UConn-Texas: Huskies Prepare for Non-Conference Battle

The Huskies put a halt to a three-game losing streak with a win at home against St. John's last night. It was without Hall of Fame coach Jim Calhoun and with the big three of Walker, Dyson, and Robinson leading the way.

The Huskies improved to 12-6 overall with a 3-3 record in the Big East.

Now the No. 1 Texas is coming to Storrs, playing its first game since their first loss of the season.

The Longhorns, led by star forward Damion James and center Dexter Pittman, are going to be hungry for a win. However, UConn desperately needs a win against a tough non-conference opponent.

All of UConn's losses have been close this year. They have fought hard in every game, but whether it was for all 40 minutes is another story.

Calhoun will not be on the sidelines come Saturday. The game will be led by longtime assistant coach George Blaney who is 5-3 in games he has coached due to Calhoun's absence.

This UConn team needs a spark and beating Texas at home would give it to them. 

They are 0-4 against ranked teams this season. The losses have come from top caliber teams such as Duke, Kentucky, Pittsburgh, and Georgetown. 

The other two losses came at the hands of Cincinnati and Michigan.

This Connecticut Huskies team has talent and when they come to play they can compete with the best of them.

UConn needs to play with the same intensity and passion this weekend like it did at MSG against Kentucky.

Stanley Robinson is developing into an NBA lottery caliber player and if he continues to progress this UConn team will maintain the potential to be a dangerous team.

They need to find a way to win basketball games.

UConn's perimeter shot has been improving. Last night UConn made six three's, the same amount it made during its entire three-game losing streak.

Connecticut Huskie fans are looking for more offensive production out of Okwandu, Majok, and Oriahki. The big men down low have to have a successful game if they want to put themselves in the position to win Saturday afternoon.

It's another nationally televised game on CBS for UConn to show the rest of the country they belong in the top 25 and in the NCAA tournament.

Beating Texas would be a huge step in the right direction.

Now is the time the Huskies go out and get it done.