(Jessica Hill, Associated Press)
The number one ranked UConn Huskies welcomed in the Friars from Providence last night, and a game after dropping 99 against Xavier, this was an entirely different game for the Huskies. The final score of 74-65 does not fully paint a clear picture of the game. A foul filled game that seemed to have a whistle every other possession saw both starting centers (Donovan Clingan for UConn and Josh Oduro for Providence) in fould trouble early.
An early few buckets by UConn was then met by a barrage of points by the Friars and had the #1 team in the country on the ropes early. Down as much as 8, UConn stayed in it just enough to strike late.
In March it will be very possible we look back at this game and say this was the game where Stephon Castle became our X-Factor. The top recruit has shown flashes of his potential all year averaging 9.7 points per game and being a consistent role player for the team. Tonight he led the team with 20 points, mixing in both his inside and outside game. Not known for being an outside shooter, Castle went 2/4 from behind the arc. Throughout the entire game it seemed when we needed a bucket he would answer the call.
If we want to make a late run into March, these are the type of games we need from him.
Alex Karaban went down early after twisting his ankle. He hobbled to the locker room and it seemed like a foregone conclusion he would be out for at least the rest of the game. The Sophomore from Mass came back out from the locker room to an eruption from Gampel Pavillion. Not only was he back on the bench, but he checked back in and hit an immediate three. Couldn’t help but think in that moment, “He is so UConn.”
To have success late into the season you need to have a dependable bench. Comfortably we can say that we are 7 deep and this doesn’t even count Solo Ball and Jaylin Stewart, who both could be plopped into any lineup combination and be successful.
This isn’t so much a game review but instead justtalking about the Huskies. For the Friars there’s only really two points. One, if Josh Oduro wasn’t playing UConn last night, he would be on the list of players I would want on my team any night, he’s a baller. Two, glad Corey Floyd got some cardio out there.
The Huskies pulled away late with clutch buckets and free throws from everybody. Tristan Newton had another double-double wiht 16 points and 11 rebounds, and Cam Spencer ended with 15 despite going 1 for 8 from deep.
Like with many Huskies teams, this one could be a problem. We have one of the best players in the country in Tristan Newton, one of the best Freshman in Castle, a top 2 transfer in Cam Spencer, and the most electric coach in the country. I just threw those numbers into a graphing calculator and it showed me another banner.
That being said one game at a time. The Huskies are 8-0 to start 2024 and head to St. Johns on Saturday. Let’s keep it going. Providence, we will see you again on March 9th to end the regular season.
When the Huskies win, so does the stump.
Roll Skies.
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