UConn's 12th straight win required them to get down and dirty against Syracuse. Not in an illegal way, just having to fight and scrap and claw to get past the Orange. The 63-49 margin wasn't indicative of how hard the Huskies had to work for most of the 40 minutes.
Again, most of the post game plaudits were centered around the center, Hasheem Thabeet. More and more people are coming to understand just how much he dominates the game. I am sure those who were critical of Hash earlier in the season will still give you lame defenses for their theories but if a coach who has been around the block as much as Jim Boeheim pays Thabeet such high praise, maybe that tells you how good he is.
Last night, his influence on the game went far past his numbers of 8 points, 16 rebounds and 7 blocks. The angst he caused Syracuse inside, the intimidation that caused Arinza Okuaku to shoot 2 of9 when he came in a 70% shooter on the season ,all contributing to the UConn win. Is he a perfect player no, how will he do in the NBA, who cares. Thabeet is a college player now, and that is all that fans should think about.
I would give my second and third starts last night to the backcourt backups. When Jerome Dyson left with his bruised knee after a little more than four minutes of play, it was a call to arms for Craig Austrie and Kemba Walker. They combined for 17 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists. Each made key plays and if (and that's a big if) Dyson is forced to miss a game or two, they will have to respond in similar fashion.
Up next, a Seton Hall team that has won five in a row. The streak started at home against Georgetown includes two wins over Rutgers and victories against St. John's and De Paul. Obviously not exactly the muscle of the league, but I am sure the streak has instilled confidence in Bobby Gonzalez team. And don't think there won't be a boisterous, noisy crowd at the Prudential Center on Saturday hoping the Hall can knock off the nation's #1 team.
Jim Calhoun is with us on SportsTalk tonite @ 6:35. I hope you can join us then.
