Despite Ryan Boatright's sitting out today's game because of a renewed NCAA investigation and Troy Olander's injury limiting his playing time, the UConn Huskies put together their best half of the season to overcome a one point half time deficit and end Notre Dame's 29 game home winning streak, 67-53. The absense of Boatright and Olander's reduced minutes required that Oriakhi ( 24min), Giffey(27 min) and Roscoe Smith (15 min) play more than they have been and all three put in their best performances of the season. Oriakhi, who has been a huge disappointment this season, was aggressive on both ends of the court, scored 12 points and had 7 rebounds. Giffey showed why he remains a potentially versatile contributor with 7 points, including 2 treys and five rebounds; Smith looking like the list last year's version had 10 points and 6 rebounds. Napier had 16 to lead the Huskies and Drummond continued his fine play with 10 points and 13 boards.
The Irish took a one point lead at the break on the stength of 19 points from their backcourt. After the game Calhoun was quoted as saying we "discussed" coming out and taking away the treys at the half time; I'll bet that was a very quiet "discussion". In the second half the Huskies tightened up their defense and had far and away their best ball movement of the season, resulting in many open looks. In addition, the Huskies cut the turnovers to 10 today and had a huge advantage on the boards. A third of the way through the second half the Huskies began to pull away and won 67-53 going away, improving their Big East record to 4-2.
The win raises some complexities for Calhoun and his staff. While Boatright has been outstanding, averaging 10ppg, the combination of using the three guard offense and Drummond's excellence has adversely affected the minutes and play of Oriakhi and Smith and perhaps slowed Giffey's development. I have said, of late, the Oriakhi has to approach last year's effort and numbers if the Huskies expect to make a deep run in the "Big Dance". Calhoun will have some tough decisions to make when Boatright (assuming he does) returns.
I was very impressed with color commentator Doris Burke on today's ESPN broadcast. She was the most knowledgeable and natural female commentator I have heard thus far.
"You Heard it Here First"
Steve
Again I didn't see the UCONN game since I was in Easton Pa watching Bucknell beat Lafayette decisively. But why wasn't Boatright alloowed to play if there's only an investigation going on with no finality? That doesn't seem right unless it's the same issue for which JC was suspended for earlier this year.
ReplyDeleteMike, they are two completely different issues. Calhoun was suspended because UConn recruiters had over 100 violations of NCAA recruiting rules including phone calls, home visits etc. that went beyond what the NCAA allows. although Calhoun himself was not proven to have made any of these unsanctioned calls or visits he was suspended for creating an atmosphere where this was allowed.
ReplyDeleteBoatright's first 6 game suspension had to do with an incident that occurred before UConn was recruiting him. Apparently, his AAU coach paid for a flight- an NCAA violation by Boatright himself. So far, the NCAA has said "more information has come out" that they are investigating. Keeping Boatright out was UConn's decision so that they do not have to forfeit wins if there is further culpability on boatright's part.
Steve