With millions of television sets in New York City probably tuned in, UConn beat their non-rival Rutgers for the final time in the Manhattan suburb of Piscataway, New Jersey. While the final score read 82-71 Huskies, the game was not without intrigue.
UConn’s star Shabazz Napier continued his season of dominance by pouring in 20 second half points en route to a game-high 26. Napier was aided by 11 free throw attempts, the third time in the last four games he’s reached double-digit attempts from the line. Napier also matched his season-high with 18 shot attempts (for the second straight game).
The Huskies (15-4, 3-3), who have climbed back to .500 in conference play following an 0-2 start, survived a scare late in the first half when DeAndre Daniels left the game with a twisted ankle. He would return for the second half, although he was fairly unproductive with second points and five rebounds.
Amida Brimah got the start again for the Huskies and rewarded coach Kevin Ollie with a solid game. Brimah’s ten first half points led UConn at intermission. Although he failed to score in surprisingly limited action in the second, his eight rebounds were a team-high.
Per usual, UConn had trouble putting an inferior opponent away. Rutgers (8-11, 2-4, bad) seemed more than willing to cede the contest to the Huskies, but managed to stay in it until some late miscues. Napier’s heroics sealed the win for UConn, but the lack of a killer instinct continues to plague the Huskies.
Notes:
- Weird stat: Only three UConn players recorded an assist. Napier’s four led the team. UConn finished with ten assists and nine turnovers. Not ideal.
- Fortunately, UConn shot very well (48% from the floor) and attempted 30 free throws.
- After Brimah’s great first half, it was odd how little playing time he got down the stretch. Especially as UConn struggled to put the game away.
- Omar Calhoun didn’t play due to a sprained ankle — a fact that, amazingly, no one knew until the second half. Interesting.
- Rutgers is bad. Historically bad. They’re ineptitude will be missed while no one in New York City watches them lose to Big 10 teams for the foreseeable future.
Up Next:
UConn will begin the revenge portion of their schedule by hosting Houston in Gampel on Thursday night. It’s another late one. Tip is at 9pm and the game will be on CBS Sports Network.
