UConn was right there to win the game tonight but credit St. Johns, they made plays when they needed to and UConn was unable to stop them in critical spots. The Zuby offensive rebound on the missed free throw was the killer play. He is so good and plays so hard. He is certainly a unique player with his ability to put in on the deck, shoot, and play so physically. Not many are like him thankfully. With that being said, St. Johns played a B+ game and UConn played probably a C game and was still there to win it. That's a good thing. When you play as poorly as UConn did but have a chance to win, it tells me how good a team you can be. Some other observations:
I agree with most posters. Solo Ball is a no-show in a lot of big games. Unless and until he commits to putting the ball on the deck, using his three point shot as a weapon to drive aggressively to the basket, he becomes too easy a cover for well coached teams. They defended him on the 3 point line, and he could nothing. He needs to start playing better as the stakes rise.
Reed got absolutely out physicaled, out hustled, and out played by Zuby. He needs to start playing with more physicality and has to be much more tenacious. This was a tough game for Riebe (he will grow from it), but you need Reed to be better (especially on the foul line). 6 rebounds in 35 minutes is a joke for someone his size.
UConn has to work on press break. They can't rely on Demery going 36 minutes and being forced to be the primary ball handler the entire time. You can play he and Smith together, use Mullins more, whatever, but Hurley has to figure out better press break strategy. Demery was gassed at the end of the game, as he went 36+ minutes. You gotta get him more of a blow in game like this.
One thing on Hurley. He is a great coach. I love that he is here, and think the world of him. With that being said, he has to consider working on some form of a zone for teams like St. Johns who are physically more gifted than UConn. It's just a fact. They aren't a great shooting team, so zoning them at least for parts of the game can disrupt their flow and perhaps keep them off the foul line. I disagree strongly with several posters who point the finger only at UConn. Many times, St. Johns played similarly defensively with their hands and were overtly physical and no call was made. Yes UConn fouls, but so does St. Johns yet they are given a longer leash by the officials. Just my thought. As I have said consistently, I still think this is a Final 4/National Championship contender and nothing tonight diminished that feeling.
