This team is beginning to develop strong mental toughness. I think this game is hugely important to begin to solidify this for the stretch run in March. The ability to stay focused on the goal of winning the game that is in front of you is so important. The UCONN game will be their toughest test of the season to this point in staying in the one game at a time mentality. After winning a game that was as hyped as Cuse they now are receiving praise from all corners. Have to re-focus on just winning the game in front. To be honest that is the attitude they will have to have for the rest of the season.

The one thing that really gives me hope that they can can keep the intensity up is Otto Porter. He seems to have been raised with this mentality and is going to bust his butt every single game. The team will follow him. One of my favorite plays that he made last game was a non-scoring one. Cuse had a break away layup after a turnover and he busted his butt down the court and fouled Grant without allowing him to get the ball to the rim. He saved a point just by caring about every possession in the game. The team needs to follow his example and get after it.

We have to stay in front of their guards in this game. III needs to use the zone in spots, but get out of it quickly if UCONN is knocking shots down. Their guards are the type of players that if they hit a couple of open in rhythm shots, they then will start hitting contested tough shots because they are in a rhythm. On the flip side if you make them take contested jump shots from the beginning they will be off rhythm and take a lot of bad shots. Start the game in man and get in their faces. Our help defense has been good this year when we are in man. Extend out and rely on your help to flatten drives out. Rotations have to be crisp to not allow easy dump downs as well. Use the zone only to give them a different look.

Offensively this should be getting Otto and Nate the ball in the 15 ft and in area. Once they collapse Markel should be able to get great looks from the outside. Markel also should be aggressive with his dribble drive mid range game because I believe they play a lot of man. Bril should continue to be aggressive with driving as well. He also is developing a great knack for the dribble drive kick out as well.

Lets Get it!!!!