I’m not going to taint the first real day of March Madness by examining the 33% graduating rate just hung on “Jimbo” Calhoun’s boiling mad and red neck but I am going to say this is the BIG DANCE and his players better get smart and good in a hurry. I’m sorry I had to put Memphis in my Final Four yet, as Colin Coward said it best yesterday, “I’ve seen this team so much, I can’t help but notice all the bad things they do”.

Since I’ve already given all of you an earful regarding what the Huskies continue to do poorly, let’s shift gears and get right to today’s big game. The train stops here for the boys from Chattanooga and why not? A #1 seed has never lost to a #16 seed and that record will still stand after this one is over.

Now, the 20 1/2 point spread. I’m tossing and turning over this one and for many good reasons.That’s a lot of points to lay and when your guys can’t hit foul shots or three pointers will any consistency.

1. Our foul shooting- A season long weak spot and the main reason Calhoun needs meds to stay alive.

2. Adrien’s recent offensive slump (What happened to those dbl dbl’s?)

3. Austrie’s continued poor shooting and his lacking ability to get to the foul line where he is most effective.(This guy was better two years ago)

4. The inability to get Thabeet open and because the big men don’t work well together down low.The man is 7′3″ tall and if he jumped, who could deny him. If he had room, he should score at will.

5. The lousy defense of Stanley Robinson, as well as the thought that he may or may not show up on offense. (I think he has turned the corner on offense and therefore, will score in double figures today)

6. The erratic play of Kemba Walker, as well as the fact he lacks a good outside shot. By now, teams have to know he is going to pass up the outside shot and dribble down the lane every-time he has the ball.

7. The lack of depth on the UCONN bench. (Too bad Calhoun didn’t sacrifice a couple of wins to get Haralson more playing time)

8. What happens if Thabeet gets into early foul trouble. (That has been the kiss of death for UCONN and when he went out against Syracuse it was game over)

9. Chattanooga won it’s league tournament and comes in with a good deal of confidence. (Wins are wins and they won three games in a row to win the Southern League Championship)

10. This Chattanooga team can hit some three pointers and that should keep them in the game. (Against Syracuse, that’s what killed us)

So, LAY THE POINTS and tell me I’m nuts when it’s over. I’m sorry but I’m a gambler, as well as UCONN fan and I want to see them finally kick the crap out of a lesser foe.

UCONN does that by right away setting some serious hard picks down low and getting the ball into Adrien or Thabeet. The tallest guy on the CHOO CHOO SQUAD is  6′8″. Counting Gavin Edwards, we have three guys at least that tall, as well as a 7′3″ Monster, in the middle.  If not field goals, get to the line and at least get their limited big men in early foul trouble. Beyond that, it’s high time everyone had a good game. Stanley Robinson, should continue his scoring ways, Price should do the same and Adrien will get his double/double against the MOCS. Austrie, even if he doesn’t hit his threes, will get to the line and so Coach “JIMBO”doesn’t look like a jerk for giving him another vote of confidence and chance to prove himself. We need control the defensive boards, RUN, RUN, RUN, and show this group what Big East Basketball is all about. Calhoun wants to see the swagger return and UCONN fans, who are going to have to hear about how we don’t graduate anyone, deserve to see the same.

COME ON HUSKIES! GET FIRED UP AND KICK SOME MOC BUTT. That said, what the heck is a MOC?

Enjoy the game and >>>>>>>

I’m out of here!   Sic Rick