Texas/Duke

[Bob_Ballew]

This is going to be a good one. Texas can beat Duke if they can hang with the transition game. The player that I feel will give Texas the most trouble is Monique Currie. Beard and Tillis will play their usual game. Currie is the one that has come on so strong in key games and put Duke back into the running. They struggled so much early on in the season and I feel that Monique is playing like a seasoned veteran at this stage of the game.

Go http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/ut.gif

[Jennifer]

Just depends on which Texas shows up...

[YCN]

One question, who would you rather have...

Beard and Tillis, or Lambert and Crockrom ?

(I know my answer to that question.)

[Bball Girl]

I agree about Currie..she played a terrific game in the ACC championship against UNC. She's going to be tough to match up against.

Texas can contain Tillis.

Beard does so many things and I don't think Larkin can handle her. I think she will get her points.

I'd rather have Crockrom and Lambert...but Beard is only a sophmore and I think she's worth all her press. I was far more impressed with her than I was LaToya Thomas.

[CyFanRick]

Hook-em Horns!!!

[schooner2]

To me it seems that whoever can exploit the other's weakness more wins. Can Duke's guards hurt Texas more than Texas' inside strength hurt Duke? What will Gail and Jody come up with that may add a new wrinkle to the game and tip the scales to one team or the other? Should be a great game to watch.

[BEVOFAN2]

GO http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/ut.gif We love #3 ranked teams---don't we Tennessee :;D:

[hornsofthedilemma]

We love #3 ranked teams---don't we Tennessee :;D:

And although I'm pulling for them now in the tournament, don't forget we beat OU when they were #3.

Hook 'em. http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/ut.gif

[carolann]

One question, who would you rather have...
Beard and Tillis, or Lambert and Crockrom ?

I'd take Beard and anyone.

I don't think Larkin will guard Beard. That will probably fall to Bowers. If Beard is wreaking havoc and the game is getting out of control, Asha Hill will come in.

[Texan]

Bowers will gaurd Beard according the American Statesman today. Bowers has gaurded some great players this season, and I think Carolann is right, if it gets out of hand, we'll see Hill.
If we get outside points from Heather, Kala, Kenya, Tai, Asha, and/or Alisha - we can beat Duke. Will be fun to watch.

[Jennifer]

I recall Stacy Dales saying Anissa Hastings has guarded her the toughest this season (after the last Texas game).
Wonder if they'll use her on Beard any?

[carolann]

I'd love to see Annissa on Beard but it depends on where Beard plays. Stacy was forced to play the 4 in Austin because of Caton Hill's foul trouble. Annissa is probably one of the few Big 12 players tall and strong enough to guard Dales or Beard when they post upside and quick enough to guard them outide. Annissa can truly guard a wing player but she will probably defend who ever plays the 4 or 5.

Speaking of Annissa - Santa Barbara fans who thought Texas would be a less athletic team than La Tech had not seen Annissa. (1) She beat 6'8" Taylor on the jump ball at the beginning of the game. (2) She repeatedly jumped up to keep Taylor from getting or holding on to passes inside.

[carolann]

Hey Jennifer - I sent your question about the possibility of Hastings guarding Dales to Conradt on the ESPN chat. We'll see if the question gets through.

[Jennifer]

Cool! I'll have to be sure to check in over their later.

[elfdenmom]

I am not kidding that you should not forget Mosche! She comes in off the bench and sparks the whole team. She is a deadly 3 point shooter and is extemely good at running through the passing lanes and getting steals which turn into layups at the other end.

You are right about Currie being the biggest threat. Beard is more involved with distributing the ball and usually doesn't really try to take over the scoring unless she is needed. Then she can take over the game.

I really believe that Texas can take them!

[Cory]

After the game, you will only need to look at one stat to see who won. Not points, free throws, or rebounds.

Turnovers. The Texas nemesis.

Take care of the ball, watch your passes, and don't let Duke get many steals.

OK, we need to shoot better than 35% too. http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/wink.gif


Go http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/ut.gif

[YCN]

carolann,

I checked the chat transcript for Coach Conradt and it looks like your question didn't make the cut. Golly, she only answered about 10 questions and she was out of there.

[Texan]

I noticed Coach Conradt's chat was short and checked the archives the others and they are the same length. Seems to be an espn thing.

[carolann]

I put a link to a San Antonio Express story on Texas/Duke. It is a fun article that answers all your questions such as:

Who will guard Alana Beard?
Answer "Several players will likely find themselves matched against Beard, including Hill, freshman Kala Bowers and two Sam Houston High School graduates: sophomore Annissa Hastings and junior Tai Dillard."

Here is a quote from Stacy Stephens about playing with Beard last summer with USA basketball: "The times everyone on the team was tired she was like, 'Wow, let's go to practice!'" Stephens said. "I was like, 'Whoa, killer.'"