3 key storylines for UConn vs Arizona in 2021 Women’s Final 4 matchup

Connecticut’s Rebounding Will Be an Issue

There is a slim discrepancy in possessions per game between UConn and Arizona, 71.9 vs. 68.6. The small margin is not enough to completely put either at a disadvantage from a distant viewpoint, however, one of Connecticut’s strengths is suggestive that the Wildcats may want to push the pace a bit. The Huskies are 6th-nationally in rebounding margin at +12.2 and undoubtedly simultaneously helped their 3rd-ranked offensive points per possession (1.14) and 52.0 points allowed per game.

Six players on Connecticut’s roster pull down at least 3.0 rebounds per game and there is a concerted effort on the team to dominate the glass. Arizona, despite having nearly equal possessions per game, is a much less efficient scoring team than their next opponent. The Huskies average nearly 16 more points per game on the season and 75% of their 8-player rotation shoot above 45% from the field. Whereas the Wildcats only have junior Cate Reese meeting that criteria.

While Arizona prefers to grind teams down and let their opponents shoot themselves in the foot, rather than running up the score, it may be to the Wildcats’ benefit to take a risk and try to run a bit. They’re facing a better team on paper at both ends of the floor and need to finds ways to increase transition opportunities to increase their chances of success at the rim.

If Arizona is content to play the same way that got them here and allow the Huskies to again dominate the glass, it’s going to be a very difficult game for them to win.