UConn freshman forward Liam McNeeley stepped up when it mattered most for the Huskies. The two-time reigning champions were down by double digits late in the second half but surged with a dominant run to take down the Villanova Wildcats 66-59 Tuesday. McNeeley scored 16 of his 20 points in the final stretch to lead the Huskies to victory.
Dan Hurley on Liam McNeeley’s Performing Under Pressure
UConn head coach Dan Hurley acknowledged Liam McNeeley’s early struggles but praised his ability to bounce back under pressure in the press conference following the team’s narrow victory.
“He wasn’t playing well up to the point when we were down 12 or 14. But then, when he turned it up, we won by seven,” Hurley said.
The coach also spoke about the weight McNeeley carries as a freshman in a critical role.
“He’s got more pressure on him than any freshman in the country: to play well or else his team is not going to win,” Hurley explained further.
UConn freshman Liam McNeeley was HUGE down the stretch for the Huskies in a comeback win over Villanova 🔥
20 PTS | 7 REB pic.twitter.com/PIRkDKHReo
— B/R Hoops (@brhoops) February 19, 2025
Villanova controlled the game for much of it, leading 53-39 with 11:58 left after a strong scoring stretch from Wildcats guard Wooga Poplar. But UConn responded with a massive 27-6 run, shifting momentum completely. McNeeley was a key factor, knocking down free throws and setting up center Tarris Reed Jr. for a crucial late basket.
McNeeley made two free throws with 1:42 left to give UConn its first lead since the opening minutes at 60-58. Reed extended the lead with a layup off McNeeley’s assist with 22.3 seconds remaining, making it 64-59. A missed layup by Villanova sealed their fate, as McNeeley closed the game with two more free throws.
Balanced Effort Secures UConn’s Win
Reed contributed 13 points and nine rebounds for UConn, while guard Solomon Ball added 13 points, including three three-pointers. The Huskies’ ability to rally in the second half showcased their resilience and depth.
Villanova was led by Poplar, who finished with 19 points. Eric Dixon added 17, and Jordan Longino scored 13, all in the first half. Despite leading 34-26 at halftime, the Wildcats couldn’t hold off UConn’s late charge.
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With this victory, UConn improved to 18-8 overall and 10-5 in Big East play. The Huskies now turn their attention to a tough matchup against No. 10 St. John’s on Sunday at Madison Square Garden. Villanova, now 15-12 and 8-8 in conference play, will look to bounce back when they host a top-15 Marquette team on Friday.
McNeeley’s ability to perform in pressure situations has already proven invaluable for UConn. As the postseason nears, his role will be even more crucial in determining the team’s success in pursuing a third straight national title.
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