Feels like we have a NCAA Tournament Team in Pullman

[COCoug]

If you missed the Arizona game you may assume that the shots were dropping and we got the close calls, and everything came together for the win over the #6 team at home. It was actually quite the opposite. We fell way behind early, CL-W picked up two fouls on practically the first 2 possessions. and we generally struggled the whole first half. The second half was only a little better, with a ton of missed lay-ups and shots under the basket, and lots of missed or wrong calls. But we got a lot of stops and forced a lot of turnovers and just basically "refused to lose" (sorry). It was just a gritty, gritty win where we never had a lead until overtime, but they are cool and calm and really fearless. Plus I do think all of that International experience gives them a certain level of maturity, and UA got just a little slack with the big early lead in a game they never dreamed they could lose. Also, for better or worse, the coaches are not subbing. I feel bad for the non-starters who missed out on the early season minutes, but honestly the best kept secret in women's basketball is to keep your best players on the floor as long as you can, and that is exactly what we are doing. These televised games have so many breaks, and the women are in great shape, so other than for fouls or a brief refocus, your can leave your starters on the floor for nearly the whole game.

I know it is really early still, and we have a bunch of big games yet, but we are ranked and in second place in the toughest conference in the nation, so why not dream a little! Plus, when you watch this team, you know that they can get so much better. They are just starting to gel. It was definitely my top Cougar highlight since the Soccer team made the Final Four.

 

[SaveFerris]

I have felt in almost every game there is still places we can be better. We haven't shot as well as I think we can. Definitely noticed the tone and maturity. When we were down in the 4th quarter everyone was calm, still talking to each other, and just let the game come to them. Gritty win for sure and a team win.

Big trip to the LA schools. Need to get by SC who has played a bit better lately. We have matched up better than you would expect against UCLA for stretches the last couple of years and they are dealing with injuries. Big opportunity to get one or two road wins.

 

[bogusto]

I missed most of the second half and had to watch it on recording. I noticed immediately, in the 4th quarter, Arizona was playing much tighter and was much more stagnant on offense. Also, they weren't generating the turnovers off their defense. Not sure if this was because WSU made adjustments or Arizona just got tired.

 

[Coug1990]

I have felt in almost every game there is still places we can be better. We haven't shot as well as I think we can. Definitely noticed the tone and maturity. When we were down in the 4th quarter everyone was calm, still talking to each other, and just let the game come to them. Gritty win for sure and a team win.

Big trip to the LA schools. Need to get by SC who has played a bit better lately. We have matched up better than you would expect against UCLA for stretches the last couple of years and they are dealing with injuries. Big opportunity to get one or two road wins.

In watching the replay, the team missed quite a few lay ins. Clean that up and that alone makes this team much better.

 

[SaveFerris]

In watching the replay, the team missed quite a few lay ins. Clean that up and that alone makes this team much better.

Agree. We have been better in that area this year but missed a bunch against UA. Those misses are worse than a turnover.