UConn Basketball: 3 keys for 2020-21 showdown with USC Trojans

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 18: Head coach Dan Hurley of the Connecticut Huskies reacts to his team against the Villanova Wildcats during the second half of a college basketball game at Wells Fargo Center on January 18, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Villanova defeated Connecticut 61-55. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

3 of 4

UConn Basketball David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

Defense Without Fouling

UConn on defense this season has been disappointing to sum it up in one word and Dan Hurley is well aware of it. The effort in the second game against Hartford was a lot better than the first game, they allowed 59 points but a big takeaway and something UConn can’t do this game is put their opponents on the line 27 times.

Debate all you want about the officiating from that Hartford game but it cannot happen again, USC will punish UConn if that happen.

Hartford attacked the basket with little resistance on numerous occasions, the UConn guards have got to do a better job of keeping their man between them and the basket. Help side rotations need to come in and provide assistance when the guards get beat. UConn seemed to be chasing the ball on a lot of possessions and USC will punish UConn if players are caught out of position.

Hurley preached in his post-game pressers about how immature this team is and hopefully, with a week of practice and two games under their belt, there will hopefully be a lot of growth from this UConn team. The shot blockers have been as good as advertised so far this season and they’ll need to continue to protect the rim from Peterson and Eaddy.