2024-2025 WBB Team (2022-present)

[winloseortie]

LSU

FINAL THOUGHTS /PICK

Rebounding concerns me. LSU is a better rebounding team in my opinion. But they need to decisively beat us the boards to defeat us. 50/50 on rebounds we win.

Their offensive aggressiveness in going to the basket will be a key. They get us in foul trouble we struggle. Some of this rides on us being disciplined with arms and feet. I worry some of this may rest on the striped shirts

The crowd will be a factor but it may affect them as much as it may affect us. We are used to crowds but just give them nothing to cheer about.

Sometimes I focus too much on what the other team can do and forget what we can do. We are bigger, and a better shooting team from 2&3. We play better individual D and team D. I think too many things have to fall their way for them to win. But strange things happen.

We have a 14 game win streak against LSU and Dawn has a 3 game streak against Mulkey. I think we win by 7-12, but if there is a blowout it is us

 

[KingWard]

We're gonna have to tape that girl extra heavy. She might have a predilection.

 

[The Coast is Clear]

LSU

FINAL THOUGHTS /PICK

Rebounding concerns me. LSU is a better rebounding team in my opinion. But they need to decisively beat us the boards to defeat us. 50/50 on rebounds we win.

Their offensive aggressiveness in going to the basket will be a key. They get us in foul trouble we struggle. Some of this rides on us being disciplined with arms and feet. I worry some of this may rest on the striped shirts

The crowd will be a factor but it may affect them as much as it may affect us. We are used to crowds but just give them nothing to cheer about.

Sometimes I focus too much on what the other team can do and forget what we can do. We are bigger, and a better shooting team from 2&3. We play better individual D and team D. I think too many things have to fall their way for them to win. But strange things happen.

We have a 14 game win streak against LSU and Dawn has a 3 game streak against Mulkey. I think we win by 7-12, but if there is a blowout it is us

You sound like a Kentucky fan from a few days ago.

I do think USC wins this game, but we shall see once the clock strikes 0.00.

 

[DarkCock]

You sound like a Kentucky fan from a few days ago.

I do think USC wins this game, but we shall see once the clock strikes 0.00.

I don't know...from reading Rupp Rafters I would say Kentucky fans are pretty fatalistic these days. Probably a majority want Caliperi gone, even before our win.

 

[Gamekem]

So I have been skeptical of LSU defense and I decided to compare their record against Power 5 teams to ours. I did get caught up and added South Dakota State by accident, but overall results are basically the same.

In the graph attached you will see against P5 opponents
LSU averages vs P5 82ppg
Opponents vs LSU avg 70.7 PPG
Opponents overall Season avg 73.3 PPG

On average LSU opponents get within 3 points of their season playing average against them.
Only the VT game and the Alabama game was LSU able to hold their opponents to more 5 below their season average in scoring.




When looking at the same info for us against P5
opponents
USC averages vs P5 89.4ppg
Opponents vs USC avg 58.5PPG
Opponents overall Season avg 75 PPG

USC on average holds P5 teams to about 16.5 points below their season avg. Not a single team has reached their season average against us and only 3 of them have gotten within 10 points of their average. Of those 3 teams, 2 of them were 30+ points blowouts from us.


Long story short, LSU this season generally just outscores their opponent for wins and as long as we continue to play our game they'll have to put on their best defensive game to beat us. Rebound and limit their free throws and this shouldn't be much a game.

 

[SCcocks4ever]

Just in case you wonder what the enemy is saying about us and the game.

 

[KingWard]

I don't know...from reading Rupp Rafters I would say Kentucky fans are pretty fatalistic these days. Probably a majority want Caliperi gone, even before our win.

Calipari has not shown signs of being other than used up for quite awhile.

 

[Sharris]

LSU

FINAL THOUGHTS /PICK

Rebounding concerns me. LSU is a better rebounding team in my opinion. But they need to decisively beat us the boards to defeat us. 50/50 on rebounds we win.

Their offensive aggressiveness in going to the basket will be a key. They get us in foul trouble we struggle. Some of this rides on us being disciplined with arms and feet. I worry some of this may rest on the striped shirts

The crowd will be a factor but it may affect them as much as it may affect us. We are used to crowds but just give them nothing to cheer about.

Sometimes I focus too much on what the other team can do and forget what we can do. We are bigger, and a better shooting team from 2&3. We play better individual D and team D. I think too many things have to fall their way for them to win. But strange things happen.

We have a 14 game win streak against LSU and Dawn has a 3 game streak against Mulkey. I think we win by 7-12, but if there is a blowout it is us

We actually lead LSU in overall rebounds per game, and we are #1 in defensive rebounding. I mention this because as I have looked over the national statistics the past 5 years, it seems that teams who are at the top in offensive rebounds are normally performing average to low in fg percentage. It seems that a lot of teams that are down the line in offensive rebounds have higher fg percentage that leads gto less opportunities. Judging by the fact that we still have the most rebounds per game by a decent margin and we are even in rebound margin thus I think we will fare a lot better than people that think just because we do not have the offensive rebounds of last year, we are not doing well in that area.

 

[DarkCock]

We actually lead LSU in overall rebounds per game, and we are #1 in defensive rebounding. I mention this because as I have looked over the national statistics the past 5 years, it seems that teams who are at the top in offensive rebounds are normally performing average to low in fg percentage. It seems that a lot of teams that are down the line in offensive rebounds have higher fg percentage that leads gto less opportunities. Judging by the fact that we still have the most rebounds per game by a decent margin and we are even in rebound margin thus I think we will fare a lot better than people that think just because we do not have the offensive rebounds of last year, we are not doing well in that area.

Yeah, the raw numbers don't tell the whole story. We are currently 10th in offensive rebounding rate and 54th in defensive rebounding rate. We miss less shots than last year, so our offensive rebounding numbers aren't as impressive, but still one of the best in the nation. On the other end of the court, teams miss 70% of their shots against us. 70%! That's a lot of defensive rebounds to be had. So we lead the nation in that category, but, in truth, we've only been good and not exceptional at defensive rebounding.

LSU has a lot of inflated stats due to their weak schedule, but offensive rebounding ain't one. They are great in that category. We need to compete hard on the defensive glass. Hopefully we can get our transition game going and make them pay for crashing the boards so hard.

 

[winloseortie]

We actually lead LSU in overall rebounds per game, and we are #1 in defensive rebounding. I mention this because as I have looked over the national statistics the past 5 years, it seems that teams who are at the top in offensive rebounds are normally performing average to low in fg percentage. It seems that a lot of teams that are down the line in offensive rebounds have higher fg percentage that leads gto less opportunities. Judging by the fact that we still have the most rebounds per game by a decent margin and we are even in rebound margin thus I think we will fare a lot better than people that think just because we do not have the offensive rebounds of last year, we are not doing well in that area.

Overall rebounds is a rather meaningless stat. Margin and % tell us more. Yes I know the rebounding stats, but do you know these?

In the four SEC games not counting UK, we on an average only +8 a game and giving up 15 O boards a game. UNC beat us pretty good on the boards.
While we are still a very very good rebounding team, we are not as dominant as we were the last 4 years. LSU is an excellent O rebounding team. They thrive on it. The really good news is, if we D board well it will be jet fuel for our transition game.

 

[winloseortie]

Yeah, the raw numbers don't tell the whole story. We are currently 10th in offensive rebounding rate and 54th in defensive rebounding rate. We miss less shots than last year, so our offensive rebounding numbers aren't as impressive, but still one of the best in the nation. On the other end of the court, teams miss 70% of their shots against us. 70%! That's a lot of defensive rebounds to be had. So we lead the nation in that category, but, in truth, we've only been good and not exceptional at defensive rebounding.

LSU has a lot of inflated stats due to their weak schedule, but offensive rebounding ain't one. They are great in that category. We need to compete hard on the defensive glass. Hopefully we can get our transition game going and make them pay for crashing the boards so hard.

Damn, you just read my mind

 

[The Coast is Clear]

I could be overthinking this as game time draws near. But as I think, I type.

I have commented that LSU has great players, but we have a great team (and players). What happens if LSU's great players play like a team?

Last summer, they were into NIL, their Dream Team, and flaunting their crown. During fall practice and early in the season dissension arises, players are suspended and/or quit, parents are publically bickering, LSU gets stunned by Colorado, and a key player is lost for the season. That was weeks ago. Notwithstanding the Auburn loss (anyone might lose one), what if those Tigerettes are learning to play together and Coach K(im) gets them to buy into a team concept? Mulkey hit on this in her Press conference -- that they had a lot of adversity early but were starting to come together.

Well ... we cannot control what LSU might be doing. I suppose we focus on what we can control, our preparation and effort. Hopefully, the W follows that.

Back to just pondering.

 

[Sharris]

Yeah, the raw numbers don't tell the whole story. We are currently 10th in offensive rebounding rate and 54th in defensive rebounding rate. We miss less shots than last year, so our offensive rebounding numbers aren't as impressive, but still one of the best in the nation. On the other end of the court, teams miss 70% of their shots against us. 70%! That's a lot of defensive rebounds to be had. So we lead the nation in that category, but, in truth, we've only been good and not exceptional at defensive rebounding.

LSU has a lot of inflated stats due to their weak schedule, but offensive rebounding ain't one. They are great in that category. We need to compete hard on the defensive glass. Hopefully we can get our transition game going and make them pay for crashing the boards so hard.

I am not sure what stats you are using. Right now from the official NCAA WBB STATS, we are the #1 defensive rebounding team in the country. Also, LSU stats are greatly inflated by the schedule. Our rebounding numbers in conference are almost dead even and our rpg overall, we are again #1 and LSU is number 3 in the country. This takes into account all games played. If you look at SEC Stats the gamecockS lead in every rebounding category. except offfensive rebounding numbers. It is nice to focus on that one stat, but it is inflated by the number of misses they have and the bullish way they push around smaller teams. Angel normally has high numbers because she misses her first shot and bullies her way to the offensive board. She has found herself in foul trouble because of it in many games. Not saying they wont offensive rebounds, but they amassed some gaudy numbers on the backs of teams rated outside of 250 in the net. I.e. Williams scoring 40 pts against one team. I tend to focus on the in-conference stats becasue it reflects even talent opposition. We shall see at 8:00

 

[winloseortie]

I could be overthinking this as game time draws near. But as I think, I type.

I have commented that LSU has great players, but we have a great team (and players). What happens if LSU's great players play like a team?

Last summer, they were into NIL, their Dream Team, and flaunting their crown. During fall practice and early in the season dissension arises, players are suspended and/or quit, parents are publically bickering, LSU gets stunned by Colorado, and a key player is lost for the season. That was weeks ago. Notwithstanding the Auburn loss (anyone might lose one), what if those Tigerettes are learning to play together and Coach K(im) gets them to buy into a team concept? Mulkey hit on this in her Press conference -- that they had a lot of adversity early but were starting to come together.

Well ... we cannot control what LSU might be doing. I suppose we focus on what we can control, our preparation and effort. Hopefully, the W follows that.

Back to just pondering.

I think myself and a few others on this threa have tried to highlight LSU as a worthy opponent. I expect us to win, but I know what LSU can do. I think they have to pretty much have their A+ game and we play B- game. I hold to a 7–12 point game, with the possibility we run away with it.

 

[winloseortie]

UF vs OM
Arkvs UK
A&Mvs Mizzou
GAMECOCKS vs LSU

 

[DarkCock]

I am not sure what stats you are using. Right now from the official NCAA WBB STATS, we are the #1 defensive rebounding team in the country. Also, LSU stats are greatly inflated by the schedule. Our rebounding numbers in conference are almost dead even and our rpg overall, we are again #1 and LSU is number 3 in the country. This takes into account all games played. If you look at SEC Stats the gamecockS lead in every rebounding category. except offfensive rebounding numbers. It is nice to focus on that one stat, but it is inflated by the number of misses they have and the bullish way they push around smaller teams. Angel normally has high numbers because she misses her first shot and bullies her way to the offensive board. She has found herself in foul trouble because of it in many games. Not saying they wont offensive rebounds, but they amassed some gaudy numbers on the backs of teams rated outside of 250 in the net. I.e. Williams scoring 40 pts against one team. I tend to focus on the in-conference stats becasue it reflects even talent opposition. We shall see at 8:00

I'm looking at the advanced stats. Below are the conference-only stats for us. We average 33 defensive rebounds a game, best in the conference. We give up 14 offensive rebounds a game, almost dead last. Both numbers are inflated because opposing teams miss so many shots against us and hence there are more rebounding opportunities.




We have to look at rebounding rate to accurately gauge how proficient we are at defensive rebounding. Currently, we are 5th at 69.7%. I'll take that number. We can't be outstanding at everything. I will also add that percentage is much higher when Cardoso is on the floor. So hopefully she'll stay out of foul trouble tonight and on the court.

 

[CockyGirl]

This has been the longest day!!!!! I am so ready for 8:00

 

[USCEDGE]

Betting odds are in our favor. We are -345 on the money line and -7 1/2 against the spread. Put a gun to my head and I take the Gamecocks minus the 7 1/2.

 

[DarkCock]

 

[DarkCock]

We're +4 in Cardoso's 12 minutes. -10 in Watkins 3 minutes. Cardoso only has one foul. She needs to play the entire 2nd half.

 

[ConwayGamecock]

Gamecocks up 73-70 with 50 seconds left to play......

 

[ConwayGamecock]

Raven Johnson drives and hits the layup!! 75-70 Gamecocks! LSU fouls to stop the clock with 9 seconds to play......she hits one free throw to make it 76-70! Misses the 2nd try, but Raven gets the rebound, and the Gamecocks dribble out the clock to win the game 76-70!!!

 

[USCEDGE]

I think myself and a few others on this threa have tried to highlight LSU as a worthy opponent. I expect us to win, but I know what LSU can do. I think they have to pretty much have their A+ game and we play B- game. I hold to a 7–12 point game, with the possibility we run away with it.

You missed it by a point my man and I would have lost my *** but I would have taken a win by 1 in this game. GAMECOCKS!!!

 

[Gamekem]

Not a well executed game but they gutted out the win in probably the most hostile environment all season. Wasn't sure how our young team would respond but they managed it.

 

[KingWard]

This was a courageous win. I don't think I need to elaborate beyond that.

 

[ConwayGamecock]

LSU really out-played us for 3.5 out of 4 quarters of basketball. They led 51-44 a little more than 4 minutes left to play in the 3rd Period, then we out-scored them 32-19 the rest of the way. Out-rebounded us 33-27 through 3 quarters, but we took the boards 12-4 in the final stanza to ultimately win that battle.

In the final quarter, we shot 3-4 (.750) from the three, 8-14 (.571) overall, and 5-6 (.833) from the free throw line to close out the game strongly. We were 6-7 from the field at the end, while LSU was 1-7. Te-Hina and Bree were a combined 3-4 from the three that period, with all 3 made shots huge back-breakers for LSU.

In my opinion, LSU actually got a bit lucky to jump out on us in the opening period at home like they did - the Gamecocks had to climb out of that hole each of the next 3 quarters, which they did. Cardoso was unusually anemic in the 1st half with only 3 pts and 3 rebounds, and both Watkins and Feagin picked up 2 fouls each early in the 1st half to hamstring them. Watkins only played 3 first-half minutes because of that. Highly doubtful that LSU would get that fortunate again for future match-ups - they had the Gamecocks blinking early, but weren't able to capitalize enough to get the win. That may not happen again.....

 

[Cockburn]

I’ll say one thing, that team has guts. Did not play our best game but sometimes guts is enough . Go Cocks!

 

[ConwayGamecock]

This was a courageous win. I don't think I need to elaborate beyond that.

Your perfunctory elocution of South Carolina's serendipitous endeavors against the Bayou Bengals is especially noteworthy.......

 

[winloseortie]

After game thoughts
1. LSU is a team getting better. Williams is a load.
2. The 5 point swing before halftime was monumental emotionally on both teams.
3. The moment was too big for Fulwiley and Watkins when they first came in the game. BUT They recovered. That success after failure is going to have amazing dividends.
4. Chloe got some real DAWG in her!
5. I said after the exhibition game against Rutgers that I was worried about our rebounding. I got beat up pretty bad over that. I think a few more people are paying attention to that now.
6. Breezy is becoming akiller

 

[The Coast is Clear]

Props to @DarkCock and @winloseortie for their comments and analysis on LSU vs. USC in rebounding. First half, not so good for the Gamecocks. We turned the tables in the second half on rebounds and won at the end.

 

[Gamekem]

 

[The Coast is Clear]

LSU really out-played us for 3.5 out of 4 quarters of basketball. They led 51-44 a little more than 4 minutes left to play in the 3rd Period, then we out-scored them 32-19 the rest of the way. Out-rebounded us 33-27 through 3 quarters, but we took the boards 12-4 in the final stanza to ultimately win that battle.

In the final quarter, we shot 3-4 (.750) from the three, 8-14 (.571) overall, and 5-6 (.833) from the free throw line to close out the game strongly. We were 6-7 from the field at the end, while LSU was 1-7. Te-Hina and Bree were a combined 3-4 from the three that period, with all 3 made shots huge back-breakers for LSU.

In my opinion, LSU actually got a bit lucky to jump out on us in the opening period at home like they did - the Gamecocks had to climb out of that hole each of the next 3 quarters, which they did. Cardoso was unusually anemic in the 1st half with only 3 pts and 3 rebounds, and both Watkins and Feagin picked up 2 fouls each early in the 1st half to hamstring them. Watkins only played 3 first-half minutes because of that. Highly doubtful that LSU would get that fortunate again for future match-ups - they had the Gamecocks blinking early, but weren't able to capitalize enough to get the win. That may not happen again.....

I think our team grew a lot tonight. They were kicked in the teeth and found a way to stabilize and win with contributions, not perfect games, but big contributions from a lot of players.

 

[adcoop]

The board tonight reminds me of the Stanford game two years ago when we got down 20 in the first half. All the Dawn haters came out of the woodwork only to disappear with their tail between their legs an hour later. Still LMAO.

 

[YankeeRooster]

This was a courageous win. I don't think I need to elaborate beyond that.

No you don’t, but you probably will.

 

[KingWard]

No you don’t, but you probably will.

And what if I do? However, I'm not.

 

[DarkCock]

We're +4 in Cardoso's 12 minutes. -10 in Watkins 3 minutes. Cardoso only has one foul. She needs to play the entire 2nd half.

* Cardoso ended +15. I think she is the frontrunner for SEC POY after tonight. It's a race between her and Reese, and it will probably go to the player whose team finishes first. Remember it's the coaches who vote and they know Cardoso's importance goes beyond simply her scoring and rebounding numbers. She's the player opposing coaches scheme for first and foremost.

* Chloe played great tonight on offense, but she had only ONE defensive rebound. Again, this points to the importance of Cardoso because Chloe couldn't stay on the floor with our other bigs. She just isn't physical enough; she needs Cardoso out there with her.

* Angel Reese failed to record a double-double for only the 2nd time in her LSU career. Yep, both times against us. Say what you will about her behavior, Reese is one helluva force in the paint. Again, thank goodness for Cardoso's presence because Kitts and Watkins weren't keeping her off the boards. (Sania Feagin had some quality minutes, though)

* Credit to Raven, with 7 defensive rebounds, and Bree, with 5 defensive rebounds, for stepping up. Defensive rebounding is our biggest weakness; we needed everyone we could grab tonight.

* I stated I wouldn't get too high or low, regardless of the outcome. I'm pleased to see us respond to adversity in a hostile environment and keep battling. It's just one game, though. I have a feeling we're going to see them again. I'm sure they think they could have beat us if Reese hadn't fouled out (and if they hadn't gone away from Morrow). They are potentially the team most equipped to defeat us. Depth is an issue, though. Williams and Johnson played 40 minutes and ran out of gas at the end.

* Final note: Dawn rode with her veterans at the end. But it wasn't because Fulwiley wasn't ready for the moment. She's going to be a major factor in our post-season, I think.

 

[KingWard]

After game thoughts
1. LSU is a team getting better. Williams is a load.
2. The 5 point swing before halftime was monumental emotionally on both teams.
3. The moment was too big for Fulwiley and Watkins when they first came in the game. BUT They recovered. That success after failure is going to have amazing dividends.
4. Chloe got some real DAWG in her!
5. I said after the exhibition game against Rutgers that I was worried about our rebounding. I got beat up pretty bad over that. I think a few more people are paying attention to that now.
6. Breezy is becoming akiller

Sad to say, LSU is definitely better than they were a year ago. The Dime Store Queen is confident, gritty, and ultra-competitive. Her team reflects that. They won't be any easier to play next time aside from their not being at home.

 

[Gamecock Lincoln]

Taking nothing away from LSU but I agree with a couple of the commentators. Playing in that enviroment accounts for probably for 10 points. If we meet again in Greenville, we'll see. That's the toughest place we'll play this season. We still have a pretty young team that has never face a crowd that hostile. It was awesome. Hats off to LSU.

Article with predictions. A few that picked a close game, agree about how hard it was going to be at LSU.

https://www.greenvilleonline.com/st...na-vs-lsu-dawn-staley-kim-mulkey/72318528007/

 

[CockyGirl]

Taking nothing away from LSU but I agree with a couple of the commentators. Playing in that enviroment accounts for probably for 10 points. If we meet again in Greenville, we'll see. That's the toughest place we'll play this season. We still have a pretty young team that has never face a crowd that hostile. It was awesome. Hats off to LSU.

Article with predictions. A few that picked a close game, agree about how hard it was going to be at LSU.

https://www.greenvilleonline.com/st...na-vs-lsu-dawn-staley-kim-mulkey/72318528007/

If we meet again in Greenville I like our chances. It would have to be in the finals unless LSU drops several more. Then it would be their third game in 3 days which will definitely affect their stamina if they are still only using a 6-7 player rotation. Plus it will be more of a home game for us!

 

[winloseortie]

My coffee was a little too sweet this morning. I used a new sweetener, Tears of Mulkey