University of Connecticut Athletics
Huskies Show Strength And Determination
1/2/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
By Erica Brancato
The UConn men's basketball team proved their strength and determination to overcome unexpected obstacles on Wednesday afternoon at the XL Center, despite the 57-53 conference overtime loss to Temple.
A deep thigh contusion sidelined senior captain Ryan Boatright for much of the game, however the Huskies were able to step up and stay in the game against the Owls. Sophomores Amida Brimah and Kentan Facey and freshmen Daniel Hamilton led the team as they racked up a combined 31 total points and 29 rebounds.
"We have younger guys out there, and take Ryan (Boatright) out of the mix, you are playing with all sophomores and freshmen," head coach Kevin Ollie said. "Down the stretch, we just didn't execute on offense, but I can't really fault those guys on how hard they fought and got back in the game. We just have to play through the ups and downs with this team. There are going to be some ups and downs, but like I said they fought for it today."
Although it took a bit of adjusting without Boatright, the team was able to step up and stay in the game. UConn's confidence wavered a bit in moments, however late in the second half the Huskies played with strong assurance. The team's composure and confidence allowed UConn to tie the game up with 12 seconds left in regulation and play a hard fought overtime.
"Obviously he (Boatright) is our go to guy, but we have guys that are capable of stepping up and filling that void," Facey said. "We showed that today. I mean, unfortunately, we didn't make enough plays to come away with a win, but with Ryan being out, I give everyone credit for stepping up."
While Boatright was unable to play on the court, he was a big presence on the sideline. Though Ollie pointed out it was unlike the senior to bow out, Boatright supported the team in any way he could. Along with reassurance from the sideline, Boatright gave the team some words of wisdom as the Huskies were beginning to heat up at the end of the second half.
"He just told us to keep calm," Brimah said. "The game is not over, just keep playing."
Keep playing: that's exactly what UConn did.
Through regulation into overtime the Huskies played with heart and determination. Despite a tough conference opener loss, UConn held Temple to a mere 31.6 percent shooting throughout the game.
Though UConn had opportunities to win the game in overtime, one single play cannot be attributed to the loss. While Hamilton had the opportunity to win the game on free throws at the end of regulation, poor free throw shooting through the entire game is part of why the Huskies fell short.
"He's going to get those same shots again those same free throws you know, he's going to make those next time," Rodney Purvis said. "It's tough on a freshman to be in their position, you know, but he will live to see another day. We just have to get better as a team. The team will stay with each other."
The Huskies were able to prove their depth on defense and will continue to work on their offense as the season progresses. Despite unexpected obstacles UConn played with heart and determination until the very end.
Though it was a tough loss, Ollie has the upmost faith that his team will bounce back.
"At the end of the day man, we will pick ourselves back up," Ollie said. "That's what we do. We are champions. I want those guys to know that and we just have to keep fighting."
