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Rapid Recap: UConn controls Villanova in Gampel

Rapid Recap: UConn controls Villanova in Gampel

The Huskies dominated defensively as Spencer led the way and Tristen Newton notched a triple-double.

Aman Kidwai
February 25, 2024

Photo: Ian Bethune

UConn men’s basketball got back to its winning ways with a 78-54 triumph over Villanova at Gampel Pavilion on the night when the program retired Rip Hamilton’s No. 32 jersey.

After an evenly matched start, UConn (25-3, 15-2) pulled away in the middle of the first half as Cam Spencer scored nine points in the final eight minutes and the Huskies took a 10-point lead into the halftime break. The graduate guard finished with 25 points to lead all scorers.

Tristen Newton was creating offensively for the Huskies across the first half and finished with a triple-double, the fourth of his UConn career. He helped make sure the Huskies dominated the glass and they also held Villanova to its worst eFG% of the season.

The Huskies maintained control in the second half, building the lead up to 18 thanks to Spencer’s continued success and a boost from Hassan Diarra. Donovan Clingan didn’t get his first foul until the second half and made an impact on both ends as he finished with 13 points and six boards.

Next up, the Huskies have a week off before their final home game on Sunday, March 3 against Seton Hall. Tip-off will be at noon from Gampel Pavilion and the game will be televised on CBS.

The Pirates took down the Huskies on Dec. 20 in a game where Donovan Clingan left with an injury early in the second half.

Notes & Quotes: UConn disappoints at Seton Hall

The Huskies were out of sorts as they dropped their Big East opener.

uconnfastbreak.beehiiv.com/p/notes-quotes-uconn-disappoints-seton-hall

Shaheen Holloway’s squad holds an 18-9 record and is ranked 56th in KenPom (83rd Offense, 42nd Defense), which projects a 76-63 UConn win. Seton Hall will play Creighton on the road on Wednesday before traveling to Storrs for Sunday’s matchup.

The Huskies close the season with two road games: at Marquette and Providence.