Behind DeAndre Daniels’ 27 points and 10 rebounds, UConn defeated Iowa State 81-76 in front of a friendly crowd at Madison Square Garden. Daniels’ big game came with Iowa State lacking much of an inside presence, having lost Georges Niang in the opening round of the tournament (shut up, NCAA; I know a play-in game when I see one).
Head Coach Kevin Ollie noted the impact of the friendly crowd, stating “We can really hear them cheering for us, and we can also grow off their energy.” Said Shabazz Napier, “It just felt like a home game.”
UConn’ s guards looked to Daniels often to rack up points over an undersized ISU front line. Ryan Boatright said “Once he hit that first jump shot, we knew we were going to try to get him another easy basket, and once he got that easy basket, we knew we were just going to keep going to him.”
And go to Daniels they did. The slender junior led UConn in points and attempts, a welcome sight for a team that has relied heavily on its guard play all year.
Lost in Daniels’ big night was another stellar performance from freshman guard Terrence Samuel, who scored 10 points and played outstanding defense. Ollie gave his approval, saying “it takes us to another level because I can put three point guards out there.”
UConn relied heavily on its free throw shooting again, going 20-22 on the night, including some pressure-packed ones down the stretch, as some questionable defense and questionable-er officiating helped whittle a 17-point lead down as low as four.
Next up, the Huskies face the winner of Michigan State and Virginia on Sunday. I think some Iowa State fans might have tickets they aren’t using.
