Two Steps Backwards

What channel was the UConn game on? What I watched was last years game. You know the one where they couldn’t find a basket, missed easy dunks and had these nasty droughts that made you throw your remote against the television screen.

Note to UConn, when you are missing outside shots, take it to the basket. They couldn’t get control of the ball on offense and continued their horrendous perimeter defense. Until the NCAA moves back the three point line, it is an NBA mid-range jumper. They need to stay with the defender around screens and they aren’t getting back in transition and leaving open shooters. Its not everyday, just for UConn, that you’ll get two players to combine for 14 for 22 and 43 points. And UConn had no answers.

Dyson needs to figure out his role. Shooting only 6 shots in 31 minutes is useless. If he wants to garner those types of minutes, he needs to be more assertive on offense. His game is two dimensional, either he shoots a three or drives to the basket. He has the speed to up fake and take a mid-range shot. Wiggins continues to be inconsistent shooting but stayed with it, going 4 for 10. Price has emerged into a player. He pushed the tempo and scored but didn’t take over during the second half lull.

The big men battled hard underneath with Adrien pulling down 15 boards. Providence committed to rebounding and it was a battle down low. Thabeet got clobbered a few times and got to the line, converting. He anchored the paint inside and swatted away anything near him but he needs to rebound better, 3 boards doesn’t cut it.

Where is the Stanley Robinson that played in December? 2 of his 4 points came from that spectacular one handed put back dunk. He battles for rebounds, 5, but couldn’t make a basket and shied away from the offense. He needs to work on his passing. To many times he commits to late and the defender is able to get his hands on the ball. We really need him to step up and make more plays. He has so much talent, probably more then Price or Thabeet and he just doesn’t know how to use it. He has the athleticism to create his own shot anytime he wants to but doesn’t. He should easily be a 10 points a night player.

The blame for this pathetic loss goes down to poor perimeter defense, sloppy passing, missed lay ups, lousy shot selection and horrible execution in the half court and transition. Just a few things to fix before they head into the 13th ranked team in the nation. UConn needs to keep their head above .500 if they want to get to the real postseason. And to do this, they’re going to need to beat Marquette.