UConn v. Fairfield wrap

[bubbrubbhoya]

Final score 74-49 seems to mask the peskiness of the Stags. First half score was 41-33 UConn, but only after a late run that stretched the game from 34-30 a little before the half.

For the Stags, the best performance came from 6' 7" forward Greg Nero on 6/12 shooting...against our soon to be friend Thabeet. Other than Nero, the Stags were very normal, shooting 32% and only 25% from 3. I guess the key is to establish our game early to shake off the Stags and the crowd...if we can do this the UConn example suggests that the rest of the game shouldn't be too difficult.

Thabeet clearly showed talent in this game, but also is clearly inconsistent. It will be interesting to see how his game develops during the season. Right now, however, he's having difficulties covering 6' 7" forwards...so he's got a long way to go.

SI Recap:
sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/ncaa/men/recaps/2006/11/18/38854_recap.html

[alexd]

Just wondering if you watched the game on ESPN regional, or if your analysis come from the boxscore.

You probably missed the fact that Nero played 75% of his game beyond the free throw line. He's doesn't play like a a 6'-7" forward much less a "center" by Big East standards. Nero also ended up with 4 fouls and had major issues defending Adrien, Kelly and Thabeet in the post.

Thabeet ended up with 12 pts., 6 rbs and 9 blocks and abused Fairfield inside for most of his 30+ minutes.

That being said, the Hoyas should beat the Stags easily.

[sweetness]

Abused is a bit strong -- particularly for someone who scored 12 points with 6 boards. I watched most of the game. Thabeet is an athletic specimen and has a ton of potential. Moves really well for a big man and is a menace of defense; however Nero did take it to him a few times inside. Thabeet is raw offensively, but I am sure he will improve rapidly under Calhoun.

[HoyaSinceBirth]

from the bit of the game i watched on MASN a little over a half and based on the stats the Announcers quoted Uconn can not shoot foul shots. they're aroudn 50% for the season. So i am for fouling them hard if they have an easy lay up. Uconn is still young and makes mistakes. but by the time we play them they'll be a lot more experienced. But so will we by then. I'm not worried by them.
* not sure why were discussing fairfield in this thread. sure we play them but i doubt they'll provide much challenge. We should definetly press them a bit they're very sloppy with the ball.

[alexd]

Thabeet and fellow frosh Jerome Dyson, who is very aggressive in going to the hoop are both around 50% from the line. The next 4 key guys are in the 67-75% range. No doubt both Thabeet and Dyson will need to up their %. Thabeet did hit his last 4 FT's last night [little victories].

Thabeet looks a lot more comfortable now than he did just 3 games ago. UConn plays Mississippi in the final games of the Hispanic College Fund tourney tonight. That should be a decent test

For while last night, I though Nero was going to hang 25 on UCONN. He scored 8 of Fairfield's first 10 and then started picking up fouls trying to defend Adrien and Thabeet. He got his fourth just a few minutes into ther 2nd half.

The Hoya frontcourt will have their way with Fairfield.

[lichoya68]

the beet did get nine freaking blocks id say that werenot bad even tho i hate the huskies soooooo this young team and the beets will be better by mar third much better but for now beat odu beat the stags and beet jy3s brother ps i looked at the mags and they got two very good 20 point possblie each guards an dtwo bigs 69 and 610 no cake walk or brother easynss there either go hoyas odu at our house then the stags then the brother need to get all three.... ;D ;D