The Huskies could be tested tonight when they host No. 11 West Virginia at the XL Center. Keep in mind … I said “could.’’
UConn has not faced a ranked foe since it dispatched No. 6 Duke Jan. 18 on the road. And West Virginia comes in as hot as it can be. The Mountaineers are 20-2, matching the best start in team history (1991-92). They are off to their first 7-1 start in the Big East. And Monday they rose to No. 11 in The Associated Press national poll, which also matched a program-best (1991-92, 2007-08).
They are led by juniors Liz Repella (14.4 ppg, 6.0 reb), Korinne Campbell (11.4 ppg, 7.7 reb) and Sarah Miles (10.0 ppg, 6.8 apg, 3.0 spg) and freshman Asya Bussie (11.7 ppg, 5.8 reb). And they are well-coached by Mike Carey.
“It’s not like they just all of sudden got good,’’ UConn coach Geno Auriemma said. “They won the postseason NIT two years ago. And with this many young players and they do a great job recruiting and he’s as good a coach as we have in our league, and better than most. And if you ask me right now who the Coach of the Year is (in the Big East) I would tell you `Mike Carey.’ I don’t know anybody more competitive. I wouldn’t be surprised next year if they’re a preseason Top 10 team.’’
“Liz Repella is a good player. She does a lot for them. And they have a lot of really good complimentary players. And they’ve got some role players. They’ve got some kids who are going to grow into really good stars. I just think they’re a really good team. I told my team this (Monday) … They’re going to be around at the end. When the Big East championship’s going to be decided – regular season and tournament – they’re going to be around.’’
Keep in mind that UConn has defeated its first six ranked opponents this season by 25.7 points. Also, West Virginia is 0-12 all-time against the No. 1 team. The Mountaineers have also lost 20 straight games against the Huskies, including an 85-55 loss at home last season.
Rich
