SENSATIONAL IN SEATTLE
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SEATTLE: Jim Calhoun referenced the San Antonio comeback against Duke. Others were in agreement that Saturday's comeback from 11 down in the second half to beat Gonzaga 88-83 in overtime that it was UConn's best win since the national championshp season. You would be hard pressed to disagree.
When the Huskies fell behind by double digits with just under 12 minutes to play, there was nothing in the UConn resume to suggest that they would comeback to win. But A.J. Price hit a three, the defense began to stop the Zags lethal dribble drive penetration and before you knew it, there was a game...a great game...
A.J.Price's game tying three was gutsy. He was pressured by Jeremy Pargo but went up strong and true and knocked the shot down. His 24 points and 10 assists should be proof positive that Price is over his knee surgery. A terrific effort.
When Jerome Dyson tweaked his knee in the second half, UConn fans held their breath. But the toughest Husky came back and played fabulous basketball at both ends of the floor, especially the defensive end. As Patrick Sellers said on the post game, 'Rome plays with a football players mentality, tough, determined, never taking a step back.
Gavin Edwards was the subject of much criticism from Jim Calhoun during the Stony Brook game, The quiet junior came back and played his best game as a Husky on a day they needed him the most. Jeff Adrien was ordinary and Hasheem Thabeet was a non factor. But Edwards stepped up in brilliant fashion. Gavin doesn't have to go for 14 and 12 every night but has to play with that toughgness all the time.
As for Thabeet, an incredibly disappointing performance. Not what you would have hoped for in the Huskies biggest game of the season but it happens and the fact that UConn could win with Hash having that poor a game is a good sign.
And a word about the Huskies Hall of Fame head coach. He willed this team to victory, Yes, it was up to the players to perform but Jim worked as hard as any player in making his team believe it could get the job done.
The atmosphere in Key Arena was fabulous. From the end of the pre game warmups until UConn took charge in overtime, it was a great crowd, cheering without encouargement from the scoreboard , loud and enthusiastic. Great.
So now, the Huskies head home from Christmas, gathering on Christmas Night to prep for the December 26th game against a much improved Fairfield team.
It's snowing again in Seattle. The mile and a half drive back to the hotel from the arena was a nightmare. Hopefully, the snow won't prevent the Huskies or their broadcasters from flying home.
Hockey Night in Canada is on, it's time to watch the BlackHawks and Canucks.
Until December 26th, Merry Christmas!
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