Forty perfect minutes

Talk about a bounce back game, UConn practically bounced out of Gampel pavilion. They had all phases of their game going right from the opening tip. Their perimeter defense was stifling, they shot better than 50% from three, made 25 of 30 free throws, grabbed 48 boards, 13 offensive, blocked 13 shots, and did it without a player shooting more than 11 shots. Simply amazing. This wasn’t against a terrible team either. This is a team on the bubble for their NCAA lives, and that bubble just popped. Another incredible thing was that everyone in the game scored and contributed in the win.

Price wasn’t dominate, but distributed the offense well, dishing out 6 dimes, hitting a three, and playing great defense. He was able to get into lanes and find the big men. Austrie bounced back from his horrible showing against Providence and shot well, 3 out of 5. He also had 5 assists to 0 turnovers, 5 boards, and made 7 out of 7 from the charity stripe. Wiggins’ shot is improving in every game. He hit 2 of 3 from three and didn’t force himself into precarious situations. He ran the break well and found the open man.

Dyson took it hard to the basket at every possible chance and had a solid evening. It is going to be important that Dyson gets going and that falls on the shoulders of the point guards. They need to make an emphasis on finding him in scoring situations. He played great perimeter defense, hit a three and pulled down 7 boards. He is finding ways to contribute in his limited role.

Stanley continues to mature as a player. He connected on all his threes and free throws, grabbed 8 boards, blocked 2 shots, and had 2 assists. His pull up jumper is becoming a consistent weapon and he is playing stellar defense. If he continues this pace, then teams are going to stop doubling the big men and that will set the table for the rest of the team.

Thabeet is a beast, blocking 8 more shots and setting records. He is showing more offensive prowess with a mid-range jumper and hook shot. He has been battling hard on the boards lately and pulled down 8 rebounds. You know when it is your night when Adrien hits a three ball. He didn’t rebound like he normally does and only garnered 5 boards, but he played solid man to man, blocked 2 shots, and had 2 steals.

This was the night of the bench. Beverly, Mandeldove and Edwards all grabbed minutes and scored. Gavin led the way with 9 points, 4 boards, and 1 assist. The Dove scored a point and pulled down 2 boards. Beverly made a jumper, had a block, and grabbed 3 boards.

This game, though an anomaly, scratches the surface on what UConn’s potential can be. With superb defense and a reliable outside game, this team can go deep in the tournament. They’ll play this Thursday at 2, against the winner of the West Virginia and Providence game. Connecticut doesn’t want to have an early exit from the tournament. Not only do they have a Big East championship to play for, but they also have a chance to move up a seed or two. And the way the Big East has played so far this year, the crown is up for grabs.