6-foot-3 UConn ahead Aaliyah Edwards has change into a twin machine for the No. 5 Huskies ahead, who visits Seton Corridor on Tuesday for a Large East sport. (AP Photograph/Jeff Dean)
Former UConn All-American and Olympian gold medalist Tina Charles headed to the Storrs over the weekend as she prepares for her thirteenth season within the WNBA and is at the moment taking part in for the Seattle Storm.
Charles, who’s a 6-foot-5 quarterback, ended up taking part in UConn’s 6-3 small ahead, Aaliyah Edwards, in a singles sport. Charles, trailing 2-1, received three straight factors, scoring to take a 3-2 lead on a candy spin, transferring the ball from her proper hand to her left and kissing by the glass from her left and shutting it down. Easy soar shot.
“They began taking part in and it was all humorous and humorous till Aaliyah went 2-1 and later turned a Corridor of Famer and WNBA MVP in opposition to a school child,” UConn coach Geno Auriemma mentioned with a smile.
“Aaliyah discovered quite a bit and bought kicked out of it and I believe she’s trying ahead to it occurring once more. I bought to see the hilarious Tina and get to see Tina, the starter on the Olympic workforce.”
Edwards responded with 17 factors and 11 rebounds in Yukon’s 65-50 win over Georgetown on Sunday on the XL Middle. The fifth-ranked Huskies (15-2, 8-0 Large East) might be subsequent up at Seton Corridor (13-5, 6-2) at 7 p.m. on Tuesday (SNY).
Edwards soared her confidence, averaging 16.5 factors and 9.4 rebounds per sport and taking pictures 62.8%. On December 28 in opposition to Creighton, Edwards grabbed 20 rebounds, making her the primary UConn participant with 20 rebounds in a sport since Maya Moore.
Towards Georgetown, Edwards recorded her seventh double-double of the season after failing to achieve the milestone even as soon as final yr.
“It was nice taking part in in opposition to knowledgeable,” Edwards mentioned of Charles. “It was nice matching her up for me individually after which for us as a workforce.
“She’s very loud and likewise made her low profile presence identified. It helped me work my protection in opposition to an even bigger and longer encounter after which additionally offensively, making an attempt to get buckets on her, which I did.”
Oraima mentioned that Edwards’ profession path really bore a robust resemblance to that of Charles.
Charles took a again seat at UConn to All-Individuals Moore and Renee Mongtomery. As a junior and senior, she then helped lead the Huskies to 39-0 seasons that culminated within the nationwide championships. Charles was UConn’s all-time main rebounder (1,367), the primary total choose within the 2010 WNBA Draft, chosen by the Connecticut Solar.
“On a scale of 1 to 10, Maya Moore has been 10 because the day she walked on campus, proper?” Auriemma mentioned. “Tina was in all probability 5 or 6, perhaps seven on some good days the primary couple of years. And being me, I stored asking her why Maya is a primary workforce All-American and Renee is a primary workforce All-American and also you’re sitting there, clapping among the many public.”
Charles instructed the coach that she could be honored subsequent yr.
“Effectively, the following yr that modified and she or he determined she wished to be a ten after which it was a ten daily for the following two years,” mentioned Orima.
So that you clarify that to Aaliyah and say, ‘Your first two years have been just about (like these of Charles). The problem now’s you need to be like a ten daily. It’s a must to be like a professional daily now the remainder of this yr and all subsequent yr in case you’re You wish to get to what it’s.”
UConn defeated Seton Corridor 98-73 on December 21, incomes Edwards’ 23 factors and 6 gamers total in double figures.
Regardless of this, Okon, who has been tormented by accidents, was dealt one other blow on Sunday when main scorer Zazi Vad collided together with her beforehand injured proper knee and missed the second half.
The Huskies led Georgetown 24-23 at halftime and dedicated 23 turnovers total.
“I really feel like we’re positively joyful to have one other sport as quickly as attainable,” UConn heart guard Nika Muhl mentioned Sunday. “Effectively, personally, I’m livid with the way in which in the present day’s match went regardless of our victory. We’re actually joyful to have one other match as quickly as attainable simply so we are able to make things better as quickly as attainable.”
v.fulkerson@theday.com