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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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Central Connecticut State Blue Devils Tre Mitchell UConn Basketball forward Richie Springs David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Central Connecticut State Blue Devils Tre Mitchell UConn Basketball forward Richie Springs David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

The Defense Could and Should be Elite

It almost seemed like Central had more turnovers than possessions if that’s possible. On the defensive end of things, UConn finished the game with 34 rebounds (14 offensive), 15 steals, 9 blocks, and forced 29 CCSU turnovers. That will work.

UConn is big. At one point, Hurley put out an experimental lineup where Tyrese Martin and Andre Jackson were the smallest Husky on the floor… they’re both 6’6”. It’s not surprising Central had trouble scoring and keeping the ball.

The Huskies held CCSU to a pedestrian 35.3% from the field with only 8 assists, including 33.3% from beyond the arc. With the depth this team has, there is no reason they cannot apply full-court pressure. After a made basket, the Huskies immediately transition to defensive mode and lock up for the length of the court.

Again, yes it was against CCSU, but UConn had 9 total blocks from 4 different players (Sanogo had 3, Akok had 3, Whaley had 2, and Jackson had 1). This team should be top 10 nationally in blocks per game. Just the mere presence of the frontcourt was noticeable each possession. CCSU guards spent far too much time dribbling in isolation which resulted in a contested fadeaway jumper late in the shot clock. I don’t blame them; I wouldn’t want to try to drive against the UConn frontcourt either.

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Overall, it was a great start to the college basketball season for Husky fans. Gampel sold out as UConn routed Central like old times. It was just a few years ago that UConn was sweating out, and even losing, games like this. Hurley, his staff, and the Big East have revitalized the UConn team and fanbase. They next take on Coppin State and the XL Center this coming Saturday, November 13th, at noon.