UConn anticipates McNeeley back Fri

MILWAUKEE– UConn freshman Liam McNeeley is close to returning from the high ankle sprain that has actually kept him from playing for the last month.Huskies coach Dan Hurley stated Saturday he anticipates McNeeley to be available Friday when the 25th-ranked Huskies host No. 15 St. John’s.”Liam will be at full strength as long as there

are no obstacles,” Hurley said after UConn’s 77-69 triumph at No. 9 Marquette.McNeeley ranks third on the group in scoring average(13.6)and 2nd in rebounding average(

5.8). He last used Jan. 1. Editor’s Picks UConn(16-6, 8-3 Big East)has gone 5-3 without the 6-foot-7 forward. The two-time defending nationwide champs produced one of their biggest wins

of the season Saturday, with Solo Ball providing 25 points and 10 rebounds as UConn shot 59.5 %general and 12-of-19 on 3-pointers to balance out a season-high 25 turnovers.McNeeley isn’t the only Huskies player dealing with an injury.Reserve guard Ahmad Nowell has his own ankle issue that has actually kept him out for 2 games. Hassan Diarra had five points and 7 helps in almost 25 minutes Saturday while playing through a leg concern.”We can’t afford to have him hobbling around

like that,”Hurley said.The Huskies are hoping the break in their schedule before Friday’s game with St. John’s will provide a possibility to get closer to complete strength.”I believe we’re going to enter into the next game looking a lot healthier,”Hurley stated.