POOLSIDE: Calhoun’s absence could spur run

Hall of Fame Connecticut coach Jim Calhoun watched Connecticut’s first-round victory over Chattanooga from a hospital bed.

The 66-year-old Calhoun was admitted to the University of Pennsylvania Hospital Thursday afternoon for an undisclosed illness and stayed overnight for observation on the advice of the attending physician and team doctor, Jeff Anderson.

“I have been feeling lousy for the past several days and this morning talked to Dr. Anderson about it,” said Calhoun in a statement released after Thursday’s 103-47 victory over the Mocs. “He suggested that we go over to the hospital to have some testing done. Fortunately, those tests have all gone well and I am feeling much better. I will stay the night as a precaution and anticipate being checked again in the morning and being able to leave the hospital at that time.”

Assuming the Huskies’ guru is able to return to the sideline for Saturday’s game, Calhoun’s illness could be a good omen for the Huskies (28-4). Calhoun has missed all or parts of 21 games during his 23-year career. Most interestingly, he’s missed two NCAA tournament games due to illness and both came during Connecticut’s two title runs. In 1999, he missed the Huskies’ opening-round victory over Texas-San Antonio. In 2004, he missed the team’s second-round victory over DePaul.

The top seed in the West, Connecticut faces Texas A&M on Saturday with Memphis potentially awaiting in Glendale (Ariz.). Given the Tigers’ opening-round limp past Cal State Northridge, Coach Cal and Co. look like anything but a lock for the Sweet 16; they’ll face Maryland in the Round of 32 on Saturday.