When No. 3 Connecticut squares off with No. 2 San Diego State in the West Regional Semifinals of the 2011 NCAA Tournament Thursday evening (7:15 p.m. ET), the Huskies will have a lot to overcome if they hope to advance past the Sweet 16.
Playing just 100 miles from the SDSU campus at the Honda Center in Anaheim, it's essentially a road game for UConn, a situation in which they have struggled (an understatement). The Huskies are just 2-12 in games played in the home state of its opponent dating back to 1951, as pointed out by our friends over at The UConn Blog, and since 1990, UConn is winless in NCAA Tournament "road games," including 2009's Final Four loss to Michigan State in Detroit.
But still, UConn fans remain positive -- Vegas has the game as a pick 'em, with the Huskies a slight favorite at Bodog -- arguing the Huskies still have a good chance of winning.
UConn certainly could beat San Diego St. on Thursday. A lot of people will predict that outcome and it would not surprise me in the least. The Huskies are talented, have a Hall-of-Fame coach and they'll have the best player on the floor. But when you get this late in March games get close and every inch and little advantage counts. UConn might win, but it will be an uphill battle.
When in doubt, pick Kemba Walker.
For more on Thursday's Sweet 16 game, and for all things UConn, visit The UConn Blog. Visit our our NCAA hoops hub for the rest of your March Madness needs, including a 2011 NCAA Tournament Printable Bracket that's updated after each round.