5 Keys for Connecticut Basketball to Beat Maryland

By Andrew Frosceno

5 Keys for Connecticut Basketball to Beat Maryland

Kevin Ollie UConn — The UConn Huskies head to New York to take on the No. 6 ranked Maryland Terrapins at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday. The 5-2 Huskies can certainly beat the 7-1 Terps if they clean up mistakes from their two losses earlier this season. Here are five things that UConn must do to be victorious in the Jimmy V Classic.

5. Rebound the Ball

Shonn Miller UConn

5. Rebound the Ball

Shonn Miller UConn — The Huskies have to rebound the ball against Maryland to have any chance at the upset. They can't give a good team like the Terps second chances or else they will get burned. The Huskies are averaging 30.3 defensive rebounds per game, which puts them among the top half of college basketball; however, in their losses they were iffy on the glass. Shonn Miller and company must win the rebounding battle

4. Defend the 3-Point Line

UConn vs Furman

4. Defend the 3-Point Line

UConn vs Furman — UConn is currently ranked 131st in the nation when it comes to limiting their opponents from the 3-point line, which is horrendous. It could spell doom as Maryland is 39th in the nation with 39.6 percent on offense. They must close out on shooters and lock down the arc to prevent Maryland from getting an edge with 3-pointers.

3. Control Melo Trimble

Melo Trimble Maryland

3. Control Melo Trimble

Melo Trimble Maryland — Trimble is Maryland's most dynamic player on offense as he is averaging 14.4 PPG and 5.8 assists. UConn can't let Trimble get on a roll or else they will be in trouble. They have to control him the best they can and force someone else to beat them.

2. Keep Amida Brimah Out of Foul Trouble

Amida Brimah UConn

2. Keep Amida Brimah Out of Foul Trouble

Amida Brimah UConn — Brimah has to stay out foul trouble for UConn to have chance to win. He can control the point and make the defense dynamic. He has to be able to defend players like Robert Carter and Diamond Stone without getting called for fouls. If he can stay on the court, UConn has a shot.

1. Get Sterling Gibbs Going

Sterling Gibbs UConn

1. Get Sterling Gibbs Going

Sterling Gibbs UConn — Gibbs has been somewhat pedestrian the last few games as he scored only 12 points against Syracuse, four against Gonzaga and nine against Sacred Heart in his last three games. They need him to get on a roll and score around 15 points on Tuesday. Backcourt mate Rodney Purvis has been playing decently and if Gibbs can help be his sidekick, UConn will take down the Terps and continue to claim NYC as a second home.

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Connecticut Huskies

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