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November 21, 2008
Kalana Will Remember This One
What a difference a year makes for Kalana Greene, doesn’t it? She literally could not remember the particulars from the game at San Diego State last Dec. 21 despite watching it on TV. It was a game that saw the Huskies commit 28 turnovers – the second most in team history according to the media guide. But that wasn’t the reason the game escaped her memory banks. It’s because she was so doped up on prescribed pain medication. That was the day she had surgery to repair tears to the anterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments in her right knee.
The only thing she recalls is talking to Geno Auriemma afterwards.
``I had surgery like 6 a.m. that morning and the game was late, like 9 p.m. our time,’’ she said. ``I remember being home, and I remember watching the game, but I don’t remember what went on. I remember Coach talking to me after the game saying, `It was terrible. We had 28 turnovers.’ So I don’t remember the game, but I know it feels a lot better this year to be able to play.’’
Fast-forwarding to Thursday night Kalana’s comeback parade took another turn for the better. She scored 13 points on 6-of-7 shooting and had three assists in 20 minutes. It was another fine performance by a player – and fellow Steelers fan – who has seemingly turned the corner. And spending time on the bench last season seems to have paid huge dividends for her as well.
``Watching from the sideline it’s different from playing,’’ she said. ``You get to see what the coaches see from a different aspect. And I’m definitely reaping the benefits. I think I’m a lot calmer under pressure. I kind of know what I’m going to do next. I’m more confident on the floor and it’s like I kind of get some swagger from the coaching side of it, just watching so many games and seeing what I should do next.’’
The entire team had its swagger back last night. San Diego State, who was far inferior to the Huskies and to Georgia Tech for that matter, simply got run over.
UConn shot 64.1 percent from the field and led by 29 at halftime and by 43 three minutes into the second half. This was a performance worthy of a No. 1 ranked team. There was no frustration offensively. There was no stopping in the halfcourt set. The Huskies had their foot on the gas the entire game, and it was impressive to watch.
What was also impressive was that they received 18 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in a combined 58 minutes from their top three reserves – fearless freshman Tiffany Hayes (11 points, six rebounds), Kaili McLaren (six, two) and Lorin Dixon (three assists, two rebounds). Tiffany actually played 24 minutes, which was more than starters Renee Montgomery (21), Kalana and Tina Charles (16).
People have deservedly been talking a lot about Caroline Doty so far because she has earned a starting role. But Tiffany is going to be special. The way that she stepped up and drained that 3-pointer with 11:53 left in the first half was awesome. She had been in the game only 1:52 at that point. It’s not like she cares. She was open and she let it go from NBA range. Talk about confidence.
By the way, I don’t know how many other people were shut out by CPTV early on last night. But a couple of my friends in my hometown up in the Northwest Hills told me today that they did not see the first half last night because CPTV aired a show involving Carol Burnett instead. Maybe if they call and complain CPTV will throw them a UConn mug or something. I’m just saying.
Rich
Posted by Elliott on November 21, 2008 1:46 PM
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