Turnovers were a problem for both teams, but in the end more so for Arizona. Michigan was able to compensate in other areas, most notably scoring.
No jinx, Terry. Arizona was outplayed across the board. They showed their ability to come from behind and win earlier, but not last night against Bobda's Wolverines.
Congratulations on Michigan's win, Bobda. The Wolverines outplayed Arizona across the board and were decidedly the better team last night. Good luck to you in the National Championship game. With the number of national title games Michigan has played in since the introduction of the 64-team format the Wolverines have shown they are the class of the Big 10. Punch that ticket tomorrow night. Bear Down.
Nate Oates apparently has new contract that makes him one the 5 highest paid college coaches in the game today. The article didn’t give a dollar amount.
I am really surprised at UCLA routing Carolina. Wonder if all of the on court and off court drama surrounding the SC-UConn game took a toll on SC.
Me too Bobda. UCLA is definitely a talented and well stocked group of players with good size. but the outcome was definiely a surprise!
I'm like you, Bobda and Don. I watched UCLA in the semi-final and of course they were impressive, but I also watched the SC-UConn game and felt that SC would outquick and outshoot UCLA. Coupled with my miscalls in the Brackets contest, I probably don't have a future (or present) as an analyst.
I was shocked at that UCLA/South Carolina game. Not so much that UCLA won, but that they just destroyed them. Betts is the keystone for UCLA, but they have 4 or 5 other very talented WNBA caliber players on the roster. Kidi Rice is a 4 year player at UCLA, not a transfer/portal player. South Carolina is also very talented but not as much as in previous years. Texas went to Columbia and beat them then beat them in the SEC Tournament as well. The great South Carolina teams had top 5 pick WNBA Post players, I don't think this team has that and UCLA did have that in Betts. UCLA just had so much experience with I think 6 returning seniors who were all great players. That's a big key for winning right now, have a team with a solid group of upper classmen, not a team loaded with young stars. I look at Michigan, who has 3 young stars and they are good, but they are sophs. They are better than last year when they were freshman. If they stick together they have a shot at the Final Four.
I just learned very recently that Kiki Rice is Susan Rice's niece. I could see the family resemblance in her facial features. Terry, regarding your observation of solid upperclassmen vs. young stars, I agree 100%. However, on an individual level for both men and women, is it my imagination or are thare more freshman players who come into the college game fully ready to compete? Maybe I'm just paying closer attention this year, and it's always been that way. Alternatively, "elite" club (AAU?) BB seems to have become a bigger thing than in the past at the younger age levels. Young players with scouted potential for high level ability are more or less tutored by more people who are capable of developing talent at young ages through teen years.
Good observation Sid Talented freshmen combined with a talented upper class not just for their talent but for their leadership.
Both teams are pretty well matched, Hurley is a comic on the sidelines, so far a very good game to watch.
Very competitive 1st half. UM getting the foul calls and that seems to be the difference. UM is 11-12 and UCONN is 4-6. On another topic the transfer portal has his the Tenn Lady Vols very hard. Tennessee guard Jaida Civil announced Monday that she is entering the transfer portal, and Oliviyah Edwards, the No. 2 recruit in the SC Next 100 class of 2026, has requested a release from her national letter of intent with the Lady Volunteers, leaving the program with just one player on the roster for next season. The announcements add to the significant uncertainty surrounding the storied program, which went 16-14 this past season under second-year coach Kim Caldwell. Every player with remaining eligibility has entered the transfer portal -- including all of the highly touted, second-ranked freshmen class. Seniors Janiah Barker and Zee Spearman will be graduating, leaving the Lady Vols with just No. 62 wing Gabby Minus set to arrive for next season.
Michigan seems to be slowly pulling away now. UCONN will need a bunch of stops and a run to get back in the game.