Overtime. It couldn’t have happened any other way. In a season where UConn has felt robbed of playing the extra games that historically signify success and failure, they’ve found ways to pull every possible minute from the ones they had until the clock finally ran out. Saturday’s victory over Providence (17-13, 9-9) was the last game UConn will ever play as a member of the Big East conference and a fitting end to a season of transcendent basketball that saw teamwork and character trump talent.
The first good omen happened in warm-ups when a hobbled Shabazz Napier emerged from the tunnel and took his place in the layup line. Although an injured foot slowed him, his presence on the court signaled the importance of the game for the Huskies.
Napier said once he got it in his head that he would play, there was no turning back. “I told myself I’m going to play as hard as I can and do whatever it takes,” he said.
That momentum carried UConn in the first half. Napier sank his first two shots and sophomore DeAndre Daniels picked up where he left off, scoring 12 first half points and leading the Huskies to the locker room with a 32-26 lead. Napier’s return also freed fellow guard Ryan Boatright, who looked in control and efficient playing with another ball handler on the court.
Unfortunately for UConn, when they returned for the second half, Providence was ready. The Friars abused a porous Husky defense for quick points. UConn’s offense looked sluggish. The players looked tired. The lead disappeared three minutes after the half had begun.
Although it looked like the game could get away from the Huskies, they rallied to keep it an up-and-down affair until the final minutes. Boatright ignited the offense with penetration as Phil Nolan and senior guard RJ Evans played laudable defense and fought for rebounds.
The result of their second half effort was an extra five minutes – their school-record seventh overtime game of the season. In the extra period, Shabazz Napier got UConn started with a jumper. Boatright followed with two free throws. UConn did not trail for the rest of the game.
As the final buzzer sounded on their improbable season, head coach Kevin Ollie stood at mid-court, surrounded by his players, and said thank you to the fans that embraced this team. It was a fitting final show of togetherness for a squad that never stopped playing for one another.
“I’m sad that it’s over but I’m happy for this team,” said Ollie. “This team is something special because they never quit.”
This team will hold a special place in the hearts of fans for many years. “We just wanted to make everybody proud,” said DeAndre Daniels.
“We had so many distractions this year,” said Napier. “We had a lot of excuses. But no one gave up.”
Notes:
- Much of the post-game talk centered on the future of Shabazz Napier. He will consult with his family, coach Ollie and former coach Jim Calhoun about his standing with NBA executives before deciding if he will return to UConn for his senior season or declare for the NBA Draft. “I know a lot of GMs,” said Ollie. “I’m going to give him feedback. We’re going to support him as a person either way.”
- Asked what Ollie’s opinion may be, Napier joked, “I would think coach wants me to stay.”
- The promise of a talented and competitive team next season, free from NCAA sanctions, was on the minds of several players including Napier. “You can’t wait to see next year, to see how talented we’re going to be,” he said.
- DeAndre Daniels added, “If everybody comes back, we have a chance to be a really good team.”
- Much of that potential rests with Daniels himself, as he has transformed into a star. He finished Saturday’s victory with 19 points and 8 rebounds – narrowly missing what would have been his third double-double in his last 4 games.
- RJ Evans was emotional after the game, succumbing to tears during the ceremony. Ollie and Napier were quick to praise Evans for the leadership role he played on this team. “Although he was only here for one year, he’s part of our family for life,” said Ollie.
- Athletics Director Warde Manuel announced after the game that UConn will break ground on the new basketball facility on April 16th.
- Next November, the next chapter in UConn history will begin. For now, we’ll give the final word of this one to coach Kevin Ollie, “The pride, the tradition, the dominance is still going to be there. The journey isn’t over, it’s just beginning.”
