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UConn Basketball: 3 takeaways from opening night win over Central Connecticut

By Thomas Giustino

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 12: R.J. Cole #1 of the Connecticut Huskies dribbles the ball against the Creighton Bluejays during a Big East Tournament semifinal game at Madison Square Garden on March 12, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Porter Binks/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 12: R.J. Cole #1 of the Connecticut Huskies dribbles the ball against the Creighton Bluejays during a Big East Tournament semifinal game at Madison Square Garden on March 12, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Porter Binks/Getty Images) /
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UConn Basketball David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
UConn Basketball David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

UConn Basketball started off hot and never really cooled down in their first game, winning handily 99-48 overall Central Connecticut. I don’t want to overreact to one game, especially against a CCSU team ranked in the bottom 10 (348/358 per KenPom) in the entire country. But, the Huskies did exactly what you want a good team to do against a lesser opponent. Dominate.

Predicting the starting lineup this offseason seemed like an impossible task, but Hurley didn’t complicate things. Hurley trotted out his four returning starters: RJ Cole, Tyrese Martin, Isaiah Whaley, and Adama Sanogo. Andre Jackson rounded out the starting 5. The veterans looked strong and the commentators joked that UConn might have a “big three” in Cole, Martin, and Sanogo.

From the tip, UConn played with energy, particularly on the defensive end and the offensive followed. That is the recipe for this team to succeed and everyone knows it. UConn hit their first 8 shots of the game, several coming off turnovers. The team was balanced offensively and got to the rim early and often, finishing the game with 4 dunks. Dunking is fun.

For the game, the Huskies shot 61.3% from the floor, including an impressive 8/13 from deep (61.5%). UConn also impressed from the charity stripe, where they shot 15/19 (78.9%). If the team can dial in on defense, the offense will be much less of a concern. Here are a few (over)reactions to the game.

Adama Sanogo is the Real Deal

Hurley hasn’t been shy when it comes to the offensive strategy. Feed the big man. Sanogo finished with a team and personal career-high of 20 points on 9-11 shooting in 24 minutes of play. He added in five rebounds and three blocked shots for good measure. Yes, CCSU may not have a big man equipped to slow down Sanogo, but outside of Nate Watson, Sanogo should be one of the best bigs in the conference.

It’s hard to find things to complain about after his performance, but if I had to nitpick one thing it would be to find the open shooters quicker. Sanogo showed impressive passing ability with a touch pass from the top of the key inside to Jackson, but he will have to get used to passing out of the post. It won’t be long before teams figure out they have to double team Sanogo to slow him down and that means a shooter will be open.