Tristen Newton was outstanding with Donovan a victim of UConn’s Big East officiating handicap. Tristen had 20 points in the first half as Donovan was riding the 2 foul pine and Karaban was cold.
Stewart, Spencer and Diarra also played well.
It is that time of the season. I will try to put my personal feelings about Rick Pitino aside - and focus on the game but I would love him leaving as a losing coach tonight, eventhough I respect his coaching ability.
Brian O’Connell is about as anti Hurley and UConn as you can get. He bad mouths Hurley all summer long. To have him be the crew leader in a UConn Quarter Final game is yet a new low by a League Commissioner, who sets one new low after another.
As a result Donovan missed 1/2 of the first half.
Once again Samson Johnson’s high hedge BS puts him hopelessly out of position in the post on defense and defensive rebounds. We have seen this all season - enough is enough - the high hedge is a disaster for Samson. Coach Hurley admit the truth! Let Samson figure out the center position before you have him defend a guard 25 feet from the basket.
Fortunately Stewart came in as back up center and played well. He ran the floor well. We shot 63% to 42% FG in first half but only up by 5. Giving up 9 offensive rebounds with Samson out of position killed us.
UConn leading FG by 12% and 3pt by 5%. Karaban came on with big plays late. Spencer and Newton both finished with 9 assists. We had 4 less rebounds but 7 more assists. Newton led with 25 and Spencer had 20 with a strong 4 for 5 from three.
Diarra had 10 and handle the ball well against pressure, a key to winning today.
Good win! Next!