UConn Rolls Detroit, 101-55

Any concerns coach Kevin Ollie might have had heading into Thursday's game against Detroit were assuaged three-quarters of the way through the first half when the Huskies surged to a 29-19 lead. Five minutes and a 19-7 run later and UConn went into the break up 48-26. The route continued over the final 20 minutes -- the Huskies outscored Detroit 53-29. By the time it was over, UConn cruised to a 105-55 win and moved to 3-0 on the season.

The Huskies had six players in double figures with sophomore Omar Calhoun leading the way with 17 points. Senior point guard Shabazz Napier led the team in rebounds with eight, and was close to registering his second triple-double in as many games (10 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists). He may have pulled it off except that coach Kevin Ollie replaced the starters with about 10 minutes to go and the Huskies leading by 40.

Not surprisingly, UConn dominated just about every statistical category. They shot 57.4 percent from the field and 57.9 percent from behind the arc while holding Detroit to 30.4 percent and 13 percent, respectively. The Huskies also won the rebound battle, 49-34. This development, obviously, sat well with Ollie.

"It was a great game," the coach said.  "We were anticipating them to come out and try to pound the backboards; I think they were plus-22 on the backboards in two games and we just showed our muscle down there.  We were plus-15 tonight.  It was just a great job by our bigs and by our guards again.  Shabazz getting eight rebounds was big, and Ryan Boatright was terrific."

Ollie also lauded contributions from players up and down the roster.

"This team is deep.  We've got a lot of versatile basketball players," he said.  "And we're sharing the basketball. I think everybody came in and played. It was just a collective effort.  It was a team-made victory, not a self-made victory."

Next up: The Huskies face Boston University Sunday at Gampel Pavilion in the second leg of the 2K Classic.

Contact Us