The Daily Campus

Issue date: 2/27/09 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Ryan Sayers UConn senior Jeff Adrien dunks during the Huskies' 69-61 victory over Michigan on Feb. 7. Adrien had nine points and 14 rebounds in that game.

A.J. Price has been through a lot in his five years at UConn.

He's been through so much, in fact, that he struggles to recall his first appearance at Gampel Pavilion.

"I can't remember what game it was," Price said as he titled his head in thought. "I don't even know."

After all, between Price's brain hemorrhage, one-year suspension for laptop theft and torn ACL, it's understandable that he doesn't recollect his Gampel debut.

"Oh wait, now I remember," Price said. "AIC. An exhibition game here. It was pretty close. I had 17 points but I didn't play that well."

Price was spot on. He scored 17 points on 7-for-14 shooting (3-for-8 from 3-point range), dished out four assists and committed three turnovers as UConn prevailed, 75-59.

"It was very nerve-wracking," Price said. "A lot of different emotions and feelings go through your body, being that you want to perform at your highest level. I had a lot of expectations on my shoulders, too."

On Saturday at 2 p.m., Price will close the book on a historic career at Gampel when he and fellow seniors Jeff Adrien and Craig Austrie lead No. 2 UConn (26-2, 14-2 Big East) against Notre Dame (16-11, 7-8).

"It's kind of hard to believe that it's going to be your last home game," Price said. "I'm probably going to be emotional when the ceremony starts. I'm going to miss it a lot."

Emotional or not, the Huskies still have a game to play, and Price knows that. After No. 1 Pittsburgh lost to Providence, 81-73, on Wednesday, UConn is in prime position to re-claim the top overall ranking with a win Saturday.

In order to do so, the Huskies will have to cool off a Fighting Irish squad that has been red-hot of late. After losing seven games in a row (the Irish went a full month without a victory), Notre Dame has won four of its last five, including a 90-57 thrashing of then- No. 7 Louisville and a convincing 103-84 win over Providence.

Luke Harangody, the Big East Player of the Year in 2007-2008, continues to post good numbers this season. He leads the league in scoring and rebounding at 24 points and 12.6 boards per game. Senior shooting guard Kyle McAlarney has endured some poor shooting nights - including a 3-for-15 performance in a 69-61 loss to UConn on Jan. 24 - but has picked up his play of late. He hit four 3-pointers and scored 25 points in the Feb. 21 victory over Providence.

Continued...

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