UConn Men Vs. Rutgers: Checking In From XL

HARTFORD – Checking in from the XL Center, UConn-Rutgers is about 30 minutes away.

Shabazz Napier dribbled by the broadcaster’s table a few minutes ago and Joe D. called out, “how to you feel?”

Napier: “Better.”

He took part in all the pregame activity and seems to be moving Okay, so it looks like Napier will start and play against the Scarlet Knights today.

If so, same lineup for UConn: Tyler Olander, DeAndre Daniels, Omar Calhoun, Ryan Boatright and Napier.

UConn and Rutgers have been playing basketball since Dec. 30, 1952. UConn leads the series, 34-14, but one notable loss to Rutgers was in the 1976 NCAA Tournament, ending one of the best UConn seasons of that era. And the great Dee Rowe, coach of that UConn team, is, as always, in the building today.

Coaches are will be wearing sneakers with suits today, to call attention to the Coaches vs. Cancer program. You can donate $5 by texting the word “Coach” to 20222.

As always, I’ll be tweeting from the game. @AmoreCourant is the handle.