UCONN-Butler: The First Four

     The possession charting of Monday's championship game proved to yield some insight. The first four minutes of each half gave a few hints and  told us a few things regarding UCONN's 53-41 decision over Butler in Houton.

 UCONN                                           Butler

1. 2 PT FG                                        Missed FGA

2. Missed FGA                                 3 PT FG

3. 2 PT FG                                       Missed FGA

4. Missed FGA                                Missed FGA

5. Missed FGA                                Missed FGA

6. Foul (on a rebound)                 Missed FGA

Score: 4-3 UCONN

Offensive Efficiency:  UCONN 67  Butler  50

Early on we saw an omen of what would transpire as the evening wore on. Butler missed a few close in attempts. Sound familiar ? On the other end both UCONN field goals were in the paint. Another area the Huskies would establish to a big advantage.

 Half score: 22-19 Butler

 UCONN                                          Butler

1. Two FTs                                      3 PT FG

2. 2 PT FG                                       Missed FGA

3. 3 PT FG                                       Missed FGA

4. TO                                                Missed FGA

5. Missed FGA                               TO

6. One of two FTs                          Missed FGA

Score: 27-25 UCONN

First four score: 8-3 UCONN

Offensive Efficiency: UCONN 133  Butler  50

When Shawn Vanzant buried a three pointer on the first possession, the Bulldog faithful were hopeful the shooting woes of the first twenty minutes were gone and Brad Stevens' club was finding their touch. Wasn't to be. The initial three possessions saw UCONN score seven points and Jim Calhoun and co, were suddenly the aggressors. From 6 down to ahead by two in just over three and a half minutes, UCONN set the tone. There were 16 minutes to play but the message was sent. The final numbers:

Possessions:  57

Offensive Efficiency: UCONN  93   Butler  72