In times like this you can really get a true gauge on how people feel about one another. Tina Charles, who has been badgered by UConn coach Geno Auriemma throughout her career, paid him a high compliment following her record-setting performance Monday when she became the program’s career leading scorer and rebounder.
“Just the fact that he believed in my game and he never gave up on me,’’ Charles said. “He just stuck with me. He took me to levels that I never thought I’d ever experience or ever believed that I could succeed in. So it’s a great accomplishment.’’
Auriemma showed his kinder, gentler side too. Even if it was only for a moment too.
“I’m starting to really appreciate her more now,’’ Auriemma said. “Not because of the numbers I think, but seniors do get to a point with me when like you really, really, really trust them and you really like them and you really feel good for them. So I think between now and Sunday she’s going to live in that neighborhood. After Sunday she might get evicted. I don’t know.’’
Charles was named the Big East Player of the Week for the sixth time this season today. That ties Rebecca Lobo (1993-94) and former Georgetown star Rebekkah Brunson (2003-04) for second all-time in conference history for a single season. Nykesha Sales (1997-98) and former Louisville All-American Angel McCoughtry (2008-09) were each honored seven times.
Single-session tickets for the Big East tournament at the XL Center Friday through Tuesday are now on sale. Ticket prices as follows: Session 1 (Friday afternoon doubleheader) $20; Session 2 (Friday night doubleheader) $20; Session 3 (Saturday afternoon doubleheader) $20; Session 4 (Saturday night doubleheader) $20; Session 5 (Sunday afternoon doubleheader) $25; Session 6 (Sunday night doubleheader) $25; Session 7 (Monday semifinal doubleheader) $30; Session 8 (Tuesday final) $30.
Tickets can be purchased by phone at 1-800-745-3000, on-line at www.xlcenter.com or www.ticketmaster.com, at all Ticketmaster outlets and at the XL Center box office. All ticket purchases are subject to additional convenience fees.
For group sales (10 or more) information and discounts, contact Cheri Lisko of the XL Center at 860-548-2000.
Ticket packages for all 15 games of the tournament are still available for $99.
Rich
