Huskies Fight Back for Tough Road Win Over Florida
Gutsy, ballsy, indomitable. Pick a word and that was it in the second half of today’s 63-59 victory by the Huskies, on the road, in Gainesville, against the Florida Gators.
It’s the third time UConn (7-5, 0-1 AAC) has beaten Florida (7-6, 0-0 SEC) in the last thirteen months, none more important than last year’s victory in Dallas at the Final Four. However, you can’t help but wonder exactly where this victory will bring the Huskies, this season.
Junior forward Omar Calhoun dropped in 12 points on 5-8 shooting, 2-4 from three. It was his most points since a win over Eastern Washington in Bridgeport last season. He was not the only bench player to contribute, as the second unit accounted for 24 points, ten coming from Terrence Samuel.
Heading in, it was doubtful that captain Ryan Boatright would even play. But he gave it a go during pre-game warm-ups and gutted it out. He struggled from the field, just 2-11, both three’s, but managed to finish with a team high 14 points and contributed with six assists and six rebounds. He also put in four free throws late, as the Huskies came through at the line, which has been a nemesis in three of their losses (Yale, Texas and Temple) to this point in the year.
UConn showed a togetherness today that head coach Kevin Ollie has been asking for. Despite being young, they are talented and it all came together in the second half. Down 52-41 with under eleven minutes to play, the Huskies went on a 16-2 run that was sparked by a Calhoun three, before the Ferrari came out for a drive. Transfer Rodney Purvis came through when it counted, putting in three three’s during the run, the last putting the Huskies up by three with just 3:28 to play in the second half.
The Huskies defense also was a major factor, surrendering just 22 points in the final twenty minutes.
UConn will remain in Florida for a conference game in Tampa against USF on Tuesday, at 7PM on ESPN2.
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