Happy New Year! UConn will celebrate the first day of 2013 in the tropical locale of Milwaukee as they open conference play against Marquette. The Huskies are riding an emotional high after an inspired victory over Washington on the same day head coach Kevin Ollie agreed to a 5-year contract extension.
Marquette has won their last two games – over LSU and North Carolina Central – after an embarrassing defeat against Green Bay. The Golden Eagles were also on the wrong end of smackdown at then-7th ranked Florida in November. Marquette is led by 1970’s porn star Vander Blue – the 6’4″ guard is averaging just over 13 points per game.
Marquette will be without their head coach Buzz Williams who will be serving a self-imposed suspension resulting from recruiting violations. Williams was a vocal supporter of Kevin Ollie when he was fighting for his contract. It’s too bad he won’t be able to be on the sidelines against him this evening.
Notes:
- Tyler Olander remains in the starting lineup this evening. Enosch Wolf will, again, come in off the bench.
- Shabazz Napier has had some recent success against Marquette. He had 11 points and 8 assists the last time the two teams met.
- Want a fun over/under for tonight? The last time UConn and Marquette met, Alex Oriakhi and Andre Drummond combined for a mere 7 rebounds in a UConn loss. Think Olander and Wolf can top that tonight?
- Prediction: big game from Omar Calhoun tonight. Be prepared for this bullet to be deleted if I’m wrong.
Tip off is just after 8pm and the game will be televised on ESPNU.
