Taking the Bull at the Horn

After doing everything to give this game away, from Adrien going over the end line to giving up 19 offensive rebounds, UConn’s guards came through again, and squeaked out a win. With 6 seconds left, Adrien looked to Calhoun for a time out but the coach motioned to play on. USF doubled Price and that left Austrie open. He took the pass and made a crossover move at the three point line and took an elbow jumper. He did an excellent job of squaring up and settle into his shot. There was no doubt that it would go in as it thudded home.

This game was reminiscent of the one at Cincinnati, where UConn was getting beat all game, but in the end they were able to string together a few stops and make the necessary plays. While there are some serious defensive lapses and slow starts, they were able to withstand another big time performance. This time from Gransberry, who had a 26 points and 15 rebound game against this serious front line. USF is going to need to replace the backboards, because both teams must have banked in 20 or more shots off it.

In back to back games, the three guard line-up has come up big, going 16 out of 34, and 51 points. Unlike the Notre Dame game, Connecticut didn’t jack up the three ball, only taking 6 shots and making 3 of those. The perimeter defense was on display again and kept the three happy USF team to only 3 for 13 shooting.

Price again led the team with 23 points and 7 assists to 3 turnovers. He finds his points just when UConn needs them the most. He was able to get to the rim at will and has deceptive speed. Wiggins, who turned the corner in the Notre Dame game, is on the front stretch. He scored 20 points, hit a three, got 2 offensive boards, and went 11 for 11 from the line. Austrie has become a solid contributor in every game he has played. His clutch shot with .2 seconds left was epic and will go down in UConn lore.

Though Robinson disappears at times, he has been making plays at key moments. His weak side put back and off balance drive were incredible, but he only took 4 shots more than Mandeldove. With his athletic ability, he should also be going to the line more then once. He is still sticking his nose in the paint and battling for rebounds, which is a good sign.

Thabeet’s man in the past two games has gone 25 for 34, 58 points, 31 boards, and 6 blocks. Not a good sign. Thabeet went 6 for 14, 10 points, 19 boards, and 14 blocks, in those same two games. He hasn’t been able to slow down, the bigger and more aggressive players. Though Gransberry and Harangody are one and two in The Big East in rebounding. He is allowing his player to create space with contact and shoot the ball off the back board. Many of those points come from Hasheem leaving his man to help out, and teams are making the extra pass. Adrien also had an off night and made some costly mental errors down the stretch. He did get to the line but had a bad night, going 4 for 9 from the stripe. The big men are going to need to protect the paint better. They are letting teams score to easy.

Mandeldove had a solid day, playing in reserve. He anchored the zone while Thabeet sat. He rebounded and had a block. Edwards only came in for 3 minutes and wasn’t a factor. Beverly came in and fought well for a loose ball, making a play in his limited minutes.

It is close games like these that make teams stronger. They won’t get frayed when in the same situation down the stretch. Though they are on an incredible 9 game win streak, they are missing Dyson. There is no doubt that he makes UConn a better team. It will be interesting to see if he starts or comes off the bench. Calhoun might use him like he had Rashad. Even though Denham started games, Anderson was a better scorer and came off the bench for instant offense. It might be the right formula for this team.

Next up for the pups is DePaul. Draelon Burns has been on a tear lately and is a great outside shooter. Dar Tucker isn’t far behind him either. UConn will need to keep up their back court excellence and keep Mac Koshwal off the boards. If they do that then this should be a Connecticut victory but in The Big East there are no easy victories, just ask Georgetown.