contributor Ray Floriani: A Look at the UConn Women and Their Historic Run

by Ray Floriani
NEW YORK CITY, NY - Heading into Sunday's 'historic' meeting between UConn and Ohio State, UConn women's SID Pat McKenna provided a rundown of the Huskies' stats in the 87 games prior to this Ohio State game. The summaries were done against all opponents as well as the 29 games versus nationally ranked (top 25) teams. The breakdowns are summarized in the tables below. But a few added notes just illustrate the magnitude of this dominating streak…

During the 87 game run Geno Auriemma's club has trailed 3.8% of the time. No opponent has hit over 50% from the floor over the last 236 games. Last to do it was Boston College on March 8, 2004. Baylor hit an even 50% (22 of 44) in their 65-64 loss to the Huskies back on November 16.

UConn fans express their views on the streak.

UConn has not lost back-to-back games since 1992-93. Gampel Pavilion opened for the 1993-94 season and the Huskies sport a 216-5 (.977) record in their on campus facility.

UConn has won 144 straight against teams not ranked in the Associated Press Top 25.

UConn has been ranked number one forty nine consecutive weeks. Louisiana Tech enjoyed the same lofty ranking 36 consecutive weeks from 1980-82. Ironically, Baylor coach Kim Mulkey starred on that Louisiana Tech squad.

UConn's last loss was April 6, 2008 in the national semifinals to Stanford, 82-73.

A look at UConn's possessions and efficiency against the 29 games versus ranked opponents the Huskies faced during the streak:

		Off.
	Poss.	Eff.
UConn	71	111
Opponents	71	76

An incredible +35 efficiency margin (offense - defense) against the strongest programs in the women's game. The following are the numbers for all 87 games.

		Off.
	Poss.	Eff.
UConn	70	117
Opponents	70	70

The efficiency margin is a +47, which is Springfield, Mass. Material. But not much higher than the margin posted against ranked teams. In simple terms, the Huskies were formidable against all opposition. Interesting to see the pace was basically the same against ranked and all opponents. In 'Woodenesque' fashion, UCONN has a way they play the game and they are adhering to it no matter the opponent.

The Four Factors for all 87 games in the study:

		FTA
	eFG%	FGA	OR%	TO%
UConn	56	23	41	20
Opponents	36	13	29	26

Absolutely no surprise that UConn dominates in every area. The one category the Huskies are a little 'deficient' in is turnover (TO%) rate. Their 20% mark is a borderline deficiency as an offensive rate. On the defensive side they do force opponents into a 26% TO% rate, insuring they maintain a positive take-away/give-away ratio.

There is a neat and tidy association tied into UConn's eFG% and rebounding. The Huskies clean the offensive glass which affords great second chance opportunities and opportunities to get to the line. Through the 87 games 24% of their points came from beyond the arc and only 30% of their field goal attempts originated from that range.

UConn goes for number 89 Tuesday against Florida State in Hartford. Following that game is a west coast trip with visits to Pacific and Stanford before Big East play continues after the new year. Very interesting name is on the itinerary, Stanford. The last team to knock off the Huskies. Stay tuned.

Tomorrow a rundown on the Maggie Dixon Classic games.

Madison Square Garden.
A fitting stage for a record.