Huskies hard pressed to forget the past versus Pitt

It's still fresh on the minds of the Huskies. They haven't forgotten.

For a game that was played what seems like ages ago, like ancient history during a season that always forces teams to look ahead rather than behind, one night still resonates with the Huskies.

Blowing a 17-point second half lead at home to an arch rival will do that. The Jan. 22 loss at Gampel Pavilion to Pittsburgh stung the Huskies - and it still stings.

"It's been on my mind since we lost," Charlie Villanueva said. "We had a big lead and we just let up."

Pittsburgh's comeback was due, in large part, to one Panther who the Huskies couldn't stop.

"Two words: Chevy Troutman," Denham Brown said.

Troutman was a load inside that night. He scored 25 of his 29 points in the second half. It was Troutman who led Pittsburgh back from the depths of what looked to be a sure defeat. It was Troutman who left the sour taste that's last in the Huskies' mouths for a month now.

And it's Troutman the Huskies will need to focus on again. He's good for 15 points and seven rebounds every game and he's been on the Huskies' mind as they calculate how to best stop Troutman.

Easier said than done.

"He plays the game unlike most basketball players," UConn coach Jim Calhoun said. "I think he's smart as heck. I think he's crafty. I think he can play in the NBA because he's just such a unique player. He's one of the most unique players that's ever come through this league in my 19 years."

Troutman doesn't have a lot of moves in the post, but he uses his body and physicality so well. His determination is something that also strikes the Huskies. The Huskies want the ball as far away from Troutman as possible.

"He's so strong and so determined to get the ball," Brown said. "Every game I've seen them down, Troutman has come back, helped them win the game. I don't think it's only because of his strength, I think he's just determined to win."

The Huskies were a much different team a month ago and weren't nearly as cohesive - or as good - as they've shown over the past few weeks. The better team won that January night. Now the Huskies enter Saturday's rematch confident they're the better team.

"We're flowing," Brown said. "Everyone's reading plays better and just going out there and just going out there playing basketball. Guys have a lot of confidence and that enables us to run anything against anyone."

And the Huskies (18-6, 10-3 Big East) are coming in hot. The No. 17 team in the nation has won six straight conference games and is 7-2 since they lost to Pittsburgh.

"Right now we're a much better team than before," Villanueva said. "We're on a roll right now."

It's a different story for No. 18 Pittsburgh (18-6, 8-5), who is coming off two straight losses, including a disappointing home defeat at the hands of West Virginia Wednesday.

"They're desperate for a win, I know that," Villanueva said.

But throw out the records and trends come Saturday.

"When Connecticut comes to town it's a different story," Brown said. "Everyone comes to play. We're going to prepare for their best, not their worst like we've seen."

The Huskies also have a feeling of rejuvenation after Boston College lost their second conference game to Villanova Wednesday, which leaves UConn just one game behind BC in the Big East standings.

That means there's still a possibility the Huskies could win the Big East regular season championship and earn a No. 1 seed in the Big East Tournament. But that would require a total collapse on the part of BC.

It's a long shot and the Huskies have three tough games remaining, but it's an opportunity the Huskies have taken notice of.

"We just have to take care of these games coming up," Villanueva said. "If we do our job, there's a good chance we may be regular season champs."

Pregame Primer

Can the Huskies win at the Petersen Events Center? Since the building opened, the Huskies have had trouble at the Panthers' new home. It's an intimidating arena and has quickly become one of the toughest places to play in the Big East. Will the Huskies be able to take out the crowd like they did against Rutgers?

Can Marcus Williams continue his impressive play, even as he faces Carl Krauser? Williams has taken his game to a higher level in recent weeks, but he'll go head-to-head with Krauser who is arguably the Big East's top point guard. Will he win the rematch?

Featured Matchup

Charlie Villanueva vs. Chevon Troutman

Villanueva should get the assignment of Troutman. Troutman isn't the strongest player Villanueva has faced all year, but he is extremely adept at using his body for positioning. Not only do the Huskies need a big offensive game out of Villanueva, but they'll really need his defense.