UConn unveils title banner, then opens with thrashing

STORRS, Conn.– Alex Karaban had 20 points, 7 helps, 7 blocks and 6 rebounds as No. 3 UConn opened its season with a 92-56 win over Sacred Heart on Wednesday night.Liam McNeeley added 18 points and 10 rebounds for the Huskies, who are seeking their 3rd successive NCAA championship. Solo Ball scored 16. Tarris Reed Jr. completed with 15 points and 11 rebounds off the bench as Connecticut outrebounded Sacred Heart 47-25. Huskies coach Dan Hurley raved about Karaban’s performance after the game.”That’s what excellent players, high-level players, guys that are ready

for the season to begin [do], “he stated.” Alex played like an All-American. He played like a Big East player of the year type. … He kept us organized. In games like this, that’s what you’re expected to do. “Editor’s Picks 2 Associated Amiri Stewart had 13 points and Bryce Johnson scored 10 for the

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. Tanner Thomas, who scored 22 points in Spiritual Heart’s season-opening loss to Temple, had only six versus UConn (1-0). Before the game, the Huskies unveiled their 2023-24 championship game banner. UConn had actually 4 beginners chosen in the NBA

draft last summer. Stephon Castle, Donovan Clingan, Tristen Newton and Cam Spencer all had video messages for the fans at Gampel Pavilion.Hurley mentioned last season’s title team and how fans need to exhibit some patience early with this season’s version before making the inescapable contrasts.”

We’re going to get considerably better throughout the year,”Hurley said.” I think when you look at the team and people are envisioning what the team appeared like in 2015

, like you can’t compare what we appeared like last year. The last time you saw us play and then you see us this evening and you say,’Wait, they don’t look as good as the last time I saw them in Phoenix.’Well, it took us a while to get that good.” The Associated Press contributed to this report.