|
UConn-Ohio State Game Preview
Posted: Thursday March 25, 1999 11:20 AM
| |
Besides his rebounding and defense, Kevin Freeman could add more options to the Huskies' offensive attack. Donald Miralle/Allsport |
Sports Illustrated's B.J. Schecter (who covered UConn and the West Region)
and Tim Crothers (who covered Ohio State and the South Region) preview
Saturday's first national semifinal (5:42 p.m
ET).
For UConn to
win:
The Huskies must control the tempo (read: run, press and run) and have to jump
ahead quickly. Getting to the Final Four is something that has eluded UConn for
the last five years and the Huskies can't be in awe of their surroundings. They
must hit Ohio State hard and early.
--B.J.S.
For Ohio State to
win:
The Buckeyes need to shoot better than 50% from the field, Scoonie Penn must
limit his team's turnovers against the UConn's pressure defense, and OSU
desperately needs some offensive production from somebody other the Penn and
Michael Redd, who score nearly 50% of the team's points.
--T.C.
UConn player to watch:
Khalid El-Amin. The spunky sophomore was 0-for-12 from the field against Gonzaga
and can't afford another poor shooting performance. El-Amin is the Huskies'
catalyst and if he gets off to a good start, UConn's chances of winning are
pretty good.
--B.J.S.
Ohio State player to
watch:
The team's leading scorer the past two seasons, Redd is a terrific slasher with
a decent jumper who has to get his points to keep pressure off Penn and to keep
the Buckeyes in the game.After he (19.7 ppg) and Penn (17.1 ppg), the next
leading scorer is Jason Singleton (8.9
ppg).--T.C.
UConn's X factor:
Kevin Freeman. He had 10 offensive rebounds against Gonzaga, and when he has the
confidence to take open 15-foot jumpers, the Huskies have another offensive
option. In this game, Freeman's scoring will be just as important as his
rebounding and athleticism.
--B.J.S.
Ohio State's X
factor:
With seven blocked shots against St. John's, OSU's 6'11" center, Ken
Johnson, proved that he has the ability to dominate a game on the defensive end.
He also showed a rare flash of offense in that game, scoring in double-figures
(12 points) for just the fourth time all season.
--T.C.
For UConn, the game will turn
on:
Which team is able to handle the pressure. This is the first Final Four
appearance for both coaches and no player on either team has played in a game of
this magnitude. Turnovers and taking care of the ball will be at a premium.
--B.J.S.
For Ohio State, the game will turn
on:
Whether or not Penn can penetrate for assists and launch his shot cleanly
against UConn's Ricky Moore, one of the fiercest defenders in the nation.
--T.C.
B.J. Schecter's Prediction:
UConn can create and handle pressure and will move on, setting up a dream
final with
Duke.
Tim Crothers'
Prediction:
Calhoun's teams have beaten O'Brien's teams in the pair's last 18 head-to-head
coaching matchups. Make it 19 -- UConn to the
final.
| 
