Big East Basketball: Villanova’s breakout, Creighton’s upset among latest storylines
By John Makuch
5. UConn is fine without Stephon Castle
The UConn Huskies had to take on a Top 25 Texas Longhorns unit as MSG, and without star freshman guard Stephon Castle, it looked as if this was the time for this team to get upset. UConn ran eight players out there at the Empire Classic, but it was mainly seven players who saw action. The two coming off the bench did what they had to do, with Samson Johnson continuing to impress for this team in a 15 points, eight-rebound night.
When a player like Castle is out, other players need to step up, and the Huskies have exactly that. Alex Karaban led the way against Texas with 20 points and six rebounds with four threes, Cam Spencer put in 16 points five rebounds, and five assists of his own as well. This team has talent all over the place, and they are another one of those teams that have multiple players that can put up 20 points and lead the way.
The Huskies were also coming off a win against Indiana, also without Castle where guard Tristan Newton had 23 points and 11 rebounds. Whether it is their guard depth or their forward depth, some part of their lineup is going to fill the hole.
The Huskies also got some positive news for their matchup against Kansas, with Castle now targeting a December 1 return from his injury. UConn getting him back for a game against one of the best teams in the nation would be huge for that road matchup, but even if they are without him they have shown they can handle business.