TKO

It wasn’t pretty. Both teams slugged it out armed with powerful frontlines and quick penetrating guards, but in the end it came down to UConn making free throws, attacking the glass, and protecting the perimeter. The run they are putting together has positioned themselves in contention for the Big East title, got their foot in the door of the top 25 rankings, and all but a collapse should get them into the postseason.

What’s up with the stuttering starts? First, Thabeet can’t win a tip off. Second, they miss point blank shots. Lastly, they dribble themselves into trouble to force the action and turn it over. This leads to easy points and momentum. Now the team does respond and claw themselves back into the game, but its not a way to survive a tournament.

A.J. Price is on a tear. He is getting into the lane, making free throws, hitting jumpers, pulling down boards, and making plays down the stretch. With Dyson’s suspension, Price is playing some two guard, and did well. Beverly pushed the ball up and that left Austrie and Price to catch the ball in rhythm. The freshman did his job and didn’t turn the ball over. Austrie, full of confidence, hasn’t shied away from his shot, taking some clutch threes. He played as good of a game as he has all year long. Wiggins had a limited role, didn’t make a shot and had two turnovers.

Robinson had a horrible game. Pittsburgh’s small forwards played him tightly and he had trouble getting into any sort of offensive rhythm. He couldn’t get to loose balls and he only shot the ball four times. He needs to be more assertive. He has a habit of ball watching and needs to move more while the ball is in the air.

Thabeet played a solid night, defending the paint and pulling down 7 boards. He didn’t get to the line, only 2 attempts for the second game in a row. He isn’t holding onto the ball when making a move to the basket. After a tough first half, Adrien came out in the second with some attitude. He rebounded with authority, played excellent defense, and made his free throws- 4 out of 6. His and Price’s consistent efforts are fueling this five game winning streak.

Curtis Kelly, Mandeldove and Gavin all played limited minutes and combined for 3 boards and 1 block. These three players are going to be solid starters down the road. Each possesses something different to throw at teams. Kelly has brawn and athletics. Gavin is the faster of the three and good position rebounder. Mandeldove is lanky but has the best length. He has room to bulk up and is reminiscent of a young Hilton Armstrong in his sophomore year.

Having Pittsburgh shoot 2 for 16 from beyond the arch was huge. The pups suffocated Ramon and finally solved the high screens. Pittsburgh had open shots and didn’t take advantage, which has been a rarity in recent games. Credit does go to UConn’s defensive effort. Next up is Syracuse, a talented offensive team, with a solid front and backcourt, but the team is young. They will test UConn’s perimeter shooting and transition defense. The team with the fewest turnovers should win the game.