Temperature Rising

With the season winding down and the Big East standings clustered at the top, it was vital that UConn hold serve and win out. West Virginia is a tricky team to play, with their excellent outside shooting and the deceptive athletic ability of Joe Alexander, but UConn put together one of their best outside shooting performances and a stifling perimeter defense effort. West Virginia had to fight for every shot and only hit 7 out of 20 from three, while UConn put together a stellar 9 for 15 showing. If they can consistently hit the three, then this team can be very dangerous.

Price set the sprinkler system off at the XL center, hitting 5 of 8 from three, 4 of 4 from the line, and had 24 points. He was everywhere, slicing into lanes for pull up jumpers, spotting up for three in transition, and running around picks for jump shots. Though he had only 2 assists, he was so hot from outside that setting up his teammates was a second option. Austrie is a rock, he gives you that outside threat, knocks down free throws, and protects the weak side. Wiggins finally put together a good game, hitting a three, running the break effectively, grabbing 2 boards, and dishing out 6 assists to no turnovers. All that in only 11 minutes.

Dyson just isn’t comfortable with the new transition. He is a shooter but isn’t shooting. He played 15 minutes and only took 1 shot, had no free throws, no rebounds, and only 3 turnovers. He doesn’t want to rock the boat, but he needs to be effective. He should be shooting at least 5 to 10 shots when in the game 15 or more minutes. He did play excellent perimeter defense, but his contribution should be instant offense when off the bench.

Robinson has come into his own. He had his shot going, hitting 5 of 9, 2 of 3 from three, pulled down 5 boards, 2 offensive, and didn’t turn the ball over. He was able to create his own shot and his jump shot has become a reliable weapon. The only knock is that he didn’t get the line. With his ability to drive to the basket and battling in the paint, he should be getting to the line more.

Thabeet had another sub-par game and didn’t even take a shot, most likely with that 0 for 7 performance the other night still fresh on his mind. But for a 7-foot-3 man to not have taken a shot against a smaller team is disconcerting. Not only that but to only pull down 2 boards. He did only play half the game, but he needs to be more assertive and not care if he misses shots or turns the ball over. Adrien gave the team what he always gives UConn, an aggressive always hustling performance. He attacks the basket when the ball is in his hands and goes up strong. He got to the line, 14 times and is finishing off plays when there. He grabbed 10 boards and had a spectacular block.

Gavin played excellent when coming in for Thabeet in the first. He showed great hands in catching bullet passes and finished plays around the rim. He got to the line, rebounded, blocked 2 shots, and stole 2 more. He will be a player when Thabeet leaves. Mandeldove had an appearance, and in his 5 minutes, he pulled down 2 boards.

It is important that UConn finishes the season strong and not slip in the rankings or in seeding. They are playing for that bye in the Big East tournament and have the edge, because they have beaten Louisville, Marquette, and Notre Dame. If they win out, then they will get that all important bye, but also get that 4th seed or possibly better. Up next for the pups is the rematch against Providence. So far the huskies have bettered their opponents in rematches in which they have lost in the first game. This will be a great barometer in seeing how much their perimeter defense and offense has improved since that game 2 months ago.