UConn Legendary Coach Commends And Recommends Jackson State's Tomekia Reed

Geno Auriemma gave Tomekia Reed a strong recommendation in his postgame interview at the 2024 NCAA Women's Basketball Championship.

Kyle T. Mosley | Mar 30, 2024

Coach Tomekia Reed; Jackson State v Connecticut in the First Round of the 2024 NCAA Women's Basketball Championship; Joe Buglewicz/GettyImages / Joe Buglewicz/GettyImages

HOUSTON – No. 14 Jackson State was eliminated in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, suffering an 86-64 defeat at the hands of the No. 3 UConn Huskies. Coach Tomekia Reed’s team came out with a 4-2 lead, but UConn responded with a 17-0 run.

Geno Auriemma said about Jackson State, “I’m really impressed by them, and they are exceptionally well coached.”

The Huskies extended its first-half lead 49-28 with excellent ball movement and shot selection by Aaliyah Edwards, Ashlynn Shade, and Paige Bueckers.

Senior guard Ti’lan Boler led the Tigers in scoring with 25 points and three rebounds. In their final game at Jackson State, Angel Jackson scored 13 points and grabbed four rebounds, while Miya Crump and Keshuna Luckett each contributed six points in the losing effort.

“They certainly don’t get on TV enough, and they certainly don’t get enough recognition, and I wanted to let her know that and I wanted to put myself out there for her. I think we need coaches like her to be celebrated.”— Coach Geno Auriemma

The Tigers struggled to find their rhythm, scoring 32.8% from the floor due to UConn’s strong defense. In the afternoon, the Huskies shot 50% and 37.5% from beyond the arc. They also outrebounded Jackson State 46 to 38.

UConn will face the winner of No. 6 Syracuse and No. 11 Arizona.

Also Read: Could Jackson State Become This Year's 'Cinderella'?

Published Mar 30, 2024

KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019. Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four. My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances: WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert), KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews: Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns. For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me: