Number One Gunning

While DePaul was able to hang with UConn during the first half, Connecticut proved to be to tall of a task. The balanced attack of UConn continues to thwart teams, having 4 players in double figures. The defense, which allowed the Blue Demons to shoot 50% in the first half, turned the dial up a few notches in the second half and only allowed 14 points. With the defense shutting down DePaul, UConn’s offense played an inside-outside game and found a way to get into the open court. It was too much for a young and thin team like DePaul.

Dyson has strung together three solid performances. He had the line of the night with 18 points, 2 of 3 from three, 4 of 4 from the line, 5 boards, and 1 dime. With his outside shot dropping, it opens his major weapon, his dribble drive. Defenders had to play him tight and respect his shot and he drove past them and to the basket. Price also had a great game. He had 12 points, 3 dimes to 1 turnover, and 1 board. His shot was on, hitting 5 of 8, but he didn’t overshoot and looked for the big men in every possession.

Austrie didn’t have the outside shot tonight so he took it inside and was able to hit the mid-ranged shot. He ended the night with 9 points, 4 boards, 4 dimes, 1 block, and no turnovers. Kemba was hot and cold all night, giving up a freshman-like turnover. He was able to get to the rim and do some damage. He is doing a better job of looking for his teammates, ending the game with 4 assists.

Adrien was a monster. He snared every rebound around him, took the ball to the rim on every touch, and played solid defense. He ended the game with 12 points, 13 boards, 1 assist, and 1 steal. He did have a horrible turnover in the closing minutes of the first half and had 3 total turnovers. Thabeet was being bodied all night and couldn’t establish his game until the second half. He did end the game with 11 points, 9 boards, 3 blocks, and 3 steals. His free throws are the only thing that hasn’t improved this year and only made 1 of his 4 attempts.

Robinson had a horrible game and only played 11 minutes. The basket is a thimble when he shoots the ball and ended the night going 0 for 3 from the field, though he sank two free throws, but it is the rebounding department that he needs to be more reliable at. He only had 2 boards again. That’s not going to get it done.

Gavin also had an off night from the bench and only had 2 points and 1 block. Bird got into the game and had a steal. Haralson is in a shooting slump, not taking a shot in his 1 minute of play.

With Duke losing to Wake Forest, UConn has the chance to claim top spot on the meaningless rankings. Which just gives Providence more ammunition for the upcoming game. This was the team that swept UConn last season and doused them from the outside. Remember Price saying he was going to pay them back. They’ll have their chance just as long as they don’t have any fans come out and call timeout.