Rapid Recap: Huskies roll past UMES
Click HERE to view UConn’s postgame press conference.
The No. 2 (for now) UConn Huskies took care of business at the XL Center Saturday, cruising past the UMES Hawks, 99-45.
The last week has been a struggle for the reigning two-time champs after dropping three straight at the Maui Invitational. On Saturday night they were also without leading scorer Alex Karaban, who suffered a head injury and was in the hospital before the team’s flight back from the tournament.
With Karaban down, Samson Johnson’s presence was felt with the opening tipoff as the high-flying center quickly made an impact on both sides of the court. Johnson didn’t play much in the Maui Invitational due to early foul trouble, but on Saturday night he was an integral part of the Huskies' early offense.
Johnson had four points in the first half, but his ability to clean up the glass, set screens, get steals and help defensively on pick-and-roll situations allowed UConn to get fastbreak opportunities and rush to an 18-4 lead with the starting unit.
The Huskies’ reserves then continued to stretch the lead after the first media timeout, going on a 12-0 run to push the score to 30-8.
One of the main issues for UConn during the Maui Invitational was their inability to stay out of foul trouble. Within the first 10 minutes of both the Memphis and Colorado games, the Huskies had three players who committed multiple fouls, against Memphis they had three starters in early foul trouble.
On this night, the Huskies had one starter record multiple fouls (Solo Ball) in the first half. UConn went into the break up 40-18.
Coming out of halftime, the Huskies kept pushing. UConn opened the final 20 minutes with a 15-2 run fueled by four and-one opportunities. Jaylin Stewart scored seven points in that span.
The lead grew to as large as 55 as six players finished in double figures. The one-sided affair should be a good morale booster for the Huskies as they prepare for Baylor on Wednesday.
Box Score and Team Stats
