Behind six players in double figures, the UCONN Men’s Basketball team defeated the Great Danes of Albany by the final score of 86-55 on Sunday afternoon. The six players in double figures were Gavin Edwards with 16 pts, Marcus Johnson with 14 pts, AJ Price with 13 pts, Hasheem Thabeet and Jerome Dyson with 12 pts each, and Jeff Adrien with 11 pts.
Notes and observations from the game:
- Jeff Adrien’s double-double streak of 4 games ended today. He finished with 11 pts, 7 boards and 3 blocked shots
- Gavin Edwards had a career high 16 pts in the game. He also added 5 boards and 2 blocks. He played very well and may have just worked his way into the rotation. He also showed some range by knocking down an 18 foot jump shot. Not bad for a guy who is 6’11”.
- Hasheem Thabeett looked like he had been playing basketball for a long time. His play on the offensive end was much improved. It seems like he is absorbing what is being taught to him in practice. In addition to his 12 pts, he added 7 rebounds and 3 blocks.
- AJ Price’s 3 pt shot late in the 2nd half was the first and only 3 point shot for the Huskies in the game. They finished 1 for 9 from 3 pt land.
- Price’s play continues to improve with each game. He is showing a lot more poise on the court.
- Marcus Johnson’s play has also improved. He played really well tonight finishing with 13 pts, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks. He is beginning to show that he is one of the best defensive players on the Huskies.
- UCONN’s free throw shooting is still improving as they shot 71% from the line (29 for 41.) They went to the line 29 more times than the Great Danes.
- UCONN’s bench outscored Albany 24-5
- Curtis Kelly and Stanley Robinson’s minutes are decreasing as each game goes on. They will have to be better in practice to get more minutes in Calhoun’s system.
All in all, another good game for the young Huskies. They seem to be grasping Coach Calhoun’s offense much better than they did in the first game. If you told me, they would be where they are at right now, I’d say there was no chance. In the first game, they didn’t look like they could beat a Rec League team. Now, they might be able to play with anyone. Next up for the Huskies is Sacred Heart on Wednesday, November 29th at 7:30 PM at Gampel Pavilion. I will be in attendance for the game.
