Game 6: March 24, 2002
2002 Elite Eight
Maryland 90 UConn 82
We all love Caron Butler. Even though he was only in Storrs for two years, he was everything you wanted out of a Husky, on and off the court. The story is well known by now about his troubled past and how Jim Calhoun and UConn helped him turn his life around, all while he kicked many the ass of a Big East opponent. This one was a loss, but he saved his best game for last in a UConn jersey. Best of luck in Milwaukee, sir!
(Please not that games 7-9 also include the core of this team. If that bothers you, get out of America.)
UConn Starting Lineup:
G. Taliek Brown
G. Tony Robertson
F. Caron Butler
F. Johnnie Selvie
C. Emeka Okafor
Three game observations:
- Taliek Brown hit two threes in the first half. When that happens in a game, you really don’t have an excuse to lose.
- Mike Hayes played a ton of minutes, mainly because Okafor sat for a large stretch of the first half in foul trouble. He wasn’t terrible, either. Hayes was no Chuck Okwandu, but he pulled his weight.
- We got a look at Okafor and Gordon’s youth in this one. Okafor had to go up against Lonny Baxter and committed a few dumb fouls trying to block shots. Gordon turned it over four times and sometimes appeared to be moving too fast for his own good.
Three other observations:
- Remember that blue curtain that they used to have at the Dome? That makes an appearance in this one.
- I freaking loved this 2002 team. Loved it. Caron Butler might by my favorite UConn player of all-time and I was on the Okafor/Gordon bandwagon before they even played a game. Imagine how stupid good the 2003 team would have been if Butler stayed.
- I know we all have to hate Billy Packer, but he had a pretty good performance in this game. Sharp analysis, kept homophobic comments to a minimum.
Russ’s descent to insanity status:
Had my coffee. Ready for my Final Four!!!
Random artifact from Russ’s room:
My graduation gift from my newspaper nerds friends
Gratuitous old UConn thing:
Yes UConn! (but Tulane conn’t)
Time of Marathon (so far): 8:49:21
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