Posted by Dana O'Neil
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The pace belongs to Missouri, but the lead is still in Connecticut's hands. Give the Huskies credit. They've been baited into Missouri's game but haven't wilted thanks to a blistering 19-of-27 (70 percent) shooting from the floor.
But here's the flip side -- Connecticut shot 70 percent, has 11 more rebounds than Missouri and is only up six at the break. The Tigers have been able to annoy UConn enough to create opportunities off turnovers when the Huskies are least expecting it.
Gavin Edwards brought down a defensive rebound with ease and was just waiting to dish to a guard when Miguel Paul -- all generously listed 6-1 of him -- swatted the ball out of his hands. A.J. Price dribbled down the court, nonchalantly preparing to start his offense when Zaire Taylor snuck in from behind and poked the ball out of his hands.
Mix in some surprising traps and you've got 11 turnovers for Connecticut in 20 minutes. The Huskies average only 12 a game.
You have to think Jim Calhoun will remind his team to slow things down in the second half and Mike Anderson will suggest the Tigers put the pedal down in an effort to exhaust the understaffed Huskies.
A classic battle of wills. Be fun to see who blinks first.
