Only 11:28 seconds separated the UConn Huskies from their third straight defeat, a funk that seemed all but impossible when they were steamrolling opponents for seven straight wins and ranked in the top 10 just one week ago. But Monday night, following consecutive disappointments against Seton Hall and Rutgers, a ten-point second-half home deficit to West Virginia stared the Huskies in the eyes.
That's when UConn grew up, says Sports Illustrated's Eric Angevine. Specifically, stud freshman Andre Drummond came of age as the Huskies quickly recovered their poise for a 64-57 win.
Drummond countered the bulldog tenacity of West Virginia's more experienced front line with good positioning and pure athleticism, always seeming to be right where Shabazz Napier needed him to be. Drummond provided the steak, with three blocks and nine defensive boards, and threw in a little sizzle as well, scoring 20 points on a variety of attacks on the rim. Even more encouraging, his solid interior screens helped free space for teammate Jeremy Lamb, who led all scorers with 25.
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