The Dream Is Over

Syracuse 78 Uconn 65

The second halves have killed Uconn all year. They play well and are in the game but they can’t put the ball in the basket to save their lives com the second half. Tipped balls roll off the rim and shots clang. The young cubs throw poor pass after poor pass, forcing things instead of patience and crisp passing.

Talent wise, Uconn is loaded but fundamentally sound, they are light years away. They were gobbled up on pick and rolls and the big men showed poor help defense and played the pick to soft. There has to be some blame on Calhoun for not trying the zone when Syracuse had lay up after lay up.

Its been years since Uconn has had a good free throw shooting team. There blocking is phenomenal over the past decade but the free throw shooting has remained a weak point. It’s easy to get down on the team but they have never lacked the effort and intensity when playing. All great franchises have a year like this, especially with the exodus of experienced players. Maybe if Uconn was in a different conference than The Big East then they could’ve squeaked into the NCAA tournament. That just attests to the strength of the conference and that’s a great thing.

The NIT is going to be a stepping stone into next season and a confidence boost. Don’t fool yourself, you knew that Uconn hadn’t a chance to win in the NCAA tournament since the West Virginia loss.