UConn Completes Memorable Season With Win Over Providence In OT
Score: UConn 63, Providence 59
Stars: UConn: Ryan Boatright 23 Pts, 3 Reb, 5 Ast. DeAndre Daniels 19 Pts, 8 Reb, 4 Blk, 2 Stl. Providence: Kadeem Batts 14 Pts, 12 Reb.
Story: UConn did not play a great game on Saturday night, but as has been the case all season, the Huskies found their way out of a bad situation one last time.
On Saturday afternoon, in front of a sold out crowd at Gampel Pavilion, the 2012-13 UConn men’s basketball season came to an end after a 63-59 overtime win over Providence – the perfect end to an incredible season.
Everything played out in typical UConn fashion. The Huskies came out hot, but after the first media timeout Providence was able to claw their way back into the game. Despite a dreadful performance overall, UConn went into the locker room with a six-point lead.
In the second half UConn showed signs of strength, but could not put the Friars away.
Mental mistakes killed the Huskies as they dribbled themselves into awkward positions and got trapped with no way to escape. Providence’s defensive pressure and the Huskies’ seeming lack of focus allowed the Friars to take the lead late in the game. But the Huskies showed their resilience as they have all season, and the game went to overtime.
In the extra session, Ryan Boatright took over. An off-balance shot as he was fouled banked in, sealing UConn’s 20th win.
UConn finishes the season 20-10, far exceeding expectations after the transfers of three players, the decisions of Jeremy Lamb and Andre Drummond to declare for the NBA Draft, and the retirement of Jim Calhoun in September.
The Huskies’ 10-8 conference record is their best since going 15-3 in 2009.
Banned from the Big East and NCAA Tournaments, the Huskies could have mailed it in from the start of the season, but they fought through all 30 games as if they did not want to stop until they cut down the nets in Atlanta.
Because of their effort throughout the season, the Huskies were honored in a postgame ceremony that brought players, fans, and coaches to tears. Athletic Director Warde Manuel presented the team with a framed tribute, saluting the team’s effort throughout the season.
VIDEO: Here’s the tribute to this year’s team from after today’s game. #TenToesIn #EscalatorsAreForCowards sbn.to/ZsdF2W
— TheUConnBlog (@theuconnblog) March 9, 2013
Great respect for @coachko_uconn leading the Huskies to 20 wins under difficult circumstances. Tough-minded player, same as a coach
— Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) March 9, 2013
Kevin Ollie: “we going to be in a new league, but they’re never going to take ‘UConn’ away. We’re standing on something solid.” #uconnmen
— Dom Amore (@AmoreCourant) March 9, 2013
I’m really sad that I won’t get to watch this UConn team again until November, but I could not be more excited to dominate March 2014.
— TheUConnBlog (@theuconnblog) March 9, 2013
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