Well, that was fun.
UConn smashed Detroit tonight 101-55, as it improved to 3-0 with a win in its first Gampel game of the year. 13 different Huskies scored, including six in double-figures. UConn dropped 100 points on a opponent for the first time since the 2009 NCAA tournament, when it demolished Chattanooga in the first round.
Collectively, the Huskies shot 57.4 percent from the field and performed much better on the boards, out-rebounding the Titans by 15. Even more impressively, they knocked in 11-19 three-point attempts and committed only seven fouls through 30 meaningful minutes of basketball.
Niels Giffey continued his stellar start to his senior season (say that five times fast—in German) with 15 points and 6 rebounds. He tied a career-high for points for the second time this season, aided by some spectacular feeds from Shabazz Napier.
In his follow-up to Monday’s triple-double performance, Napier collected 10 points, 8 assists and 8 rebounds. The majority of his other assists found Omar Calhoun, who scored a game-high 17. Ryan Boatright cashed in for 12 points, six rebounds and seven assists, including a huge three-pointer to end the half. DeAndre Daniels and Tyler Olander were the last to join the double-figure club after scoreless first halves, with 11 and 10 points respectively.
The early story was the emergence of Juwan Howard Jr., who scored the first eight Detroit points for the second consecutive game. Calhoun matched him basket for basket with two early three-pointers, but the Huskies still trailed early. After Howard cooled, the Titans maintained their lead when Giffey began to warm.
Then, UConn ripped off a 23-5 run from around the 12-minute mark, propelled by a three three-pointers from its German forward. Freshman center Amida Brimah made his presence felt on the interior with a pair of blocks. He finished with four on the game.
The Huskies led 48-26 at the half, and their 46-point margin at game's end was their biggest lead of the night. Junior guard Pat Lenehan, who is not on scholarship, was the lone Husky not to score in the game. He passed up a three-point opportunity as time expired.
Continuing on in the 2K Sports Classic, the Huskies will next take on Boston University this Sunday at noon from inside Gampel Pavilion. The game can be seen on ESPNU.