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Connecticut @ Providence
CONNECTICUT HUSKIES 23-6 @ PROVIDENCE FRIARS 14-14
March 6, 7:00 PM | Dunkin Donuts Center
There is alot more to this matchup then meets the eye.
After Villanova ended UConn's 10 game winning streak, they have bounced back nicely and started a new 2 game streak. The Huskies are 12-4 in conference and need to keep winning to get that 'all important' first round bye in the Big East Tournament.
The Huskies are one of the most talented teams in the conference. Their point guard AJ Price has really devloped his game after the suspension of Jerome Dyson. It forced AJ to bring his best and that is exactly what he's done. Leading his team in scoring and assists , as well as hitting some huge shots in crunch time. They have a much improved frontcourt, who really compliments their guard play. Hasheem Thabeet affects several shots inside, and also has improved on the offensive end. Jeff Adrien brings the muscle down low and he is avg a career high 15 and 9. Stanley Robinson brings the athletism to the group, he is a high riser who occasionally hits the outside shot. Jim Calhoun has done a wonderful job devloping these young kids.
Providence just ended a 5 game losing skid after beating Cincinnati in overtime last time out. They have had a tough year, bringing a 5-11 conference record into this game. The Friars have been competive throughout this season but their problems on the defensive end have killed them late in the game.
Noone will question this teams ability to score the rock. The Friars are one of the scariest teams in the conference to play because the way they shoot the ball from distance can beat anybody on any given night. They are very guard oriented and bring all kinds of shooters. Jeff Xavier, Brian McKenzie, Weyinmi Efejuku, Dwain Williams, Geoff McDermott all average double figures and they are all guards! Oh and Sharaud Curry is out for the season but he would be avg double digits as well. You can assume they are weak underneath and they are. Randall Hanke is their only productive player down low. This team lives and dies by the 3.
Providence comes into this one w/ all kinds of motivation. They need this win to reach the Big East Tournament and also be eligible for the NIT. However that is just the tip of the Iceberg. Coach Tim Welsh is on the hott seat and this is most likely his last game if they loss tonight. He is a players coach and the kids have enjoyed playing for him, and they don't want their season to end tonight!
The Friars will turn all that motivation into lights out three point shooting early on. UConn does not play great perimiter defense and that is what will allow Providence to score in bunches. The crowd will get behind them the entire game because they are aware how important this game is. Nobody ever wants their season to come to an end, w/o any postseason play. Look for the Friars' best effort of the season tonight.
I don't know if that will be enough to hold of the Huskies but they have escaped several games on the road. Their 4 road wins during their 10 game streak were wins by 1,2,5, and 1. The last loss before their streak began was to this Providence team @ home by 12 points.
The Huskies are a different team now, but the Friars have added confidence that they can beat this team along w/ all that motivation.
The Huskies might pull this one out late, but I expect a very strong first 20 minutes from Providence tonight.
Score Prediction (1st half) Providence 34 - UConn 30
Play Providence +2.5 (-105) 1st half
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