This is a late post. By the time most of you are reading this, the Pittsburgh-UConn game will likely be over. But I want to put down some of my thoughts and predictions about the game before it happens, just so I can “I told you so”:

• Sam Young will be large. Again: My prediction was right last time, and I stand by it this time. UConn has nobody to match up with Sam Young. The only person who might be able to shut him down is Stanley Robinson. Keep an eye on him during the game.
• DeJuan Blair won’t have a big game: Don’t get me wrong. He is, without a doubt, a better player than Hasheem Thabeet. But this time, expect Calhoun to double down on Blair. He realizes that Thabeet can’t handle him on his own. But Thabeet will have to at least stand his ground more this time around, so that the double team has time to come over.
• The game will be largely decided by Pitt’s shooting: With the doubling-down on Blair and emphasis on trying to contain Sam Young, there will be plenty of open shots. If Pittsburgh hits them, the game will be a blow out.
• AJ Price will have a big game: Maybe we should start calling him Big Game AJ. He reminds me a bit of Mike Bibby in the famed Sacramento Kings-Los Angeles Lakers playoff battle. Bibby was the only one on that team with the balls to say “Get on my back.” AJ Price has that same swagger.
• Kemba Walker: big unknown: Don’t be surprised if he plays a large role in this game.

I will be live-twittering the game over at http://twitter.com/bigeasthoops. This is the game of the season, and if you’re not pumped up, you’re probably some weenie ACC fan.

Categories: Commentary, Connecticut, donald, Pittsburgh
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