MBB: UConn Visits Seton Hall On Saturday
The UConn men's basketball team will return to the court Saturday after a 17-day layoff related to Covid issues, traveling to Newark, N.J., to meet No. 24 Seton Hall at the Prudential Center (noon, FOX).
The Huskies (10-3 overall, 1-1 BIG EAST) last saw action when they captured a 78-70 road win at Marquette on Dec. 21. Since then, UConn has had two games postponed and numerous players in quarantine due to positive tests for the Covid virus. The Huskies finally put their entire team on the practice floor on Wednesday and would expect to have all players available for Saturday's game, although some may be on a minutes restriction.
"We're just excited to get back on the court and play a game," UConn Coach Dan Hurley said. "A lot of teams have had to deal with similar situations and now it's our turn. We're happy to be able to play."
Seton Hall (10-3, 1-2) last played on Tuesday, notching a 71-56 road victory at Butler. UConn is led by grad student guard R.J. Cole, who tops the team in scoring (16.3) and assists (4.7). Sophomore Adama Sanogo (14.6) and senior Tyrese Martin (14.4) also average in double figures. Sophomore Andre Jackson (8.0) and Martin (7.2) are the team's leading rebounders. Taking into account all games, the Huskies lead the BIG EAST in scoring margin (+17.0), field goal percentage defense (.384), offensive rebounds (14.1) and blocked shots (6.6) and they are second in the league in scoring (79.3) and rebound margin (+7.6).
Seton Hall has battled its own Covid issues, but should be at full strength for Saturday's game. The Pirates' leading scorer (16.4) and rebounder (7.2) is senior Jared Rhoden and Kadary Richmond leads the team in assists (3.4).
UConn is 6-2 all-time at the Prudential Center, sporting a 5-1 record against Seton Hall there and a 1-1 mark in two appearances in the Never Forget Tribute Classic. The Huskies won a 74-64 decision over St. Bonaventure in the venue earlier this season (Dec. 11).
The game represents a homecoming for UConn's Hurley, who was born and raised in Jersey City and made his name as a high school coach at St. Benedict's, just blocks from the Prudential Center.
"It's a little emotional for me every time we go there," said the UConn coach, who is a Seton Hall grad. "I mean, I'm from there and St. Benedict's had such a profound influence on my life."
Personal emotion has to take a back seat on Saturday, however, as UConn gets back to the business of basketball.
