Every game is loseable and winnable regardless of who the opponent is. So when Columbia arrived at UConn after two consecutive dominating wins, they were eager to make that three. And they did just that, beating down the Lions 62-89. Solo Ball scored a game-high 23 points and added two steals and 3 assists, while Alex Karaban had 20 points, 6 rebounds, and  4 assists. It was an offensive and defensive clinic from the UConn side, especially in the first half. Something Ball hopes to continue playing with throughout the season. 

“I really think it was just the defensive intensity that we came in with. There was a little drop off in the second half. But I think the defensive intensity we had in that first half really just propelled us on offense, and we got out in transition,” Ball told the media. “That’s what we were getting stops. We were getting out of transition open threes, and I mean that’s the way that we want to play. It was fun playing that way. So I mean just to continue that and into the rest of the year.”

UConn played a complete lockdown defense in that first half. They conceded only 27 points while limiting Columbia to just 34.4% FG. Even more improbably, the Huskies committed just 2 fouls the entire half. All while shooting at 60.6% themselves and 50% from the three-point line. This kind of intensity was not expected even from coach Dan Hurley. “I wasn’t expecting us to be able to do what we did in the first half, to get that level of separation,” Hurley said. “The first 22-25 minutes were an extension of the last game. We showed a level of dominance and defense, 15 assists/two turnovers.” 

While we talk about the first half, like Ball mentioned, they slacked off a little in the second. Columbia climbed within 19 points in the second half as UConn made just 10 field goals. The second half itself was practically nothing compared to the first 20 minutes. Will it continue in the same sense against better teams? If it does, better teams will capitalise on every fault. After the game, Hurley called that second half ‘Human nature,’ while pointing out some key errors from Solo Ball and Co. 

Dan Hurley Fixates On Solo Ball And Co. Ahead Of A Tough Stretch

It has all been perfect for UConn so far. They are 3-0 with all three wins coming without breaking much sweat. However, considering their aspirations and stature, this was to be expected. They are a genuine title contender if playing at their best, and that second half against Columbia showed some cracks in Dan Hurley. He specifically pointed out a need for improvement in Solo Ball and his outside shooting. 

“Human nature kicked in,” the coach said. Well, once you are within touching distance of a win, there seems to be no point in going at 100%. It could also risk injuries, but it’s not a habit Hurley wants to inculcate in his squad, considering the schedule coming up. “We didn’t play a full 40-minute game, and now we’re heading into a part of the schedule where if you don’t play a full 40-minute game, like you can’t play.” Hurley said, “You can’t play poorly into the stretch of the schedule that we’re going into for like three or four straight possessions or else the game gets away from you.” 

Just look at UConn’s upcoming schedule. They have No.7 BYU and No.5 Arizona in consecutive games. After a game against Bryant, the Huskies will face No.14 Illinois and No.25 Kansas. A relatively easy game against East Texas will be followed by No.10 Florida. Beyond their defense in this game, Hurley also pointed out Solo Ball’s efficiency, along with the missed free throws, as an issue. 

“Solo went three for nine. I thought he had like nine great threes. You missed 10 free throws,” Hurley said. Ball is coming off a career year as far as outside shooting is concerned. He shot 41.4% last year for the Huskies and 30% on the day when he had a lot of open shots. It was a matter of concern, especially after missing out on 10 free points. Ball’s threes help build and break momentum, something very important in breaking those rough stretches and building on your good ones. Its importance will naturally increase against better teams. The expectations are already laid out by Dan Hurley, and now it’s time for this squad to deliver.