Big Statement for Huskies’ Big Three
The Story: The men’s basketball team got revenge for its loss at Seton Hall earlier this season with a 70-65 victory over the Pirates last night in front of a raucous crowd at Gampel Pavilion.
DOUBLE DOUBLE-DOUBLES: Adama Sanogo had 20 points and 16 rebounds and Tyrese Martin had 16 points and 10 rebounds for the Huskies (18-7, 9-5 Big East), who lost 90-87 in overtime in Newark on Jan. 8.
• It was a big game R.J. Cole as well as he contributed 16 points. Together, the trio shot a combined 21-for-42, or 50 percent.
• UConn played solid defense early to make up for a sluggish offense, but its seven-point lead was nearly wiped out and later overcome when Seton Hall (15-9, 6-8 Big East) knocked down a pair of 3s.
• The Huskies led 28-27 at halftime and never trailed. Their lead hit a peak of 10 points midway through the second half. They also had 15 assists on 27 baskets, had only nine turnovers, shot 45 percent and outscored the Pirates 40-24 in the paint.
• That’s two wins for UConn in the fauxbacks. Is this going to be a thing? Please let it be a thing. They’re beautiful.
WHAT DID HURLEY SAY? Gonna have to get back to us on that one. The Daily had an early bedtime last night.
UP NEXT: The Huskies get their second crack at Xavier on Saturday when they host the Musketeers, who won a week ago, at Gampel Pavilion.
Bueckers Returns to Practice
The Story: We are all one step closer to breathing a sigh of relief as Paige Bueckers participated in team drills yesterday for the first time since she broke her left leg and tore a ligament in her left knee in December.
WHAT HAPPENED? Bueckers, wearing a bulky gray brace on her left knee, joined her teammates in a formal practice yesterday afternoon. Geno Auriemma said he’s under the impression she will not be wearing that in games, though.
• Bueckers had previously been limited to individual work such as shooting and, well, let’s face it, screwing around. We’ve all seen her antics before games as she itches to get back on the court. This is her next step toward that goal.
• There’s still no timetable for Bueckers’ return, though it’s unlikely she plays tomorrow against Xavier. Shortly after she was injured, it was suggested that she faced a two-month recovery before she could play again — a timeline that would be, well, now. But that’s OK. You can’t rush greatness.
WHAT DID GENO SAY? “Today was the first day that she was able to get out on the court where there was some semblance of defense and that she could run up and down on the floor a couple times at two trips at a time for a few minutes.”
Morning Reads
• As the debate surrounding renovations to the XL Center continues, it’s worth examining whether it’s financially responsible for a cash-strapped athletic department to continue to pay rent to host games in Hartford. (The Day)
• Justin Willis, who survived the collapse of the Champlain Towers condominium building in Florida in June, will take over as the baseball team’s closer this season. (Hartford Courant)
• The women’s lacrosse team beat Fairfield 12-10 in is season opener after Grace Coon scored three of the Huskies’ four fourth-quarter goals. (UConnHuskies.com)
• The Sun will retire UConn great Asjha Jones‘ No. 15 during their home opener against the Sparks on May 14. (Journal Inquirer)
