Loss to SMU is Not the Nail in the Coffin

@MattSchonvisky

The Huskies fell on the road in a blowout last night to nationally ranked SMU, perhaps one of only two chances against a ranked opponent remaining, as they try to improve their tournament resume heading into Selection Sunday. The score was 73-55 and at times, it wasn’t even that close. The game was showcased on College Gameday, which adds more fuel to the already smoldering ‘need to win the AAC tournament’ fire. Those who will decide UConn’s postseason fate, will no doubt have this performance in mind during deliberations.

Turnovers (15) again were problematic and shooting was abysmal. Thirty-four percent from the field (17-50) and twenty-eight from three (7-25) made for a long night. Ryan Boatright, who scored nineteen in the game, hit back-to-back early three’s to give UConn a 10-3 advantage, but it was all down hill from there. The Mustangs utilized a 36-16 run to complete a first half that saw SMU post a 39-26 lead. During that stretch, the Huskies were held to just two points for 7:07, that turned the 10-3 lead, to a 21-12 deficit.

There was no number two option in Dallas. Yes, Daniel Hamilton reached double-figures with thirteen, but he did it on three-for-eleven shooting. The majority of points came from the line (7-8), which is a good sign he was attacking the rim, but there wasn’t a consistent scorer to aide Boat. Omar Calhoun did what he could off the bench, hitting two three’s in twelve minutes of action, but it wasn’t enough.

Then there is the story of Rodney Purvis, who came in off three consecutive double-figure games, all wins. He had his worst shooting performance in a Husky uniform, making just one shot, in nine attempts and it was bad in all areas. Behind the arc? One-for-seven. From the line? One-for-four. Purvis had become a consistent scorer and UConn seems to go when the ‘Ferrari’ goes, as the Huskies lone loss when he scores in double figures was a 72-59 defeat at the hands of Stanford. Overall, UConn is 9-1 when he puts in ten or more.

Amida Brimah was in foul trouble, once again, managing just twenty minutes of action. He had just two blocks and four rebounds to go along with his six points.

Despite all the negatives, there is still reason for hope in Storrs. Three games against bubble teams, two on the road at Memphis and Temple. And there is still the rematch with SMU at the XL Center, which will air nationally on CBS. There are chances there, including the conference tournament.

Taking one game from a stretch that saw the Huskies go 3-1 since the switch to the ‘four-guard’ lineup, as head coach Kevin Ollie sees it, is reason for hope. Brimah’s limited minutes cut down on his offensive opportunities Saturday night, but the small-ball lineup gives him some room to operate. He’s a productive scorer when given the opportunity and although KO and Boat are not going to force it to their 7-footer, the floor spacing allows more things to open up for Huskies offense. Should he be doubled on the block, cuts and open three’s should be available. Stay iso and Brimah can shoot over the top or use his size to score near the rim. It gives the O options and that is something that was fully evident when Brimah went to the bench in the first half.

At 14-10, with six games to play, winning out will put the reigning National Champions at twenty wins. Reach the championship game on their home court and it’s 22-10, playing for the conference title and automatic bid to the tournament, in Hartford. If last March in New York City is needed as a reminder, there’s no telling where the fan support when the Madness starts, will take this year’s version of the Huskies.

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