Spring Break
Dyson Shines In First Round Loss
Troubled Sophomore Bounces Back On The Big Stage
Justin Verrier
Issue date: 3/21/08 Section: March Madness
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Down two with 10.4 seconds to play in regulation, the Huskies didn't have A.J. Price to bail them out like he's done so many times this season. Instead, the biggest shot in more than two years was to be taken by the team's biggest question mark of the roster.
But after missing more than four weeks because of suspension and failing to impact a game like he once could since, Dyson was ready to put the past behind and start on the road to restoring his image to what it once was.
With no hint of fear or worry on his face, Dyson let everyone know that he was back - shot by shot.
Although the Huskies would ultimately fall to San Diego in overtime, his two made free throws gave his team new life at the end of regulation. In turn, they found new hope in their fallen star.
"That's the first time we've had Jerome back, truly back," said head coach Jim Calhoun. "He's a good foul shooter, but in the clutch he made six out of six, which shows you a lot more about Jerome Dyson."
And he continued in overtime, scoring UConn's last four points, including another pair of free throws that gave UConn a one-point lead with nine seconds to go.
He finished the game with 14 points on 4-of-9 shooting in 28 minutes of action.
"Down the stretch, he was fearless," Calhoun said.
Yesterday, Dyson said that he was looking forward to the NCAA tournament, not only to experience college sport's biggest stage but also to remind people of what he can do.
Friday, he did just that.
Although after the game he was more concerned about being bounced in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, he was pleased that the statement game that he and many others were waiting for finally materialized.
"It felt good just to get my game back and show that I can still play a little bit," he said.
When Price went down with 9:39 to go in the first half, the team struggled to find their direction on offense. Tied at 15-15 when the junior was carried off the court by teammates, the Huskies looked lost while trying to work their attack in the halfcourt set and stumbled into the locker room down five.
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