Wow, what a great first half of basketball, punctuated by a banked 3-pointer from freshman Roscoe Smith to give UConn a one-point halftime lead. For a game between two teams not picked to reach the finals of this tournament, the first 20 minutes have been an intense, tough battle.
Connecticut Vs. Wichita State: Huskies Lead 33-32 At The Half
Now as the hula girls entertain at the break, here are my thoughts on the opening frame.
The fact that UConn is winning after Kemba Walker missed much of the first half with foul trouble (he only played 4 minutes) is a huge tribute to the Huskies’ freshmen. Shabazz Napier is absolutely fearless. The kid has been looking to score at the rim every time he has gotten the ball. He’s attacking non-stop and though he only has 4 points to show for all that effort, the scoring will come.
Jeremy Lamb, another freshman, started and has 5 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block and has really been all over the place. Niels Giffey, a frosh out of Berlin, Germany drew the tough task of slowing down Shockers star guard Toure’ Murry, and he’s done an adequate job, while adding 5 points of his own.
Wichita State led for almost the entire first half, until Smith’s three-pointer put the Huskies ahead. Murry has done good work, dropping in 12 points to lead all scorers while grabbing 4 rebounds.
The Shockers have won the rebounding battle 23-20 in the opening half, but only shot 36.4 percent from the field (12-for-33). UConn’s defense forced some tough shots, but Wichita State must get to the hoop if Gregg Marshall’s team hopes to take control of this game in the second half.
Both teams also need to cut down on the fouling. The Shockers were whistled for 13 fouls, while the Huskies racked up 8.
Both teams want this win badly and are playing like it.
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