The Huskies didn’t need to check the replay to see if the clock stopped last week. They took care of business by defeating Georgetown and Pittsburgh to run their record to 24-1 (11-1 Big East). And coupled with Tennessee’s loss to LSU at home last Thursday, UConn reclaimed the No. 1 spot in The Associated Press poll today.
The Huskies, who are beginning their eighth week this season at the top of the rankings, received 38 of the 50 first-place votes in what was the most diverse of the 15 polls of the season. North Carolina moved up one spot to No. 2 and received two first votes. Tennessee dropped to No. 3 and for some ridiculous reason was given a first-place vote from Bob Thomas of the Florida Times-Union. I know these polls are an opinion thing, but that’s brutal.
As a fellow AP voter I dropped the Lady Vols to No. 5. In my mind they lost twice last week so put a big fat asterisk next to their win column. Rutgers won the game Feb. 11 and I’m not buying that Pat Summitt was unaware of any clock malfunction. Do you think for one second that Geno Auriemma would have been unaware of any clock malfunction if was Tina Charles being called for a foul on Nicky Anosike with the clock frozen at two-tenths of a second? Not a chance.
It would have taken Geno less than two-tenths of a second to run out on the court and make his point heard to officials Bob Trammell, Tina Napier and Bonita Spence. And his postgame remarks would have been Pay-Per-View material.
Rutgers picked up eight first-place votes and held strong at No. 5. No. 6 LSU picked up the final first-place vote.
By the way, the game in Baton Rouge next Monday night between UConn and LSU is going to be spectacular. Must-see TV at its finest. Don’t worry it won’t be on CSTV or ESPNU. It will air on ESPN2 at 7.
Rich
Check that…it was Vic Dorr who had UConn at #7…what a maroon!
The only thing I’d add is that Bob Thomas, who voted Tennessee #1 also had UConn at #7 on his ballot.