Spitting out checks

Sloppy. Not even Louisville’s deadly guards have done what Providence has been able to do to UConn. They were able to pressure the ball, close the seams, and keep Uconn’s guards from getting into the paint. Connecticut forced the ball into closely defended big men and gave the Friars 15 steals. They also played out of control and undecided when driving, creating several traveling calls. While the shot distribution was about right, the shot selection was atrocious. To many time they were playing one on one basketball and didn’t move the zone with passes. While this win is a setback, it will only hurt their overall seeding in the tournament. But it proves that this team has a long way to go, like keep quiet and play a solid 40 minutes of basketball.

Price had a horrible game, turning the ball over and forcing things. Don’t tempt the basketball gods. It usually always falls the other way. The tougher Providence players were able to keep Price from the lane, and to many times, the lengthy arms of Xavier, Efejuku, and Mckenzie knocked his passes away. Austrie was right there with Price. He went 1 for 11, 0 for 5 from three, 4 turnovers and 1 assist. Wiggins shot the ball well, 4 for 7, but had to many out of control plays. Dyson had his best game since returning, though a little lackadaisical on the perimeter defense, but he shot 3 for 5, 1 assist to 0 turnovers. He should have took over the game in the second half.

Robinson was all over the place, grabbing 8 boards, making all his free throws, getting a steal, hitting some threes, and having no turnovers. He was UConn’s best player out there and is starting to find his stride and swagger. The only knock against him in this game is that he gave his man a lane to the basket.

Thabeet found a hook shot. He had a solid night with 13 boards, 7 offensive, 6 blocks, got to the floor for loose balls, had 16 points and made all his free throws. He was taking a beating out there and still produced, a promising sign. Adrien should burn the tape on the offensive side, minus that wicked one-handed put back. He battled on the boards for 7 but had 6 costly turnovers. He was abused by McDermott and has problems defending players with an outside shot.

There was a Mandeldove sighting but came in and got yanked early for a defensive mistake. Edwards had 9 minutes and held his own but didn’t contribute much on offense. He didn’t even pull down a board.

You must credit Providence for making the shots down the stretch, shooting 58% from the field in the second half. If there is a silver lining it is that after Providence beat UConn in the first game, they went on that long winning streak. It would be perfect if they could duplicate that. To do that Adrien and Price will need to play better and not go a combined 8 for 24 with 12 turnovers. Though Thabeet and Robinson are the x-factor, if Price and Adrien can’t get it done, then it will be a short postseason. Oh, and don’t run your yapper.