UConn men’s basketball are aiming to recapture Big East Tournament glory at Madison Square Garden. First, they need to avoid an upset against Georgetown. The Hoyas finished last in the Big East regular-season standings this year.
However, Cooley’s team became the first 11-seed to reach the tournament semi-finals in over two decades with an upset win over Villanova Thursday. UConn enjoyed a comfortable introduction to post-season basketball, trouncing Xavier 93-68 in its Big East Tournament opener.
Huskies’ Strong Defensive Start
The Huskies lead 13-10 at the under-12 media timeout. UConn are holding Georgetown to just 33% shooting from the field while forcing three early turnovers.
UConn lead 11-8 with 13:30 remaining in the first half.
Ball Battles Foul Trouble
A UConn guard is battling early foul trouble for the second time in as many games. Solo Ball has just picked up his second foul on an and-one finish from Georgetown’s Vincent Iwuchukwu. Dan Hurley will now have to manage the shooting guard’s minutes until halftime.
Mullins’ Shooting Attracts Attention
Mullins’ jump shot has been a source of fascination for professional scouts all season long. His shooting stroke looks particularly pure from Manhattan’s NBA arena early on. Mullins has connected on both of his pull-up attempts so far as UConn leads 7-2 entering the first media timeout.
Tip-Off and Starting Five
The second Big East semi-final is officially underway as Tarris Reed Jr. controlls the opening tip for UConn.
The Huskies will stick with their typical starting five here in the Big East semi-finals: G Solo Ball, G Silas Demary Jr., F Braylon Mullins, F Alex Karaban, C Tarris Reed Jr.
Start Delayed
UConn and Georgetown will now tip-off at around 8:30 p.m. ET, after the first semi-final between Seton Hall and St. John’s ran long.
Seton Hall made a spirited comeback effort, but St. John’s were able to notch a 78-68 win on home soil, securing passage to tomorrow’s Big East Tournament final. This will lead to a delay in the start between UConn and Georgetown.
Celebrity Spotting
Steven Schirripa, known best for playing Joey Bacala across the legendary six-season run of “The Sopranos,” is in attendance for Friday’s semi-final action. The popular actor is a familiar presence across New York-area sporting events.
Stewart Unavailable
Reserve wing Jaylin Stewart will miss his fifth-straight game for the Huskies Friday. Coach Dan Hurley announced earlier in the week that he will not be available for Big East Tourn.