MORGANTOWN--Even before the cloud of its narrow loss to No. 5 Connecticut began to dissipate, a silver lining emerged for the West Virginia University basketball team. Always a reliable defender and rebounder, junior forward Wellington Smith channeled his long-suppressed offensive game to post perhaps his best all-around performance of the season against the Huskies.

Despite grappling with 7-foot-3 Connecticut center Hasheem Thabeet for the entirety of his 28 minutes on the floor, the 6-foot-7 Smith mustered 9 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks and 2 assists in his team's 61-55 defeat.

Despite his unusual offensive efficacy against the Huskies, Smith said his mandate from the WVU coaching staff was simple.

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