Rutgers coach Stringer weighs in on Final Four

By C. VIVIAN STRINGER

For The Associated Press

Rutgers coach C. Vivian Stringer takes a look at the games in the women’s Final Four. She is in the unique position of having coached against all four teams this season:

Connecticut-Notre Dame

This is an exciting game for me with two of my fellow Big East teams going head-to-head. Notre Dame needs another strong performance from its guards, especially Skylar Diggins who has been playing extremely well throughout the tournament. Natalie Novosel has also been showing up in a big time way.

The play in the paint is going to be important as well, so Devereaux Peters has to try to stay out of foul trouble and continue to attack inside. Becca Bruszewski has to also play physical and give the Irish a 1-2 punch in the post.

The key for Notre Dame is to not be intimidated by playing UConn, because the psychological edge could honestly be the biggest factor in the Huskies’ favor. They’ve been there before, having advanced to four straight Final Fours. The Irish have to play free with a different mindset and not worry about who they’re playing.

On the other hand is Maya Moore, who in my opinion is the most focused, determined player I have ever seen. She is completely tuned in for the entire 40 minutes every time she plays. It seems like the greater the stage, the more she shows up. She can will her team to win, but you don’t have to do much to push that Connecticut team.

Stanford-Texas A&M

This is an interesting matchup because Stanford’s triangle offense is conducive to backdoor cuts, which is one way to attack Texas A&M’s defense. The Aggies play one of the toughest styles of defense in the country, but if you have an offense that keeps it moving and understands timing, you can find success.

The Ogwumike sisters will be a big factor for Stanford. I’m sure Texas A&M will focus on both but the freshman Chiney is the key. She’s hard on the boards and a quick leaper who is so instinctive. It’s impressive the way she’s been playing.

Texas A&M has a lot of weapons with Sydney Colson, Sydney Carter and Tyra White, but so does Stanford with Kayla Pedersen and Jeanette Pohlen. The difference is Stanford’s shooting will rely on passing execution and there needs to be rhythm to that. Rhythm can be broken up when you get high and play hard in the lane like Texas A&M does.

The Aggies don’t necessarily need the precision of the pass. Someone like Colson can make an in-and-out move, step back and break you down herself.