In tonights tilt at the Hartford-XL Center, with encouraging performances by the Big Three(Dyson, Walker and Robinson), the UCONN Huskies snapped a three game losing streak with a decisive 75-59 win over St. John's. In Coach Jim Calhoun's absence, due to an undisclosed medical issue, Associate Head Coach George Blaney put his stamp on the Huskies improved half-court offense evident in tonight's win. Blaney had clearly put two distinct changes in place; there was dramatically less dribbling by Walker and Dyson as both gave the ball up more frequently resulting in better passing around the perimeter. In addtion, both guards regularly made their first pass inside resulting in some nice opportunities for the big men up front, as well as some nice kick outs to the perimeter shooters. Dyson, Walker and Robinson all benefitted and were able to launch three pointers while square to the hoop. Each connected twice from three point land for a total of six three pointers, a huge improvement. Clearly Blaney had also instructed his guards to look more for Edwards inside; ironically, Edwards who has been the Huskies most consistent player all year seemed tight as a result and had a mediocre game. Nevertheless, I think continuing looks to Edwards inside will pay dividents; he has some nice inside moves and his kick out passes seem to find the perimeter shooters in good positions to spot up.
The improved half-court play resulted in some really nice plays. Early in the game Edwards found Coombs-Mcdaniel in the corner for a trey; at 4:14 of the first half Okwandu scored on a beautiful pick and roll and with 8:09 left in the game Dyson found Robby under the hoop with a beautiful look away pass and "Sticks" finished it with a dunk. Could the 91% shooting at the charity stripe resulted from a more relaxed squad under Blaney's less volatile sideline style?
The offense was led by Dyson with 21, Robinson with 18 points and 9 rebounds and Walker with 17 points and 6 assists. This Saturday the Huskies take on the #1 ranked team in the country, Texas in a non-conference game at the Gampel Pavillion. Tonights win brought the Huskies to 3-3 in league play; with their difficult strength of schedule a .500 Big East record will get them a "Dance Card" in March.
news and notes Did anyone notice the frequent references by the announcers and half time broadcast team to Calhoun's "stress", strenghtening my feeling that Calhoun is depressed.
Speaking of broadcast teams I thought that the SNY team of play by play man Bob Picozzi and color men Bob Wenzel(former coach at UWV and Rutgers), and Andy Katz did a really fine job. Picozzi is succinct and to the point and at breaks in the action
asked excellent questions leading to incisive, knowledgeable and informative comments by both Wenzel and Katz.
Well, the sun will shine tomorrow in Huskyland as things may be looking up.
"You Heard it Here First"
Steve
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5 comments:
Unfortunately, I didn't see the game since I was in Easton, PA taking in the Bucknell-Lafayette game. However, there is no question in my mind that your initial observation was 100% on target. Why else would he take games out of his chance to raise his win record & give Boeheim a chance to pull further away? Also, I read a very interesting article in the Boston Globe this morning which our sage, in his other professinal capacity, should read.
Mike Davis
Mike can I get it on-line
Can you get whta on line Steve?
Mike Davis
The article you referred to in the Boston globe
Yes, that's where I saw it but it might be gone by now.
Mike
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