UConn Gets Revenge for 8th Win in a Row

13th Feb 2008

Connecticut 84
Notre Dame 78

I didn’t get to see this game on ESPNU, but I was able to listen to the commentary on UND.com with Jack Nolan. The Harry A. Gampel Pavilion hosted the Fighting Irish tonight in another Big East conference game. The Huskies of Connecticut defeated Notre Dame to extend their winning streak to eight games, and snap Mike Brey’s five game run. Number 17 UConn got their revenge at home after the number 18 Irish won in January. Notre Dame moves to 18-5 (8-3) while Connecticut improves to 19-5 (8-3).

There were many, many lead changes and ties throughout this game tonight, but obviously the Huskies finished with the momentum. The largest point difference in this match was seven points when the Irish led 32-25 in the first half. From that point on they both had highs and lows as they battled down to the end of the game. Connecticut gave Notre Dame a shot in the final minute, missing important free-throws, but the Irish couldn’t capitalize. They made poor decisions and rushed their shoots when it was not necessary.

Luke Harangody once again did everything he could, scoring a career best 32 points, but was given very little assistance from his teammates. He grabbed 16 rebounds for the second time this season, while 7′3″ Thabeet had 10. Harangody outplayed Hasheem Thabeet again tonight, who only had four points in 35 minutes, but his defense made the difference. Thabeet had six blocks in this matchup, although, he had ten the last time he faced the Irish.

Tory Jackson started off well with two early three-pointers and finished with 13 points, but only four assists. Kyle McAlarney only had 12 points against the Huskies, going 2 of 7 from behind the arc. The Irish finished with a very low three point percentage of 29.2, making 7 out of 24. Luke Zeller had two threes and Ryan Ayers had the other. Connecticut did a little better, shooting 40.0% from behind the arc, 8 out of 20 attempts.

Junior A.J. Price paved the way for the Huskies with his 26 points and 9 assists as he played all but one minute of the game. He made four three point shots. Three other players finished with ten-plus points; Jeff Adrien (13), Craig Austrie (14), and Doug Wiggins (10).

With this win the Huskies move up and the Irish drop down to be tied for third in the Big East behind only Georgetown and Louisville. All four of these teams will be playing again this weekend away from their home courts. Connecticut at South Florida, Notre Dame at Rutgers, Louisville at Providence, and Georgetown at Syrcause. The top four should most likely stay the same after these four games but anything can happen in the Big East.

The Irish weren’t expected to win this game but proved that they can play with anyone, anywhere. They kept the game close and gave themselves a chance to win at an elite team’s home court. Mike Brey must now get his team to focus on Rutgers on Sunday and make sure not to take the Scarlet Knights lightly. Tough game for Notre Dame, can’t win them all, but as always, Go Irish!

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