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Tuesday’s pair of top-25 matchups mostly unfolded as expected.
It took a go-ahead basket in the final minute followed by a pair of clutch free throws for No. 9 NC State to edge No. 8 Tennessee, 80-77. In contrast, No. 1 UConn’s 79-66 win over No. 20 Louisville was more comfortable than the final score suggests, as the Huskies’ lead stretched to as many as 28 points.
This early in the season, final results, certainly, are important. But with a long season ahead, the performances within those results can be more revealing indicators, with the efforts of individual players serving as evidence that can inform how teams can find future, sustained success.
So, here’s a look at some promising individual play from a Lady Vol, Wolfpack, Cardinal and Husky:
Talaysia Cooper (Tennessee)
Talaysia Cooper was in Alyssa Thomas-mode in the opener, serving as the engine for the Lady Vols.
Yes, Tennessee lost, with Cooper missing a look that could have given the Lady Vols the lead in the final 40 seconds. Still, Cooper showed off the full star package, finishing with 23 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, three steals, a block and just one turnover.
It will be interesting to see if head coach Kim Caldwell chooses to fully empower Cooper to explore the extent of her star potential. Or, will she remain committed to her system, where a fast-paced offense and aggressive defense relies on frequent substitutions and, in turn, contributions from up and down the roster?
Cooper, who scored just six points in the second half after netting 17 in the first, played a team-high 31 minutes. That’s more than the 23.5 she averaged last season, but significantly less than the amount played by NC State’s best players, all of whom tallied at least 34 minutes.
Khamil Pierre did not simply put up a 21-point and 14-rebound double-double in her official NC State debut, but she polished it off with what turned out to be the game-winning bucket.
Pierre’s physical, forceful offensive stylings caused trouble for Tennessee all game, leading Caldwell to shower the newest member of the Pack with praise. The Lady Vols head coach said of Pierre, “I think she’s one of the best players in the country.”
The powerful post play of Pierre provides a fail safe for head coach Wes Moore’s squad, particularly when the jumpers and finishes aren’t falling for the team’s guards. That was mostly true on Tuesday for Zoe Brooks, who was just 4-for-13 from the field.
Laura Ziegler (Louisville)
Louisville dug deep defensively to avoid leaving Annapolis with an even uglier loss. That was encouraging for the Cards, and so was the play of Laura Ziegler, who finished with a 16-point and 18-rebound double-double.
The 6-foot-2 senior forward who transferred in from Saint Joesph’s looks like a legitimate stretch big who will give lesser opponents tons of trouble.
More important than Ziegler’s four makes from 3 were her eight attempts. She did not hesitate to fire away, and even though she won’t hit half of her shots from behind the arc in future games, her willingness to get them up suggests opponents will be forced to guard her. Crucially, that will create more space in the offensive halfcourt for the Cardinals’ guards, allowing them to attack the basket.
And as evidenced by her 18 rebounds, 11 of which were of the offensive variety, Ziegler also did plenty of dirty work for the Cards.
The tandem of Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd will, understandably, hog the headlines for the Huskies.
However, the defending champs’ opening win highlighted how their chances of repeating could hinge on KK Arnold. The numbers were solid for Arnold, as she finished with 13 points, seven boards, three steals and two assists, but presence is as important as production for the junior point guard.
All starting point guards bear lots of responsibility for steering their team’s success. For UConn, Arnold also offers dynamics that are mostly absent for head coach Geno Auriemma’s other rotation regulars. Arnold introduces needed athletic pop, especially from the backcourt. Her ability to grab rebounds, race up the floor and earn UConn easy transition scores could be the difference between UConn cruising to comfortable wins or having to muddle through for messier victories.
How the Huskies’ struggled to crack Louisville’s late-game zone shows why UConn, like any great team, would prefer to maximize their early offense and avoid having to generate scores in the halfcourt. Arnold is the key to unlocking those opportunities for the Huskies.
