Geno Auriemma subbed in Ketia Swanier for Tina Charles and she paid dividends immediately. On the first Huskies possession, she nailed a jumper from the top of teh key to bring UConn within four points, 10-6, with 15:44 to play.

Tina Charles just blocked a shot, making her the all-time freshman leader in school history in that category.

The Phoenix have come out on fire, making their first four shots.

It's about 45 minutes until the Huskies take the court to face Wisconsin - Green Bay. I like the Phoenix. They ahve a swagger to them and a chip on their shoulder, as well. That seems a bit of a contradiction because teams with swager are confident while teams playing with a chip feel they have something to prove. That said, I see how both a possible. You'd have to be a team on the rise. You know, like the Phoenix.

UWGB has the longest winning streak in the nation. None of their wins came against particularly good teams. They have three common oppoents with UConn: Oakland, Marquette and DePaul. The Huskies went 3-0 with two games coming at home. UWGB lost two, to DePaul (home) and Marquette (away) by a combined five points. They beat Oakland by 22. All of those games came in November. Other opponents of any interest are Minnesota, Kansas State and Iowa. They won all but K-State.

The trouble UConn presents for the Phoenix isn't that UWGB is a bad offensive team. They aren't. They are surprisingly good. Coming out of the Horizon League, I would subtract about 10 points per game as a means of adjusting their production as if they were in a major conference with a tougher schedule. They are 50th in RPI, UConn is 3rd.

The Phoeniz are in the Top 10 in eight team cataegories, including tops in free throw percentage and 3rd in turnovers per game.

Anyway, UWGB averages better than 77 points per game. For the sake of adjustment, I put them at 67, seven points and change behind UConn. But as I was saying, the real challenge comes on defense. UWGB allows 60.6 points per game, but allowed over 70 to Kansas State, DePaul, Loyola, Detroit, UW-Milwaukee (twice) and Butler. I think they are in trouble against the Huskies.

It didn't take long -- 1:14 to be exact -- for UMBC to call a timeout. Coahc Phil Stern didn't like what he was seeing, which was a quick 5-0 start by UConn.

Huskies coach Geno Auriemma said Saturday that as Renee Montgomery and Charde Houston go, so goes the Huskies. With 7:08 to play, both are in double figures scoring.

UConn leads 29-17, a score that is surprisingly close.

Wisconsin - Green Bay defeated New Mexico, so the Phoenix advance to the second-round of the NCAA Tournament. They play either UMBC or UConn. I wonder who that will be?

Day 2 and it is also the first opportunity for UConn to play in almost two weeks. I'm interested to see how much of a quick start -- if any at all -- the Huskies start with. Also if they can sustain a run after the layoff. My hunch is they can because UConn practices are filled with running.

The snow is a big theme today. It shouldn't be hard to figure out why. But with the city of Hartford hosting the events of the weekend, you would think a better job would have been done when it comes to snow removal.

When I exited I-91, the off ramp was clear. But after the first light, it was apparent the last time the city plowed the street was sometime last night. My car got stuck at one light, and then when I turned left towards the Civic Center, I spun out. The streets immediately surrounding the HCC were mostly plowed. Hey Hartford, if you expect people to want to be at the tournament, maybe you should make the conditions they have to travel through safer instead if thinking all that matters are Church and Asylum Streets.

Today is media day for the teams playing in Hartford for the NCAA Tournament. For the most part, its Connecticut media with a smattering of others. It's fairly relaxed, but that's teh calm before the storm.

Its been a semi-hectic past few days. There was Selection Monday and then preparing for this morning's special section in the Bulletin. I hope you find the contents informative.

The real business at hand is the tournament, which begins Saturday. But I want to tuch on a different topic.

Geno Auriemma, the long time coach of the Huskies, was named as one of the finalists for National Coach of the Year. That shouldn't be surprising considering the success he's had and, when you look at the factors involved this year, it makes his performance all the more impressive.

It should be noted that no other Big East coach is under consideration. So that makes me wonder: how was he not named Big East Coach of the Year? You can possibly be the national coach of the year, but not in your conference. Riiight.

Well, I've got it figured out. The National Coach of the Year qualifies for the Big East honor....next year.

This means one of two things: either the voters for coach of the year must have missed a bunch of games and just don't know what they are talking about or the coaches in the Big East will vote for the Kool-Aid Man as long as Auriemma doesn't win.

This isn't so much related to UConn as it is to college basketball. In light of the alleged behavior of former LSU coach Pokey Chatman, I think we -- fans, media -- forget that there are college-aged kids involved. That's right, kids. They may be 20, 21 years old, but they are still kids.

Our craving to know what goes on in every moment of their lives sometimes crosses the line. We push and push and push to the point where we go beyond decency and let rumor and speculation rule the day. Now I'm not saying what may or may not have happened at LSU. I simply don't know. But in general, we forget these are kids. And sometimes the ones who put the most pressure on them are the people they don't know.

At LSU, is the story why Chatman resigned or is it WHY she resigned? If she had inappropriate relatons with a player, how important is it that we know the identity of the player or players?

Of course, if I am covering this story and it becomes known who the parties involved are, do I include this in my coverage? Yes, that's my job. But I also think its important that as a member of the public, all of us have a responsibility to respect people's privacy.

The Big East Tournament is over. Honestly, it came and went too quickly. To my peers, they are probably thinking I am nuts. Hard to argue against them.

It all started with the banquet Friday night. To have 12 teams in town, all together to celebrate the season and then play in the tournament is great. I likened it to when I attended the 1996 men's NCAA Tournament in Charlotte. I got to know all the teams a little better. Found reasons to not root for Duke and reasons to cheer on Austin Croshere and the Providence Friars when they played the Blue Devils.

I can't forget Murray State. My friends and I were all but converted into Racers fans.

That's what the past five days were to me. It made me appreciate Kia Vaughn and Krystal Ellis more than I did. It made me wonder what Jessica Dickson might do if she had more talent around her.

With game after game after game, I never wanted the action to stop. I hoped that there would be consolation games added at the last minute and the other teams would suddenly appear rather than have gone home.

Then I get excited.

The NCAA Tournament is just around the corner. And it will be here, in Hartford. And collectively, maybe the teams seeded here won't be as good as the teams of the Big East. But if you love this game, like I do, then wouldn't you want to see a team like Oklahoma or George Washington? Maybe this year's Cinderella of the women's tournament tries on its slippers here. Wouldn't that be exciting?

Maybe there's a Murray State in there. Not for me. But for you.

UConn went 7:38 without scoring. That's the game folks.

55-47 Rutgers

UConn hasn't scored in nearly six minutes. And unless they start doing so in teh final 2:09, they will lose the tournament.

Renee Montgomery has not played like the calm floor leader that she is over the past couple of minutes. Poor decisions on her part have led to UConn turnovers and more importantly, Rutgers baskets. Rutgers is at the line with a chance to extend its lead to five. Right now it is 49-45 with 3:15 to play.

Tina Charles had no points, a rebound an a turnover at the half. She has eight points, several key rebounds and not to mention a blocked shot. She has been the best player on the floor the seond half. Coming out of the locker room with two fouls, she has managed to pick up just one more and play smart ball.

The game, however, is being played at a pace Rutgers likes. With 6:41 to go, UConn holds a one point lead, 45-44.

A travel call on Charde Houston set off Geno Auriemma. The coach needed to be restrained by asistant Chris Dailey.

Rutgers is on a 8-0 run and has taken the lead, 16-14.

How fitting is it that Rutgers' band plays "Back in Black" by ACDC and the Scarlet Knights wear, uh, SCARLET?

The game has been excatly what a championship game should be. Both teams have gone back and forth. What has been the biggets difference has been Rutgers inability to grab defensive rebounds. UConn leads 10-6 with 15:33 to play.

It is cold in here. I mean, I am blowing on my hands cold.

And another thing, why is the game not sold out.

Last night, Rutgers coach C. Vivian Stringer took some exception to the notion her team is the underdog. Not because of who they are playing, but because she thinks her team is good enough to win the Big East Tournament.

Let's look at it this way: Rutgers has beaten UConn a total of four times EVER. Not in the last four years, EVER. And after getting waxed at home by UConn a week and a day ago, how are you not the underdog?

Rutgers is just the kind of team, though, that can beat UConn. They slow down the game and force you to play a half-court game.

They have strong guards, a good center and underrated forwards. If any of the UConn guards are able to have a good game, then expect this to be a blow out. Who should have a big game is Charde Houston.

I have been nothing short of impressed by Houston, especially in the two UConn tournament wins. She doesn't have the shooter's touch of Mel Thomas or the speed of Kalana Greene, but she dominates. Maybe it is done quietly because of the talent around her.

What I do expect is for UConn to attack Rutgers C Kia Vaughn in hopes of getting her into early foul trouble. If they can get her out of the way, the inside will really open up.

I like UConn tonight. My guess is they win by 15. Make it 30 if Thomas, Greene, Renee Montgomery or Ketia Swanier go off.

Its become so amusing during the tournament to watch the various mascots do their thing. Johnathan the Husky just stopped by and shook, er, paws with me and a couple other writers. Apparently, he is bored.

If I am Marquette or Rutgers, I don't want to watch this game. It would convince me that we couldn't beat UConn.

The best player for Louisville?

The male cheerleader who does backflips from baseline to baseline.

If you are at the game, you know who I'm talking about: the guy who gets an ovation every time he takes the court.

The last time these teams played, UConn coach Geno Auriemma said he didn't think his team was 30 points better than the Cardinals, then the second place team. That was after UConn won by 28.

After today, Auriemma was right. His team isn't 30 points better. They may be 40 points better. With 11:46 to play, the Huskies are crushing the Cardinals, 60-28.

The game is out of hand. Uconn has outscored Louisville 10-2 to open the second half and Cards coach Tom Collen is about to remove four of his five starters with 15:49 left.

McCoughtry didn't waste any time, 1:01 to be exact before picking up her third foul.

Renee Montgomery hit a 3 with 3:25 putting the Huskies up 31-17 and forcing Louisville coach Tom Collen to call a timeout.

Renee Montgomery hit a 3 with 3:25 putting the Huskies up 31-17 and forcing Louisville coach Tom Collen to call a timeout.

Kalana Greene is having her first big game in a while. She has 12 points thus far in UConn's 22-13 lead with 6:45 left in the half.

Louisville opened on a 5-0 run, but since then the Huskies have outscored them 14-2. With McCoughtry sitting on the bench with two fouls, the game could escape Louisville's grasp quickly.

Not even 4 minutes into the game and Angel McCoughtry has two fouls. This could haunt the Cardinals. When your best player, who is also the best in the conference is having to play it safe because of foul trouble, you should expect to see Kalana Greene and Charde Houston take advantage of the conservative approach McCoughtry will have to take.

McCoughtry was covering Renee Montgomery, a surprising move, but that goes to show you how talented and versatile McCoughtry is.

UConn has moved up one spot in the Associated Press rankings to No. 2. They are still 32 first-place votes shy of No.1 Duke. North Carolina, who moved to No. 3, is seven points behind the Huskies.

In other matters...
I noticed something last night. Huskies coach Geno Auriemma wore a purple shirt with purple tie. That's what I wore to the Big East Banquet. Coincidence?

Yesterday I wore a gray shirt with a gray tie. Let's see if Mr. Auriemma mimics my fashion sense tonight.

Of course, I don't really think so, but this had been pointed out to me so I figured I should blog about this.

The best part of the tournament?

The writer who leaves the media work room to eat and otherwise watches movies and plays Warcraft. My guess is he is a level five wizard.

The game is over and the Huskies have won, 70-50. Cassie Kerns nearly matched her season-high (5), scoring four.

Everytime USF's Jessica Dickson scores, the Bulls' band chants, "All American."

Right. Because what I'd want is an All American over a national championship. Even a conference championship.

The Huskies put an end to the Bulls' 6-0 run to end the first half. Instead the tables have been turned the tables and outscored the Bulls 11-4 in the second half.

UConn leads 47-28 with 15:07 to play in the half.

The Huskies have decided that there's noting wrong with a little bit of sloppy play. In th eprocess, USF has gone on a 6-0 run and cut the lead to 12, 36-24, with 20 seconds to play.

Charles is been more than the Bulls can handle. I think she may best her 34-point outburst against USF from the previous meeting. She has 12 points with 5 minutes to play in the half.

Far from a sellout at the HCC, but the fans that are here are drowning out the small USF contingent and are making themselves heard.

The game has a similar feel to when the Huskies went down to Tampa a couple weeks ago. It was close and evenly played in the early going. But UConn doesn't look as flat and leads by 9, 19-10.

At the first timeout, the Huskies lead the Bulls by two, 6-4. Tina Charles has four points.

It's Day Two of the Big East Tournament, so let's recap Day One.

No. 5 Louisville did what it was supposed to do and beat No. 12 St. John's. The Cardinals used eight threes and superior bench play to end the Red Storm's season. Louisville outscored St. John's 28-0 off the bench. Louisville plays West Viginia, the tournament's No. 4 seed.

No. 8 USF toopled No. 9 Seton Hall, 79-64, and faces UConn today at 2 p.m. The Bulls never trailed and Jessica Dickson posted 27 points. The win gives USF 20 on teh season, its second-most in school history (21 in 04-05).

No. 10 DePaul upset No. 7 Notre Dame, 76-71. The two teams played in the regular-season finale. At one point, DePaul led by 11, but the Irish battled back, going on a 10-0 and holding the Blue Demons without a field goal for nearly seven minutes. The Blue Demons made all but one of their 23 free throws. Four players scored in double digits. Next up for DePaul is Rutgers.

No. 6 Pitt set a school record for wins (23) by knocking off No. 11 Cincinnati, 76-71. There were 1 ties and 12 lead changes in the game which featured Shavonte Zellous' game-high 28 points. Pitt plays No. 3 Marquette in today's final game.

As the UConn women's basketball team prepares to take the court in a few hours, the trend in women's hoops Saturday doesn't bode well for the Huskies.

Six top seeds were eliminated from their conference tournaments, including the Nos. 1 and 2 teams in the country Duke and Tennessee.

My guess would be if the Huskies can win out in the Big East Tournament, they should be viewed as the No. 2 team in the country and not have to worry about being placed in the West region for the NCAA Tournament. The catch with Tennessee is what's the differnce between them being in Dallas or Dayton. For the Huskies' sake of travel, Dayton is a better choice.

For the sake of better location/weather, I'd like to see the Huskies land in Dallas.

A funny thing happened on the way to the Big East awards banquet. The conference posted all of its award winners on its website about 15 minutes before the banquet began. Way to kill the suspense. Maybe they did that so the writers could digest UConn not getting as many awards as it should have. Or how Seton Hall's Monique Blake had zilch. Or better yet dull the attendees with the video montage they played while everyone ate.

It was nice. There was no music. Were they affraid people would start dancing?

The Big East Tournament is set to begin Saturday. We have four games Saturday and UConn will Sunday afternoon (2 p.m.).

Most of the teams should be getting into Hartford tonightor first thing tomorrow.

To get the latest on the tournament and UConn check out Friday's Bulletin.

I'm watching the UNC-Duke game and I'm actually impressed with Ivory Latta compared to when the Huskies played the Tar Heels. Maybe she had an off game last month.

It's been 30 minutes since Rutgers coach C. Vivian Stringer was supposed to join writers for a teleconference discussing tomorrow's UConn-Rutgers game. For the most part, all I've heard is the Rutgers fight song. I didn't think I was meant to die a slow, painful death, but it appears to be in the cards.

Sorry I was MIA throughout the game. The wireless connection at the HCC kept booting me back to the sign on screen. Here are some observations, albeit late.

* Villanova is BAD. I don't know if the Wildcats' starters could beat Ketia Swanier, Tahira Williams, Kaili McLaren, Meghan Gardler and Cassie Kerns.

* Watching the UConn coaching staff observe the team pose with the conference championship trophy, you can tell they might be as proud of this team as any to take the court for Geno Auriemma.

* During his post game press conference, Auriemma was told that Rutgers defeated Notre Dame. Rutgers locked up the No. 2 seed in the conference tournament and will host UConn Monday to end the regular season. Auriemma could care less about the Scarlet Knights' win.

I thought about discussing my parking situation (right near the entrance to the lot) or how the snow of two days ago might keep people from the game, but the snow has all but melted. So instead I will turn my attention to something far more interesting -- the game. Yes, folks, there is a game at the HCC today and if it is close, all five of the UConn starters became injured.

What I am curious about will actually take a few days. Playing a team like Nova allows you to work/fine tune a few things. But I don't think Villanova prepares you for playing Rutgers at Rutgers. Unfortunately, my gut tells me the Huskies will lose to the Scarlet Knights Monday. Then again, my gut tells me a lot of things, not the least of which is to eat.

One of the great things about this beat is that nearly every day something amusing happens. Today was no diferent.

Geno Auriemma was talking via tele coneference with a couple of out of town writers. While on the line, there was a loud, heavy breathing coming over. With about a dozen local media on the other end, we just looked at each other. Some, like me, had to be immature and laugh.

The real question is whether it was a far away admirer or a horror film stalker like the one I blogged about earlier this year.


How funny would it be to have Jonathan the Husky heavy panting on the other end of the phone line? This would make a great commercial.

When you travel, there's no telling what you will see. On my flight from Tampa to Newark was Tampa Bay All-Pro Ronde Barber. When an older gentleman saw Barber, he began shaking. Another passenger turned to me and asked if that was that Tiki Barber guy who played with Bill Murray in a celebrity pro-am golf tournament. Who knows either Barber brother as a golfer?

Then there is a guy at the gate for my flight to Providence picking his feet. Lunch anyone?

I'm at Tampa International Airport watching the clock tick towards my departure. It's never fun to leave the 70s for the 20s and 30s of home, but I am anxious to get back to Norwich. I haven't felt particularly well for the last day or so. I was running a fever and a headache during the game last night, so some rest will do me well. It was funny because the crowd noise helped my headache last night. LOL.

There are no shortage of words to describe Tina Charles' performance last night. You know, there were a lot of smiles over the game she had. She's dominated games before, but she was easily the best player on the court and that says something when you are playing against a team with Jessica Dickson.

Big East champions....81-67

Tina Charles has made five straight free throws and has 25 points and 14 rebounds with over 10 to play

At 13:12 of the second half, Charde Houston scored her 15th point of the game and 1,000th of her career.

There is a fan behind me that is saying to the UConn players, "You're undefeated in the Big East?" I suppose he forgot why his team has five losses in the conference.

Hunter is coming into the game at the next time out.

Brittany Hunter was checked out by a doctor Monday and the verdict is.... day to day. I don't know if we'll see her tonight.

It's awesome, baby!

This morning when leaving a restaurant in Bradenton, where I am staying with a friend, none other than Dick Vitale was walking in. I was told Vitale is the unofficial mayor of the joint, where they sell merchandise with Vitale's likeness and signature. On the walls, you will find dozens of photos of Vitale with celebs.

Kind of cool.

I wanted to start this blog with, "Ahh...Tampa." But the fact is when I try it with "Ahh Piscataway" next week at Rutgers, it just wouldn't seem right.

Anyhow, Tampa is looking good. The weather is in the mid-to-high 70s and wish I spent some time in the sun. The sad part is leaving tomorrow knowing that it is a lot colder at home.

If nothing else, all the Huskies fans in town should head back filled with the warmth of a conference title. Did I just sound like a greeting card or what?

I'm on my way to Tampa for what should be the game in which the Huskies clinch the conference title.

In the meantime, I am connecting in Clevelan. That wouldn't be a bad thing if I could go to Jacobs Field or the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Instead, my flight here landed on an icy runway and then the battery on my laptop went kaput. Thank God for my Treo. Otherwise this blog wouldn't be possible. Maybe that would be better. I can hunt and peck on this thing like a champ.

Now for some bragging...
It is supposed to be in the mid-to-upper 70s in Tampa tomorrow.

82-68....the Huskies clinch at least a tie for the Big East regular season title.

There's a dog show going on at the Hartford Civic Center at the same time as the game. Near the media working area is a bunch of pooches being groomed for their big moment. I love dogs, but it smells like a pound in the corridor.

This game has gone to the dogs. The Huskies lead by 20, 45-25 at the half.

Way to go, Joe. I say something about the Huskies' run and Pitt goes on a 9-0 run. Blame me.

This game is turning out uglier than the Louisville game. After trailing 4-0, the Huskies have outscored the Panthers, 29-2.

It was a nice pregame ceremony for Shea Ralph. She was presented with a plaque at center court by Geno Auriemma and UConn Athletic Director Jeffrey Hathaway. The standing ovation by the near capacity crowd was great. Years after suiting up for the team, Ralph is still loved by Husky Nation. Her Pittsburgh team met her half way to the bench an dpresented her with a flowers. A nice touch.

Interesting...Brittany Hunter, who coach Geno Auriemma said is not playing, is in uniform. The past three games she had been in street clothes. We wil wait and see.

We are about 30 minutes until game time and the Huskies will honor one of their great players, Shea Ralph. Ralph missed the Huskies of Honor ceremony in December. The reception by the fans at the Civic Center should be great.

I spoke with Ralph yesterday and there is a deep appreciation for the love and support the fans have shown her from Day 1. This is going to be a special moment for her.

We are about 30 minutes until game time and the Huskies will honor one of their great players, Shea Ralph. Ralph missed the Huskies of Honor ceremony in December. The reception by the fans at the Civic Center should be great.

I spoke with Ralph yesterday and there is a deep appreciation for the love and support the fans have shown her from Day 1. This is going to be a special moment for her.

The Huskies are having their way with the Cardinals...73-41 with 7:50 to play.

This has been one of, if not the best, 4:31 the team has played all season. It appears to me that the win Sunday at LSU has given them a boost of confidence that I can't imagine anyone could have expected. To overwhelm a ranked team in such decisive fashion has been impressive.

Here is something we have gotten to see progress as the season went along: instead of coming out of the gate flat, the Huskies are more frequently starting with more energy and intensity. Tonight is no different as they have a 10-0 lead.

Brittany Hunter is on the bench and in street clothes. The Cardinals have a good deal of front court depth so the Huskies need to stay out of foul trouble if they want to minimize Hunter's absence.

Finally back from Red Stick, er, Baton Rouge. I,m quickly becoming less and less a fan of early morning flights. It was nice to again have familiar faces on board. With five other members of print/radio press on both flights was pleasant, although we sat apart.
I was litterally crushed on my connecting flight from Atlanta. Good thing there were no emergencies at the airport today.
The good news is that Tina Charles was named FOW for the fifth time.
Also good was the food in Louisiana. Last night I had Natchitoches meat pies and a fried chicken po' boy. Like I said in a previous post, you have to partake in local cusine.
Anyhow...enough on Baton Rouge. If you want more, e-mail me. Time to focus on Louisville. This is a first for UConn; four straight games against ranked opponents. You have to think after LSU that the worst is over. But the Cardinals are tough even on the road. We'll find out tomorrow night.

Montgomery hits a 3 with 6.7 and than Porsha Phillips hits a shot at the buzzer. The officials are looking to see if her foot was on the line or if it was a 3....It was a two. UCONN WINS, 72-71.

22 seconds left and UConn by 2.

Under 2 minutes and the Huskies ar eup 4 thanks to Renee Montgomery hitting another big 3.

Now it is LSU's turn to go on another run. They are on a 12-4 run to trail 62-61 with 5:50 left.

How stupid is this: S0meone associated with LSU announces during a timeout at 11:34 and says that if LSU scores within 15 seconds on either side of 11:20, the Tigers will win.

Well, they didn't. So I guess UConn wins by result of poor prognostication.

This has become a GREAT game.

The Hueskies went on a 13-0 run. Since then, both teams have traded BIG shots. What has be confused, though, is that LSU refuses to go inside to Sylvia Fowles when Houston and Charles have fould problems. Kaili McLaren enters and LSU attacks inside. Go figure.

How many stupid fouls must UConn committ? The Huskies aught a break when what was Charde Houston's third foul was credited to Tina Charles, her second.

This game is near being broken wide open and the Huskies have shown no signs of life.

Let's not talk about how they came back against UNC and Tennessee. You don't always get to comeback.

For a game between two good teams, both have come out with high energy levels, something UConn usually does not do. This, I think, is a sign of the team's maturation.

Some early observations...The Huskies are hurt by Brittany Hunter not playing. It appears more and more that the team can not depend upon the junior pivot to contribute much down the stretch of the season.

UConn is still allowing too many open looks. Good teams will make them pay and a 7-2 LSU run was a sign of this trait.

The Huskies had gotten a couple quick, sloppy fould from LSU. But the roles seem to have reversed in the lats three minutes or so.

UConn holds a 14-13 lead with 13:34 to play in the half.

One of the things I most enjoy about visiting a new city is experiencing the culture. A great way to ensconce myself with my locale is to try the local foods. So in Baton Rouge, good, southern, cajun/creole cooking was my mission. Boy did I find it!

There's this place not too far from LSU called Jubon's. It is a little pricey, but well worth the money.

The chicken, roasted duck and andouille sausage gumbo was awesome. I followed that with a variety of baked oysters. All of that was followed with Colorado Lamb in a mystery sauce, accompanied by a rather large medallion of cheese grits and a mixture of bacon, okra and tomato.

When my stomach is happy, I'm happy.

Ahh...Atlanta. I'm sitting with Bob Joyce and company, alarms start going off with an announcement that there's an emergency at the airport. I think the Huskies were trying to shoot free throws.

Today is an off day for the ladies, who are preparding for a big matchup against No. 7 LSU in Baton Rouge Sunday afternoon (4 p.m.). And after last night, the Huskies' lead in the Big East moved to at three games on everyone. Notre Dame beat Louisville, who was the only team within two games.

This may be jumping the gun, but to use something we see in baseball, UConn's magic number is two to clinch a tie for the Big East title.

There have been some bad calls tonight, but I don't know if there is one worst than the fould called on Charde Houston with 1:17 to play. She went up and got all ball on Kia Vaughn's attempted jumped. Vaughn came back down with the ball still in her hand. The call: foul on Houston.

Just when you think the Huskies are about to put the Scarlet Knights down, the Huskies go into a spell allowing Rutgers to stick around. Will this haunt them? It hasn't yet, but there is still 11:37 for UConn to blow a 12-point lead.

UConn over Rutgers at the half, 30-23.

The Huskie are really putting their size and strength to use so far against Rutgers. Be it in the post or extending forn rebounds, the Huskies are overpowering their rivals.

Rutgers is shooting 3-of-16 and down 13, but don't get too confident. Rutgers came back from more last year.

Rutgers coach C. Vivian Stringer was so upset with one of her players traveling, she needed to be moved back to her bench by an official. The official grabbed Stringer by the arm and pulled her back.

This is an ugly game. With all caps, really. So it is UGLY.

This is a poor attempt at humor, much like a poor attempt by these teams to play ball.

Brittany Hunter is a no-go, as she is in street clothes and sitting on the bench.

It's a near sellout.

How sad.

Tonight is the first of two games between UConn and Rutgers (the last ends the regular season). I think what is interesting to watch is if many Rutgers fans come to Storrs for the game and what their behavior towards coach Geno Auriemma will be in light of recent comments the coach made about Rutgers fans. While made more in jest than anything, I suspect whatever Rutgers fans here at Gampel will give him the biz.

Let's be frank, Charde Houston has been far from good lately. So far from good that to say she has stunk up the joint may be fitting.

She played four minutes against Cincinnati Tuesday and was then benched for the remainder of the game. The only number on the stat sheet for her besides the 4 for minutes was 1 for turnovers.

Then came Saturday at Marquette. She didn't start for the first time this season. In 15 minutes, Houston posted 4 points, 3 steals, 2 blocks, 2 turnovers, 2 fould, 1 assists and 1 rebound.

Based on what I observed during the team's practice Monday, Houston will be back in the starting lineup against Rutgers Tuesday night.

As for Houston, coach Geno Auriemma had this to say:
"Charde is Charde. Some days she;s good; some days she's bad."

Notre Dame coach Muffet McGraw last week spoke of tomorrow's UConn at Marquette game.
" Connecticut has a huge advantage in the post. Marquette is a msart team, they don't make many miostakes and they play solid defense. They also have a great zone, but I think it will be a game where Connecticut's athletic ability wins out in the end. I don't think Marquette can match up with them."