FINAL FOUR » UCONN
By: Brian McNally
Examiner Staff Writer
April 3, 2009
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Analyzing the Huskies
The Key
Connecticut is where it’s supposed to be. The Huskies were ranked No. 2 in preseason polls by ESPN and The Associated Press. Spent four weeks at No. 1 and have not yet been tested in NCAAs. But Michigan State resembles Pitt, a tough team UConn lost to twice.
The Troublemaker
UConn can become too reliant on PG A.J. Price. That’s when freshman Kemba Walker is an X-factor. The reserve G tied a career-high with 23 points in just 25 minutes during Elite Eight game vs. Missouri. He is most effective in transition and vs. press.
Why they’ll win it all
There are no easy baskets against Connecticut. Hasheem Thabeet is the nation’s second-leading shot blocker and by himself can erase all defensive mistakes on the perimeter. Not exceptionally deep in the backcourt, but Price is at his best in the biggest games.
Why they’ll fall short
An exceptional rebounding team, but facing a squad almost as good in Michigan State. Huskies must be ready for relentless, precise screens from patient Spartans. Three-point shooting can be a weakness if Price struggles. Thabeet has disappeared in some big games.
Quote
“You’ve got to shoot the basketball at a very high percentage if you’re going to beat them … It is very difficult to keep those guys off the glass.”
– Purdue coach Matt Painter after his Boilermakers were outrebounded by 11 and shot just 36.4 percent in a 72-60 loss to Connecticut in the Sweet 16 on March 26.
