Now that Boston College is off the schedule, let’s continue the vengeance tour of 2013-2014, shall we? Later this evening, #12 UConn (7-0) will look to avenge a loss that still hurts almost 20 years later, as they take on #15 Florida.
It was March 26, 1994 when the greatest UConn team ever assembled (at the time) met the Florida Gators in the Sweet Sixteen. Expectations were high for the Huskies, who had never made a Final Four, but were already being recognized nationally for their talent. In a famous ending, the greatest player UConn had ever had (at the time), Donyell Marshall, missed two free throws that would have won the game. Instead, the contest went to overtime where Florida dominated and advanced to the Elite Eight — to face BC, of all people.
The loss burned so deep that some tough guy UConn fans still harbor a grudge against Marshall despite his record-breaking contributions to the program (he would declare for the NBA draft later that offseason). For the next several years, it certainly felt like another in a line of painful moments that seemed to constantly deny UConn a chance at a Final Four.
How does this apply to tonight’s game? Well, the two teams have not faced each other since that day. Current head coach Kevin Ollie was a point guard on that 1994 team as well. While you’d be hard-pressed to get him to admit he’s out for revenge, he’s definitely aware of the brief history between the two schools.
Florida (6-1) will arrive in Storrs without the services of freshman guard Kasey Hill who coach Billy Donovan has ruled out with an ankle injury. The Gators will depend on senior forward Casey Prather to handle the scoring load. Prather comes in averaging just over 19 points per game. Sophomore Dorian Finney-Smith will also provide matchup problems for the Huskies. At 6’8”, 212 lbs., Finney-Smith is averaging 11.8 points and a team-high 8.6 rebounds per game.
Meanwhile, UConn will look to continue their unbeaten start to the season. Despite a relatively quiet game last week against Loyola (Md.), senior guard Shabazz Napier continues to lead the Huskies in almost every statistical category. Seriously, per game: minutes, points, rebounds, assists and steals. He’s tied for third in blocks per game.
It was junior forward DeAndre Daniels who has been carrying the scoring load lately. He has scored 20 or more points in three of UConn’s last four games — chipping in 8 rebounds against Loyola for good measure. Look for Ollie to run the offense through Daniels early in an attempt to draw Florida’s interior defenders out past the free throw line.
It should be a very fun evening in Storrs. Not many huge, non-conference games are played at Gampel. When they are, the student section usually takes their performance up a notch. Amazingly, as of 3:30pm, there are still tickets available tonight (www.uconntickets.com). Come out and watch two great teams play basketball.
Tip will be at 7pm and the game will be broadcast on ESPN2.
