I do not understand MichState allowing Caitlin beat them. Why not have 2 players guard her and deny the ball? Leave Gabbie-or any other player open and allow them to shot. I know, easier said than done—why not take your chances with Gabbie, Kate or Molly shooting a 15-20 footer?
Last shot
- Thread starter bogfeller
- Start date
Clark in the post-game interview described how she got open for the shot. It's not like Michigan State wasn't trying. A small misjudgment on the defender and there's the space for the shot.
For sure, BUT it was a tie game, so they did still have to honor the lane as even a layup wins it for Iowa. Clark is just as good without the ball, and she knows how to run off screens and other defenders. Even from that deep she's usually got a hand in her face, but she still needs just a small opening, and her step back creates all the room she needs.
To completely deny her the ball, you’re probably bringing 3 players up, leaving a massive risk that it’s not Gabby/Kate/Molly shooting a 15 footer, it’s a back cut for a layup as time expires. Pick your poison, I guess, and Clark doesn’t need much space to get the ball. If you’re over-aggressive on denial, you also run the risk of fouling her in the final seconds for potentially game-losing free throws.
It was a 40 ft shot. Pretty good defense. Just a better shot!!!!
Yeah, even for Caitlin, that’s not exactly a high percentage shot. She’s just one of those rare superstars that pull stuff like that on the regular.
Looked to me like Hannah kinda mishandled the ball a bit. Maybe that diverted MSU focus from CC for a couple seconds. or so.
I think the play drawn up was pass to Hannah and for her to drive- but she bobbled the ball so gave it back to Caitlin
And as good as Clark is, if you are forced to choose which option you give Iowa Clark from 40 feet is still a lower percentage shot than an open layup under the basket.
I thought the MSU player reached around and poked it out of her hands, but the effect was the same.
Caitlin said after the game that they work on the play, just as it happened (minus the bobble): Ball goes into Hannah up high, Caitlin moves to create space and then takes the feed from Hannah for the shot.
Yeah - I was thinking a good play would have been to have Kate Martin do a quick back door cut as soon as Hannah got the ball up high. Defense would have been up on her and also focused on Caitlin, possibly leaving a back-door layup open if Hannah made a good pass. I only say Kate since she would be most likely to make the layup...
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