I wonder how Geno will use Stokes in the upcoming game???
If UConn gets a decent lead, he will use Stokes like she was Mariano Rivera -- to put a plug in the basket to stop any thoughts of a comeback. And that will probably work.
But if the Gamecocks get a significant lead and UConn has to come back, then Kiah won't see the floor while the comeback attempt is being made. And that could give UConn problems on inside defense.
I agree with the poster who said that Morgan Tuck's effectiveness will determine how the game goes. If she can score against their bigs and not be beaten overhead on defense, UConn will win. If Geno has to limit her minutes because either or both of those premises proves to be invalid, then UConn may lose.
On the other hand, if KML / Moriah / Kia Nurse hit from the 3-point line as they have been in recent games, then UConn will win almost regardless of what happens in the paint. If the points in the paint are roughly equal for both teams, then UConn should win.
As the A&M game winds to a close with the Gamecocks up by 18 (less than the LV's margin of victory over A&M), the announcers just mentioned that 22 of 27 field goals by South Carolina have been made in the paint. That is not a balanced offense. If they aren't more balanced on offense against UConn, their chances of victory will diminish greatly.