The Difference For Connecticut Is The "Other Guys"

We know what happened the first time these two teams met back in November, Kemba Walker took over and the Connecticut Huskies blew Kentucky away from start to finish. Going into last night many believed it would be completely different, different teams, different game, maybe a different outcome. At halftime it seemed like it was going down the same road as Connecticut was up 10, but then again West Virginia was up eight at halftime against the Wildcats and they came out on fire to take control against the Mountaineers. Well the same thing happened last night, coming out red hot from behind the arc, and suddenly it was a different game and Kentucky did have the momentum. Then you know who, Kemba, made a big shot and got fouled on a three for free throws, and that is what changed the game.

The second half was a great half of basketball, as the two continued throughout to get hit, maybe stumble a little, and then come and hit right back. While the stars of this game performed, it was more about the role players that one this one tonight. Kemba and Brandon Knight each had 18 and 17 points respectively, Terrence Jones stepped up early and late while having a rough middle of the game but came away with 15 rebounds to go along with 11 points, and Jeremy Lamb again had 12 points despite his worst shooting effort of the tournament from three missing both attempts.

This game though was all about Kentucky having guys not show up, and Connecticut did. Though Doron Lamb stepped in to the lineup in the second half and provided a great lift, knocking down three shots from deep, the other factors they had become to rely on did not do what they needed. Josh Harrellson was in foul trouble and was only able to contribute six points and a measly four rebounds. DeAndre Liggins who was in some respects the hero against North Carolina went 1-7 from the field, and missed the late three point attempt for the lead with five seconds left. Lastly Darius Miller also only went 1-7 from the floor for four points, and was more of a detriment for the Wildcats. When only six of your players get eight or more minutes you can not have three of them struggle like this and expect to win.

For Connecticut they were able to have other players step up, like Roscoe Smith having six points and eight rebounds, including a huge baseline turnaround that came in a spot where they needed a bucket badly. Alex Oriakhi stepped up and 10 rebounds, one a huge dunk put back of a Shabazz Napier miss late in the second half. Charles Okwandu made a big block in the first half to ignite a run, and added in a couple of dunks with great cuts to the hoop. Lastly, Napier only had one basket, but that basket came with 2:28 left to put the Huskies up six on a beautiful reverse layup around two defenders. Though Napier then turned the ball over for Liggins to get that late shot that he missed, he then got that rebound and made both free throws to put Connecticut up four and seal the victory.

Now the Huskies role players made their mistakes, and guys like Harrellson and Liggins had their moments where they made a big bucket or a defensive stop. The overall impact by the two sides, and the reason they got the win, was because as a complete package it was Connecticut's "other guys" that came through when was necessary, and the is why they are 40 minutes away from being the last team standing.