University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
Southern Connecticut State University (EXH.)
Huskies Beat SCSU in Hurley Debut
11/2/2018 10:14:00 PM | Men's Basketball
STORRS, Conn. – The Dan Hurley era of UConn basketball has begun.
Hurley got his first standing ovation from the UConn student section as he walked to the bench for Friday's exhibition game against Division II Southern Connecticut.
Former UConn star Scott Burrell coaches Southern Connecticut. Before the game, Burrell was inducted into UConn's 'Huskies of Honor.'
The Huskies showed off Hurley's new pressing, fast-breaking system in a 96-64 victory. The team posted 45 fast break points and 21 off turnovers.
Freshman Brendan Adams led UConn with 17 points while senior Jalen Adams contributed 16. Five Huskies finished in double-digit scoring.
The 45-year-old coach didn't sit down during the game, gesturing and yelling for his team to push the ball or squatting next to a bench player to make a coaching point.
Hurley, who left Rhode Island after six years and two consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, takes over a program that has won four national championships, but went 14-18 last season.
UConn finished the game 26-for-39 from the charity stripe. The Huskies shot 49.2 percent from the field, including 44.4 percent from three-point range.
The Huskies officially begin the 2018-19 season with the 2K Empire Classic. UConn opens against Morehead State next Thursday, Nov. 8, at 7 p.m. in Gampel Pavilion.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
