MVP

EMEKA OKAFOR

Connecticut, Jr., Center

FIRST ROUND VS. VERMONT

15 points, 14 rebounds

Taylor Coppenrath scored five points against freshman Josh Boone and Vermont led, 7-0, before Connecticut switched Okafor over to defend the high-scoring forward. Okafor dominated the game and the Huskies won going away.

SECOND ROUND VS. DEPAUL

10 points, 12 rebounds

Okafor made his presence felt early with a couple of inside baskets and intimidating defense around the basket. His strong play helped Connecticut open up a sizable first-half lead and cruise to a lopsided victory.

ROUND OF 16, VS. VANDERBILT

12 points, 11 rebounds

After Vanderbilt made a 16-3 run to cut Connecticut’s lead to 52-45 early in the second half, Okafor stepped up. He led the Huskies with his defense and helped limit the Commodores to 35.1% shooting for the game.

ROUND OF EIGHT, VS. ALABAMA

2 points, 9 rebounds

Okafor played only 19 minutes before leaving the game with an arm injury after a hard foul by Alabama’s Jermareo Davidson with 9:19 left in the first half. Okafor left briefly, returned to finish the half and started the second half. But he sat down for good with 16:32 to play and UConn leading, 59-36.

FINAL FOUR, SEMIFINAL VS. DUKE

18 points, 7 rebounds

After spending most of the first half on the bench because of foul trouble, Okafor proved to be the difference for the Huskies. He scored five points, grabbed three rebounds and helped shut down Duke’s offense during the last four minutes.

CHAMPIONSHIP VS. GEORGIA TECH

24 points, 15 rebounds

Okafor stayed out of foul trouble and led the Huskies on both ends of the court. He completely outplayed Georgia Tech’s Luke Schenscher and had a double-double minutes into the second half.

-- Lonnie White