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Unbelievably bad officiating was seen, as so.... On today’s episode of Locked On UConn, we break down the thrilling yet controversial overtime loss to Memphis, 98-96. While the Huskies battled hard, the free-throw disparity and questionable officiating played a significant role in the outcome. Memphis relied on its backcourt firepower and an overwhelming advantage at the charity stripe to edge out UConn in what could’ve been a statement win for the Huskies.

We’ll analyze the box score, including standout performances, key team stats, and the glaring free-throw disparity that tilted the game in Memphis’s favor. We also discuss UConn’s impressive rebounding effort and ball movement, which kept them in the game despite some glaring disadvantages. Plus, what does this game mean for UConn moving forward? Stay tuned for an in-depth breakdown.

Show Notes

Segment 1: Recap of the Game

• Title: “Memphis and the Refs Defeat UConn 98-96 in Overtime”

• A thrilling back-and-forth game saw UConn fall short in overtime.

• Controversial Officiating:

• Memphis attempted 16 more free throws (40 vs. 24).

• The Tigers scored 10 more points from the line (29 vs. 19), which proved decisive.

• We discuss how these numbers changed the game’s complexion, particularly in overtime.

• Key Moments:

• Memphis’s guards, PJ Haggerty and Tyrese Hunter, combined for 52 points.

• UConn’s bench came alive with Tarris Reed Jr. dropping 22 points and dominating the glass.

Segment 2: Box Score Breakdown

• Team Stats:

• Field Goal Shooting: Memphis (54.7%) was more efficient than UConn (49.2%), despite UConn attempting more shots.

• Three-Point Shooting: UConn made 14 threes to Memphis’s 12 but shot at a lower percentage (46.7% vs. 54.5%).

• Rebounds: UConn won the rebounding battle (33-30), including a crucial edge on the offensive glass (14-9).

• Assists: UConn tallied 22 assists to Memphis’s 13, showcasing their superior ball movement.

• Turnovers: UConn committed three fewer turnovers (10 vs. 13), further highlighting their efficiency.

• Player Performances:

• Memphis:

• PJ Haggerty: 26 points, 5 assists, and clutch free throws in OT.

• Tyrese Hunter: 26 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists.

• Colby Rogers: 19 points, including several critical threes.

• UConn:

• Alex Karaban: 19 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, leading the starters.

• Tarris Reed Jr.: 22 points and 11 rebounds off the bench.

• Samson Johnson: 12 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 blocks.

Segment 3: What’s Next for UConn?

• What Went Wrong:

• The free-throw disparity highlighted Memphis’s ability to draw fouls and the officiating’s inconsistent calls.

• UConn struggled to close the game in overtime, failing to capitalize on key opportunities.

• Positives for UConn:

• Bench strength: Tarris Reed Jr.’s emergence as a key contributor.

• Dominance on the boards and strong assist numbers prove this team has depth and chemistry.

• Looking Ahead:

• UConn must clean up late-game execution and capitalize on their strengths (rebounding and ball movement).

• Addressing defensive lapses and avoiding foul trouble will be crucial as they move forward.

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