Tarris Reed’s potential impact for UConn in the NCAA Tournament is under discussion, as is Braden Smith’s pursuit of an assist record. The performances of players such as Zuby Ejiofor are also attracting attention.
Tarris Reed’s Impact on UConn
When Tarris Reed is performing well, he is one of UConn’s most impactful players. He has reached 15 points in six of his past 10 games. This includes 20 points and 17 points in two games against St. John’s.
Braden Smith Chasing Assist Record
Braden Smith needs two assists to pass Bobby Hurley as the NCAA’s all-time assist leader. While Smith is likely to get the assists, there are doubts about him getting 11. Smith averages nine assists per game.
He had 16 assists in Purdue’s first Big Ten Tournament victory over Northwestern and 11 in the championship game against Michigan. However, those are the only two instances in the past 10 games in which he eclipsed 10.5 assists.
Smith has stayed Under 10.5 assists in 25 of 35 games this season. He has gone under 10.5 assists in eight of 10 career NCAA Tournament games, which includes games against Farleigh Dickinson, Grambling, Utah State, High Point, and McNeese State.
Zuby Ejiofor’s Impressive Form
Zuby Ejiofor has been leading the way, averaging 16.3 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. That earned him First-Team All-Big East honours, Big East Player of the Year, and Big East Defensive Player of the Year. Ejiofor has scored 18 points in each of his past five games.
He has scored 20 points in four, averaging 20.6 points per game during the stretch. St. John’s is facing a Northern Iowa team that ranks third nationally in 3-point shooting allowed, but 98th in 2-point shooting allowed. St. John’s is not a prolific 3-point shooting team to begin with, so head coach Rick Pitino’s game plan may be to pound the ball inside.
The NCAA Tournament features several notable performances. Tyler Tanner, Terence Hill Jr., and Morez Johnson have been among those leading the way.