Dawn vs Geno: History Meets the Present
One of the smartest moves the women’s NCAA committee has done in recent years is move the women’s Final Four and Championship games to Friday and Sunday instead of Sunday and Tuesday. I was having this discussion with my brother recently and the more we talked about it, the more it made sense.
For one, the travel is much easier on fans. Less time away from work and/or school. Secondly, people tune in to sports more often on weekends than during their busy weeks. This, along with talented players and expanded media coverage, has helped generate more interest in the women’s game.
Now let’s sprinkle in some personality and storylines. Last season, it was all about Caitlin Clark. Not so much Iowa, but her as an individual player. This season, outside of Paige Bueckers, the names of players escapes most of us. Yet, the names that don’t escape us are Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma.
Much like the late and great Pat Summitt from Tennessee, Coach Staley has become one of the biggest names in not only women’s basketball, but in the basketball world. Her continued success has helped bring more attention on the women’s game and the South Carolina program.
And that sounds familiar to me. Because Coach Auriemma has done the same thing for decades at UConn. He has coached the program to 11 National Championships. Yet, none since his last in 2015-16.
Why? Because you know who won her first title in 2016-17?
Dawn Staley and South Carolina! And they’ve racked up three total.
This is the premiere matchup of the two heavyweights in college hoops. Not only on the court. But also on the sidelines and in the history books as well.
My popcorn is ready for this one.
Below is the info for the UConn-South Carolina game:
NCAAW Championship Game
Tampa, Florida
2 UConn vs 1 South Carolina
Spread
UConn -6 (-117) WINNER
South Carolina +6 (+101)
Total
Over 135 (-111) WINNER
Under 135 (-105)
Moneyline
UConn (-335) WINNER
South Carolina (+282)
Player Points
Paige Bueckers Under 24.5 (Even)
Sarah Strong Over 16.5 (-130)
Azzi Fudd Over 12.5 (-130)
Chloe Kitts Under 10.5 (Even)
Joyce Edwards Over 9.5 (-120)
Malaysia Fulwiley Under 9.5 (-120)
Te-Hina Paopao Under 9.5 (-120)
Player Rebounds
Sarah Strong Over 10.5 (-130)
Chloe Kitts Under 6.5 (+120)
Joyce Edwards Under 5.5 (-165)
