Alex Karaban had 20 factors, 7 assists, 7 blocks and 6 rebounds as No. 3 UConn opened its season with a 92-56 win over Sacred Coronary heart on Wednesday evening.
Liam McNeeley added 18 factors and 10 rebounds for the Huskies, who’re searching for their third consecutive NCAA championship. Solo Ball scored 16.
Tarris Reed Jr. completed with 15 factors and 11 rebounds off the bench as Connecticut outrebounded Sacred Coronary heart 47-25.
Huskies coach Dan Hurley raved about Karaban’s efficiency after the sport.
“That is what nice gamers, high-level gamers, guys which can be prepared for the season to begin [do],” he stated. “Alex performed like an All-American. He performed like a Huge East participant of the yr sort. … He saved us organized. In video games like this, that is what you are presupposed to do.”
Amiri Stewart had 13 factors and Bryce Johnson scored 10 for the Pioneers (0-2).
Tanner Thomas, who scored 22 factors in Sacred Coronary heart’s season-opening loss to Temple, had solely six in opposition to UConn (1-0).
Earlier than the sport, the Huskies unveiled their 2023-24 nationwide championship banner. UConn had 4 starters chosen within the NBA draft final summer time. Stephon Citadel, Donovan Clingan, Tristen Newton and Cam Spencer all had video messages for the followers at Gampel Pavilion.
Hurley alluded to final season’s title crew and the way followers ought to exhibit some persistence early with this season’s model earlier than making the inevitable comparisons.
“We’ll get drastically higher all year long,” Hurley stated. “I believe while you have a look at the crew and persons are imagining what the crew appeared like final yr, like you may’t evaluate what we appeared like final yr. The final time you noticed us play and then you definitely see us tonight and also you say, ‘Wait, they do not look nearly as good because the final time I noticed them in Phoenix.’ Effectively, it took us some time to get that good.”
The Related Press contributed to this report.
