HOROSCOPES
Aries (March 21-April
19): Your sense of self has evolved, and you’re taking a more calculated approach than before. It seems as if the universe is throwing things at you. No taking this as a sign that you should quit trying, though — strengthen your resolve, and tackle it again tomorrow.
Taurus (April 20-May 20):
Emotions are unexpectedly surfacing, both good and bad. Take note of what brought up these feelings, and acknowledge if they’re arising because you repressed them before. Instead of backlogging more and more emotions, get them out into a journal or through creativity.
Gemini (May21-June 20):
Even if you want to share parts of yourself with people, you shouldn’t give them everything you are. Even friends and partners should not lose themselves completely in another. If someone is pressuring you to give over your power, be firm with your boundaries.
Cancer(June 21-July 22):
People who have seen you in a moment of weakness may be trying to use it against you now. Have pity on them, but don’t retaliate, because revenge won’t have any positive effect on your own life. Know that people create false stories when they have insecurities themselves.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22):
If you’re someone who enjoys gossiping, you’d be wise to avoid it now to prevent yourself from ending up in an uncomfortable situation. You may receive a false story by accident that has an embarrassing effect. Leave yourself out of stories that you’re not a part of.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22):
A promise is a promise — don’t let what you feel like doing right now get in the way of prior commitments. You will regret letting someone down if you leave them in the dust. There are people willing to help you, and they can pick up some slack, but you still need to show up and do your part.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22):
Your family members may clash with your close friends or romantic partner today, and they will both look to see where you stand. The people we love don’t always get along. Try to remain neutral unless someone is clearly in the wrong. Let them know you still care about them both.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21):
What you’re saying and what you’re doing should not be two different things. Your words and your actions may have been out of alignment lately, causing confusion and frustration. You may even be doing this to impress someone you care about. Take off the mask, and let your authentic self breathe again.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):
An overabundance of security will keep you from taking risks. You may be focused on the appealing material effects of working long and hard hours, but what is this worth if you’re exhausted all the time and unable to enjoy the fruits of your labor? There’s so much more to life.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19):
Revelations about yourself may lead to a sudden change of heart. This revelation could come from a comment from a friend or sibling that opens your eyes to something you were unaware of. Knowing yourself is the fastest way to become the best version of yourself.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18):
Your mind is on making plans for the future, but reality is throwing some curveballs at you in the form of worry. You’re also more likely to communicate your deeper thoughts to others now. Don’t create unnecessary tension by questioning people’s motives.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20):
You may feel knocked off balance today by unexpected requests or explosive actions from your social circle, your co-workers or another group that you belong to. If someone goes too far with their words or actions, it’s better to let it go in the moment and return to it later with a calmer attitude.
Two Connecticut men’s basketball teams are Indiana-bound for the NCAA Tournament — UConn and Hartford.
UConn, which fell to Creighton in the Big East Tournament semifinals, are a No. 7 seed in the East Region and will play No. 10 seed Maryland in the first round. No. 16 seed Hartford, which punched its ticket to March Madness with a win over UMass Lowell in the America East championship game on Saturday, drew No. 1 Baylor in the South Region.
Here’s a look at each matchup and the key questions each team needs to answer heading into Indianapolis.
UHart to face top-seeded
in to this point, the battle continues every day. It’s just gratifying. I love this type of work, I love taking over a program that’s struggling and I love that process, that journey.”
The Huskies were better, though still below .500, in his first season. They were 19-12 when his second season was halted due to the COVID19 pandemic. In Year 3, UConn moved up in competition and returned to the Big East going 15-7, 11-7 in the league, before exiting the conference tournament in the semifinal.
UConn did enough to get back to the Big Dance but still has to prove it can dance with the best. The Huskies did not beat a ranked team this season, losing three times to Creighton and once to Villanova, although the USC team they beat on Dec. 3 is now ranked 24th.
It was, after all, a Lamborghini Hurley set out to repair. More complicated, harder to find the right parts, but it should be a smooth ride when tuned up. Sunday’s NCAA selection proved the engine is is on the move, with Hurley at the wheel and Bouknight, the program-changing
recruit, riding shotgun.
“This place was in shambles when [Bouknight] got here,” Hurley said.
“When he recruited me, Coach Hurley told me what it would be when I got here,” Bouknight said. “He told me it wouldn’t be easy. He told me it would be hard, but we could make it happen, and I trusted him and I trusted in his staff and .... and .... I’m so exited, I can’t even explain to you this feeling. This is something you really dream of. UConn is built for March. This is where we belong.”
Bouknight, who missed eight midseason games with an elbow injury, had cramping issues during the Big East Tournament and went 4-for-14 with four turnovers in the semifinal loss to Creighton.
“I probably played my worst game in a UConn uniform when the lights came on,” he said. “I know I let a lot of people down that night, and I’m ready to go out there and perform and play like everyone knows I can play.”
Hurley has told his star he doesn’t need to “put on his cape,” but UConn’s past champions, the Rip Hamiltons, Emeka Okafors, Kemba Walkers and Shabazz Napiers, always had one in their duffel bags.
“Great players in UConn’s history
that have had these great performances in big spots, they don’t force it,” Hurley said. “It happens organically”.
The road ahead will be hard but not impossible. If UConn can beat Maryland, which finished ninth in the Big Ten, the Huskies would likely face No. 2 Alabama, which plays Rick Pitino’s Iona in the first round. Big brandname opponents Texas, LSU and Michigan could loom later in the East Region. UConn was once a bigger brand than any of them. That’s the destination. But for now, the program can enjoy the scenery and take in how far they have come.
“The team’s excited, that was one of our goals at the start of the season,” Hurley said. “To compete at the top of the Big East Conference, and then get to the NCAA Tournament. We’ve been able to do both things this year, and it was a great celebration. It was very gratifying, to think of where we were a couple of years ago. College basketball is even more exciting when UConn is relevant and really good and playing in March. ... It’s a beautiful moment to be back in it after five years.”