Dan Hurley’s UConn squad has shown a remarkable ability to fight back from large deficits, winning four out of five games this season when trailing by 14 points. While it’s not an ideal situation to be in, the team seems comfortable enough in these moments.
Against Villanova, the Huskies found themselves in a familiar spot but executed a strong comeback. The Wildcats, in control early, struggled when the pressure mounted, leading to a dramatic shift in momentum for the two-time defending national champion Huskies.
UConn’s Defensive Pressure Sparks Comeback
Dan Hurley, UConn’s head coach, acknowledged both the game’s challenges and turning points.
“When we get down 14 in here, we got them right where we want them,” the coach claimed.
Hurley credited Villanova’s effort but noted that UConn’s resilience paid off.
“Lino [Jordan Longino] is one of the hardest wings to guard in the league, and [‘Nova’s Eric] Dixon is the leading scorer in the country,” Hurley added. “They’re a good team, but for us, this was a big win.”
Villanova started strong, controlling the pace and keeping UConn on its heels. However, the Wildcats struggled to respond when UConn increased its defensive pressure. Villanova coach Kyle Neptune admitted that his team was caught off guard.
“They came after us,” Neptune said. “It was a press they hadn’t used as much. They did a good job being physical and taking us out of what we wanted to do.”
UConn guard Hassan Diarra confirmed that the press was necessary at that moment.
“We had to [use the press]. We had no choice,” Diarra said. “We had to create some energy, and the press helped. Maybe it’s something we can use more.”
Freshman Liam McNeeley played a crucial role in the comeback. Despite a slow first half with only four points, he finished with 20, making clutch plays and converting all nine of his free throw attempts.
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“We were down 14 with 12 minutes left,” McNeeley said. “It was a do-or-die situation. You have to be desperate, and we were desperate down the stretch.”
Hurley praised McNeeley’s ability to step up when it mattered most.
“There’s so much pressure on Liam,” Hurley said. “He wasn’t playing well at first, but when he turned it up, we won by 7. He’s got more pressure on him than any other freshman in the country.”
Diarra’s stat line—eight points, three rebounds, and two assists—wasn’t overwhelming, but his leadership and energy made a huge impact. Playing through knee issues, he was instrumental in UConn’s press defense.
“I felt great,” Diarra said. “I thought I was moving better.”
Hurley, however, had a humorous take on Diarra’s physical condition.
“[He looked] like my grandfather looked when I was a kid,” Hurley joked.
Tarris Reed Jr. also contributed significantly with 13 points, nine rebounds, and key plays on both ends of the floor. He tied the game late and sealed the win with a strong finish.
“That’s what we’ve been begging for from Tarris,” Hurley said. “If he plays with that type of force, urgency, and life-or-death approach, he can change the game.”
The Huskies struggled early, making just two of their first 12 field goal attempts. Villanova took advantage, building a 10-point lead. UConn fought back to cut the deficit to two, but ‘Nova responded, maintaining control and leading by eight at halftime.
In the second half, UConn initially couldn’t sustain momentum. After trimming the lead to a single possession, they allowed Villanova to push it back to double digits. It wasn’t until UConn implemented its full-court press that the game shifted dramatically.
The press forced Villanova into mistakes and wore them down. A McNeeley three-pointer cut the deficit to three, prompting a Villanova timeout. Reed Jr. tied the game with a layup, and McNeeley’s free throws gave UConn the lead. The Huskies then went on a 10-0 run, highlighted by a charge drawn by Diarra and a Reed Jr. dunk, to put the game away.
Villanova managed just one point in the final 4:10—a testament to UConn’s defensive effort.
KEEP READING: Hurley Praises Liam McNeeley After Pressure-Filled Win Over Villanova
UConn knows they can’t afford slow starts despite the comeback win, especially against stronger opponents. Falling behind early remains a concern, and they must establish control from the outset. Still, the victory builds momentum as they prepare for their upcoming matchup against No. 10 St. John’s at Madison Square Garden.
That game is set for Sunday at noon ET and will be televised on FOX. The Huskies will look to start strong and avoid another situation where they have to climb out of a deep hole.
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