The old axiom declares it very difficult to beat a good team three times in one season. Either no one told that to UConn on Thursday night, or they’re the exception that proves the rule. The Huskies stomped on Memphis in their first post-season tournament game in two years, 72-53. It was the third time that UConn has beaten Memphis this season, and the second on the Tigers’ home court.
German superhero (supervillain?) Niels Giffey exploded for a career-high 24 points, going 9-11 from the floor and 6-8 from three, and nine rebounds. Giffey frequently found himself wide open on the perimeter as Memphis struggled to contain UConn’s guards. Shabazz Napier and Ryan Boatright had little trouble getting between Memphis defenders and finding open teammates.
Boatright’s game was particularly impressive. After struggling against Memphis’ talented guards for the first five minutes of the game, he was benched in favor of freshman Terrence Samuel. When Boatright returned, he appears composed and in control. Again, he did not shoot particularly well (3-7, including a three-pointer to end the first half), but proved his value by running a much-improved UConn offense and leading the team with six assists.
Despite the conference-sanctioned home court advantage, Memphis never found their shooting stroke. As UConn crowded the middle, limiting Memphis to 18 points in the paint, the Tigers fired from deep. They shot just over 26% for the game, and no player scored more than ten points.
Thursday’s victory was a statement win for UConn who returned to the court for the first time since their embarrassing defeat in Louisville. Their defense — which has been stellar all season — again flexed their muscle, and their offense was dynamic and free-moving, for the first time in a month.
Notes:
- Despite some typically bogus foul calls, Phil Nolan and Amida Brimah performed admirably inside. While their statistics aren’t eye-popping, both played good interior defense and disrupted a lot of shots.
- Terrence Samuel was impressive in his eight minutes of playing time. He buried a deep jumper, hit two free throws and grabbed two rebounds.
- Napier attempted only nine shots — hitting four — in a game where UConn didn’t particularly need him to score. He did pull down seven rebounds.
- UConn shot 52.9% on the game, including 30 points in the paint. That’s a great sign for the Huskies going forward in tournament play.
Up Next:
The Huskies will face top-seeded Cincinnati in the semi-finals this evening. The start time is listed at 9pm but will surely be closer to 9:30. You can watch on ESPN2. The winner will take on the victor of the Houston/Louisville contest on Saturday.
