A year ago, it might not have worked out this way for the UConn men’s basketball team. Hostile road environments and close games of any kind were a recipe for disaster for the 2009-2010 Huskies, who continuously hung around with tough teams only to lose in agonizing fashion in the final seconds. But for the third time already this season, the Huskies won a game by less than five points, which they failed to do in last year’s entire regular season. And also for the third time this year, it was Kemba Walker draining the game-winning jumper with less than a minute to play, as the Huskies finished off a wild game by defeating #12 Texas 82-81. Walker capped off an incredible late-game revival by scoring UConn’s final seven points of overtime, including a miraculous shot-clock beating three and a 15-foot jumper with 5 seconds to play.
Coming into Saturday’s game, many UConn fans were a bit concerned over the team’s recent play. While the team was still playing competitively, they had not been able to get any confidence going on the road—trailing nearly the entire game in losses at Pittsburgh and Notre Dame. This did not bode well heading into Austin, where the Longhorns boasted an undefeated 9-0 mark coming in.
Much of the talk heading into this one was on sophomore Alex Oriakhi, who showed huge flashes of potential in Maui in November, but failed to post a double-double since that tournament. But Oriakhi didn’t waste any time getting back on track in this game, scoring the team’s first two baskets on his way to an 11 point, 21 rebound performance. And it was all vital to the Huskies, since Walker struggled mightily most of the game.
The player of the year candidate seemed out of sync from the get-go, unable to cash in on his trademark transition layups, mid-range pull up shots, and even putting the ball on the floor. Texas forced him into multiple turnovers, blocked shots, and mistakes as they rushed out to a 9 point first half lead. UConn still trailed by as many as 7 points midway through the second half, until finally making a huge run to go up 68-59 with about six minutes to go.
The UConn run, which was reminiscent of the second-half run vs. Texas at Gampel last year, was led by Roscoe Smith (13 points) and Shabazz Napier (15 points). It was very encouraging to see these two freshmen stake their claims as key contributors for UConn. Both also had strong games on Tuesday vs. Notre Dame, and they look to finally help Jim Calhoun in sorting out how to distribute playing time. Most of the team, minus Walker, has been very inconsistent all year, so it has been excellent to see a few players take a step above the pack in the past week or so. Smith’s awful decision to heave the ball downcourt with ten seconds still on the clock and a tie game will certainly be discussed, but it shouldn’t overlook the solid game he had otherwise.
The final six minutes of regulation and five minutes in overtime produced some of the magic that makes college basketball so special. UConn overcame a furious run that may have cost last year’s team before holding on for a wild ride consisting of a missed breakaway dunk by the Longhorns, unexplainable full court toss by Smith, and legendary clutch shooting by Walker. While this game may not affect the Big East standings, it is another key piece in UConn’s tournament resume, and helps them gain much-needed confidence as they return to Big East play.
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