BU/UT matchups

[Bevo]

There should be some interesting matchups between these two teams on Saturday. Here's how I see it:

Point Guard: Lambert vs. Larkin. Lambert is a scoring machine and although Larkin is a great perimeter defender, she will have her work cut out for her. Kenya needs to continue hitting those mid-range jumpers to make Lambert have to work defensively as well. Advantage: BU

Shooting Guard: Stratton vs. Bowers. Bowers, of course has been on a roll lately. Stratton has not contributed as much in the box scores as I thought she would before the season began (based on seeing her last year). Can't leave Stratton alone behind the arc, however. (Slight) Advantage: UT

Small Forward: Fox vs. Schreiber. Still waiting for Schreiber and Bowers to hit full stride together in the same game. When that happens, watch out! Fox is a quiet contributor for BU. Advantage: UT

Power Forward: Crockrom vs. Cook. Senior vs. Senior. Crockrom ate us up last year! Cook has improved defensively and should block some shots. Also hope Tracy regains the shooting touch that was missing Tuesday night. It is imperative that she keep Crockrom off of the offensive glass. Advantage: BU

Center: MacCormack vs. Stephens. Stacy should have her way here. (Big) Advantage: UT

Bench: Blackmon, Collins, etc. vs. Hastings, White, Sare, etc., etc. Texas is deeper and more experienced. Hastings should be able to neutralize Blackmon. Advantage: UT

Coaching: KMR vs. JC. Maybe the most interesting matchup of them all. I don't think KMR has ever lost to one of Jody's teams as a player, asst. coach, or head coach. Wow! But KMR is not sneaking up on anyone this year. JC is re-energized and has a healthy team. Advantage: UT

Overall advantage: UT (you didn't expect any different from me did you?)

[grojc]

On paper I think you are right. But if Lambert and Cochrum have big games, they can offset Baylor's relative weaknesses versus UT. And that is very realistically.

It come down to shooting percentage, rebounds, and turnovers for UT. If they shoot in the 40's, keep turnover below 15 and outrebound, they should win. But, the turnover thing tends to be the most dicey. Go Horns! Remember the Waco massacre last year!

[BEAR SKIN]

Actually, on Paper, you're wrong. Unfortunately, with intangibles I think your conclusion of overall advantage to UT is correct.

What Paper? HOOPSCOOP!

Compare the numbers, both the actual Hoopla points and (I believe a better comparison) the average Hoopla points per 40 minutes of playing time:

--Player---------Points---------Points/40 min.

Lambert-----------20.3------------25.8
Larken-------------6.6-------------8.1--Huge advantage BU

Stratton-----------9.2------------14.2
Bowers-------------6.4------------14.6--Draw

Fox----------------8.1------------14.9
Schreiber---------15.6------------21.4--Advantage UT

Crockrom----------20.1------------29.1
Cook--------------13.1------------19.1--Advantage BU

McCormack----------8.8------------17.7
Stephens----------17.6------------25.0--Advantage UT

BU Starters-------66.5-----------101.7
UT Starters-------59.3------------88.2--Advantage BU

Both teams have 4 subs that average at least 10 min/game:

BAYLOR
Blackmon---------10.9-------------25.0
Sords-------------5.7-------------22.0
Collins-----------4.2--------------9.5
Davis-------------3.6-------------12.2
----Totals:------24.4-------------68.7
----Average:------6.1-------------17.17

TEXAS
Hastings----------6.3-------------15.8
White-------------4.5-------------11.3
Sare--------------3.4-------------13.0
Hill--------------2.4--------------8.4
----Totals:------16.6-------------48.5
----Average:------4.15------------12.1--Advantage BU

Coaches? Head to Head? No really fair paper comparison--Draw

What doesnt show "on Paper"
1. Home court.
2. Bowers recent trend is upward, Stratton had one great game.
3. Stephens isn't scary like last year, McC has a lot of capable help comming off the bench.
4. UT bench more experienced, BU bench deeper.
5. UT more Big game experience.

Overall advantage UT, but just slightly. Looking forward to a great game.

[Bobcat4956]

I am not quite sure how all that on-paper stuff really pans out. When you look at strength of schedule for these two teams their is a BIG difference. Texas is, I believe, rated as the 6th toughest schedule in the nation and Baylor is WAY not even close. I am not saying Baylor is not a good team, they just have not played the quality of teams Texas has. It will certainly be interesting. Baylor seemed to have Texas' number last year. I can't wait til tomorrow. Go Horns!!!!!!!!

[Bevo]

Shelia Lambert...

Advantage BU!

[grojc]

Boy was my earlier post right or what. Wish I had been wrong. Baylor is a big mystery to me. They should have a better record than they do.