NEW YORK – Should the Big east send eleven members to the Big Dance? In the estimation of UConn coach Jim Calhoun, why not ?
“First the field is 68, not 64 anymore,” Calhoun said following the Huskies’ first round win over DePaul. “Look what our teams have done (out of conference). We have beaten the Purdues and the Kentuckys out there.” In conference, the Big East schools just go at it relentlessly. Virtually every night games are one- or two-possession affairs. To Calhoun there is not a “weak sister” among them.
“In the past, there may have been a bottom team or two that you did not have to be as concerned over. This year was unlike any year I’ve seen in my years in the conference. Honestly, any team in the conference could beat you.” In a high profile conference as the Big East, where early defection to the NBA are common, the top teams have also been the beneficiaries of veteran play. “Pitt, St. John’s, Notre Dame, these are teams with seniors,” Calhoun added. “They are talented and that experience and leadership makes them stronger.”
To Calhoun the Big East is not for the faint of heart, which suits him fine. “The Big East is tough,” he said, “but it is just what competitors want.”
The First Round Scores, pace and efficiency:
UConn 97, DePaul 71
Possessions: UCONN 81, DePaul 80
Offensive Efficiency: UCONN 121, DePaul 88
The Huskies got the desired pace and forced DePaul into a 33 percent two-point field goal percentage.
Rutgers 76, Seton Hall 70 (OT)
Possessions: Rutgers 74, Seton Hall 77
Offensive Efficiency: Rutgers 103, Seton Hall 91
The only discernible edge in the “Four Factors” was Rutgers’ 48-19 percent edge in free throw rate (FTM/FGA).
South Florida 70, Villanova 69
Possessions: Villanova 54, South Florida 57
Offensive Efficiency: Villanova 128, South Florida 123
It is rare to “win” OE and lose the game. That’s how things are going for the Wildcats as of late.
Marquette 87, Providence 66
Possessions: Marquette 75, Providence 71
Offensive Efficiency: Marquette 116, Providence 93
The Friars had an impressive 14 percent turnover rate, the only positive on their end in this contest
