Pre-game preview: Coppin State
UConn needs a bounce back game in a big way today.
Coppin State hasn't beaten a Division I team so far this season.
So today's game is a perfect opportunity for the Huskies to break a three-game losing streak and gain some confidence.
Rodney Purvis (high left ankle sprain) is warming up with the team. He will play today.
Omar Calhoun (MCL sprain) is wearing his casual sideline attire, meaning he'll be sitting out once again today.
The Huskies (3-3) are coming off a nine-day exam break.
UConn starters: Ryan Boatright, Sam Cassell Jr, Daniel Hamilton, Kentan Facey and Amida Brimah
Last game: Coppin State lost to Hofstra, 105-64, Wednesday; UConn lost to Yale, 45-44, Dec. 5.
Noteworthy:
-- UConn leads series, 5-0, winning last game 87-70 in 2011.
-- Coppin State first in MEAC in 3-pointers made per game at 8.9 overall. The Eagles shooting just 36.2 percent from field overall.
-- Hot: Hamilton is averging 7.3 rebounds in the last four games.
Cold: Boatright is 1-for-15 from 3-point land in last four games.
-- Coach Kevin Ollie wants his team to push the pace today.
"It's having that mentality to get the ball out on the wing and push it," Ollie said.
-- Boatright said there's no chance the Huskies will overlook Coppin State.
"We just lost to Yale. You have to go into eery game like it is Duke. We have to get a win. We have to get back on the winning side of things. Dropping four (straight) would be devastating. It's a must-win for us."
-- Up next: UConn plays No. 2 Duke Thursday in East Rutherford, N.J.
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