Time: 7:30 p.m.
Site: XL Center, Hartford
TV: ESPN 2 (Bob Picozzi, Bill Raftery)
Radio: WTIC-AM 1080 (Joe D'Ambrosio, Wayne Norman)
Series history: UConn, 3-0. Last meeting: UConn 98-92 (OT), March 24, 2006, NCAA Tournament at Washington, D.C.
Streaks: Washington W4, UConn, W3
WASHINGTON (9-4)
0 ABDUL GADDY G, 6-3, Sr., 13.3 – Double digits in scoring last five games
5 AZIZ N'DIAYE C, 7-0, Sr., 11.8 – Four double-doubles this season
15 SCOTT SUGGS, G, 6-6, Sr., 13.6 – Averaging 16.2 points in five games since return from injury
23 C.J. WILCOX, G, 6-5, Jr., 19.6 – Scored 20 or more points in 7 of last 8 games
30 DESMOND SIMMONS, G, 6-7, So., 6.3 – Averging 10.6 rebounds last six games
12 ANDREW ANDREWS, G 6-2, Fr., 6.7 – Dangerous penetrator, get to line 4.1 per game
UCONN (9-2)
13 SHABAZZ NAPIER G, 6-1, Jr., 16.8 – Has 41 assists vs. 13 TO's this season
11 RYAN BOATRIGHT, G, 6-0, So., 16.1 – Career high 26 points vs. Fordham
21 OMAR CALHOUN G/F, 6-5, Fr., 10.9 – Has hit 15 of 44 three-point shots
2 DeANDRE DANIELS, F, 6-8, So., 10.1 – Has hit only six of 25 three-point shots
1 ENOSCH WOLF C, 7-1, Jr., 3.5 – Started last three, but only played 8 minutes vs. Fordham
10 TYLER OLANDER, C, 6-9, Jr., 4.3 – Showed improvement, 6 rebounds in 17 mins vs. Fordham
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
Big guards: Washington's Wilcox, Suggs and Gaddy have the size to be tough matchups for UConn guards, who will have to "out-quick" them.
Still on the rebound: One has to figure that Washington, with a 7-0 senior in N'Diaye, will make for yet another tough rebounding challenge for UConn, which has been outrebounded in 10 of 11 games.
Boat show: Since moving to more of a shooting-guard role, Boatright has been hitting from outside and scoring 21 points per game. His game seems to have gone up a notch.
Finding a way: UConn has won a number of different ways, by hitting from the perimeter, getting to the foul line, or forcing turnovers. With their rebounding shortcomings, they've had to be resourceful. What will they find for this game?.
Interesting history: Though UConn and Washington have played only three times, it has been memorable, with the Rip Hamilton shot in 1998 and the OT tournament game in '06. Can bet Washington players have been reminded of those dramatic UConn wins this week.
DOM AMORE I damore@courant.com
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