Total Team Effort

Not only is this a huge win for the Huskies, but it is just as big of a win for the conference. It legitimizes the Big East as the premier basketball conference in all of the NCAA. The pups did this with one arm tied behind their backs, with the suspensions of Dyson and Wiggins, and demonstrated the deep bench that Calhoun has all but kept under wraps. Adrien, Robinson, Price, and Thabeet all logged in over 30 minutes but players like Austrie, Beverly, Edwards, and Kelly came in and didn’t let Indiana go on a run.

With no Dyson and Wiggins, Price had to shoulder more of the offensive load and he was up to the challenge. He went 5 for 14 and 8 boards. It has been awhile since Price has had more turnovers, 7, than assists, 6. His ability to drive into the lane and break down the defense helped create easy baskets for the big men. Austrie is a rock. He came in, shot well, and sealed the game shut in the final three minutes. Though he wasn’t his usual iceman, missing some free throws down the stretch, he finally sealed the coffin shut. Beverly’s line might not be impressive but this kid played well against the high pressure defense of Indiana and didn’t have a turnover. He never looked overwhelmed when in the game and should turn into a solid point guard.

Robinson should know his role now. Rebound. He is at his best when he is under the boards and fighting hard. He is also creating his shot more, by dribbling and pulling up for a jump shot. He isn’t making them now but if he can make it consistently, then no one can stop it. UConn is going to be a tough team to beat if they have three players willing to commit to the boards.

Adrien brought his work pail. 11 boards and 11 points. His high arching shots, though they seem inaccurate, are falling. He has been more aggressive with rebounding in UConn’s last several games and his post moves are effective. Thabeet had an okay game. He finished plays around the basket and intimidated shots in the paint but he had trouble playing outside the paint and didn’t rebound or make free throws like he has in the past three games. Kelly grabbed a board in his 8 minutes, Gavin scored 2 points and a board in his 4 minutes, and Mandeldove fouled twice in his 3 minutes.

This game was a total team effort. They out-rebounded Indiana 44 to 28 and played solid perimeter defense. UConn might be a poor three point shooting team but three pointers and “and ones” count for the same points when they make the free throw. With UConn’s “and ones” and three pointers, they are as comparable as any other team. In the long run a team less dependent on the three will have an easier time when their shot isn’t there. But UConn’s points are determined on how the referees are calling the game. When the game is called tight, they will be able to pile up points on the line but in games called loosely, they will need to rely on their inconsistent outside shot.

Next up for the Huskies is Louisville and a chance to take over second place in the conference. Louisville has found a resurgence and is playing like the team everyone thought they were. UConn will need to rebound like they did today to compete with this team. But no one is playing with more confidence then these pups and deservedly so.