Led by Kemba Walker's 24 and Jeremy Lamb's 17 points the UCONN Huskies advanced to the semi-finals of the Big East Tournament with a thrilling upset win over Pitt. Down about 10 points with 8 minutes left in the first half the Huskies went on a 10-2run keyed by their defense to close the gap to one at the half.
They again fell behind in the second half but led by a rejuvenated Alex Oriaki(`2 points the game was tied with 38 seconds left to play and the ball in UConn's hands. Walker drove the land and missed a pull-up jumper but JCM took the rebound in traffic and alertly called time out with about 18 seconds left on the clock. Surprisingly, Pitt stayed in their man to man and instead of double teaming Walker they were switching when he drove the lane. On the last possession he forced a switch which left Pitt's power Center Andy McGhee on Kemba one on one. Mcghee was no match for the lightening quick Walker who dribbled right at MCghee then jumped back and drained a jump shot one second before the buzzer.
Lamb and Napier continued to play very well and Oriakhi came out of his slumber. Lamb is emerging as a real star and had several spectacular hoops today. this team can break your heart and then surprise and delight. Who knows where it's going.
"You Hear it Here First"
Steve
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3 comments:
omg, someone's singin' kembaya!
great game. The Huskies are getting hot at the end of the season - a great sign.
Pitt played mostly a man to man defense. The patternis that is when Walker is at his best. His quickness with the ball yesterday was awesome. We know what defense the Orangemen will play. I just hope Calhoun starts JCM and gives him close to 30 minutes. His play, in my mind, should take him off calhoun's short lease- one mistake and out. They hve got to tell Kemba and Shabazz not to be dribbling around and trying to penetrate the zone themselves. Essesntial that they look for the pass into the middle- JCM will be crucial. He is really maturing in his play evidenced by the offensive rebound and alert time out call with 8 seconds left yesterday. The lack of good big men really becomes a liability against the zone.
Lamb is really gaining confidence. Great alley oop play from Walker near beginning of the game and I thought a very significant play was, I think the Huskies second hoop. Lamb has the ball in the middle of a fast break with Walker on his left. He looked towards Walker and drew the defenders away from him, stopped and hit a 17 footer. Earlier in the year, he would have given the ball up to walker. Also, he has great ups.
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