Geno Auriemma’s UConn Huskies have, once again, been the most dominant team in women’s college basketball this season, and Sarah Strong has been the most dominant player in women’s college basketball this season. Or has she?
Because a case could be made that Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes has performed at a level similar to Strong’s. The one caveat in Strong’s favor could be that Vanderbilt is the weaker team.
This is exactly the argument being made by On3’s Alex Kurbegov, who recently said on a tweet:
“Sarah Strong is on undefeated UConn, yes. But there are TEN McDonald’s all Americans on that team, and they have played FOUR teams that are currently ranked. Mikayla Blakes has vandy at 26-3 (7-3 vs currently ranked teams) with ZERO other Mcdonalds All-Americans. NPOY.”
Well, the bookies agree with Kurbegov that if anyone is going to challenge Strong for the Wooden Award, it’s going to be Blakes. At the moment, Sarah Strong is the favorite for the award with odds of -500, with Mikayla Blakes being close by with odds of +360.
No one else is anywhere near the odds to them, with Iowa State’s Audi Crooks having the third-best odds at +4000.
Sarah Strong vs. Mikayla Blakes Odds
Sarah Strong is currently averaging 18.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game this season. Her field goal percentage stands at 59.7%. For comparison, Mikayla Blakes is the better scorer with an average of 26.9 points per game. She is also comparable to Strong in assists, with a slightly better 4.6 assists per game. Where she falters is in a much lower rebound percentage at 3.8 points per game, and on a lower 46.3% field goal percentage.
Sarah Strong Named to the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Late Season Team
This Friday, Strong was named to the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Late Season Team and is also competing for the award. She leads UConn in rebounds, blocks, and steals this season.
Another strong stat for her is steals, where she ranks ninth in total steals (90) and 12th in steals per game (3.21). She leads the nation in defensive win shares (3.8) and defensive rating (56.5).
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