Yellow Jackets Sting Huskies

In their first game at the Georgia Dome in 5 years, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets defeated the UCONN Huskies by the final score of 65-52. The Yellow Jackets were led by a double-double from Thaddeus Young, who had 14 points and 12 rebounds. Javaris Crittenton had 13 points and both Mario West and Anthony Morrow each contributed 10. UCONN was led by Jeff Adrien’s Big East leading 13th double-double of the season. He had 13 points and 10 rebounds. Jerome Dyson was the only other Husky in double figures with 10 points.

The first half really lacked any flow. Both offenses struggled early and often but a 19-4 Georgia Tech run put Tech up 13 points. An 8-3 run by the Huskies to the end half got UCONN within 8 at the half.

UCONN scored 4 points in the first 7 minutes of the second half as the Yellow Jackets built their lead to 17 points. The lead got as high as 22 before an 8-0 run by UCONN got them back within 14 points. UCONN never got closer than 10 points as the Yellow Jackets hit their free throws down the stretch for the final margin.

Notes and Observations:

• The starters were Austrie, Dyson, Robinson, Thabeet and Adrien.
• You may have noticed both coaches wearing sneakers during the game. The reason for this is it is the annual Coaches vs. Cancer Suits and Sneakers Awareness Weekend. It is “designed to raise awareness about Coaches vs. Cancer and the importance of cancer prevention and early detection. Coaches and coaching staff are encouraged to wear sneakers with their suits while coaching games during this weekend to remind college basketball audiences about the many ways people can reduce their risk of cancer, like eating right, exercising, making healthy lifestyle choices, and following the American Cancer Society’s recommended cancer screening guidelines. The event is promoted by the National Association of Basketball Coaches and the American Cancer Society.” (information taken from American Cancer Society)
• Hasheem Thabeet was invisible at the offensive end. He didn’t attempt a shot and was 2 for 2 from the free throw line. However, he had 7 blocks on the defensive end.
• Even though Dyson had 13 points, he struggled from the field, only making 4 of his 14 shots. You have to wonder if him and the rest of the freshman are struggling due to the length of the season.
• The same goes for AJ Price, whose minutes are dwindling each game. His absence from the game for two years is showing.

For UCONN to be successful, Coach Jim Calhoun has to find 5 guys that are willing to step up their games. So far, I only see Adrien and Dyson doing this. This team has no identity. They are young and make “young” mistakes. We as UCONN fans can only hope that this season makes this team better for next season. It is amazing to me after playing so well in the win over Syracuse on Monday night, that the team disappeared today. Just another example of their inexperience.

With the loss, UCONN falls to 15-9 on the season. Next up for the Huskies is a date against Seton Hall on Wednesday night at Gampel Pavilion. Game time is 7:30 PM. UCONN needs to win this game to stay in contention for the Big East Tournament.

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