UConn Survives Against Pesky Wildcats

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The No. 9 UConn Huskies (6-0) made a quantum leap inside the top-10 after not being ranked previously.

Their upcoming game against the New Hampshire Wildcats (3-2) was conceived as a tune-up game for the Big East conference race. However, the Wildcats made it much more than a tune-up game.

New Hampshire came out firing on the Huskies taking the lead in the first half, and not relinquishing it.

The Wildcats went into the half with a 24-23 lead, and a chance to pick up a marquee victory over a top-10 squad.

However, Kemba Walker just did not let that happen. The Huskies got on the right track in the second half and defeated New Hampshire 62-55.

Walker finished with a game-high 30-points, which stays consistent with his average. Walker also chipped in five rebounds, and two steals.

Shabazz Napier was the only other player in double-figures for UConn with 11 points, and four steals. Alex Oriahki battled foul trouble for most of the game but still acquired seven points, 10 rebounds, and five blocks.

The Huskies displayed just how young they were as a team. UConn struggled from the field, and on the glass, but with the leadership of Walker, the Huskies were able to escape New Hampshires upset bid.

Two players were in double-figures for the Wildcats. Ferg Myrick had 19 points, eight rebounds, and four steals. James Calladares also chipped in 12-points off the bench for New Hampshire.

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Oriakhi Stepping Up for UConn

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Alex Oriakhi was conceived to be the cream of the crop for the (No. 7 AP, ESPN/USAToday No. 9) Connecticut Huskies.

During his freshman year, he stepped in to possibly commend the shoes of Hasheem Thabeet, and earned a spot on the Big East All-Rookie team as the result.

Now, after watching the golden opportunity to start for the Huskies (5-0) this season fall in his favor, Oriakhi has stepped up for UConn.

After averaging five points, and 6.6 rebounds per game last year, Oriahki is up to 13.4 points, 12.0 rebounds, 2.4 blocks per game.

During both upsets of the No. 6 Michigan State Spartans, and the No. 10 Kentucky Wildcats, Oriahki was in double-figures in points and rebounds.

He currently averages 16.5 points, 14 rebounds, and two blocks per game against ranked opponents.

Kemba Walker stole the show this season thus far scoring 30-points per game, but Oriahki has become a great second option.

With Walker, and Oriahki in the starting lineup for the Huskies, UConn can continue its dominance. The Huskies have now been inserted into the top-25, and has a chance to continue dominating their non-conference slate of games.

The Huskies are in action next when UConn takes on the New Hampshire Wildcats (3-1) on November 30, at 7:30 ET.

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