We knew from Saturday's win over New London that the Academics would be better defensively. Tuesday's win over Wilbur Cross only emphasized that fact.
Once the Academics put on the full-court pressure - midway through the third quarter - it began to wear down the Governors a little. And the Acs made their free throws down the stretch to - 10 straight once Cross committed its seventh team foul - to seal the 47-40 win. Guard Andre Anderson had eight of those free throws.
That defense and good free-throw shooting overshadowed what was another lackluster offensive performance by both teams - which seems to be the norm in this Elm City rivalry. Both teams combined to shoot 3-of-22 from the floor.
With the three-guard rotation of Anderson, Rich Bronson and Bobby Bynum, the Academics have options who can shoot it and break you down in isolation.
For Cross, it looks to be just Kyle Holmes right now - 20 points against Hillhouse. He will need help in the big games if the Govs want to be as good - if not better - than last season.
The rematch is Feb. 1.