As UConn extended their winning streak and Dan Hurley celebrated his 300th career win, things couldn’t have looked better for the Huskies. Even with junior star Alex Karaban not in full form, UConn’s standout freshman didn’t just fill in his shoes; Liam McNeeley stepped up and etched his name in the record books.

The forward’s 26-point masterpiece against No. 8 Gonzaga was one for the books. He became only the fourth UConn player since 1996 to score 25+ points without a turnover against a ranked opponent, and the first since Shabazz Napier in 2012. On one of basketball’s biggest stages, Madison Square Garden, McNeeley delivered his best performance so far.

Liam Mcneely’s record-breaking night was the backbone of UConn’s hard-fought 77-71 win on Saturday. While he lit up the scoreboard, Alex Karaban, the team’s lone returning starter, struggled with just eight points. Tarris Reed Jr. added 12, and Jaylin Stewart chipped in 10, but McNeeley was the heart of the team’s offense.

Huskies jumped out to a 13-2 lead but saw Gonzaga fight back to tie the game at 55 in the second half. They then responded with a crucial 10-0 run, ultimately holding off Gonzaga’s late rally. The freshman’s poise and clutch play helped secure the win. And it wasn’t one-day luck. 

From day one, the 6’7 forward has delivered for the Huskies. In his debut, he dropped 18 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, setting the tone for what’s already shaping up to be an amazing season. Averaging 12.4 points and 5.9 rebounds on 41.3% shooting, McNeeley has proven to be consistent, even during UConn’s rough patches.

During the Maui Invitational, as the Huskies dropped three games in three days, Liam McNeeley was often the brightest spot. He scored 20 points in a loss to Colorado and stepped up with 17 points in a win over Baylor. “I came here because I knew I’d get pushed harder than anywhere else,” #30 said. “That’s where I feel like I play my best.” But his career night wasn’t the only headline. There was bad news, too. 

Liam McNeely’s heroics push UConn despite Samson Johnson’s scary fall

In the first half, UConn’s starting center Samson Johnson suffered a scary fall while attempting to block a shot. With 11:09 left on the clock, Johnson hit the floor hard and remained motionless, bringing the game to a standstill. Medical staff quickly attended to him as the crowd watched in silence.

Thankfully, Johnson managed to get up and waved to the UConn fans as he headed to the locker room. However, he didn’t return to the game. CT Insider’s David Borges later reported that Johnson is now in concussion protocol, though he had wanted to rejoin the action. 

Before the injury, Johnson had been contributing 4 points, 2 rebounds, and an assist while stepping up in Donovan Clingan’s absence. Despite the adversity, UConn’s players were proud as they improved to 11-3 on the season. Hurley, who entered this year with an almost entirely new roster, has managed to keep the Huskies in contention. 

With UConn still in the AP Top 25 and dreams of a historic three-peat alive, Hurley’s “no rest” mindset is driving this team forward. As the Huskies prepare to open Big East play against Xavier, let’s hope Johnson returns.