Freshman Liam McNeely had a career high 26 points to help Connecticut beat Gonzaga in a top 20 showdown at Madison Square Garden. Also McNeely had eight rebounds and four assists to lead UConn. The Huskies have won four straight games after their three game skid in Hawaii.
UConn head coach Dan Hurley recorded his 300 career victory. Hurley’s journey started 38 wins in his two seasons at Wagner. At Rhode Island he had 113 in six seasons. Currently at UConn 149 and counting.
UConn’s Tarris Reed Jr. scored 12 points and Jaylin Stewart added 10 coming off the bench. Alex Karaban, who
Is the leading scorer couldn’t find an offensive rhythm much of the game, in which he scored eight points; 3-10 from the field and 0-7 from the three-point range. The huskies were able to win despite a first-half injury to center Samson Johnson, who entered concussion protocol after falling to the ground on the defensive end.
Gonzaga was led Khalif Battle had 21 points, while Ryan Nembhard finished with 16 points. Michael Ajayi contributed 14 points (6-6 from the field) and six rebounds in 24 minutes.
