hoops06

UConn's magic act hits new heights

By BRAIN LANDMAN
Published March 26, 2006

WASHINGTON - Connecticut had become so good at Houdini rescues it had begun to think it was defeat proof.

The Huskies just might be. A season predicated on winning the national title took an amazing turn Friday night as the top-seeded Huskies overtook No.5 Washington 98-92 in overtime in the semifinals of the Washington region.

Despite a season-high 26 turnovers, Connecticut reached today's region final against 11th seed George Mason because Rashad Anderson 's 3-point field goal with 1.8 seconds left denied Washington the victory in regulation.

In overtime, Hilton Armstrong followed up a sensational block with a layup, giving Connecticut a 90-87 lead. After a score by Jamaal Williams , who had a game-high 27 points for Washington, Connecticut point guard Marcus Williams ' drive gave UConn a 92-89 edge.

Marcus Williams later made the biggest play other than Anderson's 3-pointer. A 3 by Bobby Jones cut Washington's deficit to two and Connecticut quickly turned it over, but UConn's Williams intercepted a pass and converted it into two clinching free throws.

"It was an incredible game fought by two teams who gave everything they possibly could," Connecticut coach Jim Calhoun said after a game that ended just before 1 a.m. "I don't know if either team could have gone another minute."

A RETURN TO AUSTIN? Texas sophomore LaMarcus Aldridge , mentioned as a possible - maybe probable - NBA lottery pick, said he was not going to get into his future plans.

"This is not the time," he said.

Aldridge was dazzling against West Virginia, scoring a career-high 26 on 11-of-15 shooting and grabbing 13 rebounds, but struggled mightily against the wide body and agility of Glen Davis and length and leaping ability of Tyrus Thomas .

He was 2-of-14 for four points with 10 rebounds and five blocks.

"Most of those shots I took tonight were shots I make often," he said.

"Glen was able to force him a little farther out than he wanted to score the ball," LSU coach John Brady said. "Tyrus, on the other hand, made him deal with a different kind of athlete who's long and lanky and could maybe get a piece of the ball when he shot, which made him probably think about it."

BACK TO THE FUTURE? Fans booed shortly before tipoff of the Atlanta final when the public-address announcer said the main, overhead scoreboard was not functioning.

Officials at the Georgia Dome had to improvise, as they did for the Texas-West Virginia game on Thursday, using an airhorn and paddles with paper taped to them to indicate how many personal fouls were on an individual and team. The shot clocks above the baskets worked as did scoreboards on the upper concourse, though the latter were out briefly and replaced with advertising.

ALL-REGION: LSU's Thomas and Davis, Texas' Aldridge and P.J. Tucker and Duke's Shelden Williams were named to the team.

HE SAID IT: "No class." - LSU's Thomas on the apparent reward during the post-game celebration.

Around the nation

PITTSBURGH: Jamie Dixon is staying as coach, agreeing to a contract extension after Arizona State and Missouri approached him following the Panthers' elimination from the NCAA Tournament last weekend. The deal is believed to increase his salary from $500,000-$600,000 a season to the $800,000-$900,000 range.

IDAHO: Assistant George Pfeifer will take over the program, school officials said.

DIVISION II: David Zellmann scored 26 and Winona State dominated defensively to win the national championship, 73-61 win defending champion Virginia Union in Springfield, Mass. It was the 22nd consecutive win for the Minnesota school. Zellmann hit seven 3-pointers as Winona State (32-4) made 10-of-25 from long range.

[Last modified March 26, 2006, 00:26:15]