Huskies return to big stage, face test vs. Kentucky

UConn returns today to the scene of its humbling loss to nationally ranked Duke, a Nov. 27 game that turned a bright spotlight on the team's weaknesses.

And on this trip to Madison Square Garden in New York, the Huskies face an even more daunting challenge.

Coach Jim Calhoun considers tonight's SEC-Big East Invitational opponent, No. 4 Kentucky (8-0), a national championship contender. The nationally televised game starts at 9:30 p.m.

Calhoun thinks the Huskies benefited from the experience of playing Duke and LSU in the NIT Season Tip-Off in New York about two weeks ago.

"We'll be a little more prepared because of what we just went through with LSU and Duke and that certainly has got to help us without question," Calhoun said.

But are the Huskies a better team than the erratic one that played Duke?

No. 14 UConn (6-1) will find out tonight in its last game before a 10-day exam break after which Ater Majok becomes eligible to play Dec. 20.

"When Ater comes back after this game … I think we'll be a much better basketball team," Calhoun said. "We feel we can win the basketball game with the team that we have. We're 6-1, but we know we have a daunting task. Kentucky is as talented as anybody in the United States."

The college basketball world is buzzing about freshman sensation John Wall, a dynamic point guard at the heart of Kentucky's attack. He leads the team in scoring (18.1) and assists (7.7) and rarely comes out of the game.

"We all saw him play in high school," Calhoun said. "It was almost like seeing LeBron (James) and some of the other great players. You kind know what the next step is. He's good enough right now to be playing at the next level. He'll be a tough matchup certainly."

Kentucky, short in experience starting three freshmen, a sophomore and junior, is rich in talent. Calhoun calls junior forward Patrick Patterson, a legitimate player-of-the-year candidate, Kentucky's rock.

Much like the Huskies, the Wildcats prefer to play at warp speed but are often reckless, judging from their 17.6 turnovers per game. UConn's stamina and depth will be severely tested.

"They're a real energetic team," senior Gavin Edwards said. "They really play our pace. (Saturday) we watched them play a little bit and they got up and down the floor pretty well. They've got a lot of athletes. But I think we've got a lot of athletes as well. We match up with them pretty well."

Calhoun has three primary concerns: depth, containing Wall and dealing with Kentucky's strong frontcourt. Smaller and weaker opponents have beaten the Huskies on the boards this season while the Wildcats have yet to be outrebounded.

"We've been tested by almost every team up front," Calhoun said. "We've had to use Stanley Robinson at the four, which we don't like doing because we think he's a great three man. … That's my greatest fear. They have a terrific frontcourt."

Kentucky coach John Calipari expects a difficult game. His young Wildcats are too casual at times, he said, and make too many mistakes. He expects UConn to try to keep the ball away from Wall.

Calipari is familiar with several Huskies, having recruited Kemba Walker and Stanley Robinson. He also remembers Jerome Dyson scoring 17 points against Calipari's Memphis team in November of 2007 at Madison Square Garden.

"I wouldn't be surprised if we went up there and got knocked in the mouth," Calipari said. "It wouldn't surprise me at all because they're going to come out playing like it's the Super Bowl, and we better do the same.

"They are talented, a good team and they have a veteran backcourt. Anytime you have a veteran backcourt against an inexperienced backcourt, there is trouble."