Huskies continue to gel in 67-53 win over Harvard

The previously undefeated Harvard Crimson came down to earth tonight and landed in Gampel Pavilion against an improving UConn Husky squad; The Huskies had never lost a game in Gampel against a non-conference opponent in November or December and kept that record intact tonight with a 67-53 win against a game but out- manned Crimson Five.
UConn just had too much fire power for Harvard as they were led by Jeremy Lamb with 18 points, followed by Andre Drummond with 12, Ryan Boatright with 11 and Shabazz Napier with 9 in a nicely balanced offensive effort. Calhoun started the game with his "big" squad of Lamb and Napier in the back court and Oriakhi, Olander and Smith up front. This group looked good at times but could not pull away from a stubborn Harvard defense and led by only two, 30-28 at the half. Andre Drummond, playing without a plastic face mask to protect a broken cheek bone for the first time this year, was more active and looser on offense as he posted 8 points at intermission on 4-4 from the field including three thunderous dunks.
In the second half, Calhoun went to his 3 guard offense and had Napier, Lamb and Boatright on the floor together for most of the second half. This group led to a notch up on defense as the Huskies started to pull away. Boatright was again impressive on both ends and is providing an additional offensive weapon for the Huskies. I think that the scoring configuration in tonight's game with Lamb leading the way and Boatright, Napier and Drummond all scoring in or near double figures will become UConn's offensive pattern. Olander continues to chip in 7-10ppg, play well on both ends and provide a "face-up" forward who can shoot from mid-range and find the other big men inside. Oriakhi continues to struggle but looked a little better tonight as did Smith, Giffey and Daniels in limited minutes.
As Calhoun said after the game, "this team is improving" and I say they are improving fast and the distribution of floor time is beginning to sort itself out. The Huskies do not play again until they face Holy Cross on Dec. 18. They will have that game plus one other non-conference contest against Fairfield to get the exam period rust off before league play starts on Dec. 28 at the University of Southern Florida. That game will mark the beginning of Calhoun's three league game suspension for recruiting violations.
"You Heard it Here First"
Steve