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On today’s episode of Locked On UConn, we dive into UConn’s close loss to Villanova, the current Big East outlook, and how the Huskies can rebound moving forward. College basketball analyst Ryan Hammer joins us to discuss Duke and the ACC’s struggles this season, as well as his unique “Trapezoid of Excellence” and how it’s shaping his view of March Madness contenders. Finally, we preview UConn’s upcoming game against Georgetown and discuss teams poised to make a splash in the NCAA Tournament.

Segment 1: UConn, Villanova, and Big East Outlook

We start by recapping UConn’s nail-biting loss to Villanova, their third loss by a combined total of five points this season. There’s an ongoing narrative that Dan Hurley’s teams struggle in close games, but could these losses actually help the Huskies in the long run? Key moments from the game included Villanova’s execution down the stretch and UConn’s struggles in critical moments, despite standout performances from players like Alex Karaban and Jaylin Stewart.

We then take a step back to evaluate the Big East. Marquette, UConn, and St. John’s seem like tournament locks, but Villanova and Georgetown are squarely on the bubble. How many Big East teams will ultimately make the NCAA Tournament, and what do their résumés look like so far?

Segment 2: Duke, ACC Struggles, and Ryan’s Trapezoid of Excellence

Ryan Hammer joins the show to break down why the ACC is having a down year. Duke’s metrics continue to be skewed by weaker competition within the conference, and the broader implications of the ACC’s struggles could make March Madness more challenging for its teams. We explore how this impacts Duke specifically and how their performance compares to other powerhouses nationally.

Ryan then shares his concept, the “Trapezoid of Excellence,” a unique way of evaluating teams heading into March Madness. He explains how he developed this framework and how it helps him analyze teams’ strengths and weaknesses. We also dive into Ryan’s journey as a basketball analyst and how he got his start in the media landscape.

Segment 3: Georgetown Preview and March Madness Contenders

We preview UConn’s upcoming game against Georgetown. Key matchups include Ariel Jenkins, who’s been dominant on the boards, and Kelsey Ransom, Georgetown’s dynamic guard. Can the Hoyas make this a competitive game, or will UConn assert their dominance once again?

We then pivot to March Madness contenders. Ryan revisits his top three teams—Auburn, Iowa State, and Duke—and highlights sleeper teams to watch, including potential Cinderellas. What makes a team dangerous in March? We explore the critical factors that separate contenders from pretenders.

Wrap-Up and Outro

Recap Major Points:

• UConn’s close loss to Villanova and its impact on their season.

• Big East outlook and the potential number of NCAA Tournament teams.

• ACC struggles and Duke’s metrics.

• March Madness sleepers and contenders.

Follow Ryan Hammer:

• Social media: @RyanHammer09 on X. And @Ryanhammer on Instagram.

• Stay tuned for his upcoming projects and analysis.

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On today’s episode of Locked On UConn, we discuss who needs to step up in Paige Bueckers’ absence, with Azzi Fudd, Sarah Strong, and Allie Ziebell already making a strong case for bigger roles. We explore whether this injury could be a blessing in disguise for UConn, as younger players gain valuable experience in the thick of Big East play. We also preview UConn’s upcoming matchup against Georgetown and analyze whether the Hoyas can make this game more competitive than their first meeting. Finally, we take a look around women’s college basketball: LSU remains undefeated, South Carolina faces a major setback with Ashlyn Watkins’ injury, and the national landscape is heating up as March approaches.

Segment 1: Who Needs to Step Up Without Paige Bueckers?

Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong have stepped up admirably in Paige Bueckers’ absence, with Fudd leading the offensive charge and Strong continuing her reliable two-way play. Allie Ziebell has been the breakout star, scoring 17 points off the bench in the win over Xavier, including five made three-pointers. Her poise and confidence raise the question of whether she’s ready to contribute consistently. Other players to watch include Jana El Alfy, who has adapted well to her new starting role, and Morgan Cheli, who could provide impactful minutes off the bench. With Aubrey Griffin set to return in about a week, the rotation will gain even more depth, and her defensive energy and veteran leadership will be crucial.

Segment 2: Is This Injury a Blessing in Disguise?

The timing of Paige Bueckers’ injury could actually be a positive for UConn in the long run. With the Huskies in the middle of Big East play, Geno Auriemma has an opportunity to give younger players extended minutes, allowing them to build confidence and gain experience. UConn’s upcoming matchup against Georgetown presents another chance for players to step up. In their first meeting, the Huskies dominated, but the Hoyas have made adjustments, with senior center Ariel Jenkins and guard Kelsey Ransom leading the way. Jenkins has been a force on the boards, and Ransom brings scoring versatility, making them key players to watch in this rematch. UConn must show they can maintain their dominance without Bueckers, and a strong performance will reinforce their position as title contenders.

Segment 3: Around Women’s College Basketball

LSU continues to impress with their perfect 18-0 record, punctuated by a road win over Tennessee. The Tigers are proving themselves as legitimate title contenders, but questions remain about their strength of schedule. Meanwhile, South Carolina suffered a devastating blow with the loss of Ashlyn Watkins to an ACL injury. Watkins was a key defensive anchor and a strong presence in the paint, and her absence will significantly impact the Gamecocks’ title hopes. The national landscape is also shifting as teams jockey for position ahead of March. UConn is currently projected as a No. 2 seed, USC is surging behind JuJu Watkins, and several teams outside the top five are making a case for deeper tournament runs. This is shaping up to be one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory, with every game adding more intrigue to the race for a national championship.

“Thanks for listening to Locked On UConn. Don’t forget to follow us on X, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram at LockedOnUConn. Stay locked on and stay connected. Remember, it’s not just about getting it done—it’s about doing it in a way that it can’t be done any better. Go Huskies!”