Guest Contributor Ray Floriani: The 2010 Maggie Dixon Classic

by Ray Floriani
NEW YORK CITY- The Maggie Dixon Classic gave the fans four elite teams. The games did not turn out as competitive gems. Regardless, it was a special day. A history making day and a day to celebrate the life and legacy of Maggie Dixon and women's basketball.

The classic on the Garden scoreboard

The scores:

Texas A&M	79	Rutgers	50
UConn	81	Ohio State	50

The Four Factors from the TAMU-Rutgers opener:

		FTA
	eFG%	FGA	OR%	TO%
Texas A&M	52	23	47	23
Rutgers	27	49	46	38

In a 73 possession game Rutgers saw the extreme at both ends. A moderate to average offensive team entering the game (102 offensive efficiency), coach C. Vivian Stringer's club had defended well (84 defensive efficiency). Until today. The edge was close on the boards but that was about it. Rutgers had no answer for 6-2 Danielle Adams with 24 points 12 rebounds in 36 minutes. Adams hit from outside (2 for 6 from three) but did appreciable damage in the paint with a 50% (7 of 14 mark). In fact the paint was owned by the visiting Aggies with an absurdly high 34-10 edge on points in that area. Another stat that jumped off the page was TO rate. Specifically that of Rutgers with a ridiculously high 38% (27 total). Again, those turnovers spelled points as Texas A&M enjoyed a 38-7 margin in points off turnovers. Coach Gary Blair's group had a nice inside/outside mix. They hit 7-17 (41%) from three and 22-45 (49%) inside the arc. Rutgers was 0-8 from three and 13-41 (42%) from two.

The Efficiency numbers from the nightcap:

		Off.
	Poss.	Eff.
UConn	82	99
Ohio State	87	58

Pace was a little quick as UConn entered averaging in the high 60s (possessions) while Ohio State was in the mid 70s. Pushing the pace was by design. "We wanted to rebound and get out and run," said UConn junior guard Tiffany Hayes.

West Point Glee Club
performed the National anthem

The Four Factors:

		FTA
	eFG%	FGA	OR%	TO%
UConn	54	19	33	26
Ohio State	33	13	26	24

About the only area Geno Auriemma will look back in disdain on is turnovers. Fueled by 21 miscues the Huskies posted a TO Rate that could hurt them in a close game. Part of that TO number could be construed to a game plan that emphasized getting out in transition. On that end UConn held a 21-7 edge in transition points. Ever the perfectionist, Auriemma will address the turnovers as early as next practice, if not before.

Added Observations:
UConn did a great job on 6-4 center Jantel Lavender. She tied Tyler Hill for Buckeye scoring honors with 14 points but was forced into a 7 of 21 night from the floor. The nation's leading scorer was held 12 below her regular average.

The Garden scoreboard tells the score
and notes other streaks

Freshman center Stefanie Dotson had a 'stat stuffer' of a day for UConn. She scored just four points but added five rebounds and three blocks. In fact she was one of UConn's and the game's top three efficiency leaders, and the leader on a per minute basis:

	Efficiency
	Overall	per Min
Tiffany Hayes	28	0.800
Maya Moore	26	0.765
Stefanie Dotson	22	0.880

What if?
Roster sheets in the press room had Maya Moore listed on both UConn and Ohio state. Buckeye coach Jim Foster would certainly have been willing to add Moore to his 10th ranked team.

Coaches unanimously agree the first four minutes of each half are vital. Ohio State opened the game with a pair of three point field goals by Brittany Johnson to take a very early 6-0 lead. Thoughts of a potential upset were soon ended as the Huskies ran off 11 straight points to enter the 16 minute mark ahead 11-6. The numbers of the first four minutes saw UConn nine possessions (1.22 PPP) while Ohio State with the same possession total checked in at .67 PPP.

At the half UConn led 40-26. The first four minutes of the final half saw each team with 8 possessions. UConn scored 11 points (1.38 PPP) while Ohio State checked in with six (.75 PPP). That put the score at 51-32 UConn at the 16 minute mark and the outcome all but finalized.

Such was the UConn dominance inside (a 48-22 point in the paint edge) the first 8 minutes of the final half, the Huskies eight field goals and the 'longest' was a five footer in the lane.

Ball distribution was solid for the Big East representatives as well. UConn handed out 18 assists on 32 field goals showing 56% of their field goals assisted. Ohio State assisted on 8 of 18 (44%) field goals.

Closing the Book:
Rutgers is 7-5 while Texas A&M is 9-1. The Aggies' Danielle Adams' 24 points led all scorers in the first contest.

UConn is 10-0 while Ohio state fell to 8-2. Tiffany Hayes of UConn led all scorers with 26 points.

With 88 straight in the books, UConn hosts Florida Sate on Tuesday. Record crowd to see a women's game, 15,232, at Madison Square Garden was on hand. Pitt mentor Jamie Dixon was in attendance. His Panthers defeated Maryland Easter Shore the night before in Pittsburgh.

"When I was last here (as an assistant at Louisiana Tech) the major papers sent fashion editors to cover our game. Now I look at all of you out there in the media in this room and that is proof women's college basketball has arrived." - Texas A&M coach Gary Blair.

"It is different times but there are similarities to both teams (UConn women and UCLA men). The two teams shared a level of competitiveness. A level of expectations above that of anyone else." - UConn's Maya Moore on the 88 game win streak.

"I am not doing anything different than other (coaches). The stuff I do I 'stole' from other people" Geno Auriemma on his coaching philosophy.

"We prepared and went about our routine the same way. I did let the players know it was a different week. A chance to get into the history books" - Geno Auriemma on the preparation for the Ohio state game.

The UConn women celebrate their historic moment
at center court, Madison Square Garden

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.

Guest Contributor Ray Floriani: At the Maggie Dixon Classic

by Ray Floriani

NEW YORK CITY - The Maggie Dixon Classic at Madison Square Garden brought a few traditional powers and an new individual who utilized the Garden to introduce herself.

Brittney Griner, Baylor’s 6-8 freshman is actually known, largely due to her ability to dunk. Promotions and advertising leading up to the classic made mention of Griner and her ability to ‘slam it home’. Her performance on this rainy afternoon provided a debutant of sorts to the New York area. Griner and her teammates did not disappoint as Baylor defeated BC 68-55.

The possession numbers:

		Off.
	Poss.	Eff.
Baylor	67	102
Boston College	65	85

Griner’s line for the 39 minutes logged.

											Eff
FGM	FGA	FTM	FTA	Reb	Pts	Ast	TO	Blk	Stl	Eff	Min
12	24	1	3	7	25	1	2	3	1	21	0.539

Defense was the key. Baylor jumped out to a 29-19 halftime lead. BC enjoyed a 43-38 offensive rebounding edge but that was negated by an awful 28% turnover rate. Again the Baylor defense. As bad as BC’s care of the ball was, Baylor’s was good with a turnover rate of just 18%. Griner led all scorers with 25 while Stephanie Murphy paced BC with 18.

In the nightcap, Tennessee , the only team to defeat now 8-1 Baylor, faced Rutgers for the seventh consecutive year. The Lady Vols made it six straight over Rutgers with a 68-54 victory.

The possession numbers:

		Off.
	Poss.	Eff.
Tennessee	73	93
Rutgers	70	77

A little bit quicker on the pace for Rutgers who entered the game in the high sixties possession wise.

The four factors:

		FTA
	eFG%	FGA	OR%	TO%
Tennessee	42	52	35	26
Rutgers	41	12	24	24

Rutgers coach C. Vivian Stringer pointed out , without the use of tempo free statistics, the reasons why her club lost. Not getting to the line, lack of rebounding and carelessness with the ball (excessive turnovers). The Scarlet Knights trailed by 14 early, cut it to one with 13 minutes left but never got the lead as Tennessee went on another run that sealed it.

It is not a very athletic Lady Vols club but size is a key. Every starter is 6 feet or taller. The post, sophomore Kelley Cain, is 6-6. The size explains in part why Tennessee shot 33 free throws to Rutgers 13. On the other hand the Scarlet Knights all too often settled for jump shots. Senior guard Brittany Ray had a career high 29 points. Ray needed to produce as she was one of only four Rutgers players that scored a field goal.

Defense, a Rutgers staple , was evident as the Lady Vols’ eFG percentage barely cleared 40% and their turnover rate was 24%. Again it gets back to offense. Rutgers is glaringly inconsistent. Just days earlier they struggle to beat Prairie View A & Am at the RAC. Here, under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden they were giving undefeated Tennessee a run for the money. As mentioned Rutgers needs consistent help on the offensive end. Entering the game Rutgers’ offensive efficiency was 90 while the defense was a sterling 81. To add , or largely a reason for the less than spectacular OE was a turnover rate of 27%.

Ray has been consistent and productive all season. She needs consistent help. It could come from freshman Monique Oliver, a 6-2 forward/center, who scored 10 points in 26 minutes and battled well in the paint. It better come soon with Big East play fast approaching.

Shekinna Stricklen, a 6-2 sophomore guard adept at getting in the lane or hitting the jump shot, led Tennessee with 19 points. Glory Johnson, a 6-3 forward, added 10 points and pulled down 7 rebounds.

“We weren’t ready to play the first half so we had a ‘prayer meeting’ at halftime. Among the things we discussed were rebounding and boxing out.” - Tennessee coach Pat Summitt

“On defense we can dictate, on offense we cannot dictate…We play a hard game but there’s a big difference between playing hard and playing smart.” - Rutgers coach C. Vivian Stringer