UConn Basketball: Huskies return to March Madness vs Maryland

UConn Basketball got a big boost for their first-round game against Maryland as RJ Cole will be cleared from concussion protocol and ready for Saturday’s game. Cole took a nasty fall near the end of the Huskies semi-finals loss to Creighton last weekend, Cole had a bad-looking cut above his eye and wouldn’t return as the Huskies struggled to finish without him.

UConn will take on the ten seed Maryland who finished the season 16-13. Maryland plays a relatively small-ball lineup lead by Ayala, Wiggins, and the Big Ten DPOY Morsell. UConn should have the distinct size advantage down low with Whaley and Sanogo, however, it remains to be seen what will happen defensively with 6’1 RJ Cole with the height Maryland has in the backcourt.

Maryland has relied on the matchup problems they create given the size they’ve got for their guards, Hurley will likely lean heavily on Adama Sanogo and Whaley to not only be the rim protectors but to try and take advantage of their size in the post offensively.

Bouknight will see one of the best defenders in the country locked in on him with Darryl Morsell likely to be draped over him. Bouknight didn’t have a great showing in the Big East Semi-Finals game, he was critical of himself calling it one of his worst performances for UConn. The All-American honorable mention guard has easily been the Huskies’ best player this season and has sparked life into the Huskies since returning from injury.

Foul trouble will be something to keep an eye on for both teams, for UConn they’re a little deeper but they’ll want to keep their bigs out of foul trouble. There was a noticeable difference when Sanogo wasn’t on the court in their last game against Creighton. For Maryland their rotation is small, come late in the second half, if foul trouble is an issue Turgeon could be forced to go deeper on his bench than the seven-man rotation the Terps usually play with.

UConn’s defense should have them in a good position and if they can get out in transition the Huskies should be alright. Expect the Huskies halfcourt offense to rely a lot on the post play of Sanogo and Whaley given the length that Maryland has on defense.

James Bouknight wants to cement his legacy as one of the great ones to come through the program in March, and it all starts against Maryland. With a lot to prove and a chip on their shoulders, I expect the Huskies to handle the Terrapins and advance to the round of 32.

Players have said all week that they’re learned a lot from their loss to Creighton. This is what Husky fans have been waiting for, welcome back to March!