Think about everything that went well for UConn against Tulsa on Thursday. Now think about the exact opposite of all those things.
That’s what happened Saturday at Moody Coliseum.
The Huskies jumped out to a 10-3 lead and it all fell apart from there. A game of defensive breakdowns, turnovers, poor shooting, even worse offensive decisions and way too many second chances ended in a 73-55 loss to the SMU Mustangs.
The loss snapped UConn’s three-game win streak and squashed any hope for an NCAA Tournament at-large bid (not that there was much to begin with).
It was a demoralizing loss considering how poorly the Huskies played, and unlike many of their prior losses, there was never really a sign of hope once SMU went ahead.
This game was the worst-case scenario. Here are some stats that should paint a complete picture:
- UConn had 17 made baskets and 15 turnovers
- 7-foot Amida Brimah had four rebounds, which is somehow right around his season average
- Rodney Purvis followed up consecutive 17-point performances by scoring four points on 1-9 shooting, 1-7 from three and 1-4 from the line.
- UConn was outscored 40-20 in the paint.
- SMU scored 20 points off of UConn turnovers.
- SMU scored 20 second-chance points off 14 offensive rebounds.
- UConn had just two fast-break points
Next Up: A trip to FedEx Forum on Thursday to face the struggling Memphis Tigers. Both teams are 7-5 in the American.
