UConn SMU Preview

UConn needs to win today.  Plain and simple.  SMU is 10-3 with their 3 losses coming to quality teams in Arkansas, Virginia, and Cincinnati.  And for UConn to start 0-2 in the AAC with losses against Houston and SMU would not be a great way to start conference play especially with Memphis and Louisville coming up in back-to-back games a couple weeks (Also, don't overlook the Harvard game January 8th.).  But, honestly, this is a frightening matchup for the huskies and I feel like all aspects of this game are pointing to SMU to give UConn a real challenge and maybe even win this game.  Let me tell you why:

Larry Brown.  When he first took this job and then SMU decided to join the AAC, I was a little nervous. He is an incredible coach and he has proven that with a championship in both the NCAA and the NBA.  Brown also coached UConn coach Kevin Ollie while he was with the 76ers so that will probably be a little emotional, and I just feel like that since it's at home, it plays into Larry Brown's hands.  Also, Brown is lightyears ahead of Ollie when it comes to coaching (but Ollie will be there soon, don't worry husky fans).  Next, there is the environment of this game.  SMU is opening up a $47 million arena for the first time for this game.  It will be sold out and Allen Iverson and Dikembe Mutumbo will be in the building.  Place is going to be rocking.  Lastly, Brown really stresses rebounding.  They have outrebounded their opponents by about 9 a game and they have size.  Nightmare for UConn.

As for UConn, well Tyler Olander might start today so that kind of gives you an idea of where we're at.  It's weird to say, but I'm kind of okay with it even though it's Olander.  He has provided some quality minutes this year when he knows his role and doesn't try to be the guy.  I don't know why he would ever try to be the guy but it's Olander, so I'm not surprised.  But, on a more serious note, Shabazz Napier needs to be Shabazz in the first half.  He scored 25 of his 27 in the 2nd half in the loss against Houston which is great, but 2 points in the first half isn't going to cut it.  UConn had to rely on Boatright to be the guy in the first half and don't get me wrong he did great, but I'm not sold on the Huskies winning games with Boatright being "the guy" (Mark Corey shoutout).  UConn cannot afford for Shabazz to defer early in this game.

As for who I think is going to win this game, I'm going to say UConn because I am biased and will probably say that UConn is going to win every game.  But, this is a really really REALLY tough matchup and SMU is not a team that is to be taken lightly, and I am sure Ollie is stressing that to the team.  Ollie also took his team to AT&T Stadium (site of final four) for some inspiration. Lets hope it works.

PS-Why is this a thing and why is it over 6 minutes long

PPS-Love how it has just over 200 views