UConn Beats Michigan St. in One of The Best Exhibition Games Ever.

It feels like a lifetime ago that the three generations of Capitani men rushed to load up the car on a Sunday in April to drive the 13 hours to Indianapolis in hopes of watching the Huskies snag another National Championship.  That Monday night, Michigan fans packed Lucas Oil Stadium in a sea of yellow and sent us home empty handed. Limping into the driveway that Wednesday morning after 26 hours on the road, 10 hours of sleep, and 3 hours of getting our hearts ripped out, we all agreed the last 56 hours were worth every penny.

If you had $10 and the gumption to persevere through the technological disaster of the BIG10+ App last night you were rewarded with a slice of March in October.  Dan Hurley vs. Tom Izzo, Silas Demary Jr. vs. Jeremy Fears Jr., UConn Nation vs. B1G+. UConn fans have never gotten to experience the Breslin Center, and it did not disappoint.  Two programs built on the foundation of hard work, accountability, and toughness.  There were moments the officials needed a crowbar to pry the jumpballs away from these two teams.

 “FUCK YOU HURLEY” chants rained down with minutes of the opening tip. Despite the disrespect, there is nothing but respect between these two programs. Hurley spoke about it after the game.

Win or lose, the result of this game meant nothing in terms of standings. It meant everything in terms of pride, confidence, and early season evaluation.  Uconn returns veterans Demary and Ross, but they rely on youth in a way that not many college programs will this season.  Sophomore Braylon Mullens did not play due to injury, allowing Freshman Colben Landrew an opportunity to live up to the hype.  Colben showed great poise in one of the country’s best college basketball environments. Shouldering 31 minutes and accumulating 13 points, 5 rebounds, and just 2 turnovers.  Unlike the first exhibition vs Syracuse, this game was played more in transition allowing Landrew to show off his strength. His Freshman counterpart Junior County played 17 minutes and looked mature beyond his years managing the offense, handing out 3 assists while only coughing the ball up 1 time. Finding out your freshman can handle championship level atmospheres before the regular season begins:Priceless.

UConn did what it does last night. Mix together The leadership of Demary and Ross to stabilized the offense when things got bumpy. Hit the update button and allow the buffering of Khamenia, Hines, Giltay, Machowski to finish. All show a good understanding of what their roles are and show great potential to grow within them. Flash the trophies and the wallet at a couple stud Freshmen that can handle pressure.

Oh Yah, Mullens will be back for the start of the season. And Danny dropped this on us last night too…. SOLO..

UConn seems primed for a trip to Detroit this spring. Maybe the Boys should book a room now.