The UConn Huskies entered this season with hopes of securing a third consecutive title. After a promising start with back-to-back wins on the road, they stumbled during the Maui Invitational, losing all of their games. However, head coach Dan Hurley took note of the team’s weaknesses and used those losses as learning experiences. The result? A strong comeback, with UConn bouncing back in yet another win against Gonzaga, led by standout freshman Liam McNeeley.

The Huskies extended their winning streak to four games after defeating Gonzaga 77-71 on Saturday. Following the victory, head coach Dan Hurley spoke with the media, revealing the key factors that have been driving the team’s renewed energy and success.

“Early season struggles have made us like really, really strong and really, really resilient you know, and it really brought the group together, and we’ve been able to fix our defense, which has helped us a lot and the rebounding which caused us problems in those losses, and the group’s got its got its confidence back,” Hurley told NCAA reporter Andy Katz.

After losing three straight games in the Maui Invitational to Memphis, Colorado, and Dayton, UConn has bounced back. The head coach credited the team’s resilience for driving them to improve quickly. Their efforts were clearly seen in the following games. Notably, the Huskies improved their rebounding, an area that had been a weakness during the Maui losses.

During their losing streak at the Maui Invitational, UConn struggled with rebounds, often falling short against their opponents. However, in their win over Gonzaga, the Huskies dominated the boards, securing 35 rebounds. The standout performance came from Liam McNeeley, whose contributions played a crucial role in leading UConn to victory.

Liam McNeeley’s breakout performance leads UConn to victory and Dan Hurley’s 300th Win

In a highly anticipated top-20 battle at Madison Square Garden, the UConn Huskies triumphed over the Gonzaga Bulldogs. The win was especially meaningful for head coach Dan Hurley, as it marked his 300th career victory. The game was tightly contested in the opening quarter, but UConn managed to edge out Gonzaga by two points.

In the second half, UConn extended their lead to six points, securing the win. Freshman Liam McNeeley had a standout performance, leading the Huskies with 26 points, marking a career high. His scoring effort made him the game’s top performer, solidifying his growing impact after 11 games. Dan Hurley had earlier praised the freshman, stating, “Liam McNeeley, you’re one of the best freshmen in the country. Just go out there and let it fly. Play with some swagger and confidence.”

McNeeley is proving to be one of the standout freshmen, starting every game and averaging 10.2 points per contest. With two double-doubles already this season, McNeeley’s impact on UConn’s success is undeniable. His growth throughout the season will be key in their quest for a third consecutive championship. Currently, UConn holds an 8-3 record and will face Xavier on December 19, as they look to build on their momentum.