The paradox: 2009-10 UConn men's basketball

I'm not sure what to make of this 2009-10 UConn men's basketball team anymore. Two days ago, on Saturday, they got embarrassed at home by Cincinnati, shooting 34% from the field and losing 60-48, their lowest point total since 2002. In doing so, they completely embarrassed Jim Calhoun, who had just returned after missing 7 games in 3.5 weeks, leading some to believe that the players had simply quit on their coach. Calhoun, in turn, said he was embarrassed by his team's performance and that it was one of the worst games of his entire career.

But today, just two days after the Cincinnati debacle, UConn delivered its first road win of the year by upsetting No. 3 Villanova in Philly. Every aspect of their game improved. The Huskies shot 48% from the field and 80% from the line, far exceeding their season average of 68%. Jerome Dyson neutralized Scottie Reynolds but grew fatigued from his efforts, shooting only 3-14 from the field for a total of 15 points. Kemba Walker picked up the slack, going 6-10 for 29 points (14-16 FT) with 9 boards, 3 assists, and only 2 TO.

Just an aside from Head Coach Emeritus Jimmy Dugan. Stanley...Stanley Robinson! You're still turning the ball over too much. Ten times in this last game. Now, now, now that's something I'd like you to work on...before next season.

Going into today's game, people were down on UConn. The Hartford Courant predicted that the Huskies would have to run the table in the regular season, or dominate (and perhaps even win) the Big East Tournament, just to make the NCAA tournament. It's hard to argue with that. Clearly, UConn dug itself a very deep hole. But today, the Huskies played intensely and with real passion. Their defensive effort was up with 8 blocks, and the team hit its free throws for once. Maybe Calhoun screamed especially loud at them in the locker room, berating them enough that they're scared into playing hard for him again. Who knows.

What I do know is that UConn has 2 tough home games coming up vs. WestVa and Louisville and another battle on the road at Notre Dame. But if the Huskies play those teams like they did against Villanova today, and if Jerome Dyson and Kemba Walker don't get injured, they can still make a run.