UConn vs Vermont 11/17

[Kung Wu]

Tomorrow I think we will learn a lot about UConn.

Vermont beat a decent Siena team.

Sagarin has Vermont just over us, and just under Siena (although Sagarin is way too early to interpret -- e.g. we haven't even played a game yet).

Still all-in-all UConn will get decent experience out of tomorrow's match-up that I wish we had going into Maui. But it is what it is.

[Kung Wu]

I hope Murry's ready.

UConn was impressive tonight.

[shockerofandover0943]

I hope Murry's ready.

UConn was impressive tonight.

JT's Facebook status: "we just had our best practice of the year....its that time!!!"

I think they are ready to do this thing. Hopefully the play translates.

[SHOXAAC]

UConn-89
Vermont-73

Guard Kemba Walker scored 42 points (4-9 from 3) & 8 rebounds...Rosco Smith came off the bench to score 15 (3-3 from 3)...big-man Alex Oriakhi kicked in 11 points/7 rebounds...Huskies dominated the glass 44-30...UConn had only 13 assists on 34 baskets. Sounds like alot of freelancing to me. Help defense is a must. We must give Walker (37 minutes) a dose of Murry, Kyles, Smith, Ellis, EO...whatever it takes. Looks like a rotation of only about 7 players.

UConn trailed by 3 at the break, but dominated the 2nd half.

Our depth will be on display against UConn on Monday. We can throw 11 quality players at them.

:bball_spin:

Time to BALL!!!

[Ricardo del Rio]

UConn-89
Vermont-73

Guard Kemba Walker scored 42 points (4-9 from 3) & 8 rebounds...Rosco Smith came off the bench to score 15 (3-3 from 3)...big-man Alex Oriakhi kicked in 11 points/7 rebounds...Huskies dominated the glass 44-30...UConn had only 13 assists on 34 baskets. Sounds like alot of freelancing to me. Help defense is a must. We must give Walker (37 minutes) a dose of Murry, Kyles, Smith, Ellis, EO...whatever it takes. Looks like a rotation of only about 7 players.

UConn trailed by 3 at the break, but dominated the 2nd half.

Our depth will be on display against UConn on Monday. We can throw 11 quality players at them.

:bball_spin:

Time to BALL!!!

Way more than 7 players. Bench scored 28 points.

http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/boxscore?gameId=303210041

[tropicalshox]

Stop Walker and UConn will be hurting.

[SHOXAAC]

UConn-89
Vermont-73

Guard Kemba Walker scored 42 points (4-9 from 3) & 8 rebounds...Rosco Smith came off the bench to score 15 (3-3 from 3)...big-man Alex Oriakhi kicked in 11 points/7 rebounds...Huskies dominated the glass 44-30...UConn had only 13 assists on 34 baskets. Sounds like alot of freelancing to me. Help defense is a must. We must give Walker (37 minutes) a dose of Murry, Kyles, Smith, Ellis, EO...whatever it takes. Looks like a rotation of only about 7 players.

UConn trailed by 3 at the break, but dominated the 2nd half.

Our depth will be on display against UConn on Monday. We can throw 11 quality players at them.

:bball_spin:

Time to BALL!!!

Way more than 7 players. Bench scored 28 points.

http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/boxscore?gameId=303210041

Do the research...55% of the bench scoring came from 1 player (Smith-15). 7 players played 17 minutes or more. The 8th player logged 13. I wouldn't call 13 minutes a qualifier for the term "rotation" IMO.

[Indy23]

Stop Walker and UConn will be hurting.

Walker's the key for them. The guy can completely take over games, but there isn't much proven scoring around him.

Good luck in Maui, Shockers! Safe travels for those of you making the trip.

[griswald13]

Stop Walker and we are going to have to hit the boards like crazy. They have dominated the boards so far. They seem to only be shooting about 35% from three, so if we can shoot in Maui like we did Tuesday that could play a major part if we make threes and they don't.

[Ixiah]

Seems some over on the UConn forum are already chalking up a win versus the Shocks.

I see us handling Wichita State no problem. In fact, that game won't be close.

http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=342&f=2871&t=6727342&p=8

Hope somebody can be served crow come Monday. :goshocks:

[Shox21]

Stop Walker and we are going to have to hit the boards like crazy. They have dominated the boards so far. They seem to only be shooting about 35% from three, so if we can shoot in Maui like we did Tuesday that could play a major part if we make threes and they don't.

Kyles was great Tuesday night, but just how close was he guarded? UConn is not stupid. If they see him start to get hot, they will either guard him closer, or double-team him. That means someone else is going to have to get a hot hand in his stead. I realize if they double-team Kyles that leaves someone else open, but that someone else needs to score. Stutz and Hatch (my hero) both need to step up. They both underachieved and Stutz seemed to be in a fog. Durley finally showed up, and until I looked at the stats I didn't realize Ragland had scored as well as he did. I think we have a lot of talent, but we are being tested early and I'm not sure we have come together as a team yet.

I'm not convinced we can win this game, but I wasn't convinced all through our Sweet 16 year either, and the minute I did think we could win (against GM), we lost, so maybe it's a good thing I'm not convinced. Here's hoping we are clicking on all cylinders in Maui.

[WuDrWu]

The better TEAM will win.


When we play as a team, we'll be very successful.


When we play as a team.

[shockar25]

Seems some over on the UConn forum are already chalking up a win versus the Shocks.

I see us handling Wichita State no problem. In fact, that game won't be close.

http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=342&f=2871&t=6727342&p=8

Hope somebody can be served crow come Monday. :goshocks:

Good! Let them be over confident. It just will make a Shocker victory that much sweeter! We'll come to play, and hopefully we can stick Toure on Kemba to lock him down. Toure's had to guard guys like Osiris Eldridge in the past, who also was a monster player (especially for the Valley) so I think there's hope. If the team isn't ready, I don't know what situation would get them more hyped and ready to play than this.

:goshocks:

[shockar25]

Also, how is Vermont projected to finish this year in their league? I haven't heard their name much--not to say they aren't decent. My point is, UConn, like us, hasn't played anyone of note. This game with be the first time both teams play a higher level of competition. There are tons of unknowns on how both teams will respond. Perhaps Walker will light us up for 60 (doubtful) or perhaps we lock them down on defense. Who knows? As you'll recall, we didn't get truly 'blown out' by anyone last year, and I don't think you can totally contribute that to Clevin's leadership--he was an important piece, but only one piece.

This game will be very tough for us but it IS winable--regardless of the hype. Monday can't get here soon enough!

[AG1219]

Also, how is Vermont projected to finish this year in their league?

Vermont was picked 5th of 9 teams in the America East Conference