Spring Break
Post players struggle in win
Brittany Perotti
Issue date: 2/4/09 Section: Sports
HARTFORD - On Tuesday night, it seemed that UConn's post players were in a funk - one that saw Tina Charles and Kaili McLaren, often dominant, combine for 30 minutes with three rebounds and six points.
"[Charles] had a tough day," said Renee Montgomery. "Coach [Geno Auriemma] has really been emphasizing making layups and I think she missed a few in the beginning. Coach just wasn't happy."
Both Montgomery and Auriemma said that they thought that her misses were getting to her head. In fact, Montgomery said that the fact that Charles had ample time to think about why she was watching the game from the bench may have lowered her confidence and prevented her from getting into a flow.
The Huskies, however, showed that they have others who can step up.
Tuesday night, it was Montgomery and Kalana Greene.
By halftime, Montgomery had 11 points. Greene finished with 17.
Greene seemed to set the tempo for the game, first with her layup around Rashidat Junaid, which resulted in a 3-point play. In the second half, Greene appeared out of nowhere and had a tip-in that had the XL Center roaring.
Montgomery's windmill lay-up also pieced together a UConn run, igniting the offense and ultimately helping break open the lead.
After the game, Auriemma said that the two performances, coupled with Maya Moore's ability to be involved in all aspects of the game, were the keys to the win.
"Renee Montgomery had to work her brains out today," Auriemma said. "She was shot - 39 minutes. Man, she was great."
He also commended Greene's endurance and confidence. Of course, he added, she still doesn't believe that she's not a 3-point shooter.
Another Big East Freshman of the Week
Tiffany Hayes was recognized for last week's performance, including 24 points against Louisville, with Big East Freshman of the Week honors. The accolade is the first for Hayes, who made her first career start Tuesday night.
"[Charles] had a tough day," said Renee Montgomery. "Coach [Geno Auriemma] has really been emphasizing making layups and I think she missed a few in the beginning. Coach just wasn't happy."
Both Montgomery and Auriemma said that they thought that her misses were getting to her head. In fact, Montgomery said that the fact that Charles had ample time to think about why she was watching the game from the bench may have lowered her confidence and prevented her from getting into a flow.
The Huskies, however, showed that they have others who can step up.
Tuesday night, it was Montgomery and Kalana Greene.
By halftime, Montgomery had 11 points. Greene finished with 17.
Greene seemed to set the tempo for the game, first with her layup around Rashidat Junaid, which resulted in a 3-point play. In the second half, Greene appeared out of nowhere and had a tip-in that had the XL Center roaring.
Montgomery's windmill lay-up also pieced together a UConn run, igniting the offense and ultimately helping break open the lead.
After the game, Auriemma said that the two performances, coupled with Maya Moore's ability to be involved in all aspects of the game, were the keys to the win.
"Renee Montgomery had to work her brains out today," Auriemma said. "She was shot - 39 minutes. Man, she was great."
He also commended Greene's endurance and confidence. Of course, he added, she still doesn't believe that she's not a 3-point shooter.
Another Big East Freshman of the Week
Tiffany Hayes was recognized for last week's performance, including 24 points against Louisville, with Big East Freshman of the Week honors. The accolade is the first for Hayes, who made her first career start Tuesday night.
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