Tonight’s game between UConn and 25th ranked NC State will highlight explosive guards, an intriguing coaching matchup and an important cause that far outweighs the sport itself. The game will be UConn’s debut in the Jimmy V Classic – a venture by ESPN to raise money for cancer research in honor of the late Jimmy Valvano, who famously coached NC State to a national championship before losing a heroic fight with cancer in 1993.
After UConn’s lackluster victory over New Hampshire last week, coach Kevin Ollie spoke about Valvano and how appreciative he was to be invited to participate. He might have second thoughts once UConn takes the court against NC State.
NC State (4-2) is having a bit of an up-and-down start to the season after three convincing wins – where they averaged 88 points per game – they got embarrassed by Oklahoma St., squeaked out a win against UNC Ashville and lost a close game to third-ranked Michigan. They typically have no problem scoring the ball. Freshman forward T.J. Warren leads the way with 15.3 points per game and, in total, 6 players average double-digits. The Wolfpack are shooting an unreal 52.5% from the field on the season.
Conversely, UConn is holding opponents to 37.6% shooting on the season. As they say; something’s gotta give. If UConn can hold NC State to around 40% shooting, they’ll have a good chance at winning the game. If their defense – including defensive rebounding – suffers, so too will the Huskies.
UConn’s star guards will also need to come to play. Shabazz Napier mustered only 5 points against New Hampshire, leaving Ryan Boatright to carry the load. It’s hard to imagine Napier having two off nights in a row, and he certainly enjoys the bright lights and big stage of a nationally televised game at MSG. UConn’s fate certainly lies in their hands.
Notes:
- RJ Evans will dress and plans to play tonight. NC State’s guards are significantly bigger than Napier and Boatright, so Evans may have a larger role to fill depending on matchups.
- After Tyler Olander’s latest poor game, DeAndre Daniels has quietly taken over the team lead in rebounding, averaging 5 per game. That’s kind of a problem.
- Prepare your ears to get assaulted by the grating tones of Dick Vitale. It’s agonizing, baby, with a capital “A!”
- Omar Calhoun has been playing really well but shot poorly from 3 against New Hampshire. If he can get some shots to fall early, look out.
- Game time: 9pm (ish) on ESPN.
- To hold you over until tip-off, enjoy Jimmy V’s famous speech at the 1993 ESPYs.
