Women's Hoops Blog

Inane commentary on a game that deserves far better


Monday, April 07, 2003

It was an improbable win for an improbable team, and it was a memorable game for Geno's 500th victory. Taurasi was simply brilliant down the stretch. Ashley Battle made several key plays, including a huge rebound after Taurasi missed a lay-up. Unlike Conlon, Taurasi, and Crockett, AB made 2 free throws. Battle also drew a charge on Stephens (a call that infuriated Longhorn fans). But aside from Taurasi, the key performer was probably Wilnett Crockett, whose hustle was invaluable.

Texas had a very solid game at the end of a great season, but it faltered in the final five minutes. Those five minutes and a player named Taurasi ruined the 'Horns' destiny. Statesman columnist Kirk Bohls described the game this way: Taurasi, the best player in the nation, beat the 'Horns, the best team in the nation. UConn made key plays at key times; when Texas needed something huge at the end, the ball just slipped out of Alisha Sare's hands. Texas did not call a time-out on the final possession. That decision, and the decision to give the ball to Sare (who had barely played), may give Coach Conradt nightmares.