Teams will do anything to get any kind of edge over an opponent when their season is on the line in the NCAA tournament. I mean anything. Even tickling. Making your opponent laugh by way of aggressive fingertips is one of things Buffalo may try against South Carolina.
When asked how will the Bulls try to stop USC'a A'ja Wilson Buffalo head coach Felisha Legette-Jack replied,"Ticker her" with a laugh.
"Everyone's tried everything else and she still averages a high double-double. So our plan is someone go low, someone go high, but nevertheless, we're into the tickle motion. You can't stop someone as good as A'ja. Let's be honest. I'm on a committee and I voted for her to be Player of the Year."
A'ja has been dominate this season with career highs in points and rebounds and USAToday and ESPNW Player of the Year honors already under her belt.
Buffalo post player Cassie Ousler,a 6'3" senior center will see a lot of A'ja on Saturday and she will be Buffalo's first line of defense against the All-American. She agreed that tickles may be a part of her defensive arsenal.
"Yeah, we're going to tickle her (laughing). Well, if she's getting her points, we'll try anything."
But Ousler believes that Bulls will make it tough for the Gamecocks and that'll leave it out on the floor.
"They do hae a talented bunch but I think we match up pretty well with them and we're going to fight like we always have been and give it all we've got."
It'll be interesting to see how A'ja will respond if the Bulls do indeed try to tickle her pink into turnovers and missed shots. A'ja is all business on the floor but as USC fans know she does love to laugh as well. This tactic could backfire on Buffalo. The Gamecock have seen all season that opponents will do anything to try to get the best of them. Tickling will be a first.
Buffalo and USC will tip-off at 11:30 am at the Times Union Center in Albany and both fan bases may watch closely with anticipation of the tickle defense. I know I will.
