Slipping Through Their Fingers

So close. UConn played a solid game, against an excellent opponent, and fell a few plays short. Hibbert’s three pointer was something they must live with. I don’t know why Georgetown was granted their 69th point to tie the game? Ewing traveled and then was awarded two points. But the pups shouldn’t hang their heads. It is still an early season, though they left two winnable games on the table. They need to regroup and build on being able to hang with the 8th best team in the country.

A.J. played great, 9 assists and 17 points. His control over the offense and free throw shooting made up for his poor shooting from the field, 3 for 11. Dyson had a spectacular dunk but turned it over when they needed him. 8 points and no free throws is unacceptable for a team leader. He needs to shoot more then 8 shots a game. Wiggins kept the huskies afloat in the first half and showed some outside shooting. If he is consistent with his shot, then this team will be going deep into both tournaments.

Robinson didn’t have a major impact on the offensive side and finished with only 2 points. He battled hard on the boards but he needs to explode to the rim more. He also had no free throw attempts and only shot the ball 5 times. If he produced half his normal numbers then Uconn would have won.

Thabeet played tight in the first half and Hibbert got the best of him. But during the second half, he became a force down low and sparked Uconn’s comeback. He only finished with 2 boards and needs to do a better job of fighting for position. Adrien made up for Thabeet’s lack of offense with a 7 for 13 performance, 6 boards, 4 for 4 from the stripe and 18 points. Mandeldove got into the box score with 2 points and he did an admirable job in reserve. Kelly and Edwards had little impact in their 11 minutes.

The lack of a playmaker down the stretch has caused two losses for Uconn. Give credit for Georgetown, who made all the plays they needed to. But this game will be shrouded in mystery for me with the Hoyas being rewarded two points to tie the game late. Who knows how the game would have been played out if they went into the possession in which Hibbert hit the three pointer from behind? This team is young and doesn’t have the confidence to pull out games like these but it doesn’t mean they won’t. They just need to finally get over that hurdle.