UConn Basketball: Will Shabazz Napier's Game-Winner Spark the Huskies?

Monday night's thrilling overtime win over Villanova might have saved the Connecticut Huskies' season, as Jeremy Lamb helped engineer a remarkable comeback capped by Shabazz Napiers' game-winner.

The Huskies' campaign was on the verge of implosion until Napier's shot saved it.

Can UConn carry the momentum from this inspiring performance into the rest of the regular season and the Big East tournament?

Even with Monday's win, I still think Connecticut is a bubble team for the Big Dance. But the Huskies can make a strong statement this Saturday when the Syracuse Orange roll into town.

A win over Jim Boeheim's squad would be the Huskies' first win over a ranked opponent since December 8th, and it would be their best win of the season.

In the Villanova victory, UConn showed glimpses of the kind of balance, defensive tenacity and determination it takes to compete in the Big East. They took care of the ball, were extremely active on defense and Jeremy Lamb finally took it upon himself to carry the load offensively.

There are still several concerns surrounding this team, but last night's road win was a step in the right direction. The Huskies still need to rebound the ball better, share the ball better and play as a unit.

Can UConn keep the good vibes going and defend its turf Saturday against the beast of the Big East?

The last time the Huskies squared off against the Orange, they actually played solid basketball for most of the game; the final score wasn't indicative of how close the game was. Good ball movement against the zone led to double-digit scoring from four different players.

Now, the scene shifts to Hartford, where UConn has a better chance of slowing down Syracuse's attack and keeping the game close enough to win.

I have no doubt at all that the Huskies are talented enough to beat anyone in the country. It's just a matter of how much they want it and whether they can play as a cohesive unit.

Will Monday's miraculous win breed more February and March success for UConn?

Stay tuned.