He said a similar thing after the Notre Dame game. Although I think he said Paige took a hit in that game. Only Paige or him would know. IMO, I think similar to Caitlyn, Paige had some pretty good defenders on her the whole night. With the size advantage on Gabby I wish they didn't overthink and got her the ball on the elbows or in the post more often. That being said they had a lot of contributors, so it's hard to assess. Like if Paige took 20 plus shots which she was taking since the big east tournament, are Ice and KK less involved? I think the moment was pretty big for both players (CC and Paige) and they tried their best. But as much as Paige has been an absolute monster in elite 8 games, she hasn't been quite able to break through in final four weekends (I don't think she's scored 20 yet in 4 games). But once again, not all on PB. She's still contributed, team just hasn't done quite enough to win it all.
You make note of an interesting point. We know Paige can be clutch and will take the money shot, but I am perplexed between Elite 8 Paige (28 vs Baylor, 27 vs NC St, and 28 against USC) and Final Four Paige.
Her freshman year Final Four game against Arizona, their defensive scheme was designed to limit her from beating them. Since she was a frosh and Arizona played above their norm and were on a run, I give Paige a pass. In the championship game against SC, I feel she ran out of gas (I also believe she came back too soon) & SC was simply better that season. Again, a pass.
I had high expectations for Paige last nite, thinking she had exercised any previous Final Four demons after the sensational tourney run that she was enjoying. Inexplicably, she allowed herself to be removed from the game, just at the very moment she needed to assert herself. I wouldn't have minded if she was 0 - 7 from the floor in the 4th, as long as she was aggressive and took matters in her hands. She doesn't have to shoot, she can facilitate, but she can't do that unless the ball is in her hands. Too many times, UConn came down in the 4th, and Paige was not involved in the half court offense. For a person of her stature and skill, that is inexcusable.
The worst part is that Paige is a baller, and already has a killer instinct. For some reason though, she's reluctant to let that aspect out. I thought this hesitation was behind her after the previous 7 games, where she asserted herself when needed. Last night, she picked a wrong time to revert to old ways.
In one of the pressers, Geno sent Paige a departing offseason message that I hope stays with her about not waiting for the right moment, and the need to be more selfish. Ironically, Paige's teammates, like Caitlin Clark's want to win and they want Paige to take over in those needed moments. Just look at Clark's teammates - they all seem to love her and they have her back. It would be the same way for Paige.
As she enters her final season in a UConn uniform, I hope she spends some time thinking about her legacy, and when the moment arises again (another Final Four), she leaves no doubt about her imprint on the game, win or lose. She is already an all-time great. Going out with a NC next year would only cement her place in the pantheon of UConn greats. Think about it Paige.
