Tip-off time is approaching for the NIT Season Tip-Off semifinal between UConn and LSU at Madison Square Garden.

This will be a major toughness test.

Senior Stanley Robinson is the key player for the Huskies tonight. He has to play well for them to win. He has to grab his share of rebounds.

On LSU's end, UConn needs to be concerned with sophomore Storm Warren, a tough 6-foot-7, 230-pound forward. He's averaging 16.3 points and 11.7 rebounds.

No word yet on whether junior Charles Okwandu will be making his first start for UConn, replacing senior Gavin Edwards. Coach Jim Calhoun hinted Tuesday at making a change.

UConn hopes tonight's outcome will be different than its last game here -- an epic six overtime 127-117 loss to Syracuse in the Big East Tournament on March 12.

Freshman Alex Oriakhi is playing for the second time in Madison Square Garden. He played in the Jordan Classic last spring.

Of course, this is former Rice High School standout Kemba Walker's second home. He's from the South Bronx.

In other news, former UConn guard Craig Austrie made the Springfield Armor, an NBA Developmental League team. Calhoun talked Tuesday about Austrie's contributions to the program.

"Our four years Craig Austrie was an absolutely terrific, terrific middle reliever," Calhoun said. "You like to have him. He wasn't going to blow a lead. He wasn't necessarily going to strike everybody out. He was just going to (be consistent). At the end, he'd make his 3-pointer, make his foul shots, play good defense and be smart. He did that for four years."